Many media outlets are reporting that baseball's Winter Meetings are buzzing with the Angels monopolizing the time of free agent outfielder Jason Bay (via his representatives), and the Angels' contingent just landed at the airport in Indianapolis an hour ago.
In the age of the cell phone and blackberry this is more possible, but reports indicate that the Mariners and Red Sox cannot even get in a word edge-wise. Bay is seeking a Torii Hunter style deal: 5 years, $18 Million. He turned down 4 years $15 Million from Boston in November.
Another big pair of rumors is a reported Juan Rivera to the Detroit Tigers for Curtis Granderson trade as well as an upbeat report that the Angels may have found a trading partner for the services of Gary Matthews Jr.
Bay only batted .267 last season but his OPS was .921. That was, however, in Fenway (minor league girls can hit) Park.
If we sign Bay, adios Big Daddy (Vladimir Guerrero)
If we sign Bay, adios Johnny Rivers (Juan Rivera)
If we sign Bay, adios Thunder Mountain (John Lackey)
I will stop before I accidentally rhyme something and you mistake this for a poem.
0 recs | 134 comments
a mix of power and speed
maybe less than average defense in the outfield, but you got Torii in Center who can cover some of the field.
Jay Cal - December 7, 2009
Dude can mash
Get him in Halo red pronto.
BruinHalo - December 7, 2009
I think these reports are very premature
considering Tony isn’t even at the meetings yet.
ihearhowie2.0 - December 7, 2009
+1
This is stuff coming from the agents. We know that the Angels’ don’t leak info the way most other teams do. They keep everything very close to the vest.
jjackflash - December 7, 2009
If we sign Bay, then we officially out on Lackey
I can’t imagine us signing two big contracts.
ryanfea - December 7, 2009
which to me
Makes a Halladay or Cain deal much more likely. Especially with the surplus of outfielders.
Jay Cal - December 7, 2009
Yes he's worth it...
and I think Bay is a better signing than Lackey considering our rotation depth.
Nashdiesel - December 7, 2009
The boss said
A power bat…
another starter
and bullpen help.
Jay Cal - December 7, 2009
Trading partner for GMJ?
Do it! Do it now! Just for good measure do it again. Unless it is for Vernon Wells.
SalmonStream - December 7, 2009
Of the three needs listed by Jay Cal above...
I say Matthews gets the bullpen help.
BruinHalo - December 7, 2009
When the Braves work out the deal with Soriano
We package up Matthews and Wilson or Budde.
Jay Cal - December 7, 2009
What former Angel do I get to see in Atlanta this year?
Slasher52 - December 7, 2009
Aren't there restrictions to trading players you just signed?
I may be wrong. But I thought you had to wait a certain amount of time before you can trade a player who you just signed to a deal. Maybe accepting an Arbitration offer works differently. Soriano would be a nice addition. I don’t see the Braves taking on all of GMJs contract though for 1 year of Soriano who will cost about $8M.
I could see a package of Lowe and Soriano for GMJ + others.
Works for both sides.
krush40 - December 7, 2009
Sorta
Until, I believe, May 1st they can only trade the player with his consent. They may work out a gentleman’s agreement that they trade him to a team where he’d have a chance to close. I doubt the Angels guarantee him anything along those lines.
dmhead - December 7, 2009
Does Napoli keep 44
Or does he wear it when he goes to Toronto?
Jay Cal - December 7, 2009
Zing!
Slasher52 - December 7, 2009
Lol if we Bay + Granderson + Halladay - Rivera - Lackey - Gary Matthews Jr.
I would be fine with that.
Line-up:
RF Granderson
DH Abreu
CF Hunter
LF Bay
1B Morales
3B Izturis/Kendrick
C Napoli/Mathis
3B Wood
SS Aybar
Rotation:
Halladay
Weaver
Kazmir
Saunders
Santana
Bullpen:
Palmer
Oliver (?)
Bulger
Arredondo
Jepsen
Shields
Fuentes (?)
We would still need a veteran bullpen arm in there.
Slyintine - December 7, 2009
i like your math
SCHalo - December 7, 2009
that's funny
i would like to see who slyintine is going to have play at rover and 2nd base.
cupie - December 7, 2009
Mybad. :D
Slyintine - December 7, 2009
what do we give up to get Halladay?
Epic Dean - December 7, 2009
Nothing
We steal him, Ninja style
halofan4life - December 8, 2009
Torii type money?
he’s worth that…he also seems to hit well at the big A, at least in the 2008 playoffs he did. do it.
and if we can get GMJ out, i say do that as well.
SCHalo - December 7, 2009
Even if its Wells?
Slyintine - December 7, 2009
i actually like GMJ
way more than most here. Wells??? hmmm, tough call.
SCHalo - December 7, 2009
Where would Wells go in the LAA outfield?
That would be a lot of wheeling and dealing in that aftermath, esp if Bay is signed.
Slasher52 - December 7, 2009
If the Granderson thing doesn't work out
Wells would be in the RF.
Or he perma takes over GMJ’s spot as a backup OFer
Slyintine - December 7, 2009
I hope the latter
BruinHalo - December 7, 2009
We bitch about Matthews 10 million for a 4th outfielder
And you want to pay Wells $25 to do the same?
Jay Cal - December 7, 2009
I don't at all
And I doubt that Arte would do it, since shipping GMJ is purely to give us a little cash to spend.
I was speaking merely in hypothetical.
Slyintine - December 7, 2009
Dang, look at the poll!
112 voters, 56 yes, 56 no.
Slasher52 - December 7, 2009
Bay's ok
I just don’t think this type of money should be spent on an outfielder when we already have a grip of cash spent on the easiest positions, next to 1B, to fill in the majors. I’m concerned that we’ll have a few too many 30-somethings out there.
I would rather see the money spent to re-sign Lackey or extend Halladay, should we be able to acquire him. If we get an outfielder (I’ll leave the Granderson rumors aside), I hope it is because the Angels overwhelmed the Rays for Carl Crawford.
Please trade GMJ. I still think that the Royals and their Gil Meche contract could be the potential trading partner if we add cash and a prospect.
Slasher52 - December 7, 2009
If we can ship GMJ and take over an OF with a low + 1 or 2 minor leaguers
We can afford to spend a little on Bay and still have money left over for either Halladay or a solid 3rd starter + bullpen arm
Slyintine - December 7, 2009
That's supposed to say low contract
And I would actually not mind getting a utility infielder, bullpen arm or a backup catcher
Anyone with a lower salary than GMJ’s. It’s not hard to find.
Slyintine - December 7, 2009
Maybe
Ah, the hot stove. Who knows, its all speculation. We can all do what Olney, Rosenthal and the rest are doing right now.
Slasher52 - December 7, 2009
Make shit up?
halofolife - December 7, 2009
You got it!
Slasher52 - December 7, 2009
I figured thats where you were going with that.
halofolife - December 7, 2009
Actually, no.
If Wood produces we would most likely have one of the most dynamic, young infield in baseball.
Morales, Kendrick, Aybar, and Wood are all in their mid-twenties.
The outfield is the aging factor at this point, but that isnt a bad thing. You need a mix of veteran leadership with young talent to produce a winning atmosphere. Luckily outfield talent is not hard to come by via free agency or trade, so having a early 30s outfield is not the end of the world.
Ask Boston, they were looking for a decent shortstop for three years now. They just signed Macro Scutaro…. and for Angels fans who have been around and saw him in Oakland, I think we know they are still going to be looking for a decent shortstop.
PhiSlamma - December 7, 2009
3 years? Heh, how 'bout 5 years? :-D
Clutch - December 7, 2009
Hanley Ramirez is pretty good
turs12 - December 8, 2009
I would be more concerned with
Bay fitting into the Angels system, same with Granderson. I haven’t read any stats or anything, but we’re slowly becoming a patient hitting ball club that still small-balls when the time comes.
Seems to be like the Tigers and the Red Sox are just long ball hitting teams.
Slyintine - December 7, 2009
Bay did draw 94 walks last year.
He finished 3rd, tied with Abreu.
Slasher52 - December 7, 2009
Then look at the stats.
Bay and Granderson walk a lot. They would be great additions offensively.
jimmuscomp - December 7, 2009 via mobile
And I MAY win the lottery
Don’t like the headline, Rev. Seems weak. Maybe something like “Angels Meet with Bay” or something more reflective of the news.
Sethy - December 7, 2009
How about?
Don’t be such a Bay-bee?
Slasher52 - December 7, 2009
I kid, I kid.
Slasher52 - December 7, 2009
Just let us be exciting about this possibility
damn.
ryanfea - December 7, 2009
How about "Bay watch"?
stuck in Romania - December 7, 2009
Ha!
Yes please
Teixeira Who? - December 7, 2009
And the Bosux SBN site can use the headline
“Bay leaves.”
rspencer - December 7, 2009
Works for me
TheAntiSox - December 7, 2009
Win.
If he signs, I vote his nickname should be Pamela if he sucks.
Clutch - December 7, 2009
Uh, wait, I did NOT intend that to sound that dirty.
Clutch - December 7, 2009
Shenanagins
linkbruin - December 7, 2009
He'd need bigger tits for that title
at least Brad Penny or David Ortiz sized.
Quad Fin Rider - December 7, 2009
would you pay 3 mil a year extra to take away a bat from Boston.
I would.
SenorChuckles - December 7, 2009
Hmn, yeah, that's a good point - this deal becomes much better when you also consider what Boston loses.
I think you just earned my vote.
AlanFalcon - December 7, 2009
Hmm
If the Angels are going after a FA outfielder, I wonder what it would take to sign Johnny Damon. Would he take a 2-year deal? I might prefer a short-term commitment to him over a long-term deal to Bay. Damon would immediately replace Figgins at the top of the order, and wouldn’t cost a draft pick as compensation.
jjackflash - December 7, 2009
Damon would be a nice addition to the Angels
The Good
The Bad
The Ugly
I can imagine Boras and his over-the-top sell job (remember last year; Boras compared Oliver Perez to Sandy Koufax)
Picture it: the lobby at the Winter Meetings
“Hey! Johnny might be 36, but he plays like he’s 26. I tell ya, he’s good for another 5 years. Hits for average. Hits for power. Steals bases. Great defense. And a winner. Got the Red Sox their first World Series championship in 86 years. Got the Yankees their first title this century. Every team in baseball wants a Johnny Damon. Except there’s only one Johnny Damon. Man. This guy! Johnny’s a Top 5 outfielder. He’s great I tells ya! He does it all!!! I’ve already got SEVEN offers for Johnny and the LOWEST offer is a 5-year deal for $65 million.”
Fan Since 1981 - December 7, 2009
The reason Arte immediately ruled out Holliday
was because Boras was his agent.
You can put your house on Arte not even once thinking about bringing Damon here.
PhiSlamma - December 7, 2009
Exactly. That's why I listed Damon's worst attribute (The Ugly) as Boras
Fan Since 1981 - December 7, 2009
I Agree
with both of you, and that’s why I conditioned the suggestion on a 2-year offer, which I don’t think Bora$ would want. On the other hand, who else is there that’s going to sign him? I suppose he could return to the Yankees; that’s a distinct possibility, but by not offering him arbitration, it seems that they’re not interested in paying him a penny more than they did last year. I doubt he returns to Boston. So, if he wants to play for a winner, and make money, how many options does he have?
He’s a poor defensive player, but if he slots into the OF/DH rotation, it’s not so bad.
jjackflash - December 7, 2009
Ad to the negatives: his numbers outside of Yankee Stadium last year.
snowhor - December 7, 2009
Juan Pierre!
WiHaloFan - December 7, 2009
Crawford?
SenorChuckles - December 7, 2009
Me likey.
Slasher52 - December 7, 2009
Didnt Tampa pick up his option?
linkbruin - December 7, 2009
I've actually seen that in the trade BS somewhere.
That would be kinda funny, Figgy’s best buddy taking over as leadoff hitter.
Still, PASS!
Slasher52 - December 7, 2009
I know, I know...no one likes Pierre
But as a one year replacement…I think he’d do.
Damon would be interesting too. If he were cheap enough.
WiHaloFan - December 7, 2009
Figgy likes Pierre
Maybe it would be ok on a one year deal if that meant ditching GMJ in the process. Maybe Bourjos would be ready to go come September or 2011.
Slasher52 - December 7, 2009
Someone
has a man crush on Pierre…
Honestly, straight up for Matthews I’d probably do it. Dodgers have no incentive to do that, though, being broke and all. Plus I don’t think they’d have the balls to do a challenge trade with us.
dmhead - December 7, 2009
johnsamo?
Clutch - December 7, 2009
Hey now.
No need to be calling me names.
WiHaloFan - December 7, 2009
Unlikely, I know, but surely
Granderson-Hunter-Bay would easily be the best outfield in Angels history, money aside?
DCS1122 - December 7, 2009
Nah...
Anderson, Edmonds, Salmon has that beat.
Nashdiesel - December 7, 2009
Anything with
Hendrick, Pettis, and White takes the cake.
Slasher52 - December 7, 2009
Maybe, I can see both of those...
but still, the best one for a while and one I couldn’t complain about…
DCS1122 - December 7, 2009
I was totally joking about the 1987 starting OF.
Devo was awesome that year though, even if his OBP sucked. Actually, they all sucked OBP wise.
Slasher52 - December 7, 2009
Maybe they weren't the best outfield,
but I love the 80s Unis
DCS1122 - December 7, 2009
Extra points
for the Unis
DCS1122 - December 7, 2009
As mentioned above...
Salmon – Anderson – Edmonds, or;
1982 – Downing – Lynn – Jackson (Reggie, that is).
sothball - December 7, 2009
DING DING DING!!!!
We have a WINNER!!!!!!!! !982 and the Four MVPs
red floyd - December 7, 2009
Agreed.
That was actually the season I “fell in love” with baseball and the Angels.
Slasher52 - December 7, 2009
Jason Bay: Quick Profile
2009 Splits (BA/OBP/SLG)
Home: .273/.406/.531 (15 HRs)
Away: .262/.362/.542 (21 HRs)
Career Splits
Home: .282/.387/.507 (79 HRs)
Away: .278/.366/.532 (106 HRs)
(split stats available at baseball-reference.com)
He is not a Fenway fabrication. He can hit.
But he can’t field. His UZR numbers (available at fangraphs.com) were bad in 2008 and 2009. He’s a similar player to Adam Dunn, except he’s not that bad in the OF and hits for a better average, although Bay’s K rate was a somewhat alarming 30.5% in 2009.
Bottom line: The Red Sox correctly priced his contract at $60 million for 4 years.
Fan Since 1981 - December 7, 2009
Yeah, we'd better get used to:
“Bay swings and misses”. But, if he clobbers 35 dingers and knocks in 110 plus…
Slasher52 - December 7, 2009
Bay Wood
70 HR 250 Ks
Rev Halofan - December 7, 2009
220 RBI
Bay can get on base, quite a bit actually.
His high K rate only affects his batting average, but not too much more. As long as he gets on base around 38% of the time and clubs 30+ funk blasts then he is absolutely worth 17+ a year.
PhiSlamma - December 7, 2009
I should have added to my post
That while Bay’s K rate was high, his BB% of 15.0% was 7th best in the AL, just ahead of 8th place finisher Bobby Abreu.
Fan Since 1981 - December 7, 2009
Yep. Liking this possibility more and more!
Clutch - December 7, 2009
I likes the sound of that.
Jay Cal - December 7, 2009
Defense
Too much is made about OF defense and especially all this + / – wins mumbo jumbo. The Yankees won WS with a horrible defensive LF and below average RF. The bottom line is the Angels need to replace Vlad’s in the line up and Jason Bay fits the bill.
ksangel - December 7, 2009
I don't believe Granderson is available
because if he were, I’m sure I would have seen some discussion of it here.
rspencer - December 7, 2009
there has been
TheAngelsColts - December 7, 2009
I have not seen anything...
maybe i should start a post….
WEAVER AND MORALES FOR GRANDERSON?
?
?!?!??
PhiSlamma - December 7, 2009
ummm how about not
TheAngelsColts - December 7, 2009
You are right, its not enough
Probably have to add Jepsen + Aybar
PhiSlamma - December 7, 2009
No, no, you've got it all wrong
We need to throw in Kendrick and Quinlan (after we re-sign him), and maybe throw in 2005 Bartolo Colon, too! And Torii!
Clutch - December 7, 2009
That's highway robbery....
the guy had a .327 OBP last year!
We’d at least need to give them Reckling, Conger and Santana as well.
Nashdiesel - December 7, 2009
And probably Mark Gubicza and Bill MacDonald
Why be stingy?
rspencer - December 7, 2009
The Ninja is arriving at 4 to meet with Bay reps
We will see whats up then.
Best possible scenario is that Tony wows his reps and agree to a preliminary agreement by days end.
Although its up to Arte to either play it safe and bid low, or just go for the gold like they did with Hunter.
PhiSlamma - December 7, 2009
I feel like the Angels style is go for the gold and be able to quickly walk away from a no.
AlanFalcon - December 7, 2009
Takeiterleaveit!
Clutch - December 7, 2009
Bay would be a good catch
But, if we trade Rivera it needs to be for someone other than Granderson. We don’t need a platoon outfielder. If we are able to move Rivera for say pitching help then we may be able to still sign Vlad as a DH.
10 27 02 - December 7, 2009
Bay's signing would not immediately be the death sentence for Rivera
The way I see it is that Rivera platooning in left with Bay as a revolving DH/LF thing is absolutely possible.
I think signing Bay is more of a sign that Napoli is about to be traded.
Napoli’s defense is the absolute worst in the league as a catcher, as posted as a previous time on this website and im far too lazy to link it. His value lies in his bat and as a DH. His time in the DH spot in 2009 was very productive, posting a .950+ OPS.
I can easily see signing Bay and flipping Napoli to a catcher/DH hungry club for either a starter (Halladay or maybe a Vazquez) or bullpen help.
Rivera is an above average defender and a above average bat. His WARP was actually right about Bay’s last year, mostly because Bay depletes his win value immensely with his horrendous defense.
PhiSlamma - December 7, 2009
Mmmmm.
Clutch - December 7, 2009
We have some room to play
I think we can sign Bay AND still go after Halladay or Lackey, and Reagins said something to that effect. we’ll have to be creative and move some players, but I think if that’s what Arte wants to do, we’ll do it.
However, I wouldn’t sign Bay for $18MM/yr. If we could get away with around $16.5, I’d do it.
Rumors are flying that Rivera will probably be traded, so Bay will have a place to play. Rivera is good and affordable, so he could net us a good player.
howiestheman - December 7, 2009
Bay is what we need...
I’m just afraid he wants to play for seattle more. If there is a team that hates us more than any team in the MLB its seattle. That’s why they signed figgins and why they’re after Lackey too. Bay is from BC in canada and went to Gonzaga in Spokane. He’s a northwest boy and would love to finish his career at home. I wouldn’t be surprised if the deal gets done which leaves back at the drawing board.
ihavehalofever - December 7, 2009
This would also steal away our first round pick, right?
AlanFalcon - December 7, 2009
Gammons just stated on ESPNews...
…that he believes a Bay deal could happen this week, with the Angels and the Red Sox being the most likely destinations.
10 27 02 - December 7, 2009
There is something about this guy that just doesn't do it for me.
bc56274 - December 7, 2009
That he looks more like a Bible salesman than a baseball player?
yeah, me too.
44FAN - December 7, 2009
It's because he's Canadian
Seriously
BruinHalo - December 7, 2009
But Justin Morneau looks like a baseball player
and even acts like one.
44FAN - December 7, 2009
But he's CANADIAN
You poor thing. Having to grow up in Canada, with America right there!
BruinHalo - December 7, 2009
His bacon
isn’t really bacon. Just disappointing.
Slasher52 - December 8, 2009
Yeah, he probably says, "Three strikes and you're oot!"
red floyd - December 8, 2009
You guys are hilarious….
Seriously,grow up with the Canada comments..
No need to mention all the help we did 4 u guys on 9/11 ,Katrina,etc….
As for Bay being worth 20 mill a year ?? I think not….. 15 mill is max maybe 17 at most..He can’t hit for average,but he does have good power and plays the game hard..
raven191 - December 8, 2009
I mean no personal offense to Canadian out there
I was just taking the Barney Stinson approach to US/Canadian affairs.
BruinHalo - December 8, 2009
don't get so worked up, eh.
retrohalo - December 8, 2009
Y'all hated on Stephen Colbert
You’ve crossed the line. It’s time to annex 10 provinces and 3 territories, ETA 2015.
I kid, Canada is alllllllllright, if only because Tim Hortons is awesome.
Slasher52 - December 8, 2009
lol…No prob guys..I just hear enough of the US/CAN thing on here,youtube you know.I find it rather silly.I have nothing but great admiration and respect for the US and think it is a great country,but Canada is always there to help and we have great ppl (not politically) anyway,enough with politics..
A def NO on Jason Bay..It would be a huge mistake….unless he takes 12,13,14,15 and 15 from us,other then that WAY too much…
A great player but not near what he would want with other teams in the mix…
raven191 - December 9, 2009
NO NO NO!!!!!!
On trading Juan Rivera!!!!!!! He’s worth twice the contract he has and we’re getting the benefit of that. If we do have a trading partner for GMJ, then we’ve probably got enough cash to do what we need to.
Commander_Nate - December 7, 2009
Mariners need to replace a top-notch starter that they will likely not re-sign for 2010
35 starts
216 innings
169 Ks
67 BBs
2.71 ERA
Who is this pitcher? It’s Washard (the combined stats of Washburn and Bedard with the Ms in 2009). Neither are likely to return to the Ms. Thus going after Lackey makes sense for the Ms.
Fan Since 1981 - December 7, 2009
Well, since Washburn was traded to Detroit (and not for GRANDERSON!?)
I’d say you’re absolutely right that Washburn is not likely to to return to the M’s.
red floyd - December 7, 2009
Washburn is no longer on Detroit. He is a free agent and was not offered arbitration by the Tigers.
press release
Fan Since 1981 - December 8, 2009
Oh....
[EMILY-LATELLA]
That’s very different! Never Mind!
[/EMILY-LATELLA]
red floyd - December 8, 2009
BedBurn... is a better name for the combined players.
Downing Rules - December 8, 2009
This probably isn't news
At this point you have to figure the Angels are in on everyone available, and probably even asking questions about players who aren’t.
Jason Bay would be an interesting signing. The guy can hit, no doubt. But man, that’s going to be an old and highly paid outfield in 2010-11, and perhaps even further. Torii, Bobby, and Gary will all be on the wrong side of 35, with Bay not far behind. Easily the worst outfield defense in baseball. I would stick with Rivera because his ridiculously team-friendly contract could open up better options in the future. He’s also competent both with the bat and the glove. If Wood comes through, Bay would look like a very expensive luxury.
I’m willing to roll the dice on 2010, but betting on 2014 is too rich for my taste right now. Try to sign Guerrero for cheap, give Wood a shot, let Kendry carry the load, whatever. Bay could be an interesting acquisition, but I’d rather see more exciting outfield prospects in the system than another big contract guy to catch flyballs.
Suboptimal - December 8, 2009
Looks like Juan will be traded if they get Bay,
but that situation woulc be rectified somewhat by having Abreu as DH and spreading Torii, Bay and Rivera across the outfield which would keep it a little younger and slightly better defensively.
DCS1122 - December 8, 2009
I really hope the Halos don't sign Bay for 5 years/90 mill
Bay will get his walks and has good power, but he’s on the wrong side of 30 and as everyone knows his defense is bad. What makes this potential signing even worse is that it may result in the trading of a really cheap and valuable asset in Juan Rivera if rumors are correct.
I really just don’t get why the Angels would want to sign someone like Bay to that contract. It seems it would be more prudent to leave Rivera in LF and maybe go after someone like Mike Cameron who would be cheaper (and without the long-term commitment Bay wants) or just leave Abreu in RF and resign Vladdy for cheap or give Napoli a full time shot at DH.
stolenbases - December 8, 2009
I like Bay...
I don’t like a HUGE contract. 5 years 90MM is high.
Jay Cal - December 8, 2009
For some odd reason I have a feeling the Angels will sign him
Just a gut feeling.
stolenbases - December 8, 2009
I've got that bad feeling too
I look at the stats, and they look great, minus the D and K’s. But something is missing somewhere between statistics and reality. The kind of money that he’ll command is “Star” money…and he’s not a star in my mind. Solid player, absolutely, but not a star. Are you going to buy a ticket to see Jason Bay? Did you buy a ticket to see Vladdy in 2004? Vladdy was a star, a freak of nature. Vladdy was and to a point is feared by the opposing team. Teams respect Bay, but…I don’t know. It’s hard to put my finger on it. Maybe I’m way off.
Slasher52 - December 8, 2009
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