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Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 2008 Thread

Discussion in 'Other Sports Forum' started by mf52dolphin, Mar 23, 2008.

  1. Ray Finkle

    Ray Finkle Member

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    In today's market, factoring in the economy, Dunn is probably worth 9 to 12 million a year. Yeah he's terrible defensively but a team signing him is signing him for his power not his glove. Again I don't understand why Dunn isn't drawing more interest, maybe his agent is asking for the moon, but it seems to me that J.P. Richardi killed his value last summer on his weekly radio show when he blasted Dunn for no reason what so ever.
     
  2. Regan21286

    Regan21286 MCAT's, EMT's, AMCAS, ugh

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    These days, for the most bang for the buck, I guess teams want a bit more than just power and walks. It shouldn't have anything to do with what Richardi said.
     
  3. DonShula84

    DonShula84 Moderator Luxury Box

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    Guess we can look at this as good news, in that we wont overpay for Garland and we'll get a draft pick. Or we can look at it as bad news in that overpaying for 1 year of Garland isnt too big of a deal, and we're now thinner at the back of the rotation.
     
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  4. Jaj

    Jaj Registered

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    By the way just a suggestion. If there's one guy we should go after it's Eric Byrnes. He had a major down year that ended with injuries to both hammies, but a swap for Gary Matthews Jr. is not out of this world. Matthews has 33m left over 3 and Byrnes 22m over 2. However, the Angels could add maybe two million of the difference and add in either Izturis or Aybar to play 2B something the D'Backs need for cheap.

    Here's the benefit for the Angels. Byrnes is a major defensive upgrade over the crap Rivera/GMJ/Anderson in LF and can play there every single day. Morales would be regulated to RF where he'd be a bit better. Byrnes regularly puts up a .800-.820 OPS the last few years. This season in April he was a solid .795 or so. Then his hammies started to hurt and so did his batting. He found out he had two torn hamstrings and kept playing tough son of a %^$&* that is. That destroyed his OPS to .645 or so for the year.

    If you believe that he's a .800 OPS hitter well I've got even more good news for you. He has ALWAYS hit great in the 2nd hole in the lineup. His OPS averages range from the low .800s to .920s. It's not just an aberration it's consistent throughout his career more or less. He's a guy who with the Angels would bring a good 25 or so SBs without much trouble.

    Say he's a .810 OPS batter in front of Teixeira (assuming we get him back which is a major assumption), he also has those stolen bases to boot. It'd be just about the equivalent of him being a .850-.860 OPS hitter at the top of the order.

    He'd be a major upgrade and that's why I really hope Reagins looks at acquiring him. His attitude would be infectious. He's just about the opposite of Garret Anderson out there.
     
  5. Ray Finkle

    Ray Finkle Member

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    Arizona won't do that, not only is Byrnes better but he's cheaper. Diamondbacks have almost zero money to spend this winter so unless LAA is willing to pay for all of GMJ's contract it's not happening.
     
  6. Jaj

    Jaj Registered

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    Obviously he's better but there also getting a couple million of the difference tossed in and a five tool shortstop. Considering the deals that you're organization has pulled off in recent years this isn't very complicated. It's more likely than someone trading for Lowell.
    Pay all of GMJ's contract? For what the pleasure of paying Byrnes 22m?

    They're this close to trading Byrnes for Luis Castillo.

    For Arizona: They get a guy for three years of service rather than two. They get Aybar, which in and of itself if is a coup since at 2B he's just as good as at SS. Aybar has multiple years of cheap play remaining.
     
  7. DonShula84

    DonShula84 Moderator Luxury Box

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    I dont know that I'd want to give up on Aybar tbh. I'd trade GMJ for most anything, even if it meant eating a huge portion of his contract to make it happen, but I'm not sure I'd be willing to give up Aybar just to see GMJ out of town. Especially when Izturis and Howie are injuries waiting to happen.
     
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  8. Jaj

    Jaj Registered

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    I expect Sean Rodriguez to grab the starting shortstop position by the horns this year.

    He's an easy .780 OPS with good defense.
     
  9. Ray Finkle

    Ray Finkle Member

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    The problem with trading GMJ and INF for Byrnes is again GMJ's contract, which is probably the 2nd worst contract in baseball behind Zito's in terms of production. Even if you throw in one of LAAs INF (who none of them are 5 tool players) that won't even sweeten the deal for them because GMJ is just that bad and his contract is even worse. Arizona can't even afford to pay Randy Johnson 5 million bucks next year, as well as offer certain guys like Dunn, Hudson etc arb., there's no way they take on GMJ's contract, especially when he's making more money and the contract is longer than Byrnes', the service time on the contracts actually hurt LAA in this case.

    The main reason for the rumors of Byrnes for Castillo is that Castillo, although he has a longer contract, is actually 4 million dollars cheaper. Plus it fits the needs of both teams.

    GMJ has pretty much zero trade value, let's face it, he plain old stinks and it was a terrible job by the last LAA GM to sign him to it after 1 good season at a hitter's park in his walk year. The Angels are stuck with him for the next 3 years.

    And Mike Lowell, even coming off of hip surgery, has much more value than GMJ. If the Red Sox were able to sign Teixeira and decide they need to move Lowell, they would be able to move him much easier than GMJ.
     
  10. DonShula84

    DonShula84 Moderator Luxury Box

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    I think we need to just accept we made a horrible move with GMj and hope he can stay healthy and contribute something. I just cant see a team helping us out to correct that mistake.

    We were so quick to overpay for GMJ and Hunter tbh, we could have gotten him for cheaper, just bite the bullet and do the same for Teixeira. At least he isnt past his prime and an inconsistent hitter.
     
  11. H.Moody

    H.Moody Junior Member

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    I agree with you.Let's see if GMJ can "surprise" us when he recovers from knee surgery this season(do back in May I believe).I've seen "sparks" of him playing like he did his last year in Texas,otherwise he's just a real expensive bench player.
     
  12. H.Moody

    H.Moody Junior Member

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    Thanks for your service Francisco...the guy was awesome for us in 2002.......but signs 3 yr. deal with the Mets.I wish him luck.I for one am glad we didn't spend money on him.
     
  13. Jaj

    Jaj Registered

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    If the rumors are true and the Nationals punch the lights out with a 200/10 offer for Teixeira I will be happy as can be. Most likely that means we'll go out and get Dunn and Abreu or the like both of whom don't require arbitration. Most importantly it means that we get the #1 overall pick for the next draft.

    It appears Sabbathia doesn't want to be a Yankee and the offer has been refused so it makes sense that we beat out the Dodgers. We are the best team in the West and it'll be between us and the Giants. If we offer 6/120m we may get Sabbathia, get that #1 overall (basically switch off sandwich picks, alternate our 30 for their #1).

    That would enable the Angels to move Adenhart and likely one of their top SSs, probably Aybar in an attempt to acquire Peavy. I doubt we do it however. Instead we'll likely wait till Adenhart recovers in the minors this year and then deal him and Aybar for more offensive help.

    Sure it won't be as nice as having Teixeira in some ways, but if things are done right we can improve the offense even without him.
     
  14. DonShula84

    DonShula84 Moderator Luxury Box

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    Could be crazy, but I believe it was Buster Olney on ESPN the other day saying the player who could get traded that no one is talking about is Prince Fielder. He says The Brewers need to rebuild their pitching staff after losing CC and Sheets and they'll probably have to move one of their young hitters to do it. It'd obviously take more than Weaver to get Fielder but I imagine we'd have the young pitching that could interest them. Sign CC and trade for Fielder doesnt sound like a bad fall back option should Tex walk away.

    I wonder if he'd turn down the Nationals for a chance to play meaningful baseball games for the next 7-10 years? Assuming of course he wouldnt have to leave too money on the table.
     
  15. BigDogsHunt

    BigDogsHunt Enough talk...prove it!

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    I am holding out hope that the Yanks make a play for Tex. Somehow, someway, but it sure seems like for once they Yanks arent interested. Which strikes me as odd for a 1B like Tex.
     
  16. Jaj

    Jaj Registered

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    Even though I'm a big Yankee sympathizer and like them very much I'm even getting a little tired of the high spending. If they sign Manny or Teixeira it's just a death to the sport type move. Just tired of seeing a bunch of guys with very little interest in the Yankees themselves playing for the team. Has nothing resembling the late 90s Yankees swagger. Just a bunch of overpaid players. Not real Yankees...

    Anyway back to the Angels. Looks like Teixeira could be a National at this rate which is fine with me. These picks will likely make the farm ultra-powerful again. They'll be getting a supplemental for Garland, for Teixeira, for K-Rod, another early supplemental sandwich for Teixeira, a first for K-Rod (25), and our own 33. Considering that we won't be spending major cash in free agency at this rate we can effectively make a broad claim to draft candidates, we'll pay you first round signing bonuses to come here.

    Could be a huge haul this year.

    Back to the this year though. To replace Teixeira you need to effectively make up the difference for his .960 OPS he would have brought you (it was better than that but the truth is that Teixeira always is a better second half player). We had two terrible offensive players last year in GMJ/Rivera (.690 OPS combined) and G.A. was mediocre (.760 OPS). At shortstop we could seen improvement by replacing Aybar with Sean Rodriguez. So here's the split.

    - Sign Abreu or Dunn (.830 or .890 OPS respectively).
    - Morales (.775-.790)
    - trade for a 3bmen with Aybar like Kouzmanoff (out of Petco he's an easy .810 OPS)
    - Rodriguez for Aybar (.745 OPS is not at all out of reach for him or Wood over a full year)

    That makes up for losing Teixeira without a doubt, especially if you add Abreu (DH) and Dunn (LF).
     
  17. H.Moody

    H.Moody Junior Member

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    +1...If he signs with the Nats...he wasn't about winning anyways...JMHO

    ...on the other hand I don't understand why our Halos don't give him the 10/200...we can always trade him later...if things go sour for us in a few years...:confused2:
     
  18. DonShula84

    DonShula84 Moderator Luxury Box

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    Why not just make the effort to keep Frankie?
     
  19. Regan21286

    Regan21286 MCAT's, EMT's, AMCAS, ugh

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    I thought that too. K-Rod's a better closer than Fuentes and if you're going to overpay might as well overpay the better one.
     
  20. DonShula84

    DonShula84 Moderator Luxury Box

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    I think we definitely have the prospects to pull in Peavy, and we have ties to the team through Bud Black so they should know our players decently well.

    Kind of wish we'd do both; get Teixeira and trade for Peavy.

    If we lose Teixeira I'm more interested in what hitter's we sign. Not what pitcher we pick up.

    7/160 sounds like a good offer. Cant say we low balled him. I wouldnt let an 8th year be the difference between signing him and seeing him in Boston though.

    Trading for Lowell would suck, cause it'd mean the Sox got Teixeira and we got their cast away. Pass on that.

    And God I hope we dont sign Ibanez to anything long term.
     
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  21. H.Moody

    H.Moody Junior Member

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    Well it seems we've officially offered Tex an 8 yr. at least 160m contract(reportedly)...I hope Tony put some sort of a "deadline" on it...so if Mark brushes it off we can go after Manny...I know I'll be holding my breath waiting to hear what transpires.I keep hearing how Tex and/or his Wife(which might be our kiss of death) would prefer to live on the East coast(why?:wink2:). Boras just might be "using" us as leverage against Boston or Washington...


    FOX Sports on MSN - MLB - Angels make 8-year offer to first baseman Teixeira
     
  22. ILPhinFan88

    ILPhinFan88 Premium Member Luxury Box

    AP Source: Furcal Stays With Dodgers

    LOS ANGELES (AP) -Rafael Furcal is staying with the Los Angeles Dodgers, reaching a preliminary agreement Wednesday on a $33 million, three-year contract.

    Furcal finalized his decision late in the afternoon, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal was still not yet official.

    A day earlier, Furcal had been close to accepting a $30 million, three-year offer from the Atlanta Braves, his original major league team.

    Furcal gets $7.5 million next season, $9.5 million in 2010 and $13 million in 2011. The deal includes a $13 million team option for 2012 with a $3 million buyout, and the option could become guaranteed depending on his performance.

    The 31-year-old Furcal, coming off a $39 million, three-year deal with the Dodgers, played for the Braves from 2000-05.



    iWon - Sports News
     
  23. H.Moody

    H.Moody Junior Member

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    :hijack:......lol...I did the samething a couple of days ago...in another thread...:knucks:





    ...now if Furcal can just stay on the field....
     
  24. Jaj

    Jaj Registered

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    At this point I'd like to go into a semi-rebuilding mode aimed at taking the division this year without spending cash. This team needs its youth to get full opportunities and it needs a new hitting coach, combined with a new philosophy. I wish we still had Casey Kotchman. He looked great batting in the 2 hole with Guerrero in the three.

    Instead management will probably look to add Feuntes and Burell or something. Stupidity at its finest. They need to change their approach, reform their hitters so that they can take a walk (see McPherson this year in Florida in the minors). I'm so sick and tired of this bull**** style of play.
     
  25. H.Moody

    H.Moody Junior Member

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    ...Jaj....I'm a little sick over the Tex-no-deal(yet)too bro...but c'mon man our Halos won a 100 games last season...a HUNDRED!!!...we are right there...no need for thinking otherwise...signing Fuentes may or may not be a bad idea(Arredondo could close)....we still a "big" bat....Arte might be able to persuade Manny to sign... I believe we can win it all now with our pitching staff...I think keeping Juan was a good move...Mike's style of play is an acquired taste...and I think he's realized that the Angels need more "pop"... I know we'll sign some Offense...:hi5:
     
  26. DonShula84

    DonShula84 Moderator Luxury Box

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    Manny Ramirez not in Angels' plans - Los Angeles Times

    Also says once again the door is shut on Tex. Apparently Moreno was pissed that they offered 8/160 and never heard a word from Boras. Moreno was looking for a counter offer, and after 2 weeks with no reply he told Boras to go **** himself.

    I do kind of like the idea of letting the young guys play. I'm especially interested to see what Kendry can do at 1B, but if we do end up trading for help, or signing someone, it'll probably push him to the bench unfortunately.

    Not sure I love the idea of signing Fuentes. If it's 2/20 range I guess it'll be fine. It doesnt sound like we're guaranteeing him the closers job atm, and the pen could use another quality arm. Just seems like an odd place to turn after losing Tex.
     
  27. Jaj

    Jaj Registered

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    There's no point to Feuntes. We are not beating the Yankees or the Red Sox like this. Tell Arte to save his cash and endure the season ticket drops. Feuntes 10m should be enough to cover that.

    I feel good in one sense that the Red Sox won't be celebrating but the Yankees with Teixeira is just ridiculous. Truth be told though if we signed Manny we'd still be right there competing.

    Honestly though the last straw is saying with Gary Matthews Jr. our outfield is intact. Arte Moreno **** you. **** you for accepting that piece of **** player in our outfield.
     
  28. DonShula84

    DonShula84 Moderator Luxury Box

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    I think we're still a playoff team with the roster we have now. I could see us signing an Adam Dunn or Pat Burrell still too, which will add some power to the lineup.

    The A's are going to be much improved. Not sure about their pitching, I havent looked at it since they moved so many pieces recently. But Holliday and maybe Giambi will give them a powerful lineup.
     
  29. Jaj

    Jaj Registered

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    Not what management has said. Expect those ******s to sign Brian Feuntes and give away a first round pick. **** you Arte Moreno **** you. Not for Teixeira. But for the lack of planning and the woa is us bull****.
     
  30. DonShula84

    DonShula84 Moderator Luxury Box

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    I agree we'll sign Fuentes. Maybe we'll get lucky and his contract demands will be outrageous. Though he wants to come here, and we overpay for mediocre talent so I wont hold my breath. If he gets close to what Frankie got then I'll be pissed.
     
  31. Jaj

    Jaj Registered

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    There's a good chance remaining that we may prudently spend our surplus of draft picks.

    Consider this:

    - Morales can easily replace Anderson production the last couple years.
    - Rivera will have a better year.
    - There will be improvements around.

    Now what you need in there is essentially another Teixeira. Look for the Angels to essentially pack their farm with brand new prospects galore with the six top 45 picks we have this year. Extravagant signing bonuses galore, that's what they'll go for.

    At the top end prepare a massive offer for A-Gon from San Diego. If you acquire him you're basically as good as you were when you lost to Boston. He's that good outside of Petco.

    - Adenhart
    - Wood/S-Rod one of the two
    - Willits
    - Aybar
    - Green

    It'll take quite a bit but if you make this offer you've basically given up Wood/Adenhart and that's really about it. Then place Morales at RF/DH with Rivera in LF and we're ready to take the A.L. West again.

    You never what will happen in the playoffs.
     
  32. DonShula84

    DonShula84 Moderator Luxury Box

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    I wonder if we now re-examine a Gonzo/Peavy deal? They're going to want at least one of Santana/Weaver/Saunders, a long with a few of the above mentioned prospects. I think Santana would be close to untouchable tbh. Of course he's becoming one of my favorite Angels, so I'm a bit biased lol.
     
  33. Jaj

    Jaj Registered

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    The trade market is what we'll probably re-examine. Arte I hope uses this to his advantage and gets his pocket books back in order so that we can give Lackey a big deal and keep him happy.

    Peavy-Gonzales is pretty expensive. Gonzales by himself is more likely.
     
  34. DonShula84

    DonShula84 Moderator Luxury Box

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    Im fine with that. I believe I remember when San Diego was calling about Peavy we asked about a package. It probably would be too expensive, we were probably hoping they were so desperate to dump payroll we could get a deal.
     
  35. dolphinfn3454

    dolphinfn3454 Season Ticket Holder

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    Sucks we lost Tex but we have the pitching to contend and the West souldn't be too tough. A big bat or 2 and we'll be looking great. I just dont wanna see GMJ starting. We locked up Rivera. Maybe he'll start in left???
     
  36. Jaj

    Jaj Registered

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    It would be quite the coup for Arte wouldn't it? Essentially re-building the farm with uber-youth and making productive use of his best top guys who are blocked off at the moment.

    1- Figgins
    2- Napoli
    3- Gonzales
    4- Guerrero
    5- Hunter
    6- Morales
    7- Rivera
    8- Kendrick
    9- Sean Rodriguez

    Not a bad hitting order with some very good pitching. Heck if you pull off Gonzales I am definitely for Feuntes.

    You never know.... If the Red Sox are kept out of the post-season or beaten by someone in the AL Central I have a feeling with that roster we can take out the Yankees.

    They're better to be sure, but Sabbathia has had his struggles in the post-season. You beat them in game 1, they take game 2 and maybe you've got a shot by taking out Burnett/Wang with one of our top three and then battling it out for game 4 with Weaver on the hill.
     
  37. H.Moody

    H.Moody Junior Member

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    Gentlemen....any team that wins a 100 games the previous season is NOT REBUILDING!....
     
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  38. DonShula84

    DonShula84 Moderator Luxury Box

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  39. Jaj

    Jaj Registered

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    Ken Rosenthal hasn't been right on basically anything so far so I really don't give a ****.
     
  40. BigDogsHunt

    BigDogsHunt Enough talk...prove it!

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    Gonzalez would be a great acquistion target!!!!!!!
     

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