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Alex Rodriguez takes time to sign autographs for fans prior to a Spring Training game.

The Angels have excess pitching and a load of prospects to offer the Yankees. Starter Ervin Santana is the name being mentioned most often on the airwaves, and it makes sense. The Angels could part with him and still have John Lackey, Jered Weaver, Kelvim Escobar and — if his shoulder recovers — Bartolo Colon.

To paraphrase an old saying, there’s always a way, if there’s a will.

While the Yankees revel in constant bedlam, the Angels are notable for the lack of excitement around them. They are about as colorful as a neighborhood of tract homes. Guerrero is their star, and a talented one at that. But he’s a quiet guy with all the personality of a rosin bag. Charisma doesn’t necessarily translate into victories, but it can liven up a clubhouse and bring hope and leadership. A-Rod may be much maligned in New York, but he’d be the biggest thing to hit Orange County since Walt Disney.

With the Angels, A-Rod could presumably have his old job back at shortstop. That would mean an end to Cabrera’s stay. His contract is up after the 2008 season, and the Angels like prospect Brandon Wood at either third base or shortstop, but probably third if Rodriguez arrives.

While A-Rod wouldn’t get a free ride from the Southern California media, he also wouldn’t be savaged like he is in the Big Apple. The Angels are starved for a star and owner Arte Moreno has been promising one for quite some time.

A-Rod told WFAN recently: “It’s a do-or-die situation. Either New York is going to kick me out of New York this year, say, ‘I’ve had enough of this guy, get him the hell out of here,’ or New York is going to say, ‘Hey, we won a world championship, you had a big year, you were part of it and we want you back.’”

Forget for a moment that he’s right: If he stays this year and the Yankees go on to win the 2007 World Series, he’ll be a hero, assuming he gets a hit or two along the way. Forget also that he appears to be a master manipulator and shrewd businessman in paving the way for his own lucrative, face-saving departure.

The best place for A-Rod is not New York. True, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. But why bang your head against the wall trying to find out? The relative tranquility of Anaheim awaits.

If the two sides can’t see that by now, then the talk shows should just keep talking until this gets done.

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