Yoda: Told you I did. Reckless and greedy is he. Now, matters are worse.
Obi-Wan: Mark Teixieria is our last hope.
Yoda: No. There is another.
Forget anything you read by the TIMES Mike DiGiovanna about Angel acquisitions. The only difference between Mike-D and a blogger is that the blogger's employer is not about to file for bankruptcy. There ain't gonna be no trade for no Adrian Beltre, nor Paul Konerko, or Joey Votto or any vato for that matter. There ain't gonna be no big signing of no free agent power bat neither.
There might be some farm swappage for pitching, but the Angels can go into 2009 with over 90% of their season seat holders renewing simply because so many bought the postseason package and few asked for refunds after only using 2 tickets in October. With renewal costing these folks less than 15% of the total price, the Angels have 30,000 season ticket holders (with a cap from MLB of 35,000 allowed) in the bag with nary a marketing endeavor.
But there is gonna be a lot more of something this season at Angels Stadium. Grab your drumstick and click the link below...
There is gonna be a LOT more KOWBELL in Anaheim in 2009...
1 recs | 107 comments
Never question Bruce Dickinson
“Babies.. before we’re done here.. y’all be wearing gold-plated diapers.”
Kendry in ’09… and ’10, ’11, etc. And keep him away from Boar-ass.
Red114 - December 22, 2008
The Cock o the Walk Baby!
hauldog - December 22, 2008
i just heard acuda
scream for joy!! i’m down with Kendry.
SCHalo - December 22, 2008
Yeah
At first, I thought acuda had posted this one!
red floyd - December 22, 2008
a big signing is a necessity
Regardless of how much sense it would make to promote from within, in order for there to be the perception of a successful offseason, Arte’s going to have to make a splash. Plus, a big name means more merch. Manny hearts the Monkey!
yeswecan - December 22, 2008
you only need that perception for marketing
and with 30,000 season seats sold Arte can hold out on splurging for a marketing splash.
Rev Halofan - December 22, 2008
I hope you are right
I just worry that they may try to appease the many that just want the Angels to make a move just to make a move
stolenbases - December 23, 2008
I do not want the Angels to do something just to do something
No need for anymore GMJ’s on this roster
hauldog - December 22, 2008
true dat
Four Ts - December 22, 2008
Pfft, he sucks.
He is 25 already and he is playing winter ball where he is batting .411 with 28 RBIs in 24 games.
Awful
PhiSlamma - December 22, 2008
Boring.
hauldog - December 22, 2008
Like I've said before...
We may never be able to pull off another blockbuster Sele/Appier type offseason, but I still believe this team can win it all too.
Wytelitning - December 22, 2008
Ha! Good one!
Rally Manatee - December 22, 2008
Classic
I wanted Tex to remain in Anaheim as bad as anyone, but I will trust Arte’s judgment on this one.
Bring on the Cowbell.
Ajax - December 22, 2008
Mike D
Is a colleague, Rev. Good baseball writers do not bash their colleagues. And I believe you are a good baseball writer. And I believe Mike DiGiovanni is a good baseball writer as well.
SonomaCoHalofan - December 22, 2008
"Checkin' Mike D. to my dismay..."
GarretSaysSuckIt - December 22, 2008
Jockin'
…not checkin’.
Red114 - December 22, 2008
Tweaked for context...
Unless SonomaCoHalofan is actually jockin’ Mike D. I assumed he was only reading him. ;-)
GarretSaysSuckIt - December 22, 2008
Ah
My bad.
Red114 - December 22, 2008
WE AIN'T COLLEAGUES
when i have access to the pressbox, we’ll be colleagues…
…until then i am a reader with a forum who doesn’t take kindly to his abusing his proximity to the source to peddle misinformation about possible deals that he pulls out of ass.
Rev Halofan - December 22, 2008
Mike D throws out a bunch of darts and hopes something sticks...
You’d think he’d get something right occasionally but he doesn’t seem to.
It’s like my kid putting on her shoes. You’d think it would be a 50/50 proposition as to which foot the shoe ends up on but she gets them backwards every time!
GarretSaysSuckIt - December 22, 2008
I think you're more than a reader w/forum, Rev
You are someone who has created quite a remarkable site. The level of analysis here is really quite high. And that’s because you set the tone. You write intelligent and often howlingly funny insights on our favorite team. The Tex ‘My Sharona’ parody. And I think one of the most courageous pieces, ‘Should I Renew My Season Tickets." That is not going to make Arte or Tim Mead very happy, but you said it in the best tradition of an independent observer, and you said it strong. However, it’s time to move beyond this Blogger as Second Class Citizen whine. You have ascended to the press box and you don’t even know it. It’s not 2001 anymore. Guys like DiGiovanna are working stiffs who are under tremendous pressure to break news on a par with ESPN and the New York Times. He probably has to stay abreast of the latest news and rumors or else he’s got an editor on his cell phone pronto. Meanwhile, his job may be gone tomorrow. I don’t know the guy, but Mike D. stays on top of breaking news with a more accurate track record than Buster Olney et al, and he writes with a refreshing style. It does you no good to bash him. You are both working toward the same thing. I can’t say that about a lot of writers, but I can say that about Mike D. Bash Scott Boras if you need someone to bash. I hope Arte doesn’t renew his luxury box so I don’t have to watch him during telecasts next year.
SonomaCoHalofan - December 22, 2008
I appreciate your words but read it again
Mike-D is not my colleague because BLOGGERS ARE SUPERIOR TO MAINSTREAM, COMPROMISED HACKS who are about to become extinct while the blogosphere parades around in a GARDEN OF EDEN of fee speech basking in the ability to print the truth as we see it whenever the impulse guides us.
Rev Halofan - December 22, 2008
remember?
the only person to have an extra base hit in the playoffs this year was KENDRY!
not tex.
let’s see what he can do!
and we already have four outfielders.
lilbobdog - December 22, 2008
and those Napoli home runs
or are we not counting those?
PhiSlamma - December 22, 2008
LOL
10 27 02 - December 22, 2008
we classify those as “extra special base hits”
Downing Rules - December 22, 2008
that's right my bad.
i think i was just thinking of all the singles we almost paid $160 million for.
lilbobdog - December 22, 2008
4 games and you want to put a pretty bow on it and call it a career?
hauldog - December 23, 2008
what's with all the loyalty all of a sudden
Tex did nothing with the Rangers. the Braves didn’t get anywhere with him and neither did we… he’s a great player and all, but not worth the trouble. he obviously has no loyalty to the angels so i’m not gonna cry about him selling his soul to the sox.
lilbobdog - December 23, 2008
I am not crying either. Just realizing that their offense is VASTLY superior to ours
Our pitching is not VASTLY superior to theirs. It can be argued it is not even better than theirs.
hauldog - December 23, 2008
I also recall Figgins with either a double or triple when he finally woke up.
snowhor - December 22, 2008
Triple.
GarretSaysSuckIt - December 22, 2008
and a leadoff double in game 3 off Beckett
halofan4life - December 23, 2008
Talk about a small sample size.
ArkAngel - December 22, 2008
Kendry Morales will kick ass this season.
BUT that cowbell thing is really annoying. Never liked it, never will especially after last years post season were they showed MORE COWBELL while a RED SUX batter was batting. I don’t remember who it was but he’s an ugly lookin muthu fukr. I liked it better when you (rev) used “barbie wet, KEN DRY.”
acuda27 - December 22, 2008
I prefer to call him
the Clubbin’ Cuban. Especially with “clubbin” having double meaning. He’s clubbin on and off the field. Boom chicka bow wow.
Rally Manatee - December 22, 2008
The first thing I thought of was the Halos Heaven movie "Switch Hit".
Mayheminthehood - December 22, 2008
i don't think people realize how good Kendry actually is
not only is he better than Kotchman, but he could easily become one of the better young players in the game. we’ll find out soon…
IMO, he should be batting 2nd, too. check out his career line in the minors: .332/.373/.528. i don’t expect that line in the bigs, but if he can keep that OBP up, then YES PLEASE
howiestheman - December 22, 2008
Kendry is reasonably good
but his OBP is pretty weak. As to whether he’s better than Kotch, we’ll see about that, but I’m not optimistic.
scareduck - December 22, 2008
“but I’m not optimistic.”
—you rarely are
Downing Rules - December 22, 2008
i'll assume you're referring to his MLB stats
because a .373 OBP is anything but weak.
in 2007, when he actually got some good playing time, his OBP was .333, essentially league average. I think he only goes up from there.
howiestheman - December 22, 2008
OBP isn't the problem
BB rate is. Walking 6% of the time is fine when you’re hitting .332, but it translates into too many outs if you’re under .300.
Suboptimal - December 22, 2008
I Will Admit
That Morales has paid his dues and is ready for a real shot. Give Rivera a full season, give Kendry a full season, work in Wood whenever you can, let Vladdy DH about half the time, and give your young guys a chance to play. I think they may surprise everyone.
Kernel - December 22, 2008
Kendry Morales puts his sanitaries on one leg at a time...
…just like every other first baseman. The only difference is, then he earns Gold Gloves!
Heh. Or not.
ArkAngel - December 22, 2008
I'm happy for Kendry.
The kid deserves a shot…
NoDakHalo - December 22, 2008
Kendry soy Cubano
Our own future Tony Montana !
Dono Romantico - December 22, 2008
Finally
we can see all of our young talent get a chance to play and develope into the studs our management claims they are. If we aren’t gong to trade em, then play em’. I really think Wood needs at least 3/4’s of a season playing.
Save your money Arte…..lower the beer prices while your at it.
Dono Romantico - December 22, 2008
Beer prices are pretty low compared....
To the prices just up the road in Chavez. In fact, just about everything is.
MidwayCityLivestock - December 22, 2008
So who's going to start the NO ON TEX thread?
Dono Romantico - December 22, 2008
Moreno already did.
Downing Rules - December 22, 2008
Perfect. Let's keep it going.
No
On
Teixeira
!
!
!
Dono Romantico - December 22, 2008
My protest sign would say "I don't care-a about Teixeira. No on Tex!"
Mayheminthehood - December 22, 2008
I will go to the local churches and tell them he wants to marry a guy too...
then we take to the streets!
Wytelitning - December 22, 2008
so that would be No on 25 !
Dono Romantico - December 22, 2008
or is it Yes...
on “no to 25”….you realize you have to confuse the wording on an important prop like this. :)
SCHalo - December 22, 2008
speaks volumes to our education system
Dono Romantico - December 22, 2008
I changed my signature to my new protest sign.
Rally Manatee - December 22, 2008
Shouldn't that be
Teix-ass?
red floyd - December 22, 2008
ok, I'll humor you
Rally Manatee - December 23, 2008
Should we hit up the Mormons for donations?
PieceOfAase - December 22, 2008
Also
Knights of Columbus for “Yes on No to 25”
halofolife - December 23, 2008
viva cuba
ihearhowie2.0 - December 22, 2008
Morales deserves a shot
It’s just that the memories of McPherson, Mathis and all the other blue chip can’t-miss prospects are still fresh in our minds.
10 27 02 - December 22, 2008
How 'bout memories of K-Rod, Napoli, Santana, and Saunders?
Not to mention Weaver and Kendrick and Arredondo and Aybar’s D?
I am very sorry that not every highly touted prospect turned out as advertised, but others did, and some of the non-highly touted ones turned out great. We’ve won 4 out of 5 division titles while ushering in a historic youth movement, and last year we won 100 games & shoulda won the series. I think maybe bashing the younguns is the wrong impulse.
mattwelch - December 22, 2008
…nothing wrong with Kotch either…except he plays for Atlanta now!
I have got to change my signature…NOW!
K3YEROUT - December 22, 2008
When the Red Sox exit the negotiating game...
it’s merely a ploy. When the Angels exit, they’re permanently out.
Until Teix signs someone’s dotted line, I’m not believing ANYTHING.
GarretSaysSuckIt - December 22, 2008
Truth
Rally Manatee - December 23, 2008
Is there another?
Morales absolutely destroyed AAA pitching last year. Nothing to be gained keeping him down there, the kid needs to play. But like most of the young Angel hitters, he swings first and asks questions second. Not necessarily a bad thing: lots of good hitters have worked this way, just ask Tony Gwynn.
The problem is that his bat will live and die by his BABIP, which has a large element of randomness. A lineup of hackers is going to have unproductive stretches like last year’s miserable June, just because of the way the dice fall. Walk rate, on the other hand, is more under the player’s control. A certain team in New England takes a lot more pitches, and they remain infuriatingly effective even when they don’t hit.
Kendry will be more of the same. He might hit .300, but he’ll make a lot of outs doing it, and he’s not going to hit 20 home runs unless he sits back and waits for a good pitch at least once in awhile. Very talented player, but he’s just not what the Angels’ lineup needs in place of Teixeira. Brandon Wood actually put up decent walk numbers at AAA last year, but he didn’t show any of that during his brief call-ups. Sean Rodriguez has been even more patient at the plate in his minor league career. If anyone deserves a shot at a starting job, it’s him. If only he played first base…
Suboptimal - December 22, 2008
Wood and Morales combined, though
could be something deadly.
howiestheman - December 22, 2008
We are not the A's
We are not going to BE the A’s. One player in our lineup with patience is not going to make a difference.
The entire organization is committed to a hack-first philosophy and has been since 2000…
…and GOLLY FRIGGIN GEE we have won a few division titles with the whole organization trained in that manner.
It might not always work, but called strike threes to BB-expert batters and lots of LOBs for stat-hungry cheapskates hasn’t really done shit for any other organization that shines so brightly that it MUST MUST MUST be immediately imitated.
There a re a number of ways to win and the way that is the most statistically logical falls apart when it involves actual humans having to live up to the numbers that have been projected. All of the ways to win do in fact.
Rev Halofan - December 22, 2008
I mostly agree
The A’s are, in fact, a bore to watch. Their games drag on for hours, and I’d rather watch Howie Kendrick spray everything he sees across the diamond than Jack Cust stare and whiff. But I do think that the Angels have become unbalanced. I would hate to see them playing Billy Beane’s brand of snoozeball, but someone in the middle of the order has to keep the opposing pitcher honest.
Suboptimal - December 22, 2008
Kendry
Makes hard contact and hits for power.
Nothing in his minor league stats suggest he is an all-or-nothing guy.
He may not walk a lot, but if he was really a hacker, he also would strike out 120 times a year.
I think he has an idea at the plate and maybe a rich man’s GA as far as his hitting approach is concerned and I don’t think he is going to give away as many as bats as you see GA at times doing in his Angels’ career because of sheer horrible pitch selection.
BBFan1 - December 22, 2008
You might have it backwards...
until Kendry proves himself at the Major League level, his walk totals and OBP make him a poor man’s GA.
He has a LONG way to go before he’s a “rich man’s GA.”
Again, though, not that I wouldn’t want to have seen GA walk more and/or get on base more often but I would definitely argue that he never gave away at-bats. You might not have liked how he looked while doing it, but he’s a professional looking for a pitch; he’s not giving away at-bats, he’s just taking the results (good or bad) in stride.
GarretSaysSuckIt - December 22, 2008
I'm talking about his Morales' approach
Not his career.
I don’t think the other poster was giving Morales a chance to succeed citing his opinion that Morales is basically an all-or-nothing hack first guy.
I would argue Morales has a refined hitting approach that might better than GA, early in his career – even if Morales doesn’t walk a lot.
I would also argue GA gives away at-bats from time to time, though his success is easily measured through his numbers as a Halo. At times GA gets impatient and hacks at a pitch that ends up being a pop-up or strikes out, when other guys would have milked their at-bats. There are at-bats when GA doesn’t make the pitcher work hard enough.
BBFan1 - December 22, 2008
I absolutely believe Morales needs a chance
His career numbers in the minors are .332 / .373 / .528. That’s sick. He’s overmatched his opponents at every level, and he’ll never be more ready for the bigs. If the Angels won’t play him, they should trade him to someone who will.
I wanted to point out that it should be kept in mind what kind of hitter he is. In 1331 minor league plate appearances, he struck out 168 times and walked 72 times. That’s 12.6% and 5.4% respectively. He’s a contact hitter: he does everything he can to put the bat on the ball, and he usually does. Nothing wrong with that, he can still be a very valuable major league player. In fact, the East Coast Media Elite have determined that just such a hitter was this year’s Most Valuable.
For comparison, GA’s career rates are 14.0% strikeout and 4.7% walk. Very similar. Essentially, Morales would replace Anderson’s presence in the lineup. I’ve loved GA to death since I was a kid, but I suspect the team let him go because they want a patient bat to complement the aggressive hitters like Vlad, Torii, Kendrick, and Aybar. As good as he is, Morales isn’t going to be that bat.
I’m not sure who will be, either. Every journalist and blogger on earth has connected the Angels with Adam Dunn — who might as well be the anti-Morales at the plate — but I don’t like that idea, for other reasons.
Suboptimal - December 22, 2008
Adam Dunn or Pat Burrell
I’d rather have Dunn, though the resigning of Juan Rivera clouds the potential for signing another outfielder.
BBFan1 - December 23, 2008
It's nice to have "youth" who can play -
Just be prepared to watch the ’09 Angels miss the playoffs.
Grichfan - December 22, 2008
seriously?
wow…. way to have some faith.
who exactly are we going to lose to… the Mariners? The Rangers who can’t pitch? The A’s who added one player that owes everything to Coors?
Give me a break. If you don’t like it don’t watch.
howiestheman - December 22, 2008
It's not even xmas
and you’re already writing off next season… they have a name for people like you; Mariner fans!
ineptituderunsamok - December 22, 2008
you gotta back that shit up here
and with more than Jeff Miller’s Dodger diapers
Rev Halofan - December 22, 2008
Who, pray tell, will knock us off our perch?
mattwelch - December 22, 2008
Jeff Miller of the OC Dodgister will
because he wants OC to watch High School football instead of the pros.
Rev Halofan - December 22, 2008
feeble.
Downing Rules - December 23, 2008
I'm feeling pretty feeble right now ...
I was angry when the Angels decided to go with that “youth movement” a few years ago and not re-sign B. Molina and Glaus.
And boy, Jeff Mathis and Dallas McPherson has REALLY panned out for us.
I think that K. Mo is going to be the reincarnation of Kotchman, except with 5-7 more HR and poorer defense.
I’ve always been a fan of Rivera, but unless he hits 25-30 HR and drives in 100+ runs a year, basically we’re getting GA without the defense.
Add in that the Angels still need a 5th starter and have a question mark at the closer spot and it makes for a weaker team than last season.
So let’s take a look at what’s REALLY happened this offseason: The Angels trimmed payroll to extend Lackey and maybe Vlad.
Look at the facts:
1) They might get Fuentes for 3 years/$30 mil. So you’re telling me that they didn’t want to pony up an extra $7 for K-Rod (arguably a better arm in the pen)?
2) They pulled their offer off the table, rather than waiting for Tex to say no? And then he signs for $10 million more than what the Angels reportedly offered? If he’s REALLY their No. 1 priority, why not let the process play out?
Don’t say to go after other options when Reagins said Manny is out and it doesn’t seem like he’s gonna go after any other free agents.
3) They re-sign Rivera (a good signing), which in theory would take them out of the hunt for Manny.
IMO, all those signs add up to the team being content to field the players we have now. And if that’s the case, we’re counting on 2 players who have never played a full season to produce, plus finding a 5th starter, plus getting a new closer.
So unless something else happens, I see the Angels winning 85-89 games and missing the postseason.
Grichfan - December 23, 2008
I was not angry, but instead disappointed...
but still, 85 – 89 games is better than 70; and it might even win the division.
Downing Rules - December 23, 2008
Don't agree
I know you are frustrated and want to see the Angels spend 150-200 million like the Yankees, but that isn’t our way. We have to develop players and the fact is that even with Tex signed we weren’t going to be better than what we were last year in the playoffs if we didn’t give the kids a chance to produce. We would have had to sign Manny AND Tex in order to get that instant offense that so many impatient fans crave. It’s not the end of the world. We will be fine as long as we give our young players a chance and they stay healthy. Tex isn’t Pujols (though he will be getting paid like he is) or even Vladdy back in 2004 and 2005. Who knows, we could have signed Tex and he could have tripped on his way catching a foul ball and injured himself and there goes our 180 million.
stolenbases - December 23, 2008
Disagree
How can you say we wouldn’t be any better than were last year? Hopefully the experience of last year and the improvement of our youngsters would lead them to not step on their own dicks while on defense and improve as a unit.
I do not buy this logic at all.
hauldog - December 23, 2008
RoY
believe!!!
BryanHarvey'sMoustache - December 22, 2008
He's not eligible
too many ABs in majors.
Angel Hawker - December 22, 2008
fuck....
BryanHarvey'sMoustache - December 22, 2008
he is eligible for that
like every other major leaguer
Rev Halofan - December 22, 2008
LMAO
gorams77 - December 22, 2008
i'm getting tired of rooting for teams with no offense.
Halos and the Chicago Bears.
Kendry = Kyle Orton. Just good enough.
Your Packers looked good tonight Rev.
Please Please Please sign a big bat. Please?
Northwest - December 22, 2008
A point to consider
Kendry’s never gotten 500 at-bats in a single season in the Major Leagues.
He was supposed to be this wunderkind signing from Cuba, but then why isn’t he getting the opportunity?
If there is no chance in hell Tex is back in an Angels uniform, I’d rather have Morales at first base, a hungry 25 year old kid looking to stick in the Major Leagues.
BBFan1 - December 22, 2008
ya but all these people freaking out dont think about logical things like that
if youre not hitting 35 home runs by age 23, you dont have a future in baseball.
Tim Salmon won rookie of the year at age 24. Brandon Wood is 24. Kendry is 25. People need to stop freaking out and look at some freaking stats of other players who are good now
ihearhowie2.0 - December 22, 2008
DiGi is a damn good baseball writer
And boy those Doyer fans are gonna be pissed when we steal their dreadlocked Dominican
AHaloInSF - December 22, 2008
i agree he is a good essayist
But to use his authority as the TIMES reporter to speculate about acquiring Paul Konerko is insulting. Maybe when the TImes goes bankrupt Mike-D willbe self-publishing on LULU.com…
Rev Halofan - December 22, 2008
We gave up Kotch for squat...
That’s what really makes me pissy.
bc56274 - December 22, 2008
let's wait and see how our 2 draft picks pan out
before we make those judgments.
howiestheman - December 22, 2008
it sounds funny but
we could possibly re-acquire him when hes a free agent if we havent situated first base by then…
ihearhowie2.0 - December 22, 2008
We gave up Kotch for a half season of Tex
Which seemed like a revelation…even though it didn’t work out in the playoffs.
It may not be comparable, but the Braves seem to be hurting after giving up several top prospects for Tex in 2007.
BBFan1 - December 23, 2008
Watch
in three years, we will trade the players we draft with the Teix picks to Atlanta for Kotch
Rev Halofan - December 23, 2008
That would be high comedy
hauldog - December 23, 2008
We gave up Kotch
hoping that Teix would help us to a ring, knowing that we’ve also got K Mo, AND knowing that losing Teix would give us 2 draft picks. It was not irrational or short sighted.
Rally Manatee - December 23, 2008
What was I was implying
Is we rolled the dice on Tex, but that is baseball. He was everything and more during his short time in Anaheim.
The Braves seemed like they were fleeced now, a year later with the prospects they traded away and are likely going to be playing with the Rangers in the near future.
We are in a better position than the Braves, even though Tex is a goner.
BBFan1 - December 23, 2008
Hopefully Kendry's first year will be better than Kotch's
If we can get a whole season and he hits .250 or so it will be a better start than Kotchman’s .180 in April and out for the year with Mono. Hopefully he hits .255 or so and drives in 65 runs or thereabouts. He’ll probably be platooned to a certain extent.
I’ll be pulling for him!
goodvibe61 - December 23, 2008
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