Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Wiretap

Giants Trade Cruz And Christiansen

The Giants made two trades on Tuesday, as Deivi Cruz and Jason Christiansen were dealt.

Cruz, 32, was San Francisco's starting shortstop for most of last season, but was relegated to bench duty with the acquisition of Omar Vizquel this year. He was traded for right-handed pitcher Benjamin Cox, 23, from Washington's Class A Savannah.

Christiansen, 35, was designated for assignment last Friday after appearing in 56 games from the bullpen this year, logging a 6-1 mark and 5.36 ERA. He was also an outspoken critic of manager Felipe Alou's use of the relievers.

Acquired from Anaheim were left-handed pitcher Dusty Bergman, 27, who pitched for Triple-A Salt Lake this season and has played seven years in the Minor Leagues. He pitched two innings in one contest for the Angels last year.

Also traded from Anaheim was right-hander Ronnie Ray, 21, who was a combined 7-6 with a 4.40 ERA for Class A teams Rancho Cucamonga and Cedar Rapids this year. In nine starts, he was 4-2 with a 3.51 ERA.

Alou said it was a good move for Cruz, who will likely see regular action at Washington.

Via MLB.com

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Sweeney Could Still Come To Anaheim

A Mike Sweeney-to-the-Angels deal is not dead yet. According to an Angels source, however, it might not happen until the offseason, which wouldn't help this year's club in its quest to find a big right-handed bat needed to provide some punch.

Sweeney, the Kansas City Royals first baseman, reportedly has cleared waivers and still could be dealt this season, but not at the price the Angels were asked to pay before the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline. According to the source, the Angels would have had to deal pitcher Ervin Santana, first baseman Casey Kotchman and a middle infield prospect, an area in which the Angels are well-stocked with Alberto Callaspo, Erick Aybar, Howie Kendrick and Brandon Wood.

Another sticking point could be Sweeney's contract, which runs through 2007 and guarantees Sweeney approximately $30 million. Angels owner Arte Moreno has said money is not an issue as long as it's "within reason."

The Angels will shave about $16 million from this year's payroll with the expiration of Jarrod Washburn's and Tim Salmon's contracts. Others, like John Lackey and Francisco Rodriguez, will get significant raises.

Sweeney, hitting .297 with 18 homers and 64 RBI, has said he'd like a trade to the Angels and a return home. He was born in Orange, Calif. and graduated from Ontario High.

Via LA Daily News

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Garret Anderson Undergoes More Tests On Back

Left fielder Garret Anderson was examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum, who ordered additional lab work. Anderson missed 43 games last season because of inflammatory arthritis in his upper back.

The team is sending him to rheumatologist David Brown, who diagnosed the illness in May 2004, the Los Angeles Times reported.

"The tests are to rule out some stuff," manager Mike Scioscia told the Times. "If he feels better and the symptoms leave, he'll be back in the lineup. The tests aren't going to impact when he returns."

Yocum took an MRI and a bone scan on the left hip of Angels rookie third baseman Dallas McPherson, who has been on the disabled list since July 8. The tests revealed irritation in the hip joint, and McPherson will be examined Wednesday by hip specialist Dr. Marc Philipon in Vail, Colo.

Via ESPN

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Angels Consider Moving Erstad Back To The Outfield

The Angels are toying with the idea of moving Darin Erstad back to the outfield and sliding Casey Kotchman to first base, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Manager Mike Scioscia told the paper: "To move Erstad, it would have to make the whole lineup better. It would be a significant move. You would expect significant results."

The move, however, is likely predicated on how Garret Anderson's sore back holds up.

"A lot of it hinges on how Garret is. If Garret can play the outfield, we can still get Kotchman's bat in the lineup" at designated hitter, Scioscia told the paper.

Via ESPN

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Escobar Makes Progress On Rehab From Right Elbow Surgery

Kelvim Escobar is making progress in his rehabilitation from right elbow surgery.

The L.A. Daily News reported that the pitcher, on the disabled list for the third time this season, threw a bullpen session -- manager Mike Scioscia called it a "power pen" -- throwing all his pitches at nearly full strength.

"I'm close to 100 percent," Escobar told the Daily News. "I threw the split-finger for the first time. I feel fine."

According to the Daily News, Escobar is scheduled to pitch batting practice Monday or Tuesday and could pitch in a simulated game next weekend.

"Kelvim had a nice bullpen session," pitching coach Bud Black told the Daily News. "I'm very optimistic right now."

Via ESPN

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