2008 MLB Season

[Shumway]

The problem I see with the catcher position is that the platoon setup isn't working. I'd rather they just stick with one, which looks to be Mathis since Napoli keeps getting banged up.

I think that the team is still suffering from MacPherson's failure, since they essentially mortgaged the third base position, and Figgins is essentially playing out-of-positon, since 3B is usually a power hitter position.

Plus, it doesn't help that Wood is looking to be yet another dud in the power hitting department.

From where I sit, both of the Angels' up-and-coming shortstop possibilities seem to be duds. Maicer's the best of the bunch by a longshot at this point. I haven't seen Sean Rodriguez play yet, but maybe he's got the potential to be our guy at short.

And yes, this is the official Angels thread now

I guess we're making this an Angels thread to make up for all the Shea trivia threads .

Rodriguez is definitely a possibility. Maicer had his hot streak last season, but he reminds me way too much of Amezaga on the team... another undersized middle infielder with no pop. With Aybar, it seems like he's been around too long to drastically improve. I can't recall his age off hand, but he seems to have been with the club for quite some time.

I'm not about to be one of those fans begging for Eckstein to come back, because let's face it, while he did have the desire, his only real talent was working the count, and even with the World Series MVP trophy, I still find him overrated. Also, looking at Escobar's injury, the Cabrera for Garland trade seems like a genius move, since thankfully they were able to fill the rotation quite nicely without forcing Adenhart to spend the entire season in the big show, since he wasn't ready in my book.

I'm still interested to see if Morales is ever going to become of anything. He might just be a surprise down the road.

*EDIT: Aybar is 24. Still, I don't really see him breaking out to any large degree*

Kendry's always my favorite "question mark", so to speak, for the Angels. I have that Philadelphia mentality of "this is the year" for him, although I'm secretly sure it won't be. If it were a few years back, I would've loved to see Eckstein back, but the last thing the Halos need is another Willits, Figgins, Kendrick, etc. They've got enough guys with a solid bat with little to no power. The Angels won a series on small ball, yes, but I hate to think of the day the team's pitching hits a(nother) snag.

Would you Angels fans be interesting in Aubrey Huff? He's had a huge first half and is usually a second half player. I could see him making a big impact for a contending team.

There are better options, but Huff is an option I wouldn't be too upset with, depending who got sent to Baltimore in return. Huff did hit for the cycle against the Halos last season...I was there. Luckily, the Angels still won, after the second straight time I've seen K-Rod give up a grand slam in the 9th, bringing the O's within a run. I think it might've been Tejada both times, too. Speaking of which, I should probably look up tickets for Angels at Baltimore this season. Maybe I can get a floppy hat again.

[LMU]

I think Reagins needs to make a big splash at the deadline. If anything, it'll prove that Stoneman's "retirement" wasn't just a facade with him still being in charge behind the scenes. So, while Huff isn't bad, I'm pulling for either Teixiera or Atkins, and Holliday if they ship Sarge Jr. out in the process.

[Shumway]

I think Reagins needs to make a big splash at the deadline. If anything, it'll prove that Stoneman's "retirement" wasn't just a facade with him still being in charge behind the scenes. So, while Huff isn't bad, I'm pulling for either Teixiera or Atkins, and Holliday if they ship Sarge Jr. out in the process.

That's essentially where I stand as well, although I'd prefer Holliday to the other two. I'd assume he's the hardest one to get as well. The problem I have is, I don't want to lose the guys the Angels have, except for Sarge or Aybar or someone of the like. Getting rid of sarge means more playing time for Rivera, which I'm definitely not opposed to. He needs to be starting.

[LMU]

I think Reagins needs to make a big splash at the deadline. If anything, it'll prove that Stoneman's "retirement" wasn't just a facade with him still being in charge behind the scenes. So, while Huff isn't bad, I'm pulling for either Teixiera or Atkins, and Holliday if they ship Sarge Jr. out in the process.

That's essentially where I stand as well, although I'd prefer Holliday to the other two. I'd assume he's the hardest one to get as well. The problem I have is, I don't want to lose the guys the Angels have, except for Sarge or Aybar or someone of the like. Getting rid of sarge means more playing time for Rivera, which I'm definitely not opposed to. He needs to be starting.

How's this for an idea... which would work either with the Holliday trade or without. Shift Figgy to SS, and convert Rivera to 3B. This way you get his bat in the lineup while maintaining the OF/DH rotation of Vlad/GA/Holliday/Hunter or if no trade, Vlad/GA/Hunter/Sarge Jr. Adds another power hitter to the lineup while not losing Figgy's leadoff hitting/speed.

[Shumway]

I think Reagins needs to make a big splash at the deadline. If anything, it'll prove that Stoneman's "retirement" wasn't just a facade with him still being in charge behind the scenes. So, while Huff isn't bad, I'm pulling for either Teixiera or Atkins, and Holliday if they ship Sarge Jr. out in the process.

That's essentially where I stand as well, although I'd prefer Holliday to the other two. I'd assume he's the hardest one to get as well. The problem I have is, I don't want to lose the guys the Angels have, except for Sarge or Aybar or someone of the like. Getting rid of sarge means more playing time for Rivera, which I'm definitely not opposed to. He needs to be starting.

How's this for an idea... which would work either with the Holliday trade or without. Shift Figgy to SS, and convert Rivera to 3B. This way you get his bat in the lineup while maintaining the OF/DH rotation of Vlad/GA/Holliday/Hunter or if no trade, Vlad/GA/Hunter/Sarge Jr. Adds another power hitter to the lineup while not losing Figgy's leadoff hitting/speed.

If they could conver Juan to 3B, that'd be the best thing they could do. The Angels need a SS, which they essentially have, except he starts at 3rd. Maicer's a great backup at short, but as an every day starter, they can do better.

[BaltimoreFan]

[

Would you Angels fans be interesting in Aubrey Huff? He's had a huge first half and is usually a second half player. I could see him making a big impact for a contending team.

There are better options, but Huff is an option I wouldn't be too upset with, depending who got sent to Baltimore in return.

The one good thing Huff has over Teixiera and Holliday is that he wouldn't be a half-year rental. You'd still get another year out of him. But I do know that the Angels have alot of minor league depth, so maybe a one year rental is all you'd want. Also Holliday's numbers really aren't that good away from Coors Field. He's about even with Huff, so you may be able to get similar production at a cheaper rate.

Just curious, what would you be willing to give up for Huff? One O's board I read alot, that suggests Huff for Brandon Wood. I know Wood's value has dropped, but that much? That board is notorious for overvaluing our talent, and turning rumors (if you can even call them that) into fact. I'm just curious to see what an Angels fan sees as Huff's value.

[LMU]

Holliday's actually signed through '09, so that's a moot point.

[TFoA]

Mike Hampton leaves rehab start with groin injury.

OMG. Biggest waste of money in Braves history.

[Drew22]

Mike Hampton leaves rehab start with groin injury.

OMG. Biggest waste of money in Braves history.

In other news, the sun rises. Story at 11.

[NJTank]

Maybe he is playing chess with Carl Pavano

[Cujo]

Speaking of massive wastes of money, Richie Sexson signs with the Yankees.

[tp49]

Speaking of massive wastes of money, Richie Sexson signs with the Yankees.

Beat me to it

Newsday report on the subject.

Just what the Yankees need another first baseman and one who strikes out all the time at that.

[FiddySicks]

With Milwaukee taking Sabathia off the market, it appears that the Cubs have shifted their attention to Oakland's Rich Harden. Chicago Sun Times

Deep down, I don't believe Chicago will be able to pull it off, but it's assuring to know the Cubs are trying to upgrade their starting rotation. I would imagine Toronto's overpaid and often injured starter, A.J. Burnett, will be the player the Cubs end up settling for. I suppose Burnett would be a decent addition for the Cubs' stretch run, but he's not a pitcher the Cubs would turn for the playoffs with Zambrano, Dempster and Lilly ahead of him in the rotation, so if they go after him, I hope they dont give up much.

On the flipside, Harden would be an instant #2 starter in Chicago. With Oakland pretty much out of the AL West race, and their well-known history of dealing players before the reach their absolute prime, I can definitely see the A's shopping Harden to a contender. I fear that it could boil down to what the Cubs have to offer from their farm system, which I hear isn't all that much. But really, who knows how Chicago will react to the Sabathia deal, so it is plausible. I guess we'll just see how it plays out between now and July 31st.

As I told you, if Oakland is gonna deal away one of their starters it's gonna be whoever is foolish enough to invest a chunk of their future for a possible playoff push (and probably collapse) when they deal a top prospect or two for Joe "Jelly Roll" Blanton. I still feel though that the team to do that will most likely be Philadelphia.

And who called it from a mile away?

I do believe I did

Damn I'm good (just ignore all that Harden stuff)

[See Red]

The Yankees are only paying Sexson something in the neighborhood of $390k, while the M's are still on the hook for about $6 mill, I believe.

Not a terrible signing by the Yankees, not a particularly good one. Despite all his troubles, he can hit LHP, which is all they really need him for. Yankees seem to be signing a lot of guys that nobody wants... Sidney Ponson, Eric Milton, Richie Sexson...

[Cujo]

With Milwaukee taking Sabathia off the market, it appears that the Cubs have shifted their attention to Oakland's Rich Harden. Chicago Sun Times

Deep down, I don't believe Chicago will be able to pull it off, but it's assuring to know the Cubs are trying to upgrade their starting rotation. I would imagine Toronto's overpaid and often injured starter, A.J. Burnett, will be the player the Cubs end up settling for. I suppose Burnett would be a decent addition for the Cubs' stretch run, but he's not a pitcher the Cubs would turn for the playoffs with Zambrano, Dempster and Lilly ahead of him in the rotation, so if they go after him, I hope they dont give up much.

On the flipside, Harden would be an instant #2 starter in Chicago. With Oakland pretty much out of the AL West race, and their well-known history of dealing players before the reach their absolute prime, I can definitely see the A's shopping Harden to a contender. I fear that it could boil down to what the Cubs have to offer from their farm system, which I hear isn't all that much. But really, who knows how Chicago will react to the Sabathia deal, so it is plausible. I guess we'll just see how it plays out between now and July 31st.

As I told you, if Oakland is gonna deal away one of their starters it's gonna be whoever is foolish enough to invest a chunk of their future for a possible playoff push (and probably collapse) when they deal a top prospect or two for Joe "Jelly Roll" Blanton. I still feel though that the team to do that will most likely be Philadelphia.

And who called it from a mile away?

I do believe I did

Damn I'm good (just ignore all that Harden stuff)

C'mon Bucfan, anyone can predict how an Oakland Athletics deal will look...

"I bet the A's trade away [insert best remaining player] for [insert number] of prospects."

I will give you props for getting Philly right. Nice call.

[philly97flyer]

With Milwaukee taking Sabathia off the market, it appears that the Cubs have shifted their attention to Oakland's Rich Harden. Chicago Sun Times

Deep down, I don't believe Chicago will be able to pull it off, but it's assuring to know the Cubs are trying to upgrade their starting rotation. I would imagine Toronto's overpaid and often injured starter, A.J. Burnett, will be the player the Cubs end up settling for. I suppose Burnett would be a decent addition for the Cubs' stretch run, but he's not a pitcher the Cubs would turn for the playoffs with Zambrano, Dempster and Lilly ahead of him in the rotation, so if they go after him, I hope they dont give up much.

On the flipside, Harden would be an instant #2 starter in Chicago. With Oakland pretty much out of the AL West race, and their well-known history of dealing players before the reach their absolute prime, I can definitely see the A's shopping Harden to a contender. I fear that it could boil down to what the Cubs have to offer from their farm system, which I hear isn't all that much. But really, who knows how Chicago will react to the Sabathia deal, so it is plausible. I guess we'll just see how it plays out between now and July 31st.

As I told you, if Oakland is gonna deal away one of their starters it's gonna be whoever is foolish enough to invest a chunk of their future for a possible playoff push (and probably collapse) when they deal a top prospect or two for Joe "Jelly Roll" Blanton. I still feel though that the team to do that will most likely be Philadelphia.

And who called it from a mile away?

I do believe I did

Damn I'm good (just ignore all that Harden stuff)

C'mon Bucfan, anyone can predict how an Oakland Athletics deal will look...

"I bet the A's trade away [insert best remaining player] for [insert number] of prospects."

I will give you props for getting Philly right. Nice call.

Except you failed to land any of our 3 top prospects, all garbage. Thanks Oakland.

[See Red]

With Milwaukee taking Sabathia off the market, it appears that the Cubs have shifted their attention to Oakland's Rich Harden. Chicago Sun Times

Deep down, I don't believe Chicago will be able to pull it off, but it's assuring to know the Cubs are trying to upgrade their starting rotation. I would imagine Toronto's overpaid and often injured starter, A.J. Burnett, will be the player the Cubs end up settling for. I suppose Burnett would be a decent addition for the Cubs' stretch run, but he's not a pitcher the Cubs would turn for the playoffs with Zambrano, Dempster and Lilly ahead of him in the rotation, so if they go after him, I hope they dont give up much.

On the flipside, Harden would be an instant #2 starter in Chicago. With Oakland pretty much out of the AL West race, and their well-known history of dealing players before the reach their absolute prime, I can definitely see the A's shopping Harden to a contender. I fear that it could boil down to what the Cubs have to offer from their farm system, which I hear isn't all that much. But really, who knows how Chicago will react to the Sabathia deal, so it is plausible. I guess we'll just see how it plays out between now and July 31st.

As I told you, if Oakland is gonna deal away one of their starters it's gonna be whoever is foolish enough to invest a chunk of their future for a possible playoff push (and probably collapse) when they deal a top prospect or two for Joe "Jelly Roll" Blanton. I still feel though that the team to do that will most likely be Philadelphia.

And who called it from a mile away?

I do believe I did

Damn I'm good (just ignore all that Harden stuff)

C'mon Bucfan, anyone can predict how an Oakland Athletics deal will look...

"I bet the A's trade away [insert best remaining player] for [insert number] of prospects."

I will give you props for getting Philly right. Nice call.

Except you failed to land any of our 3 top prospects, all garbage. Thanks Oakland.

You got a pitcher with an ERA around 5 in one of the best pitchers parks in baseball. Oakland's pretty good at this trading thing... chances are, if you did get the better end of this one, it's not by a whole heck of a lot.

[FiddySicks]

With Milwaukee taking Sabathia off the market, it appears that the Cubs have shifted their attention to Oakland's Rich Harden. Chicago Sun Times

Deep down, I don't believe Chicago will be able to pull it off, but it's assuring to know the Cubs are trying to upgrade their starting rotation. I would imagine Toronto's overpaid and often injured starter, A.J. Burnett, will be the player the Cubs end up settling for. I suppose Burnett would be a decent addition for the Cubs' stretch run, but he's not a pitcher the Cubs would turn for the playoffs with Zambrano, Dempster and Lilly ahead of him in the rotation, so if they go after him, I hope they dont give up much.

On the flipside, Harden would be an instant #2 starter in Chicago. With Oakland pretty much out of the AL West race, and their well-known history of dealing players before the reach their absolute prime, I can definitely see the A's shopping Harden to a contender. I fear that it could boil down to what the Cubs have to offer from their farm system, which I hear isn't all that much. But really, who knows how Chicago will react to the Sabathia deal, so it is plausible. I guess we'll just see how it plays out between now and July 31st.

As I told you, if Oakland is gonna deal away one of their starters it's gonna be whoever is foolish enough to invest a chunk of their future for a possible playoff push (and probably collapse) when they deal a top prospect or two for Joe "Jelly Roll" Blanton. I still feel though that the team to do that will most likely be Philadelphia.

And who called it from a mile away?

I do believe I did

Damn I'm good (just ignore all that Harden stuff)

C'mon Bucfan, anyone can predict how an Oakland Athletics deal will look...

"I bet the A's trade away [insert best remaining player] for [insert number] of prospects."

I will give you props for getting Philly right. Nice call.

Except you failed to land any of our 3 top prospects, all garbage. Thanks Oakland.

You got a pitcher with an ERA around 5 in one of the best pitchers parks in baseball. Oakland's pretty good at this trading thing... chances are, if you did get the better end of this one, it's not by a whole heck of a lot.

Trust me on this one. Anyone who gets Joe Blanton and expects anything big from him is delusional.

[Cujo]

With Milwaukee taking Sabathia off the market, it appears that the Cubs have shifted their attention to Oakland's Rich Harden. Chicago Sun Times

Deep down, I don't believe Chicago will be able to pull it off, but it's assuring to know the Cubs are trying to upgrade their starting rotation. I would imagine Toronto's overpaid and often injured starter, A.J. Burnett, will be the player the Cubs end up settling for. I suppose Burnett would be a decent addition for the Cubs' stretch run, but he's not a pitcher the Cubs would turn for the playoffs with Zambrano, Dempster and Lilly ahead of him in the rotation, so if they go after him, I hope they dont give up much.

On the flipside, Harden would be an instant #2 starter in Chicago. With Oakland pretty much out of the AL West race, and their well-known history of dealing players before the reach their absolute prime, I can definitely see the A's shopping Harden to a contender. I fear that it could boil down to what the Cubs have to offer from their farm system, which I hear isn't all that much. But really, who knows how Chicago will react to the Sabathia deal, so it is plausible. I guess we'll just see how it plays out between now and July 31st.

As I told you, if Oakland is gonna deal away one of their starters it's gonna be whoever is foolish enough to invest a chunk of their future for a possible playoff push (and probably collapse) when they deal a top prospect or two for Joe "Jelly Roll" Blanton. I still feel though that the team to do that will most likely be Philadelphia.

And who called it from a mile away?

I do believe I did

Damn I'm good (just ignore all that Harden stuff)

C'mon Bucfan, anyone can predict how an Oakland Athletics deal will look...

"I bet the A's trade away [insert best remaining player] for [insert number] of prospects."

I will give you props for getting Philly right. Nice call.

Except you failed to land any of our 3 top prospects, all garbage. Thanks Oakland.

You got a pitcher with an ERA around 5 in one of the best pitchers parks in baseball. Oakland's pretty good at this trading thing... chances are, if you did get the better end of this one, it's not by a whole heck of a lot.

Trust me on this one. Anyone who gets Joe Blanton and expects anything big from him is delusional.

Okay, so it's agreed that both teams lose in this deal.

Philly gets a below-average pitcher who took advantage of throwing in pitcher's ballpark, and Oakland proved once again they will deal anyone with major league talent for a handful of nobodys.

[njmeadowlanders]

10 in a row .