Finding at bats for Mark Jumbo

by Jeff McGinness on May 8, 2011 5:27 PM PDT

It has been unusual to see an Angels power hitting prospect actually hit for power (Brandon Wood or Dallas McPherson anyone?), but 1/5th of the way through the 2011 season, Mark Trumbo leads all AL rookies in HR and RBI. Not only that, but he leads the team in RBI, even though he has been splitting time with Alexi Amarista lately.

Jumbo Trumbo has a 0.5 WAR thus far, very respectable for a rookie hitting in the bottom third of the lineup. The guy has undoubtedly proven he belongs in the Angels lineup. But sooner or later Kendrys Morales will be back and occupying first base, so finding at bats for Jumbo is going to be tricky. We could continue to whine and pine over the franchise-crippling Wells trade, but the fact of the matter is we gotta live with him, and his ghost will plague LF for the next four years. So nothing unrealistic like "we can just trade Wells to Philadelphia for Roy Halladay" will suffice. We need realistic options for finding Jumbo regular playing time. Here are a few:

Trade Bobby Abreu: though we all value Bobby's ability as the only Angels hitter that can draw a walk, his power and baserunning have evaporated significantly. If he continues to play everyday, his option for next season will kick in, and the Angels will be stuck with El Burrito Grande occupying that precious DH spot for another season. Teams that could be interested in a trade for Bobby (Cleveland, CWS, Tampa Bay) wouldn't need to give up much for him either, so long as they don't expect the Angels to pay much of his salary.

Trade a middle infielder: Erick Aybar is probably the one with the most appeal for other teams, but I wouldn't underestimate the draw Mighty Maicer or Albert OC have on the market. Relieving some of the middle infield glut could not only help free up the occasional DH spot that Maicer occupies, but also make 3B a realistic option for Jumbo next season (were he to work at the position over the winter). The Giants, Phillies, and Dodgers desperately need a shortstop or second baseman.

Alternate days off for the veterans: Scioscia loves to do this, so this is probably the most likely scenario. Scioscia can give a break to Torii, Bobby, Vernon, and Kendrys once a week, letting Jumbo snag some starts at RF, DH, and 1B throughout the week.

Now for the easiest roster move: DFA Mathis already!

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Comments

Albert OC

Dont call it that- Michael Bluth

by lightupthehalo29 on May 8, 2011 5:45 PM PDT reply actions

According to Terry Smith tonight

Kendrys is a ways off—maybe June, hopefully before the All-Star game(as I think we all realized would be the earliest he will return based on the current injury report). Terry also mentioned something I said in an earlier post: Kendrys will most likely be DH-ing at first.

by Raaddad on May 8, 2011 5:50 PM PDT reply actions

You're not good at nicknames.

"It's our money," owner Arte Moreno said.

by 44FAN on May 8, 2011 6:13 PM PDT reply actions 4 recs

I like El Burrito Grande

by Torii Hunter's Smile on May 8, 2011 6:38 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

That sounds delicious

R.I.P. Nick Adenhart - Always an Angel

by Kernel on May 9, 2011 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions

I call Abreu..

…Cerebral. Because somehow, that Top Heavy piece of work manages to steal bases better than Bourjos.

by cuscus85 on May 10, 2011 1:12 AM PDT up reply actions

Trumbo- tron

by CaptainCarlos on May 8, 2011 6:30 PM PDT reply actions

Phillies need a shortstop?

J-Roll is laughing. As far as 2nd base, the platoon on Valdez / Orr says “no”

Anyway, Bobby Abreu will be gone soon. Wells, King Pete, and Hunter will roam the outfield until Trout comes around. Thus, Abreu is the odd man out (that is unless Abreu is the new hitting coach)

by Halos in DE on May 8, 2011 6:38 PM PDT reply actions

Now THAT is a good idea. If his contract vests, make him hitting coach/player, ala the old manager/players of yesteryear.

by Wally's World on May 9, 2011 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions

WRONG:

“But sooner or later Kendrys Morales will be back and occupying first base”

Thanks for playing FanPost Without Ever Commenting here at Halos Heaven.

by Rev Halofan on May 8, 2011 6:49 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs

It's kinda important.

In this case, KMo’s absence (which will not end soon) is serving a purpose. You get results from Trumbo while developing him as a pro fielder at the same time. He’s getting tons of at-bats and “jumbo” has to do more than dive at balls at first base. He’s hitting so he deserves to stay right where he is, spell K-Mo when he returns and others. No need to move people for him yet, while he has the best rookie job in baseball.

"We are not on an austerity program," Arte Moreno

by thebigtizzle on May 8, 2011 8:05 PM PDT up reply actions

The incorrect assumption that we have to hustle at-bats for 44 because K-Mo is imminent is an important one.

btw

"We are not on an austerity program," Arte Moreno

by thebigtizzle on May 8, 2011 8:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Who would have thought that "Kowbell's" injury would be a blessing in disguise

Without that, we wouldn’t be witnessing the emergence of a young a popular rookie star.

by Raaddad on May 8, 2011 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions

FanPost wo/ really following baseball

I’d be shocked if we got 100 ABs from Kendrys out of the DH spot this year. I’d be even more shocked if Kendrys plays more than 100 games in the field if he ever resumes his career.

We can’t trade Abreu as no team wants to pay for his 2012 option, especially low budget teams like TB and CLE. Why would CWS be interested in Abreu? Dunn is their DH and they have Slappy butchering LF.

Trade Aybar to the Dodgers? Seriously?

Until the Phillies know for a fact Utley can’t return this year they aren’t trading for a MI.
-
In short this was one of the most uninformative posts I’ve read in awhile.

by YouthofToday on May 8, 2011 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Utley is already playing in extended spring training games.

So, he’ll be back before KMo is. No doubt.

"I have one word for you...Be careful."
-Jose Guillen

by IE Angel on May 8, 2011 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions

I wouldn't put Trumbo at 3B.

However, I could entertain the idea of Howie eventually moving over there. His arm isn’t great, but neither is his range at 2B.

by moralesforpresident on May 8, 2011 7:04 PM PDT reply actions

Uhhhh.

You kind of need an arm at 3B. Much more important than range at 2B

"I have one word for you...Be careful."
-Jose Guillen

by IE Angel on May 8, 2011 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions

This FanPost was unnecessary.

Should’ve been a comment.

by cmy912 on May 8, 2011 7:09 PM PDT reply actions

trade vernon wells for roy halladay

put trumbo in left field.

solves 2 problems.

What do you need a fancy suit for, Charlie, you ain't got no job to wear it to.

by clover_black on May 8, 2011 7:22 PM PDT reply actions

Mathis for Lee?

2 player swap

" With Haren bolstering the rotation, the Angels are set up beautifully for 2011"- Another East coast biased reporter

by Halos2011champs on May 8, 2011 7:37 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

Only place would be on another team

trade him

I take it you don't have the DOV Secret Decoder Ring
You need to drink more ovaltine
-Quad Fin Rider

by DAD OF VLAD on May 8, 2011 8:33 PM PDT reply actions

Who is this Jumbo character?

Is this Pedro Serrano’s idol from Major League in human form?

“Straight ball, I hit very well. But curveball….bats are afraid.”

"I have one word for you...Be careful."
-Jose Guillen

by IE Angel on May 8, 2011 8:46 PM PDT reply actions

Wasn't "Jumbo" the mother of "Dumbo"?

- I sincerely hope I’m wrong, but KMo will not be on the field any time soon. Trumbo will be at 1B in 2011.

- the front office has made it clear they will not rush Trout; he might get a cup of coffee with the big club late this year given the lack of talent at AAA.

- Abreu and/or Akbar would like yield “spare parts” in trade. They have more value with the Halos than anywhere else.

- Mathis is Soth’s illegitimate son. He will retire from baseball in 2027 after playing 23 seasons as the Angel’s starting catcher.

by mustard_man on May 9, 2011 5:10 AM PDT reply actions

Jumbo shrimp are delicious. Had some for dinner last night.

As for Trumbo….dude has exceeded expectations of all of us and the FO. He is a legit MLB player which excites me. I love you MArk ~~Jumbo~~ Trumbo

Bring on the OREO Line!

by angelskid2210 on May 9, 2011 8:56 AM PDT reply actions

There are concerns

A walk rate of 3.6 % coupled with a K-rate of 26.4% should cause some concerns. We all know the dude will mash when he gets a hold of one, but let’s not get too excited on his performance through just May 9. This is the majors, and once pitchers get more data-filled scouting reports, Trumbo will see fewer and fewer fastballs.

I hope he works out and can provide consistent pop and solid-enough D, but let’s add some caution to the optimism.

http://babiesboozeandboobs.wordpress.com/

by Sethy on May 9, 2011 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions

I agree.

But he has exceeded expectations. HE still has a lot of growing to do as a MLB hitter but the signs are pointing up.

Bring on the OREO Line!

by angelskid2210 on May 9, 2011 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions

This is why I would trade Trumbo. Sell high.

Pollyanna is dead. But don't get mad at me, I didn't kill her. Tony Reagins did.

by snowhor on May 9, 2011 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions

I didn't think Trumbo would be an impact player because he got to the Major Leagues so old

But he’s a poor man’s Mark McGwire with as much power.

I say just enjoy the ride and hope he stays healthy for the next four or five years.

Or is Kendry perhaps the one who needs to sit?

by BBFan1 on May 9, 2011 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Maybe the very poor or bankrupt man's Mark McGuire.

Mr. Roids lifetime stats: .263/.394/.588
Mr. 37 Games Played Trumbo: .248/.281/.446

Pollyanna is dead. But don't get mad at me, I didn't kill her. Tony Reagins did.

by snowhor on May 9, 2011 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions

What should have happened: Last year, after the injury of celebration, Trumbo gets a shot.

assuming he would have done as well or slightly less as this year, he would have done something like 25/290/470 18 HR 65 RBI. We would then have NO need of Wells. Never would have traded for him. Instead the FO wasted time with guys who mostly aren’t on our team. (in that scenario Naps would of course been the #1 catcher).
Imagine, no Mathis, no Wells. Now how awesome does our team look. I never got why they didn’t give him a shot last year. At least after the AS break. Or after it was clear we were out of it 8-10 games back.

by Wally's World on May 9, 2011 11:32 AM PDT reply actions

Something I had not though about.

Very good point.

There’s still no question in my mind that Napoli wasn’t going to be on this team this year, regardless of what happened with Wells or anyone.

And Mathis was going to be on this team this year, regardless of anything anyone says or thinks of him.

"I have one word for you...Be careful."
-Jose Guillen

by IE Angel on May 9, 2011 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Great Point

huge surprise, I agree with it. I remember thinking last August/September that I would rather watch young guys whose performances are unkown play in place of veterans whose performances are well documents. Mostly I was thinking play Conger over Mathis, but when Rivera totterred out to first base, I was thinking Trumbo.

by JeffJoiner on May 9, 2011 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Ah the scent of FAIL

from a new poster.

Although it seems like he’s been lurking around for a couple days, just long enough to pick up on some of the common HH memes regarding V-dub and Premium.

Funny comment from Soth in this month’s Angel magazine (I can’t remember the exact quote atm): That this roster is under scrutiny everyday and if a young player is doing well enough to warrant a call-up, then we will bring them up to the major league roster.

To be fair, he’s done exactly that but doesn’t take the final step necessary which is to give them playing time.

Swung on and missed, he struck him out! ~ Terry Smith

Angels' 2011 W-L record with the alternate red jersey: 6-4

by blast21dave on May 9, 2011 12:36 PM PDT reply actions