Dipoto: Angels likely are done
The Los Angeles Angels made their big move Friday, acquiring right-hander Zack Greinke from the Milwaukee Brewers for shortstop Jean Segura and two minor-league pitchers.
At the time, the team also was exploring the trade market for relievers, according to major-league sources. But general manager Jerry Dipoto acknowledged Sunday that the Angels likely would make no further moves before Tuesday’s non-waiver deadline at 4 p.m. ET.
“That’s pretty accurate,” Dipoto said. “If we’re to do anything else, it would come under the guise of ‘creative.’ We don’t want to dig any deeper into our system. That (the trade with the Brewers) was a painful give.
“I’ve had discussions internally and with other GMs about this. We have a 25-man roster we like. Anybody else we bring on will cost us somebody. (Beyond) the player-acquisition cost, we would have to move someone off the 25-man roster. There is not a lot of room to do that without losing someone who plays a key role on the club.”
The Angels are down to one left-handed reliever, Scott Downs, after sending Hisanori Takahashi to the minors on Saturday. But Dipoto said he is comfortable with his bullpen, which currently is without right-hander Jordan Walden (strained right biceps) but has benefited from the revival of righty Kevin Jepsen, who has pitched 9 1/3 scoreless innings since returning from the minors.
“It’s a good group,” Dipoto said. “We’ve got power arms, uniqueness, deception, a lefty, a nice mix. There aren’t a lot of names you would necessarily see on the cover of Sports Illustrated. But they’re pretty good.”
Greinke, 28, has appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and Dipoto said the pitcher has been a favorite of his since 2003, when Dipoto began his front-office career as a scout with the Boston Red Sox.
“I saw him in the Carolina League when he was 19 years old, and I’ve been fascinated ever since,” Dipoto said.
“I said the other day that I’ve been waiting for this for 10 years. He’s got great feel that I just don’t think many people are born with. And he has had it since the first time I saw him.”
-Ken Rosenthal
