Less than two weeks until spring training Halolinks:
Yes, we're still talking about the Angels and third base. As this post points out, Alberto Callaspo was a pretty decent third baseman last season: Position previews: Third base - ESPN Los Angeles. "Alberto Callaspo led all qualifying third basemen in on-base percentage (.363), was second in batting average (.288) and third in OPS (.740)." It also points out the other options at third were pretty limited. If we're grading on a curve, Callaspo is near the top of the class, however the class may be riding the short bus to their away games.
So, here we are again with the Trumbo talk...Trumbo eager to learn new position - The Orange County Register. "Trumbo has not played third base since a brief trial there shortly after he was drafted by the Angels in 2004." Within Saxon's post, there was a link to this article There's nothing easy about playing third base - ESPN, about playing the hot corner which included this spiffy quote, "Cal Ripken began his career as a third baseman, moved to shortstop for 15 years, then moved back to third. "I used to get hit in the cup at third, then I moved to shortstop, and I never got hit in the cup," he said. "Then I moved back to third, and got hit in the cup again."
Anyone interested in some 3B depth? Chicago Cubs DFA Blake DeWitt - MLB Daily Dish. "DeWitt played second base, third base and even left field with the Cubs last season while hitting .265. A first round pick in 2004, DeWitt has played four major league seasons with the Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers."
Dumb trade rumor of the day: Question No. 2: Jerry Dipoto's next move - ESPN Los Angeles. "Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe wrote that there is "a lot of speculation" the Washington Nationals will trade 27-year-old left-hander John Lannan for Bourjos, clearing a path for Mike Trout, a 20-year-old widely viewed as one of the top-five prospects in baseball." Thanks to Dave Cameron at FanGraphs, we get this nifty analysis: Bourjos for Lannan? Surely You Jest. - FanGraphs Baseball. "The idea that the Angels would trade one of the most valuable young center fielders in baseball for one year of a fairly compensated #5 starter is kind of hilarious. The Angels have spent the winter remaking themselves as legitimate contenders in the AL West – there’s no reason for them to undo that by just giving away their starting center fielder and making their team drastically worse for both the present and the future in the process." This post also points out that Lannan is basically the east coast version of Joe Saunders. I like Joe Saunders, but trading Bourjos for Hokie Joe would be a laugher.
Baseball's average team payroll in 1976 was less than an individual player's league-minimum salary in 2012: Money and wins - The Hardball Times. "Let's start at the very beginning. In 1976, the average team payroll was $365,000; in 2011, it was $93 million. That's a 13 percent compound growth rate over 35 years. During the same time period, inflation has grown 4.5 percent a year."
Yuck: The Yankees are introducing an official fragrance - HardballTalk. "According to Wallace Matthews of ESPN New York, the Yankees will introduce two "official fragrances" on Tuesday, February 21 at a cocktail reception in Manhattan. They’ll be called "New York Yankees" and "New York Yankees For Her." The first thing I thought of:
Assuming he is healthy enough to start spring training on time.
He would have a month to work out the kinks against big league pitching in spring training. Granted it’s rusty big league pitching and sometimes prospects, but it’s got to be a better indicator than AAA pitching.
Spring Training I would argue is less competitive than AAA. You have big leaguers but they could be working on one specific pitch that day or only pitching a couple innings. They aren’t really concerned with the score of the game whereas AAA guys are constantly under the pressure of getting to the show
Especially later in the spring training season things seem to get pretty competitive. I would also think the AAA guys that come to spring training are under even more pressure to do well since they are performing in front of the big league club. I’ve rarely ever seen a pitcher come in and only throw one pitch, but i do see your point.
Only time will tell, either way I can’t wait to see how Morales does against live pitching in spring training =).
The speed with which he pulled Fernando Rodney and relegated him to mop up last year gives me hope that soth wont let people flounder out there when we are in win now mode.
Mathis wasn’t a veteran that Scioscia played because of his experience. He was a “defensive-minded” catcher who Scioscia played because he reminded him of himself.
As for the veterans, I think Scioscia will try to get everyone playing time when the matchups dictate it. I’d expect Wells and Hunter to get days off with more frequency, and I’d expect Trumbo/Morales/Abreu to rotate in and out.
Mathis wasn’t a veteran that Scioscia played because of his experience. He was a "defensive-minded" catcher who Scioscia played because he reminded him of himself.
Man, I hope the team was able to get Scioscia the Zoloft he needed.
I dont know man, from that report where bourjos was quoted, if he is getting in swings and running now then
spring training gets him back in the groove and he would be ready to go by opening day like everyone else. If he is ready to go, he isnt a guy you hold off on playing so abreu/ Wells/ trumbo can get some time. If Morales is ready, he should play.
God, it really is the dog days for baseball writers.
What? The Angels signed Albert Pujols! But what about Mark Trumbo? Oh, he’ll try third. But isn’t that hard, especially if he’s been hurt? And didn’t he try it once before and fail? And what about Kendry(s) Morales? He’s taking steps toward making moves toward progressively improving from last yearses injury you say? Boom da boom boom! But where will he play? DH? What about Abreu, and Wells, and Hunter, oh my!?!
And heavens to Mergetroid! Albert Callaspo’s not so bad? Now you tell me.
The Angels will wear red next year? By Valhalla’s Meade it can’t be so!
Next thing you know someone’s gonna write about how there’s this girl named Brooklyn Decker and we should all know she’s kind of easy on the eyes.
But now you’re being all realistic. In my dream (seen above) Trumbo can play third… so I guess each day Soth just has to decide if he wants raw power, or OBP in the line up that day. Oh, and go ahead and switch around who ever you want. I’m just saying that this line up’s gonna have more going for it than the one run wonders we were watching last year.
Not because math or any other facts support him, but because he will be throwing his unhittable new Gyro Ball super pitch to Hunter/Wells/Catcher. A pitch so deadly that one strike out of a single hitter is recorded as 9 actual outs.
I'm feeling optimistic
Morales will be the DH
Morales8 - February 7, 2012
Morales will be on the DL to start the season
ryanfea - February 7, 2012
"You smell bad."
“Like salty garbage.”
5thStarter - February 7, 2012
I wonder if Derek Jeter will include the scent
in his morning after giveaway bags….
ItCouldHappen - February 7, 2012
Nice! I just got it. Lol
I’m pretty sure tho.
maze88 - February 7, 2012 via mobile
I would think they give Abreu a shot to either redeem himself or raise his trade value
We do need lefties afterall
Also, I am in no hurry to rush Morales to the bigs. I want him to work those kinks out in AAA
ihearhowie2.0 - February 7, 2012
and maybe get in some time with Hatcher.
rmhalofan - February 7, 2012
Assuming he is healthy enough to start spring training on time.
He would have a month to work out the kinks against big league pitching in spring training. Granted it’s rusty big league pitching and sometimes prospects, but it’s got to be a better indicator than AAA pitching.
Darth Duane - February 7, 2012
True...sort of
Spring Training I would argue is less competitive than AAA. You have big leaguers but they could be working on one specific pitch that day or only pitching a couple innings. They aren’t really concerned with the score of the game whereas AAA guys are constantly under the pressure of getting to the show
ihearhowie2.0 - February 7, 2012
I think it's a little of both.
Especially later in the spring training season things seem to get pretty competitive. I would also think the AAA guys that come to spring training are under even more pressure to do well since they are performing in front of the big league club. I’ve rarely ever seen a pitcher come in and only throw one pitch, but i do see your point.
Only time will tell, either way I can’t wait to see how Morales does against live pitching in spring training =).
Darth Duane - February 7, 2012
Agreed!
ihearhowie2.0 - February 7, 2012
Trumbo
Kendrys will be rehabbing in AAA or AA to start the season. Abreu will have been traded by opening day.
mustard_man - February 7, 2012
I am sure who ever DHs
They will not suck last the last couple of years
DAD OF VLAD - February 7, 2012
Abreu
We’ve seen sosh doesn’t have the capacity to stand up to vets, AKA not playing Abreu most games
Dontbatvlad4th - February 7, 2012
I dunno.
The speed with which he pulled Fernando Rodney and relegated him to mop up last year gives me hope that soth wont let people flounder out there when we are in win now mode.
Darth Duane - February 7, 2012
Jeff Mathis says hello
red floyd - February 7, 2012
I almost forgot about that fool.
So happy he ain’t here no mo’
Tapatio Man - February 7, 2012 via mobile
That's a different case, though
Mathis wasn’t a veteran that Scioscia played because of his experience. He was a “defensive-minded” catcher who Scioscia played because he reminded him of himself.
As for the veterans, I think Scioscia will try to get everyone playing time when the matchups dictate it. I’d expect Wells and Hunter to get days off with more frequency, and I’d expect Trumbo/Morales/Abreu to rotate in and out.
Gorbachav5 - February 7, 2012
Man, I hope the team was able to get Scioscia the Zoloft he needed.
D.Szymborski - February 7, 2012
No he doesn't.
We’re not obligated to accept that call anymore.
snowhor - February 7, 2012
I blocked his number
Downing Rules - February 7, 2012
You'll have to unblock it. The Halo Company gave it to someone else... Some guy named "Poulous" or soemthing like that.
red floyd - February 7, 2012
I want to watch Albert Pujols play baseball.
snowhor - February 7, 2012
I want to watch his Win Probability Added charted in real-time
Suboptimal - February 7, 2012
Boom
LAASurfin - February 7, 2012
Duh.
What the hell do you think I meant watch him play baseball?
snowhor - February 7, 2012
Only Morales has the potential
to be a truly scary bat behind Albert.
I think Sosh will give him every chance to succeed at DH.
Seraphan - February 7, 2012
I'm being optimistic and saying Morales
Spring Training is almost here. If a guy can’t be optimisitic around Spring Training, life’s just not worth it anymore.
JeffJoiner - February 7, 2012
Amen
Hope springs eternal
LanaBanana - February 7, 2012
Spring hope's eternal?
ItCouldHappen - February 7, 2012
Eternal Spring's Hope?
red floyd - February 7, 2012
Hope for Eternal Spring?
ItCouldHappen - February 7, 2012
All of the above
LanaBanana - February 7, 2012
Uhhhh
My eternal springs for Hope [Solo]?
Halowitz - February 7, 2012 via mobile
Optimism abounds!
Balls and Strikes - February 7, 2012 via mobile
Def bobby
I don’t see kendry going straight from injury to the starting line up. Give him spring training and a month in the minors to see how he is.
YOUknowulovetheIE - February 7, 2012 via mobile
I dont know man, from that report where bourjos was quoted, if he is getting in swings and running now then
spring training gets him back in the groove and he would be ready to go by opening day like everyone else. If he is ready to go, he isnt a guy you hold off on playing so abreu/ Wells/ trumbo can get some time. If Morales is ready, he should play.
Balls and Strikes - February 7, 2012
Opening Day DH: I think it depends on if a lefty or righty is starting against the Halos
Abrew or Trumbo…straight platoon
K3YEROUT - February 7, 2012
Glad some writers aren't smoking what ESPN is
Bourjos is sticking around. what the frick is up with these rumors.
joberooni - February 7, 2012
No skanks or sux to talk about.
They’re just making shit up at this point.
halofolife - February 7, 2012
God, it really is the dog days for baseball writers.
What? The Angels signed Albert Pujols! But what about Mark Trumbo? Oh, he’ll try third. But isn’t that hard, especially if he’s been hurt? And didn’t he try it once before and fail? And what about Kendry(s) Morales? He’s taking steps toward making moves toward progressively improving from last yearses injury you say? Boom da boom boom! But where will he play? DH? What about Abreu, and Wells, and Hunter, oh my!?!
And heavens to Mergetroid! Albert Callaspo’s not so bad? Now you tell me.
The Angels will wear red next year? By Valhalla’s Meade it can’t be so!
Next thing you know someone’s gonna write about how there’s this girl named Brooklyn Decker and we should all know she’s kind of easy on the eyes.
gitchogritchoffmypetis - February 7, 2012
Though this does get me thinking, if God truley shines down His love upon the Angels and everything works perfectly......
This is not a line up I’d enjoy pitching to, even with a lack of lefties.
SS Aybar
2B Kendrick
1B Pujols
DH Morales
3B Trumbo
RF Hunter
LF Wells/Trout
C Ianetta/Conger
CF Bourjos
We just need Brad Pitt to walk through our locker room a couple times and get some of our guys hyped on taking more pitches.
gitchogritchoffmypetis - February 7, 2012
Put Callaspo in for Trumbo
And switch him with Kendrick and then I’m happy.
Gorbachav5 - February 7, 2012
I'm fine with Callaspo too.
But now you’re being all realistic. In my dream (seen above) Trumbo can play third… so I guess each day Soth just has to decide if he wants raw power, or OBP in the line up that day. Oh, and go ahead and switch around who ever you want. I’m just saying that this line up’s gonna have more going for it than the one run wonders we were watching last year.
gitchogritchoffmypetis - February 7, 2012
I would just pitch around the 1-2-3-4-5 guys, then strike out Hunter-Wells and whoever's catching.
Win.
RexTookMyStash - February 7, 2012
So you'd give up 26 runs a game?
inning 1: 2 runs score
Inning 2: 3 runs score
inning 3: 3 runs score
[lather rinse repeat]
red floyd - February 7, 2012
He will WIN.
Not because math or any other facts support him, but because he will be throwing his unhittable new Gyro Ball super pitch to Hunter/Wells/Catcher. A pitch so deadly that one strike out of a single hitter is recorded as 9 actual outs.
It’s pee on your hands to harden them nasty.
gitchogritchoffmypetis - February 7, 2012
I never said 'I'd' win. :-)
RexTookMyStash - February 7, 2012
*fixed
I would just pitch around the 1-2-3-4-5 guys, then
strike outHunter hit into DP, and Wells pops upand whoever’s catching.eyespy - February 7, 2012
Doesn't matter. Pitching around (9-)1-2-3-4-5 still guarantees two runs score.
Three runs when 9 comes up first.
red floyd - February 8, 2012
I was going on TrAdition
eyespy - February 9, 2012
I don't know!
THIRD BASE!
AlanFalcon - February 7, 2012
Any ESPN writer
should never write about baseball
Morales8 - February 7, 2012
Any ESPN writer
should only write about things they know: YankSox, Lakers, Celtics, and … ZOMG TEBOW AND BRADY!!!!!!!
red floyd - February 7, 2012
you forgot
ELI of the Super Bowl Champions the New York Football Giants
eyespy - February 7, 2012
Morales will be DHing in AAA on opening day
hauldog - February 7, 2012
it's Sosh.... so Abreu.
stuck in Romania - February 7, 2012
I'm not trading Bourjos unless we can get Granderson for him.
gitchogritchoffmypetis - February 7, 2012
Is Granderson available???
eyespy - February 7, 2012
What do you think it will take to get him?
snowhor - February 7, 2012
344 votes for Morales?
DAMN YOU VOTEBOT!!!!!!!!!!!!
2pintsofbooze - February 8, 2012
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