Thursday Halolinks: Vernon Wells To Remain An Angel!

Reminds me that the offseason is its own brand of fun, especially when the World Series champs aren’t the Rangers.

I only see the Angels pop up once or twice in the FA pool, and I am happy to see this. After they were going to get an ace bullpen arm, a third baseman, and a left fielder last year, they took the big splash and were the laughingstock of baseball.

That DiPoto passed on the Orioles but did go witht he Angels is heartening. The Angels are in better shape overall, sure, but when we know that Angelos scares people away, the perception here is that DiPoto has been given the power he would not have in Baltimore.

I like Bobby Abreu, but I would be down with the Angels finding a taker, like Kansas City or something, and splitting the salary cost. Abreu had a big impact on the Angels in 2009, and I imagine his approach could pay dividends elsewhere, too. Even another $5 million might get the Angels in on the kind of presence that would solidify the rotation and/or lineup.

Also, if you get, say, Prince Fielder, I think you get more revenue just from having that bat in your lineup. It’s one thing to say, “Our budget shouldn’t exceed $140 million”, but if you look at what determines payroll, attendance and playoff presence are big factors. You get a superstar in that lineup, maybe more people show up, maybe you make it to October baseball.

I like Trumbo lots, but I think he may be more valuable as a trade chip for a decent starter, say a serviceable #4 while the young Angels pitchers mature some more.

I thought for a second we were gonna lose Vernon/thebigtizzle.

3 more years of awesome!

… but Wells posted a tweet about 8 hrs ago ~ “goodnight all, been a busy couple of days but excited to start hitting tomorrow!! Show my new team what I am real”. ??? Anyone know who he’s referring to when he says “new team” ?

I don’t think he’s ever had a K:BB ratio that bad. If we screw this guy up, we’re going to have to fire everyone right?

What if….

What if DiPoto makes a move for Votto using Trumbo as one of the main pieces (after he wins the RotY). I would think Trout would be brought up but is obviously untouchable. Putting together a package for Votto would be significantly more awesomesauce than any free agent on the market. I am all for trading Trumbo asafp.

don’t you just love that 10+5 photo?
This is our current reality and it makes we want to puke.

Vernon: Yo Premium! Whad’ya say we ruin this team?
Mathis: I reckon so, Big Splash! High five!

quickly Dipoto, trade him to the Nats for Ryan Zimmerman (sarcasm).

Stay low key, pick up some pitching depth, perhaps a non-“big splash” trade for a little offensive help and/or roster space/salary relief. DFA Mathsi. Walk into 2012 marginally improved.

2012 will be a big season for DiPoto. Lots of veteran pieces walk years and tons of money coming off the books. He could swing major trades to either make a run or re-stock the farm depending on the standings around the break.

I’m looking at you Reagins.

“Sometimes, the best free agents you can acquire are via trades," Dipoto said. "There are so many different ways to acquire a player in today’s game. A team might be moving a contract, they might be moving a player who’s bearing down on free agency or getting up there in arbitration. The economics of it are there are 30 different teams in 30 different situations."

Also, I can imagine TR ever putting together a thought like the one above.

 
But IMHO no one on this team is “untouchable”. If Trout + Santana could get us a proven, young All-Star like Evan Longoria – I’m pulling the trigger on the deal.

but not being able to lay off pitches out of the strike zone. In fact it takes less energy to not swing.

Hatcher and Sosh’s mentality continues to absolutely ruin our young hitters and franchise value.

Most likely tired, he should rest up a bit and then pick it up again.

Damn St Louis unveiled a statue of Pujols. They are pulling out all the stops.

If this was the case, would the Angels go “all out” to get Prince, just for the sake of keeping his bat out of a very potent Texas lineup?