Angels Trade For Scott Kazmir, Does This Impact The 2009 Playoffs?

In a story that was first reported on ESPN News and MLB Trade Rumors, the Los Angeles Angels are about to acquire pitcher Scott Kazmir from the Tampa Bay Rays for two prospects. One season ago, Kazmir was the ace of the Rays pitching staff that went to the World Series in 2008 and Kazmir was the Game 1 starter in each of those games in the playoffs. In 2009, Kazmir has not been in as good form as a season ago, but he has also been injured. Kazmir is currently 8-7 with a 5.92 ERA in 20 starts with only 91 strikeouts. Because of the emergence of rookie Jeff Niemann in the rotation, plus the continuing development of David Price, Kazmir became expendable to Tampa. The 2009 season for the Rays has not been as successful as it was in 2008. They won the A.L. East crown for the first time in team history, and also won the American League Championship over the Red Sox, before falling to the Phillies in the World Series. This season, the Rays are currently in third place in the A.L. East div...