You have to look at salary when looking to trade players. As we stand right now, our estimated 2014 salary is already at $140 million. Yes, $140 million without making one move.
This team needs to get cheaper, but also better. And with 2 boatanchor contracts in Pujols and Hamilton, along with the remaining of Wells. I just don't see it possible.
So you have to keep your young talent. This includes Trout, Trumbo, and even Bourjos and Conger.
And as we saw by our injury replacements, what we have at 3rd and SS is much better defensively than what it can be replaced with. Cowart could change the 3rd landscape, but he's still 1-2 years away. And even then Cowart is no guarantee, if he was, he'd be on the team already.
That leaves one position. 2B. While Kendrick is getting a batting resurgence, it has still only resulted in a .754 OPS. And his defense is above average, but not a big enough gap from what it can be replaced with. With $19 million after this year still owed, his salary is also very favorable to a trade partner. So he would be one choice.
Pitching wise. Blanton is possible, but unless he really heats up, probably won't be in demand at the trade deadline. No one will touch CJ, and Weaver is our best by far with a very team friendly contract. Vargas though is a FA after this year. He could be a nice pickup for a contender if he continues to pitch well. WHIP isn't there, but his ERA is at 3.72. Hanson has 2 years of club control left. He could be dealt, but for the Angels, his $ is probably worth keeping him.
Relievers. Really Frieri is the best $ for value right now, so he will definitely stay. Burnett has a year at $4 left, so not out of the possibility of trading or keeping him. Jerome has $3 left, I think he still has value as a spot starter/long reliever so I can't see him being traded. Jepsen has 2 years left of club control, so doubt he gets dealt. The big one may be Madson. Once/IF he returns, and if he regains form, he could be a very valuable piece for a contending team.
So my bet is Kendrick, Vargas, and Madson are the guys to be dealt at the trade deadline if the Angels are out of contention.