Tuesday Halolinks: Third Base Talk, Trade Talk, and Smelly Stuff

by WiHaloFan on Feb 7, 2012 7:27 AM PST in Angels Rumors And Links

Less than two weeks until spring training Halolinks:

Yes, we're still talking about the Angels and third base. As this post points out, Alberto Callaspo was a pretty decent third baseman last season: Position previews: Third base - ESPN Los Angeles. "Alberto Callaspo led all qualifying third basemen in on-base percentage (.363), was second in batting average (.288) and third in OPS (.740)." It also points out the other options at third were pretty limited. If we're grading on a curve, Callaspo is near the top of the class, however the class may be riding the short bus to their away games.

So, here we are again with the Trumbo talk...Trumbo eager to learn new position - The Orange County Register. "Trumbo has not played third base since a brief trial there shortly after he was drafted by the Angels in 2004." Within Saxon's post, there was a link to this article There's nothing easy about playing third base - ESPN, about playing the hot corner which included this spiffy quote, "Cal Ripken began his career as a third baseman, moved to shortstop for 15 years, then moved back to third. "I used to get hit in the cup at third, then I moved to shortstop, and I never got hit in the cup," he said. "Then I moved back to third, and got hit in the cup again."

Anyone interested in some 3B depth? Chicago Cubs DFA Blake DeWitt - MLB Daily Dish. "DeWitt played second base, third base and even left field with the Cubs last season while hitting .265. A first round pick in 2004, DeWitt has played four major league seasons with the Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers."

Dumb trade rumor of the day: Question No. 2: Jerry Dipoto's next move - ESPN Los Angeles. "Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe wrote that there is "a lot of speculation" the Washington Nationals will trade 27-year-old left-hander John Lannan for Bourjos, clearing a path for Mike Trout, a 20-year-old widely viewed as one of the top-five prospects in baseball." Thanks to Dave Cameron at FanGraphs, we get this nifty analysis: Bourjos for Lannan? Surely You Jest. - FanGraphs Baseball. "The idea that the Angels would trade one of the most valuable young center fielders in baseball for one year of a fairly compensated #5 starter is kind of hilarious. The Angels have spent the winter remaking themselves as legitimate contenders in the AL West – there’s no reason for them to undo that by just giving away their starting center fielder and making their team drastically worse for both the present and the future in the process." This post also points out that Lannan is basically the east coast version of Joe Saunders. I like Joe Saunders, but trading Bourjos for Hokie Joe would be a laugher.

Spring position battles: American League West - CBSSports.com. "Los Angeles Angels, Designated hitter: Mark Trumbo vs. Kendrys Morales vs. Bobby Abreu vs. Vernon Wells"

Baseball's average team payroll in 1976 was less than an individual player's league-minimum salary in 2012: Money and wins - The Hardball Times. "Let's start at the very beginning. In 1976, the average team payroll was $365,000; in 2011, it was $93 million. That's a 13 percent compound growth rate over 35 years. During the same time period, inflation has grown 4.5 percent a year."

Latest MLB trade: Orioles Trade Guthrie to Rockies for Lindstrom, Hammel - MLB Daily Dish. "The Baltimore Orioles have traded their Opening Day starter Jeremy Guthrie to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for Matt Lindstrom and Jason Hammel, according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun." And the FanGraph review: Orioles Trade Jeremy Guthrie For…Huh? - FanGraphs Baseball. "This is a trade that just doesn’t make sense to me."

Yuck: The Yankees are introducing an official fragrance - HardballTalk. "According to Wallace Matthews of ESPN New York, the Yankees will introduce two "official fragrances" on Tuesday, February 21 at a cocktail reception in Manhattan. They’ll be called "New York Yankees" and "New York Yankees For Her." The first thing I thought of:

Poll

The Angels opening day designated hitter will be:

Bobby Abreu

140 votes

Kendrys Morales

469 votes

Mark Trumbo

153 votes

Someone else

8 votes

770 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 61 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

I'm feeling optimistic

Morales will be the DH

Kendrys wins 2012 AL Comeback Player of the year

by Morales8 on Feb 7, 2012 7:35 AM PST reply actions

Morales will be on the DL to start the season

CJ Wilson is OUR douche now!

by ryanfea on Feb 7, 2012 7:38 AM PST reply actions

"You smell bad."

“Like salty garbage.”

Winning doesn't matter. –Lyle

by 5thStarter on Feb 7, 2012 7:48 AM PST reply actions

I wonder if Derek Jeter will include the scent

in his morning after giveaway bags….

When I flip a coin I dont say heads or tails, I say Halos or Spurs

by ItCouldHappen on Feb 7, 2012 8:09 AM PST reply actions

Nice! I just got it. Lol

I’m pretty sure tho.

Representing the Angels in Sin City.

by maze88 on Feb 7, 2012 10:53 AM PST via mobile up reply actions

I would think they give Abreu a shot to either redeem himself or raise his trade value

We do need lefties afterall

Also, I am in no hurry to rush Morales to the bigs. I want him to work those kinks out in AAA

RIP Nick Adenhart

by ihearhowie2.0 on Feb 7, 2012 8:22 AM PST reply actions

and maybe get in some time with Hatcher.

by rmhalofan on Feb 7, 2012 9:26 AM PST up reply actions

Assuming he is healthy enough to start spring training on time.

He would have a month to work out the kinks against big league pitching in spring training. Granted it’s rusty big league pitching and sometimes prospects, but it’s got to be a better indicator than AAA pitching.

by Darth Duane on Feb 7, 2012 10:54 AM PST up reply actions

True...sort of

Spring Training I would argue is less competitive than AAA. You have big leaguers but they could be working on one specific pitch that day or only pitching a couple innings. They aren’t really concerned with the score of the game whereas AAA guys are constantly under the pressure of getting to the show

RIP Nick Adenhart

by ihearhowie2.0 on Feb 7, 2012 11:19 AM PST up reply actions

I think it's a little of both.

Especially later in the spring training season things seem to get pretty competitive. I would also think the AAA guys that come to spring training are under even more pressure to do well since they are performing in front of the big league club. I’ve rarely ever seen a pitcher come in and only throw one pitch, but i do see your point.

Only time will tell, either way I can’t wait to see how Morales does against live pitching in spring training =).

by Darth Duane on Feb 7, 2012 12:03 PM PST up reply actions

Agreed!

RIP Nick Adenhart

by ihearhowie2.0 on Feb 7, 2012 12:45 PM PST up reply actions

Trumbo

Kendrys will be rehabbing in AAA or AA to start the season. Abreu will have been traded by opening day.

"When my mother was pregnant with me, they did an ultrasound and found she was having twins. When they did another ultrasound a few weeks later, they discovered that I had adsorbed the other fetus. Do I regret this? No, I believe his tissue has made me stronger. I now have the strength of a grown man and a little baby."

by mustard_man on Feb 7, 2012 9:17 AM PST reply actions

I am sure who ever DHs

They will not suck last the last couple of years

Forget Tebow
Andy Lee is the second coming of Jesus
-ME

by DAD OF VLAD on Feb 7, 2012 9:31 AM PST reply actions

Abreu

We’ve seen sosh doesn’t have the capacity to stand up to vets, AKA not playing Abreu most games

"And is terrible at everything that matters." – Keith Law’s response to Lyle Spencer describing Jeff Mathis.

by Dontbatvlad4th on Feb 7, 2012 9:36 AM PST reply actions

I dunno.

The speed with which he pulled Fernando Rodney and relegated him to mop up last year gives me hope that soth wont let people flounder out there when we are in win now mode.

by Darth Duane on Feb 7, 2012 10:56 AM PST up reply actions

Jeff Mathis says hello

If the Halos don't care about the way they play, then why should I?

by red floyd on Feb 7, 2012 12:42 PM PST up reply actions

I almost forgot about that fool.

So happy he ain’t here no mo’

I have a secret place, inside my mind, where I keep hidden inspiration you wont find.

by Tapatio Man on Feb 7, 2012 12:48 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

That's a different case, though

Mathis wasn’t a veteran that Scioscia played because of his experience. He was a “defensive-minded” catcher who Scioscia played because he reminded him of himself.

As for the veterans, I think Scioscia will try to get everyone playing time when the matchups dictate it. I’d expect Wells and Hunter to get days off with more frequency, and I’d expect Trumbo/Morales/Abreu to rotate in and out.

Defending maligned chants since 2009

by Gorbachav5 on Feb 7, 2012 1:00 PM PST up reply actions

Mathis wasn’t a veteran that Scioscia played because of his experience. He was a "defensive-minded" catcher who Scioscia played because he reminded him of himself.

Man, I hope the team was able to get Scioscia the Zoloft he needed.

--
Dan Szymborski
Dan's Stuff is on: BTF, ESPN, Twitter

by D.Szymborski on Feb 7, 2012 6:28 PM PST up reply actions

No he doesn't.

We’re not obligated to accept that call anymore.

The only thing VW did differently last year than the year before, besides inflate his stats by playing half his games in Toronto, is buy into the Scioscia/Hatcher philosophy that a walk is as good as an out. 2011: .218/.248/.412. 2010(road stats): .224/.299/.400.

by snowhor on Feb 7, 2012 1:18 PM PST up reply actions

I blocked his number

I love this team.

by Downing Rules on Feb 7, 2012 5:41 PM PST up reply actions

You'll have to unblock it. The Halo Company gave it to someone else... Some guy named "Poulous" or soemthing like that.

If the Halos don't care about the way they play, then why should I?

by red floyd on Feb 7, 2012 7:00 PM PST up reply actions

I want to watch Albert Pujols play baseball.

by snowhor on Feb 7, 2012 10:08 AM PST reply actions

I want to watch his Win Probability Added charted in real-time

by Suboptimal on Feb 7, 2012 2:06 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs

Boom

Photobucket "/>

"If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there are men on base." ~Dave Barry

by LAASurfin on Feb 7, 2012 9:51 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

Duh.

What the hell do you think I meant watch him play baseball?

by snowhor on Feb 7, 2012 10:34 PM PST up reply actions

Only Morales has the potential

to be a truly scary bat behind Albert.
I think Sosh will give him every chance to succeed at DH.

by Seraphan on Feb 7, 2012 10:43 AM PST reply actions

I'm being optimistic and saying Morales

Spring Training is almost here. If a guy can’t be optimisitic around Spring Training, life’s just not worth it anymore.

by JeffJoiner on Feb 7, 2012 10:46 AM PST reply actions

Amen

Hope springs eternal

by LanaBanana on Feb 7, 2012 11:05 AM PST up reply actions

Spring hope's eternal?

When I flip a coin I dont say heads or tails, I say Halos or Spurs

by ItCouldHappen on Feb 7, 2012 11:30 AM PST up reply actions

Eternal Spring's Hope?

If the Halos don't care about the way they play, then why should I?

by red floyd on Feb 7, 2012 12:43 PM PST up reply actions

Hope for Eternal Spring?

When I flip a coin I dont say heads or tails, I say Halos or Spurs

by ItCouldHappen on Feb 7, 2012 12:49 PM PST up reply actions

All of the above

by LanaBanana on Feb 7, 2012 2:55 PM PST up reply actions

Uhhhh

My eternal springs for Hope [Solo]?

by Halowitz on Feb 7, 2012 4:16 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

Optimism abounds!

by Balls and Strikes on Feb 7, 2012 11:46 AM PST via mobile up reply actions

Def bobby

I don’t see kendry going straight from injury to the starting line up. Give him spring training and a month in the minors to see how he is.

me and the wonder dog got high!

by YOUknowulovetheIE on Feb 7, 2012 11:52 AM PST via mobile reply actions

I dont know man, from that report where bourjos was quoted, if he is getting in swings and running now then

spring training gets him back in the groove and he would be ready to go by opening day like everyone else. If he is ready to go, he isnt a guy you hold off on playing so abreu/ Wells/ trumbo can get some time. If Morales is ready, he should play.

by Balls and Strikes on Feb 7, 2012 9:04 PM PST up reply actions

Opening Day DH: I think it depends on if a lefty or righty is starting against the Halos

Abrew or Trumbo…straight platoon

by K3YEROUT on Feb 7, 2012 12:51 PM PST reply actions

Glad some writers aren't smoking what ESPN is

Bourjos is sticking around. what the frick is up with these rumors.

by joberooni on Feb 7, 2012 2:08 PM PST reply actions

No skanks or sux to talk about.

They’re just making shit up at this point.

YOU DON'T KNOW THE POWER OF THE DARKSIDE...

by halofolife on Feb 7, 2012 6:52 PM PST up reply actions

God, it really is the dog days for baseball writers.

What? The Angels signed Albert Pujols! But what about Mark Trumbo? Oh, he’ll try third. But isn’t that hard, especially if he’s been hurt? And didn’t he try it once before and fail? And what about Kendry(s) Morales? He’s taking steps toward making moves toward progressively improving from last yearses injury you say? Boom da boom boom! But where will he play? DH? What about Abreu, and Wells, and Hunter, oh my!?!

And heavens to Mergetroid! Albert Callaspo’s not so bad? Now you tell me.

The Angels will wear red next year? By Valhalla’s Meade it can’t be so!

Next thing you know someone’s gonna write about how there’s this girl named Brooklyn Decker and we should all know she’s kind of easy on the eyes.

I love this team, I love this blog, I will never doubt Arte again and I can't wait to see what happens this year. That is all.

by gitchogritchoffmypetis on Feb 7, 2012 2:43 PM PST reply actions

Though this does get me thinking, if God truley shines down His love upon the Angels and everything works perfectly......

This is not a line up I’d enjoy pitching to, even with a lack of lefties.

SS Aybar
2B Kendrick
1B Pujols
DH Morales
3B Trumbo
RF Hunter
LF Wells/Trout
C Ianetta/Conger
CF Bourjos

We just need Brad Pitt to walk through our locker room a couple times and get some of our guys hyped on taking more pitches.

I love this team, I love this blog, I will never doubt Arte again and I can't wait to see what happens this year. That is all.

by gitchogritchoffmypetis on Feb 7, 2012 2:50 PM PST reply actions

Put Callaspo in for Trumbo

And switch him with Kendrick and then I’m happy.

Defending maligned chants since 2009

by Gorbachav5 on Feb 7, 2012 4:51 PM PST up reply actions

I'm fine with Callaspo too.

But now you’re being all realistic. In my dream (seen above) Trumbo can play third… so I guess each day Soth just has to decide if he wants raw power, or OBP in the line up that day. Oh, and go ahead and switch around who ever you want. I’m just saying that this line up’s gonna have more going for it than the one run wonders we were watching last year.

I love this team, I love this blog, I will never doubt Arte again and I can't wait to see what happens this year. That is all.

by gitchogritchoffmypetis on Feb 7, 2012 8:57 PM PST up reply actions

I would just pitch around the 1-2-3-4-5 guys, then strike out Hunter-Wells and whoever's catching.

Win.

Official prediction: The Angels will win the AL west this season.

by RexTookMyStash on Feb 7, 2012 6:50 PM PST up reply actions

So you'd give up 26 runs a game?

inning 1: 2 runs score
Inning 2: 3 runs score
inning 3: 3 runs score
[lather rinse repeat]

If the Halos don't care about the way they play, then why should I?

by red floyd on Feb 7, 2012 7:01 PM PST up reply actions

He will WIN.

Not because math or any other facts support him, but because he will be throwing his unhittable new Gyro Ball super pitch to Hunter/Wells/Catcher. A pitch so deadly that one strike out of a single hitter is recorded as 9 actual outs.

It’s pee on your hands to harden them nasty.

I love this team, I love this blog, I will never doubt Arte again and I can't wait to see what happens this year. That is all.

by gitchogritchoffmypetis on Feb 7, 2012 9:00 PM PST up reply actions