Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Back in January of 2011, the Los Angeles Angels did the unthinkable in acquiring Vernon Wells and the undeserving $86 million he was owed from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Mike Napoli and Juan Rivera. That marriage ended quickly when they shipped Wells off to a desperate and injury-ridden New York Yankees team only two seasons later.
According to Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun, the Blue Jays and Angels could be discussing yet another trade between the two clubs, but this time, it’s the Blue Jays that are searching for the upgrade. Angels catcher Chris Iannetta is currently on Alex Anthopoulos‘ shopping list, as he seems to be committed in upgrading his club at the catcher position.
After the horrendous season that J.P. Arencibia had for the Blue Jays in 2013, it seems only fitting that Anthopoulos will be on the ringer with anyone who is even remotely interested in the former first-round pick. The Angels love power bats, and although Arencibia has the ability to consistently hit 20-plus home runs a season, he can’t do much of anything else, so the Blue jays wouldn’t miss him at all. That leads me to believe that in order for the Blue Jays to acquire Iannetta via trade with the Angels, they would have to send someone else out west alongside the troubled backstop in order to spark any interest at all.
The Blue Jays have depth within their bullpen, so perhaps adding a relief pitcher in a package deal with Arencibia would entice the Angels to give up their catcher. Although Iannetta doesn’t put up great numbers offensively, he calls a much better game than Arencibia and has proven to be a much more driven and enthusiastic player, as well.
In order for the Blue Jays to acquire someone like Iannetta, they would have to send over Arencibia along with someone who indeed has an upside. Improving at the catcher position is never an easy task for a GM, but if you have to take a hit somewhere else to gain some quality at the position, it would be well worth it.
Jonny Adornetto is a Toronto Blue Jays Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jonnyrants, “Like” him on Facebook and add him to your Google network.
