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Despite not making the playoffs since 2014 or posting a winning record since 2015, the Los Angeles Angels have continually refused to enter a rebuilding process. That may be about to change.
Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reported that interim general manager John Mozeliak said he will be open-minded regarding any potential moves ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline. Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel of ESPN reported that the Angels were willing to listen to offers for shortstop Zach Neto, which could be a step toward rebuilding.
Neto may not be the only player under team control to be on the move. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Angels are also expected to listen to offers for pitchers Jose Soriano and Reid Detmers.
Timing odd as Angels face reality
The Angels desperately need to inject talent into their farm system. They have typically targeted players who are close to major league ready, looking to rush them to the majors and have them develop at that level.
As such, the Angels farm system has typically ranked toward the bottom of the league despite their plethora of losing seasons. Although their draft class helped, with Baseball America moving the Angels to 23rd from 28th in its post-draft rankings, the Angels need to build their farm system if they are going to have sustained success.
The question is whether or not Mozeliak should be undertaking such a project. His contract expires in December, and it remains to be seen if he will become the permanent GM. Mozeliak's status could hinge on the trade deadline and what he gets in return for players such as relievers Kirby Yates and Brent Suter.
Likewise, Mozeliak will need to convince owner Arte Moreno of the necessity of a rebuild. Moreno has consistently been a roadblock in previous efforts to rebuild and is not a given to accept that strategy this year. If he can do so, that may be Mozeliak's biggest victory as a general manager.
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