According to ESPN's Jim Bowden, the Angels are "close to finalizing a deal" with the San Diego Padres for closer Huston Street. Shortly after Bowden's tweet, LA Times Angels beat writer Mike DiGiovanna reported via Twitter that while "no deal was finalized," the "Angels are one of several teams that 'are in' on Huston Street."
Angels reportedly interested in Padres closer Huston Street
Two separate sources have the second best team in the AL West looking to make their bullpen better, with the Angels looking to acquire Huston Street.
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Why this makes sense:
The Angels are one of the best teams in the AL; they just happen to play in the same division as the best team in the AL, the A’s. But many prognosticators, like Grantland’s Jonah Keri, see the Angels -- who Keri believes to be “the hottest team in baseball” -- taking the AL West if they can fix their “biggest weakness”. And this trade would be the latest in a series of moves to shore up the one thing -- their bullpen -- likely to stop the league’s best player from finally making the playoffs.
Although, according to John Heyman, they’ve scouted Jonathan Papelbon -- who has been having a great season -- Street can be more of a rent-to-buy with his contract ending after this year. Papelbon has at least one more year and $13 million dollars coming his way, with a vested option based on appearances for a second year at the same price tag.
Why this doesn’t make sense:
As indicated above, they've already made moves to get relievers. Their change-of-scenery trade with the Pirates for closer Jason Grilli might leave a logjam at the back end of the rotation. And with their other acquisition -- Diamondbacks set-up man Joe Thatcher -- likely staking a claim on at least part of the eighth, it might leave at least one reliever odd man out.
Likelihood: 6.5/10
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