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.