Piazza an Anaheim Angel?

Arte Moreno and the Angels have reportedly put Mike Piazza on their wish list.

Guillen, earning $3.5 million next season, also could be involved in a Piazza trade; he could replace left fielder Cliff Floyd, who is expected to be the centerpiece of any Mets' deal for Cubs right fielder Sammy Sosa.

Besides Guillen, the Angels could send the Mets lefthander Jarrod Washburn, who stands to earn approximately $6.5 million in arbitration. Right hander Ramon Ortiz, who is being shopped, would be another possibility; the Angels are expected to decline his $5.5 million option. It also is not inconceivable that the Angels would move first baseman Darin Erstad, who is guaranteed $8.25 million next season.

This is all very interesting and the I'm getting increasingly scared that this Sammy Sosa deal is going to happen without exhausting all other possibilities. If moving Piazza opens the door for Sammy Sosa to come to Shea quicker than I am not for it. In fact I still do not see the need to move Piazza at all. The Angles are looking to make this move to possibly stick it to the Dodgers and steal the thunder from them by bringing back the prodigal son of the Dodgers franchise. On top of it all, the Angels are throwing their name around as an interested party in the Carlos Beltran sweepstakes.

But the Angels aren't done. They have also said that Garret Anderson will most likely return to left field next season after being out with injuries and arthritis a good part of this past year. That probably means that Jose Guillen, who was suspended in the final weeks of the 2004 season, will likely be released with the team absorbing the remainder of his contract. This also opens the door for a major offer to Carlos Beltran.

The team could be very appealing to Beltran with the Latin connection that begins with owner Arte Moreno. The opportunity to play center alongside Vladimir Guerrero may also be tempting for Beltran. He would be joining a club with a solid core group, a popular owner, and a manager, Mike Scioscia, who gets along with all his players. The Yanks better take notice. Getting Beltran may not be a slam dunk.

Omar Vizquel agreed to terms on a three year contract worth $12.25 million with the San Francisco Giants. Looks like Deivi Cruz is looking for some work.

Jay Gibbons may trade or non-tender Jay Gibbons if they are unable to agree on terms with a one year contract.