Trade Rumors Fly Around San Diego Padres Huston Street and Ian Kennedy

A proven closer like Street could make the difference for a playoff contender. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY

The all too familiar push to pick up the valuable pieces of a losing squad is upon us as we approach the latter half of July. In the case of the San Diego Padres, the top targets will be members of the pitching staff.

That stated, it comes as no surprise this week that starter Ian Kennedy and All-Star closer Huston Street have already drawn interest from the Los Angeles Angels.

As first reported by Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Angels have specifically talked to the Padres about Street, and have expressed interest in Kennedy, though the talks have yet to move forward on the starter. As Rosenthal points out, with division leading Oakland making the first big splash in the trade market by adding two starting arms, it would seem to follow the Angels need to make a move to keep themselves in contention.

In the case of Street, he could be an answer at the back end of the bullpen that the Angels have been looking for all season. They began the year with former Padre Ernesto Frieri at the back end, but have since dealt him to Pittsburgh in a swap of arms that needed a change of scenery. Veteran Joe Smith has been solid in the closer’s role, but Street, a proven big league closer with 258 career saves, would instill more long term confidence than Smith, a career set-up man with 3 saves prior to this year.

With the emergence of Garrett Richards and the consistent Jered Weaver at the top of the rotation, Kennedy could be more of a luxury than a necessity for Los Angeles. However, starter C.J. Wilson is on the 15 day DL and so an affordable stop gap while Wilson gets healthy would make Kennedy an attractive option.