I admire Howard Kendrick, but would he really have wanted to stay if the Angels were just like the Oakland A's? Kendrick stays with Angels for loyalty, not Pujols - Yahoo! Sports. "We’ve gotten better, and I wanted to be a part of it," Kendrick said Tuesday after the formal announcement of his new four-year, $33.5 million deal with the Angels. "But even more than that, I’ve been in this organization so long, it feels like a home. It’s definitely special to stay home. … The fan base, the city, the weather, it’s all great. There’s other teams that win, too, but we win in 70 degree weather." Okay, maybe he does like it here.
How important is signing Kendricks double play partner to an extension? Next up: Erick Aybar? - ESPN Los Angeles. "We’ll continue to talk to Erick," Dipoto said, "both as it pertains to his 2012 contract as well as the idea of staying here for a longer period." With so many other options within the organization, is signing Aybar to a long-term deal the smart way to go? Wouldn't Aybar be a valuable trade chip in acquiring some depth in the pen or restocking the lower minor leagues?
Ranger fans are going to have to cut back on the road-kill armadillo burgers: AL champion Rangers raise most ticket prices for 2012 season - CBSSports.com. "While most increases are $1 to $4 per ticket, corner box seats increased 23 percent. Those seats will be $53 for non-premier games and $59 for 26 games classified as premier, such as most Friday and Saturday home dates. Those seats were $43 and $48 last season."
Halos Heaven friend Rich Lederer is interviewed about Jack Morris: Bert Blyleven lobbyist not convinced Jack Morris is worthy of Hall of Fame - TwinCities.com. Within the interview, Rich makes a great point, "The guy I probably would be most passionate about is Bill James. He should get consideration (for his scientific analysis of baseball statistics). In my mind, he has made us think in a way that has impacted how we think about baseball. I almost would like to see James get into the regular hall of fame and not the baseball writers' (section). I don't know how he'd get on the ballot. He's still a current executive (with the Boston Red Sox). To me, he has a hall of fame-type resume."
Don't you just love it when people can work out their disagreements? Dodgers and Fox Sports settle dispute - latimes.com. "The settlement means that McCourt has reached agreement with his two primary adversaries in U.S. Bankruptcy Court — MLB and Fox — and can proceed to meet an April 30 deadline for the sale of the Dodgers." The Cord War is over!
You know what they say, "Large strike zone, large...": Which umpire has the largest strike zone? - The Hardball Times. Here's a brief explanation of the theory, "The coefficient of strike zone area was -0.58, meaning that for every one foot increase in strike zone area, we can expect a decrese in FIP of about -0.58. The relationship had limited explanatory value though, with an R-squared of 0.13. This means that the values of strike zone area explain 13 percent of the variance in the values of umpire FIP." You got that?
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Who replaces him?
Segura is more of a 2B to me and cannot stay on the field.
Am I missing something? Aybar isn’t amazing but he’s really not easily replaceable either.
Does anyone know how good his arm is? Callaspo, like Segura, was primarily a second baseman in the Minors.
If Aybar signs with the Angels long-term, the Angels could move Segura to third and have him and Luis Jimenez compete for the position once Callaspo leaves the organization.
I recently talked to Sam Farber, who as 66’ers broadcaster has seen Segura play short as much as anyone, and his money quote was that he “can’t imagine why [Segura] wasn’t considered a shortstop from the beginning"…”perfect reflexes to play shortstop."
He looked very good out there, apparently… When he was on the field.
But Aybar is always there and has become pretty awesome defensively. Unless his asking price is dumb, I really like the idea of keeping him around.
Segura is very exciting and I think we should hold onto him….but his health issues and lack of experience at the higher levels makes Aybar a safe bet. This team is built to win right now, not ease in prospects who might be taking their lumps
The Angels have raised prices quite a bit, too, for this upcoming season. I don’t have the pricing sheet they gave me at season seat holder select-a-seat with me at the moment, but if I recall correctly, everything in the view level went up at least a little bit. If anyone cares, I can look up specifics for them later when I get home.
An interesting note is that they decided to raise these prices prior to signing Pujols, as select-a-seat this year took place before the signing.
If we can afford to keep everybody, why trade anyone? I apply that to Bobby Abreu too. He already had to accept a reduced role at the end of last season, so it shouldn’t be a surprise to him if he is mostly benched. If Abreu starts, he is just blocking better players like Morales or Trumbo. But if he comes in late in games to pinch hit, he’ll be a tremendous asset.
Who in the world would Abreu pinch hit for? mathis isn’t in the lineup anymore and I would rather have any of the 9 starters hitting in any possible situation than Abreu. Plus this is an AL team we have no pitcher to hit for either. Jeremy Moore is a much more valuable bench player than Abreu he adds speed,pinch running ability, and is a pretty good defender while making about 7.5 million less.
Abreu is getting paid by this team, so it doesn’t matter how much cheaper Moore is. But, Abreu adds speed, and his OBP is an extremely valuable asset, especially if the Halos are trailing late in a game and need baserunners. I would MUCH rather have Bobby come out to PH late in a game for Vernon, especially facing a RH pitcher.
I’m sorry, but your whole comment is full of wrong
For starters, late in a game, trailing by 1 run, I’d lift Bourjos or Aybar for Abreu, especially leading off an inning. He gets on base better than either of them, and is almost as fast. Trailing by 2 runs, I’d even lift Trumbo or Wells for Abreu with nobody on base. Those guys have some pop, but Abreu is more likely to start a rally. Not sure about Ianetta, since I’ve never seen him play, but he’s another possible lift for Abreu. So, there’s about half the line-up that I’d pull in certain scenarios for Abreu. Does that answer your question?
Jeremy Moore is all those things you said plus one more thing – a minor leaguer. He’s unproven. He’s not the kind of guy you bring in to spark a rally. He may be the kind of guy who pinch runs after someone else has started a rally, like how Figgins broke in, but a manager would have to be stupid to prefer hitting him over Abreu when late in a game and down a run or two.
Please re-think your comments & stop talking out of your @ss
1)Abreu has 0 speed and at this point in his career is probably only faster than the catchers and Morales. Sciosc would never let abreu steal in a late inning situation trailing by 1 or 2.
2)WTF abreu for Borjous have you failed to realize Borjous is not only the fastest guy on our squad but is also the sparkplug. Borjous leading off an inning creates pressure for the defense and if he indeed gets on creates pressure for the pitcher which could result in a mistake and cookie fastball for the #2, #3, & #4 hitters in the lineup.
3)Almost as fast as Borjous or Aybar lol you must be on a good one bro we’re talking about Abreu from 2011-12 not from 2000-01 haha
4)If you think bringing in Moore to pinch hit and lay down a drag bunt and get on then steal 2nd all with less than 2 outs is stupid than you sir should never come close to managing.
5)Pinch hitting for Trumbo or Wells trailing by 1 or 2 runs is not smart at all. I’d much rather roll the dice on a possibility of those two tying up the game with one swing of the bat than watching abreu strike out looking on a fastball inside.
6) THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR AND THE ONE BOTH OF YOU GUYS FAILED TO REALIZE. Your basing your comments and arguments on Bobby Abreu the starter not Bobby Abreu the guy coming off the bench. He won’t be getting 500 Abs anymore like he has the past 14 years. That means he isn’t seeing as many pitches, he won’t be as patient, he might not be able to recognize pitches as good, he won’t be as consistent, and who in the world knows how he will fair. Cutting his playing time by over 50% does not make a 38 years old better. His .353 obp will not stay .353 for much longer not only that but how will it affect his attitude. At this point izturis is a much better bat off the bench Abreu should just take over hatcher’s job.
First of all, this overly defensive rant being your 5th comment on HH doesn’t make you look very good.
Second, here is a link you should learn to use and love, it gives all kinds of information on players that we level-headed fans call “statistics.” http://www.baseball-reference.com/
In 2011, Abreu had 21 SB in 585 PA. Bourjos had 22 in 552. Abreu was caught stealing 5 times, Bourjos 9. Abreu struck out 113 times, Bourjos 124. Abreu’s OBP was .353 and Bourjos’ was .327. Abreu also has 14 more years of experience on Bourjos that he takes to the plate every time.
You just study that for as long as it takes you to wrap your brain around it, then get back to us.
Mlb managers aren’t sitting in front a computer during the gm so they don’t have access to all the #‘s during the gm so you also need to go by whatyou see on the field. Pretty much what your argument is saying that you are willing to pinch hit for a CF starter who will be playing everyday, gain more experience in his 2nd full season and is probably the surest bet to score on a ball in the gap from 1st for a 38 year old on a vast decline who will get his ab’s cut by over 50 % and has not had under 500 ab’s in over 14 years. Abreu has never been a bench player you can’t just expect him to produce like he did as a stater. Especially late up against a setup man or closer. You need to also take into consideration that Borjous is an up and coming player with loads of potential who will elevate his gm in his 2nd full season and Abreu is at the end of his career and declining. Borjous will probably get better with more ab’s while abreu will not be what he once was as a starter with a vastly reduced bench role. Yea he had better #‘s in his last season as a full time starter but those #’s are going to be cut in half with the amount of playing time he will receive. At the end of the day I’m taking my chances with Borjous leading off and having Kendrick, Pujols, and Hunter(or Morales if hes back) try and score him if he gets on than Abreu.But that’s just me I know many won’t agree and that’s cool.
there is a binder, there are the stopclocks, and the watches, the assistants, the lasagna, the interns and all of these culminate in decisions.
Your point about Abreu’s ability to maintain his plate discipline as a pinch hitter is interesting. I would be interested to see some comps of true OBP studs as they become pinch hitters. I have no idea what would happen but I think you might be right that his patience might suffer.
I personally don’t want Abreu leading off, and thats not what Manatee was arguing for either. We were saying, in a late game situation, trailing by a run, would we rather have a guy who is great at getting on base or of a defensive player with a substantial lower OBP (you bring up that Borjous will improve, I think he will to but there is no guarantee). Borjous’ speed wont mean much if he can’t get on base, and further more his speed wont mean anything if he can’t read pitchers and get his timing right to steal bases which he hasn’t been able to do yet.
Can Borjous score easiest on a gapper? Yes, but I would trust Abreu to not get thrown out at third or home trying to stretch what he knows he can’t. I don’t have as much faith in Borjous to know his own limitations hence why he has a habit of getting thrown out.
your coming from and Abreu has a history of getting on base but my point is that I’m not comfortable pinch hitting Abreu for Borjous at this point in each player’s career. Not in late game situations anyways. I mean the only way Borjous can further develop and elevate his game is by proving himself and coming through in different situations including late inning rally’s.
your a sink or swim guy. The only way for a guy to succeed in big moments is to put him in those big moments. But here’s the thing, that’s not how the MLB works, players go through a careful development, starting with minor leagues, then call ups in september for meaningless games and at bats (even contenders try to minimize those bats for young rookies in their first september call up).
Until Pete can show that he can come through during the non crucial at bats, Abreu should be given crucial at bats (assuming that he doesn’t decline or until he does decline).
I love petey to death I want him to be able to boost his OBP and to learn pitchers and OFers to improve his SB%, but right now, he isn’t there. If he does start to demonstrate that he can come through during the non crucial at bats then he will earn priority over Abreu.
Your comment seems to be a bit off. You should really look at Pete’s OBP and wonder IF he can get on base to cause trouble (Bourjos at .327 Abreu is .353). Then look at his steal percentage versus Abreu (Borjous is 22 SB, caught 9 times, Abreu 21 SB, caught 5).
Speed means little if the player doesn’t have the experience to know when and how to use it. Abreu does, Pete and Aybar don’t seem to have it yet, and god knows we all wish they did.
How does Trumbo tie a game with 1 swing with the Angels trailing two runs? Bring in Abreu and his much better OBP to get on base and hope the guy behind Trumbo can tie it up with one swing or just get a hit and start a rally.
It seems to me that DiPoto and Aybar's agent would likely be arguing over the $$amount of Aybar's contract, with
the number of years being bantied about as negotiating points. At best, Segura will begin in AA Arkansas this season.
DiPoto would probably LOVE signing Aybar for three years and about $20M. Aybar probably wants the same as Howie, $33.5MM/4. Otherwise, he feels “disrespected”. Cantu was signed, among other reasons, to buck up DiPoto’s options/position.
I’m in the camp that is pretty confident Walden will get even better. The 10 blown saves are misleading. Our improved offense this season will help our bullpen. Plus, we already got Hawkins to serve the back-up/mentor role.
Get a cheaper vet on a 1 year deal like Hawkins. If Walden struggles then I’m perfectly fine with Downs closing and Hawkins setting up. We need more middle relief at this point.
Like when he tried to stretch a leadoff double into a triple late against the Sux this year. Boneheaded play made out of extended effort.
He’s had other cases of throwing the ball away when he should have eaten it, but outside of the pop fly that landed between him and Figgins against the Skanks, I think all his errors are of the “trying to do too much” variety.
Before last season, I was convinced that Aybar was just too stupid to learn how to steal or bunt. I’m glad he proved me wrong, and showed lots of improvement in both of those areas in ’11. But he does still make some idiotic moves from time to time. He seems like more of an instinctive player than a smart player. That might be why he will make a crazy hard play at SS one minute, then blow a routine play the next.
But the questions about his IQ are legitimate. He makes some boneheaded decisions sometimes. However, his base stealing success last year bodes well, as long as it’s not a fluke.
To me, he’s got the value and ability of a utility infielder. My first choice would be to trade him for something we need better. Short of that, I would not invest any money in him.
I cannot get the epic failure in the ’05 play-offs out of my head.
But dude, that was seven seasons back. Let it go. The Admiral has come along nicely IMO, defensively, at the plate, and in the area of hot dog manipulation. Or so i’ve heard.
Was only one play-off ago. Aybar is not my favorite player, but if we extend, I’d be ok with it. Plus, it was probably him that tossed me a baseball before that game (hard to tell, he was so covered up with a hoodie and underover armour, all I could see we’re his eyes.
I don't think the Angels really have many other realistic options for SS in the organization besides Segura(if he can stay healthy and stay at the position).
So depending on the price, I like the idea of offering Aybar an extension.
- It puts the Angels in a position of not having to rely on Segura being a legit major league SS or some weak stopgap SS.
- There is the option of a position switch for someone if Segura is as good as we hope he will be
- OR, Aybar becomes a good trade chip, especially considering what the SS market usually looks like.
For example, free agent SS after 2012:
Erick Aybar (29)
Jason Bartlett (33) – $5.5MM club option with a $1.5MM buyout; vests with 432 PAs in 2012
Yuniesky Betancourt (31)
Geoff Blum (39)
Ronny Cedeno (30)
Stephen Drew (30) – $10MM mutual option with a $1.35MM buyout
Alex Gonzalez (35) – vesting option
Cesar Izturis (33)
Jhonny Peralta (31) – $6MM club option with a $500K buyout
Marco Scutaro (37)
That’s hardly a thrilling group as is(and could look even worse depending on those option decisions/vesting). It looks even worse if Aybar is taken off the market.
He makes amazing plays and when he is hot, he is a joy to watch. However, he also does the most boneheaded things that make me want to bang my head against the wall.
His moments of brilliance make him better than just about any other shortstop out there and I don’t see an improvement coming any time soon. Two or three years with an option should work for both sides.
My wife and I always called Aybar mini-Vlad when Aybar first came up. He copied Vlad’s little dreads, and he copied Vlad’s flabbergasting style of play.
Or show him the way to the door. Aybar is good defensively but if he does stay with us he’s nothing more than a #9 hitter for us and I’m pretty sure a deal for over 30 mill will mnake him the richest #9 hitter in baseball history. Aybar is too much of a free swinger and hardly ever takes a walk that is just too frustrating in key situations. Plus I’ll never forget his missed bunt with a runner on 3rd base and less than two outs a few years back in the playoff series against boston.
about maybe signing Peter Moylan on a minor league contract with an invite to spring training then going out and trading for Grant Balfour of the A’s. That way we have 3 [retty good Aussie’s in our pen haha. Thompson, Moylan, and Balfour would be a pretty good goup of effective arms not to mention pretty good publicity lol.
Rich Thompson better get used more from here on out
128 ERA+, 9.3 K/9, 2.8 K/BB in 54 innings is pretty sweet out of the pen. For some reason, Scioscia seems to forget we have him when we need to get out of a jam.
I think Rich Thompson is a great relief pitcher who has really be underutilized the last couple of seasons (although I believe 2011 he had his most innings and appearances). I am pretty impressed with his pitching.
But like you said Nate, Scioscia hardly ever uses him. Well who knows, maybe we will see more of him in 2012.
Aybar has proven himself to be a very good shortstop.
It makes sense to extend him, and maybe move Segura up if he’s ready (2nd base) and move Howie over to third. Great infield, good pop, good speed, and it’s our boys playing together for a long time. These guys are looking like a team that can play together for a long time. Don’t screw it up.
Who replaces him?
Segura is more of a 2B to me and cannot stay on the field.
Am I missing something? Aybar isn’t amazing but he’s really not easily replaceable either.
ihearhowie2.0 - January 11, 2012
Speaking of Segura
Does anyone know how good his arm is? Callaspo, like Segura, was primarily a second baseman in the Minors.
If Aybar signs with the Angels long-term, the Angels could move Segura to third and have him and Luis Jimenez compete for the position once Callaspo leaves the organization.
LAA101010 - January 11, 2012
Great arm
I recently talked to Sam Farber, who as 66’ers broadcaster has seen Segura play short as much as anyone, and his money quote was that he “can’t imagine why [Segura] wasn’t considered a shortstop from the beginning"…”perfect reflexes to play shortstop."
He looked very good out there, apparently… When he was on the field.
rghan - January 11, 2012
Thanks for the info
I’m looking forward to watching Segura play some games in Spring Training.
LAA101010 - January 11, 2012
Well that is reassuring
But Aybar is always there and has become pretty awesome defensively. Unless his asking price is dumb, I really like the idea of keeping him around.
Segura is very exciting and I think we should hold onto him….but his health issues and lack of experience at the higher levels makes Aybar a safe bet. This team is built to win right now, not ease in prospects who might be taking their lumps
ihearhowie2.0 - January 11, 2012
We could trade him for Hanley Ramirez :-)
Throw in Abreu just to make things even.
wumbug - January 12, 2012
trade Aybar
put Trumbo at SS
2pintsofbooze - January 11, 2012
I'd put Trout there, but he's catching.
red floyd - January 11, 2012
That's a good plan now that there's chatter about putting Morales at 3b.
snowhor - January 11, 2012
Angels
I’ve heard Pujols played a mean SS in JuCo
angelsownredsux - January 11, 2012
How about Weaver at SS? He's tall, probably has good range.
5thStarter - January 11, 2012
his arm strength is questionable
2pintsofbooze - January 11, 2012
Orlando Cabrera…heard he’s won a GG.
migfig - January 11, 2012 via mobile
What about that Jeter fellow?
ryanfea - January 11, 2012
No chance - The team gave him a pretty painting instead since Arte was planning to fire the guy who signs washed up Yankees.
snowhor - January 11, 2012
Was at the game when they honored Jeter
Very surprised that most Angels fans were cheering and not booing like myself.
angelsownredsux - January 11, 2012
I was there too...
The cheering was mostly half-assed, but there was more than I expected too.
WhatShouldIThrowToday? - January 11, 2012
As an FYI about the Rangers raising prices...
The Angels have raised prices quite a bit, too, for this upcoming season. I don’t have the pricing sheet they gave me at season seat holder select-a-seat with me at the moment, but if I recall correctly, everything in the view level went up at least a little bit. If anyone cares, I can look up specifics for them later when I get home.
An interesting note is that they decided to raise these prices prior to signing Pujols, as select-a-seat this year took place before the signing.
BrownLunchSack - January 11, 2012
Izzy's value is about as high as it goes right now.
I love him, but we can live without an extra shortstop. He’d fetch something nice in trade.
Rock Island Line - January 11, 2012
Completion of an extension for Aybar is conceivably what holds up a trade of Izturis.
wumbug - January 11, 2012
That, and he's an excellent insurance policy/backup at three positions
We had 4 infielders put up 500ish plate appearances over 3 slots. Plenty of playing time to go around.
mattwelch - January 11, 2012
I'm a big fan of holding onto Izturis
Especailly in a year in which the Angels are clearly in “win now” mode. Quality depth is a good thing to have.
JeffJoiner - January 11, 2012
Point well taken
Rock Island Line - January 11, 2012
That's what I've been saying!
If we can afford to keep everybody, why trade anyone? I apply that to Bobby Abreu too. He already had to accept a reduced role at the end of last season, so it shouldn’t be a surprise to him if he is mostly benched. If Abreu starts, he is just blocking better players like Morales or Trumbo. But if he comes in late in games to pinch hit, he’ll be a tremendous asset.
Rally Manatee - January 11, 2012
Pnch hit for WHO?
Who in the world would Abreu pinch hit for? mathis isn’t in the lineup anymore and I would rather have any of the 9 starters hitting in any possible situation than Abreu. Plus this is an AL team we have no pitcher to hit for either. Jeremy Moore is a much more valuable bench player than Abreu he adds speed,pinch running ability, and is a pretty good defender while making about 7.5 million less.
OppoTaco25 - January 11, 2012
I'm not even sure where to start here
Abreu is getting paid by this team, so it doesn’t matter how much cheaper Moore is. But, Abreu adds speed, and his OBP is an extremely valuable asset, especially if the Halos are trailing late in a game and need baserunners. I would MUCH rather have Bobby come out to PH late in a game for Vernon, especially facing a RH pitcher.
I’m sorry, but your whole comment is full of wrong
2pintsofbooze - January 11, 2012
Rec'd.
VW should never be allowed to bat against a RH pitcher again for the rest of his career. The same goes for Abreu and a LH pitcher.
snowhor - January 11, 2012
Vernon must have been especially unaligned against righties last year.
~MMP~ - January 11, 2012
Thank you, 2pints
For starters, late in a game, trailing by 1 run, I’d lift Bourjos or Aybar for Abreu, especially leading off an inning. He gets on base better than either of them, and is almost as fast. Trailing by 2 runs, I’d even lift Trumbo or Wells for Abreu with nobody on base. Those guys have some pop, but Abreu is more likely to start a rally. Not sure about Ianetta, since I’ve never seen him play, but he’s another possible lift for Abreu. So, there’s about half the line-up that I’d pull in certain scenarios for Abreu. Does that answer your question?
Jeremy Moore is all those things you said plus one more thing – a minor leaguer. He’s unproven. He’s not the kind of guy you bring in to spark a rally. He may be the kind of guy who pinch runs after someone else has started a rally, like how Figgins broke in, but a manager would have to be stupid to prefer hitting him over Abreu when late in a game and down a run or two.
Rally Manatee - January 11, 2012
Please re-think your comments & stop talking out of your @ss
1)Abreu has 0 speed and at this point in his career is probably only faster than the catchers and Morales. Sciosc would never let abreu steal in a late inning situation trailing by 1 or 2.
2)WTF abreu for Borjous have you failed to realize Borjous is not only the fastest guy on our squad but is also the sparkplug. Borjous leading off an inning creates pressure for the defense and if he indeed gets on creates pressure for the pitcher which could result in a mistake and cookie fastball for the #2, #3, & #4 hitters in the lineup.
3)Almost as fast as Borjous or Aybar lol you must be on a good one bro we’re talking about Abreu from 2011-12 not from 2000-01 haha
4)If you think bringing in Moore to pinch hit and lay down a drag bunt and get on then steal 2nd all with less than 2 outs is stupid than you sir should never come close to managing.
5)Pinch hitting for Trumbo or Wells trailing by 1 or 2 runs is not smart at all. I’d much rather roll the dice on a possibility of those two tying up the game with one swing of the bat than watching abreu strike out looking on a fastball inside.
6) THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR AND THE ONE BOTH OF YOU GUYS FAILED TO REALIZE. Your basing your comments and arguments on Bobby Abreu the starter not Bobby Abreu the guy coming off the bench. He won’t be getting 500 Abs anymore like he has the past 14 years. That means he isn’t seeing as many pitches, he won’t be as patient, he might not be able to recognize pitches as good, he won’t be as consistent, and who in the world knows how he will fair. Cutting his playing time by over 50% does not make a 38 years old better. His .353 obp will not stay .353 for much longer not only that but how will it affect his attitude. At this point izturis is a much better bat off the bench Abreu should just take over hatcher’s job.
OppoTaco25 - January 11, 2012
Wow...just...wow
First of all, this overly defensive rant being your 5th comment on HH doesn’t make you look very good.
Second, here is a link you should learn to use and love, it gives all kinds of information on players that we level-headed fans call “statistics.” http://www.baseball-reference.com/
In 2011, Abreu had 21 SB in 585 PA. Bourjos had 22 in 552. Abreu was caught stealing 5 times, Bourjos 9. Abreu struck out 113 times, Bourjos 124. Abreu’s OBP was .353 and Bourjos’ was .327. Abreu also has 14 more years of experience on Bourjos that he takes to the plate every time.
You just study that for as long as it takes you to wrap your brain around it, then get back to us.
Rally Manatee - January 11, 2012
"....you sir should never come close to managing."
My favorite part, Manatee. I, however, think you should manage.
5thStarter - January 11, 2012
im rather partial to
“lol you must be on a good one bro”
ItCouldHappen - January 11, 2012
Yeah, that's a close second, for sure.
And for third place?
“…he might not be able to recognize pitches as good…”
5thStarter - January 11, 2012
Thanx for the info but ummmm...
Mlb managers aren’t sitting in front a computer during the gm so they don’t have access to all the #‘s during the gm so you also need to go by whatyou see on the field. Pretty much what your argument is saying that you are willing to pinch hit for a CF starter who will be playing everyday, gain more experience in his 2nd full season and is probably the surest bet to score on a ball in the gap from 1st for a 38 year old on a vast decline who will get his ab’s cut by over 50 % and has not had under 500 ab’s in over 14 years. Abreu has never been a bench player you can’t just expect him to produce like he did as a stater. Especially late up against a setup man or closer. You need to also take into consideration that Borjous is an up and coming player with loads of potential who will elevate his gm in his 2nd full season and Abreu is at the end of his career and declining. Borjous will probably get better with more ab’s while abreu will not be what he once was as a starter with a vastly reduced bench role. Yea he had better #‘s in his last season as a full time starter but those #’s are going to be cut in half with the amount of playing time he will receive. At the end of the day I’m taking my chances with Borjous leading off and having Kendrick, Pujols, and Hunter(or Morales if hes back) try and score him if he gets on than Abreu.But that’s just me I know many won’t agree and that’s cool.
OppoTaco25 - January 12, 2012
Soth has it all in a 3-ring binder
The numbers are there. Every dugout probably has a Schwab. And a computer is only a tunnel away.
eyespy - January 12, 2012
as Eyespy said,
there is a binder, there are the stopclocks, and the watches, the assistants, the lasagna, the interns and all of these culminate in decisions.
Your point about Abreu’s ability to maintain his plate discipline as a pinch hitter is interesting. I would be interested to see some comps of true OBP studs as they become pinch hitters. I have no idea what would happen but I think you might be right that his patience might suffer.
I personally don’t want Abreu leading off, and thats not what Manatee was arguing for either. We were saying, in a late game situation, trailing by a run, would we rather have a guy who is great at getting on base or of a defensive player with a substantial lower OBP (you bring up that Borjous will improve, I think he will to but there is no guarantee). Borjous’ speed wont mean much if he can’t get on base, and further more his speed wont mean anything if he can’t read pitchers and get his timing right to steal bases which he hasn’t been able to do yet.
Can Borjous score easiest on a gapper? Yes, but I would trust Abreu to not get thrown out at third or home trying to stretch what he knows he can’t. I don’t have as much faith in Borjous to know his own limitations hence why he has a habit of getting thrown out.
ItCouldHappen - January 12, 2012
I understand where....
your coming from and Abreu has a history of getting on base but my point is that I’m not comfortable pinch hitting Abreu for Borjous at this point in each player’s career. Not in late game situations anyways. I mean the only way Borjous can further develop and elevate his game is by proving himself and coming through in different situations including late inning rally’s.
OppoTaco25 - January 12, 2012
So let me get this straight......
your a sink or swim guy. The only way for a guy to succeed in big moments is to put him in those big moments. But here’s the thing, that’s not how the MLB works, players go through a careful development, starting with minor leagues, then call ups in september for meaningless games and at bats (even contenders try to minimize those bats for young rookies in their first september call up).
Until Pete can show that he can come through during the non crucial at bats, Abreu should be given crucial at bats (assuming that he doesn’t decline or until he does decline).
I love petey to death I want him to be able to boost his OBP and to learn pitchers and OFers to improve his SB%, but right now, he isn’t there. If he does start to demonstrate that he can come through during the non crucial at bats then he will earn priority over Abreu.
ItCouldHappen - January 13, 2012
Halowood?
2pintsofbooze - January 12, 2012
Watch a Yankee game
Skeletor has a massive binder ad basically humps that thing all game.
hauldog - January 16, 2012
Outside of your last point
Your comment seems to be a bit off. You should really look at Pete’s OBP and wonder IF he can get on base to cause trouble (Bourjos at .327 Abreu is .353). Then look at his steal percentage versus Abreu (Borjous is 22 SB, caught 9 times, Abreu 21 SB, caught 5).
Speed means little if the player doesn’t have the experience to know when and how to use it. Abreu does, Pete and Aybar don’t seem to have it yet, and god knows we all wish they did.
How does Trumbo tie a game with 1 swing with the Angels trailing two runs? Bring in Abreu and his much better OBP to get on base and hope the guy behind Trumbo can tie it up with one swing or just get a hit and start a rally.
ItCouldHappen - January 11, 2012
Thanks for adding to my point
I was wondering how Trumbo would get two runs on a solo HR too, but I forgot to address that part of his brilliant composition.
Rally Manatee - January 12, 2012
LOL BONERS ARE HILARIOUS!!!!
2pintsofbooze - January 11, 2012
2Pints, always the voice of reason.. :)
RexTookMyStash - January 11, 2012
I didn't want to go there, but he left me no choice
2pintsofbooze - January 11, 2012
Yep.
I like having Izturis around as an infield backup/spot starter. He works really well in that role.
Gorbachav5 - January 11, 2012
It seems to me that DiPoto and Aybar's agent would likely be arguing over the $$amount of Aybar's contract, with
the number of years being bantied about as negotiating points. At best, Segura will begin in AA Arkansas this season.
DiPoto would probably LOVE signing Aybar for three years and about $20M. Aybar probably wants the same as Howie, $33.5MM/4. Otherwise, he feels “disrespected”. Cantu was signed, among other reasons, to buck up DiPoto’s options/position.
wumbug - January 11, 2012
What JeDi needs to do is issue a stiff deadline to Aybar.
gitchogritchoffmypetis - January 11, 2012
LOL
Boners are hilarious
Moondoggy - January 11, 2012
Aybar for Wright
straight up
DAD OF VLAD - January 11, 2012
but what does it take to get Wright's helmet?
hauldog - January 11, 2012
a few blows to the heads
capable of lowering overall value while raising salary
ItCouldHappen - January 11, 2012
Gazoo?
red floyd - January 11, 2012
Thanks for the nightmares
~MMP~ - January 11, 2012
I really don't want Cordero in the pen.
I don’t get all this closer talk, Walden was good last year.
Birdle - January 11, 2012
Smokescreen/Publicity
wumbug - January 11, 2012
Good enough, not good.
Dipoto is confident Walden will be good. I wouldn’t say he was a good closer last year, but I will say he could be good fairly soon.
moralesforpresident - January 11, 2012 via mobile
He seems like a lateral move from Fraudney, IMO
Over the hill former closer with declining skills and stats.
JeffJoiner - January 11, 2012
Ya, not a Cordero fan.
Especially considering the last we’ve heard from his agent is that he won’t consider any role besides closing
~MMP~ - January 11, 2012
I'm witchoo
I’m in the camp that is pretty confident Walden will get even better. The 10 blown saves are misleading. Our improved offense this season will help our bullpen. Plus, we already got Hawkins to serve the back-up/mentor role.
Rally Manatee - January 11, 2012
Don't want him either
Get a cheaper vet on a 1 year deal like Hawkins. If Walden struggles then I’m perfectly fine with Downs closing and Hawkins setting up. We need more middle relief at this point.
mathisrocks5 - January 11, 2012
Tough call on Aybar
Sometimes I question his fire. He seems more focused on playing grabass with the opponent on second rather than win.
Dontbatvlad4th - January 11, 2012
Next time Aybar is on first
watch how aggressively he slides into second. On defense, Aybar makes hard tags at second base. He plays the game with plenty fire IMO.
LAA101010 - January 11, 2012
If anything, he tries too hard
Like when he tried to stretch a leadoff double into a triple late against the Sux this year. Boneheaded play made out of extended effort.
He’s had other cases of throwing the ball away when he should have eaten it, but outside of the pop fly that landed between him and Figgins against the Skanks, I think all his errors are of the “trying to do too much” variety.
JeffJoiner - January 11, 2012
I was at that game. Totally ridiculous. It was 2-2 at that point and the lost in extras.
He may have heart, but he’s not the brightest cookie in the batch.
stuck in Romania - January 11, 2012
Yup
Before last season, I was convinced that Aybar was just too stupid to learn how to steal or bunt. I’m glad he proved me wrong, and showed lots of improvement in both of those areas in ’11. But he does still make some idiotic moves from time to time. He seems like more of an instinctive player than a smart player. That might be why he will make a crazy hard play at SS one minute, then blow a routine play the next.
Rally Manatee - January 11, 2012
I, too, was at that game
JeffJoiner - January 11, 2012
I was at that game as well
I’ll agree that sometimes Aybar tries too hard. I was arguing against the notion that Aybar lacked “fire” or was lazy.
(cue GA jokes)
LAA101010 - January 11, 2012
He gives plenty of effort
But the questions about his IQ are legitimate. He makes some boneheaded decisions sometimes. However, his base stealing success last year bodes well, as long as it’s not a fluke.
Gorbachav5 - January 11, 2012
And he's always up for a game of hot dog hot dog who's got the hot dog.
gitchogritchoffmypetis - January 11, 2012
Aybar should not be in our long-term plans
To me, he’s got the value and ability of a utility infielder. My first choice would be to trade him for something we need better. Short of that, I would not invest any money in him.
I cannot get the epic failure in the ’05 play-offs out of my head.
waters96 - January 11, 2012
"To me, he’s got the value and ability of a utility infielder."
Well, that’s just incorrect.
~MMP~ - January 11, 2012
High standards cannot be argued
360 spin throw FTW
Erick’s range is sick. Have you actually seen him play?
eyespy - January 11, 2012
I don't know
Neither Fangraphs nor BBRef think his defense is much more than average.
Gorbachav5 - January 11, 2012
Utility infielder?
How about his Gold Glove?
LanaBanana - January 11, 2012
I dont see many jump throws
ItCouldHappen - January 11, 2012
And jump throws are key. ask Derdick Jeter.
Even if it’s on the infield grass, The Captain will find a way to jump throw with Captain like effort and courage. Aybar lacks gravitas.
gitchogritchoffmypetis - January 11, 2012
So Captain outranks Admiral?
ItCouldHappen - January 11, 2012
Only while in Pinstripes
eyespy - January 12, 2012
Hmm you significantly undervalue him
hauldog - January 11, 2012
Jean Segura? Is that you?
Rally Manatee - January 11, 2012
I see what you're saying,
But dude, that was seven seasons back. Let it go. The Admiral has come along nicely IMO, defensively, at the plate, and in the area of hot dog manipulation. Or so i’ve heard.
halofolife - January 11, 2012
The failure at catching that pop-up in 2009
Was only one play-off ago. Aybar is not my favorite player, but if we extend, I’d be ok with it. Plus, it was probably him that tossed me a baseball before that game (hard to tell, he was so covered up with a hoodie and underover armour, all I could see we’re his eyes.
Moondoggy - January 11, 2012
and to be fair.... him izturis and amarista all have almost the exact same body build
ItCouldHappen - January 11, 2012
maybe...I don't know. I don't believe Amarista was in the 2009 playoff game against the Yankees
Moondoggy - January 11, 2012
oh sorry didnt see the "that"
…. thought you just wrote “a game”
ItCouldHappen - January 11, 2012
I don't think the Angels really have many other realistic options for SS in the organization besides Segura(if he can stay healthy and stay at the position).
So depending on the price, I like the idea of offering Aybar an extension.
- It puts the Angels in a position of not having to rely on Segura being a legit major league SS or some weak stopgap SS.
- There is the option of a position switch for someone if Segura is as good as we hope he will be
- OR, Aybar becomes a good trade chip, especially considering what the SS market usually looks like.
For example, free agent SS after 2012:
Erick Aybar (29)
Jason Bartlett (33) – $5.5MM club option with a $1.5MM buyout; vests with 432 PAs in 2012
Yuniesky Betancourt (31)
Geoff Blum (39)
Ronny Cedeno (30)
Stephen Drew (30) – $10MM mutual option with a $1.35MM buyout
Alex Gonzalez (35) – vesting option
Cesar Izturis (33)
Jhonny Peralta (31) – $6MM club option with a $500K buyout
Marco Scutaro (37)
That’s hardly a thrilling group as is(and could look even worse depending on those option decisions/vesting). It looks even worse if Aybar is taken off the market.
~MMP~ - January 11, 2012
We should get both Izturises
And all three Molinas.
Rock Island Line - January 11, 2012
Izturri?
wumbug - January 11, 2012
Don't forget both Aybars as well.
red floyd - January 11, 2012
I think there's another abreu, too
the king of CERA - January 11, 2012
Let's get Jeff Weaver while were at it too
KENDRY - January 11, 2012
Been there, done that.
red floyd - January 11, 2012
How about Tommy Hunter?
5thStarter - January 11, 2012
Aybar brings me great joy and pain
He makes amazing plays and when he is hot, he is a joy to watch. However, he also does the most boneheaded things that make me want to bang my head against the wall.
His moments of brilliance make him better than just about any other shortstop out there and I don’t see an improvement coming any time soon. Two or three years with an option should work for both sides.
JeffJoiner - January 11, 2012
He's Mini-Vlad!
My wife and I always called Aybar mini-Vlad when Aybar first came up. He copied Vlad’s little dreads, and he copied Vlad’s flabbergasting style of play.
Rally Manatee - January 11, 2012
I Read ...
Kendrick extending the middle finger. On the SB App.
eyespy - January 11, 2012
My brain read the same thing
and it wasn’t even on a phone
LanaBanana - January 11, 2012
Great Minds ...
eyespy - January 11, 2012
Same here.
Which would be a pretty cool Halolinks title.
halofolife - January 11, 2012
Trade him so we can coax Disar out of retirement.
Please don’t ban me.
snowhor - January 11, 2012
We need to make room for Yuni Betancourt.
We should send Aybar to the Rangers for unlimited Nolan Ryan jowl footage.
RexTookMyStash - January 11, 2012
I really don't think I could survive an entire season of watching Yuni play baseball.
~MMP~ - January 11, 2012
26mill for 3 years
Or show him the way to the door. Aybar is good defensively but if he does stay with us he’s nothing more than a #9 hitter for us and I’m pretty sure a deal for over 30 mill will mnake him the richest #9 hitter in baseball history. Aybar is too much of a free swinger and hardly ever takes a walk that is just too frustrating in key situations. Plus I’ll never forget his missed bunt with a runner on 3rd base and less than two outs a few years back in the playoff series against boston.
OppoTaco25 - January 11, 2012
me neither
In a bar in boston for that one rocking the angels hat….
ItCouldHappen - January 11, 2012
I'll still remember that missed bunt regardless of Aybar being on the team or not
letting him go now for something that happened in 2008 would be just plain stupid
2pintsofbooze - January 11, 2012
I agree
I was just adding how that moment will never be forgotten in my head lol.
OppoTaco25 - January 11, 2012
What do you guys think
about maybe signing Peter Moylan on a minor league contract with an invite to spring training then going out and trading for Grant Balfour of the A’s. That way we have 3 [retty good Aussie’s in our pen haha. Thompson, Moylan, and Balfour would be a pretty good goup of effective arms not to mention pretty good publicity lol.
OppoTaco25 - January 11, 2012
Yeah, Arte is always trying to court that Aussie audience.
5thStarter - January 11, 2012
not a fan of BALL-FOUR
Downing Rules - January 11, 2012
I see what you did there
Evan Gillette - January 12, 2012
Rich Thompson better get used more from here on out
128 ERA+, 9.3 K/9, 2.8 K/BB in 54 innings is pretty sweet out of the pen. For some reason, Scioscia seems to forget we have him when we need to get out of a jam.
Commander_Nate - January 12, 2012
I totally agree
I think Rich Thompson is a great relief pitcher who has really be underutilized the last couple of seasons (although I believe 2011 he had his most innings and appearances). I am pretty impressed with his pitching.
But like you said Nate, Scioscia hardly ever uses him. Well who knows, maybe we will see more of him in 2012.
Halo1981 - January 13, 2012
Aybar
Aybar has proven himself to be a very good shortstop.
It makes sense to extend him, and maybe move Segura up if he’s ready (2nd base) and move Howie over to third. Great infield, good pop, good speed, and it’s our boys playing together for a long time. These guys are looking like a team that can play together for a long time. Don’t screw it up.
pacafechef - January 12, 2012
How long is a long time?
Down the road, do we worry about everyone being approximately the same age if everyone gets a four-year contract?
wumbug - January 12, 2012
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