While Kennedy may be out of reach, the Angels still have their sights set on Huston Street.
Earlier this week it was reported that the Los Angeles Angels were targeting a pair of San Diego Padres in starter Ian Kennedy and closer Huston Street. However, now it appears that the Angels are no longer in the running to land Kennedy, as FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal has learned that the clubs aren't a match to consummate a trade for the coveted right-hander, though the two reams are still in talks regarding Street. Rosenthal also notes that the Padres are still discussing Kennedy with other teams.
The fact that the two clubs aren't match on a Kennedy trade isn't all that surprising, as the Angels have a notoriously poor farm system and are lacking in high-end trade chips. The likely only way for them to acquire Kennedy would have been to deal a piece off their major league roster, along with a prospect or two. However, with youngsters such as Hank Conger, Kole Calhoun, and CJ Cron emerging as fixtures in the team's lineup this year, it was unlikely that the Angels would risk punching a hole in one of baseball's best offenses.
The Angels still may very well go after a starter, but not being able to attain Kennedy probably means they'll be shopping in a lower tier. It is also possible they purse one of the two (supposedly) available Phillies hurlers in Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels, who are both locked up to monster contracts that limit their market.
The Angels have long been tied to Street, a 2014 NL All-Star in the midst of a career-year with the Padres. In 33 innings, the right-hander has a remarkable 1.09 ERA and 1.6 WAR. An acquiring team would also have the luxury of controlling him through next season as he comes with a $7 million club option for 2015.
Even Street himself has demonstrated an interest in playing in Anaheim, stating just before the All-Star game that he would "love" playing for the Angels, and especially manager Mike Scioscia, who he called "one of the best managers, maybe, of all time."
The Halos' bullpen has easily been the club's biggest weakness, and despite recent movesto shore up the staff by acquiring Jason Grilli and Joe Thatcher, they are still in the market for another arm, preferably a closer. As the Los Angeles Times' Bill Shaikin notes, the Angels could also look to acquire Joakim Soria from the Rangers or Jonathan Papelbon from the Phillies if talks for Street fall through.