GM Eppler: No real interest in trading Angels' pitching depth for offense
One of the biggest tasks on the Los Angeles Angels' to-do list before Opening Day 2016 is to improve the offensive core around Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and Kole Calhoun.
As for how new GM Billy Eppler and his staff can make that happen? Well, that's easier said than done, considering the Halos' financial freedom - or lack thereof - to make a splash on the free agent market.
Eppler is heading to the winter meetings soon to see how he can address some of his team's needs, something he discussed briefly with the O.C. Register's Jeff Fletcher:
“I’m not going to go focus on one thing and say we need to make sure we walk out of here with a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread,” the Angels general manager said. “We need to walk out of here with guys that will contribute on run production or run prevention. Ideally both.”
Despite a stated interest in making improvements, Eppler also sounded rather adamant that he doesn't seem enthusiastic about trading away pitching depth for an offensive addition:
“We are going to use a large volume of pitchers next season and thereafter,” he said. “That depth is critical. I’m of the mindset that we don’t want to rob Peter to pay Paul.”
With some solid young pitchers in tow, the Angels will likely be fielding questions from interested teams asking about their availability...but at this point it doesn't appear as if Eppler has any desire to deplete the young pitching depth for any offensive firepower.
That said, it will be intriguing to see just how - if at all - the Angels are able to improve in their areas of need over the coming months.
