Angels Manager Mike Scioscia Speaks

I somehow doubt Aybar will repeat his 2009 performance. And honestly, there is no stat that fits him for batting leadoff except his .312 average last year. If he regresses to his career average of .285 and OBP of .324, there is no reason for him to bat leadoff. He is not that great at stealing bases, having a 66% success rate.

Not knocking Aybar here, just saying he’s not your ideal leadoff guy. But hey, maybe we could trade for Curtis Granderson?

HIs head could explode though, but it’s worth a shot.

The guy has the ability to be a Jeter-style hitter at the top of the order with an inside out swing that uses the whole field and gap power that occasionally goes over the fence. He’s speed enough to steal some bases.

He may not walk as much, but he’s got the potential to start us off with singles and doubles and crank one out 15+ times a year, all with an over .300 average. Those are all favorable possibilities to have with no outs in the first.

He strikes out too much. I hate having the first batter strike out. I doubt it really has any real effect on the game, but to me having the opposing pitcher strike out the first batter he faces gives them a little mental edge.

When we have a player who has given us:

(1) an above-average OBP three of the past four seasons;
(2) walks almost as much as he strikes out, and doesn’t strike out that much;
(3) sees more pitches per plate appearance than either Kendrick or Aybar;
(4) has a significantly better stolen base rate and % than Kendrick or Aybar.

His name is Maicer Izturis, and we just signed him for three years. While folks have voted 5:1 for Aybar over Izturis in the poll, likely due to Aybar’s only good offensive season last year, Maicer meanwhile ‘only’ hit .300 with a .359 OBP last season, while delivering positive value on both offense and defense. Every major projection system shows him delivering 10-20pts better on OBP next season over Aybar.

He’s a run producer and a feeder at the same time like Mike said.

If a guy like Aybar gets on in front of him, there’s a good chance Abreu can drive him in or get on base setting up a 1st and 3rd, no out situation for Torii and the heart of the order. If Aybar gets out, there’s still a good chance Abreu and his speed get on.

It’s all about pressuring the pitcher early and often.

according to all reports

we dont want to be one of 22 teams.

This ^

You do not have time, you make time.

and you’ll get the basic gist of the interview

Just take it one interview at a time.

always a bunch of blah blah turn the page blah blah blah……did i mention turn the page.