Angels Trade

Well in case you haven't heard, the Angels made a trade with the Royals today:

Angels receive: Alberto Callaspo
Royals receive: Sean O'Sullivan and Will Smith (no relation to the Fresh Prince)

- Long term I like this deal for the Angels. Yes O'Sullivan pitched well on Tuesday, but he's not a long-term solution, and neither is Smith. While the 5th starter spot is going to be a problem for the Angels for the time being, Callaspo gives them depth (2B, SS, 3B eligible) and should fit in nicely to the 3rd base role for the time being, after the failure of Brandon Wood. While Frandsen has played well, he probably isn't the long-term solution that Callaspo can be.

- Callaspo hit .300 last year with a .457 SLG and .813 OPS. While those numbers have declined a bit this year, he's hit 60 doubles in the last season and a half which is always a good sign for me. See 2009 Aaron Hill for stories of guys where doubles can start translating into more home runs. Callaspo doesn't walk a lot, but rarely strikes out either (71 BB: 80 K in the last 2 years).

- All told in a better lineup, and a winning environment, Callaspo will get an opportunity to reach his full potential, and has 20-25 HR upside with a good BA/OPS from an infielder who can play many positions. Solid pickup, still not enough though, and the need to shore up the back-end of the rotation is even greater now.