Wood vs. Aybar: Another View

Said it before and I will say it again...

…unless the Angels are auditioning Figgins/Aybar/Izturis for a trade to open a spot for Wood this benching is sheer madness….

by Rev Halofan on Apr 29, 2009 10:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

1000% accurate

something’s coming down

by SCHalo on Apr 29, 2009 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No argument from me...

I’d be playing Wood over Aybar and Figgins…

We need a pitcher...not a DL itcher!

by gorams77 on Apr 29, 2009 11:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

its ok

I love Phil Nevin type stories so I can’t wait for this to play out

by All Hail Erstad on Apr 29, 2009 11:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Nevin?

Story goes like this:
Highly touted prospect is a bust, does roids, has a glimmer of contributorship, fades.

by Rev Halofan on Apr 29, 2009 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

His mom was my math teacher in Jr. High.

So I love Phil Nevin anyway. :-)

Let's do this for Nick Adenhart, Courtney Stewart, and Henry Pearson.

by AlanFalcon on Apr 30, 2009 12:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Scioscia seems to prefer the players with the most major league experience, so they get the bulk of the playing time. That’s just how I’ve seen him operate and discuss in the press often to the frustration of the fans.

Scioscia knows in the back of his mind that sure enough one of Figgins/Aybar/Izturis could at any moment suffer an injury and head to the DL opening the way for Wood to assume the newly vacated position. That is why he is up and at the ready and not back down in Triple-A. Wood is also there in case one of these players just needs a day off to rest. Wood’s situation could change at any time, but this is how I make sense of where he is right now and why.

by 44FAN on Apr 29, 2009 11:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Conservatism is the antithesis of what sports are about...

…Sport is about striving for success, it’s about risking all for the briefest glimpse of glory, it’s about going for broke, aiming for the top and if your best is not good enough, then there is glory in that too – so long as you gave it everything.

And as a fan, I want to be entertained. I am prepared for the lowest of lows in that search for success, because without them the highs wouldn’t taste so sweet. I want a roar, not a golf clap, a hero not a journeyman and I want, goddammit, to see the best young talent given a chance to excel in the fiery crucible of competition, because there is nothing more uplifting than that slightly confused look of “I did that?”, when a new star comes of age.

Free Brandon Wood!

I see red people

by The Limey on Apr 30, 2009 12:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think you just said you want to see Aybar boots balls and strikeout dozens of times

So that you can see him lay down that huge sac bunt in a do or die situations in the playoffs a year after failing to do so.

Right? :-)

Let's do this for Nick Adenhart, Courtney Stewart, and Henry Pearson.

by AlanFalcon on Apr 30, 2009 12:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ha ha...

…I think mostly I was seeing how many glib sporting cliches I could fit into two brief paragraphs.

I see red people

by The Limey on Apr 30, 2009 12:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Silly me.

Got it. :-)

Let's do this for Nick Adenhart, Courtney Stewart, and Henry Pearson.

by AlanFalcon on Apr 30, 2009 12:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was searching for an analogy from Gladiator...

……and that scene where Maximus lays waste to a large number, culminating in his double back-handed decapitation of some poor schmuck while screaming “Are you not entertained?”, but I had to draw the line at popping Failbar into the role of decapitee as I thought it might be in poor taste.

Still, after his last couple of games, it made me smile for a moment or two.

I see red people

by The Limey on Apr 30, 2009 1:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nevertheless...

…glib or not, I do still kind of mean it.

I want to see what this kid can do, because he has the potential to excel and at the moment, at SS and 3B, we’re just muddling through. That is not good enough.

I see red people

by The Limey on Apr 30, 2009 1:14 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Great way to sum up the issue....

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on Apr 30, 2009 1:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for ruining that plot to that movie for me

one less flick to netflix

by Rev Halofan on Apr 30, 2009 2:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's OK, he doesn't actually kill the REAL Erick Aybar

Nevertheless, get the movie – awesome carnage

I see red people

by The Limey on Apr 30, 2009 2:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Incredible movie

And that scene is relatively early, so it’s not a spoiler….

by Brody on Apr 30, 2009 9:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

..one of my all time favorites. Russel Crowe was awesome…the music/soundtrack is really good too.

by sothball on Apr 30, 2009 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have the special edition

And I watch it every Saturday, ALL 3 DISCS! It drives my wife absolutely crazy but I can’t get enough of that movie.

Phys: Well, Coon doesn't have a lot of power but he's a good bunter
Coon: F$%# That!
Thanks Zu

by halofan4life on Apr 30, 2009 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Simple. Wood kicked Sosh's dog some time in the recent past.

And Sosh ain’t getting over it. It’s one of Sosh’s imperfections, such as his formulaic use of bullpen arms based on the inning in play. Or his unaccountable love for Michey Hacker. Or the strange faith he has in catchers who throw baseballs into center field. Or Steve Finley. Or his trust in the baseball league officials to discipline headhunters on opposing teams.

We gotta great manager who is a proven winner. He ain’t perfect, but he’s ours. We just have to live with the those frustrating traits he has.

Step 1 towards returning to respectability: Izzy starts at SS.

by Stirrups on Apr 29, 2009 11:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The formula that existed last year when it worked and is gone so far this year when it hasn’t worked?
The Mickey Hatcher who helped Howie Kendrik rediscover his swing so he started tearing the cover off the ball?
I don’t think he has strange faith in catchers who throw into center field, I think he is out of options and realizes human beings make mistakes.
Steve Finley even I don’t understand.
And correct me if I’m wrong, but the faith in league officials pretty much panned out when the took some of Becky’s money (even if no start was missed).

You know those “frustrating” traits are what helped us win it all in ‘02 and be competitive ever since. In New York, the DAY AFTER Soth’s bullpen rotation blew a lead and lost us a game, Soth changed NOTHING and let those guys do what they’d done all year, which helped them regain confidence for the rest of the playoffs.

Let's do this for Nick Adenhart, Courtney Stewart, and Henry Pearson.

by AlanFalcon on Apr 30, 2009 12:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Alan...

that series you cite in NY – that was after 162 games had transpired to cement those pitchers in their roles. We are 20 games into a season where the team needs offense and has a once in a decade talent (potentially) starting his age 24 season on the pine. This kid put up a .970 OPS in AAA last year and had a “disappointing” age 21-season at AA where he posted a .907 OPS as a middle infielder.

Tim Salmon was in the bigs by 24 with lesser seasons in the minors than what Brandon has shown. In Salmon’s age 24 season he was allowed to accumulate almost 600 PA’s. Up until this season I was able to justify the kid gloves the front office has used with regard to Wood. But not now.

Figgy is in a contract year and while drawing walks and stealing bases isn’t hitting the way he should be and Aybar is a slap-hitting, all-glove (supposedly) short-stop. I would personally bench either of those guys in favor of Wood to see what he has to offer. Ideally, Aybar sits, but it really doesn’t matter at this point – Wood needs to play.

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on Apr 30, 2009 12:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Offense??

We have been freaking tearing the cover off the ball. Could we score even more runs?? Sure. But that is not our problem

Now, if Brandon could pitch (especially in relief at this point) maybe we would sweep more series.

by matthiasstephan on Apr 30, 2009 12:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, but next year when there is no

Vlad, no Figgy and no Abreu it might be nice for Wood to have 500 AB’s under his belt so that he can be a bit more comfortable in the box. You know, he’ll be expected to contribute then, why not give him a head start…

Also, with regard to the offense…

This team is middle of the pack (6th in OPS) in the A.L. Yeah, why try to get into the top 1/3 or AL teams? I like lingering in the middle – it’s warm there.

This game is about runs – if the offense scores more – the pitching can give up more and the Halos still win.

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on Apr 30, 2009 1:01 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Amen

I am a fair weather fan so the Angels better win!

by Halo84653 on Apr 30, 2009 7:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

# The formula that existed last year when it worked and is gone so far this year when it hasn’t worked?

Sorry, that was poorly worded.

That system last year or in ’02 was not changed once it was proved.

What system are we seeing this year? It was supposed to be Arredondo, Shields, Fuentes. That hasn’t worked so far, and so yesterday it was Speier in the 7th, Arredondo in the 8th, Fuentes in the 9th.

Let's do this for Nick Adenhart, Courtney Stewart, and Henry Pearson.

by AlanFalcon on Apr 30, 2009 1:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You missed my point.

Sosh IS fomulaic. There can be no question of that. Does his formula work over the long haul? Hell yes. Again, no question. Does that mean that his formula works every time? Frack no.

But we should stop worrying about those aspects of Sosh’s approach that we find frustrating in the moment, and step back and accept those bits and pieces as part of a larger picture of a great manager who delivers us a great run of overall success.

So, we do not disagree about the bigger picture. I just choose to accept that my hero does frustrate me at times.

Step 1 towards returning to respectability: Izzy starts at SS.

by Stirrups on Apr 30, 2009 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Get rid of Iz and Fig and Aybar for Wood

I am soooooo glad HHers don’t coach this team. Keep us straight, Mike.

Angel Pitching (Adenhart), Angel Defense - get past that.

by vladtheimpaler on Apr 30, 2009 12:47 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

No, Vlad...

get rid of one of the three to give Wood a starting job that he has earned through multiple seasons where he produced like a once in a decade power hitting middle infielder in the minors. What is so hard to understand about this?

Maybe we can go back to 1993 and leave Salmon in AAA because he hasn’t earned it yet.

How ’bout Edmonds? What about Santana? He was promoted from AA well before he was supposed to be in the bigs. Were there growing pains with all of them? Yep, but without risk there is no reward. This is a slam-dunk of a decision.

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on Apr 30, 2009 12:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Slam dunk

in many an opinion. But not in mine. And not in Mike’s. Maybe next month, maybe next year. I don’t know yet. But not now. It’s about winning now and Fig and Iz are too good and too proven to shove aside.

Angel Pitching (Adenhart), Angel Defense - get past that.

by vladtheimpaler on Apr 30, 2009 1:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Then what about Aybar? Why is he getting so much PT?

Do you think Wood should play in front of Aybar?

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on Apr 30, 2009 1:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Borderline

Before preseason started I said Iz would be our starting shortstop. Aybar was the popular choice at that time (where are you guys)?

Iz got injured late last year and people just figured Aybar would take over and battle for the position with Wood. I knew a healthy Iz would win Mike over (he’s so clutch). And sure enough, he has.

But Mike will play all of our good players. Much to everyone’s consternation ( and even mine at times). Even Aybar, who is a good player.

So what you have here is two very good proven MLBers (Fig and Iz), a very good young athletic SS (aybar), and a very good young AAAer and possibly awesome Mr. Wood.

Mike loves to stack good players. Though I expect Mr. Wood is our 3b in the future. No guarantees.

Angel Pitching (Adenhart), Angel Defense - get past that.

by vladtheimpaler on Apr 30, 2009 1:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kind of like Mathis and Napoli

Fans like Napoli, our pitchers like Mathis. Mike likes them both.

Angel Pitching (Adenhart), Angel Defense - get past that.

by vladtheimpaler on Apr 30, 2009 1:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

our pitchers like Mathis?

have you talked to them specifically about this? because everything i’ve read has every pitcher saying they love them both, too

Thank you, Nick Adenhart. You will always be remembered. #34

by howiestheman on Apr 30, 2009 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Read between the lines

Comments like “I have to give the catcher credit for this one” usually Mathis catching.

Angel Pitching (Adenhart), Angel Defense - get past that.

by vladtheimpaler on Apr 30, 2009 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously?

No offense, but your memory and asking us to “read between the lines” isn’t convincing me. I’m sure that pitchers appreciate the home runs that Napoli brings to the table and if they were asked about their run support they’d probably say, “I have to give the catcher credit for this one”.

Seriously, though – show me some comments by pitchers like the ones you mentioned and show me (with retrosheet or something) that Mathis was catching and I’ll change my tune – otherwise that is just speculation of the most annoying kind.

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on Apr 30, 2009 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought it was more based on CERA...

but, I have largely ignored those discussions; but what I have “caught” of those conversations, Mathis is a lot better receiving than Mathis.

In a year of such turmoil, whining still abounds.

by Downing Rules on Apr 30, 2009 3:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

CERA fluctuates highly...

Last year it seemed that Nipples had a lot of the crummy Moseley and Adenhart starts. Thus killing his CERA.

Also, that thing can change from year to year – so it isn’t something to hang your hat on in a one year vacuum. If it is consistent from year to year then you may have something.

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on Apr 30, 2009 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed CERA is bunk...

But, maybe I tend to agree with vladtheimpaler in that I have ‘heard’ more positive strokes for Mathis’ glove.

In a year of such turmoil, whining still abounds.

by Downing Rules on Apr 30, 2009 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't doubt he is a bit better...

I just don’t think it could be THAT big a difference…

Mathis is better at throwing behind runners, too…

But, whatever Nipples gives away with the glove he more than makes up for it with the bat…

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on Apr 30, 2009 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

agree.

In a year of such turmoil, whining still abounds.

by Downing Rules on Apr 30, 2009 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously, you are annoying

http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090426&content_id=4437906&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana

Weaver allowed just three hits and two walks while also striking out five batters. It was the best performance by an Angels starter this season, yet when asked about his effort, Weaver deferred the credit to catcher Jeff Mathis.

“It was one of those games where we were on the same page,” Weaver said of his catcher. “I would already have the grip of what I wanted to throw, and he was already throwing down that sign. I felt like we really worked well together. When you have something like that going, it’s pretty comfortable.”

I see this all the time from Angels pitchers. Of course they are not going to say “I like Mathis better.”

If you weren’t so biased, you would probably notice these things too.

Angel Pitching (Adenhart), Angel Defense - get past that.

by vladtheimpaler on May 1, 2009 2:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Biased?

I hear things like that all the time, period. Pitchers almost always defer to their catchers when doing well. Its like a professional courtesy thing. If Weaver’s on, he could be throwing to me or you and he’d still be throwing the ball well.

by dmhead on May 2, 2009 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He was bitching at me...

I ignored him because he is repeating urban legend and calling it fact…

Move along, nothing to see here.

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on May 2, 2009 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Probably

The same thing you say to your students when they disagree with you. "That’s just urban legend and bitching. “Don’t listen to them, I am the all knowing, just move along.” Pretty typical of many professors. Of course, now I’m just bitching and spouting off urban legends again.

Angel Pitching (Adenhart), Angel Defense - get past that.

by vladtheimpaler on May 2, 2009 6:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You haven't a clue of what you are talking about, Vlad.

About me as a professor or about the subject of the catchers and who the pitchers like better. Reading the quotes in the paper does not equal the truth.

You are the only one spouting off in this stream of comments. The rest of us acknowledged the good and the bad of both players. You are the only one being pigheaded and saying that it is my way or the high way.

I personally don’t take quotes in the paper as the gospel truth. Players are used to spouting off cliché after cliché to reporters.

The truth is sometimes in there – but we don’t know what it is. We would have to be a family member or close personal friend to know what they REALLY think about their teammates.

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on May 2, 2009 9:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What a crock

“The rest of us acknowledged the good and the bad of both players.”

I said the fans like Napoli. The pitchers like Mathis. I am a fan.

I personally would prefer Napoli over Mathis. I can understand playing Math at catch and Nap DH or Catch. Get a grip. Come down to reality. Not everyone agrees with you.

Angel Pitching (Adenhart), Angel Defense - get past that.

by vladtheimpaler on May 2, 2009 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

PS

Keep searching for the truth grasshopper, some day you may find it.

Angel Pitching (Adenhart), Angel Defense - get past that.

by vladtheimpaler on May 2, 2009 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You know, Vlad...

the more I got to thinking about this comment the more I realized how in the dark you are about the professor/student relationship. Students are encouraged to think for themselves, analyze, synthesize and question all sorts of concepts that are presented in a degree program.

If that process brings them to contradict a tenet of the field – be it Philosophy, Economics, Mathematics or Music that is a good thing and very healthy for the student and teacher alike. However, if a student gets to that place they are certainly at an intellectual point where they should be able to argue their point and defend it against the rigor of a strong opposing viewpoint. If they can’t do that, then what does that say about their initial viewpoint? How vested are they in the point of view if they can’t defend it against intellectual attack?

Shoot, I’d be jumping for joy if my students could intellectually weave their way through music theory to the point that they could start to argue with me about the function of an Augmented 6th chord. If they could, I’d certainly listen to what they had to say and encourage that type of back and forth as it will certainly make them a stronger scholar and a better worker – no matter the field. Blindly accepting conventional wisdom is lazy at best and fatally ignorant at worst.

Anyway, sorry if I was acerbic. I just expect folks that believe the conventional wisdom to have at least questioned it enough to be able to do more than recite it back to others and believe it. It is my problem, not yours, that I expect that of posters on a message board.

Apologies and no hard feelings.

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on May 3, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jimbo

Did you say that I am in the dark and then later insinuate that I don’t put as much thought into a post as you and then tried a fake apology at the end? Don’t try your Jedi mind tricks on me buster.

Gotta go work on some bad plant attacking fungi, will come back to answer your latest reply more fittingly when I get off done with my work.

Angel Pitching (Adenhart), Angel Defense - get past that.

by vladtheimpaler on May 3, 2009 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ah, ah

slash between off and done. Thought ya had me, didn’t ya!

Angel Pitching (Adenhart), Angel Defense - get past that.

by vladtheimpaler on May 3, 2009 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dearest Jim

Sorry to keep you waiting. Maybe it’s time we just end this thing. I’ll be humble and bow to your superior intellect. I won’t point out that your attempt to belittle my deductive reasoning skills while championing your own is a behavioral characteristic used by some in your profession to end arguments purely based on your own ill conceived and delusional notion of academic superiority (I’ve run a Plant Pathology Lab for years at my University, so I doubt if I am “in the dark” with my comments). I won’t point out how irritating it is to click on someone’s link that takes me to a picture of handsomely challenged individuals playing instruments and a class schedule. I won’t point out how you should warn folks that they may encounter this instead of a baseball site so some of us wouldn’t be wasting our time.

How’d ya like the reverse Jedi mind trick? Give up, then “I won’t point out…..”
Pretty good, huh?

Stay away from the (in the dark) side.

Supper time, bon appetite Jimbo

Angel Pitching (Adenhart), Angel Defense - get past that.

by vladtheimpaler on May 4, 2009 12:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Borderline..... feels like I'm going to lose my mind

RIP Nick Adenhart

by stolenbases on May 3, 2009 4:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is ridiculous. I hate Erick Failbar.

by Chzburger Jones on Apr 30, 2009 1:09 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I like him.......He'll come around. And WOOD will take over at 3B when Figgins leaves this offseason

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

by acuda27 on Apr 30, 2009 1:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank You

I never understood why anybody would like Aybar. Even picking between Aybar and Figgins is a no brainer. Figgins is ten times the leadoff man Aybar will ever be.

Not to mention that Aybar has been BLOWING it this year, which is exactly what I predicted would happen. Not only is he swinging and missing pitches like a frickin little leaguer but his defense is NOT that great at all. WAY overrated! We should have started Wood a SS this year and forgotten and traded Aybar.

Wood is the power bat we desperately need right now and Figgins is the leadoff man we’ve always needed and have. Aybar is the Washington National that we desperately need to get rid of.

The Aybar love is and always was complete BULL. Its Wood’s time.

P.S. Aybar is 0 for his last 9 in Baltimore and committed a couple of bad plays on the field as well.

by TheAntiSox on Apr 30, 2009 6:22 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Aybar is having a rough go-around.

His defense was his selling point, but his defense has been slipping. He never was an offense machine. Izturis is clutch, his defense at this point seems better than Aybar.

But I think Wood’s offense will be better than Izturis. I think Wood should be playing SS. I also agree that Figgins should be playing 3B. And Izturis could sub for either of them.

More than likely, Izturis/Figgins are being auditioned for other teams. And Wood will take over at 3B.

RIP Nick Adenhart 4/9/09

by Jay Cal on Apr 30, 2009 7:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't want to reply to anyone in particular because I don't want to offend anyone but...

Those of you who think that Aybar is a good player and should be starting on any major league roster are nuts!!!!

He swings at pitches outside the strike zone over 35% of the time. League Average around 25% (Vlad is 37%—but with a career OPS of .962 so I will give him a pass) Hunter, a notorious free swinger who does hit for power swings at 27.8% of the balls he sees. Figgy, a similar type of hitter only swings at 16.4% of balls. So #1 he has no plate discipline.

He doesn’t get on base. His OBP last year was .304. LET ME REPEAT THAT .304. The league average was .341. So far this year it is .259! I read that the reason Scioscia wasn’t playing Wood was because he needed table setters to get on base and into scoring position for the middle of his line up. How does a slap hitter with a .259 OBP do that? So #2, he doesn’t get on base.

I hear all the time that his defense makes up for it. Let’s not even talk about this year. So far his bad defense booting several routine balls has cost the Angels at least 2 games. His Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR) so far this year is -1.2, projected over 150 games that would be -11.8 runs. We would be a .500 team if it wasn’t for Aybar’s glove. But we aren’t going to talk about that. Last year his UZR was 6.2 which is good. However his Error Runs Above Average was -3.6. In the end he saved 2.5 runs. But his Runs Above Average was -5.7 so that wiped out anything his glove added to the team. So #3, he doesn’t help the team win games.

Finally, I don’t see him showing any signs of improvement. He has had a couple of years and quite a few at bats and it’s not happening. He had a great spring, but so did most of the team and those numbers don’t count. Wood has shown in the Minors that he is a good defensive short stop. He make the routine plays better than Aybar, has just as strong of arm, and his minor league range factor was not far behind Aybar’s. There is no reason to believe that the defense will fall apart with Wood starting at short. Furthermore, there is no offensive upside to Aybar. He will make a great utility player in the majors but will never be a superstar. Now Wood may not pan out either, but he has done his job in the minors and needs major league at bats now. If he lives up to his hype he could be a franchise player ala Jeeter or Ripkin. If not, IMO he can’t be any worse than Aybar.

I am a fair weather fan so the Angels better win!

by Halo84653 on Apr 30, 2009 7:15 AM PDT reply actions 5 recs

One more thing--we have options with Aybar. Let him go to SLC and work it out ala Ervin Santana.

He should be at least 3rd on the depth chart for short stops on the roster right now. Maybe 4th behind Sean Rodriguez.

I am a fair weather fan so the Angels better win!

by Halo84653 on Apr 30, 2009 7:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

amen.

Send his ass down and tell him he can’t come back till he learns some fundamentals. I’ve tried to be opened-minded and defend Mike’s call on this one, but that’s pretty much impossible to do at this point. Wood needs to play.

by dmhead on Apr 30, 2009 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amen.

I wholeheartedly agree. This whole infatuation with Aybar…there’s this rumor of a great glove in there somewhere. Sorry if I haven’t seen it, and I don’t think anyone else has either. He’s trying way too hard and can’t settle down the routine stuff. Even Hud says he’s trying to do too much with the ball and that leads to the majority of his errors. Send him to SLC, get his head on straight, meanwhile Wood can get a decent look and get some ABs.

I just can’t wait for the balls to start flying out of Yankee stadium today. Hunter and Morales should get two a piece this series.

Self-realization. I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said, "I drank what?"

The Geek.

by The OC Sports Geek on Apr 30, 2009 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Very compelling post

I have to admit, I have supported playing Aybar. My reasoning — and, I believe, the reasoning of Scioscia and the front office — is that Wood and Aybar will be the left side of our infield next year, and there is no point sending Aybar to the bench and potentially ruining his confidence if you believe that he has a significant role on this team for years to come. Mike always says that he is not just managing the team with this season in mind, but rather with the long-term health of the organization in mind. I agree with that strategy.

And, until I read some of these numbers, I believed that the long-term health of the organization was best served by allowing Aybar to continue to develop as a major-league SS. Now I’m not so sure. I’m not ready to give up all hope on Aybar, but those stats are somewhat alarming. He will need to dramatically improve his plate discipline and on-base percentage if he wants to be our leadoff hitter next season, which is what I believe Mike has (or at least had) planned for him.

I also do think that we could be auditioning Aybar or Izturis for a mid-season trade. I don’t, however, think we can trade Figgins this season, unless anyone believes that Izzy or Aybar could lead off this season.

by Brody on Apr 30, 2009 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Best Post of the Tread....

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on Apr 30, 2009 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is amazing.

Awesome post. There’s way too little examination of the actual numbers on HH.

That said, everyone knows that Wood has massive potential upside. He needs to be in the lineup. The idea that Sosh is looking ahead to next year and trying to prep Aybar to be a leadoff hitter is crazy (even though it might be true). Unless he drastically improves at the plate, he has no business being a leadoff hitter. His career OBP is .295. That’s on-base percentage, not average. .295 is bad. For a leadoff hitter, it’s crazy bad.

It just blows my mind that Sosh would sit a potential superstar to play a guy who will never be more than a solid fielder and a below average hitter.

by llsryan on Apr 30, 2009 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So...

where should we go to get better examination of the actual numbers for things “Angels”?

llsryan: There’s way too little examination of the actual numbers on HH

In a year of such turmoil, whining still abounds.

by Downing Rules on Apr 30, 2009 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK...

How about here:

Here is a great site for all things stats:

Baseball Reference

Angel Specific Places:

BB-Ref Angels Franchise Index

BB-Ref Angels 2009 Page

Now, these are just raw numbers for MLB seasons.

Try here for Minor League Players/Franchises – The Baseball Cube Minors Page

Now, if you don’t know what numbers are optimal, then this will be looking at Greek, but we are here to help.

OBP north of .350 for a leadoff hitter is necessary – ideally .360+.

SLG of .450 for a corner player is decent. .500 is better and above that is great.

OPS of .775 (adding OBP and SLG) is serviceable anywhere on the diamond except the corner IF and OF positions. There you want .800 on the low end and .850+ for your better players.

These are rough estimates based on memory and me just ballparking things. Others should definitely chime in here…

There are places to find the “AVERAGES” by position and by league. That is vital when evaluating your teams’ players. Maybe I disliked GA and his low OBP, but if all other LF’ers in the AL were worse, then I’d have nothing to complain about…

League average (all positions) is a .768 OPS (.341 OBP and .427 SLG). Just an FYI…

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on Apr 30, 2009 3:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks.

I know where the numbers are, just have not found anyone making sense of them.

In a year of such turmoil, whining still abounds.

by Downing Rules on Apr 30, 2009 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good advice there...

I think the last post pretty much sums it up.

B-R is an awesome site for anything baseball. It can be a little daunting at first, but a lot of the stats they use are defined in an easy way to understand in FJM’s glossary:

http://www.firejoemorgan.com/2005/04/glossary-of-terms.html

Basically, my point is that Aybar, Izturis, and Figgins are all below average major leaguers when it comes to hitting. Figgins probably makes up for it on the bases and his ability to play almost anywhere on the diamond, but Aybar and Izturis don’t come close. For all the talk about his speed, Aybar only has 12 career steals, and has been caught stealing 7 times. Typically, you don’t want guys stealing bases at a rate of less than 70%. Anything less than that pretty much destroys any benefit that steals can give you.

Also, if you’ve never read FJM, I highly suggest it. It’s been dead for a while now, but the old posts are still up. They’re absolutely hilarious and a really good introduction to looking at baseball in a different way.

And, if you really want to geek out on stats, I’d recommend Baseball Prospectus’ book, “Baseball by the Numbers: Why Everything You Know About the Game is Wrong.” It takes some pretty complex stuff and makes it really easy to understand.

by llsryan on Apr 30, 2009 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks.

In a year of such turmoil, whining still abounds.

by Downing Rules on Apr 30, 2009 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

firejoemorgan.com?

Awesome.

Do it for Nick '09

by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on May 1, 2009 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Absolute best site ever

Hands down.

by llsryan on May 1, 2009 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Baseball Reference. I also like Fan Graphs.

I am a fair weather fan so the Angels better win!

by Halo84653 on May 1, 2009 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ok, so you guys would completely dismantle our infield to promote a minor leaguer to a full-time position???Aybar is our weak link. Figgins drawing walks is fine. The whole point of the lead-off man is to get on base and advance. Figgins is doing that. He’s stealing bases like a madman so far this year. He’s also a dependable 3rd baseman.

Who the hell are they gonna trade all three of those guys for???Aybar is the weak link. Let Wood take Aybar’s place for a while and see if he works out. Aybar has a horrible habit of fudging plays, he runs way out into the outfield, pushing the outfielders away, just to drop the ball. I haven’t been impressed with his hitting when we need him. BUt Tier one teams don’t trade their entire infield to promote a minor leaguer. Not if they want to actually win post-season games.

by firebird81 on Apr 30, 2009 8:37 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think you're confused

Nobody is advocating trading all three of them. I believe the consensus is to play Wood over Aybar, possibly trading one of the three (if Figgins, then play Wood at third and probably platoon Izturis/Aybar at short).

by leftwing on Apr 30, 2009 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

figgy will be gone next year at soth is seeing who will...

lead-off (and play ss) next year w/aybar and izzy being the leading candidates and of course wood playing 3rd.

by thejd on Apr 30, 2009 8:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

by Brody on Apr 30, 2009 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So let Aybar work on his lead-off skills at SLC!

We’ve got a good lead-off hitter. I’d rather have Wood’s bat in the lineup this year than have Aybar work on his lead-off skills in the 9 hole.

by Brew Angel on Apr 30, 2009 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

It’s fine to think about next season, but if that’s the plan, then what about Wood’s production for next season? Isn’t that hurt by sitting him this year? If he already knows that Wood at third is part 1 of the equation for next year, then work on that, and let the audition for shortstop take second billing. Doing it the other way around is fairly insane.

by leftwing on Apr 30, 2009 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

why are we thinking about next season?

This season just started and Soth should be putting the best players on the field so that we can win THIS YEAR

RIP Nick. We will miss you!

by KingF15h on Apr 30, 2009 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, I was unclear

I meant it’s fine to think about next season ALSO. The primary focus should be to win this year, but great franchises are built upon thinking ahead.

by leftwing on Apr 30, 2009 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right...

next year will REQUIRE Brandon Wood to produce. He should be playing now – with more good bats in the lineup to prepare for that pressure…

Aybar isn’t the answer to any question that the Halos have. He is a utility player that is starting 5 times a week.

I am OK with Izzy starting instead of Aybar, but Wood should be the SS right now.

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on Apr 30, 2009 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I named my dog Aybar

and there are days I want to send him down to the triple A pound too. 35% of his barks are at homeless people WITHOUT shopping carts and gangbangers WITHOUT weapons.

by Rev Halofan on Apr 30, 2009 10:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Should've named the dog...

Dick…

or

Woody…

or

Wait for it….

Boner.

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on Apr 30, 2009 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

hahahahahaha

That was hilarious. I just laughed out loud while on the phone with IT.

by Brody on Apr 30, 2009 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can your dog teach Aybar to bunt?

by sothball on Apr 30, 2009 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bunting is the only thing he does well--even with last years post season miscue

I am a fair weather fan so the Angels better win!

by Halo84653 on Apr 30, 2009 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Its the defense and our lack of good pitchers on the mound

While Aybar’s glove hasn’t been spectacular, it has proven to be better than Wood and Aybar has more range. That being said, due to our lack of starting pitching, we are putting alot more guys on the mound who put the ball into play in order to get outs rather than throw K’s. Thus, its the best rationale to put your best fielding team out on the field.

I know considering something like “defense” as a strategy to win games in baseball is a bit baffling for many but it seems like the rationale that Soth is using. After all, we are scoring a fair amount of runs lately so why not sacrifice a good bat for a good glove in the field? Now, if our run support went signficantly down, then I wouldn’t be surprised to see Soth put Wood in more than he has lately.

Do it for Nick '09

by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Apr 30, 2009 10:26 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Citation needed

Please supply some numbers demonstrating Aybar’s superior defense (especially compared to Wood). I’m prepared to believe it, but I haven’t seen any numbers, just “Aybar is great defensively!” taken as a given. And even though I’m prepared to believe that Aybar is a better defender, I’m far from convinced that the difference is large.

by leftwing on Apr 30, 2009 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ah....

if you read the posts by the number crunchers on this blog then you know that Aybar is the better fielder. Im not about to go googling numbers for you though.

Do it for Nick '09

by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Apr 30, 2009 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you can't find the data - don't cite it.

I have mentioned seeing some promising numbers with regard to the defense of Aybar, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say that Aybar is better than Wood. There isn’t evidence to support that – and if there is, you apparently aren’t privy to it.

If you can’t backup opinions they really become worthless…

Like an appendix.

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on Apr 30, 2009 8:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

Sure, I could probably find some numbers, but I’m not the one making the argument that “While Aybar’s glove hasn’t been spectacular, it has proven to be better than Wood and Aybar has more range.” You are. Burden of proof and all that.

I don’t believe that Aybar’s defense is anywhere close to making up for the large offensive difference.

by leftwing on Apr 30, 2009 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, by "you are", I was referring to BryanHarvey'sMoustache, not you Jim.

In case that wasn’t clear.

by leftwing on Apr 30, 2009 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I got that, no worries.

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on May 1, 2009 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Scioscia's comments speak volumes...

He knows Aybar is better than Brandon Wood. There is a possibility that you are trying to read way too much into numbers that are not apples-to-apples comparisons.

In a year of such turmoil, whining still abounds.

by Downing Rules on Apr 30, 2009 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, are you regulating the site now? I didnt know that.

If you read this site regularly, it is common knowledge that Aybar’s glove is superior and that he has more range.

Dont chastise me for have just enough of a life that I dont want to spend 30 minutes searching the internet to find the necessary stats to give you. Do it yourself if your so interested…

Do it for Nick '09

by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on May 1, 2009 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, but typically

when you make a specific claim that is “conventional wisdom” you might be asked to back up your opinion with facts. If that is too troublesome, no worries. I’ll just disregard your point because there is no proof being offered to support it.

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on May 1, 2009 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Funny because your logic is circular

and can come back to bite you in the ass.

According to your logic, if your going make the declaration that my point is invalid due to lack of evidence the your declaration is just as irrelevant (or relevant) because it lacks the evidence that disproves my own assertion. You’re not offering any evidence that disproves what I have stated so we can sit here and talk until were blue in the face until one of us comes up with some facts. Until then though it doesn’t make my point any less of a point that your implied point that I am incorrect in my assertion.

Put that college education to use, Jim.

Do it for Nick '09

by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on May 1, 2009 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

First of all, you are the one stating something as "fact"

when you have no evidence to back it up. Apparently you don’t like being called on your incompleteness, but the burden is on you. However, since your fingers seem to be broken, leaving you unable to type, here are some numbers that are germane to this discussion: :-)

2008 Range Factor:

Erick Aybar: 4.77
Maicer Izturis: 4.34
B-Wood: 4.17

Fielding Percentages:

Aybar: .959
Izturis: .991
Wood: .979

2008 SS stats:

Erick Aybar: 784 innings; 237 Balls in Zone; 202 Plays Made; 30 Outs Made on plays Out of Zone.

Maicer Izturis: 448 innings; 124 Balls in Zone; 105 Plays Made; 21 Outs Made on plays Out of Zone.

B-Wood: 198 innings; 51 Balls in Zone; 39 Plays Made; 2 Outs Made on plays Out of Zone.

If we normalize all of these numbers so that everyone “played” 784 innings like Aybar we get:

Aybar: 237/202/30
Izturis: 217/184/37
Wood: 202/155/8

Now, obviously Wood is the outlier here. He looks overmatched by the other two, but he only has 200 innings of big league experience at SS. This could be small sample noise, or a true level of his talent, but we don’t really know. But, Aybar is most likely better with the glove. No one was disputing that. But is he so much better than his putrid bat can be covered by the awesome glove?

I doubt it…

Plus, Maicer looks like a very comparable player to Aybar with the glove and he has a better bat and better offensive approach to Aybar. Shoot, maybe HE should be starting.

I have to go teach, so I can’t get into other years, but I will later. Chances are I am proving your point for you with regards to RIGHT NOW, but I certainly don’t think anyone thinks that B-Woods offensive upside has been met as of yet. I do, however, think that we are seeing just about all Aybar has to offer offensively. Players that don’t walk, have little power and low SLG%‘s don’t usually turn into superstars offensively.

BTW, all these stats came from THE HARDBALL TIMES.

Also, it is a graduate degree, FYI, and I use it all the time in my job as a professor.

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on May 1, 2009 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

4/24 plunkett's quote of Scioscia:

"I think he hasn’t found a comfort level there yet like we saw last year," Scioscia said of Aybar’s spotty defense so far this season. "This kid was one of the best defensive shortstops in the game for a solid month and a half last year. He has it in him."

"I don’t think you ever stop with that mental development," Scioscia said. "With experience, you’re always refining things, understanding the league, understanding positioning. As far as the physical part of the game, he has it in him to be an outstanding defensive shortstop. We’ve seen glimpses of it. We’re going to need to get that out of him."

So, it is obvious Soth is high on Aybar’s defense. It is through this kind of statement that I believe we feel more confident in Aybar’s abilities over Wood’s with the glove. However, Erick’s gaffes this year have been nasty.

I personally am ready for Wood, but realize that Brandon may be a bit of drop-off defensively. Given Wood’s assumed offensive prowess, any drop-off in the field will be canceled out.

In a year of such turmoil, whining still abounds.

by Downing Rules on May 1, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree about Aybar and the glove...

I was really touting him last year with the glove, but the offensive progress has been downright offensive! He can’t hit enough to be a regular major league SS. Plain and simple.

Your last paragraph is where I stand. We will live with a 10% drop off in SS defense if he is 50% better with the bat…

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on May 1, 2009 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

hey hey....

look what I inspired. Using those office hours for this?

Do it for Nick '09

by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on May 1, 2009 11:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pretty much...

it was late on a Friday – there is nowhere more ghost-town like than a University at 3:30 PM on a Friday.

No hard feelings, BHM. You’re good peeps.

That’s the first time I’ve ever typed/said that.

Egads.

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on May 1, 2009 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh man

you got all nice. I was going to make fun of how being a music professor didnt count.

ok ok…this was fun.

god, that loss sucked tonight.

Do it for Nick '09

by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on May 1, 2009 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah - that game blew...

I don’t watch too many of the games in total. I usually DVR them, follow them on my phone a bit and fast forward through them at night if time permits. But, tonight I really wanted to watch, so I picked it up in the 3rd or 4th inning an watched until the 7th thinking all was fine.

Then I flipped it on to watch the last of the 8th – and oh boy was I pissed. Dondo looks not well. His location is a mess and he seems MUCH more hittable than last year.

Fuentes can’t get away with throwing 89 MPH over the heart of the plate….

Ick. Lackey and Santana need to get healthy NOW.

RIP Nick...

Jim Scully
Jim Scully Home

by jimmuscomp on May 1, 2009 11:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

dude if the bullpen doesnt get it together....

it wont matter who starts for us. We can have Nolan Ryan incarnate out there and we’ll still blow a lead when the BP takes overr.

Do it for Nick '09

by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on May 2, 2009 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A run saved

is worth as much as a run created, correct? So if the name of the game is runs, which of these two guys, offense and defense combined, is worth more “runs”? I’m no number cruncher, and the projections on Wood are fuzzy and unreliable at best, but I have a hard time believing that Aybar’s glove is so good, especially considering his mental errors, that he’ll help the team’s run differential more than Wood.

by dmhead on Apr 30, 2009 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right?

how many routine plays has Aybar bobbled already this year? How many unearned runs is he putting on an already taxed pitching staff?

Self-realization. I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said, "I drank what?"

The Geek.

by The OC Sports Geek on Apr 30, 2009 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stats wise

I think he’s only officially on the hook for 2 errors, but come on. We watch the games. How many other plays where he ran down a popup only to let it drop or called LF off the play only to not catch it himself…. or just make bad decisions on the field?

Self-realization. I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said, "I drank what?"

The Geek.

by The OC Sports Geek on Apr 30, 2009 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Excuse me while I go to the bathroom to take a big fat Aybar.

by Chzburger Jones on Apr 30, 2009 1:07 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

I used to call it

taking the Browns to the Super Bowl. Now I gotta change it.

by rmhalofan on May 1, 2009 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha

that’s funny. i may have to start using that one.

by Brody on May 1, 2009 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If it was based on the real football Browns getting to the Super Bowl...

man, Cleveland is really constipated.

In a year of such turmoil, whining still abounds.

by Downing Rules on May 1, 2009 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

In Scioscia I trust...

however, this one has me shaking my head. When I close my eyes, I envision Scioscia a true Angel flying on the clouds, strumming a harp, saying: “ALL GOOD THINGS COME IN DUE TIME.” He’s telling me to be patient. So, we wait.

In a year of such turmoil, whining still abounds.

by Downing Rules on Apr 30, 2009 2:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs