I think the Figgins issue can’t be underestimated. He does a job no-one else at the club can currently do and he can spell any other position aside from catcher / 1B for a day off if necessary. Until we can properly identify another lead-off bat with something approximating patience, then he’s the guy.

Principal issue for me between now and opening day is working out a way of turning the excess capacity we have in the middle infield into someone that makes the club better in ‘09. I don’t really care who it is, so long as they can play – 5th starter, LF, 3B, anyone left handed who knows how to hold a bat…

Fuentes might not be as lights out as say Papplebon, but who has a better 7-8-9 solution than the Angels.

nice.

At least he didn’t talk about trading the only leadoff man on our roster.

to make it all complete.

Troy Glaus did not make Vlad a better hitter…That is foolish.. I do like Glaus ,don’t get me wrong…but to say that is not a fair statement imo…

malcontent with a steroid problem.

Chuck Finley threw pretty well for you too.

Oh, and you seemed to do okay with Whitey Herzog as I recall.

spoiled naysayer bandwagon “fans” with unrealistic expectations.

The roster’s not set yet, dipshit. Or should I instead just call you “troll?”

Hope you’re having fun.

given the time. i’d have no problem letting him leadoff… Izzy (when given full playing time) puts up an OBP of around .350. While it’s not amazing, it’s better than league average, and solid from the top. and personally, i think he’s a smarter hitter than Figgy.

who knows, man… we’ll find out soon enough

…for agreeing with me.

The wildcard with Lackey is the WBC.

It’s early and if he throws too much, well….

and nicely said

I believe that James’ projections are based (in large part) on the last three seasons, which, in this case, would include Rivera’s career year (2006). In the case of Juan Rivera, the 2009 projections are essentially in line with his career numbers. James is estimating that Rivera will exceed his career average for games played. JR’s career numbers are .284/.331/.468, which is, for all intents and purposes, what James has projected for him in ’09.

The only thing “faulty because of playing time” is Rivera’s career. Good players find playing time. Marginal players, for a variety of reasons that encompass more than raw talent, find the bench.

I’m rooting for Juan Rivera so long as he’s on the Angels. I hope he has a .325/.375/.550 season with 25 HR and 100 RBIs, I really do, but logic (which can often include some "math") would suggest that such hopes are ill-founded.

Juan Rivera needs to prove himself over an entire season (something he’s never done). He needs to play capable defense (something he has struggled with). And he needs to have a decent first half (something else he’s never done) so that he’s still on the field to post what has traditionally, for him, been a strong second half. His career first-half numbers (.252/.304/.425) are the biggest reason for the spotty playing time over the course of his career. Juan Rivera is going to finally get his big chance. Let’s see what he does with it.

When you’re done taking your “chances,” take a statistics class; JR outperforming his career averages would be known as an outlier.

Since you mentioned the “human” factor, though, give some consideration to the fact that Juan Rivera will be under some pressure to replace an Angel legend, and that pressure will begin at a time (the first half of the season) when he has, traditionally, shit in his hat. My prediction for Juan is that, sometime just before the All-Star break, he injures himself while pushing his slow and growing ass down the line so as to avoid grounding into his 20th double play of the season. Of course, I’ve always been a pessimist, so take that prediction with a grain of salt.

That said, I hope you’re right and I’m wrong…I truly do.

He had a fairly decent first half (.277/.337/.505), which gained Scioscia’s confidence and allowed him to play more in the second half (.335/.381/.538). We can only hope that his 2009 approaches his 2006. The truth, though, is that he’s a different player in 2009 than in 2006 because he’s 1) three years older, 2) three steps slower and 3) three years removed from regular playing time.

Nobody seems to mention his 2005, when he sucked to the extent that Jeff DaVanon took his playing time.

Will we get the 2006 Rivera? Will we get the 2005 Rivera? I’d settle for the 2004 Rivera. Of course, even in that season, when he was playing very well, he still couldn’t seem to fend off Termel Sledge enough to be considered a full-time player. Something or someone is always blamed for holding Juan Rivera back.

No excuses for him in 2009. He’ll put up or everyone will shutup, and we’ll finally have our answer.

and that is to let him play a full season.
After the Boras/Tex drama, the Halos decided they were not going to deal with Boras again, so that nixed the 2nd best offensive option out there: Manny. The Angels do not see anyone else out there worth signing. So they get Juan at a cheap price.
Nothing lost (at this point) by the Halos.

Unders on both could be the safest bet.

Did you buy James’ book?

Or did you actually visit Angels Win?

see below.

My problem is I think we need someone willing to fill in off the bench. GA is still a good player and deserves the chance to find a starting gig if he can.

I would welcome him back for less money in a new back up role, if he wants it (or the market makes it worth his while). Until then …

I’m admittedly new around here…so I’m treading with this as lightly as I possibly can…but Rev, I’ve never seen a site before where the moderator is so ruthless. I love coming here…but remarks like that make me think twice about sticking around. (I know, I know…you don’t really care if I’m here or not…but I’m still sayin’.)

First, I think that’s maybe the second time I’ve ever made that very simple mistake.

Second, your response is maybe just a bit heavy-handed.

Third, you’re risking toxic shock syndrome by not changing your tampon often enough.

Dude, get over yourself. What kind of reply is that? Seriously.

or because I joked about everyone hating on GA?

Anyone can sign anyone at any time for any reason.