for emphasizing the last two years seeing as though deals going forward are better measured by recent statistics.

As for Cameron’s “rout” during the 05-06 seasons, I feel compelled at this point to mention his TWO positive tests (the second resulting in a 25-game suspension to start this season), mostly because I stubbornly believe that GA was one of the clean players (no, no proof of that, but there is certainly proof that Cameron was not one of the cleans ones). Cameron was dirty, and likely dirtiest (like most of baseball) during those seasons.

There’s no real way to defend GA’s shortcomings; they are what they are and objective fans recognize them. I certainly do.

But when we cherry-pick years, arguments could be made for either GA or MC being the superior player. When we consider careers, I think MC is the lesser player (with nearly identical OPS+, ages, and service times, doesn’t it then come down to raw numbers?). When we concentrate on the last two seasons (likely the most realistic indicator when considering free agent options), GA is more reliable and appealing (and I still assert that GA’s 15 HR are 18-20 for most other teams in consideration of the left-handed hitting power handicap that Angel Stadium brings).

As for WS %, the 05-06 “rout” is mitigated somewhat by the fact that GA turned in a higher WS % in 3 of those five seasons. Despite the last five seasons being the weakest of GA’s career, he still turns in a better WS % than Cameron (even while loaded up on amphetamines) most years.

Is it, at this point in their respective careers, safe to assume that GA will turn in a better season than Cameron 60% of the time? Well, I’m not so sure of that, I was just using Matt’s numbers. Still, I like GA over Cameron at this juncture in their careers (and, really, over their entire careers).

I think GA’s gone. He’ll find his contract elsewhere and play out his career for one or more teams. However, Angel fans are a little TOO eager to see him go. At the end of the ‘09 season, whoever gets the leftfield brick out in front of the stadium better have produced to GA’s KNOWN baseline (not as easy to do as many fans here think).

Willits going to do that? GMJ Jr. going to do that? Tommy Murphy? Juan Rivera might do that but he’s going to do it for another team (he’s gone…sick of riding Angel pine and eager to prove himself elsewhere). I don’t see the Angels landing Manny, Dunn, or even Burrell. Who’s left then?

They are bigger shoes to fill than anyone seems willing to acknowledge. GA’s no dummy…he’s going to go to a team that fits. At the end of the ‘09 season, GA, having picked a team and park that fit him, will have produced .300/20/90 (.300/.340/.800). I just hope he does it outside of the AL West. While I’m playing Carnac, he’s going to do it for the Rays (replacing Cliff Floyd). The turf may not be good for his health, but it’ll add to his hit (and double) totals, as will the chip on his shoulder. He’s not going to blab about it to the press, because he’s a class act, but he’ll be out to prove the Angels wrong next year.

The only way for the Angels to keep from regretting the scuttling of GA is to sign Manny or Dunn. I’d like a Del Meat Burrito, fries, and a large root beer.

and no different that any other contract where a lump sum is indicated as a buyout. Looking at the 4/48 contract, yes, it is money that was owed him (9, 10, 11, 12, + 3mm up front and 3mm buyout = 48). It sounds silly that he tried to argue it.