Update: The Angels and Rays officially confirmed the deal late Friday evening -- read Jeff Fletcher's analysis of the move.The Angels reportedly upgraded their rotation by acquiring Scott Kazmir from the Rays in exchange for two minor leaguers, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times. The deal was to be announced later Friday, although there were conflicting reports later that the deal might have collapsed.
The Angels' interest in Kazmir was reported last month by FanHouse's Ed Price. At the time, it seemed the Rays were trying to move Kazmir to create payroll flexibility to go after Cliff Lee or Roy Halladay. Now that those pitchers are off the market, the Rays may simply be saving some money on a pitcher who has been disappointing.
Kazmir is 8-7 with a 5.92 ERA for the Rays. The Angels no doubt are looking for him to regain the form from most of his career in Tampa. Kazmir was 47-37 with a 3.61 ERA in his career, prior to this season. Last year he was 12-8 with a 3.49 ERA, helping the Rays to the World Series.
Kazmir is in the first year of a three-year, $28.5 million extension signed prior to 2008. He'll make about $1 million for the remainder of this season, $8 million next year and $11 million in 2011. He has a club option for $13.5 million in 2012, with a $2.5 million buyout.
The Rays would reportedly get pitcher Alexander Torres and third baseman Matthew Sweeney. Torres, 21, is a combined 13-4 with a 2.75 ERA, pitching between Class A and Double A. Sweeney, 21, has hit .296 with nine homers in 62 games, split between the Arizona Rookie League and the California League.
