MLB offseason 2012: Are the Los Angeles Angels making moves?

The Los Angeles Angels came into the offseason in need of depth in the starting rotation and bullpen.  With the departures of Dan Haren and Ervin Santana the Angels were in need of a number three and four starter at minimum.  The first move Jerry Dipoto made was trade Ervin Santana to the Kansas City Royals for a young left handed pitcher Brandon Sisk. In his next move Dipoto traded Jordan Walden to the Atlanta Braves for Tommy Hanson.  The Angels then signed closer Ryan Madson to a one year contract.

Just days after the trade for Tommy Hanson and signing of Ryan Madson, the Angels signed  starting pitcher Joe Blanton to a two-year contract and left-handed reliever Sean Burnett.  After these moves most of the market believed the Angels were done for the winter.  On December 13th, the Angels shocked the baseball world by swooping in and signing outfielder Josh Hamilton to a a five-year $125 million contract.  The signing created a log jam in the outfield and at the DH spot.  In his possible final move, Dipoto traded Kendrys Morales to the Seattle Mariners for left-handed pitcher and possible number three starter Jason Vargas.   

Are the Angels done making moves?  Over the past few months the Angels have accomplished their goal of depth in starting pitching and bullpen.  The only other move that Dipoto may possibly make would be to trade Vernon Wells.  There is talk that the Phillies and Yankees may have interest in Wells.  This appears to be the only logical move remaining for Dipoto and the Angels. 

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The jury is still out as to what the Angels will do with Wells.  Don’t be surprised if the Angels do nothing until spring training but one thing is for sure; Dipoto keeps the baseball world on its toes.  

Robert W. Ekberg is a staff writer for SportsOutWest and is a Los Angeles based writer/blogger

Follow him on Twitter @Robek24