The Los Angeles Angels, looking to bolster their rotation for the last five weeks of the season and in October, acquired left-hander Scott Kazmir of the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday.
"This is a surprise. I had heard rumors before, but it's hard to believe that it is now official," Kazmir said after Tampa Bay's 6-2 loss to Detroit. "It's a disappointment because of all the relationships I've built in the organization and the city, but you can't control the business side of the game."
The Angels and Rays had extensive conversations before the trade deadline about Kazmir, who is 8-7 with a 5.92 ERA.
Tampa Bay receives two minor leaguers -- left-hander Alex Torres and infielder Matt Sweeney -- and a player to be named later in the deal.
Kazmir has lost a considerable amount of velocity and doesn't project as the ace the Rays would be paying him to be over the next few years. That said, this deal should still give the Angels the depth they've sought all year, and they're more positioned to take on a contract like Kazmir's than Tampa Bay. If Kazmir can get back his velocity this could be a great deal for the Angles - time will tell.
