Greinke or Haren for LAA?

The Los Angeles Angels are in the thick of the playoff hunt in the American League, but the tough decisions loom in the offseason and the final seven weeks of 2012 could have a major impact on those decisions.

With Zack Greinke in the fold but hitting the free agent market after the season -- and the Angels have said they'd like to keep him for the long haul -- might it come down to Greinke or Haren?

Haren, who has had his struggles this season, is owed $15.5 million next season if the club picks up its option on the right-hander. They can buy him out for $3.5 million and focus on signing Greinke, who could cost more than Matt Cain, who inked a 6-year. $127.5 million extension with the San Francisco Giants earlier this season.

The Angels, who not see this as purely a financial decision, could pick up Haren's option and shop him around the league to clubs that need pitching. The Halos could use an everyday third baseman, perhaps catching help and bullpen depth.

It seems a foregone conclusion that the Angels will decline the $13 million option on right-hander Ervin Santana, but Haren's situation does not appear to be clear in either direction, especially since he's posted a 4.44 ERA in 20 starts this year. He has, however, been quality in three straight outings.

Stay tuned.