Oakland Raiders

Home: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions

Away: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings

I really like this schedule! We will get our two toughest games at home with the Pats and Bears. The only really tough road games are the Packers and our own division rivals.

How would you feel about adding Broxton to the Angels bullpen. I doubt it would require too much to get him. The Dodgers are looking for a platoon partner for Jay Gibbons.

What type of package would you be willing to give the Dodgers? We could start with Juan Rivera and go from there.... I know he really struggled last year, but I think we could potentially straighten him out if the price is right.

I was just going through my daily routine and reading all of the MLB rumors. I apologize if this has already been discussed, but I found information on mlbtraderumors.com stating 'According to Renck, the Rockies also have interest in Scott Kazmir '

No, I am not about to suggest a crazy trade where Kazmir and a couple of decent prospects lands us Cargo or Tulo. I am going to suggest the Rockies may be a viable trade partner and Kaz may have more success in the National League. I have read reports about Kazmir working hard in the offseason, but I am not confident he will regain his all-star form.

Here are a few possible players we could target from the Rockies:

Ian Stewart - He could be a nice left-handed bat with some pop and can help fill our gap at 3B (Note: I do not want us to pay big money for Beltre)

Matt Reynolds - a nice, young lefty out of the pen. Not much MLB experience to draw on, but has had success at all levels. Decent lines from last year.

Huston Street - depending on his health situation. Unload one big contract (Street $7.2M) for another? Hey it's better than what we paid Fuentes or Kazmir

Just a thought. I was happy to see there was some interest in Kazmir.

I obviously would love to see Carl Crawford in an Angels uniform, but I am not crazy about signing Werth or Beltre.

If we don't get Crawford there are a few less obvious options out there worth a look.

1. I would love to see Rafael Soriano in an Angel uniform. He would be a major upgrade over Fuentes and could be a top notch bridge to one of our young power arms. He should be our priority right alongside Crawford.
2. Lance Berkman - to replace Matsui at DH and insurance for Kendry. We will probably see Kendry DH some initially. Berkman would be a nice player to fill in and DH regularly.
3. Bill Hall - He can play anywhere with pop. After a down year he would be a great utility guy.
4. Juan Uribe - similar to Bill Hall above.. just better due to lower cost.
5. Ty Wiggington - dude can play 1B, 2B and 3B. would love him on the Halos. I know not many will agree, but dude can rake and wouldn't cost much.
6. Justin Duchscherer - let's roll the dice. I have lost faith in Kaz and would adding Duchscherer would be risky, but with huge potential rewards.

So I guess the questions is what would you rather have if you had to choose.

Carl Crawford only... (which would not be bad)

or a combination of...

Soriano, Uribe/Wiggington and Duchscherer

Raider Nation:

Take a quick look below and make your predictions.

Raider win or loss? (win)

How many times will the Rams sack Jason Campbell (my prediction is 3)

How many total yards for McFadden? (my prediction is 133)

How many catches for DHB? (my prediction is 3)

Most receiving yards? (Louis Murphy)

First TD scored in the game? (Stephen Jackson)

First Raider TD? (Louis Murphy)

J Campbell Passing Yards (230)

Rushing Yards for Stephen Jackson (117)

Derek Anderson fits the mold for a Raider quarterback. 

1. Success in the past, but has fallen on hard times.
2. Big arm to make Al Davis happy.
3. Would come at a moderate cost.

What does everyone think?  I know we also need to upgrade the WR corps; however, this would be a great addition to either push JaDumbcus or lead us to at least an 8-8 record.

Wake up Al... get us someone who at least gives us a chance.

Either resign Gradkowski or bring in D. Anderson.  Let's go Raiders!

I am concerned the Mariners have passed the Angels as the favorite to win the American League West. Below I break down each team and show why the Angels will have their hands full with the M's this year.

Bullpen: Even

Mariners - Closer (Aardsma) I would definitely take him over Fuentes or Rodney. Mark Lowe is an excellent set-up man and closer in waiting. Rowland-Smith could end up back in the pen if Bedard earns a slot in the rotation.

Angels - Major question marks at closer. Rodney and Fuentes are not the answer. However, I love Jepsen... Shields will be back and will be more than adequate, and Bulger provides additional depth. We will sorely miss Darren Oliver.

Starting Pitching: Slight Advantage to Seattle

Mariners - Obviously the Mariners have two studs at the top of their rotation in King Felix and Cliff Lee, but don't sleep on the rest of their rotation.  The signing of Erik Bedard is definitely one which could yield significant benefits.  Imagine a healthy Bedard as your 3rd starter! If Bedard does not return to his prior success, you still have Brandon Morrow, Ryan Rowland-Smith and Ian Snell to fill your rotation.

Angels - We lack the firepower in the front of the rotation, but I feel we are stronger in the back-end. Weaver is still unproven as an ace and may struggle in that role. Scott Kazmir is a big question mark in my opinion; however, I expect 14+ wins and a sub-4 ERA. Ervin Santana is the key to our season (IMO). If we get the 15 win season and the confident, aggressive Santana we win the West.  Saunders and Piniero are a nice way to round out the rotation.

Lineup: Advantage Angels

Mariners - Ichiro and Figgy form an electric pair at the top of the order. They should score a ton of runs IF (and it's a big one), Milton Bradley can keep his head on straight, Jose Lopez and Franklin Gutierrez continue to improve, and Ken Griffey can pull a healthy, productive season out of his behind. Bill Hall is a sleeper on this team who could contribute in a big way if he starts hot and earns playing time.  He is a guy who is capable of huge numbers; however, is terribly inconsistent.

Angels: Questions... questions.... questions... However, I am optimistic we will have an above average offense. First of all I love Abreu, just wish we could find a way for him to hit in the 2-hole. So on to the questions...

#1 - Age, Matsui, Abreu and Hunter are all over 35. Experience? Yes.  Decline? Possible
#2 - Will the real Kendry Morales please stand up? Sophomore slump or another .300, 30+, 100+ season.  I would be on the later.
#3 - Is this Howie's breakout year? All signs point to yes.  A huge second half and a #2 slot in the order.
#4 - Who will hit leadoff? Aybar? Izzy? Abreu?
#5 - Does Brandon Wood earn a starting role at 3B?  If so, does that force Aybar in the leadoff role?a
#6 - Will Napoli's playing time be cut by the need to DH Matsui?

Prediction - We have six guys who will hit 20+ HRs (Abreu, Hunter, Morales, Rivera, Matsui and Naps), maybe 7 if Wood can breakout and get enough AB's. We have Howie Kendrick on the verge of a breakout season - 50 doubles and a .320+ average is not out of the question, our defense is solid as ever, and we have a great blend of veteran leadership and youthful energy.

I still say we are the favorite, but the M's are scary.

There is a rumor posted on mlbtraderumors.com stating the Angels may be in the running for Pineiro.  What does Halo Nation think?

The last time he started in the American League (2006) his ERA was 6.36 over 25 starts and 15 relief apperances. His WHIP was a whopping 1.64. He has pitched better in the NL; however, we all know NL numbers don't translate well in a NL to AL shift.

I say we leave Pineiro for the other LA team and go with in-house options.

Continue reading this post »

I was talking to a guy in the stands at the recent Chiefs game and I wanted to take a quick look at the Raider draft picks over the last 7 years. I know it's always easy to look back post-draft, but our scouting has been absolutely horrible... or... we have a washed up old fart calling the shots (which is more likely) and ignoring any football-minds we have on staff.

Summary (with detail below)

Over the last 7 years....

What we drafted - Darren McFadden, JaMarcus Russell, Michael Huff, Fabian Washington, Robert Gallery, Nnamdi Asomugha, and Tyler Brayton

"What could have been..." - Nnamdi Asomugha, Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, Aaron Rodgers, Haloti Ngata, Adrian Peterson, and Glenn Dorsey. It makes me want to cry right now!!!  =)

2008 - Darren McFadden (4th Overall)

The jury is still out on this pick; however, I NEVER agreed with this pick. We had more pressing needs on the D-Line and secondary. McFadden could still be a star in this league; however, I would have gone a very different route.

Better Option - Glenn Dorsey

2007 - JaMarcus Russel (1st Overall)

Where do I begin? Holy crap! I watched him in person several times over the last couple of years and he is absolutely, postively horrible.  This guys sucks!... and on top of it, he doesn't give a crap about getting better. I don't usually hate on my Raider players, but JaMarcus is a piece of crap!

Better Option - Anybody but JaMarcus! Calvin Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Patrick Willis, Gaines Adams.. do I need to go on?... okay, Joe Thomas, Levi Brown, Jamaal Anderson

2006 - Michael Huff (7th Overall)

He has shown slight improvement; however, yet another horrible pick. I was begging for the Raiders to take one of the DTs and once again... we fouled it up.

Better Option - Haloti Ngata or DeAngelo Williams

2005 - Fabian Washington (23rd Overall)

Another speed-guy pick, definitely reaks of Grandpa Davis.Horrible pick.... even for a late 1st rounder.

Better Option - Aaron Rodgers or Luis Castillo

2004 - Robert Gallery (2nd Overall)

I will not fault the Raiders for this pick.  I actually liked this one at the time.  The only one I supported in recent memory, but there definitely ended up being better options.

Better Option - Larry Fitzgerald, Philip Rivers, Sean Taylor, Ben Roethlisberger, Steven Jackson

2003 - Nnamdi Asomugha (31st overall) and Tyler Brayton (32nd overall)

The Raiders obviously made an outstanding pick in Asomugha.  Thank god we actually got one right!

Brayton has not worked out as well, but I will take 100 more drafts like this!!!

Better Option (for Brayton) - Anquan Boldin

Okay!  So who is going to the 11/15 game against the Chiefs?  I will be there in the Hole, punking off Chiefs fans, booing JaMarcus Russel and hopefully watching the return of DMC. I am confident we will beat the Chiefs, but I am beginning to think we will be lucky to break 5 wins.

Sad but true!... either way I bleed Silver and Black.  Let's go Raiders!  Scalp those motherfudgers!

Prediction - Raiders - 16, Chiefs 10

I am very optimistic about the season this year, but am not sure the playoffs are realistic with an unproven WR core and young stars being asked to lead the offense.  I took a look 'week-by-week' and made my prediction below (feel free to comment and/or criticize my picks -  - after all - - - they are opinions)

Week One - San Diego in Oakland (0-1)
I would much rather see the Broncos or Chiefs in week one.  I think we play them tough, but lose 21 - 13.

Week Two - at Kansas City (1-1)
The Raiders bounce back and run all over the Chiefs. In fact, I am predicting a sweep of the Chiefs and Broncos this year.  Raiders get first win of the season 24-10.

Week Three - Denver in Oakland (2-1)
Denver sucks this year. We walk all over their punk asses and win 38-6.

Week Four - at Houston (3-1)
Houston is on the rise, but I have a feeling we win this game.  The britle Schaub will probably be on the shelf, but if not we have a great shutdown corner to slow Andre Johnson.  The question becomes... can we slow down Slaton enough and get the win? I say 24-21 Raiders!

Week Five - At NYG (3-2)
I am afraid the streak ends here wih the Giants.  Russell or Garcia could be in for a long day against the Giants D. My prediction is a 34-14 loss.

Week Six  - Philly in Oakland (3-3)
This is tough game to predict... will Westbrook be healthy, how will the Eagles D react to losing key players, will McNabb be the stud he can be?  I think the answers are Westbrook will play through most pain, the D will be strong and McNabb will be effective but not great.  Raiders lose this one by 10, 24-14.

Week Seven - Jets roll in to Oakland (4-3)
We beat them with Favre and we will beat them again without him.  The Jets help us snap our two-game losing streak as we win 17-3.

Week Eight - at San Diego (4-4)
The Chargers complete the sweep and push the Raiders back to .500. I will actually take .500 after 8 based on our schedule! Chargers - 24 Raiders - 17.

Week Nine - Bye week

Week Ten - Chiefs in Oakland (5-4)
Back to our winning ways as we complete our sweep of K.C. McFadden runs for 150+ and 2 TDs as the Raiders roll to sweet victory! 24-14 I will be in Oakland for my annual trip... cant wait!

Week Eleven - Bengals in Oakland (6-4)
Carson Palmer, former USC star receives a rude welcome back as Oakland wins 28-20. Russell has his best day as a Raider, throwing for over 300 yards and two TD's to the revitalized Javon Walker.

Week Twelve - at Dallas (6-5)
I feel this is a winnable game for the Raiders. I think this will be a down year for the Cowboys.  Roy Williams will be expected to be the big game receiver to replace T.O. and I am not sure he is that guy.  However, I think Dallas is the superior team and will edge the Raiders 21-17.

Week Thirteen - at Pittsburgh (6-6)
The Raiders return to a .500 team with a loss to the defending Superbowl Champs.  We get blown out in this one 42-10.

Week Fourteen - Redskins in Oakland (7-6)
Back over 500 with a win over the Skins. Our secondary proves to be too much for young Jason Campbell as he throws three picks and the defense leads us to a nice win, 27-10.

Week Fifteen - Broncos in Oakland (8-6)
It's nice to see the lowly Broncos coming to town. Raiders get  back to 2 games over .500 with a chance to make the playoffs... yeehah!

Week Sixteen - at Cleveland (9-6)
Raiders win in an offensive showdown as Russell has his second 300-yard game of the year! DHB has his best as a Raider as he torches the Brown secondary for 165 yds and 2 TDs.  Raiders - 31, Browns - 28

Week Seventeen - Ravens in Oakland (9-7)
Ray Lewis and the Ravens hurt the Raiders playoff hopes with a season-ending defeat. Ravens - 13, Raiders - 9

Will 9-7 get us into the playoffs?  If so, I say we are playoff bound.

I just bought my tickets for the November 15 game vs. The Kansas City Chiefs.  I can't fucking wait!!! YEAH BABY!!!

IT'S TIME TO RISE RAIDER NATION.... THE DAY OF OUR RE-EMERGENCE IS UPON US. RISE AND WATCH OUR RAIDERS RUN THROUGHT THE AFC WEST.

I can't wait to be chillin' in the hole, sipping a cold one, watching JRuss unleash some bombs in warm-ups, and talking shit to some XXXXX XXXXXX Chiefs fans.

Any Chiefs fans who are reading this... come to Oaktown on 11/15 and find me in the hole.  I will be wearing my Silver & Black.  Just ask for Big Country and we can settle the score.  BRING IT YOU XXXXERS!

Damn I am pumped and we aren't even in preseason!  Lets get this party started!

YEAH...

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAIDERS!

I became a Raider when I was very young and have not looked back.. watching Marcus Allen.. my favorite player of all-time. I hate the way things went with him, but hey... I am a Raider and I always will be.

Let's all get behind Tom Cable.. it has been said a million times, but he WANTS TO BE HERE.  Lane 'faggot as Kiffin' didn't so he can kiss my silver and black ass.

Let's all get behind JaMarcus Russell.. he showed some flashes of brilliance last year. Draft an OL in the first round and lets protect him.  Oh yeah.. let him air it out a little and don't implement a conservatlve, run-then-run-then -run offense. I know we have good backs, but it's about balance damnit!

Let's all get behind Darren McFadden.... he is a star in the making.  I can't wait to watch him this year.  You have to love our three-headed monster of McFadden, Bush and Fargas.

Let's all get behind the Raiders! If you come on here to hate, ship your ass over to a Patriot or Broncos blog.  I am a Raider and I always will be!  I bleed silver and black right along with Tom Cable.  I am confident we can get things turned around quickly.

Keys to Raider success:

1. Give the new coaching staff some time (at least three years)
2. Draft an OL in the first round and then get a DL in the next round.
3. Steal a WR off the FA list.. just not T.O. please!  There are some decent guys out there... T.J. Houshmandzadeh anyone?
4. Balance on offense and give JaMarcus a shot to be the difference maker he can be.

Thank you for your time my Raider peeps... LET'S GO RAIDERS!!!! HELL YEAH!!

I WILL SEE YOU ALL IN THE HOLE.

Hey everyone,

It's your favorite guy on Halos Heaven... marshgr!! I know there are some out there who appreciate me, so to them "what's up?" to the rest... well I will just leave that one alone. To the Rev... I know you can't stand me, but at least I know baseball unlike others on this blog.

Ok... back to Ben Sheets.  I can't believe he is still on the market.  Yes, I know he missed most of September with an injury and is a risk to miss more time; however, there is a chance he will be fine. Would we be so concerned if he missed a month in July and then declared healthy?  From all accounts he is ready to go and has a full release to throw.. right now.

Dayn Perry info
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9138394/Despite-injury-concerns,-Sheets-is-worth-the-risk

Highlights of the article...

1. The projection systems have him at no less than 25 starts for next year... Bill James (the best in my eyes).. has him at 29.
2. He has a career ERA of 3.72 and has the fourth highest strikeout-to-walk ratio OF ALL TIME.
3. There are five teams in the mix with the Rangers being the most likely, followed by the Mets, Cardinals, Indians and Brewers.

The Angels need to get into the mix!!!!  Please!!!!  Even I would be happy and confident going into the season with Ben Sheets in the rotation. Can you imagine a 1-2 punch of Lackey and a healthy Ben Sheets... add Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders and Jared Weaver and we would have the best rotation in baseball.

I think he is worth the risk.  Let's do an incentive based contract with a fairly high guaranteed amount and beat the Rangers to him. I honestly think he is good for 15 Wins and 160+ Innings.

What does everyone think?

Oh yeah... sign Adam Dunn!

Hey, it's the first day pitchers and catchers can report to camp. I would like to say I am excited, but I am just not looking forward to the season. I know, I seem to be walking around with a 'half empty glass' most of the time, but I am just realistic.

Let's start with our rotation...

Ace - John Lackey: Yes, he is a stud, but enjoy him this year because he will not be an Angel soon. Look for him in beantown or in pinstripes... Maybe Blue and Orange.

Ervin Santana - he needs to show me another strong season.  Dude was in the minors not too long ago.

Joe Saunders - weak stuff, pitches to contact, will have a 4.50+ ERA this year.

Jered Weaver - is probably our second best pitcher for the first 5 IP. After that, warm up the pen!

5th starter?  Hell! We don't have one!

Now for the lineup... who scares opposing pitchers? 

Vlad.. (hahaha) not so much anymore. Anyway, you can just pitch around him. Dude is beginning to circle the drain.

Hunter - good dude, barely above average offense.

Napoli - Legit 40 HR threat...IF... he ever got enough AB's, which he won't unless he goes to a DH role.

Please do not even mention Morales, Wood, or Kendrick!

Oh Yes! We are off to another AL West crown.. and an early exit in the playoffs.

I can't wait for.... football season.

I see someone is organizing a Halo Heaven fantasy baseball league... cool!

I have one quick question.. just for fun.  Who is your fantasy sleeper or breakout candidates for next year?

Here is a list of a few guys who really could break out (no Brandon Wood votes please!!!! let's be realistic)

1. Wandy Rodriguez - could be an 18 game winner with 180+ IP and K's.
2. Clayton Kershaw - after significant time in the bigs last year he is ready to roll (no I am not a Dodger fan)
3. Ben Francisco - Indians OF
4. Wladimir Balantien - Mariners OF
5. Brandon Morrow - Mariners SP
6. Dallas McPherson - yes!
7. Elijah Dukes
8. Chase Headley
9. Heath Bell
10. Brandon Moss
11. Nelson Cruz
12. David Price
13. Ian Stewart
14. Josh Fields

First of all let me start by saying I am tired of people calling others idiots on this site.  Most of this is opinion and speculation.  You can disagree with someone's opinion, but have some facts to back it up.  There I am done.

What would make me happy?

The Angels got off to a good start signing Brian Fuentes. He is a lefty and will provide great balance to our pen. I feel he is a better closer than Frankie at this point in their careers. I love the fact that he comes from the National league and a lot of AL players have not seen him.  Actually, K-Rod will have that same advantage with the Mets.

Next... I want another starter.  Ben Sheets would be an incredible addition and is not as big of an injury concern as some think.  He started 31 games last year, logged 198 innings and had a WHIP of 1.15.  I think we could live with those numbers to go along with Lackey, Santana, Saunders and Weaver. (by the way, when is Escobar coming back?)

Finally, I want a lefty bat. Adam Dunn would be my preference; however, the Angels don't seem interested... not sure why.  I wonder if we could bring in Brad Wilkerson or Jason Giambi on the cheap and wait for someone to become available mid-year.

So, as you can see I am pretty easy to please..

Fuentes (done), Sheets, and Giambi or Wilkerson.

There are some small to mid-market teams that may be willing to deal some talent to shed payroll. Here are a few guys who could be available for the right deal.

#1 - Carlos Lee, Astros
Yes, he is another right-handed bat, but could fill our DH/OF slot and could leave Figgins in his super-utility role.

Proposed trade: Brandon Wood and Nick Adenhart +?

#2 - Prince Fielder, Brewers
He would be the huge lefty bat we are looking for and a primary DH with some time at 1B to rest Kendry.

Proposed trade: would have to be a biggie! Figgins, Wood and Adenhart?

#3 - Chris Duncan, Cardinals
They have a log jam in the outfield and are looking to deal one. They need to bolster their pen and are a team who covets speed.

Proposed trade: Aybar for Duncan?

I don't understand where the Angels are going with this team.  I am no longer bitter about losing out on Tex.  We made a fair bid and he chose to go to the Yankees... good riddance I hope the NY Media rips you a new one fucker!

Now on to Moreno and Reagins...

There are players out there who can help us immediately, where will will not have to give up any prospects, and add the big bat we need right now!  Yes, I am talking about Manny and not Adam Dunn, Bobby Abreu or Pat Burrell.  Although I might be happy with any of them. 

We instead are going to pass on all ot them and stand pat.... again. It is getting harder and harder to swallow.. How long have we needed a bat to compliment Vlad? Now.. he is on the downside of his career and the Angels are circling the rebuilding drain.

Losing out on Tex and our stubborness to stay away from Manny will equal one thing.... John Lackey in pinstripes or pitching for the Redsux. There are a lot of options out there and we are pursuing only one thing... Brian Fuentes.  Not that I don't want him on the Angels, I do, but we need offense and a starting pitcher first.

Merry fucking Christmas everyone!  Reagins can kiss my ass.... or if it's Moreno unwilling to spend.. then HE can kiss my ass too.

All hope of the 2009 season has completely gone out the window for Angel fans.. and for that matter for all the other American League teams. If the Yankees add Manny as well, I will be so turned off by baseball I will definitely be cancelling my MLB ticket.  Something has to be done.. this is frucking ridiculous!

Projected Lineup and Rotation for the Hated Ones...

Rotation - CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Chien-Ming Wang, Andy Pettitte, Joba Chamberlain.

Catcher - Jorge Posada
1st Base - Tex (pains me to type this!  Fuck him)
2nd Base - Robinson Cano
3rd Base - Alex Rodriguez
Shortstop - Derek Jeter
Leftfield - Johnny Damon
Centerfield - Melky Cabrera
Rightfield - Xavier Nady
DH - Nick Swisher or maybe Manny Ramirez

Batting Order:

1. Derek Jeter
2. Robinson Cano
3. A-Rod
4. Tex
5. Manny
6. Nady
7. Cabrera
8. Posada
9. Damon

I am so turned off by baseball right now.  Something needs to be done with these crazy salaries and the few teams who can afford the real stars.  The two LA teams are no longer players in the biggest names. This is very disheartening and I am very concerned about the upcoming season.

Look at where we stand right now!

C - Mike Napoli
1B - Kendry Morales (scary)
2B - Brittle Kendrick
3B - Chone Figgins
SS- Erick Aybar
LF - Gary Matthews Jr.
CF - Torii Hunter
RF - Juan Rivera
DH - Vlad the Fader (no longer the impaler)

Which lineup is better the Angels or the Pirates?

C - Ryan Doumit
1B - Adam LaRoche
2B - Freddy Sanchez
3B - Andy Laroche
SS - Jack Wilson
LF - Steve Pearce
CF - Nate McLouth
RF - Brandon Moss

We all know the our priorities for the offseason go something like this...

Plan A - Tex
Plan B - CC Sabathia (good luck with that one!)
Plan C - Manny Ramirez

If we fail (and we probably will) to land any of those three, Pat Burrell is a rumor which has surfaced. 

THE STAT LINE

A lifetime .257 hiiter, OBP - .367, OPS - .852.

Over the past four years he has averaged approximately...

100+ BB, 30+ HR, .380 OBP, .880 OPS, 95 RBI

Not too shabby...

What do you think? Sign Burrell and work a deal for Peavy?

I know everyone here is very high on Howie Kendrick, so I know I will take a beating for this one... but here goes!

I would strongly consider packaging Howie up with a couple of prospects for Jake Peavy. Howie will never be able to play 2nd base at a high level. I would give him a B on range and a C on hands.

Pros:

• Howie will hit for a good average with gap power.
• He increased his SB from 5 to 11 last year.
• Projects to over 40 doubles if he played 162 games

Cons:

• Howie is injury prone - He has never played 100 games
• Barely average defense
• Rarely walks

I say sell high and bring Peavy in with Tex and we would be golden.

Hey everyone,

At first glance, your reaction to my fanpost would be... "duhhhh".  However, I am not posting to talk about the Angels being the best team in baseball.. and they are.  I writing to talk about recent events that will help the Angels be successful in the World Series.

1. Theo Epstein actually made a horrible move.  The Redsox are a team which is about NOW!  In fact, most teams with above average budgets are about now (even the Angels joined these ranks lately by landing Tex). Losing Manny in the 1-2 punch has the Redsox looking a lot less scary.  We are one of the only teams in baseball with a solid rotation.
2. Yankees - Just can't stay healthy and probably will miss the playoffs.  Joba the most recent casualty, has left the Yanks in shambles on the mound.  Mike Mussina is very long in the tooth and will probably fade a bit down the stretch.
3. Rays - The injury bug has also hit them pretty hard.  Longoria was mentioned earlier, but the real concern for the Rays is young pitching fading down the stretch and Carl Crawford's injury (could be season ending).
4. Whitesox - Who is there big stopper who can come in and win a game for them in the playoffs.  We have Lackey and Saunders for that, but who do they have?

I am totally geeked about this season and can't wait to get to the Big A for Red October.

I know that is kind of a lame word, but it describes how I feel.  This is an outstanding trade!  I am so tired of all of these Angel fans who are content with winning a weak AL West, only to lose in the playoffs because we don't have the fire power to keep up with the Redsox.  I mean my god, we just got a slick fielding first basemen who is capable of hitting 40+ HRs!  I also like Kotch, but we just became the favorite to win the World Series!  Our new lineup is going to be outstanding!

Here is what my lineup would be...

1. Figgins - 3B
2. Izturis - SS
3. Vlad - RF
4. Teixeira - 1B (I am so geeked about this)
5. Hunter - CF
6. Anderson - DH
7. Kendrick - 2B
8. Rivera - LF
9. Mathis - C

Now that is scary good!  We are finally positioning ourselves to make a run and we didn't have to give up any pitching other than a run of the mill reliever.  Texeira is a major upgrade over Kotch.

I get it... people are afraid we will not be able to resign him.  Let him get a taste of life in So Cal and wearing the Halo Red and he will be back!  Trust me!  If not, we will get two draft picks and will start to rebuild our overrated farm system.

I have not been this excited since we signed Vladimir Guerrero!  We are set in the playoff rotation with Lackey leading the way.  We are set in the bullpen with Arredondo to Shields to K-Rod.  And now we can hit with the big boys!

I am truly in Halo Heaven!  Yee-hah!

I am a life-long Angel fan living in a house full of Dodger fans... and yes... it has been good over the past few years!  The one thing that thoroughly upsets me is that will are still not on the prowl for offense.  If.. and that's a big IF.. Matt Holliday is available we should do almost anything to get him.  I mean what do they want in return?

I agree.. our pitching is outstanding, but that will not be enough to win a World Series.  Hell, we don't have enough to get past the Redsox at this point.  We need to go out and get a bat to DH or play 3B.

Who is out there and available?

Here are some that I would like to see in Anaheim.

1. Adrian Beltre
2. Matt Holliday
3. Jason Bay
4. Garrett Atkins

There is a rumor out there that the Twins are interested in Jered Weaver + prospects for Johan Santana. http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/12337791.html

The Angels could offer Jered Weaver, Brandon Wood, Nick Adenhart and Reggie Willits for Johan Santana.

The question I ask is can we win a world series with our current lineup and the following rotation...

#1 - Johan Santana
#2 - John Lackey
#3 - Kelvim Escobar
#4 - Jon Garland
#5 - Joe Saunders/Ervin Santana

I know I would be willing to make that deal in a heartbeat.  We would be able to keep our lineup in place and upgrade our rotation.

Even though I am still very concerned about SS, I feel this move would make our offseason a major success.  Arte would have to shell out some major cash, but I think he is willing to do so, even with Vlad and K-Rod's contracts looming.