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Sunday, October 16, 2005 |
I've Got A Little List
My 2006 wish list:
- Release Steve Finley. Steve's right: how pathetic is it being reduced to trying to get aboard on a catchers' interference?
- Lay down the law to Frankie: no winter league ball.
- Vlad: no more idiotic slides.
- Erstad: bench time for you, buddy.
- Kotchman: welcome to first base.
- McPherson: welcome to third. You've got three months.
- Anderson: don't like DHing? Get used to it.
- Orlando Cabrera: you have two months to start hitting, else we're bringing up Brandon Wood. Heck, we might just teach Wood how to play centerfield.
- Get a real leadoff hitter. No, that doesn't mean Kenny Lofton.
- Figgins: learn how to take a pitch or else it's time to find him a job on another club, preferably for some relief pitching.
- 'Bye, Wash.
- Byrd: you coming back?
- Buddy Black, time to work with Santana some on evening him out, same as with Lackey.
- Lackey: good show. Let's see you do it again.
- Colon: stay away from the damn empanadas, and especially, stay away from the doughnuts.
- Kennedy: you were great in 2002. Too bad you're expendable. Good luck with your next job ... in 2007.
- Kingfish: hope to see you as an NRI in spring training, but if not, no hard feelings, okay?
- Stoneman: make a trade with some of those spare middle infielders for a corner outfield bat.
- Major League Baseball: if you're serious about "getting the call right" (and here I'm talking to you, VP Mike Port), start disciplining halfwits like Eddings in public. Player suspensions are public, likewise for managers and coaches, but umpires never get disciplined, least so's you'd know.
- Mickey Hatcher: we know hitting coaches don't do anything worthwhile, but you really make yourself look like a total idiot when you say things like this:
Hatcher seemed as confused as Angels fans when asked why he thought Guerrero ran into perhaps the coldest five-game stretch of his career.
Well, dayng, Mickey, the guy's icing up his shoulder in your dugout. You tell me what that means...Was he hurt? Hatcher said he didn't know.
Comments:
Don't know what you've got against AK. A .300 hitter, and an above average if not Gold Glove level defender.... with a below market level contract.
AK's got one more year on his deal, and I assume they'll let him walk in '07 when Kendrick or Callaspo are ready.
AK's got one more year on his deal, and I assume they'll let him walk in '07 when Kendrick or Callaspo are ready.
# posted by 
: 10/16/2005 09:49:00 PM
: 10/16/2005 09:49:00 PM
I would expect all of the guys still under contract, including Finley, to be in the opening day lineup.
kendrick or kennedy?? i'll take kendrick and his slugging and average over kennedy and his defense and singles...we need power and consistent strike zone discipline. (just hope kendrick can walk more).
# posted by : 10/16/2005 10:33:00 PM
: 10/16/2005 10:33:00 PM
I think you will be disappointed. Kendrick's never had more than a .030 OBP-Avg (about), while Kennedy radically improved his plate discipline his last year in the Cards' minor leagues. Like Figgins, Kendrick is terribly dependent on getting a hit to get on base. Figgins had even better strike zone discipline than Kendrick, and we're bagging on him for not taking a walk... my great fear is that Kendrick, higher slugging percentage notwithstanding, will turn into a pumpkin because he likes to swing. That is, he'll strike out before he gets a hit.
Bengie gotta go. Sorry to say it, but there's no doubt. You can't long term a 30+ year old catcher who's a) already showing signs of falling apart, and b) was never much of a hitter to begin with.
And of course there's Mathis...
And of course there's Mathis...
As for Kendrick vs. Kennedy, it's really a godsend that Kennedy is under contract next season, because there's no way Kendrick will be ready for the show.
You're not alone in worrying about Kendrick, Rob.
You're not alone in worrying about Kendrick, Rob.
I think you will be disappointed. Kendrick's never had more than a .030 OBP-Avg (about)
Christ, how about we wait until he gets to a level where they can keep him below a .350 average before worrying about taking walks. As for plate discipline, he's either the luckiest motherfucker on earth, or he's pretty damn good at not swinging at bad pitches.
Christ, how about we wait until he gets to a level where they can keep him below a .350 average before worrying about taking walks. As for plate discipline, he's either the luckiest motherfucker on earth, or he's pretty damn good at not swinging at bad pitches.
Bengie does gotta go, though I disagree about him not being much of a hitter. He actually seems to have improved steadily over the last couple of years, and I think he could be pretty valuable as a DH who occasionally gets a start behind the plate, at least in a two- or three-year deal. But everything I've read says he's essentially looking to make serious coin in his new contract, and still wants to catch. From what I hear, he's going to be engaged in some serious french kissing with the Mets pretty soon.
Figgins is valuble in theory. But I say trade him while people still think he's hot stuff, because his net effect is not great. Even if he were as awesome as people like to think he is, the effect of moving him from place to place is overall detrimental to him and to the team. And he's not a lead-off guy.
Bengie has to go. His defense sucks and he is a double play waiting to happen. The money spent resigning him could be better spent bringing in a big bat.
I hate to see Washburn leave. He has improved quite a bit and is a gamer. He might command to much money however with Weaver, Saunders waiting in the wings.
I for one was perfectly happy with Cabrera after the break. His defense was great all year and his hitting was fine after he was moved to the 2 spot. Stoneman just overpaid but we got what we expected.
Too bad we are stuck with loser contracts for a finished Anderson and Erstad who hit seven homers in over 600 at bats. Those guys are killing us.
Dave
I hate to see Washburn leave. He has improved quite a bit and is a gamer. He might command to much money however with Weaver, Saunders waiting in the wings.
I for one was perfectly happy with Cabrera after the break. His defense was great all year and his hitting was fine after he was moved to the 2 spot. Stoneman just overpaid but we got what we expected.
Too bad we are stuck with loser contracts for a finished Anderson and Erstad who hit seven homers in over 600 at bats. Those guys are killing us.
Dave
# posted by : 10/17/2005 11:40:00 AM
: 10/17/2005 11:40:00 AM
Sean -- good. I like Bengie, but I do think it's a thin offseason for free agents, and he'll get a huge payday because of it. It's unlikely he'll hit as well. Look for a severe regression in his abilities as he gets to face unfamiliar pitchers.
Maya -- I'm right with you.
Anon -- Washburn's peripherals have collapsed this year as he's become a pitch-to-contact guy. It's not that you don't thank him for the effort, but at some point he becomes a liability; some of those contacts will eventually go over the wall. The only thing is, do you want to face a season minus a lefty in the rotation?
Cabrera got better offensively. That isn't to say he's going to ever be good. Obviously agreed about Erstad and Anderson.
Maya -- I'm right with you.
Anon -- Washburn's peripherals have collapsed this year as he's become a pitch-to-contact guy. It's not that you don't thank him for the effort, but at some point he becomes a liability; some of those contacts will eventually go over the wall. The only thing is, do you want to face a season minus a lefty in the rotation?
Cabrera got better offensively. That isn't to say he's going to ever be good. Obviously agreed about Erstad and Anderson.
I'm not sure what you mean about Washburn's peripherals. You will have to explain that one to me.
All I see is a guy who has become a better pitcher this year with the addition of the offspeed pitch to his repertoire. A 3.2 era is pretty damn good.
Dave
All I see is a guy who has become a better pitcher this year with the addition of the offspeed pitch to his repertoire. A 3.2 era is pretty damn good.
Dave
# posted by : 10/17/2005 12:20:00 PM
: 10/17/2005 12:20:00 PM
Well, I'm thinking specifically of his 4.77 K/9 rate. He's suddenly striking out a lot fewer guys than he used to. You may recall that Ramon Ortiz suffered a similar collapse in K/9 and K/BB before the Angels traded him to the Reds. Just in time, too: he's got a 5.36 ERA in the Great American Bandbox. So that 3.20 ERA is very misleading, as it's highly dependent on where the balls get hit. You see this in the DIP% stat that ESPN now keeps, which tells you how far over his head he's pitched this year. Washburn was the luckiest pitcher in the American League in 2005. I really don't think he'll do that again.
Traditionally, Washburn's game has been to rely on first pitch strikes and a mostly straight fastball thrown on the left and right sides of the plate. In other words, he baits the other hitter to pull his stuff. But, because he changes speed so well, hitters usually pull it foul or just miss the home run track. Washburn is a gamer in the sense that he can correctly outguess the other guy's location and change the guy's internal speedometer. And the fact he likes throwing strikes means that his strikeout rates go up. But, because he doesn't have the greatest stuff, doesn't have great movement, doesn't even have pinpoint control, just this ability to make hitters mistime straight fastballs, hitters adjusted and shelled him. It's a dangerous way to draw outs.
Washburn changed that this year by throwing down in the strike zone and using more sliders to get hitters to hit down in the zone. He throws less strikes; paradoxically, he actually drew less walks because he stayed ahead in the count much better. But, the thing is, hitters are going to adjust their game again and Washburn will get shelled again next year.
I'm sure his health had a lot to do with his success this year. But I strongly think this will be Washburn's last good year. After this, after the league adjusts to his pitching adjustment, he'll get hit again pretty hard.
Washburn changed that this year by throwing down in the strike zone and using more sliders to get hitters to hit down in the zone. He throws less strikes; paradoxically, he actually drew less walks because he stayed ahead in the count much better. But, the thing is, hitters are going to adjust their game again and Washburn will get shelled again next year.
I'm sure his health had a lot to do with his success this year. But I strongly think this will be Washburn's last good year. After this, after the league adjusts to his pitching adjustment, he'll get hit again pretty hard.
# posted by : 10/17/2005 12:55:00 PM
: 10/17/2005 12:55:00 PM
BTW, it's interesting to note that Joe Blanton and Barry Zito were also high on that list. I imagine they'll come tumbling down next year, too.
Perhaps you guys are right on Washburn. I still like his makeup as a player but probably not at the price Boras wants.
The Angels were such a flawed team all year yet they still advanced to the ALCS. Is there really any team out there that looks like a worthy World Series Champ?
Right now the White Sox are the closest and I don't think they are going to go down in baseball lore as a great team.
It is too bad the Angels couldn't make any moves to shore up the offense. If there was a year you could steal the World Series this was it.
Dave
The Angels were such a flawed team all year yet they still advanced to the ALCS. Is there really any team out there that looks like a worthy World Series Champ?
Right now the White Sox are the closest and I don't think they are going to go down in baseball lore as a great team.
It is too bad the Angels couldn't make any moves to shore up the offense. If there was a year you could steal the World Series this was it.
Dave
# posted by : 10/17/2005 01:20:00 PM
: 10/17/2005 01:20:00 PM
FWIW, Washburn is the starter I must enjoy watching on the Angels, precisely because his entire game is high-risk. But he's not worth the money Boras will be fishing for him.
<< Is there really any team out there that looks like a worthy World Series Champ? >>
I'd say all 4 teams could lay claim to having a WS-worthy lineup. If Vlad actually hits well and Chone gets on base, the Angels are a completely different club. My pick Houston has 3 Cy Young candidates, but their lousy offense suddenly woke up in playoffs. The big news is that the big hitting clubs (Yanks, Red Sox, and even the Cards) have all been underwhelming.
<< BTW, it's interesting to note that Joe Blanton and Barry Zito were also high on that list. I imagine they'll come tumbling down next year, too. >>
Zito's an interesting pitcher, actually. In order to generate the 12-6, he uses a more overhand-ish delivery than most lefties. This makes his fastball really hittable, since it's difficult to put a lot of cut or tail when you use a big overhand delivery. And he doesn't have enough pace on the ball to consistently blow it past hitters. But, if he goes with a more 3/4 delivery, he might lose his big curve. It's really difficult to develop a great 2-seam or sinker with a overhand delivery as well. If he changes his arm slot, he tips off his pitches . . . which is what he's been doing the last 2 seasons.
In other words, I actually think Beane made a mistake keeping Zito. If he developed a great cutter, then he's a Cy Young candidate again. But I don't think he will, because his curve is too dependent on his delivery.
<< Is there really any team out there that looks like a worthy World Series Champ? >>
I'd say all 4 teams could lay claim to having a WS-worthy lineup. If Vlad actually hits well and Chone gets on base, the Angels are a completely different club. My pick Houston has 3 Cy Young candidates, but their lousy offense suddenly woke up in playoffs. The big news is that the big hitting clubs (Yanks, Red Sox, and even the Cards) have all been underwhelming.
<< BTW, it's interesting to note that Joe Blanton and Barry Zito were also high on that list. I imagine they'll come tumbling down next year, too. >>
Zito's an interesting pitcher, actually. In order to generate the 12-6, he uses a more overhand-ish delivery than most lefties. This makes his fastball really hittable, since it's difficult to put a lot of cut or tail when you use a big overhand delivery. And he doesn't have enough pace on the ball to consistently blow it past hitters. But, if he goes with a more 3/4 delivery, he might lose his big curve. It's really difficult to develop a great 2-seam or sinker with a overhand delivery as well. If he changes his arm slot, he tips off his pitches . . . which is what he's been doing the last 2 seasons.
In other words, I actually think Beane made a mistake keeping Zito. If he developed a great cutter, then he's a Cy Young candidate again. But I don't think he will, because his curve is too dependent on his delivery.
# posted by : 10/17/2005 02:30:00 PM
: 10/17/2005 02:30:00 PM
Granted, Figgins 2nd consecutive post-season collapse is disappointing....even alarming....but lets not get carried away. He has improved, by leaps and bounds, each year of his career... and to give up on him now - when he was arguably the MVP of our division winning team, would be idiotic. He can learn to be more patient at the plate - perhaps not with this hitting coach, but his defensive flexibility alone gives us flexibility in assembling the roster and makes him one of the more valuable position players in baseball.
# posted by : 10/17/2005 03:04:00 PM
: 10/17/2005 03:04:00 PM
Chone is the right leadoff guy. His problems with plate discipline are commmon to most of the team, who are encouraged by Mickey Hatcher to swing at first pitches and all that. Which is a dumb, dumb thing for a leadoff guy to do. White Sox pitchers had first strikes on so many of the Angels hitters; it was kind of sad.
# posted by : 10/17/2005 03:28:00 PM
: 10/17/2005 03:28:00 PM
It may be sad, but firing Mickey Hatcher would be something akin to sawing off the top of an iceberg: you're only getting rid of the visible part of the problem. Outside of Casey Kotchman, show me even one Angels top offensive prospect with good plate discipline. One. They're hackers up and down the system. I plan on doing a post about this presently, comparing the OBP-Avg of the current crop coming up versus the guys who have become stars over the last few years: Salmon, Anderson, and Glaus. It's not even close, really, with Anderson being probably the closest to what these guys are pulling together. The Angels' lack of OBP isn't an accident; it's organizational, and it's on purpose.
<< It may be sad, but firing Mickey Hatcher would be something akin to sawing off the top of an iceberg: you're only getting rid of the visible part of the problem. >>
I pick on Hatcher a lot because he doesn't use tape, and he probably doesn't really understand how a batter's swing really works. He just isn't right for the job.
<< The Angels' lack of OBP isn't an accident; it's organizational, and it's on purpose. >>
Hmm . . . not sure about that. Yet. Again you may be right.
I guess I find it disturbing, because swinging at first pitches is traditionally AL ball, and it's not even considered part of smallball thinking. It doesn't really matter whether your opposition likes to throw first pitch strikes or not; the odds of most hitters getting a hit on the first pitch outside of a very narrow "sweet spot" is extremely against them.
Interesting you pointed out Salmon, Anderson, and Glaus. Glaus struck out a lot, but truthfully, he had good plate discipline too. They, Edmonds, and Erstad all exhibited good plate discipline when they came out.
Most telling is what I percieve is the lowering of OPS as players stay longer with the currentl Angels regime. And, again, most telling is Erstad, who used to be a good hitter, but became a undisciplined, swing-at-horrible-pitches guy.
I pick on Hatcher a lot because he doesn't use tape, and he probably doesn't really understand how a batter's swing really works. He just isn't right for the job.
<< The Angels' lack of OBP isn't an accident; it's organizational, and it's on purpose. >>
Hmm . . . not sure about that. Yet. Again you may be right.
I guess I find it disturbing, because swinging at first pitches is traditionally AL ball, and it's not even considered part of smallball thinking. It doesn't really matter whether your opposition likes to throw first pitch strikes or not; the odds of most hitters getting a hit on the first pitch outside of a very narrow "sweet spot" is extremely against them.
Interesting you pointed out Salmon, Anderson, and Glaus. Glaus struck out a lot, but truthfully, he had good plate discipline too. They, Edmonds, and Erstad all exhibited good plate discipline when they came out.
Most telling is what I percieve is the lowering of OPS as players stay longer with the currentl Angels regime. And, again, most telling is Erstad, who used to be a good hitter, but became a undisciplined, swing-at-horrible-pitches guy.
# posted by : 10/17/2005 05:25:00 PM
: 10/17/2005 05:25:00 PM
Absolutely agree with your list. The Angels are in a tricky position. They have BATS by the truckload in the minors, but they are all about a year+ away from contributing. Therefore, unless they are able to get an IMPACT player, they are better off being creative AND utilizing their roster better.
C - MATHIS, with Napoli also coming, too, makes Bengie (and his likely, well-deserved contract demands) expendable.
1B - KOTCHMAN. Duh.
2B - KENNEDY. Callaspo, Kendrick waiting...
SS - CABRERA. Aybar, Wood waiting...
3B - MCPHERSON. Figgins waiting...
LF - RIVERA. Morales waiting...
CF - ERSTAD. Figgins waiting...
RF - GUERRERO.
DH - ANDERSON (thru 2008!)
The lineup needs one more right-handed power bat (LF, CF or DH), but that's about it. (Wishful thinking: Kingfish...)
Food for thought: after Damon signs, the following teams may be interested in a CF: Yankees, Cubs, Orioles, Rangers, Red Sox. Erstad or Finley could be traded (assuming the Angels eat a portion of the contracts).
C - MATHIS, with Napoli also coming, too, makes Bengie (and his likely, well-deserved contract demands) expendable.
1B - KOTCHMAN. Duh.
2B - KENNEDY. Callaspo, Kendrick waiting...
SS - CABRERA. Aybar, Wood waiting...
3B - MCPHERSON. Figgins waiting...
LF - RIVERA. Morales waiting...
CF - ERSTAD. Figgins waiting...
RF - GUERRERO.
DH - ANDERSON (thru 2008!)
The lineup needs one more right-handed power bat (LF, CF or DH), but that's about it. (Wishful thinking: Kingfish...)
Food for thought: after Damon signs, the following teams may be interested in a CF: Yankees, Cubs, Orioles, Rangers, Red Sox. Erstad or Finley could be traded (assuming the Angels eat a portion of the contracts).
# posted by : 10/18/2005 10:45:00 AM
: 10/18/2005 10:45:00 AM
John -- Rivera is a nice reserve bat, but I have a feeling he'll never get a starting job with the Angels in left, so long as Anderson and his weighty contract is around. Scioscia has hinted that several players were much more banged up than had been let on, particularly Erstad.
don't write Kennedy off just yet this Kendrick hasn't played a minute of major league ball,the minors are one thing the majors are something else.
# posted by : 10/18/2005 01:43:00 PM
: 10/18/2005 01:43:00 PMNewer› ‹Older
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