On the one hand, the Angels have done a fabulous job of recovering from an ugly start, standing presently five games behind the Rangers in the AL West. On the other hand, the team still has holes, most notably at the back of the rotation where Ervin Santana owns a 6.00 ERA through 19 starts. The Angels have been said to have interest in swinging a trade for a starting pitcher, and Tim Kurkjian identifies one potential starting pitcher acquisition. Quote:

The Los Angeles Angels and Tampa Bay Rays have discussed a deal involving pitcher James Shields, a source said Tuesday.

The trade would send Shields to the Angels in exchange for center fielder Peter Bourjos and catcher Hank Conger, according to the source.

There's no word on whether the proposed deal is dead or alive, or how close it might be to happening. But it's easy to see how it could make sense, as the Angels would add a top-of-the-line starter, and the Rays would add value at two important positions now and down the road. Bourjos is a fantastic defensive center fielder who could succeed B.J. Upton, and Conger could conceivably be the answer behind the plate.

Shields' contract includes club options for each of the next two seasons. Bourjos, 25, has struggled at the plate this season in the majors, but he was productive a year ago, and Conger has hit well with triple-A Salt Lake.