If the Angels aren't able to land an impact hitter by the July 31 trade deadline -- and there are no indications those talks are progressing very far -- they could turn their attention to adding a veteran bench player.
The Angels' lack of depth has become clear during this trip, in which the Nos. 6 through 9 hitters are batting .096. Aside from outfielder Reggie Willits and infielder Kevin Frandsen, the Angels reserve players are almost totally without major-league experience. Paul McAnulty, Cory Aldridge and Brandon Wood have produced virtually nothing but outs.
Injuries have thrust those guys into action and it has all but dismantled the Angels' offense.
"You can only pressure teams every third inning, when your lineup comes around. That's what we've seen at times," manager Mike Scioscia said. "It's important for us to re-establish depth in our lineup."