Angels Look For Pitching Without Trading Mark Trumbo

The Los Angeles Angels are looking to add two starters to a rotation that includes Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson and Garrett Richards, and if GM Jerry Dipoto has his way trading Mark Trumbo won’t be a part of that process.

The Angels have about $15 million under the  $189 million luxury tax threshold to spend,  but heading into next week’s winter meetings in Orlando, Florida . Expect teams to call about Trumbo anyway.

“I wouldn’t even say we’re willing to trade Mark,” Dipoto said, shooting down speculation the Angels were looking to deal their young slugger. “We haven’t been out there shopping Trumbo. At the end of the day, our intention is to keep our team together and solve our starting pitching issues as best we can.”

Among the possible targets the Angels could choose from are Bronson Arroyo, Matt Garza, Chris Capuano, Scott Feldman and A.J. Burnett. As is the case  with most teams, acquiring a young cost control pitcher with upside via a trade may be an option. Pitchers that will cost the team a draft pick such as Ervin Santana, Ubaldo Jimenez or Hiroki Kuroda won’t be in play for the Angels.

“We have a pretty short shopping list heading into winter meetings,” Dipoto said. “We’re looking for two starting pitchers. Whether they come from free agency or trades remains to be seen.

Trumbo is scheduled to make $4.7 million in arbitration  in 2014. He career average of .250 and OBP of .299  gets overlooked because he has averaged 31 home runs in 94 RBI over his first three major league seasons. That kind of production will get plenty of attention in any discussion with the Angels.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if Dipoto had a change of heart if the right player falls into his lap.