SB Nation User Blog: matt92130

Marvin Harrison?

matt92130 — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:25:06 -0000

Anyone interested in Marvin Harrison? I know he hasn't signed with anyoen yet and he may waiting for training camps to begin, for the reason of injuries and maybe soem people aren't working out as well as the teams thought. But, given outr situation with Brandon Marshall, don't you think it'd be wise just to visit the possibility? I mean, from what I've read, he's healthy, and looking to get on a contender. I think the Broncos are on the verge of becoming a contender for the Super Bowl in next two to three years. I believe this team will need some time to gel.

I believe there is a rumor out stating the Vikings might be trying to sign him as of June 25th. I'm speculating it's the request of Brett Favre. Maybe je wouldn't even want to come here, but I haven't seen aything on it so I'm hoping someone will shed some light on it for me. Thanks.

Could the Angels be looking at Dan Uggla?

matt92130 — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 02:40:24 -0000

In the article, it mentions notjhing regarding the Angels being interested. But directly after Uggla, was Freddy Sanchez of the Pirates and it is said that it could be a big upgrade for the Angels. Now, I'm not into Freddy Sanchez as he's already 31 years old, but Dan Uggla is intriguing.... he's on pace for 30 homers, and 100 RBI's. Granted his avergae is .226 and OBP is .336, but those power numbers make you take a second look.

Could Howie Kendrick return to form like we all hope he does? Yes. Is it guaranteed that he will? No. Please people, don't tell me why the Angels will never deal with the marlins again because everyone here knows the reasons or excuses. Instead, I'll ask what is fair value for Uggla and what could the Angels part with and still keeping the team in tact for a title run?

I'd consider trading Brandon Wood for him. Uggla has proven it at the MLB level, Wood has not. Wood, Aybar, and a AAA arm (Not one of our top guys... someone projected as a low #2 future rotation type). Who's to say Uggla couldn't move to 3rd if HK picks himself back up. Without a SS beyond Izturis, Figgins can play SS. I think that's fair trade value.

http://bases.newsvine.com/_news/2009/06/24/2965677-10-most-likely-to-be-traded-infielders?category=sports

Yahoo Article: Could Matt Holliday end up with the Angels?

matt92130 — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:20:54 -0000

This is the first time I've seen anything like this directly linking Matt Holliday to the Angels. It appears to be typical LA Times speculation, but nonetheless, news for the Angels. If the link doesn't work, paste into your browser and shoot me later.... But anyways, here is the link below:

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/rumors/post/Could-Matt-Holliday-end-up-with-the-Angels-?urn=mlb,171608

Anyone out there with opinions?

Offer from Halos Heaven? Would like Giants nations take. Thanks.

matt92130 — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:20:02 -0000

Offer from Halos Heaven? Would like Giants nations take. Thanks.

Good day to McCovey Chronicles folks from Halos Heaven. I was curiouis about a trade offer, maybe you might be interested in. I more or less want to hear what you think or what you would want, and not want:

"Word on McCovey Cove is that Wilson has competition in the closer role… some young guy (I’m thinking like the way we were all talking about Arredondo taking over for K-Rod). Might be the rigt time to jump on him.

Along with Wilson, I really like their FA acquisition of Jeremy Affeldt. He just turned 30 and Wilson is only 27.

My proposed trade:

Erick Aybar, Jeff Mathis, Mark Trumbo, and Terry Evans for Jeremy Affeldt, and Brian Wilson.

My reasons for it:
1. In my opinion Erick Aybar is expendable, especially with him blocking Brandon Wood. Aybar brings youth to the Giants IF at either 2nd or SS. Especially with an aging Renteria who is 34. Plus their current 2nd baseman is unproductive, albeit young at 22, may need another year or two in the minors. Aybar could be a productive leadoff hitter for the Giants.

2. Jeff Mathis brings them solid defense at catcher, along with youth to take over Bengie as he is 34 years old. And their back-up catcher is weak.

3. Trumbo is behind Matt Brown at this point as well, but held in a high regard as a solid prospect with a big upside in the power category. The Giants 1st baseman combined for 2HR this year so far… 2.

4. I hate to give up Terry Evans beause I like the way he plays. He seems like a team first guy. But again, dealing from depth. Sadly by choice on this one due to our stock piling of aging OF’s. Anyhow, Aaron Rowand is 32, and Randy Winn is 35. Their other OF is young and unproductive so far. Evans would start for them today, and I’d be happy to see him get his chance."

That's the message I put out to Halos Heaven. I was curious wat you all thought? Add players? Change players? Lets the get this deal done!??? Thanks a lot.

Michael Young

matt92130 — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:08:06 -0000

The Rangers are exploring trade scenarios for short stop Michael Young as he requested a trade after learning they wanted to move his to 3rd base.

So we can see it's much like the Miguel Tejada situation back when he was with the Orioles. He would not move to another position. The upside to that trade was Tejada was younger at the time. Anyways, Michael Young is 31 years old, has a .977 career fielding percentage. He's also been to 5 straight All-Star games. He's averaged a .200 batting average, 15 home runs, 87 runs batted in, 9 stolen bases, 99 runs scored (Possibly because of the Texas offense), a .346 On base percantage, walking 47 times, and striking out 106. He'll be 32 at the end of the year, and he's a local boy from Covina.

Keeping a few things in mind,

1. The Rangers obviously want a 3rd baseman.

2. He'll be 32 at this seasons end in October.

3. He's owed approx $62M over the next 5 years ($12M per).

4. They'll probably want an arm for him.

Would you trade for him? If so, what would you give up for him?

I'd trade for him. I'd offer Jared Weaver and Matt Brown. Would that get it done???? Maybe, but I think they'll ask for more.

It's said the Angels, Dodgers, Tigers, Royals, and Mets have already inquired. Though the Rangers are in no hurry to move him.

Remaining Free Agents

matt92130 — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 08:46:53 -0000

Here is what's left. This is from ESPN.com with what I cleaned up. The statement is always made, "We're always looking to make our club better..." So my opinion is simple with a little input for some. Would they make us better.

Bobby Abreu, RF - Free Agent (A) - NY Yankees - Yes for his ability to hit in the 2 hole.

Moises Alou, LF - Free Agent (B) - NY Mets - No.

Garret Anderson, LF - Free Agent (B) - LA Angels - I'm sorry GA. You’d make us better right now, but we just can't ask you to come back.

Luis Ayala, RP - Free Agent (B) - NY Mets - I believe we're set in the pen.

Denny Bautista, RP - Free Agent - Pittsburgh - Same as above.

Joe Beimel, RP - Free Agent (B) - LA Dodgers – Same as above.

Matt Belisle, SP - Free Agent - Cincinnati - Same as above.

Emil Brown, LF - Free Agent - Oakland - No.

Paul Byrd, SP - Free Agent (B) – Boston – No.

Orlando Cabrera, SS - Free Agent (A) - Chicago Sox – He makes us better right away, but I can’t see the Angels asking him to come back… especially after the trade was awash.

Bartolo Colon, SP - Free Agent - Boston - No.

Alex Cora, SS - Free Agent - Boston - No.

Craig Counsell, 3B - Free Agent - Milwaukee - No.

Joe Crede, 3B - Free Agent - Chicago Sox - No, you would hinder Wood's growth.

Juan Cruz, RP - Free Agent (A) - Arizona - No.

Adam Dunn, LF - Free Agent (A) - Arizona - Absolutely. I'd do the deal today.

Ray Durham, 2B - Free Agent - Milwaukee - No.

David Eckstein, SS - Free Agent - Arizona - It would be great to have you back and I suppose it could happen if Figgins was dealt along with Aybar/Izturis. You could be our leadoff hitter again and a fan favorite. However, highly unlikely.

Jim Edmonds, CF - Free Agent - Chicago Cubs - Always remember "The Catch", but our relationship has run it's course.

Cliff Floyd, DH - Free Agent - Tampa Bay - Left handed DH fits our need, but I can't see him as an Angel. Nor, would I want him.

Eric Gagne, RP - Free Agent (B) - Milwaukee - Haha.... no.

Freddy Garcia, SP - Free Agent - Detroit - Could be a nice low risk option for the 5th slot in the rotation.

Nomar Garciaparra, SS - Free Agent - LA Dodgers - I'd take you for what Quinlan does. Ship Q, and bring in Nomar. Great back-up.

Jon Garland, SP - Free Agent (B) - LA Angels - I love the workhorse mentality, but you don't make us better.

Tom Glavine, SP - Free Agent - Atlanta – Another veteran lefty... recovering from injury. I'll pass on you.

Ken Griffey Jr., RF - Free Agent (B) - Chicago Sox - Would fit our need with a left handed bat in the DH slot but I can't see you as an Angel. But yes, he would make us better.

Mark Grudzielanek, 2B - Free Agent (B) - Kansas City - No.

Eddie Guardado, RP - Free Agent - Minnesota - No.

Livan Hernandez, SP - Free Agent - Colorado - No.

Orlando Hernandez, SP - Free Agent - NY Mets - No.

Eric Hinske, RF - Free Agent - Tampa Bay - No.

Orlando Hudson, 2B - Free Agent (A) - Arizona - Yes, but where? So no.

Jacque Jones, LF - Free Agent - Florida - No.

Gabe Kapler, CF - Free Agent - Milwaukee - No.

Jeff Kent, 2B - Free Agent (B) - LA Dodgers - He would make us better today, but not tomorrow. Strictly as a DH, he has some value left in him.

Mark Kotsay, CF - Free Agent - Boston - No.

Jon Lieber, RP - Free Agent - Chicago Cubs - No.

Paul Lo Duca, C - Free Agent (B) - Florida - No.

Braden Looper, SP - Free Agent (B) - St. Louis - No.

Derek Lowe, SP - Free Agent (A) - LA Dodgers - Yes, and the more I look at this, the more I'm beginning to believe he'll be part of our rotation next year. He'd be solid for us.

Brandon Lyon, RP - Free Agent - Arizona - Yes, if Speier doesn't return to form.

Pedro Martinez, SP - Free Agent - NY Mets - I don't like his injuries, plus we’ll end up playing the Yanks and I don’t want to hear their his daddy… so no.

Guillermo Mota, RP –Free Agent – Milwaukee – No.

Mark Mulder, SP - Free Agent - St. Louis - My darkhorse. I'd like to see it on a 1 year deal w/ a possible for two. 1M$ tops. He's still young enough and I think he can bounce back. Sue me HH.

Will Ohman, RP - Free Agent - Atlanta - Yes, again, pending Speier.

Oliver Perez, SP - Free Agent (A) - NY Mets - I think Adenhart would be just as good and he’s a class A, so no.

Andy Pettitte, SP - Free Agent (A) - NY Yankees - He could help us. He's better than Adenhart at this moment so yes.

Mark Prior, SP - Free Agent - San Diego - Interesting but no.

Manny Ramirez, LF - Free Agent (A) - LA Dodgers - Obviously. He alone makes us have serious offense. The only FA left that allows us to make that jump.

Dennys Reyes, RP - Free Agent (B) - Minnesota - No.

Juan Rincon, RP - Free Agent - Cleveland - No.

Ivan Rodriguez, C - Free Agent (B) - NY Yankees - No.

Kenny Rogers, SP - Free Agent - Detroit - No.

Takashi Saito, RP - Free Agent - LA Dodgers - No.

Ben Sheets, SP - Free Agent (A) - Milwaukee - He makes us better instanntly too but I've noticed the halos don't keep people around who have a recent history of injuries, especially pitchers.

Frank Thomas, DH - Free Agent (B) - Oakland - I'd take a flier on him for DH on a 1 year deal for $1M and incentives. Again... sue me HH.

Juan Uribe, 3B - Free Agent (B) - Chicago Sox - No.

Jason Varitek, C - Free Agent (A) Boston - No.

Omar Vizquel, SS - Free Agent - San Francisco - No.

Ty Wigginton, 3B - Free Agent - Houston - No.

Brad Wilkerson, RF - Free Agent - Toronto - No.

Randy Wolf, SP - Free Agent (B) - Houston - He makes us better today, not tomorrow. Plus, his contract will be greater than his value.

Gregg Zaun, C Toronto - No.

Signings and trade ideas

matt92130 — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:58:11 -0000

I've been mulling this over and over all night trying to figure out ways to get better besides the typical Dunn and Burrell conversations. I know Peavy is still a hot topic around here. First, the signings I would like to see happen:

1. Sign Mark Mulder for the 5th spot in the rotation. The most recent reports on ESPN is that he's healthy and has figured out the delivery issue. Angel pitching coach Mike Butcher has done a solid job cleaning up pitchers mechanics the past two seasons and I think he'd work well with Mulder. Back in Oakland, he wasn't the ace (Hudson and Zito)... the big three. In St. Louis, he was asked to lead a rotation due to the injuries to Carpenter and Wainwright. Maybe he's the kind of guy who needs more around him, which we obviously do. He's likely low cost too and that's a plus.I was thinking 1year for $1M-$2M base filled with incentives.

2. Sign Jason Varitek. The Red Sox just signed Josh Bard (formerly of the Padres) to be their catcher, and rumor has it they're still trying to trade with the Rangers for one of their young catchers. Tek would be able to spell Napoli in the event of injury or just a day off and play better than average defense. His big plusses are his invaluable leadership on and off the field. His game calling ability is amazing. He may be able to help us against the Red Sox in terms of how to approach their pitchers and hitters. No, he's not the hitter he once was, but that's not why I want him signed. I want the leadership and defense. 1-2 year deal max for $2M-$4M per.

3. Sigh, if we must, then we must, sign Fuentes for no more than 3 years at $8M per. If he really to be an Angel, those are our terms... take it or leave it.

Now for the trade, my one and only trade: Mathis, Morales, Wood, Adenhart, Weaver, and Willits to the Padres for Jake Peavy and Adrian Gonzalez. It fills holes for the Pads and they get young players who won't cost them for a few years.

My line-up:

1. Figgins 3rd

2. Izturis SS

3. Guerrero RF/DH

4. Gonzalez 1st

5. Hunter CF/DH

6. Rivera LF/RF/DH

7. Kendrick 2nd

8. Napoli C

9. Matthew Jr. LF/CF/RF/DH (When healthy)

Bench: Evans, Rodriguez, Aybar, Varitek, Quinlan, Brown.

SP1. Lackey

SP2. Peavy

SP3: Saunders

SP4: Santana

SP5. Mulder

BP: Arredondo

BP: Spier

BP: Oliver

Set-up: Shields

Closer: Fuentes

If you want one more in the pen Jespon till/if Escobar comes back. Or if you feel Jepson is expendable, insert him in the deal minus Willits so we don't have to carry Evans on the 25 man roster. I know Reagins said we're going with a youth movement, but I'm not especially sold on it. If we ever have the abiity to obtain Peavy and Gonzalez, for the above mentioned guys, better damn well do it. Good trade for both clubs.

Winter Meetings:

matt92130 — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:22:12 -0000

Good day all,

I'm beyond excited for the winter meetings to begin today! And I imagine there is going to be a lot of chatter this week, so I propose we use this post strictly for the winter meeting week... if you all want to keep each story completely separate, cool, just a thought.

Anyways, I came across this shit on mlbtraderumors.... God I hope not. Not even at half the salary.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/12/astros-willing.html

Rethink the Payroll

matt92130 — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:38:52 -0000

With the Angels getting rid of Tex ($12.5M), GA ($12.6M), Garland ($12M), KRod ($10M), and Rivera ($2M), it frees up $49.1M. Next year, with Vlad ($15M, and Escobar ($9.5M), that's another $24.5M. All together, that's $73.6M off the books. But I'll start with this year. I've ballparked these numbers in other posts, but never in this detail. Everything I read, fans discuss money, not more than players, but enough to see that it's of genuine concern. Perhaps due to our own economic futures.

This is simply a suggestion, and I think it's moving in this direction or somewhere thereabouts. There are obviously some intangibles that we as fans, are not permitted to see or hear until the time is right. But this is what I see happening;

1. Prior to any Sabathia deal, the Angels will trade the San Diego Padres for Jake Peavy ($11M - 2009, $15M - 2010, $16M - 2011, $17M - 2012, and a $22M option for 2013) and Khalil Greene ($6.5M). We'll centerpiece our deal around Jared Weaver ($435K), Brandon Wood ($390K), Nick Adenhart (Unknown), Gary Matthews Jr. ($10M 2009 -no trade clause, but I think he'd waive it. $11M - 2010, $12M - 2011... and the best part... his no trade clause goes away after 2009. He'll only be able to block deals to 4 teams after that.) We'll have to eat half his salary each year. Erick Aybar ($415K), and Ryan Budde ($380K). We're sending $6.62M to them and we're getting $17.5M, a difference of $10.88M.

2. After that happens, we're going to sign CC Sabathia for 6 years $130M-$140M. That's $21.66M-$23M per. For my point, we'll go with $23M.

3. People can argue for or against Adam Dunn... it doesn't matter which side you're for, the fact remains, we just let go of our left handed bat in GA, so we're going to want another one. You don't have to like it, but I do. I'll bet 99% of you don't know his stats measure up to Reggie Jackson.

Adam Dunn has averaged .247BA, 40HR, 96 RBI's, .381OBP, 180 K's, and .974 fielding percentage; per every 162 games played.

Reggie Jackson averaged .262BA, 32HR, 98 RBI's, .356 OBP, 171 K's, and .967 fielding percentage; per every 162 games played.

Like it or not, it's in the numbers folks. We'll likely sign him for 3 years $36-39M.

4. I like this next one, haven't seen it, or heard about it but, Frank Thomas. He made $12.5M last year but only played in 71 games. In 2006, he signed for $500K and played in 34 games the year prior. Maybe he'll sign for $2.5M base, with incentives.

5. Resign Darren Oliver for $2M.

With everything from Greene, Peavy, Sabathia, Dunn, Thomas, and Oliver, we've only overspent on Arte's budget by $2.25M.

1. Chone Figgins (3rd)

2. Howie Kendrick (2nd)

3. Vlad Guerrero (RF/DH)

4. Adam Dunn (LF/DH)

5. Frank Thomas (DH/1st)

6. Torii Hunter (CF)

7. Khalil Greene (SS)

8. Kendry Morales (1st)

9. Mike Napoli (C)

Bench: Reggie Willits, Jeff Mathis, Sean Rodriguez, Maicer Izturis, Robb Quinlan

SP1: John Lackey

SP2: CC Sabathia

SP3: Jake Peavy

SP4: Ervin Santana

SP5: Joe Saunders

BP: Justin Speier, Darren Oliver, Kevin Jepson, Shane Loux, Scot Shields.

Closer: Jose Arredondo.

Last time I posted something like this, I saw it MLB.com (The Angels site), plagiarized by beat writer Lyle Spencer three days later. The Epic Rotation. That was mine folks.

I know it's long but, I put a lot thought into this. It can work... just have to be a little creative with the money.

Setting up Plan B, if Plan A fails?

matt92130 — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:17:39 -0000

Plan A without a doubt is Tex, right? I think we're all in consensus here. What about Plan B? What is our Plan B?

Could the Angels be setting up for more pitching? No Tex so we go after Sabathia? Then we could trade a few of our prospects and Weaver for Peavy? A rotation of:

SP1: John Lackey

SP2: CC Sabathia

SP3: Jake Peavy

SP4: Ervin Santana

SP5: Joe Saunders

Wow.... impressive. Plus for those concerned about money, I think it's more economical than Tex, and/or Manny. At that point, do we run the risk of becoming the Atlanta Braves of the 90's? Is that a bad thing? Could Matt Brown, Brandon Wood, or Freddy Sandoval be as productive, or close to GA? Can Morales be as productive as Tex is just stupid... but could he be as, or more productive than Kotch? Hmm, good questions to ponder. I want Tex back in Anaheim real bad, that's a helluva Plan B.

Your thoughts and opinions...