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Scioscia prepping Matthews for a trade?

That's my take.

He seems unhappy by his recent benching, but somewhat understanding, yet unwilling to continue riding the pine. Sounds like Scioscia is showing him what it will be like for the rest of the year if he isn't willing to waive his no-trade clause. It seems like a smart move to me, as GMJ clearly wants to play (and truthfully, probably should on a non-contender).

We can only hope... let's go Juan!

Link 6 months ago Ga-10rbi_small_tiny 101halo Comment 90 comments 0 recs |

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meh...

I’m glad Scioscia finally took a hard stance on the issue, and I’m glad we’re at the point that we are now, with Rivera getting the playing time. but somehow, i think GMJ will find his way back in the lineup. I think Scioscia and the rest of the front office will want to give him another chance to redeem himself (as if half the freaking season wasn’t enough).

hopefully, Juan should be in there steadily for about a month or so… let’s hope he keeps up the production.

Mike Scioscia: He provides to unlike method of your team member.

by howiestheman on Jul 11, 2008 12:16 AM PDT   0 recs

When Soth takes a hard stance

It’s OVER … adios sayonara for that player. GMJ is done as an Angel. I don’t think Soth has anymore patience with Matthews having seen the quotes and knowing Soth. You’ve got to read between the lines with Soth but he’s already made up his mind methinks

Don't call me Desmond

by highlandhalo on Jul 11, 2008 10:36 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

You might be right on that.

I tried to figure out if Steve Finley came back after he got benched. I don’t know where to find an actual breakdown, but it looks like had 48 at-bats in September and October. This was about half the number of at-bats he had in the early months of the year and still less than he had in the middle months, but it was still more at-bats than his production deserved. I would guess that if GMJ does stay benched, the difference between how Sosh treats him and how he treated Finley would come down to attitude.

Let’s hope GMJ keeps those comments to press going or, better yet, throws a Guillen-like tantrum.

by snowhor on Jul 11, 2008 10:46 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

i hope your right

and reading between the lines would definitely hint at Scioscia’s lack of patience, but I didn’t want to read too much into it and have my hopes crushed when Matthews returns.
I’m hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.

Mike Scioscia: He provides to unlike method of your team member.

by howiestheman on Jul 11, 2008 11:42 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

You can tell by the way Scioscia is speaking

If it’s “championship-caliber” ... he likes the way things are going with this player/situation.
If it’s “not where we want him to be” .. with this player/situation the Soth has one foot up the ass and a hand on the door.

Don't call me Desmond

by highlandhalo on Jul 11, 2008 1:07 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

You're absolutely right hor

When you read between the lines of what Scioscia is saying, GMJ is toast. Matthews seems a nice guy and a good teammate but he’s killing this club with his salary and lack of production. All of those are obvious.

But what is not obvious is the way Mike Scioscia speaks. Remember this guy is as tough as they come. Period. He’s also one of the most patient and nicest guys you’d ever want to meet.

But Scioscia draws a line and it seems that GMJ is that line. He must have consulted Arte on this decision and it’s a damn good thing our owner listens to his manager.

Don't call me Desmond

by highlandhalo on Jul 11, 2008 1:13 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

how is salary his fault??

“NO Mr. Moreno, $10 million is too much for my services.” he struck while the iron was hot and cashed in. management gets blame for that.

by SCHalo on Jul 11, 2008 2:54 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I disagree that Matthews is already out, as in OVER...

That’s a lot of money on the line there. But, if Rivera continues to play as he is at present, then GMJ is going to have a tough time to get opportunities.

by Downing Rules on Jul 11, 2008 1:46 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

i agree

i dont think there was much of a hint of GMJ being gone. I think Scioscia is entertaining the thought, but i doubt that as of now the angels are 100% commited to moving him ASAP. i wouldnt be suprised if ninja had some feelers around the league, gouging interest, but GNJ does have a NTC, so things could get a little dicey. I think this is more of a scoscia telling matthews his ABs will be cut back, and seeing how he responds (if negatively, sayanora, if he accepts it and tries harder, then we might still have GMJ for a little longer)

I AM THOR, GOD OF THUNDER. BOW TO MY WILL AND MY HAMMER!

by anaheim angels on Jul 11, 2008 2:10 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

The Soth is hardcore dude

He pulls guys out when they are pitching CG shutouts. Scioscia is also a nice guy, which is why he’s the best manager in the world to play for.

GMJ better rake when he gets a chance to swing the lumber again otherwise I think it’s sayonara. Mike Scioscia is not one for second/third chances.

Don't call me Desmond

by highlandhalo on Jul 11, 2008 2:56 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Dude.......

I agree GMJ sucks. I mean he shouldnt play baseball at all. He sucks that much. The angels should totally trade his ass. He aint worth a dime. He isnt even worth anything. He doesnt deserve to wear an angels jersey. Ok im drunk but GMJ is a crappy player. Stoneman or whatever his name is is an idiot for signing him.

by docescobar07 on Jul 11, 2008 12:49 AM PDT   0 recs

if you were a GM would u want to trade for GMJ. where would he improve your team.. defense?

by stezo on Jul 11, 2008 2:00 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

WELL THE HOPE MUST BE

that someone will want his “VETERAN LEADERSHIP” and that the Angels will subsidize the salary – or maybe take a high-priced player back in the trade.

by Rev Halofan on Jul 11, 2008 2:05 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

bloody hell rev

ain’t nobody gonna want GMJ’s veteran leadership. I sense this as one of those situations where a guy drifts off for a few years and then comes back whomping for some other team somewhere.

Arte must have told Mike that he’s willing to part with the money or Mike told Arte that he’s not playing this guy anymore.

Don't call me Desmond

by highlandhalo on Jul 11, 2008 10:38 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

what if GMJ was traded to the braves for mike hampton

if we could get GMJ to go to atlanta, then we get rid of 3 1/2 years of 35 million dollars, and instead take on half of hamptons 15 million dollar contract (7 1/2 mill) plus the 6 million dollar opt out clause at the end of the year. That way we only pay 13 million dollars instead of 35 million, which could also be alot cheaper than cutting him. Plus, hampton might be able to get his arm healthy, and we could maybe have another emergency starter. Hell, maybe the braves even throw in a prospect or two

I AM THOR, GOD OF THUNDER. BOW TO MY WILL AND MY HAMMER!

by anaheim angels on Jul 11, 2008 2:16 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

He'd be an improvement over Andruw Jones

plus if you combine him with aybar/izzy you might be able to get Kemp.

by Northwest on Jul 11, 2008 9:28 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

The Gary Matthews Situtation

If we’re able to work out a trade with any team, we’re going to eat a large chunk of that salary. But if the Dodgers were game, I think a trade could be made for Matthews for some AA prospects. Matthews would get to stay in Southern California, Matthews is an upgrade over Jones. And if they were itching for a deal for a Shortstop, maybe it would be a good way to score more prospects and promote S-Rod to a MLB spot.

by Jay Cal on Jul 11, 2008 10:14 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

HA

ya im sure the dodgers would be dying to move their top prospect, their youngest offensive star, for gary matthews jr.

maybe we could deal howie kendrick for coco crisp?

by ihearhowie2.0 on Jul 11, 2008 10:20 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'd love Coco Crisp

In a few rounds in a boxing ring. The twat.

Don't call me Desmond

by highlandhalo on Jul 11, 2008 10:40 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Its twit

Twat is something totally different.

by HungryHunter on Jul 11, 2008 12:01 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Nah...

I agree… he’s a twat.

by BruinHalo on Jul 11, 2008 12:32 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I've lived in both the US and the UK

Twat in the US is a female’s personal issue.
Twat in the UK is just “a jerk” or a “dork”

Twit in the US is a hapless idiot. Same in the UK.

Halos Heaven dictionary amended.

Don't call me Desmond

by highlandhalo on Jul 11, 2008 1:16 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

...yes...

And which do you think is more offensive to a person:

a) to be called a hapless idiot or
b) the opening of a woman’s baby-making parts, or perhaps the thin, mucosal-lined tissue surrounding the vagina?

The order of offensive slurs goes as follows:

cunt>twat>dummy face>twit

by shiftyeyedgoat on Jul 11, 2008 3:07 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm not going by your order

Because I live in the UK and have done for several years despite being a SoCal boy. Twat is the least offensive. In the UK if you call someone a twat more than likely you’ll get a handshake than a smack to the face.

The Limey will have my back on this one. But in case he doesn’t, for the record I find all of the other above offensive. But because I’m from California I don’t have any problem with anybody calling someonw a “pussy” unless it’s in an aggressive manner.

Valium. Batting fourth for the goat.

Don't call me Desmond

by highlandhalo on Jul 11, 2008 3:48 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

they have been dying to move him

they’re desperate for help at ss.

by Northwest on Jul 11, 2008 11:24 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Twit/twat twit/twat

There’s my entertainment for the night. I’m easy to please.

Don't call me Desmond

by highlandhalo on Jul 11, 2008 1:18 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

gmj had potential...

but juan will prove he is better with more playing time….i just hate watching him and reggie waste away on the bench. juan should be a starter. reggie deserves to play everyday, but unfortunately there isn’t a spot on this team. if he is willing to be a bench player on a contender, good for him. if he wants to play every day, trade him for something we need. i’d like to think he loves being an angel, starter or bencher.

my bad...k-rod is good.

by NoDakHalo on Jul 11, 2008 1:53 AM PDT   0 recs

HOW ABOUT:

Straight up trade: GMJ to SF for ZITO.

by Rev Halofan on Jul 11, 2008 2:05 AM PDT   0 recs

SFO might need to subsidize this a little...

...or throw in another player…but you are on the right track!

This is BAD Vlad and his band of wimps! (can't change it now, cuz the last time I did...he started sucking again!)

by K3YEROUT on Jul 11, 2008 7:36 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

uhh, no- Zito is a wreck

Zito is a mess and his salary is rediculous, there’s is no way the Angels are making this trade. At least Matthews has some benefit (defense). Zito offers nothing but a headcase, a high ERA and a very high, undeserved salary. This would be a terrible trade for LAA.

Where I am still waiting for Howie to take another base on balls

by hk47 on Jul 11, 2008 9:22 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Weren't you the same guy

Who told people not to post about the Quinlan for Holliday rumours? L

Don't call me Desmond

by highlandhalo on Jul 11, 2008 1:19 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

me? nope...

Where I am still waiting for Howie to take another base on balls

by hk47 on Jul 11, 2008 3:23 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

He's on my ass

GMJ-4-Zito is a little more matchable than Q-4-MattXmas

by Rev Halofan on Jul 11, 2008 3:59 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I like that trade

As long as the Giants pay half of Zito’s check

"And the Anaheim Angels are the Champions of Baseball!"

by Grichfan on Jul 11, 2008 2:39 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

We need GMJ

I say Moreno takes the financial hit. So our current budget is 109 vs 119 until jrs contract is up. GMJ becomes the 5th outfielder DH. GMJ pinch hits and gives players a rest and becomes a late inning replacement on defense (especially if Rivera is in the outfield).

I’m thinking what is best for the team here. Moreno can afford the financial hit.

Angel Pitching, Angel Defense - get past that.

by vladtheimpaler on Jul 11, 2008 2:16 AM PDT   0 recs

I agree

Let’s keep the OF depth, at least for this year. If it doesn’t work in October, and even if it does, we can look at trading GMJ next year (if he’s slumping again as early as April), as by that point our minor league OF bats should be pretty much ready to go.

Light Up That Halo!

by Clutch on Jul 11, 2008 6:39 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

yes, yes, yes

See Matthews, Gary Jr., late-inning defensive replacement for Rivera, Juan and Anderson, Gary.

Where I am still waiting for Howie to take another base on balls

by hk47 on Jul 11, 2008 9:23 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

much as i dislike GMJ

I don’t agree with that. Willits is terrible in Center. Left and right he is average – Gary is sill a cut above in all three positions, though not a stand-out anymore.

by Rev Halofan on Jul 11, 2008 12:38 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I don't know about that

I believe GMJ’s defense is just a step below Torii’s gold glove performances with Willits, flanking the outfield, a step below that. Willits plays the hard-nosed, irreverant disregard for his body-style play Erstad exhibited and for which he received 2 gold gloves. Granted he’s not as tall as GMJ or Torii, but he is faster than both (note his stolen bases), and routes can be learned.

That being said, complaining about using Willits as a 3rd string defensive option is a nice complaint to be able to make.

by shiftyeyedgoat on Jul 11, 2008 3:13 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

shifty is right...Hunter > Matthews > Willits

Where Howie took a BB and hit two HR's in the same game...

by hk47 on Jul 11, 2008 3:35 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

uhh...no he's not

Where I am still waiting for Howie to take another base on balls

by hk47 on Jul 11, 2008 3:24 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Sound

Don't call me Desmond

by highlandhalo on Jul 11, 2008 10:41 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

GMJ straight up for any decent middle reliever.

Not that our boys have not been holding their own, but we are not that deep in the bullpen. One more injured relief pitcher, and we’re very lean. We’ve already got two AAA guys up in O’Day and Arredando, and the only other guy down there who is throwing decently is The Big Bulge.

I swear, if one more person tells me to "work smarter, not harder"...

by Rally Manatee on Jul 11, 2008 2:36 AM PDT   0 recs

adjusted for inflation

GMjr. is playing for free…......

Stay on the damn bag!!

by higdog on Jul 11, 2008 5:51 AM PDT   0 recs

GMJ is not going anywhere

unless he gets so mad to demand a trade AND we send him to a team that has an equally horrible contract.

He’s only being bench now because he can’t hit. Not because they are prepping him for a trade.

at least GMJ has speed and can play D. As a 4th-5th OF and late inning PR bench guy he’s not bad. Of course at $10M/per it is very bad. But you can’t do anything about that now. so ignore the salary and consider him a Nathan Haynes type guy for the rest of the year.

Go Angels!

by Four Ts on Jul 11, 2008 8:32 AM PDT   0 recs

Nobody is going to take that contract...

and I don’t think sitting is going to affect him as much as other people do. Too bad its not the NFL, he would be begging to get out of town to play every day and force our hand.

by Wytelitning on Jul 11, 2008 9:14 AM PDT   0 recs

this is on the money

Willits and Rivera have trade value, sadly- Matthews does not.

Where I am still waiting for Howie to take another base on balls

by hk47 on Jul 11, 2008 9:33 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I think this is wishful thinking.

I read this article to mean that Scioscia was forced by GMJ’s suckitude to bench him in favor of JR, but they are already making excuses with the “knee injury” thing. That means, as soon as JR falters (I hope he doesn’t!) GMJ will be back in there.

Sadly, JR will not get 305 ABs to prove he is the better player. However, I hope by playoff time it is firmly established in Sosh’s mind that JR is our DH/4th outfielder, and GMJ is either traded or a defensive replacement/outfield depth.

K-brothers rule! (Kendrick & Kotch)

by halofan91 on Jul 11, 2008 9:25 AM PDT   0 recs

Yeah, didn't Steve Finley get benched for maybe a week and then was put back in because the other player didn't produce in that short time period?

I seem to remember him getting benched at some point, but then I also remember him playing towards the end of the season and then in the playoffs. Does my memory sound correct? If so and it happens again this year with GMJ, which I expect to happen, this is balls.

by snowhor on Jul 11, 2008 10:12 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

yeah, i think jeff davanon replaced Finley for awhile

then hit around .200 and was put back on the bench

Juan Rivera (also riding the bench on that 2005 team) is a much better hitter than Davanon was, and I fully expect him to continue crushing the ball and playing every day.

that ball is outta here....

by pgh_angelsfan on Jul 11, 2008 12:29 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Hi ho Silver, to the NL away!

He might almost look passable in an NL hitters park.

Of course in any deal, we have to pay most of his salary, but at least that opens a roster spot for someone actually useful to us.

by elricsi on Jul 11, 2008 9:39 AM PDT   0 recs

Trade him to the Met's

They just lost Alou and can afford his contract. Dump the salary and move on, I’ll take Willits and JR as back ups any day. Let’s see what Rivera is worth the rest of the year, so we have an idea if he’s worth resigning.

by LosAngel on Jul 11, 2008 9:51 AM PDT   0 recs

Showcase?

SI online has posted that the Mets are indeed interested in Juan. Hopefully Juan is in there for good, and not in a display case for Minaya.

Jon Heyman

by LittleCupcakes on Jul 11, 2008 1:22 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

What could the Mets offer?

I was under the impression that they blew their load for J Santana.

by TheTypingFiend on Jul 11, 2008 1:41 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

i like this sound
Rivera is the surprise target—although, the Angels are said to be naming a steep price. With Gary Matthews Jr. struggling, it seems Rivera has hit his way into some platoon duties in addition to being the Angels’ best bat off the bench. So if Minaya is hoping to reunite with Rivera, he will probably have to overpay to get him.

i wouldnt mind that much trading juan if we got some really good prospects in return, although i would be sad to see JR go (as i think he can put up great numbers)

I AM THOR, GOD OF THUNDER. BOW TO MY WILL AND MY HAMMER!

by anaheim angels on Jul 11, 2008 2:25 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

JR v. Jr

Let’s not say JR in referrene to Juan when it is in a discussion involving Jr. as in GMJr. I’m slow, and it’s confusing me. Plus, it might jinx Juan.

I swear, if one more person tells me to "work smarter, not harder"...

by Rally Manatee on Jul 11, 2008 5:24 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

ok, my bad. i didnt realize that they could be confused for one another

for me though, juan=JR whereas matthews=HGH (when im pissed at him), or GMJ and in the rarest of cases, g-matt

I AM THOR, GOD OF THUNDER. BOW TO MY WILL AND MY HAMMER!

by anaheim angels on Jul 12, 2008 12:32 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

hes not going to be traded

and if he is, we’d be paying about 75% of the contract, thats for sure.

i cant even think of a team that would WANT him included in a deal.

by ihearhowie2.0 on Jul 11, 2008 10:23 AM PDT   0 recs

Yeah, a trade would have to be swap of bad contracts like Mo Vaughn for Kevin Appier.

Though we did luck out on that one that Appier had one good regular season.

by snowhor on Jul 11, 2008 10:35 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

The Contract of One Gary Mathews Jr.

Signed a 5-year deal worth $50M thru 2011 season on 11/22/06- + he receives a $2M signing bonus and salaries of $6M in 2007, $9M in 2008, $10M in 2009, $11M in 2010 and $12M in 2011- + the deal includes a complete NO – TRADE clause thru October 2009- + after October 2009, he receives a limited NO – TRADE clause that allows him to select four teams to which he cannot be traded to without his consent- + he receives a $500K assignment bonus every time he is traded- + 2006 salary: $2,837,500 ( + $100K in bonuses), 2005 salary: $1.1M ( = $125K in bonuses)

Sweet.

by 44FAN on Jul 11, 2008 12:28 PM PDT   0 recs

wow, one good year in the majors really buys you a lot

guess it really does pay to use HGH

that ball is outta here....

by pgh_angelsfan on Jul 11, 2008 12:32 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs