Lucas Stackpole and Bob Houk discuss the recent transactions made by the Los Angeles Angels.
The Los Angeles Angels have had a relatively quiet offseason, as discussed on this week's podcast.
Until Tuesday, when news broke that the club finally restructured Anthony Rendon's contract, effectively ending his polarizing tenure with the Angels. Both Bob Houk and Lucas Stackpole are happy to see him off the team, despite Los Angeles being on the hook for the remainder of his financial obligations. Lucas pokes fun at the situation, noting how absurd it is that the club essentially paid him millions to leave the team.
Looking at the vacancy on the Angels' roster with Rendon's absence, the club now has to navigate the remainder of the offseason trying to fill that hole at third base -- as well as cleaning up a few other parts of the roster.
There's been some buzz about third-baseman Kazuma Okamoto, who actually has meetings with the Angels scheduled this week.
Lucas and Bob are fans of bringing in the 29-year-old, especially with this new hole at third. There's a strong argument to be made that the club should be in hot pursuit of Okamato, and only time will tell where he'll end up.
After the carousel of third basemen suiting up for Los Angeles, Okamoto could be a long-term solution at third base. Time is ticking on the star infielder, though, as he has until Sunday, Jan. 4 to be scooped up by a Major League Baseball team. Okamato's posting period closes, and if he isn't on a team by then, he'll have to return to the Nippon Professional Baseball league.
Lucas and Bob also briefly mention the small possibility that the Angels could swing a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals for eight-time All-Star Nolan Arenado. The 34-year-old has loosely been linked as a trade candidate, and with the Angels' vacancy at third base, it may be wise for Los Angeles to try to swing a trade.
Lastly, after the Rendon news broke Tuesday, the Angels signed right-hander Kirby Yates to a one-year deal, which was very cost-effective for the club. With the departure of right-hander Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles took what would have been his salary and spread the wealth between a handful of talented closers -- righty Jordan Romero and lefty Drew Pomeranz. However, these signings pose a major question for the club going forward.
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