The Angels Are Planning a Family Reunion

Earlier this week the Angels added Jon Garland to their already deep rotation by sending Orlando Cabrera to the White Sox. Some speculated this move was a precursor to the team making a trade with the Marlins for Miguel Cabrera.

While we still wait to see where Miguel Cabrera is going to end up, there are rumors that the Angels are thinking of bringing back two former fan favorites: David Eckstein and Darin Erstad.

Before Angels fans get upset with [General Manager Tony] Reagins, let me be the first to report the whispers he is interested in bringing back shortstop David Eckstein and outfielder Darin Erstad, fan favorites from the 2002 World Series champions who are both free agents.

If the Angels did bring the two players back, neither would be expected to start. Erstad would serve as nothing more than a fourth outfielder and a backup first baseman, while Eckstein would back up both Howie Kendrick and Erick Aybar in the middle infield.

Personally I don't see why Eckstein would want to come back to Anaheim to take a backup role when he can probably find a starting job somewhere else, but stranger things have happened. As far as Erstad is concerned, I fully expect him to be signed by the Angels because from what I can tell, nobody else has expressed any interest in the oft-injured veteran since he was cut loose by the White Sox.

Of course, neither of these moves would add protection for Vladimir Guerrero, which is what the Angels really need. Not some kind of family reunion.