While the major blockbuster trade occurred last night between the Dodgers and the Red Sox, another trade was also being conducted that involved the Angels.
It was first reported that Joc Pederson would be getting traded to the Angels for an infielder named Luis Rengifo. Then it was reported that a major league starter was getting traded along with Joc Pederson to the Angels. That pitcher turned out to be Ross Stripling.
Stripling and Pederson were nothing more than depth pieces on the Dodgers. Neither player got extended playing time and their time in Dodger blue was coming to an end. Fortunately for them, they can still keep their houses in Southern California and leave a bit earlier to get to their new stadium in Anaheim.
For the Angels, this is a good trade because it makes their offensive heavy team a bit better with the addition of Joc Pederson. The left handed power hitter will have no problem playing left field or occasionally filling in as the Designated Hitter.
Ross Stripling, in my opinion, is the best part of this trade for the Angels. The Angels have a top five worst rotation in baseball and didn’t add to it via free agency. Stripling adds at least a decent pitcher that can potentially be an All Star and is flexible with being a starter or a reliever.
Nonetheless, the Angels rotation still has a lot of work if they want to be competitive in their division. The Oakland A’s, Houston Astros (beyond the scandal) and the Texas Rangers have all boosted their teams this offseason.
Leadoff Dodgers 