The Angels just traded Kendrys Morales to the Mariners for Jason Vargas. Not great news for the Rangers.

Why is that not great news? How does that affect the Rangers?

On second look Vargas isn't that great *statistically* against the Rangers it just seems like over the years we've gotten clowned by him and other soft-tossing lefties. And Morales to me is addition by subtraction for Anaheim while simultaneously being an upgrade for the Mariners.

I hardly see how Morales is addition by subtraction. Essentially, they will probably play Bourjos in Morales' place, moving Trumbo to DH most of the time. Bourjos is much faster, obviously, and will be worth some runs defensively, but doesn't have quite the pop Morales does. If there were a clear case of addition by subtraction, they wouldn't start Morales most days, and would have already moved Trumbo to DH, and they would have probably done that this year.

This is a good trade for both teams, but it doesn't scare me in the least.

vargas has always been tough on the rangers. this is a good pick up by the angles. oh and can i mention that morales is not 29 years old. He looks way older.

This move really solidifies the Angels back-end rotation spot. But it also severely exposes them in offense in the event of an injury to Pujols, Trumbo or Trout.

and hamilton...c'mon now...their lineup is stacked anyway...

I think this is better for Seattle than LAA

The variation in potential performance is greater for Morales than Vargas, which can be interpreted as meh to blah for Vargas and blah to pretty good for Morales.

Just like Texas moving MY, Morales was moved to create at bats for other younger players going forward. He was as a productive hitter evolving to Pujols- Hamilton level. If that one homer did not happen, it was unlikely the Angels would have signed Pujols, which being successful on that free agent, led to signing Hamilton. So if Morales is not significant to the AL West I do not who is, because it has directly affected the make up of three teams. The Mariners have acquired a 1b/dh clean-up hitter capable of 30/100/.300 for a starter they could afford to lose. So it definitely improved the Mariners which directly affects the Rangers. Vargas can be successful for the Angels primarily because of their run producing line-up and his own competitive nature. My personal opinion is that the Angels could have gotten more, even if going to the Rangers for a trade. Morales would have looked good as the Ranger's #3 batter, an even younger switch-hitting replacement for Hamilton. Morales had an ok 2012, and i predict he will look like the pre- May 2010 formidable run producer he was, and since that injury the Angels have not made it to the play-offs. So to say this will not affect the Rangers is wishful thinking, for if it weakens the Angels it gives the Mariners a Morales-Montero-Smoak 3,4,5; and of this moment, until the Rangers obtain a #3 hole run producer, I would take over the Rangers, even with Beltre one of the best.

Disagree that this is addition by subtraction for the Angels. Disagree that the Angels moved Morales to create at bats for younger guys.

Both teams dealt for things they needed. Simple as that.

Also, I'm not a believer or anything, but Seattle is brewing up a decent lineup that could create some upside. Ackley, Seager, Montero, Morales and Smoak could give them a little more punch than in year's past.

Eric disagree with your disagreement, I do agree that few teams make deals for things they do not need, to state it in the opposite. I would agree if Trumbo could play third or that Bourjos had greater trade value. , or do anything with Wells. But unless you take at bats away from Hamilton or Pujols, or Trout or Trombo ( who is soon-to-be a 27 year old DH in the making), or for that matter play good outfield with some offense like Bourjos or for that matter Wells ( who you can not just release with out a huge and prohibitive financial hit).

What about me? You guys forget me?