Which players are most likely to step up as leaders?

by thewebb on Jan 25, 2007 9:17 PM PST

We lost another leader, which is fine, as long as someone fills the gap. Who do you think is most likely to become our next leader(s)? I didn't do this as a poll as I'd rather have people list a few and also give their opinion. My opinion of the best chance guys to become leaders, in order:

Kendrick
Cabrera (although there's a little too much flash in his game sometimes, when he stayed in after getting beaned in the finger, he earned my respect)
Lackey
GMJ (giving the new guy the benefit of the doubt and he should be above average on both offense and defense and play hard)
Napoli - good position to get leadership from
Morales
Santana (needs to quit pouting though)

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GA and Vlad???

Those wtp are the obvious ones and should be on top.

you pretty much have to start with the Remaining Six who have won rings in Anaheim.

and the Natural in right field.

everyone will take their cues from them. when they talk people will listen.

by rbrianc on Jan 25, 2007 9:37 PM PST reply actions

hmm.

kendrick seems a little too passive to be a vocal leader. i'm pretty sure he'll lead by example though.

my best guess would be lackey. he seems like he's the most intense guy left on the roster, and i'm pretty sure he's not afraid to throw people around the locker room if need be.

SPORTS UNFILTERED

by pedro guerrero on Jan 25, 2007 10:00 PM PST reply actions

My vote's on Hillenbrand

by PieceOfAase on Jan 25, 2007 10:23 PM PST reply actions

Kendrick, Napoli, Morales, Weaver - nope

the glaring problem with those four is that none of them have even spent a full season in the Show. nor have they played an inning of post season ball.

they are talented and their time will come, but if they know what's best for them, they'll keep their mouths shut and their eyes on the ones who've been through it all, who've been to All Star games, who've met and conquered The Yankee in October, who've got The Ring, or have been an MVP in the American League and have shut up 44,000 of the Fenway faithful in October with one swing of the bat.

by rbrianc on Jan 25, 2007 10:37 PM PST reply actions

eventually

I agree with you right now but these people are the future of our team. I saw an interview with Scioscia were he specifically said that he expects Kendrick to eventaully step up as a leader.

by thebigA on Jan 26, 2007 8:26 AM PST up reply actions

Probably GA or Cabrera

I messed with Texas!

by Los Angeles de Anaheim on Jan 26, 2007 6:00 AM PST reply actions

Dino Ebel

He'll lead us to the World Series!

by NPCody on Jan 26, 2007 8:03 AM PST reply actions

Che Hillenbrand

by cupie on Jan 26, 2007 8:26 AM PST reply actions

Cabrera and Lackey

Please do something good this offseason...I'm still waiting...

by gorams77 on Jan 26, 2007 8:36 AM PST reply actions

Me

Much like Washington at York Town, I will lead the Los Angeles de Anaheim to victory. My victory will also spwan a great nation. A nations who's cannibilistic hedonism will also lead to its demise, as well as oil/poorly written sitcom dependancy. Only it will happen at an excellerated rate, as my girlfreind will get mad at me for "not making her a priority" and I will then be forced to take her to the ballet. Thus ending my 3 day reign as parlimentary president.

i have sloppy handwriting

by rjcicc on Jan 26, 2007 11:12 AM PST reply actions

women phffft

when you dig deep enough, has been the root of every fallen empire

by mdangel on Jan 26, 2007 9:14 PM PST up reply actions

Cabby, Lackey, or Caddy

although nobody will be able to fill erstad's shoes, cabrera, lackey, and GA are vets and are the most qualified to do the job in the clubhouse. vlad's just too quiet (one could argue the same's true for GA).

everybody else is too young or too new to the team.

by yeswecan on Jan 26, 2007 11:48 AM PST reply actions

Napoli

Put Kendry Morales at 1B, and McPherson at 3B......NOW LETS GO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by acuda27 on Jan 26, 2007 1:11 PM PST reply actions

no experience & not good enough

he's not even a lock to start.

by yeswecan on Jan 27, 2007 2:42 PM PST up reply actions

Um

I'm pretty sure it's going to be hard for Naps not to get the starting job. As evidence:

"What kept Napoli on the roster, though, and puts him in a good position for the competition this spring, was his ability to handle the pitchers. Known more as an offensive player coming up through the organization, Napoli posted a team-low 3.76 catcher's ERA last season. He was particularly effective in working with Kelvim Escobar (2.76) and Jered Weaver (2.22)." (Article here.

Also, his rookie's .360 OBP/.455 SLG is sure better than Jose's career .280/.346.

Light Up That Halo!

by Clutch on Jan 27, 2007 7:48 PM PST up reply actions

DUDE - your DOG sponsors Napoli's PAGE

at BASEBALL REFERENCE ... pretty tough ...

by Rev Halofan on Jan 27, 2007 9:52 PM PST up reply actions

bart sees the future

not the present.

by yeswecan on Jan 29, 2007 2:59 PM PST up reply actions

i'd say

cabrera because he's real lively and hes been with Vlad and the team for a long time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlTvSUCCqPo

by ANewFoundThrice on Jan 26, 2007 5:12 PM PST reply actions

D-Mac

john RIP samo

by angels4adam on Jan 26, 2007 10:17 PM PST reply actions

From his

Hospital bed?

Light Up That Halo!

by Clutch on Jan 26, 2007 10:54 PM PST up reply actions

JL

John Lackey.

A pipeline of talent, welcome to Anaheim.

by ClutchHomer on Jan 26, 2007 10:18 PM PST reply actions

Alex Rodriguez

After he opts out of his contract and signs with us after the 07 season.

GMJ step number one in a plan for continued dominance, or step number one in a plan for severe weight loss through explosive vomiting?

by hauldog on Jan 27, 2007 6:51 PM PST reply actions

Please oh Please

Let this be true...

Peanuts...Get your Overpriced Peanuts!

by Angel Hawker on Jan 27, 2007 11:18 PM PST up reply actions

Say your prayers

get good grades, clean your room, eat your broccoli and stop fighting with your sister... sorry still probably not gonna happen...

by Rev Halofan on Jan 27, 2007 11:33 PM PST up reply actions

if only....

...Vlad could field or run the bases and didn't have a baseball IQ of a 6 year old. Don't get me wrong, he's an indespensable player, the best on our team because of his bat, but leader? Probably not.

...GA hustled now and then or was even the least bit 'gritty.' Stud for the Angels for a long time, and I'm one of his biggest backers currently, but leader? Probably not.

Agree Kendrick is quiet and will only lead by example. To me, that's perfect.

by thewebb on Jan 27, 2007 7:40 PM PST reply actions

Last night I watched....

the '02 World Series DVD again (first time this year), and it gets tougher and tougher to watch that every year with more and more of the heart and soul of that team leaving every year. Man, those guys stepped up.

by thewebb on Jan 27, 2007 7:47 PM PST reply actions