2006, a season that finished about 18 months ago with Rivera the second best hitter on the team. This guy diserves respect, he paid his dues, he worked his way up the ladder. Then he had a freak injury playing winter ball, trying to improve his game even more. All he needs is some consistent ABs to get back in groove, he’s a streak hitter, like many power guys are, and it’s understandably hard for him to get it going riding the pine.

I think that Rivera is our future RFer, when Vlad is mercifully retired from the field and made the full-time DH. This could happen as early as next year. Rivera’s probably our best fielding corner outfielder and without a doubt he has the best throwing arm on the team. Unfortunately, GMJ has taken his ABs away, apparently simply because of his bloated contract.

I’m rooting for Rivera to overcome all of his bad luck and disappointing circumstances and once again become the dominant player he showed he could be two years ago. Please notice that you haven’t heard one word of complaint from Rivera throughout this season, even though he performed well in the spring and during his comeback at the end of last season. He’s a great player with a great attitude and he’s trying his best to help the team in any way he can. I feel certain that he’ll make an impact before this year is over.

Though they could always call up Budde.

Especially with the year off. Won’t get it with the Angels unless their is an injury.

I don’t think you can draw a trend from just one season but his numbers in 2006 were great.

2006: 27 2Bs, 23 HRs, 85 RBIs, and 310 AVG in 448 at bats. Vlad had 607 at bats that year and when you adjust Juan’s numbers for that many at bats you get (Rivera-Vlad): 36.5-34 2Bs, 31-33 HRs, 115-116 RBIs.

Adjusting 2005 for 600 ABs: 29 2Bs, 26 HRs, and 102 RBIs. Thats not bad either. Granted with the broken leg he suffered he may never get back to where he was.

If he hadn’t broken his leg, we wouldn’t be talking about this. We wouldn’t have Gary Matthews Junior, probably wouldn’t have Torii Hunter, and he’d be a starting outfielder.

Moral of the story: Don’t break your leg playing winter ball.

everyones hard on for Rivera? you guys fawn over him like the media does with Obama. One good year doesnt make him a great player. If GMJ wasn’t on the team then I would agree with you that he should get a little bit more playing time to see what he can do. But, that’s not the case.
I would rather see Willits/Ga splitting time out there. Willits is a guy who gets on base, works counts, and makes a pitcher throw pitches. We don’t have many players who do that , and we need it. On the other hand Rivera, swings at the first pitch trys to pull it and always is thinking over the fence, we have enough players that do that so lets mix it up

we trade Rivera now for a A or AA Pitcher and get at least something for him.

and if he gets some consistent at bats, I think he’ll be good. I don’t like this argument.

was born to DH

As this year has shown, the Angels’ depth has kept them winning. Figgins, Kendrick, Isturis go on the DL and the team doesn’t go into a tailspin, it just keeps going. It could just as easily end up GA or GMJ who ends up on the DL for a stint, so Willits and Rivera are important if outfielders start getting hurt.. Rivera just has to be patient, his opportunity will come…he needs to be ready for it. Sure, he MIGHT have some value out there for a trade, but why make a move if we don’t have to. I say he keeps his head up, keeps working and things will work themselves out for him and the Angels.