Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that Tampa Bay would receive a package of prospects including Double-A left-hander Alex Torres and Single-A third baseman Matthew Sweeney.
It is a severe understatement to say the move is odd, considering the fact that Kazmir has been a staple of the Rays pitching staff that reached the World Series last season. His 2009 numbers are undoubtedly down — he's 8-7 with a 5.92 ERA — but he has tallied double-digit wins in each of his four full seasons in the majors while posting an ERA of 3.77 or lower.
It is also odd that Kazmir — who must have passed through waivers already if the Angels are close to acquiring him — was not claimed off waivers. Given his level of skill and consistency over the past four years — and the fact that he's only 25 years old — he'd be a benefit to any team chasing a playoff berth. He's only due $6 million in 2009, and at that price, he's a bargain. Kazmir is currently in the first year of a three-year, $28.5 million deal with a club option for 2012.
It also seems strange that Tampa Bay — just 3 1/2 games out of the wild-card race — would trade a staple of its pitching staff heading into the last month of the season.
