A-Rod To The Angels?

Earlier in the offseason there were several trade rumors floating around about Alex Rodriguez. He'd have to waive a no-trade clause and it would be damn hard to get equal value for him and all parties denied that a trade was imminent or even being discussed so the rumors died a fairly rapid death. The rumor mill then turned toward the opt-out clause in A-Rod's contract. He can become a free agent after this season and the Los Angeles Times was the latest to weigh in on a possible future destination. According to Halos Heaven (via MLB Trade Rumors), though, there may be a way to get A-Rod to Anaheim even sooner.

The LA Times and Riverside Press Enterprise are both reporting that Jered Weaver will start the season on the disabled list, but it will be a short stay. Weaver is penciled in for his turn in the rotation on April 12. His April 6th start will be taken by Dustin Moseley. After reheating the A-Rod to LAA rumor mill yesterday, what is shocking is that neither outlet is putting 2 and 2 together:
Moseley is getting the start over Carrasco as part of an audition for a trade to the Yankees. Stoneman and Cashman have reportedly agreed on a three-tier wait-and-see:

1. Audition Moseley

2. See if the boo-birds flock on A-Rod and how Boras then responds to a trade proposal (as Rodriguez can ultimately veto it)

3. Assuage Boras by adding Jered Weaver to the deal, as WTY in Yankee Stadium = Visions of future big bucks to tempt Scott B.

4. Yankees get Weaver, Moseley and Jose Molina for A-Rod.

Obviously any chance to get your paws on a pitcher like Weaver is something worth taking a look at but it's hard to see why the Angels would make this deal now instead of waiting to but A-Rod in the offseason. They have a good shot at the division even without Rodriguez and losing Weaver and Moseley would weaken their rotation by a large degree.

I also don't see how the Yanks would make the deal without getting a third baseman in return. It would also eliminate any chance that A-Rod and Derek Jeter, who are taking it slow and figuring things out, would get back into their sleepover groove. Other than those two drawbacks I think the Yankees would seriously consider that. With Weaver and Philip Hughes the Yankees would own two of the most promising pitchers in baseball to go with a still-potent lineup and deep bullpen. Jon Heyman of SI.com says that the Yankees won't sign A-Rod if he opts out so if that's where this is headed, a trade is a better solution than losing him for nothing.

Comments

[Kurt]

A-Rod would have a better life with a differen't club.The weaver kid has a lot of promise.Molina-back up for posada and D/H.Don't Know of Moseley.Weaver is coming off an injury BUT......he's young!

[The Feed]

Moseley would be a back of the rotation starter candidate but more likely someone who could help them land a third baseman to replace A-Rod. Weaver's the truth, I'm with you, but I think the Yanks would need to get more in return.

[queen]

ii want da rookie year people