The California Angels (I'll stick with that moniker, as the franchise's geographical identity crisis is unsolvable) have been wheeling and dealing in the short time since the MLB season has come to an end. While they likely won't shore up the bully by signing free agent pitcher/talk show host Tony Danza this winter, they have already made some impressive but gutsy moves that hope to pay off when the 2008 season begins.

The Angels struck first by sending their seriously talented shortstop Orlando Cabrera to the White Sox for starting pitcher Jon Garland. As an Angels fan I was sad to see Cabrera go, but I am a huge Garland apologist so I welcomed the move overall. Garland is a durable 200-inning guy and a legitimate second or third option in any team's rotation. He's 28 and if he stays healthy in '08 he'll likely get his 100th career win by August. This is a solid addition to a rotation that's already stacked. Currently on the roster the Angels also have:
Bartolo Colon
John Lackey
Kelvim Escobar
Jered Weaver
Ervin Santana
Joe Saunders

This means they can package a starter with an outfield guy (see below) for a big bat in the infield, which the Angels desperately need.

The recent signing of Torii Hunter also gives the Angels a power bat and Gold Glove defense in center field. It also allows them to spell Vlad Guerrero or Garrett Anderson and let them sit or DH in games, with Gary Matthews able to play all the outfield spots or be used as trade bait so Vlad can have more protection in the lineup. Trading for a big name shortstop like Miguel Tejada would be preferred as there is already an abundance of outfielders with Juan Rivera and the young Reggie Willits also on the roster.

So maybe the Angels can follow through on a great regular season and finally best Boston for their first AL pennant since the 2002 dream season. For now, we wait... and hope for anything, ANYTHING that can swing a bat and work an infielder's glove.