Angels' second base need: Kendrick not likely, so who is?
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 15: Howie Kendrick #47 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws to first base during Game 5 of the NLDS against the New York Mets at Dodgers Stadium on Thursday, October 15, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Angels are okay with Johnny Giavotella manning second base, but it's no surprise that they're looking for a more productive full-time option that plays a strong defense in addition to being skilled at the plate.
As a result, the Halos have themselves monitoring the market for second base help. One option, longtime Angel Howie Kendrick, doesn't appear to be on that list.
The O.C. Register's Jeff Fletcher noted that while the Angels 'have been in touch with Kendrick's agent', nothing has materialized and likely won't as the Angels try to find a solution that fits within their financial constraints. The team traded Kendrick to the Los Angeles Dodgers last offseason in exchange for Andrew Heaney.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The only way Fletcher could see Kendrick returning to Anaheim would be after the club made additional moves, such as finding someone willing to take C.J. Wilson's contract off their hands.
Meanwhile, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times floated a few names that could be options on the trade market: Neil Walker of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Kolten Wong of the St. Louis Cardinals, and Brandon Phillips of the Cincinnati Reds, to name a few.
The Angels could also stick with Giavotella, though it makes sense for them to explore the chance of a high-profile upgrade at the position.