Twenty-four hours before, the Los Angeles Angels were short outfielders. By Tuesday afternoon, they had traded for three: veterans Shane Victorino, David Murphy and David DeJesus.
At a deficit in left field because they’d rashly exiled Josh Hamilton to Texas, and in turmoil because their general manager, Jerry Dipoto, quit a month before Friday’s trading deadline, the Angels filled that gap with not one player, but a small handful of them.
In separate trades, they acquired Victorino from the Boston Red Sox on Monday, and on Tuesday Murphy from the Cleveland Indians and DeJesus from the Tampa Bay Rays.
As constituted, it would appear the left-handed-hitting Murphy would platoon at designated hitter with C.J. Cron, and Victorino and DeJesus would share time in left field. They also could spell Mike Trout and Kole Calhoun.
Victorino is under contract through 2015. Murphy has a $7 million option for 2016. DeJesus has a 2016 option for $5 million.
Linked through speculation to bigger offensive threats, the likes of Jay Bruce, Gerardo Parra, Carlos Gonzalez and Brandon Moss, the Angels instead opted for smaller parts that would do less damage to a farm system they’ve worked hard to rebuild.
For Victorino, they sent infielder Josh Rutledge to Boston. Murphy cost them Double-A shortstop Eric Stamets. Right-hander Eduar Lopez, a 20-year-old in the rookie league, went to the Rays.
All three are strong, charismatic clubhouse figures. Victorino and Murphy have significant postseason experience.
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