Casey Kotchman as a source of power

by Rev Halofan on Feb 24, 2006 2:05 AM PST in Angels News

Since Casey K turned only 23 the day before yesterday, it seemed obvious to me that his power would develop this season. I wrote in a comment section here a few days ago about whether Kotchman would match G.A.'s homerun total or double it this season.

Is the Rev crazy?

Yes, but he's also on to something...
Today's L.A. TyMe$ has a Mike DiGiovanna-penned story entiled Kotchman Might Make Deep Impact.

Basically, everyone who uses their eyeballs to judge players is noticing that the kid with the great plate discipline and sweet stroke is quite young and is steadily mastering the skill of driving the ball farther.

Those who do not use their eyeballs of course use their Tandy Calculators to pick the Angels 3rd because they see no power in the lineup - they don't expect it from Casey Kotchman, ignore Dallas McPherson and assume G.A. cannot pick up his game.

These pre-season analysts do everything but LOOK. Put that in your PECOTA and smoke it.

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Number 15

"Those who do not use their eyeballs of course use their Tandy Calculators to pick the Angels 3rd because they see no power in the lineup - they don't expect it from Casey Kotchman, ignore Dallas McPherson and assume G.A. cannot pick up his game." Exactly. and don't forget about the Kingfish!!

by rbrianc on Feb 24, 2006 7:44 AM PST reply actions

Kingfish

I'd love to see Salmon make the team and contribute some significant offense.

by Jack Frost on Feb 24, 2006 8:08 AM PST up reply actions

this is a tough one...

but I have a feeling we better watch what we wish for on this one. Would you rather have Salmon at DH or Rivera or even McPherson? When Salmon was good he started slow, much like Finley. How many chances will Scoiscia give a sentimental favorite before finally pulling the plug on him?

Best case scenario, he retires as an Angel before camp or gets a chance to DH for another team where he can get some PT and not block younger guys.

One thing Salmon has going for him is we are very low on OF help after Rivera so if he's willing to be a part timer...

by thewebb on Feb 24, 2006 11:08 AM PST up reply actions

i'd like to see

Salmon as a pinch hitter/bench player... like our new Jeff Davanon... imagine everytime he comes in the game there'll be a massive roar at the stadium...

Less is more.

"I don't have to be nervous... It's a baseball game."

by proletariat on Feb 24, 2006 2:24 PM PST up reply actions

Salmon would be...

ideal as a pinch-hitter and part-time DH, though I don't think he would be satisfied with such a limited roll. Who knows, maybe he would accept such a situation? I do know that he wants to play this year.

by Jack Frost on Feb 26, 2006 4:36 PM PST up reply actions

as long as...

We don't keep him on the roster and drop a guy with some future potential ala Jenks/Turnbow. The tough part for him is he's a slow starter so if he doesn't get his at bats that slow start could last all year.

by thewebb on Feb 26, 2006 9:14 PM PST up reply actions

The problem here

... is that beat writers like names. Give them an offseason where the team picks up a Vlad or a Jim Thome, and they're happy. On the other hand, they're right: the Angels presumed young power hitters are untested, and D-Mac looks very much like an injury risk whose increasing strikeouts foretell a player who may not make it in the Show.

The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

by scareduck on Feb 24, 2006 9:37 AM PST reply actions

Rotoworld

... is saying that OC will bat 2nd, which I'm fine with, and that Ersty will bat 5th. 5th!!! Surely Kotch or D-Mac if he's playing should bat 5th, not Erstad who had a pretty poor line last year. Would prefer to see Erstad at 8th ahead of AK

by Matt UK on Feb 24, 2006 11:46 AM PST reply actions