Greinke Gives Halos Best Starting Five

A seismic shift of pitching prowess to Southern California occurred tonight.  With Major League Baseball’s trade deadline fast approaching (July 31^st) things are really starting to heat up.  Yes, the Seattle Mariners trading their veteran All-Star Ichiro Suzuki to the New York Yankees was a shocker, but things really got interesting on Friday night when the Milwaukee Brewers shipped their ace, Zack Greinke, to the Los Angeles Angels for three minor league prospects (two pitchers and a shortstop).

The move brings Greinke back to the American League, where he was an All-Star in 2009 with the Kansas City Royals.  More importantly, this deal gives the Angels the best starting rotation in baseball.

LA’s pitching staff was already loaded prior to this trade happening tonight.  The Angels rotation is of course led by All-Star and true ace Jared Weaver, who many would argue to be the best pitcher in the big leagues.  Weaver is backed up by fellow All-Star and former Texas Ranger, C.J. Wilson. 

Dan Haren has struggled as of late with a 6.97 ERA in July (2 starts), due largely impart because of injury.  However, Haren is a very talented pitcher and the Angels are paying him like one.  As Haren gets healthier, there is no doubt that he will have a major impact for his club as the postseason approaches. 

Jerome Williams’ struggles as a starter have opened the door for 24 year old right hander Garrett Richards.  Richards (3-2) possesses a 3.91 ERA with 32 strikeouts in 8 starts.  Not gaudy numbers by any stretch, but Richards has shown the ability to win games and pitch well giving the Angels a solid young starter deep in the rotation. 

Ervin Santana rounds it out, meaning Greinke will probably be the third starter for a dynamic starting five pitching staff. 

The Greinke deal truly shakes up the landscape around the American League.  The biggest impact will obviously be felt in the AL West.  The Angels are still five games back of the Rangers and are closely followed by the Oakland A’s, who sit a half game back for the AL’s top wildcard spot.  Greinke leaves the National League this season with a 9-3 record, a 3.44 ERA, and 122 strikeouts in 21 games played.   

This move has been one of many aggressive moves made by new Angels general manager, Jerry Dipoto.  He made a splash during the winter meetings when LA announced the signings of All-Star slugger Albert Pujols and the aforementioned pitcher, C.J. Wilson.  The Greinke trade shouldn’t have been such a surprise.