In Mike DiGiavonna’s question and answer session in today’s LA Times, the topic of Oakland A’s third baseman Eric Chavez availability arose.  Chavez, one of the few remaining veterans on the Athletics, can most certainly be had if General Manager Billy Beane receives an adequate offer.

Citing his tremendous defense and left handed power, DiGiavonna believes Chavez, 30, would be a great fit for Los Angeles Angels.  (Health is the key issue, of course.)  DiGiavonna tempers Angels fans expectations, though, stating, “Beane knows the Angels organization well, and if he’s going to send his franchise player to a division rival, he probably wouldn’t settle for anything less than a proven young major leaguer such as Howie Kendrick and a top prospect such as Brandon Wood or Nick Adenhart.”  Wow.  Considering the Angels do not even have a dire need for Chavez - who is owed $37 million over the next three years - trading even one of those elite prospects for him would a complete fleece for the Athletics. 

Interestingly, Angels pitcher Ervin Santana is mentioned in the same Q&A in an unrelated topic about the Angels pitching depth.  Currently, Santana - a once untouchable commodity - is slated to open the year in the bullpen, losing out to Joe Saunders for the 5th starter spot.  So perhaps the Angels will entertain offers for him? Santana for Chavez makes a lot of sense to me - certainly much more than one of the top prospects mentioned by DiGiavonna.

Filed under: Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics