In the end, it was more about taking a chance with former top prospect, Alex Meyer
Perhaps the biggest trade made by the Angels before this year's trade deadline was that of Hector Santiago going to the Twins for Ricky Nolasco. The Angels also traded Joe Smith for 20-year-old Jesus Castillo from the Cubs, but the trade of Smith, whose contract expires at the end of this season, was hardly unexpected.
Santiago on the other hand was controllable through the end of next year, though was eligible for salary arbitration after this season.