Halos Heaven

I like having another lefty in the bullpen

and the price is right. Is it a “Big Splash”? No, but it does improve our bullpen and maybe keeps Rodney on the bench. But still no offensive help, without a bat or 2 we are still the 2010 Angels who came in 3rd behind the As and Rangers.

steelgolf - December 10, 2010 reply

A healthy and productive Kendry Morales says hello did you forget about me ...?

Sure it’s no gurantee but you just have to believe that K-Mo back in the lineup will do wonders for the Angels in 2011.

K-Mo can do wonders but we still have Mathis grabbing a bat and flailing away

Wonders K-Mo can do, but even he can’t offset Mr Premium.

steelgolf - December 10, 2010 reply

Well we can only hope that Mathis stays healthy.

If I’m not mistaken wasn’t Mathis doing pretty decent up until he got hurt last season…?
Plus why does Mathis take almost all the blame.
Guys like Aybar and Kendrick weren’t doing all that well either.

Because Aybar and Kendrick can at least hit their weight and are serviceable on the field.

Mathis is bad at baseball. Both sides of the ball, he’s not good, period, end of story. There is no statistical evidence to prove the contrary.

halofan4life - December 10, 2010 reply

Yes, then he got well, then he was the worst player in baseball the rest of the season.

44FAN - December 10, 2010 reply

Honestly it's tough to say if he really did get well honestly.

Not every player comes back effective off an injury.

ok then

Mathis has been injured his whole career except the ’09 ALCS and 2 weeks at the start of the 2010 season.

2pintsofbooze - December 10, 2010 reply

Epic win.

Burned! :-D

LittleCupcakes - December 10, 2010 reply

Honestly, that excuse doesn't honestly explain his entire career honestly.

And thanks for letting us know when you’re not lying.

snowhor - December 11, 2010 via mobile reply

I guess I can't disagree.

I also don’t want Mathis to get injured. But if he did, well, sometimes bad things happen to good people for all the wrong reasons that i the end turn out to be the right reasons.

Let's Take Another Look At Those Legendary Jeff Mathis Hot Hitting Streaks

2008: Jeff Mathis BA was .300 or better for 10 games;
2010: Jeff Mathis BA was .300 or better for 12 games;

Tiny sample size, GIANT extrapolation.

…and for a little more perspective:
2010: Kevin Frandsen was .300 or better for 37 games.

Quad Fin Rider - December 11, 2010 reply

Miss Franny already.

Clutch - December 11, 2010 reply

Me too.

Angelsfan015 - December 13, 2010 reply

Be patient

We have a lot of infielders and catchers and a Rivera to deal with still over the next two months. Offense will be added.

Although I really hope you are right...

This reminds me of the old saw that if you lie enough times about something, pretty soon people will start to believe it.

angelslogic - December 10, 2010 reply

Benoit $

i am okay with it. At 38 he will be a little long in the tooth.

I think he should keep the mullet.

hauldog - December 10, 2010 reply

As I recall, he wasn't that good with either the Clippers or the Lakers.

Oh, sorry… wrong Benoit

No Soriano in our future, I'd guess

Does this obviate? Save $$ for Beltre?

Seraph - December 10, 2010 reply

This came out of nowehere

The bullpen is going to be loaded! I agree Rev, this seems like the precursor to a BIG move.

The media’s speculation that we were desperate for Crawford makes me think that we were never THAT enamored with him to begin with. Arte and co. always play their cards close to their chest. They always feint right and then turn to the left.

blochead - December 10, 2010 reply

Keep the mullet

Sign Beltre. Off-season done. Wins in 2011 ^.

Oh I hope he does that will be so epic.

If we keep signing these good relievers we have nothing to worry about when Kazmir only goes

four or five innings, Weaver has a bad hair day, or nights where Santana can’t get his beard on straight. This must be good.

44FAN - December 10, 2010 reply

But we might still lose a lot of games 1-0

We still need offense, even if our pitching is going to be awesome.

Offense Needs Improving

If the Angels are to be better in the off season, we have to shore
up our offense. This lack of offense has proven to be a huge
liability come the post season. What good is making the playoffs
if you get eliminated early? Still, it seems the only emphasis is on
pitching and more pitching while, the offense problem is not dealt
with! The offer for Crawford was lukewarm at best and we were
like miles away from getting him. I do hope we sign a couple of
good hitters and soon. Otherwise, there might not be enough
good hitters available when the Angels Front Office decides to
make their move. At that point, it would not matter because we
will not get a decent hitter to help the lineup.

JimmyBlue - December 13, 2010 reply

It's an odd numbered year. Voodoo may be having issues.

Look for new tattoos?

Walden was the first thing I thought of as well

Maybe we keep Walden, maybe we dont…but this feels like we just added a pricey piece to create a valuable, cheap trade chip

I wonder what the Astros want for Hunter Pence....?

What about Berg or Geltz.

I’m thinking they’re as desirable.

No trades man

we are going with the Majestic, if ever rare, 19 man bullpen.

And knowing Sosh

he could create scenarios where every game a pitcher would only pitch 4 to 5 innings, then bring in “X” for 2 innings, then “Y” for 1 inning, then split the next inning between “Z” and “XZ”, then bring in the closer.

steelgolf - December 10, 2010 reply

F -YEAH!!!!

Hey Red Sox lineup…. just try and guess who you’ll be hitting against next time up! Nah nah nah naaaah nah!

If they only pitch 4 innings a game

our starters could go 0-0 on a season with 35 starts.

Fine with me for most anyone but the Weave.

Weave needs to get his 20 wins to win the Cy Young (the only way to do so, apparently).

matthiasstephan - December 12, 2010 reply

Um, did you not see this year's Cy Young result?

Clutch - December 11, 2010 reply

One year is not enough to convince me.

Fine

then how about the year before?

dmhead - December 12, 2010 reply

Do we really want him to win a cy young award?

Balls and Strikes - December 12, 2010 reply

LOL

angelslogic - December 10, 2010 reply

hey guys... can u give me some insight...

Is this a good signing??!!

wheres_bourjos_at - December 10, 2010 via mobile reply

Yes

Very good.

Damn if we like it thats not good we liked the Kazmir deal.

Oh noes!!! Take it back. We hate the deal… we hate the deal

LittleCupcakes - December 10, 2010 reply

My time to brag.

I hated that deal. Because Scott Kazmir was never that good.

Figgi4life - December 10, 2010 via mobile reply

Seems good.

5M is about three Mathises.

I think all further offseason additions

Should be converted to Mathises. That way we know just how much Premium we’re getting

Bolt Deck - December 10, 2010 reply

This topic should have ended right here

Nocturne - December 10, 2010 reply

Is that scale arithetic, multiplicative or logarithmic in nature?

Or is the conversion chart flexible enough to cover all possibilities?

(I love stirring the pot!)

Angelsfan015 - December 14, 2010 reply

Also our draft pick next yr... i saw its protected

What overall slot is it?!! :D

wheres_bourjos_at - December 10, 2010 via mobile reply

18th I think

Especially if its a precursor to a bigger move

Which its not, because it never is, however we needed good lefties, now we have two.

Think of Scott Downs as a Scot Shields when he was effective. Very awesome setup guy, under the radar.

Nice

Thx guys! Intresting how things will play out from here on

wheres_bourjos_at - December 10, 2010 via mobile reply

I like it a lot.

wumbug - December 10, 2010 reply

cautiously optimistic its good

we liked speier at the time as well

Any chance Downs competes with slanty cap for the closer job during Spring?

My thoughts exactly.

Maybe Soriano is still an option?

if he is then with a move like this he might start getting cheaper

river-z - December 10, 2010 reply

I would love for Soriano to be in play.

I would certainly take him over Rodney. Let Rodney have the 7th, then there is time to clean up after him.

184 ERA+ the last four years

That’s pretty damned good. Better than the 139 put up pre-signing by another Toronto reliever we shelled out good money to. Hope he doesn’t turn into a pumpkin. And I’m glad we’ve got some lefties to at least limit the massacres in Fenway.

mattwelch - December 10, 2010 reply

I love this signing.

I really, really like Downs — and it shows they wised up a bit on reliever value.

This was the FO that signed Fuentes to two years and 18M two years ago. They got a far better pitcher at half the cost annualized.

Sinatrasratpack - December 10, 2010 reply

agreed... The money seems on target and so do the years. If only they had learned before paying so much for Rodney

Definitely trading some young arms

They always rave about their young power arms, then sign guys to replace them? This is a great deal, but it only makes sense if they are going to trade some guys for a bat. Personally, I think Grady Sizemore is a great target for us if he’s back to full health. He should come at a discount and when he’s on his A game, he’s one of the best….perfect for Scioscia’s style.

LeedyG - December 10, 2010 reply

Grady Sizemore.

I can dig it sorta but im worried he would be like Steve Finley 2.0.

Not even!

Sizemore is still very young….about 10 years younger then Finley was when we got him I think.

LeedyG - December 10, 2010 reply

He needs to prove

that he’s not going to snap like a GI Joe action figure with an old crusty rubber band holding him together. Then good, he’s a pro hitter, and if his eye/swing/contact ability haven’t erroded, then cool.

I think he had one injury that just took 2 years away

I agree when he’s healthy hes an amazing 3 hitter

C-los Quentin.

Josh Willingham por favor

He has high OBP and will come, hopefully, a bit cheaper than the other options.

Slyintine - December 10, 2010 reply

I like this signing only if we trade rodney.

ramo - December 10, 2010 reply

That's a nice thought

but I fear it won’t happen. I think the rest of baseball will find our cheap young arms much more attractive. I personally would be fine with just releasing Rodney. He’s detrimental.

sheisalovelyladyandmyapologiestoher - December 10, 2010 reply

his beard is weird

At least his stache isn't trash.

The_Question - December 10, 2010 reply

But his cap is gangsta

sheisalovelyladyandmyapologiestoher - December 10, 2010 reply

Straight outta Samana. DR

Samana you?

I'm excited about the player acquisition.

Not so much the contract though. We overpay yet again for another reliever.

But at least he is better than Speier, Fuentes, and Rodney…

TheAngelsColts - December 11, 2010 reply

I really don't think we over payed this time. I don't think 3.2 is to much for him.

preparing to meet Boston in the postseason?

they sign 2 lefty batters, we sign 2 lefty RP.

your move Epstein

sarc

2pintsofbooze - December 10, 2010 reply

Downs is a lefty

So is Takablowshit

WAITA MINUTE I CANNOT READ LOLOLOL

drinks more

Not a fan of Takahashi? :(

Slyintine - December 10, 2010 reply

Honestly, just sign Beltre now

Our bullpen is going to knock people out next year and so will our rotation. The addition of Beltre and re-addition of Kendry will provide more than enough power the make our offense reliable.

Most importantly, we would have average-to-great defense at every position except C and whichever OF corner Rivera/Abreu share.

No.

Not beltre. No.

Figgi4life - December 10, 2010 via mobile reply

OMG CARL CRAWFORD

Wait, I think I’m mistaken.

linkbruin - December 10, 2010 reply

Will be K'd by this mulleted Canadian pirate we just signed.

This is excellent.

It reaches my personal limit on reliever cost ($5M per annum, and three years), but this is exactly what I was hoping for on the reliever side:

Downs and/or Takahashi. We got both!

Much, much better than Soriano.

What if we Sign Soriano

then trade for Krod?

F Starters, lets have everyone pitch one inning.

You mean the Skeletor Playoff Maneuver, but for an entire season?

I like it!

Skeletor you know you groove and shake it so damn good.

And when you come on through my hood Ill give you a piece of wood.

Heh.

With Krod back in the fold, we can change the team colors to prison blues.

Bring back the pinstripes

halofan4life - December 10, 2010 reply

Is Robin Ventura available?

princeton11loveshalos - December 10, 2010 reply

Is your heartbreaking daughter available

:D

Yes, and so's the married one... soon.

The heartbreaker is in Spain right now, won’t be back in the US until sometime in May, maybe. They keep extending the show schedule, have added several stops in Ireland and the UK. The tour was originally supposed to end in March with a show in Paris.

Mine's in Amsterdam, soon to be in Spain.

red floyd - December 11, 2010 reply

She's a dancer/performer in a Disney Live show

and we like telling people she ran off and joined the circus. The family that owns the Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey circus operates the Disney Live shows as well as Disney On Ice.

I don't think she can pitch, but Robin Ventura can. Heh.

And they shouldn't trade Kohn or Walden.

Rodney or Jepsen, yes — but it’s pointless to upgrade the bullpen just to kick the cheapest and most promising out days later.

The BP is a source of strength now. When Scioscia let the young guys take the reins in the second half of the year, our BP ERA looked very snazzy.

Rodney and Jepsen dont have the value the other two do

That’s sort of the whole point.

Walden’s value in particular may never be higher than it is right now. If he’s the difference between us landing an impact offensive piece…are we supposed to say no so we can keep him around and possibly watch his arm fall off again? Or more simply just have the league catch up?

I like the guy but this would be a rare “sell high” move that we never had the balls to do with Wood or Kendrick

Of course they don't have the value.

They also don’t have the talent.

The point is — our BP sucked through much of last year. Don’t trade away what works, or else we’re in the same position we were before we acquired Downs and Takahashi.

No, we won’t get as much out of a Rodney trade, for instance. But we will be taking a highly inconsistent tool out of Scioscia’s hand — and he’ll forced to use better players.

Addition by subtraction.

I agree it would be better to trade Rodney and Jepsen but

not only are they suckier, they also cost more. Well, maybe not Jepsen YET, but he’s closer to costing more than Kohn and Walden. So, who in their right mind is going to pay more for worse pitchers?

sheisalovelyladyandmyapologiestoher - December 10, 2010 reply

paging Uncle Ned!

Dayton Moore too! Oh wait, I think he blew his budget on Jeff Francoeur.

Jepson , Rivera , and Wood + ptbnl

= Soria. (Dont laugh, its the Royals.)

Wally's World - December 10, 2010 reply

Can't we just name Mathis now?

Here.... I'll start.

Kohn, Mathis, Wood, Willits, Palmer, Jeremy Moore, Robb Q (The Phills will allow it),Mark Trumbo and the contents of Brad Fullmer’s wall safe to the Pirates for Q McCracken.

We get a new Q.

I meant

Andrew McCutchen. God…. it’s Friggin Friday….

Get worn out enough....

… Fall into a hot tub powered by Russian atomic waste fueled energy drink, wake up watching the late 90s Rockies.

Fun movie

Check to make sure you still have both kidneys.

The Angels ship is listing badly to one side (bullpen).

I sense a imminent capsizing if the team doesn’t soon get some bats to balance the hull.

angelslogic - December 10, 2010 reply

MORE RELIEVERS

This is obivously a precursor to moving Haren to the DH spot.

He can DH for Mathis during his turn in the rotation

Dan Haren actually has the higher career AVG of the two.

That is depressing.

Seriously, can't we DH for Mathis if the pitchers hit?

That's not DHing anymore

It’s NL ball.

matthiasstephan - December 12, 2010 reply

Yes, true, but preferable to having Mathis bat (besides, we would still be substituting).

Haren can hit. I think Weave can too, frankly.

Maybe Big Splash means Prince Fielder...?

He'll play where? center field?

Share time at 1B and DH with Kendry i'd imagine

Balls and Strikes - December 13, 2010 reply

have him shadow Bourjos as he covers CF and LF.

Goodbye

Chatwood and Reckling :(

Please no.

Can you say “Mo Vaughn”?

Not without laughing maniacally, no.

Gorbachav5 - December 11, 2010 reply

Yes, Prince Fielder makes a big splash

He is a giant tub of lard….

mustard_man - December 11, 2010 reply

Hmmmm.... I wonder

if this move is additional protection for Kazmir. I responded in an earlier post that Takahashi will end up being our 5th starter by mid-season and I truly believe it. I hope I am wrong and Kazmir bounces back for a good season, but the chances of that are minimal.

This signing protects our pen by keeping a left available if Takahashi moves in the rotation. If he doesn’t we will be loaded.

I like the idea of moving an inexpensive reliever and Rivera to pick up an OF/DH bat. I wonder if a package of Walden, Rivera and a prospect could land any of the following players:

- Shin Soo Choo
- Andrew McCutchen
- BJ Upton

Or… maybe we put a better package together and go after Matt Kemp? The Dodgers were not exactly happy with him last year, even though he is a 30/30 guy for years to come. I am not sure we could make it happen, but I would love to have him.

marshgr - December 10, 2010 reply

Lets dip things in reality do you really think a team would be that dumb to accept those deals...?

No kidding...

I think it depends on the prospect

All of those teams are trying to build with young talent. Walden could be a closer for those teams in the very near future, Rivera is an inexpensive power bat who could return to 25+ HR.

Look at the Uggla deal! It’s possible.

marshgr - December 10, 2010 reply

Could hit 25 + Homers is not a good selling point sorry nice try.

Rivera hitting 25 jacks

Does not forgive atrocious defense and never getting on base.

It does proved positive WAR value, though

So…

.3 War is not worth 5.25 Million

No, but 1.7 (2009) or 2.3 (2006) is

But 2 WAR in LF is a recipe for 2nd place

Angels got 0 WAR from LF in 2008

Suboptimal - December 11, 2010 reply

a recipe for 3rd place

Rev Halofan - December 12, 2010 reply

Uggla deal doesn't count.

It was with the Marlins.

Sin Soo Choo will not wear another uniform until he hits FA

Or somebody hands most of their AA team to the Indians.

I laughed out loud when I read SSC as a potential trade dude

I like it

But I remember also liking the last reliever we acquired from Toronto.

UCIHalo - December 10, 2010 reply

Speier was good for one year!

jtkelly86 - December 10, 2010 reply

He was good for a half a year.

He went to shit in the 2nd half of 2007.

After the mystery virus

Balls and Strikes - December 13, 2010 reply

it must be the cause of the angels minor league woes

Hit speier, mcpherson, kotchman, wood,

My bullpen axiom is: Don't pay more than 10% of payroll on your bullpen...

…and keep a steady queue of cheap BP farm arms in the upper minors.

Following that rule, it means the Angels can spend about 12-13M on the pen. They’ve spent 9M on Downs and Takahashi. If they trade Rodney for some marginal prospect, we can stay within the contours of that principle.

I’d be excited entering the season with those two lefties and a young nucleus of Thompson, Kohn, Walden and the fringy long relievers like Bell and Palmer for mop up. Then you got Geltz and Berg waiting in AAA.

It’s solid depth at the right price.

Sinatrasratpack - December 10, 2010 reply

I agree with the premise but you might have to up your % a bit

In the days where relievers are so widely used and relied on I think maybe keeping it around 12-14% is more accurate. Giving us what 15-16 mill on bullpen

I think the Angels will sign Beltre. The offered Crawford 18 million a year. The already spent 9 million on 2 lefty relief pitchers. They offer Beltre 10 million a season.

ramo - December 10, 2010 reply

Oh, he'll get more than that.

Im just kidding…..

ramo - December 10, 2010 reply

Johnramo?

^awesome old school HH reference^

Rev Halofan - December 11, 2010 reply

But will we offer more than that?

Bora$$ laughs at you

angelsownredsux - December 10, 2010 reply

Johnramo?

What is this Johnramo of which you speak?

opiejeanne - December 11, 2010 reply

we had an annoying poster by the name of

JOHNSAMO and his banning back in 2006 was an epic in hilarity.

Rev Halofan - December 11, 2010 reply

GMTA

red floyd - December 11, 2010 reply

Jim Thome and Adrian Beltre here we come!!!!!(maybe) lol

Actually thats exactly what I was thinking.

Or Vlad. then the lineup is somewhat ok.

I am actually down with the return of Vlad.

highlandhalo - December 10, 2010 reply

Do you guys think

that if we have Abrooo in LF, Beltre @ third, Thome as primary DH, play Napolli more, and have K Moe @ first that shot of offense will outweigh bad D at the dish and LF? And will that power outweigh that we’re clogging the bases?

some order made up of

Abrooo LF
Hunter RF
K MOE 1B
Beltre 3B
Thome DH
Kendrick 2B
Napolli C
Aybar SS
Bourjous CF

If Aybar, and Bourjous, Kendrick improve at all, and Naps actually gets time this will be a slow, double play, LOB heavy line up…. but I’d be afraid to hang a breaking ball to any of em. And our pitching’s gona be really good.

Thome’s attitude rules… he’d be great for that too.

That would make me warm inside

No. He won't hit outside of Texas.

Atch the playoffs much? He’s done.

jimmuscomp - December 11, 2010 reply

Me too.

Let him retire an Angel, make him a lock to go in the Hall as an Angel, too.

I hope.

You misspelled "on"

I could be down with that. Vlad or Thome.

Now that both are willing to take one year and DH only. We probably will only get two-thirds of a season from either of them, but Thome in particular can still really get on base.

It means another year of Bobby in leftfield, but having Bourjos in center helps a lot.

I couldn't tolerate another year of Suckbroo in LF

Granting that my toleration isn’t high on the Angels’ thinks-to-give-a-shit-about list.

I would prefer Thome due to his OBP skills.

This.

jimmuscomp - December 11, 2010 reply

This is great. We have the best pitching staff in all of baseball now

And nobody who can hit a baseball. Last time I checked pitching and hitting were both important parts of the game. … And, Jered Weaver is gonna have to find away Downs and work out a way to get rid of that mulllet.

highlandhalo - December 10, 2010 reply

Oh man, if Scott's mullet becomes a thing for the pitching staff

We would have to call it the “Downs Syndrome”

Weaver could just say ... hey I got rid of my mullet

and now I’m one of the best pitchers in baseball!

highlandhalo - December 10, 2010 reply

Not funny at all

there are some places you don’t go man

sctrojan13 - December 10, 2010 reply

Call me what you will

I laughed

I smirked, which is almost as good.

opiejeanne - December 11, 2010 reply

yeah

like to a special ed class and make that joke.

It’s not even offensive, it’s just a recognizable name for a thing. He didn’t say, “They’d all be stupid enough to wear the mullet, they’d have downs syndrome.” That’s offensive.

lighten up!

It just occurred to me that the 3/$15MM deal is lamented by some here at HH

as being too much money.

I’m sure the Angels would have prefered 2/$7MM plus an option for the pitcher which they surely need, but there are probably other pursuers jocking for position by bumping up the price.

Alas, the Angels offered more years and money than anyone else was willing to offer.

Sound familiar?

wumbug - December 10, 2010 reply

Overpaying for relievers? Thats fine

Overpaying for people who hold bats? NO FUCKING WAY OMFG WHAT ARE YOU THINKING SO MUCH MONEY OMG FUTURE FUTURE FUTURE, NOT WORTH IT, LOOK AT HIS WAR, JESUS CHRIST SO MUCH MUNNIEZ, MOVING FORWARD

When the overpay is a few mil

its a big difference compared to overpaying by 20 million.

nolander - December 10, 2010 reply

Its all relative

And we relatively have a shitty offense compared to everyone else.

Trust the process.

Trust the deception

http://twitter.com/OCR_DanWoike/status/13388560279273472

According to Dan Woike of OCR

Reagins said we are done adding bullpen help

Good, now offense please Tony.

Excellent.

Enough with the Soriano rumors.

Beltre or bust.

Out Californy way.

Good shit.

All they need to do, now, is sign Beltre—then, trade for Quentin.

The exact quote is...

Reagins thinks he his done adding bullpen help…

He also said they weren't too concerned about the bullpen a couple of days ago

The Angels might still do well to pick up a marginal reliever, then unload some of Rodney’s paycheck on a sucker easily impressed by fastball velocity.

TheAngelsColts - December 11, 2010 reply

No Duh lol. Already got a ton.

At Bluebird Banter Downs nickname is Snakeface.

I can sort of see that from the picture above.

44FAN - December 10, 2010 reply

F that, he needs a new nickname

I vote for Syndrome.

(in b4 shit storm of PC people)

Seconded

Good one, Phi.

Did he discover the disease?

And does the syndrome have anything to do with a penchant for getting paid too much to throw balls while your hats on wrong?

See "The Incredibles".

I think Syndrome is a good name

However, referring to him as “Down’s Syndrome” (which was not suggested, but where the nickname arose from) is probably never cool.

linkbruin - December 10, 2010 reply

Just Syndrome

dont want to overdue it.

angelsownredsux - December 10, 2010 reply

but Scott syndrome doesn't sound as good

HE HAS A SNAKE TATTOO ON HIS FACE!

Another player on the Blue Jays suggested he get it to look more intimidating on the mound so he got a tattoo of a snake on his face.

44FAN - December 11, 2010 reply

Maybe a trade is brewing for Wright

We could package Walden and 2-3 minor leaguers

mathisrocks5 - December 10, 2010 reply

or sign Lee and trade Ervin

mathisrocks5 - December 10, 2010 reply

For 3 years we would be so fucking good.

The Angels probably offered some pantywaste contract offer and are being laughed at as we speak.

wtf? why trade ervin!? trade Kaz!

KB_24 - December 10, 2010 reply

Because Bobbleface has trade value

Nibbletits does not.

You're a nicknaming machine

Usher! That's who he is!

bobbinhead25 - December 10, 2010 reply

I'd love Wright

Don’t think the Queens constituency would approve

UCIHalo - December 10, 2010 reply

First Down and 15M

1 WAR per year over the life of the deal and it’s fair.

Xeifrank - December 10, 2010 reply

Given he's delivered on that (or better) five of the last six years...

…we’ve got a good shot.

Relievers are CRAP

shoots in many cases, so time will tell. :)

Xeifrank - December 10, 2010 reply

But it's like a CREEPY CRAIGSLIST ad.

I like ’em old and lefthanded.

Was there a penalty or something?

And when did football go metric? I thought it was first down and 10 yd?

pun

on name and contract $.

Xeifrank - December 11, 2010 reply

False start on

the entire FA. Carl Crawford drew them, the bastard.

Delay of game on the Angels... gain of down, loss of Crawford...

also, personal foul, roughing the GM on the Angels’ fans. Repeat miserable 2010 as penance. trAdition FTW!

Es a nice!

AlohaHalofan - December 10, 2010 via mobile reply

OK OK OK

Please. Can we stop with the “if we trade Rodney” talk. If I hook up with a super model, I will be happy, if I were a male model I’d have nicer clothes, if I lose 90lbs in the next 3 months it may all happen before the baseball season… and TR may find a team willing to take Rodney. He’s expensive and he sucks. We know it, so do blog weenies on Orioles sites. Stop with the whole “now all we have too…. my recommendation is…. rah dah Rodney.” we’re stuck with him. It’s getting as annoying as the musings about who we can get in a package with Wood and Mathis involved…. which is plenty, if the third name in the deal’s Trout.

Rodney gets "no respect."

He's a "danger on the field."

sorry, man; it wasn’t punny was it?

Somewhere, somehow, there just has to be a "Ladybug"s joke in there.

Sorry, ’bug!

I think the next person who thinks TR will find someone stupid enough to take Rodney will have to be sent “Back To School”

red floyd - December 13, 2010 reply

And if I had some ham, I could have ham and eegs....

If I had some eggs!

Angelsfan015 - December 14, 2010 reply

But the eggs would have to be green!

Would you eat them in the Goat (Hill Tavern)?

red floyd - December 14, 2010 reply

Hmmm

It’s starting to sound like Carlos Quentin might be a fit with our excess relievers.

Tony Hui - December 10, 2010 reply

I like him

He’s got the most menacing stance in baseball.

sheisalovelyladyandmyapologiestoher - December 10, 2010 reply

i mean

kendry, carlos, adrian, and hunter makes a pretty good core. now if kendrick and aybar gets on their games and bobby comes back strong.. we can get back on track in the runs department.

Tony Hui - December 10, 2010 reply

Pixie dust. Don't forget the magic pixie dust.

This site would crash every time he flies out to center.

But I’d still love those jokes.

Jose Bautista please

Jesse78 - December 10, 2010 reply

Rofl

This is hilarious if you are kidding

And very very sad if you arent.

Either way you get a rec.

gotta like contracts with lots of performance incentives.

this would be ideal with beltre too, if unlikely

river-z - December 10, 2010 reply

Nice!

Reagins actually found a judicious use for the protected pick. Most other teams with money also had winning seasons last year, so they wouldn’t be bidding vigorously for a Type A reliever like Downs. This is a good price for a lefty with his resume.

Meh

$23m a year tied up in the bullpen…..this makes about as much sense as anything else Reagins has done of late.

You must go to bed after the 6th inning

And after the 3rd when Kazmir is starting

I just start drinking heavily when Willits or Abreu is in LF, Mathis is catching, and (insert any name currently on the roster) is playing 3rd base...

"My advice to you is to start drinking heavily"

I was kidding I doubt jays would send us their big fish. How about one of the Tigers young outfielders?

Jesse78 - December 10, 2010 reply

reply fail

Red Sux fan…

sheisalovelyladyandmyapologiestoher - December 10, 2010 reply

Quentin is on the block

Jepsen and Rivera, no cash swap, straight up.

Ozzie’s looking for bullpen help, according to Rotoworld…

feNOMINAL - December 10, 2010 reply

no dice

Sox would be downgrading outfielders.

Quentin is just what this team needs...NOT

“Unfortunately, third base wasn’t the only defensive nightmare for the White Sox. At first base Paul Konerko rated dead last at minus-17 runs saved, as did Carlos Quentin with minus-19 runs saved in right field. "

He had injury issues over the past couple of seasons and experienced a moderate decrease in offensive performance. The guy looks like a DH in waiting…..

LAstands4LovingAnaheim - December 10, 2010 reply

well obviously hes a dh if we acquire him

Tony Hui - December 10, 2010 reply

Maybe we can land that stud Rob Quinlan.

He can play almost every position and will bat anywhere in the lineup.

any way to get hanley ramirez?

Just heard terry mention it.

SCHalo - December 10, 2010 via mobile reply

Kidnap him?

LOL

Figgi4life - December 10, 2010 via mobile reply

hell no...

Id love it, BUT he’s a stud in florida and just signed a nice extension. They love him there. I think without Trout it’d be impossible..

C.A._Rep_Los_ANGELS - December 10, 2010 via mobile reply

Terry needs to get off that

it ain’t happening

2pintsofbooze - December 10, 2010 reply

ok I would really love it if we threw a package together for

RYAN BRAUN!.. BOOM! That just happened..

Nobody mentions him. He’s from Cali, he’s an all star, he has lots of pop, speed, and is very athletic. And way cheaper then Crawford.

That’d be Super Ninja if TR got him..

C.A._Rep_Los_ANGELS - December 10, 2010 via mobile reply

Would it be "Super Ninja" if Trout was traded for him?

There’s no way we get Braun by trading our “table scraps”….

honestly, yes.

but braun is also probably my favorite baseball player. Average, Patience, Defense (has gotten better every year he’s played), Power, Speed.
He would be perfect for our team. i would trade trout for him in a heartbeat.

IE Angel - December 10, 2010 reply

trading Trout for Braun

Would kill the “NinjaNess” of the trade. Because that’d be the easy route to go.

But like somebody said earlier, a prospect isn’t shit till they prove their worth in the majors..

If we traded for Braun, signed him long term then it could be a very smart move if Trout fizzles out..
Just a suggestion, a smart one I thought.

C.A._Rep_Los_ANGELS - December 10, 2010 via mobile reply

Braun isn't an OBP black hole

but he isn’t a model of patience either. His walk rate is pretty average, not that there is anything wrong with that given his BA and power.

Also he hasn’t gotten better every year. His SLG has gone down by a small amount every season. Not that this is an alarming trend but you can’t really say he has been getting better if his stats are going down a little.

I would love Braun in this lineup but I don’t think he is worth giving out Trout for.

his defense has gotten better every year. my main point.

IE Angel - December 10, 2010 reply

He was white hot last season, got a fastball in the elbow and was pretty poor for about 6 weeks, and then was white hot again. I’d say he might be getting better offensively although he seems pretty much the same.

Salty - December 11, 2010 reply

And he's a Nice Jewish Boy (tm)

I can smell a spike in Hebrew Hammer usernames on HH if we got him lol

Outlandish trade speculations welcome!

Well, once again, no one saw this coming. So, please don’t mock anyone’s ridiculous ideas because none of us have any idea what Reagins is up to.

lol just trying to spice it up a little.

Sure they’re crazy trade wishes but who cares? That’s what we waited for the of season for right? To speculate and see what actually happens….

The offseason is where we can all lay out our dream trades lol.. face it though, if its not by trade then by free agency Braun will leave the Brewers when he get the chance.

C.A._Rep_Los_ANGELS - December 10, 2010 via mobile reply

“face it though, if its not by trade then by free agency Braun will leave the Brewers when he get the chance.”

…and sign with NY or Bos

ESP - December 10, 2010 reply

Trades?

My wish list would consist of:
Chin Soo Choo – Rumors are out there that the he (Scott Boras) is not happy that the Indians will not give him a multi year deal while still eligible for arbitration.

David Wright – His name has been floated about as well and his numbers last year were great.

Carlos Beltran – Again I think the Mets would be willing to part with him for a package that did not contain Trout

Michael Young – the Rangers would never send him to Anaheim but he would be a nice fit at third

One of the Upton brothers – A change of scenery might do one of them good.

All of these names are a possibility (albeit a faint one) but a possibility. The key as always will be what will we have to give up? Everyone knows that we are desperate so we would have to pay a kings ransom for anyone.

ESP - December 10, 2010 reply

Choo

Scott Boras isn’t a GM. If he’s really unhappy about a situation he’s in and can’t manipulate his way out of it, then I’d like to see it continue so I can smile for as long as possible.

Even if the Rangers would actually trade Young to us, I wouldn't want him.

He is one of the most overrated players in this decade.

His defense is Jeterian…….people think it’s good just because of his reputation but it’s not really that good at all.

And his career OPS is a respectable but not elite .795…..and that’s given he’s literally played half of his career games in the Arlington launch pad. His career road OPS is a paltry .733.

Think about it. There is a reason why Texas has shown interest in Beltre and dangled Young’s name on the trade market.

Beltre's career road OPS is 100 POINTS HIGHER

.837. But I’m sure there are plenty of people who think Young is a better player. It boggles the mind.

Geez.

Some people want us to go after the same players each offseason. It didn’t happen the last 2 years, why would it happen now?

Figgi4life - December 10, 2010 via mobile reply

tell that to the Red Sox..

They DID get Adrian Gonzalez. Did you forget??

C.A._Rep_Los_ANGELS - December 10, 2010 via mobile reply

Let's go after Shea Hillenbrand...

remember those days? Yikes. Be afraid of getting what you ask for!

I'm pumped up

While the national media (and many of the bloggers on this site) have been ridiculing the Angels’ front office, the Angels have signed the two best lefty relievers and avoided an excessively steep contract for someone who would not have fixed all of our issues on offense.

If we sign Beltre, this offseason is a success, especially if we can trade for another bat in left field.

Brody - December 10, 2010 via mobile reply

Yeah, our front office kicks ass...

(waves poms poms and drinks some kool aid with Brody).

Shouldn't the title of the post be "Looking Down"?

sheisalovelyladyandmyapologiestoher - December 10, 2010 reply

or "Looking Downs"

Or...."Our GM gots Downs, yo"

bc56274 - December 10, 2010 reply

or "Love in an Elevator"

Livin’ it up when I’m goin’ down….

mustard_man - December 11, 2010 reply

Let's cheer for the Rays to start an all out fire sale...

Then send the Angels Evan Longoria.
Thirdbase solved.

HuskerHalo - December 10, 2010 reply

YA!!!!

WHOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
YEEEEESSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!

C.A._Rep_Los_ANGELS - December 10, 2010 via mobile reply

Do we get his cap, too?

That's not his cap

longoria signed

The shittiest contract I’ve ever seen lol… that guy makes peanuts for how good he is.

C.A._Rep_Los_ANGELS - December 10, 2010 via mobile reply

Well he did sign the contract 6 days after his major league debut.

Quinlan's Goofy Swing - December 11, 2010 reply

thats something i didnt know.

Explains the dumb contract.

C.A._Rep_Los_ANGELS - December 11, 2010 via mobile reply

Sweet, we'll get 2 years worth of quality lefty set-up, 1 year of injury and crap,

Ive always liked Downs, hopefully he turns out better than Speier did.

Wally's World - December 10, 2010 reply

At least he has two T's in his name

jtkelly86 - December 10, 2010 reply

We lose a 1st round pick

But hey at least Arte did save money on his car insurance.

GrandyOlePal - December 10, 2010 reply

First round pick is protected

Slyintine - December 10, 2010 reply

We don't lose a 1st round pick

my bad

GrandyOlePal - December 10, 2010 reply

How's about....

Napoli for Corey Hart, straight up, gives us power and bridges the gap till Trout finishes spawning upstream.

NateS - December 11, 2010 reply

the solution for too many catchers and relievers

two extra mounds in the pen

Hope someone is drawing up a new bullpen flow chart for Mikey

hmmm

appears the first number I saw on Down was wrong and it is 15 and not 10 like I first thought. It may be a little more than we would want to pay but isn’t really overpaying he was payed 4 mil. last year so a 1 mill upgrade for the next 3 years is he is a solid player for us and doesn’t become a total fail isn’t in my book at least overpaying.

TheAngelsColts - December 11, 2010 reply

Trout

I saw him play a game for the Quakes this year. First pitch hit a 450 ft. homerun. I’m down to trade prospects, really wanted to get Mcab, but this kid is special. Really think we might see him June 1st.

GrandyOlePal - December 11, 2010 reply

So this doesn't seem as crazy as it did at the time I wrote it...

http://www.halosheaven.com/2010/10/8/1739884/the-glorious-elephant-in-the-room-mike-trout

We should trade Callaspo and Rivera for Quentin instead, after signing Beltre of course. Realistically I don’t see Trout coming up until September, until then Willits would be our defensive sub.

Abreu LF/DH
Kendrick 2B
Hunter RF
Morales 1B
Beltre 3B
Quentin DH/LF
Napoli C
Aybar SS
Bourjos CF

I’d be willing to sacrifice our LF defense for a lineup like that, and Bourjos is so fast he nearly makes up for Abroo and Quentin.

a slightly off topic trout comment

Why is trout so untouchable to everyone? After what has happened to this organization with dmac, wood, kendrick and his competing for batting titles for years to come nonsense, we should be jumping at the chance to unload anybody that has remote interest from another team. Our scouting dept can apparently only find aaa talent. Not to mention, we need to win now. If we want to compete with the big boys, time to start acting like it. Teams like the royals load up on prospects. And when they are good they leave anyway. Trade em all and let’s take down them bastards in the east.

Bush League Boston - December 11, 2010 via mobile reply

He's untouchable because of his name

We don’t care about his skills or potential, it’s all about the name. Tim Salmon started the obsession, and since then we all gravitate to ballplayers named after fish. Trout is a natural to continue our “named for a fish” legacy.

mustard_man - December 11, 2010 reply

hahaha King Fish 2.0??

Honestly I think anybody here would trade him, considering the circumstances.

Like for Adrian Gonzalez, I think we coulda got him for Trout, Callaspo and maybe a AA pitcher who’s not super promising.

If we could of done that I say go for it only if we sign Gonzo for long term, then we get Kendry back and split 1st/DH between them both so we can show Kendry can still play. Then we trade Kendry and Borjous for Ryan Braun because the Brewers are going to lose the Prince anyway and they’ll need a good outfield replacement…

I woulda been sooo down with that

C.A._Rep_Los_ANGELS - December 11, 2010 via mobile reply

i know i might get ripped for that

But seriously would you be hurt on losing out on one guy who will probably be a Carlos Gonzalez type.
While Gaining A.Gonzalez & Ryan Braun?

C.A._Rep_Los_ANGELS - December 11, 2010 via mobile reply

Trout is debatably the #1 prospect IN BASEBALL right now.

And his skill set mixed with his age far surpasses any of the aforementioned busts from our organization. Dmac and Wood were both poor BA/poor contact hitters that have no plate discipline. Meanwhile, Trout has amazing plate discipline, speed, high contact rate, and even shows some pop every once in a while. I’m not saying he will turn into a future HOF, but you don’t give a guy away with his kinda potential.

b0rd3rline - December 11, 2010 reply

The following players say "hello":

Kendry Morales
Jered Weaver
K-Rod
Tim Salmon
Troy Glaus
Darin Erstad
Peter Bourjos (so far)
Mike Napoli
Jim Edmonds (had he not been trade so soon)

Busts, all of them. The Angels farm system isn’t worth shyte.

Clutch - December 11, 2010 reply

im not saying we never produced any good players

But if ur putting boujos and napoli as proof of how good our farm system is, then that’s pretty indicative of the situation. And that untouchable can’t miss dmac forced out glaus cuz he was younger cheaper and under club control, wood the same with figgins.

Bush League Boston - December 11, 2010 via mobile reply

Not sure where you got "can't miss"

There were serious questions about both DMac and Wood. Neither of those players ever had the pedigree or accolades currently bestowed upon Trout and simply pawning him off due to the failures of inferior, unrelated prospects is simply foolish. Every situation is unique and it’s unfair to throw all prospects under the same umbrella.

As for “forcing” guys out… Glaus was let go because of his price and his checkered history of being healthy, so on balance, the younger, cheaper MacPhearson was a reasonable gamble. Figgins got too much from Seattle, so taking a measured chance on Wood was defensible.

dmhead - December 12, 2010 reply

REally?

McPherson was the Topps Minor league player of the year.

Wood was rated by many as the #1 or #2 prospect not too long ago. He and Alex Gordon.

hauldog - December 12, 2010 reply

He's untouchable because he's showing something that our previous prospects didnt:

The ability to draw walks COMBINED with contact hitting ability, speed and power.

The fact that his BB/K rate is almost 1 at every level he’s played in so far is insane. Strike zone discipline and patience is something our farm system has had trouble developing, so having Trout, someone who already has discipline and patience, is a major major plus.

Slyintine - December 11, 2010 reply

Agreed...

SELL HIGH!

Catch and release wild TROUT.