So, in reading the Tampa coverage of the Kazmir trade, there isn’t much talk about why the team would actually get rid of what those not local might think is their staff ace while they are still in the playoffs.  But just a quick look at his year, and the Rays page on Baseball-Reference.com, can answer that.   Kaz is fourth on the team in starts and innings pitched.  He is fifth in ERA.  He spend considerable time on the DL this year than in any time in the past.  Yes, he is only 25, not even in his peak years, though he already has 5 seasons under his belt.  The injury risk, the inflated ERA and the expense all make it a good time to trade him, just in case.

The Rays received two nice pieces back, but a third which is yet to be announced. (Perhaps waiting until rosters expand?) They also have some AAA pitching that can produce a 5+ ERA to match Kazmirs at worst.  Yes, Kaz was just getting back in form.  But who knows how long that will last, and it also makes his value very high.

From the Angels point of view, this Mark Whicker piece lays out the reason why an expensive injury risk might be worth some players at this point in the year to a team who already seems assured of a playoff appearance. Namely, it will help create cost assurance as their #1 pitcher goes into free agency and Kazmir has great experience and numbers against the American league hitters. From the Whicker piece:

Against the Yankees he’s 6-4 with a 2.53 ERA and a .218 BA-against.

And, against Kazmir:

•Boston’s David Ortiz is 9 for 44.

•J.D. Drew is 1 for 7.

•The Yankees’ Derek Jeter is 4 for 33.

•Alex Rodriguez is 3 for 24.

•Hideki Matsui is 5 for 26.

•Melky Cabrera is 1 for 17.

•Robinson Cano is 3 for 23.

•Texas’ Hank Blalock is 1 for 11.

•Ian Kinsler is 2 for 19.

•Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera is 3 for 11.

•Magglio Ordonez is 1 for 11.

Clip and save, when the Angels get to the seventh inning of a playoff game.

That is reason enough for the Angels to acquire him.