Rockies' Blackmon fits Angels' OF need, but is a trade feasible?
The Colorado Rockies' reported signing of free agent outfielder Gerardo Parra could have ramifications to the hot stove market. Specifically, his arrival in Colorado has created a surplus of outfielders.
One of those outfielders that may be on the move, then, is Charlie Blackmon, and on Tuesday FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal shared some thoughts about the Los Angeles Angels' chances of matching up with the Rockies on a trade.
As Rosenthal sees it, the Halos would have to trade away major-league pitching in a Blackmon deal. That could presumably involve a pitcher along the lines of Matt Shoemaker or Andrew Heaney, which is probably not something GM Billy Eppler is looking to do:
CarGo, Blackmon and Dickerson are the #Rockies’ OFers in play. #Tigers built up pitching depth last July. Also could turn to lesser FA OFer.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 12, 2016
Problem for #Angels in potential Blackmon trade is that they likely would need to give up major-league pitching; difficult for them to do.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 12, 2016
#Angels’ farm system was depleted even before they made trade for Simmons. #Rockies likely would see little value in their prospects.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 12, 2016
However, the Angels are on a concerted quest to find a full-time left fielder even though they are most likely out of the running for marquee free agents such as Yoenis Cespedes and Alex Gordon (before Gordon re-signed with the Royals).
Blackmon, 29, hit .287/.347/.450 with 17 home runs, 58 RBI and 43 stolen bases in 2015, a year removed from his 2014 All-Star appearance. There's a caveat to a potential Blackmon deal for the Angels or any other club, however: he hits much better at Coors Field than he does at any other stadium.
To wit: in 226 career games in Colorado, Blackmon has an average of .334/.386/.501, but he's hit just .241/.283/.370 in 236 games on the road. That could be a potential red flag for the Angels or any other club interested in Blackmon as a trade target and middle-of-the-lineup bat.
