Streaking into the All-Star break winners of 10 of their last 11 and in shouting distance of the Oakland Athletics in the American League West, the Los Angeles Angels are reportedly attempting to acquire both Ian Kennedy and Huston Street from the San Diego Padres.
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the teams have had conversations surrounding the All-Star closer, but have yet to bring up the possibility of Kennedy moving. Rosenthal also brings up a good point about San Diego’s hesitation to deal either Street or Kennedy, as both are still under contract for the 2015 season. Ownership seems to be looking at a rather short rebuilding or re-tooling process in San Diego, especially after inking Seth Smith to a two-year extension earlier this month.
The bigger obstacle to deals, rival clubs say, is that Padres ownership might not be eager to part with talent because of its desire to rebuild quickly. The Pads entered the All-Star break with a 41-54 record, leaving them in third place in the National League West, 12 games behind.
There is also the minor issue (pun intended) of the Angels not necessarily boasting a strong farm system at this point. It would appear that they’d have to part with a top prospect in a weak system as well as Major League talent in order to acquire both Kennedy and Street.
The likeliest scenario here is that San Diego realizes the long-term return it could get for Street is more important than having him around in 2015. If so, the Angels will be ready to pounce.
Kennedy is 7-9 on the season with a respectable 3.47 ERA. Meanwhile, Street is on his way to Minnesota for the All-Star Game after boasting a ridiculous 1.09 ERA and tallying 24 saves in the first half of the season.
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