Angels, Rays in talks for Scott Kazmir

FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Angels are in serious talks to acquire Rays ace Scott Kazmir.

The Rays would receive a package of prospects in the deal, which was first reported by MLB.com. Class AA left-hander Alex Torres and Class A third baseman Matthew Sweeney are two of the names under discussion.

The deal was first reported by MLB.com.

Some Rays players were not happy to hear about a potential deal, pointing to the fact that the Rays are only 3 1/2 games out of first. Kazmir is having a much better second half, posting a 4.11 ERA in 8 starts. 

Adding Kazmir to the Angels rotation certainly takes some pressure off the Angels to sign impending free agent John Lackey. At the same time, bringing in Kazmir may also benefit the Angels in negotiations with Lackey, showing their willingness to win a championship. With Kazmir, Ervin Santana, Jered Weaver, and Joe Saunders in the rotation, the Angels would be putting themselves in a position to have a serious chance at winning the World Series.