Glaus attracting interest from LA teams
With the trade deadline quickly approaching, it shouldn't surprise anyone that Troy Glaus' name is still swirling about in rumors. After all, there's been consistent talk of him moving on out of Toronto for the past two months.
Over at CBC.ca, they're suggesting that the Dodgers or Angels might offer the Jays something in return for Glaus, who's been putting on a clinic at the plate this season despite that nagging heel injury.
The Dodgers have needed a big bat all season long, but I suspect we'll hear loud complaints from the Chavez Ravine peanut gallery should GM Ned Colletti move one of his prized young players, like James Loney, Matt Kemp or Chad Billingsley. (I guarantee you that Alyssa Milano would be pissed!) Given Glaus' tendency to land on the DL, I'd be inclined to agree with those protests. Nomar is a veteran who's already blocking 3B from Dodgers' rookies–they don't need two vets barring the bag! If one of the young guns has got to go, then make a trade for a solid hitting OF, not a 3B.
The Angels seem like a better fit. Chone Figgins is maintaining a rather decent .307 BA, but his slugging is sitting at a meager .386, compared to Glaus' impressive .553. Glaus' defense is also better. Backups Maicer Izturis and Brandon Wood are getting the job done, but they aren't impact players. The Angels could trade for Glaus, then maybe flip Figgins in a package deal over to the Reds in exchange for Griffey. That would push Gary Matthews out–perhaps the Dodgers could get in on the action and acquire Matthews, shipping out Juan Pierre and his under achieving bat.
I admit this scenario is probably a little far fetched, but both the Dodgers and Angels would get an excellent offensive upgrade. The Reds would also benefit: Edwin Encarnacion hasn't been predictable, and the last place team could start to rebuild with the money freed up from Griffey's departure. The only question marks would be what could the Jays land for parting ways with Glaus, and who would bite on acquiring Juan Pierre?
Let's also not forget Kevin Towers and the Padres. They're another SoCal team desperately in need of a big bat and dealing with inconsistent offense and defense from their 3B players (Kouzmanoff, Branyon, and the useful utility guy, Geoff Blum.) Glaus would fit in well with the Friars, though it would be interesting to see if NL-style play would change his impact at the plate at all. In return, the Jays could ask for a package that included Scott Linebrink.
It sure is fun coming up with these possible scenarios! However, we'll see the real story unfold over the next two weeks.
