Kevork Djansezian - Getty Images
8 months ago: DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 12: Fans sit in the stands during a rain delay prior to Game Four of the American League Championship Series between the Texas Rangers and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on October 12, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Happy Year of the Dragon!!!
Albert Pujols: The Three Hole Dilemma
The Halo Hangout Blog says to bat Albert fourth.
Ayala now on Angels’ radar
Still waiting on word of Luis Ayala signing somewhere, anywhere...
Hahn inspiring beyond baseball
After being paralyzed during a game, Cory Hahn continues to be an inspiration on the baseball diamond.
Sydney Leroux scores five goals in memorable homecoming, but still hears "Judas" taunts
The Angels used to have their AAA team in Edmonton, Canada. The Edmonton Trappers had a pitching prospect named Ray Chadwick. His daughter has dual citizenship. See how an Ex-Angel's daughter was treated with "sportsmanship" in an international meet.
Disappointment over Pujols persists
Really really really nice, wholesome people try to describe not being happy with the Albert Pujols signing.
Anaheim - - In Big Time
Sportswriter Jim Murray was the first writer to seriously propose naming the California Angels after the city of Anaheim. He devoted a whole nationally syndicated column to this in the Summer of Love, 1967, when Anaheim Stadium hosted the All-Star Game. It is linked here.
0 recs | 67 comments
Instead of Luis Ayala
How about signing Domingo Ayala instead
NA1NSXR - January 23, 2012
already signed with the rangers.
DanishThunder - January 23, 2012
Jose Albert Pujols' career splits
conclusively report that his ideal position in the lineup is batting 8th.
However, ass-hat Tony LaRussa never gave Albert that opportunity in 2011 en route to the Cardinals’ 18th World Series appearance, second only to the MFYankees (40), and tying them with the Giants and Dodgers.
wumbug - January 23, 2012
That won't work.
We won’t have Premium behind him, ready to drive him home when he inevitably draws infinite intentional walks.
AlanFalcon - January 23, 2012
Staring baffled into the sarchasm,
I fight the irrational urge to dive in head-first.
Halowitz - January 23, 2012 via mobile
Dive in. I'll throw you a rope if you need it.
5thStarter - January 23, 2012
Holy Shit!!
4.667 OPS batting 8th sample size shmample size
the king of CERA - January 23, 2012
I read all the "No/Negatory" comments on the original Ayala/HH thread.
However, to me, Ayala’s 2003-2005/2007 stats look very consistent with his 2011 stats. His 2008-2009 stats look eeriely like his 2010 stats.
His history with the Mets, Twins, Marlins, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Rockies suggests either a head case with an injury or an injury with a head case.
If the Angels are hell-bent on acquiring another arm for the pen (thus probably pushing Cassevah back to AAA), Ayala’s 2011 season, plus probable maturation, suggest he may be a decent bet. I wouldn’t want to go too far out on a limb; the MFYankees paid him only $650,000 last season. Hell, they got Langerhans and Cantu….
wumbug - January 23, 2012
cassevah back to aaa
Is fine with me
YOUknowulovetheIE - January 23, 2012 via mobile
Why?
Cassevah was solid last year.
5thStarter - January 23, 2012
Agreed
I thought the guy showed improvement in the second half and pitched well.
JeffJoiner - January 23, 2012
I really liked him in the 7th inning..
It seemed like the right amount of pressure for him, too.
5thStarter - January 23, 2012
RE: Disappointment with Pujols
I’m disappointed too.
Disappointed that I still have to wait another two months until I can watch him crush it for the Angels.
Seraphan - January 23, 2012
Seriously
Longest. Off season. Ever.
Rally Manatee - January 23, 2012
Ray Charles or the Doors
At home the Doors. When I’m working Ray all the way.
Seik1177 - January 23, 2012
The musicians are a difficult choice. I pick BOTH
ladybug - January 23, 2012
I like both those musicians.
BUT Ray Charles is a true original
NathanielS - January 23, 2012
I hate Ray Charles.
I sat 3 feet away from him at an airport gate and he never noticed me, said hi, nothing. Jerk.
rmhalofan - January 23, 2012
I don't blame him
ladybug - January 23, 2012
He's an air marshall now
He had to stay focused and not fraternize.
Rally Manatee - January 23, 2012
"The Book" by Tom Tango (and others)
Says the #4 hitter will have the most RBI opportunities over the course of the season. The best pure hitter (measured by wOBA and their ability to slug) should bat clean up.
The #1 and #2 hitters should be the best OBP guys regardless of speed, with the #2 hitter being the better of the two hitters (again for RBI opps)
The #3 and #5 hitters should be you next best hitters, with the #5 hitter being the better base stealer since he will need to get himself into scoring position for the weaker bottom of the order hitters.
#6-9 should go in order based on best to worst hitters.
So, using 3-year averages, and applying this method the lineup should look something like…
3B Callaspo
RF Hunter
DH Morales
1B Pujols
2B Kendrick
C Ianetta
LF Wells
CF Bourjos
SS Aybar
BigGame48 - January 23, 2012
Torii in the 2-spot
Has me thinking one thing: Double play
blast21dave - January 23, 2012
Meh. I wouldn't overreact to one or two years of high GIDPs...
The #3 spot faces literally twice as many GIDP opportunities as the 2 hitter, so if you don’t want Torii in the 2 hole you really gotta drop him to #5 where you A) take one of the better OBP guys out of the critical 2-hole and B) put a less effective base stealer in the 5 hole. Safe to say Torii’s wheels are pretty much gone.
The next best fit in the #2 hole (assuming Abreu isn’t an every day guy) would be Kendrick (going off OBP). Hunter’s 3-year OBP is about 25 points higher and despite being a GIDP machine last year (24) Howie hit into quite a few twin-killings himself (18)
BigGame48 - January 23, 2012
HK47 in the 2-hole
Didn’t he struggle badly in 2010 or last season? I remember there was a time he was dropped down to 6th so that he could “get comfortable” or something to that effect.
Spot on about Torii’s wheels. At this point, he’s driving on rims. Ideally, Bourjos comes into his own, raising his OBP and taking over that 2-spot.
Arrgh, for all the scenarios I envision with that lineup. Either we’re up 3-0, 1 on with 2 out or inning ending DP.
It’s gonna be interesting that’s for sure.
blast21dave - January 23, 2012
You know who hit into more DP's than Torii?
Pujols. We’re gonna see a lot of those this season.
Rally Manatee - January 23, 2012
Know what is awesome about double plays
It means there was a man on base.
If we get people on base in front of Albert, I’ll be happy. The runs will come.
BruinHalo - January 23, 2012
I disagree with the notion that you can write a generic lineup like that.
Especially when you have a bunch of weak hitters and Pujols, some funky things can happen. This article raises some interesting ideas:
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/is-larussa-right-to-bat-his-pitcher-in-the-eight-slot/
AlanFalcon - January 23, 2012 via mobile
How would you suggest writing a line up?
I would prefer the optimal lineup that is backed by a plethora of empirical research than simply going by “feel” or “instinct.” The former may be “generic” but it’s proven more efficient.
The reality is batting someone like Bourjos or Aybar at lead off simply because they seem to “fit the bill” as a prototypical lead off hitter (slap-hitters with nice speed) is flat out wrong according to the numbers.
I don’t understand your statement “especially when you have a bunch of weak hitters and Pujols.” That being the case, shouldn’t you give Pujols as many opportunities as possible to drive runs in? This model does just that.
BigGame48 - January 23, 2012
in his defense
the difference in the optimum lineup and the worst possible lineup (literally pitcher batting 4th) is no more than 5 wins per season for a team based on a multitude of statistical research.
So the difference in near-optimum lineups with other near-optimum lineups is infinitesimal, statistically speaking, over the course of a season. NOW, opting one player over another, that is a big big shakeup, but Pujols 3rd or 4th makes almost no difference with the exception that a #3 batter over 162 games gets 20 more PA that a #4.
Should Scioscia aim to get AP 20 more PA?
Rev Halofan - January 23, 2012
This is true
Most of Tango and team’s work has found that optimal lineups may only equate to an added win or two over 162… My question is, why would you not want those extra 1 or 2 wins?
“The Book” found that the added RBI opportunities outweighs the added PAs. So, I’d still rather see Albert hit clean up, but I wouldn’t be up in arms if he hits third.
BigGame48 - January 23, 2012
even the difference between 1 and 2 wins
is way more lineup infrastructure than one guy in one particular place in the lineup.
Rev Halofan - January 23, 2012
I agree.
BigGame48 - January 23, 2012
Well, AP would get hundreds more ABs at leadoff, who could argue with that?
I jest. The small statistical difference between Pujols third and fourth already factors those additional PAs in.
AlanFalcon - January 23, 2012 via mobile
I’m not saying The Book is wrong in aggregate, I’m saying you only need to manage nine human beings in a given starting lineup and a great manager would use the right guy in the right spot if it results in earning more wins, even if that requires deviating from The Book. And I’m providing an article with data that suggests that in one particular case, one involving good hitting pitchers and Albert Pujols in the National League, following The Book would not have resulted in winning more games. In that lineup, it was more important to more creatively set Pujols up by putting better hitters at number nine than The Book would do, and batting Pujols third. I’m not arguing for Pujols third or fourth (or lead off) on this Angels team, I’m just saying a generic lineup works best in generic aggregate, and a baseball team isn’t that. And thank God, or what would be the point of the game?
AlanFalcon - January 23, 2012 via mobile
I respect that.
I didn’t capture this in your first response but it’s a very good point.
BigGame48 - January 23, 2012
Sorry
I’m on a no-sleep kick for the past 36 hours, my communication skills are probably such that I should set the Internet for Read Only mode for a while.
AlanFalcon - January 23, 2012 via mobile
Oh man, Alan, I hope you're still on a no-sleep kick...
Because you debating tangotiger below while sleep-deprived would be awesome.
5thStarter - January 23, 2012
Exactly what are you objecting against The Book?
Because there are two points I’ve made:
1. Put the pitcher 8th (which you seem to agree with, or at least consider)
2. Treat players as humans (meaning you have more to lose by making players uncomfortable, than by gaining a couple of runs by moving a guy a couple of lineup slots).
tangotiger - January 23, 2012
remember when
at one time a few seasons back, Maicer Izturis was a clean-up hitter for a few games? LAWL. now THAT’s feel.
joberooni - January 23, 2012
What an odd choice for a musical dichotomy
Next up, Karen and Sid go toe-to-toe in The Sex Pistols vs. The Carpenters.
Gotta go with Ray Charles. Jim Morrison’s brand of nihilism rubbed me the wrong way.
JohnBonhamRocks - January 23, 2012
I'm putting serious money on Karen
In perhaps the most self destructive match up ever.
NathanielS - January 23, 2012
I concur. 40 shots of vodka is a far more mainstream way to go.
Stirrups - January 23, 2012
Dissapointment article
What struck me about the article is that it appears a reporter just hung the Media Relations person for the Cardinals out to dry.
Was that an “On the record” conversation between the reporter and the Stl PR person? If it was, I can’t imagine the PR department for the Cardinals making those statements.
If it was just a “Chat” between two people who struck up a friendship during their working together centering around Cardinals baseball, then that PR person is going to take heat over this. It seemed like just some rambling thoughts about the situation that the pr person never intended to go live.
When talking with a reporter, the number one rule is: “Never say anything you don’t expect to show up in the paper the next day.”
I think the Cardinal’s Director of Media Relations might be in for long week in St.Lu…
Rogue Wave - January 23, 2012
Reporter?
She’s Peggy Hill writing another “if Albert were truly a man of God he wouldn’t have broken our hearts” puff piece for the Arlen Bystander. Based on my own great relationship with Albert, I know that it was not about the money and he was simply wooed off his feet by Arte Moreno. Who says romance is dead?
JohnBonhamRocks - January 23, 2012
Worst "article" I've read in a long time
Believe it or not, but I was a journalism major in college. Not one statement she made could be verified by a third party. Claiming a friend as a source is juvenile and describing her as “devoutly Christian” was a transparent attempt to attribute legitimacy.
Not only did the “article” provide no concrete, or for that matter new or interesting, material, it was done with a level of intellectual laziness I would expect from a 12 year old.
JeffJoiner - January 23, 2012
Or 99% of blogger posts.
The line is evaporating, and it is the MSM that is busy rubbing it out.
Stirrups - January 23, 2012
MSM has a much different meaning in my line of work...
You threw me off for a minute there.
BigGame48 - January 23, 2012
Scroll Down on the Murray Article
I can get a brand new car for less than $2300! Marty, fire up the DeLorean. We’re going to 1967.
Designerguy - January 23, 2012
Hmmm. Based off of their music, I'd choose Ray Charles.
Based off of their Hollywood biopics, I’d go The Doors.
Mayheminthehood - January 23, 2012
Why do Cardinals fans keep forgetting?
Pujols turned down MORE money from Miami. It seems pretty obvious that Pujols came to the Angels 1) because as he said, he prayed about it, and the Angels were the answer, and 2) because Arte kicks ass. I think the provision in his contract to stay on in the Angels organization even after his playing years are over was a big factor. Brilliant move on our FO’s part.
Rally Manatee - January 23, 2012
Because it's more comforting to forget, then to admit, that you came up short in the love department.
Stirrups - January 23, 2012
^ THIS ^
yeswecan - January 23, 2012
I think the no-trade clause and move to the AL were big factors
If he were on an NL team, he would probably move to the bench after 5 years or so when his 1B days are over. The DH allows him to be an everyday player for all or most of those 10 years
the king of CERA - January 23, 2012
You're right
The switch to the AL is one of many factors that make it pretty clear that the Angels were the best option for him. And the Marlin’s refusal to give no-trade clauses does not exactly say “in it to win it.” The Angels commitment to winning is equal to St. Louis over the last decade, and definitely better than the Marlins. I’m sure he also considered the city and the fans. So Cal is definitely nicer than St. Louis, but perhaps on a par with Miami. Angels fans are probably about as awesome as Cardinal fans, but definitely better than Marlins fans.
Rally Manatee - January 23, 2012
Marlins fans?
5thStarter - January 23, 2012
13-0? In quarterfinals?
Not terribly sporting, ladies.
Halowitz - January 23, 2012 via mobile
Totally. They should have stopped at 5-0, then retreated to the sidelines to get their nails done.
5thStarter - January 23, 2012
Did. Nails get did, not done.
snowhor - January 23, 2012
Whoops. My mistake.
5thStarter - January 23, 2012
"She is very excited about the signing of Carlos Beltran, who I loved him as a Met."
All you need to know about Julie Rosenbaum-Engelhardt’s journalistic prowess.
5thStarter - January 23, 2012
...and the quality of her editors.
Stirrups - January 23, 2012
found trivia: her daughter played the role of Lex Luther in Smallville.
Stirrups - January 23, 2012
Her son, you mean?
Love that actor. He had a great bit role on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
By the way, good luck in your matchup, Stirrups! You got my vote.
5thStarter - January 23, 2012
Yeah. "Son". Freud.
Thanks. I’m all dazed and confused about my matchup. My calendar tells me that today is the 23rd, and I am hanging around, but maybe I am just inside some Dr. Who episode or something. Any vote from somebody who uses a werewolf for an avatar is a worthy vote!
Stirrups - January 23, 2012
Not just any werewolf...
THE WOLFMAN!
5thStarter - January 23, 2012
She probably thinks A.J. Pierzynski is physically attractive, too
After all, he has that “catcher thing”.
yeswecan - January 23, 2012
::Shudder::
5thStarter - January 23, 2012
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