Brandon Wood Gets Cut..

by gorams77 on Nov 17, 2008 8:07 PM PST Comment 108 comments

Brandon Wood was just cut from his Winter ball team in the Dominican according to LA Times. One step forward, two steps back....

If I remember - he was terrible last winter as well. Strikeouts still high, power and average down too. Or is winter ball even that important?

Was really hoping he could build momentum off of the last 2 weeks of the season and carry through to ST. As the coaches say... I hope he "figures it out" soon.

Link: http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-spw-angels18-2008nov18,0,6141888.story

This Fan-Post is authored by an independent fan. Tell us what you think and how you feel.

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well that sucks

Woody’s usually a slow starter, so i can’t say that i’m surprised.
but, it was only 13 games, so i’m not too worried about this.

Kotch would've had that.

by howiestheman on Nov 17, 2008 8:16 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Long season

I know some guys can do it, but just because some guys cannot does not mean that they cannot then do it during the regular major league season.

by Rev Halofan on Nov 17, 2008 8:49 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

then theres guys

who do it ALL the time. And plenty of ’em. the faith wanes…

by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Nov 17, 2008 8:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Kendry Morales?

“Then theres guys who do it ALL the time.”

Put Kendry Morales at 1B, and move Sean Rodriguez to 3B......NOW LETS GO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by acuda27 on Nov 18, 2008 12:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Acuda

He has done nothing in the majors over any long period of time.

Your blind faith reminds me of the mormons who came ot my door yesterday hoping to sell me their shitty bible full of absolute garbage saying “Well, what IF its true.”

Your faith in Morales is akin to the Mormon religion.

Go away.

I brought sexy back, but they only gave me store credit....

by PhiSlamma on Nov 18, 2008 6:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Uh, save the religion rant for another site (or at a No on 8 rally), dude!

And lay off Acuda — lest he go completely David Banner/Incredible Hulk on your ass for mocking his boy.

You ever feel as if your mind had started to erode?

by PieceOfAase on Nov 18, 2008 8:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Save the politics too, then.

And as far as religion goes, wasn’t it the YES on 8 people that brought religion into the mix, saying they were trying to ‘protect’ it?

by seamariners85 on Nov 18, 2008 8:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I couldn't give 2 shits about anything regarding Prop 8

or what Mormons do, or, or or ……. Last time I checked, this wasn’t the Daily Kos or Rush, so why segueway into the above?

The topic was Brandon Wood, no?

You ever feel as if your mind had started to erode?

by PieceOfAase on Nov 18, 2008 9:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i'm not a grammar nazi so dont take me for one, this is more of a pet peeve

but segue is spelled segue not segueway. whoever decided to spell it that way was an idiot, but yeah…

Driven into right-center field, Erstad says he has it...the Angels, world champions!

by teopeht on Nov 18, 2008 11:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks POA

Kendry will go Incredible Hulk on his ass during the season.

Put Kendry Morales at 1B, and move Sean Rodriguez to 3B......NOW LETS GO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by acuda27 on Nov 18, 2008 4:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Its not a WHAT IF? Its when he gets the chance.

Have you ever tried playing baseball once a week? Its pretty hard to get into a groove. EVERY TIME Morales gets a shot at playing for a long period of time EVERY DAY, HE KICKS ASS and bats OVER .300!!!!!!!!

And I wrote “Kendy Morales?” It was not a statement it was a question, and sort of a joke. But now that you mention it, YES MORALES plays good ALL THE TIME. AIGHT?

I want to see what you have to say about Morales during the 2009 season. He is going to shut you the fug up.

Put Kendry Morales at 1B, and move Sean Rodriguez to 3B......NOW LETS GO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by acuda27 on Nov 18, 2008 4:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

No

At this point in time it’s still what if, I like Kendry as much as the next person (not nearly as much as you), but it’s still potential. We’ll see when the league adjust to him how he adjust back.

by Seik1177 on Nov 18, 2008 4:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

"just because dudes suck...

“doesn’t mean they suck ALL the time…”

baseball is an unforgiving sport.

by yeswecan on Nov 18, 2008 1:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

AMEN......I was batting .500 during the season in the NABA

and the last 2 games I’ve gone a combined 0-8 with 4Ks. You hit slumps and you get hot sometimes. You have to just ride it out and keep your head up.

I have faith in Wood.

Put Kendry Morales at 1B, and move Sean Rodriguez to 3B......NOW LETS GO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by acuda27 on Nov 18, 2008 4:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

NABA stats might represent a new low

around here. Sorry.

If you have ever wondered what happened to all of the baseball world’s scrubs, you can find them in your local NABA, striking out against the 62-mph fastballs of 45 year-old men. If there is a more visually painful iteration of this nation’s pasttime, I’d be shocked; NABA stands for ‘No Apparent Baseball Acumen.’

Now, put Chris Pritchett at first, Bobby Rose at second, Pete Coachmen at third, and let's go win.

by GarretSaysSuckIt on Nov 18, 2008 10:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

And who even keeps track of their NABA stats anyway?

by Higz on Nov 19, 2008 12:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm almost afraid to admit

I played in the NABA for a few years. It was a lot of fun and I loved it. Much better than playing softball. We all can’t be professionals, but at least we do have a good time.

Sorry if us 45 year old, 62-mph fastballers piss you off. Wait…no I’m not.

I was uncool before uncool was cool.

by WiHaloFan on Nov 19, 2008 12:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm all good with NABA...

more just teasing Acuda for referring to his NABA stats…it seemed amusing.

Oh, and you shouldn’t be afraid to admit playing in the NABA. You said it best, “much better than playing softball.” Indeed.

Now, put Chris Pritchett at first, Bobby Rose at second, Pete Coachmen at third, and let's go win.

by GarretSaysSuckIt on Nov 19, 2008 9:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually there are pitchers that hit 90+ in the AA/AAA division of the NABA

But I was just trying to make a point that you cant always rip the cover off the ball. Sorry for giving my NABA stats, I never played baseball before even thought I wanted to play in little league and High School, but do to some sercomstances was not able to.

I was going to share video and pics from the ALLSTAR game at Rancho Cucamanga but I guess everyone will just laugh so I just wont waist my time uploading my video. I felt pretty cool to have my name announced over the stadium speakers when I came to bat, and people cheering when I drove some runs, but I guess I stand alone on that too since its for shitty baseball players anyways.

Put Kendry Morales at 1B, and move Sean Rodriguez to 3B......NOW LETS GO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by acuda27 on Nov 20, 2008 2:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

No, no

I think that’s awesome. I wanted to go back and do some amateur stuff last year but didn’t get the chance.

Light Up That Halo!

by Clutch on Nov 20, 2008 2:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

A shitty player is better than me

I’ll stick to my softball.

I’ll say it, that’s gotta be a pretty freakin cool feeling to have your name announced when playing in an all-star game and then to drive in some runs.

I give you props.

by Seik1177 on Nov 20, 2008 3:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks :)

Put Kendry Morales at 1B, and move Sean Rodriguez to 3B......NOW LETS GO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by acuda27 on Nov 20, 2008 9:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

nobody will laugh, acuda

by Higz on Nov 20, 2008 4:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Right.....coming from the person that says,

“Who even keeps track of their NABA stats anyways.”

And BTW I keep track of all the players stats because I am the team Managers. So I guess that makes me a looser X 15? Thats aight, I like being who I am and will continue to keep track of my stats as well as the entire team.

Put Kendry Morales at 1B, and move Sean Rodriguez to 3B......NOW LETS GO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by acuda27 on Nov 20, 2008 6:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

OK

It makes more sense if you are the manager I guess. It just strikes me as self-indulgent to track your own stats (and broadcast them over the Internet) beyond thinking something like, “Hey cool, I hit a homer today.”

But whatever. Sorry, dude.

by Higz on Nov 20, 2008 6:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If that would have been the case I wouldnt have said that I am currently

0 for my last 8 with 4 strikeouts………..

Put Kendry Morales at 1B, and move Sean Rodriguez to 3B......NOW LETS GO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by acuda27 on Nov 20, 2008 8:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

More power to you, my man.

Seriously, I was just having a little fun. You’re out playing baseball (and managing a team); God bless ya’.

Now, put Chris Pritchett at first, Bobby Rose at second, Pete Coachmen at third, and let's go win.

by GarretSaysSuckIt on Nov 20, 2008 9:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't take it so seriously...

I was just toying. Upload your video, dude, it’s baseball so I’m sure it’s welcome here.

And as far as keeping stats, I’ve always said that if it’s worth playing it’s worth keeping stats. I was just ribbing you because of your youthful exuberance, which crudgy old men like me are sometimes wont to do.

Don’t let me pee on your parade; I only give you grief a little bit because you strike me as the kind of guy who can take it.

Now, put Chris Pritchett at first, Bobby Rose at second, Pete Coachmen at third, and let's go win.

by GarretSaysSuckIt on Nov 20, 2008 9:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I can take it, but your comment did not strike me as a joke.

It actually kind of made me feel stupid for posting my BA because im proud of playing baseball, then you come along and tell me that its a piece of shit league (some teams do really suck, BAD). I can usally tell when people are just toying with one another but that comment and your screen name (I dont like GA by the way, which you probably already know) didnt seem like it.

No harm taken BTW

Put Kendry Morales at 1B, and move Sean Rodriguez to 3B......NOW LETS GO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by acuda27 on Nov 20, 2008 9:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry...

I’d play baseball seven days a week in any league that would have me. This is a site for baseball dorks, so we are all maybe a bit dorky.

Seriously, post your video.

Now, put Chris Pritchett at first, Bobby Rose at second, Pete Coachmen at third, and let's go win.

by GarretSaysSuckIt on Nov 20, 2008 10:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Trade 'em

I have never been convinced of Wood and I strongly contest his major league career will be average at most. I know these are harsh words but a player who “starts slow but gets better into Fall” means nothing more than an average player that you can’t rely on to me. Your consistent or your not. My prediction: Wood will have some good seasons and some good games but overall wont live up to the hype.

We got stacked farm teams and a stacked infield if we consider our prospects. I say we deal him to the Padres in a deal for Peavy.

by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Nov 17, 2008 8:50 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

i want peavy more than anyone

but i dont see the point in dealing wood now when his value is likely at an all time low. Just keep him, give him a shot in spring and hope he figures it out. Temper your expectations.

by ihearhowie2.0 on Nov 17, 2008 9:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

You’ve just declared A TWENTY-THREE YEAR OLD with only 183 major league ABs is worthless.

Glad you’re not managing the Halos…

Light Up That Halo!

by Clutch on Nov 17, 2008 9:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

good point

but let’s see how it plays out.

by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Nov 17, 2008 9:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Old Saying is.......

If you don’t like em then don’t keep trying to find a reason to like em. Its kind of like dating. You don’t keep going out with them if they just don’t do it for you. Move on and don’t waste time trying to find something you like. The chance are your missing out on that special one.

Now don’t get me wrong I am just explaining BryanHarvey’sMoustache thought on the subject. I myself think he has legit power, and has an avg glove, but still shows a lot of holes in the swing. He is a tweener as far as position. If he can play SS everyday then I say toss him in and see if he sinks. Its time to pull the trigger though. Play him as your everyday SS or 3B or trade his ass for something needed. Just stop the up and down thing already. After 5 years and 2500 AB’s in the Minors you should know what you have or haven’t got.

Its a little scary that this is the second season he has been shipped home from Winter Ball but never the less its time for the Angels to play him daily or admit he isn’t what they thought. Not that he will be Mike Schmidt but had the Phillie fans had there way he would not have been the 3rd baseman after his 23 yr season in 1973.

Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee

by Angel Aviator on Nov 18, 2008 12:02 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Tim Salmon?

“….but a player who "starts slow but gets better into Fall" means nothing more than an average player that you can’t rely on to me.”

by wumbug on Nov 18, 2008 5:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i would love to see him defend GA now.

Kotch would've had that.

by howiestheman on Nov 18, 2008 9:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

ROFL......TRUE

I bet Wood will have more HRs than GA next year, If he gets a good long shot of course.

Put Kendry Morales at 1B, and move Sean Rodriguez to 3B......NOW LETS GO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by acuda27 on Nov 18, 2008 4:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You're probably right

but I bet GA ends up with more RBI’s, Hits, Runs & a better Avg.

by Seik1177 on Nov 18, 2008 4:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

And your probably right too

Put Kendry Morales at 1B, and move Sean Rodriguez to 3B......NOW LETS GO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by acuda27 on Nov 18, 2008 5:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

There is more on Wood and Morales in Winter League in this story:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2008/11/winter-league-r.html

Recipient of the 2008 "The Iron Man" award from scottnak of Halos Heaven!

by 44FAN on Nov 17, 2008 9:45 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Lets skip on Tex!!

we got a great alternative in KMo
hmmm, what other position would we need help on now???

by mastermind565 on Nov 17, 2008 10:07 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

KMO needs to play regularly somewhere

We need to give this guy a chance to see what he can do with 500 at bats.

As far as Wood goes, even with his winter ball regression I won’t give up on him yet since he is still young. If they were to trade him, they would be selling low right now. With that in mind you might as well give him a chance to see what he can do with some more playing time. At the very least he’s a good insurance policy at SS and 3B for the inevitable injuries that always seem to hit the Angels.

by stolenbases on Nov 17, 2008 10:27 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I may be oldskool...

but until i see at least 1/2 a season in MLB, i tend to hold back judgment. We have a decent streak of hurt/and or overrated prospects though, and this certainly doesn’t bode well.

by bruinbrah on Nov 17, 2008 11:04 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

agree

were’s the patience. he’s never had a legit shot at the big leagues.

by HALO_86 on Nov 18, 2008 3:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

My God!

In all the years of watching Cali sports and witnessing a gamut of overhyped guys (Renaldo Nehemiah, Robby Thompson, Michael Olowokandi, Greg Brock, Lee Stevens, JJ Stokes, Vlade "fuckin’’ Divac, etc), this obsession with Wood is nuts. Everyone at HH is great, but `stop fawning over this guy-he is a 21st Century Rob Fucking Deer, straight up and down, six o’ clock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gimme a cigarette

by tmat on Nov 17, 2008 11:11 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

i think hes a little better than that

but i agree people here tend to be blind to some of the homegrown talent’s shortcomings. We just dont produce offensive stars really and i think people here badly want one of our own draft picks to become that ryan bruan/evan longoria type hitter but it aint happening lately

by ihearhowie2.0 on Nov 17, 2008 11:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Again

He is 23.

TWENTY.

THREE.

If Wood was 30, or even 28, then we’d have reason to be worried.

Here’s the lines from a couple of guys’ age-23 seasons. For comparison Brandon Wood’s was: .200 /.224 /.327

.259 /.331 /.480 (albeit with 26 homers)

.177 /.283 /.266 (with 2 HR, 73 ABs)

.260 /.317 /.393

.165 /.212 /.297 (w/ 3 hr)

.233/.305/.352

Know who they are? Their names rhyme with Bark Meshmeira, Zim Shmaman, Shmammy Scioscia, Shmarlos Shmelshado, and Shmilly Mavis.

Light Up That Halo!

by Clutch on Nov 17, 2008 11:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Guess whose also 23 and killing it

S-Rod.

Listen, Im not giving up on Wood. I’m just saying that I feel confident enough in our farm league and who else we have for infield to trade him.

by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Nov 18, 2008 9:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

S-Rod's 2008 stats

.204 /.276 /.317

I wouldn’t exactly call this killing it, at least not in comparison to Wood. Maybe slightly better OBP, but the BA difference is marginal, and Wood’s SLG is much better.

Eh.

Light Up That Halo!

by Clutch on Nov 18, 2008 7:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I seem to recall a guy named Salmon...

who never made the all star team, almost never had a decent first half of a season, and worked out to be a pretty good ball player. Give Woodie a break!

Whodathunk we would be rooting for a former Ranger come August, er September, er October...? Miss ya Kotch, but Tex is THE man!

by K3YEROUT on Nov 18, 2008 12:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Um, that was the point

To show that players such as Tim Salmon also had perfectly shitty age-23 seasons and went on to be fantastically awesome players. Hence we mustn’t give up on Wood.

Light Up That Halo!

by Clutch on Nov 18, 2008 1:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

How quickly some forget

Maybe I’m out of the baseball loop since my football team is so insanely freakin’ good…

…but uh, we ARE talking about the guy who just busted out big this year at the highest minor league level, right? You know, the one who almost OPS’d 1.000 at Salt Lake this year? The one hit .296 with 31 homers, and a .375 OBP? The one with the same number of walks at Triple-A in 2008, as in 2007…but in 42 fewer at-bats? The one whose K-rate went from 32.9% in 2006 to 27.5% in 2007 to 26.3% in 2008? And OPS+’d 100 in the last month of his season at the big-league level?

And he’s 23, right? Not 32?

Yeah, wow. Totally hopeless, guys. Forget about trading him. Let’s take him out back and put one in his forehead. That’s what you do when livestock isn’t going to produce for you, right?

by Caseys Kiss of Death on Nov 17, 2008 11:29 PM PST reply actions 1 recs

Panther

Light Up That Halo!

by Clutch on Nov 17, 2008 11:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

SANITY

it is like people hold it against Brandon Wood for being in our system since he was 18 – imagine if we had drafted him out of college last season, nobody would be screaming for him to go – but the calls for his imminent release are coming from BOREDOM – What The Fug is that all about? You are all bored hearing about him being good soon and you want it now. He hasn’t made the all-star team at age 23 so dump him, yeah right. Ay Yi Yi people.

by Rev Halofan on Nov 18, 2008 12:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Had he been out of college

Then he would have been a 21 year old draft choice playing in Rancho in late June and maybe ARK by Aug. His college was those 1100 AB’s he had in the minors.

To but it in perspective Evan Longoria is 7 months younger then the Wood. Longoria did go to college and had just 750 AB’s in the minors. I am not saying release him but lets see what the kid can do at the big league level. Another year in Triple A is not going to make him a better player. Another organization may, but I would rather see him sink or swim as an everyday guy with the Angels.

Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee

by Angel Aviator on Nov 18, 2008 12:30 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Longoria is not your typical talent....

Then again, neither is Chase Utley, and he wasn’t tearing the cover off the ball at the big-league level at Wood’s age…

by mattwelch on Nov 18, 2008 10:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Thats the point

Wood needs Big League AB’s. There will be an adjustment period but the time has come for him to get those AB’s at the MLB level. Utley was a guy that also played college ball but he had defensive issues that needed work at the lower levels. He was a hitter at all levels HS/College/Minors.

I used another 3rd baseman as comparison earlier on (Mike Schmidt) he was damned near booed out of Philly. I am not saying Wood should be shipped out but there comes a time when a prospect must eventually become a big leaguer or they become suspects! For 5 years he has been a prospect. At what time does a prospect need to elevate himself in your eyes Matt? I know what it is for player development but what is it for you?

So for me he needs to be getting regular big league AB’s. He may only hit .230 -.240 but with regular AB’s (450) he should hit 15-20 HR and drive in 65. I will take that in hopes that he will raise his game each year. If he isn’t going to be that guy that gets playing time then what are they doing with him? Just stop telling me how great he will be and start showing me how good he is now. The only way to do that is by having him play regularly at the big league level.

Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee

by Angel Aviator on Nov 18, 2008 2:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

We agree

I’m ready to throw Wood out there every day (at 3B, mostly, but with some spot starts at SS). I’m willing to put up with a .240/20/65 with a bucketful of Ks, good D, and some SBs, with the hope that his 2nd half is better than the 1st.

Being more of a youth fanatic than you I’m hoping we clear out Figgins & Izzy for either a LF, an SP or some prospects, and just let the kids hack away on the infield, with S-Rod serving as the primary backup at all three positions. Aybar and Kendrick have demonstrated enough upside for my taste; they just need to stay healthy and concentrate properly.

Not saying that Wood will be great; I’m more of the belief that he’ll be a super-athletic Rob Deer type who can play credible shortstop & good 3B. We have a good track record at developing infield D at the ML level, and hopefully if we sign Teix there’ll be enough offensive cushion that we can tolerate Wood going through a slump or two in April and May.

by mattwelch on Nov 18, 2008 10:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

S-Rod

why have S-Rod up on the bench to rot. he loses value sitting on the bench. if he’s at AAA playin everyday putting up numbers his value stays up. reserves are for players who can’t play everyday. don’t put a young prospect still maturing on the bench.

by HALO_86 on Nov 19, 2008 10:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

A 4th infielder behind Aybar & Kendrick & Wood will not rot

Hell, Wood & S-Rod got more than 300 ABs combined last year on a team with two shortstops!

Maicer Izturis has never exactly “rotted,” and neither has he really been a starter.

by mattwelch on Nov 19, 2008 11:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

injuries

if there were no injuries then they wouldn’t have gotten those AB. you made my point. Izturis isn’t a everyday IF. he’s nothing more then a good backup IF/pinch hitter. thats why it’s ok to have him on the bench. S-Rod is young. still learning the game. its better if he’s playin everyday then sittin on bench rotting away.

by HALO_86 on Nov 19, 2008 12:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

S-Rod & Wood

Both are 23 (Wood younger) but I think S-Rod needs a few more AB’s in Triple A.

Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee

by Angel Aviator on Nov 19, 2008 1:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Huh?

Injuries happen. Fourth infielders — especially on a Scioscia team — are liable to get 350-400 plate appearances. That’s arguably as valuable, development wise, as playing every day in AAA.

by mattwelch on Nov 19, 2008 1:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

wait

how who has been the 4th IF on the Angels over the last 3-4 yrs. only backup i know he carries is Izturis. only 1 backup MIF. never a 4th. anytime a 4th IF is every used is when they are called up from AAA and not from the bench.

by HALO_86 on Nov 19, 2008 2:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

4th = backup

1) shortstop
2) 2B
3) 3B
4) 4th infielder (basically Izturis in recent years)

by mattwelch on Nov 19, 2008 4:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

alright

i was thinking 1.2B & 2.SS, then 3rd IF as primary backup to 2B & SS, then 4th IF. if he’s primary backup like how Izturis is being used then thats cool. i consider Quin as backup CIF.

by HALO_86 on Nov 19, 2008 5:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sonic Youth?

I am all for youth on a club I think it helps the clubhouse dynamics. There is always need for veteran’s though. To much of either one is not so good in my eyes.

I see Wood being a little more like Matt Williams. Ton of power good glove with holes in his swing. He could be Travis Fryman and either is fine. If he continues to sit he will be neither.

You in town this month? Sent email to ya…….

Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee

by Angel Aviator on Nov 19, 2008 1:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Man I hope Wood's like Matt Williams...

Yeah I’m bouncing all around (Murrieta as we speak), but will be in the LBC basically from Sunday thru Friday. Will get back to you soon.

by mattwelch on Nov 19, 2008 1:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Would be nice

There are some similarities already. High K total but plus power. Fryman wouldn’t be all that bad either.

Man Murrieta what in the world? Hunting for Thanksgiving dinner? Well if you saw the email let me know what you think and we can set something up for next week if it fits into your schedule.

Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee

by Angel Aviator on Nov 19, 2008 2:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Mom moved out here a few years back

It has a winning proximity to Palm Springs, which I intend to give a workout tomorrow.

by mattwelch on Nov 19, 2008 4:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Seconded

I’m on the “wait-and-see” bandwagon with Woody, but jeez, the throw-him-under-the-bus crowd is getting out of hand. It’s only November!

Witty .sig goes here.

by scareduck on Nov 18, 2008 2:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It's easy when all you have is bad news

Remind me of the people driving the bus over Howie in October

by Seik1177 on Nov 18, 2008 4:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

But uh

he repeated the 4th grade so he should get a better score right?

Come on CKOD he just did Trips over and yes his numbers got a little better but what it really boils down to is he has 5 years and 2500 AB’s (850 at AAA) play him or move on. Not saying he is hopeles but its time for Mom (Angles) to stop cutting his steak for him and let him figure it out for himself

Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee

by Angel Aviator on Nov 18, 2008 12:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Couple things

1) Yeah, he repeated AAA. The horror. That must put him amongst the what, 80,000 other people to ever play at Triple-A for more than a season?

2) What do Ryan Howard, Josh Hamilton, Geovany Soto, Aubrey Huff, and Mark Teixeira all have in common? None of them were lineup fixtures until at least 23 years old. And those are just the names pulled out of my ass. Imagine if I actually cared to look stuff up.

3) His numbers didn’t get “a little better.” Or maybe our definitions of “a little” differ. I tend to think that a one year jump in OPS by 135 points, a 37 point increase in OBP, a decrease in K%, an increase in runs score, an increase in RBIs, and an increase in homers (all in fewer ABs) is more than a “little” better. But I’m no genius.

by Caseys Kiss of Death on Nov 18, 2008 12:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Couple replies

1) Sure there have been a lot that repeated and a lot of those never ended up being much of anything. I say he needs to play at the big league level this year and not another year in Trips.

2) Ryan Howard played college ball (320 AAA AB’s), Josh Hamilton ,,,,,we know what happened there he didn’t play in the bigs until 26, but he only had 50 AB’s after not playing for 4 years yet found himself in the bigs, Soto had less then 2000 AB’s in the minors before being named Rookie of the year, Huff college ball player that had 1250 minor league AB’s before sticking in the show, and Teixeria played college ball (320 minor league AB’s). My point still remains the same. After 2000-2500 AB’s and 5 years in the minors the club knows if they have a guy.

3) Your “a little better” is different then mine. I said he got a little better but I am not going to get excited by the improvement when he ends up being cut again by his winter ball club.

Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee

by Angel Aviator on Nov 18, 2008 1:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

OH NO

NOT WINTER BALL.

I’ll be damned. Wood was cut the second most meaningless team in all of professional sports, behind the Kansas City Royals. Looks like he won’t be breaking the single-winter-season home run record owned by Boogsie McGee of the 1924 Albuquerque Whothefucks.

He didn’t, by ANY objective measure, get “a little better” in 2008 at Triple-A. None. Not one fair barometer of his successes would say he got a “little” better.

And you clearly didn’t get my point in #1.

by Caseys Kiss of Death on Nov 18, 2008 1:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

There's also a little bit of blockager at the big league level

Aybar and Izzy this year and Cabrera last year covering short and Figgy at 3B. They had no where to put him, but I feel this year he is gonna come to ST make his case and they will find some way to insert him into the lineup and give him the shot to play.

There’s only two reasons (IMO) for a guy to get near 2500 minor league AB’s; he’s terrible in the minors, or he’s blocked, and last I checked, he’s been pretty awesome in our system thus far.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Specializing in maniac-ball since 2000

by halofan4life on Nov 18, 2008 7:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Available to trade, to an extent

I think Wood has potential but, that being said, if the Padres were to ask him to be a part of a trade for Mr. Peavy then i think he is expendable.

That being said I just really want to see Jake in Angel red!

I am calling all you Angels!!!
Fight On Trojans!

by trojanangelfan on Nov 18, 2008 12:40 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps he does not like living in the domincan republic?

He was cut from the Mexican league last year so perhaps he is not into playing/living abroad?

Teixeira............Everything else can wait.

by hauldog on Nov 18, 2008 1:20 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Could be the same reason in reverse why Morales is thriving down south of the border.

Recipient of the 2008 "The Iron Man" award from scottnak of Halos Heaven!

by 44FAN on Nov 18, 2008 2:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Get him a condo in Santa Ana then .........

Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee

by Angel Aviator on Nov 18, 2008 2:52 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

LOL

Put Kendry Morales at 1B, and move Sean Rodriguez to 3B......NOW LETS GO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by acuda27 on Nov 18, 2008 4:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Batting .341 2 years streight in AAA........I dont think so, but it is Funny

Put Kendry Morales at 1B, and move Sean Rodriguez to 3B......NOW LETS GO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by acuda27 on Nov 18, 2008 4:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't really care whether or not Wood was released from his winter league team

Yes, he will be 24 come next season and is young enough to turn it around.

What I don’t get is how the same faith isn’t shown towards Kendry Morales.

Is it because he has one apparent super fan on this site whom everyone else likes to spite?

I think Morales is the one who is more of an advanced player [and by virtue of not being given a chance, has gotten old in the minors]. At this point, the Angels need to give a chance to have Major League success.

I’m hoping Wood, who is the supposed golden child of the Angels’ minor league system, figures it out before he becomes considered a legitimate bust.

by BBFan1 on Nov 18, 2008 3:32 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Well

I think Wood’s final call-up is a good indication of him at least not being a complete bust.

Light Up That Halo!

by Clutch on Nov 18, 2008 5:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you

Another Voice of Reason!!! Not too many of em’. All the “Wood” love is making me uncomfortable!

Gimme a cigarette

by tmat on Nov 18, 2008 7:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Who is this guy? He sucks.

Age….AB…..AVG/OBP/SLG/HRs__K%
22….155…..187/.254/.284/_2___39.4
23……46…..261/.357/.478/_2___32.6
24….240….179/.268/.371/_10___35.0
25…..227….198/.294/.361/_8____29.5
26….No MLB ABs

The formatting sucks………..but this guy sucks even more. An average under .200, an OBP under .300, SLG under .400 and an unbelieveable K rate.

Ain't no stoppin' us now. We got the groove!

by Fan Since 1981 on Nov 18, 2008 7:53 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Make that an unbelievable K rate.

Ain't no stoppin' us now. We got the groove!

by Fan Since 1981 on Nov 18, 2008 8:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Ummmm......A-Rod?

Put Kendry Morales at 1B, and move Sean Rodriguez to 3B......NOW LETS GO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by acuda27 on Nov 18, 2008 9:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Mystery Player; what happened next.

After his age 26 season with no ABs, here are his HR and AVG/OBP/SLG/OPS+ stats.

27…….32 HRs……..246/.351/.515/142
28…….45 HRs……..244/.356/.539/138
29…….38 HRs……..239/.303/.471/112
30…….21 HRs……..259/.348/.493/146 (363 ABs)
31……39 HRs………245/.343/.506/137

Note: This guy played CF, which makes the above numbers even more impressive. Also, ALL of the years listed (both the ones where he sucked as well as where he succeeded) were played with the SAME team.

Ain't no stoppin' us now. We got the groove!

by Fan Since 1981 on Nov 19, 2008 3:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Gorman Thomas

What do I win?

I was uncool before uncool was cool.

by WiHaloFan on Nov 19, 2008 3:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice!

You win a replica of his sideburns and an 8-track tape of the KISS album “Dynasty”.

Ain't no stoppin' us now. We got the groove!

by Fan Since 1981 on Nov 19, 2008 5:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yahoo!

The sideburns will match my Oscar Gamble ‘fro and Dynasty is the one 8-track I’m missing from my KISS collection (my tape player ate it)!

I was uncool before uncool was cool.

by WiHaloFan on Nov 19, 2008 5:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Am I reading this correctly?

.167 with 16Ks in 48AB and only 1 HR over 13 games. How can you guys excuse this? That is just terrible. The fact that he is doing it during winterball against supposedly inferior competition too is what is even more disconcerting.

by turs12 on Nov 18, 2008 8:01 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Wood

I figure it is only a matter of time before something clicks for Wood, though he may not be a true superstar.

He isn’t going to be Mike Schmidt, but I might be happy if he becomes the next Matt Williams or Dean Palmer.

Unlike Dallas McPherson several years ago, Wood doesn’t have anything physical holding him back.

by BBFan1 on Nov 18, 2008 8:19 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Maybe Wood's slump is due in large part to the mass quantities

of El Presidente Beer and Mamajuana (Dominican rum-wine concoction that’s out of this friggin’ world) that he’s imbibing.

I’d like to think that’s the case.

You ever feel as if your mind had started to erode?

by PieceOfAase on Nov 18, 2008 9:15 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Wood

why does everyone seem to want every top prospect to become a HoF or there a bust. lets just relax. i think most of us want our farm system to produce productive players right? if couple of them end up being stars, great. if 1-2 become HoF even better bonus. let him become the best player he can be. i don’t think some of you guys will be happy with anything he does period.

by HALO_86 on Nov 19, 2008 10:17 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I won't be happy

Unless he comes in next year and posts a .588/.640/.800 line with 589 home runs while batting from every slot.

Seriously.

Light Up That Halo!

by Clutch on Nov 19, 2008 1:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That's not enough.

I won’t be happy unless he hits 763 HRs this year, breaking the single season and all-time home run record at once. 4.71 HRs per game should be no problem.

by snowhor on Nov 19, 2008 2:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

all while getting 4300 hundred hits as well right.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Specializing in maniac-ball since 2000

by halofan4life on Nov 19, 2008 5:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

YES

He must surpass that, too—-be the first person to ever reach 5,000 hits in a single season.

Now, as far as the home-runs go, Wood already has 7 career homers, I think, so he’ll break the record if he hits 756 this next year. But 800 is necessary to crush future competition from that meh Alex Rodriguez.

If Wood only gets 4,999 hits or 799 home runs, we’ll need to DFA his ass IMMEDIATELY.

Light Up That Halo!

by Clutch on Nov 19, 2008 5:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Or bench him in favor of GMJ so he can learn by watching what a proven veteran can do.

by snowhor on Nov 20, 2008 10:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Indeed

A few days of watching Gary should help. But wait! That might make him even MORE awesome—and then we wouldn’t be able to afford his payroll when he becomes a free agent! Oh noes!

Light Up That Halo!

by Clutch on Nov 20, 2008 1:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs