Regarding Garret Anderson...from a Braves fan
by sdp on Jun 23, 2009 8:39 AM PDT
128 comments
Greetings, Halos Heaven.
I come with a question: has Garret Anderson always had "lazy" and "lackluster" body language? I ask this because many Braves fans this year are incredibly resistant to Garret because of his on-field body language. He appears statuesque and almost bored to death in the field and there's just a general dislike for him. He's gotten nicknames like "Jogging G.A.", "Uncle Garret's Sleepytime Jamboree" and "F.U.G.A."
Personally, I think it's dangerous to draw conclusions based on body language--people are different and have different emotional responses to certain situations. He's had a couple of questionable baserunning decisions with regards to hustle but I'm just curious for your opinions on this.
Thanks, Go Braves, and Go Angels.
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Incoming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We don't have a Bullpen. We have a Cowpen. Before we get to call it a Bullpen these guys gotta grow a pair.
by Stirrups on Jun 23, 2009 8:51 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Add 3 more nicknames to the list
I’d say he’s “lazy looking”. In my opinion, he’s a “situational hustler”. If he thinks he can get to a ball, get an extra base, he will. You won’t see him leg out a routine grounder to spare injury, and 99% of the time he’s out anyway.
But it will come back and bite him a couple of times a season and that frustrates fans.
His lazy ass is still beloved here.
by The Clyde on Jun 23, 2009 8:56 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Man that is perfect..
“Situational hustler” that is my new favorite description. There should be a song with that title…G.A. to a T.
After all, we had “New Jack Hustler.”
by Monkeyspanked on Jun 23, 2009 9:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He
doesn’t let things get to him, House burns down or he get the game winning hit its the sme expression. Don’t think that he doesn’t care, or doesn’t work hard. That is just not true, but he can rub you the wrong way if you let it.
Aybar is overrated
by Sinatrasratpack on Jun 23, 2009 9:02 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Somethings never change
Now you can see what we suffered with as Angel fans for years. All the same complaints just named a little differently. You say PO-TAY-TOE we say PO-TAA-TOE.
by Halo Revolution on Jun 23, 2009 9:14 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
boil em, mash em, put em in a stew
The New Punchout for Nintendo Wii......get it
by bravesguy311 on Jun 26, 2009 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
F.U.G.A.?????
As in “Fuck U Goddamn Atlanta?”
"We have a great closer, one of the best in the game, and I wouldn’t trade him for anyone else." (Matt Palmer, after the latest Fuentes meltdown)
by PieceOfAase on Jun 23, 2009 9:20 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Ha...
The first two are right, but there is a player we happen to be discussing who has similar initials to the back end.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 23, 2009 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So lazy ...
while hitting lifetime .296.
If he wasn’t so lazy, he would have gotten on the juice and pumped his stats up.
Can we find something else to criticize other than a “perceived” lack of hustle? Has ANY credible source [i.e. coach or teammate] EVER criticized GA for his effort?
Torii Hunter: Best Halo Ever.
by LazorkoRules on Jun 23, 2009 9:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Uh.... yeah.... everyone who watches him play who arent paid to be PC towards thier own club.
Are you serious?
Because… wow.
I brought sexy back, but they only gave me store credit....
by PhiSlamma on Jun 23, 2009 6:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Torii calls him Blue Smoke
Play Wood already. Willits sucks.
by hauldog on Jun 23, 2009 9:24 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
This is a good one to follow if you want to hot up GA
We all love GA, we got used to his laziness over 90-some years :) and it became a joke in itself. However, he is capable of unbelievable feats, such as driving in 10 runs in a game, making great catches, etc. It was a great catch of this caliber that prompted Torii Hunter to say “Man he turned on the jets, it looked like he had BLUE SMOKE coming out of his behind”. (or something to that effect).
We love GA, we wanted him to retire as an Angel, but FOTM he wasn’t the right fit for our team this year. So says our GM.
Enjoy him, and I hope No. 16 starts roping for the Bravos.
Don't call me Desmond
by highlandhalo on Jun 23, 2009 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Sadly, he's #18 now.
Damn Brian McCann was an asshole and wouldn’t let the veteran keep the number he’s had for 15 years.
by cmy912 on Jun 23, 2009 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was there first and a better player at this point.
Play Wood already. Willits sucks.
by hauldog on Jun 23, 2009 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
that.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 23, 2009 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, the man looks like he's bored
but he tries as hard as anyone else. (Look up 2002 World Series: Game 7)
RIP Nick Adenhart 4/9/09
by vlad IS my man on Jun 23, 2009 9:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
most famous double in Angels club history
Don't call me Desmond
by highlandhalo on Jun 23, 2009 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the answer is yes, he has been perceived as lazy his entire career
but he just knows how the game is played and how he can at his age. He’s not going to ever charge or dive for a ball he knows he cant get and risk turning singles into triples. It sounds weird but he was actually a sneaky good defender with a great arm and awareness…it just doesnt ‘show’ that way
RIP Nick Adenhart
by ihearhowie2.0 on Jun 23, 2009 9:47 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
if you do a search on "lazy"
1205+ comments pop up. The majority also involve the name GA….
so survey sezzzzzzzzzzz YES, GA=LAZY
by ladybug on Jun 23, 2009 10:06 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
If GA werent so lazy
he would’ve saved the economy
Get Aybar off this team. Now.
by HaloDutch on Jun 23, 2009 10:11 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
The "GA is Lazy" meme strikes again.
I think it’s not so much that he’s lazy, as that he’s so damn good, he looks lazy.
He knows where and how to place himself for any situation on the field, so it looks like he’s not hustling, when it’s tht he doesn’t have to “hustle” to make the play.
Angels fan since '67
by red floyd on Jun 23, 2009 10:17 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Are you people serious?
I can understand GA defenders when it comes to his play…. but saying “hes not lazy…. HES JUST REALLY GOOD” is so retardedly obviously wrong and stupid that it hurts my brain.
I brought sexy back, but they only gave me store credit....
by PhiSlamma on Jun 23, 2009 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
well seeing how lazy is completely subjective and not quantifiable in the slightest
i dont see how either way would be “retardedly obviously wrong.”
RIP #34
by linkbruin on Jun 23, 2009 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
-10
Phys: Well, Coon doesn't have a lot of power but he's a good bunter
Coon: F$%# That!
Thanks Zu
by halofan4life on Jun 23, 2009 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1,000,000
Angel Pitching (Adenhart), Angel Defense - get past that.
by vladtheimpaler on Jun 24, 2009 1:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is a good thread to re-ignite all those "If GA wasn't so lazy jokes"
If GA wasn’t so lazy, he’d would have found a way to stop Braves fans from coming to HH to question how lazy he is.
Don't call me Desmond
by highlandhalo on Jun 23, 2009 10:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
if GA wasn't so lazy, he would've cured swine flu
Get Aybar off this team. Now.
by HaloDutch on Jun 23, 2009 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
If GA was'nt so lazy, he would not have made a Braves fan member come all the way over to Halos Heaven to find out why he is so lazy.
I am the Iron Man
by 44FAN on Jun 23, 2009 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If GA wasn't so lazy, he'd be an Angel right now...
by Monkeyspanked on Jun 23, 2009 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If GA wasn't so lazy...
He’d be Garrett. Extra T’s take too much effort.
by Wytelitning on Jun 23, 2009 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If GA wasnt so lazy...
….Im sleepy…
Do it for Nick '09
by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Jun 23, 2009 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If GA wasn't so lazy...
He’d have Weaver on the All-Star team
He’d have voted for Torii 100,000 times so that Torii would lead the voting
Angels fan since '67
by red floyd on Jun 23, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If GA was'nt so lazy,
He would have just mailed all the “GA is so lazy” jokes to Talking Chop ahead of time so they would not have to figure it out on their own.
I am the Iron Man
by 44FAN on Jun 23, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If GA wasn't so lazy...
He would set up his own “If GA wasn’t so lazy” thread on Talking Chop and post the link back over here on Halos Heaven so we can keep track on how lazy he his.
Don't call me Desmond
by highlandhalo on Jun 24, 2009 2:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If GA wasn't so lazy
He’d singlehandedly stop the North Korean missiles with his bare hands, Superman style.
RIP Nick Adenhart.
"When the Babe tries to call his shot, I hope Nick puts one in his ear."
--RallyMonkey5
by Clutch on Jun 24, 2009 6:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, I hear HE was supposed to be the missle defense we were moving to Hawaii...
But he was asleep when he got the phone call.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 26, 2009 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We will take Casey Kotchman back and give you Robb Quinlan.
I am the Iron Man
by 44FAN on Jun 23, 2009 11:33 AM PDT reply actions 4 recs
This thread is hilarious
GA: The laziest franchise leader in most offensive categories ever
Nick Adenhart - 1986 - 2009 R.I.P.
by swiss mcgee on Jun 23, 2009 12:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Franchise records mean a lot.
Look a Aaron Cook…. with his 69 wins….. a record for the Rockies!
Best pitcher ever?
I brought sexy back, but they only gave me store credit....
by PhiSlamma on Jun 23, 2009 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They do mean a lot when a team has been in existence for almost 50 years
not 15+ seasons like the Rockies and a Rockies pitcher to boot!
Nick Adenhart - 1986 - 2009 R.I.P.
by swiss mcgee on Jun 24, 2009 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man this is hilarious...
So funny that we talk about this all the time and they’ve picked up on his laziness immediately in the ATL.
Also, rec’d for “Uncle Garrett’s Sleepytime Jamboree”….HILARIOUS.
Do it for Nick '09
by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Jun 23, 2009 1:40 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Sleepytime Jamboree is great
I could see the animatration bears doing the “Uncle Garret” tune at Bear Country Jamboree with the big bat bear blowing on the whiskey bottle.
(For Braves fans, Bear Country Jamboree is a musical “attraction” at Disneyland).
Don't call me Desmond
by highlandhalo on Jun 24, 2009 1:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
is or was? It is no longer there. It’s a Winnie the Pooh ride for kiddies now.
I love this team.
by Downing Rules on Jun 24, 2009 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The bears are still there, if you know where to look.
.... as sexy as socks on a rooster.
by opiejeanne on Jun 24, 2009 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aren't a lot of those critters over on Splash Mountain now?
We don't have a Bullpen. We have a Cowpen. Before we get to call it a Bullpen these guys gotta grow a pair.
by Stirrups on Jun 24, 2009 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, that’s right.
I love this team.
by Downing Rules on Jun 24, 2009 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This blows!
I liked that big fat bear blowing on the whiskey jug.
Don't call me Desmond
by highlandhalo on Jun 26, 2009 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Garret "Groundout" Anderson
I love him and always will. He’ll always have a special place in my Angel-loving heart for what he’s given to the organization over the last decade+ he’s been playing for us. He’s a class act and is the antithesis to drama queens like Milton Bradley and Jose Guillen that hurt the game more than they help.
Sure, he looks like he’s using performance diminishing drugs (sedatives? tranquilizers??) when he’s playing the field, and sure, he has a knack for rolling over pitches to the second baseman, and sure, he seems like a mute; but he’s NOT lazy. A lazy guy—no matter how talented—could never have produced as much as Garret has over his career. Just trust him: he’ll come through for you if you just stick with him.
Just hope and pray he doesn’t get pink eye during the playoffs (see 2007 ALDS, Angels vs. Red Sox).
Missing Garret "Groundout" Anderson
by dannyras on Jun 23, 2009 2:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Well we have Vladimir "Hit into a Doubleplay" Guerrero...
by Monkeyspanked on Jun 23, 2009 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vladimir "Hit sharply to the shortstop" Guerrero
Rest in Peace Adenhart
by princeton11loveshalos on Jun 23, 2009 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vladimir "Torn Pectoral" Guerrero...
I think he should sit until he is back at full strength with that injury. Although he is hitting nearly 300; so I am not sure it is wise to sit him down.
I love this team.
by Downing Rules on Jun 23, 2009 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I never knew any Garret "Groundout" Anderson.
Now, Garret “Flail Lamely At Outside And Away Curveballs From Lefties” Anderson I know very, very well.
We don't have a Bullpen. We have a Cowpen. Before we get to call it a Bullpen these guys gotta grow a pair.
by Stirrups on Jun 23, 2009 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Garret has always had that demeanor, but look closely at his moves as soon as the ball is hit. He has great instincts, makes good reads on flyballs, and also takes takes the best route toward the ball that is incoming.
I love this team.
by Downing Rules on Jun 23, 2009 2:52 PM PDT reply actions 4 recs
I've NEVER seen him dive for a ball. Ever.
But I HAVE seen him yawn in the batter’s box. Seriously.
(I have a great picture of him snoozing in the outfield, but I’m too lazy to figure out how to post it.)
by The Clyde on Jun 23, 2009 5:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
click on tree photo thing
type in link…
RIP Nick Adenhart 4/9/09
by vlad IS my man on Jun 23, 2009 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then you weren't watching the 2002 ALCS
I think it was game 3, 7th inning.
by rspencer on Jun 23, 2009 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
that was a slide...
I was thinking about that play too, but then I realized he went down on his bum, not his stomach.
I love this team.
by Downing Rules on Jun 23, 2009 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right, of course
but isn’t that just a matter of style?
by rspencer on Jun 23, 2009 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clyde said he had never seen GA DIVE for a ball...
I tend to think he may be right.
I love this team.
by Downing Rules on Jun 23, 2009 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I concede the point; I was wrong to challenge vlad's statement
I hadn’t considered it, but diving is different from sliding. It’s just that even sliding is so atypical for GA that seeing him do it once still stands out in my memory, nearly seven years later, especially since he broke out with an almost-as-rare smile. Which I guess all goes to prove vlad’s point.
But at least no one can say he’s never gotten his uniform dirty! Yeah, that’s it!
by rspencer on Jun 24, 2009 12:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree 5000% — that was an AWESOME PLAY that made me think “Wow, GA went balls out to get that!”
I love this team.
by Downing Rules on Jun 24, 2009 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which means nothing.
I don’t remember seeing Tim Salmon ever dive (though he used the “slide” from time to time). When has Vlad ever dived for a ball? And I could be wrong, but I don’t ever recall seeing Torii lay out to catch a ball. I see Gary Matthews dive when he probably doesn’t need to, which bugs me a helluva lot more than guys that never dive. There is just no proof that diving for a baseball helps you reach it any quicker than making a running catch. Any physics majors out there that can back that claim up (or prove it wrong)?
by dmhead on Jun 24, 2009 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that I did once read some science claiming that diving did not help.
I called BS on the science. Laying out to reach a ball in flight allows the fielder to track the ball almost all the way to the ground. It takes a ball longer to get all the way to the ground then it does to reach a point above the fielder’s head (or any place higher than just off the ground, for that matter.) That split of a second can make the diffference.
Then, of course, there are the times when a fielder is running away from the infield (and the point of origin of the flight of the ball) and trying to catch the ball over his shoulder. Laying out might be the only way he can reach the ball once it has passed him by.
P.S. – “but I don’t ever recall seeing Torii lay out to catch a ball”. Really? The guy who had to sit out for a few games just the other week because he crashed into the wall? The guy who laid out OVER the wall several weeks ago and stole a HR to win a game? That guy throws his body towards a play with near-reckless abandon. Landing on one’s stomach is not the ONLY way to commit all out to a play.
We don't have a Bullpen. We have a Cowpen. Before we get to call it a Bullpen these guys gotta grow a pair.
by Stirrups on Jun 24, 2009 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't mean he doesn't go all out
Which he obviously does. But I never see him dive. It seems he gets a good jump and tracks the ball on the run. This is what we were talking about, right?
by dmhead on Jun 25, 2009 9:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don't need a physisis to answer a common sense question
Of course diving helps catch a ball. Otherwise, every diving baseball and football catch would just be unnecessary showboating on a ball they could have caught anyway? Sliding can help too. GA had to slide to catch that ball in game 3, right? Or was Erstad always just showboating?
For the record, I had accepted GA’s perceived lazy ways long ago and it didn’t really bother me. I liked him healthy anyway.
But I also enjoy the lazy banter for shear entertainment value.
by The Clyde on Jun 24, 2009 6:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not showboating
Think of it like sliding into first base. With the rare exception, its almost always the wrong play. I think guys time their dives to catch the ball because they THINK its the best route to catching the ball, but physically if they just keep running they should be able to catch it while on their feet, like Torii. Again, I’m not saying I know for sure, but I don’t think its “common sense” and a little science wouldn’t hurt to know for sure.
by dmhead on Jun 25, 2009 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I am pretty sure that I have read about simple time tests a couple of decades ago
that show reaching a base while running is faster than leaping at it head first. And even sliding feet first allowed the runner to retain more acceleration and momentum further along the basepath and got the runner to the base quicker than headfirst. Plus, headfirst is more susceptible to injury. But I know from experience that it is a hell of a lot more fun!
But because a falling baseball is an object in motion itself (unlike a base), there are different factors to deal with fielding a fly ball. The closer the ball is to the ground when you catch it, the longer the ball has been in flight. The longer the ball is in flight, the more ground you can cover to reach the ball. Science would have to test and measure any differences in acceleration between running upright and diving, and factor in angles and routes to the ball, etc. Not my forte.
We don't have a Bullpen. We have a Cowpen. Before we get to call it a Bullpen these guys gotta grow a pair.
by Stirrups on Jun 25, 2009 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Obviously
the answer isn’t very simple with regards to catching a ball in motion. But I stand by my original point: a player not diving doesn’t mean he isn’t going “all out”; it all comes down to how a player tracks the ball and what works best for each individual. I simply can’t believe that diving for a ball equates to more effort or skill on the part of the player.
by dmhead on Jun 25, 2009 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But...
if the science did demonstrate that diving equated to a greater chance of catching fly ball at the very edge of the fielder’s range, then it follows that diving increases the fielder’s overall effective range.
In that case, it does not matter how smart the fielder is with defensive positioning, nor how skilled they are in judging and reacting, now how intelligent they are in tracking an optimum route. Because it would ADD to these factors, diving will extend their range in all instances.
What we would be left with, then, remains the same: does the player commit to the very maximum extent of their range and risk the consequences of failing to execute, or do they decide that the play is close enough to being beyond their effective maximum range as to result in a higher probability of failure, so they “lay up” and minimize the risks associated with that potential failure (extra bases). This is a judgement call by the fielder.
Again, this is all supposition. I do not know that there is any science which actually supports/rejsct this.
We don't have a Bullpen. We have a Cowpen. Before we get to call it a Bullpen these guys gotta grow a pair.
by Stirrups on Jun 25, 2009 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A eloquent and well reasoned dissertation
and anybody who has ever made a diving catch has experienced the instinct to dive was necessary or else the catch was impossible
by The Clyde on Jun 26, 2009 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very true
Once in a while, you gotta dive to get it. Especially in the INF.
Don't call me Desmond
by highlandhalo on Jun 26, 2009 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Before I forget....
RIP Nick Adenhart 4/9/09
by vlad IS my man on Jun 23, 2009 6:13 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
what do garret anderson and michael jackson have in common?
they both wear one glove for no apparent reason!
by thejd on Jun 23, 2009 6:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
bet you feel bad now.
=)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlTvSUCCqPo
by ANewFoundThrice on Jun 25, 2009 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
In case he didn't hear the news
Michael Jackson died on Thursday, he was 50…his nose was 18, his chin was 7, his cheeks were 2 and his date was 9.
Boycott Boston!
by SalmonStream on Jun 26, 2009 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let me put in my two cents.
Just because somebody doesn’t smile, doesn’t stand in athletic position the whole time, doesn’t look like he’s putting all his energy into swinging, doesn’t mean he’s lazy. My opinion has and always will be the same:
He enjoys the game so much he doesn’t have to prove it to everyone by smiling and using showmanship.
And maybe the balls Torii or GMJ dive for, GA catches on the fly. Maybe the reason he doesn’t have to dive is he gets good jumps.
Meh, I’ll probably get argued and killed for this.
34 - N.J.A - R.I.P
by Figgi4life on Jun 23, 2009 7:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
You're right...
He isn’t lazy… just bored.
#34
by stuck in Romania on Jun 24, 2009 6:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'll always love GA
the good and bad. i don’t care. good player and good human being. i’m a simple guy.
by HALO_86 on Jun 23, 2009 7:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
He's aloof.
That’s all it is.
Captain, there are doubt's...
by Match Day 5 on Jun 23, 2009 8:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Funny that this thread pops up when G.A. has been hitting pretty hot for you guys for the last few weeks
anyone who thinks G.A. is actually lazy or doesn’t bust his ass is a liar.
Anyone who doesn’t like him is an enemy of mine. He was an incredible player and by all accounts a great guy. I really, really, REALLY miss him.
by Caseys Kiss of Death on Jun 23, 2009 9:39 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
And we're starting to warm to him...
I was one of those who was on board from the beginning, but the “Professional Hitter” tag grated on people when he was OPSing .650 through May. Still, hardly anybody mentioned that he was hurt for the last month of ST and he’s basically just rounding into regular season form.
But yeah, he certainly doesn’t go out of his way to make it look like he’s laying it all out on the field (i.e. Torii.) If he doesn’t think he’s probably going to throw a guy out at home, he’s just plain not gonna throw it, other guys on base or not.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 23, 2009 10:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If GA weren't so lazy...
he would thank you for that.
We don't have a Bullpen. We have a Cowpen. Before we get to call it a Bullpen these guys gotta grow a pair.
by Stirrups on Jun 23, 2009 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unless he calculated that he probably couldn't.
In which case he wouldn’t.
We don't have a Bullpen. We have a Cowpen. Before we get to call it a Bullpen these guys gotta grow a pair.
by Stirrups on Jun 23, 2009 10:39 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
cause why waste the energy?
Get Aybar off this team. Now.
by HaloDutch on Jun 25, 2009 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the thing about ga was that he never looked like he was consistently...
giving anything close to 100% and despite this criticism which he was well aware of he acted like he didn’t care to please the fans w/some effort. so while he was accused of being lazy his response was to be stubborn and have a whistling through the graveyard approach.
by thejd on Jun 23, 2009 10:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
So because a bunch of fans are too stupid/ignorant/stubborn
and choose to criticize a man for something that’s just not true, he’s supposed to make some kind of superficial and unnatural adjustment to his game in order to appease their demands for him to do something that he’s already doing anyway?
I guess that makes sense.
And by ‘I guess that makes sense,’ I actually mean “what the fuck are you talking about?”
by Caseys Kiss of Death on Jun 23, 2009 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Be honest with yourself for a moment.
GA had about 4000 chances as a fielder with the Halos. In all those years, and all those chances, can you honestly say that your concept of GA’s “game” included anything like this?
Of course not. And therein lies the rub. The only thing that GA detractors asked of GA was to try. Not even always. Just. Try.
Instead, they were left with trying to prove the unknowable:
“Well, if he had tried and missed, THEN what would have happened?”
or…
“It wasn’t catchable, and he knew it.”
For me, I loved Ersty for this precise reason. He left no doubt. I really liked GA, but I understand where his detractors are coming from. And get real. Even his detractors know that GA made huge contributions to the Halos that can never be dismissed.
We don't have a Bullpen. We have a Cowpen. Before we get to call it a Bullpen these guys gotta grow a pair.
by Stirrups on Jun 25, 2009 12:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But while he is still playing in the Major Leagues
Ersty’s career has been up-and-down because of the injuries he has suffered.
GA has admitted [‘In My Own’ words interview with our favorite Jailbabe Hunter, Bill MacDonald], he can’t be Erstad and can’t be Eckstein.
I think the problem was Angels fans had a hard time letting GA just be the player [with the stoic personality he has] he was. If GA wasn’t doing the Erstad/David Eckstein things [fans like to see], it meant he was putting less effort and not really caring, when he has done many good things for the franchise.
I’m not saying the fans are ignorant of GA’s accomplishments as a Halo, but he wasn’t given as much credit for being a solid player and a generally solid [if aloof] citizen off the field.
Or is Kendry perhaps the one who needs to sit?
by BBFan1 on Jun 25, 2009 3:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
As it happens, I know that he was NOT aloof off the field, and a great citizen/family man.
My youngest son had a summer job as a camp counselor where GA would take his kids.
We don't have a Bullpen. We have a Cowpen. Before we get to call it a Bullpen these guys gotta grow a pair.
by Stirrups on Jun 25, 2009 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And yet his detractors rarely ever speak to those aspects
for a man with numbers that will fall just short of landing him in the hall, his detraction is absolutely, patently absurd.
I saw G.A. leave his feet on a number of occasions…never to the degree that Erstad did, but the man was a smart fielder who made smart decisions, and rarely, if ever, misplayed a day in his life. He had great range and great instincts…if the greatest knock against a guy is that he didn’t dive for every ball ever, then fuck it…that’s a damn nice knock to have.
by Caseys Kiss of Death on Jun 25, 2009 7:00 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Thank you CKoD
R.I.P. King Ad-Rock #34
by Seik1177 on Jun 25, 2009 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would suspect that you may be maintaining a careful inventory of the complaints
expressed by fans frustrated with GA at any moment, but not so carefully the joy and celebrations of those same fans throughout the vast majority of GA’s great career.
We don't have a Bullpen. We have a Cowpen. Before we get to call it a Bullpen these guys gotta grow a pair.
by Stirrups on Jun 25, 2009 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have frequently seen the celebration of the guy's career with the Angels
particularly on this blog.
But if you think that there is NOT a disproportionate level of detraction (or downright animosity) toward the man, relative to his actual shortcomings, then I severely question whether or not you actually read much of what gets said about him.
He’s damn near a hall of famer, and he gets a large amount of disrespect that’s essentially a product of a bunch of bandwagoners who joined the team already-in-progress sometime after ’02 and spent most of their time watching a shell of the guy play, and rip on him constantly.
by Caseys Kiss of Death on Jun 26, 2009 12:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Care to qualify that HoF gloss?
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 26, 2009 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure
when you show me where I said he’s a hall of famer.
by Caseys Kiss of Death on Jun 27, 2009 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If search engines allowed me to locate all instances of "GA!!!" on this site,
where HH’ers celebrated GA for his great contributions game by game, I would put my money on that hit count being much higher than the number of hits for “dammit GA” and all variants.
(I realize, of course, that such a thought is weak, since this is not something that is knowable. At first I was reluctant to offer it up, but I find that it is in keeping with all the pro-GA claims which are also impossible to substantiate., so what the hell…)
We don't have a Bullpen. We have a Cowpen. Before we get to call it a Bullpen these guys gotta grow a pair.
by Stirrups on Jun 26, 2009 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
In-game thread commentary
is hardly a fair barometer of player contribution, anyway.
The real indicator would be what people say about him when there is no immediate reference point, such as a base hit or a home run to celebrate…to see what is said about him in regards to his laziness (which, as much a running joke as it is, is believed in to some degree by more than just a small handful of people).
by Caseys Kiss of Death on Jun 27, 2009 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But this is an age-old problem with satisfaction surveys.
Those who complain, or are dissatisfied, are the ones who report most frequently. Those happy or satisfied less frequently go out of their way to do any reporting.
We don't have a Bullpen. We have a Cowpen. Before we get to call it a Bullpen these guys gotta grow a pair.
by Stirrups on Jun 27, 2009 8:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know this
the thing is, I think the level of discontent expressed toward G.A. in the last few years, from those that were doing it, was so far out of whack from his actual contributions to the team as to warrant others, such as myself, being upset with them. In general, the level of ignorance and anger toward him was just unfairly representative of his career here.
by Caseys Kiss of Death on Jun 27, 2009 8:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't dispute that there are stupid people here.
That doesn’t mean that any expression of criticism og GA means that the critic is one of the stupid. That is painting with an overly-broad brush which is, of course, part of your frustration with the stupid ones.
We don't have a Bullpen. We have a Cowpen. Before we get to call it a Bullpen these guys gotta grow a pair.
by Stirrups on Jun 28, 2009 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like I already said
there are things to criticize about the guy, and I’m not saying that criticism of him is stupid…but rather that a great enough bulk of the criticism that he has received to this point is stupid and out-of-whack with his contributions to the team, to the point where my frustration and dissent seems reasonable.
by Caseys Kiss of Death on Jun 29, 2009 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm one of those Angels fans who has maintained a careful inventory of the complaints
There plenty of moments when GA was considered the GMJ during his Angels’ career – and GA was playing every day, putting up some solid numbers, et al. He was viewed as a complimentary player who was not as good [maybe rightfully so] as Tim Salmon or Jim Edmonds [perhaps], but also a guy who didn’t have the grit of an Erstad or the desire of an Eckstein [sorry to bring those two up again].
It wasn’t until after 2002 did GA get any sort of respect from Angels’ fans and he was still sort of an ‘acquired taste,’ especially when his numbers started to dip in his last several years with the team.
We can say how much we loved the guy and give him a token nod of our appreciation now, but if you asked Angels’ fans [not just the bandwagon types who came along after 2002] about GA’s Angel career, the knee jerk reaction was to label him a lazy player [regardless of whether the perception was reality or not].
Or is Kendry perhaps the one who needs to sit?
by BBFan1 on Jun 26, 2009 4:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank god this board has you to defend GA. Knocking one of the greatest Angels is ridiculous.
Play Wood already. Willits sucks.
by hauldog on Jun 26, 2009 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
GA internalizes everything
because of his upbringing. Apparently, he took a lot of emotional hits early and learned to put on a poker face in order to cope. He’s not the kind of guy to put on a show just to please people.
by rspencer on Jun 23, 2009 11:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The Limey's compilation of all the things GA is too lazy to do is HILARIOUS
At some point last year, The Limey went through the whole season’s game threads and picked out the best comments from HH of all the things GA is too lazy to do and posted the ultimate “GA is lazy” compendium.
That post was so funny it had me in tears laughing. I am trying to find it on power search and coming up empty.
If anyone can find that post before I can, please submit a linky.
Don't call me Desmond
by highlandhalo on Jun 24, 2009 2:02 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
i can't believe we still get riled up about ga but...
i was never expecting him to give eckstein or hudler type effort day in and day out but (dr. evil voice) “throw me a frickin’ bone here” and give me some type of effort that shows you actually care or are actually trying maybe once a season, not play like an apathetic zombie who’s just going through the motions.
by thejd on Jun 24, 2009 9:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
In reference to GA’s defense, Bobby Cox referred to him as a “glider.” This led to another Talking Chop member to picture Garrett on a Back to the Future hoverboard in the outfield.
"Ohhhh Shit."-Bobby Cox, 3/28/09
by 10-4 on Jun 24, 2009 9:32 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Awesome--Link?
RIP Nick Adenhart.
"When the Babe tries to call his shot, I hope Nick puts one in his ear."
--RallyMonkey5
by Clutch on Jun 24, 2009 7:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cadallac
That’s what all my friends and I used to call him. Cruising smoothly like the boat of automobiles.
Nick, you will always be an Angel. And you will be missed.
by anaheimisnotla on Jun 24, 2009 9:58 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
MLBN called him that as well on QuickPitch.
He got a clip for his RBI double.
Angels fan since '67
by red floyd on Jun 24, 2009 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
escalade
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlTvSUCCqPo
by ANewFoundThrice on Jun 25, 2009 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Token
GA is so lazy he hasn’t all the way arrived in Atlanta yet.
We love him here, but I think we kept him just the right amount of time. He hits well when hot.
by elricsi on Jun 24, 2009 9:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
GA
stop hating on him he one of the angels player that we ever had we miis u
JOE ANDERSON
by angel wings on Jun 25, 2009 9:12 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
GA needs greenies
Get Aybar off this team. Now.
by HaloDutch on Jun 25, 2009 11:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
People who keep saying "I cannot believe people are bashing one of the greatest Angels ever!"
Do not get it.
Its not about tarnishing his accomplishments, his great Angels career, or his place in Angels lore. His Offense was outstanding for a good stretch, yes, but that is not the gripe….
Although he did look a little sleepy sometimes at bat. In fact, after he won the Home Run Derby in 03 he was quoted as saying “I just want to go to sleep…”
Understand, you GA white knights you, that the perception of his effort on the field, or lack thereof, is the problem. GA never won a gold glove. Never was in the running to win one. Never will be.
His Defensive is the question, and his defense is NOT why he was one of the greatest Angels ever. Those who defend him simply by stating he had probably one of the most important hits in Angels history in the seventh game of the 02 World Series is missing the point. Real fans who watch 140+ games every year know more than ESPN broadcasters who look at stats and mispronounce names.
I watched hundreds of games with GA playing in them. And in those hundreds of games its pretty easy to figure out what he was all about. He knew what was needed of him, he did that. No more no less.
He wasn’t going to dive and hurt himself to make a catch that might prevent him from playing tomorrow. He wasn’t going to take a pitch to get on base for the guy behind him. He wasn’t going to give an interview after a game he played well in.
Why?
Because he did not have to.
I brought sexy back, but they only gave me store credit....
by PhiSlamma on Jun 26, 2009 10:52 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Here Here! Hrrumpf Hrrumpf
I think everybody gets all bunged up over the word “lazy.”
It’s hyperbole! It’s satirical. It describes a “situational hustler” . A great hitter and an underrated defender who is underrated because he was too “lazy” (hyperbole again) to put a glove up to show everybody the uncatchable ball was just out of reach.
by The Clyde on Jun 26, 2009 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
GA has been with me through 2 wives and 3 long-term girlfriends
Not sure if that says more about me or GA … but it does speak to the player’s longevity. As for his awesomeness, well, just consult the record book.
Wife No. 1 (RIP) was with me at the yard when GA made his MLB debut … Mrs highlandhalo was wearing red knickers when GA ripped the double that made us World Champions in 2002. The gfs were in between.
We miss you, Blue Smoke …
Don't call me Desmond
by highlandhalo on Jun 26, 2009 5:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
GA had afterburners
Unfortunately they didn’t burn until AFTER the play was done.
Honestly I thought he was great. There are very few people that remain calm in crunch time and he always did. He was the best at not overswinging when there were men in scoring position and slapping the ball past the infield.
Boycott Boston!
by SalmonStream on Jun 26, 2009 6:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
GA crushed a homer against the Sux today.
Still so weird seeing him in the Braves uniform.
Angels fan since '67
by red floyd on Jun 28, 2009 6:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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