With the trading deadline imminent, the Los Angeles Angels made the biggest wave so far by trading for Arizona Diamondbacks ace Dan Haren, which should keep them in the divisional race throughout the rest of the season. But while this certainly helps their prospects for 2010, the Haren trade also sets them up to be consistent contenders over the next few years. Even with Haren, the Angels will have to catch fire in the second half to overcome the Texas Rangers, though bringing him in also further separates the Angels from the other teams in the division.

Though Haren wasn’t the number one pitcher available – that would be Roy Oswalt – he’s still a top-tier pitcher capable of shutting down any lineup in the league. At the time of the trade, Haren was tied for the National League lead in strikeouts and gives the Angels yet another starting pitcher with ace potential. Even though Haren has battled inconsistency, not to mention a lackluster lineup supporting him in Arizona, he should fare considerably better in L.A. in terms of wins and losses with a more complete team behind him.

Even on the underwhelming Diamondbacks, Haren had been one of the better pitchers in the National League since departing Oakland in 2008. In 2009, Haren finished the season with a 3.14 ERA and a league-leading WHIP of 1.00. It’s this type of potential that certainly should have manager Mike Scioscia very excited, as he can now plug Haren into an already deep pitching rotation that includes Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana and Joel Pineiro. Haren has had his struggles this season of course, leading to his worst ERA (4.57) since very early in his career, but at age 29, Haren still figures to be a top-tier pitcher for quite a while.

As always, what also has to be commended is the Angels’ effort in trying to catch the Texas Rangers, even if many believe they simply cannot do it; as of July 27, the Angels were 7.5 games behind the Rangers, who have one of the most complete teams in the entire league. With their prospects looking less than great for the postseason in 2010, many teams would give up their chances to win this season while trying to rebuild for future seasons.

This simply hasn’t been the Angels’ philosophy over the years. Though the Angels would have preferred a big bat to replace the injured Kendry Morales this year, there simply aren’t many sluggers currently available outside of Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth. Because the Phillies are still involved in a divisional race of their own, they wouldn’t be able to give up Werth for the package of up-and-coming talent that the Angels could offer.

With Haren, however, the Angels once again proved their commitment to the fans for 2010 and beyond. Haren will certainly help sell plenty of Los Angeles Angels tickets for this season and for seasons to come. Considering that it is a long shot that the Rangers will be able to sign Cliff Lee at the end of the season, the Angels should have the best starting rotation in the division at the start of 2011.

Of course, fans certainly don’t need to think about next season just yet. Kamagra jelly Though it may seem like a daunting task to catch the Rangers, the Angels know all too well what can happen when a team catches fire. In 1995, the Seattle Mariners came from 12.5 games back in August to topple the Angels (then the California Angels) and win the division. If Haren can settle down and start dominating as the number two pitcher in the rotation, getting back in the division race is definitely not out of the question.

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