Angels Piecing Playoff Push, Add Justin Upton and Brandon Phillips
In a blockbuster deal four days ago, the Angels pieced together a trade to acquire Justin Upton and eventually would later acquire Brandon Phillips.
The Angels and Tigers agreed on terms to send Justin Upton to the Big A for Grayson Long (RHP Prospect) and a player to be named later or cash. Los Angeles is responsible for Upton’s contract for four years and 88.5M.
With the inconsistency of offensive production in some parts of the lineup, this trade just made clear sense for the Halos. Upton is batting .283 with 28 home runs and 94 RBI’s on the season and has been one of the hottest outfielders in the last calendar year. The placement of Upton is perfect in this lineup with the combo of Trout and now Brandon Phillips. For the Angels this season, left field has been a difficult position to field and as hot as Upton has been, he makes a good fit in LA. To facilitate the acquisition of Justin Upton, the Angels sent Cameron Maybin to Houston.
The Angels also added Veteran second baseman Brandon Phillips to the lineup card, the same day they acquired Upton. Other than left field, second base wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed for the Halos. Phillips this season, is batting .291 this season and is taking full responsibilities at second base.
The reasoning on these acquisitions just makes sense for the Angels. With the playoff push starting to heat up, only a half a game out of the Wildcard, the time is now for LA. With the second toughest stretch to end the season in the AL, the competition is only getting harder. Phillips and Upton are the perfect sandwich between Mike Trout, and along with everyone else, we were all awaiting the placement in the lineup. Phillips leading off, Trout in the middle and Upton behind Trout. The move forced Pujols to move back in the lineup, which surprisingly he was okay with. Albert now has two high on-base percentage hitters in front of him. Phillips isn’t necessarily a lock at the lead off and especially once Escobar comes off the DL, there will be some options.
The Angels had a hard time against the Rangers, but are now on track to sweep the Athletics for a second straight time this season and grab on the 2nd wildcard at the right point in the season.
By Jake Martino
