The Mark Trumbo Possibility
By Thomas Lynch
Mark Trumbo could be rounding third base in a D’back uniform. Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
If it is a power bat the Arizona Diamondbacks seek, then there is one out there they may be able to acquire regardless of what management publicly states. Ryan Blanck at Halo Hangout believes that Mark Trumbo could be had in a trade, despite Angels’ GM Jerry Dipoto saying he is not available. Ryan points out that over the last two offseasons the Halos have stressed the need for pitching but then have turned around and signed Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton (along with lefty C.J. Wilson). If it is a pitcher that LA seeks, well, the D’backs have a few of those.
Who could Arizona send to the Angels in exchange for the righty-mashing Trumbo? You could start with former Angel Tyler Skaggs who seems to be on the trade market. If Los Angeles seeks someone already on the Major League level, Wade Miley could be the man who could make this work. Now, before you state that Miley would be too much to give up, remember that Trumbo has 95 home runs and 284 RBI’s over three seasons. His slash line in 2013 was a meager .234/.294/.453 but he provides legitimate power protection for Paul Goldschmidt. A big concern about acquiring Trumbo outside of giving up a quality pitcher in Miley is the fact that he D’back lineup would be too heavy from the right side.
If the team does pull the trigger on a Trumbo deal, that would mean Martin Prado would become the full time third baseman and perhaps spell the end of Matt Davidson in the organization. Trumbo plays either left or right field but would probably be put in left as Gerardo Parra is clearly the better defender. That would appear to be a glut of outfielders but Cody Ross is coming off hip surgery and either Adam Eaton or A.J. Pollock could head to Anaheim as part of the transaction.
I put out a list of five teams that should be on the agenda of Kevin Towers in Orlando at the Winter Meetings. Should the Angels be added to the list?
Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @venomstrikes