Why Willits?
With outfielders Gary Matthews Jr., Vlad Guerrero, Torii Hunter, and Reggie Willits, the Angels outfield appeared set going into the offseason. Instead, the team added Bobby Abreu and Juan Rivera to the mix. Matthews Jr. and Willits seem like the odd men out, with the other four taking turns in the outfield and at DH. The Angels have little reason to deal the Willits, but they also have little reason to hold on to him. The 27 year-old outfielder has little chance to contribute with the big club considering the logjam in front of him. Trading Willits now might bring the Angels a prospect that they won’t otherwise get if they keep the outfielder buried on their depth-chart.
What will the Angels want?
Willits does not have much value, so filling a major need won’t be possible. Deals for a high-upside prospect or two, or maybe a reliever with a live arm might bring the most potential. Willits makes just over the league minimum, so his contract is not an issue. The right-hander won’t be eligible for arbitration for another two seasons, and won’t hit the free agent market until 2013 at the earliest.
Which teams will be interested in Willits?
The Marlins previously had interest in Willits as a center fielder. Now that Cameron Maybin is ready, center field is no longer a pressing need for the team. The Reds are thin on outfielders (though a guy that gets on-base as much as Willits is not exactly Dusty Baker’s type). Buying low on Willits seems like a classic Kevin Towers move, but the Padres have plenty of options for their outfield as is. The team that seems to make the most sense to employ Willits’ services would be the Chicago White Sox. Right now, the Chicago center field job is being battled out between two light-hitting players, Jerry Owens and Brian Anderson. With the lack of any true leadoff hitter, Willits on-base abilities might interest the K Williams.
What do these teams have to offer?
Any hard throwing relief prospect will do.
The final verdict:
The White Sox could use another option in center field. Jerry Owens and Brian Anderson will not produce enough to warrant big league starting jobs. Owens may have the speed, but he just won’t get on-base enough. The bounty for Willits should only be a fringe prospect or two, and that is something any team could accommodate.