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The Angels sent shockwaves ripples through the league yesterday with the signing of Matt Harvey - former Dark Knight of Gotham City. I had originally intended to dive into his 2018 performance which had pretty mixed result depending on who you listen to. I DID find a stretch of 16 games from June 15th to September 14th last year in which Harvey had a 3.81 ERA with 76 Ks over 81.1 innings.
Harvey is certainly no ace, and maybe not even top of the rotation anymore, but depending on who you listen to, the Angels either got a decent deal or were completely duped by agent Scott Boras.
The Angels love a good reclamation project, and Matt Harvey joins a long list of others, most of whom have not really worked out for more than a few months or a season.
The Los Angeles Angels signed the Ben Affleck version of the Dark Knight (Matt Harvey), thinking it was the Christian Bale version.
— LA Sports Hub (@LA_SportsHub) December 19, 2018
This is a reach and a stark overpay from the Angels. https://t.co/oAAD3scY03
No risk? You can't be serious. You know this is Matt Harvey right?
— Mark Heaney (@MarkHeaney1) December 19, 2018
Apparently, one argument for Harvey is that he doesn’t suck as bad as other options. Comforting, right?
Agreed. I'll take the potential of Matt Harvey over having to watch Deck McGuire and Odisimer Despaigne make starts next season. That was brutal
— Travis Painter (@travispainter17) December 19, 2018
Maybe we can make room for one of the other guys on this list. They were all good once and are not anymore. More reclamation projects!
Bottom 4 in ERA+ 2016-18, 60 starts or more:
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) December 19, 2018
Matt Harvey 76
Yovani Gallardo 76
James Shields 80
Matt Moore 82
I have mixed feelings about this. Both comes with risk, but Harvey has potentially more upside. Too bad we had to spend 11-14 million to find out though.
I'd rather have kept Matt Shoemaker at $4 million than signed Matt Harvey for $11 million. I think I would have rather had Shoemaker regardless.
— Matthew Pouliot (@matthewpouliot) December 19, 2018
So a Mets writer forgot about Harvey and we gave him a nice payday. That’s cool.
Oh my god I completely forgot about Matt Harvey. https://t.co/uViSwVYB21
— Kate Feldman (@kateefeldman) December 19, 2018
Matt Harvey has never pitched in the AL and he will now have to face a DH every 9 hitters instead of a pitcher.
I’ll say a prayer for Matt Harvey. He’s heading to the American League and playing on the West Coast. Hopefully that ERA doesn’t double.
— Steven Macri (@StevenMacri) December 19, 2018
He’s only pitched in one AL West ballpark (Minute Maid), but maybe the change of scenery will be good for him?
Matt Harvey has never pitched in a game at Angel Stadium.
— Jessica Kleinschmidt (@KleinschmidtJD) December 19, 2018
So much for the Angels not dealing with Scott Boras.
Kudos to Scott Boris for getting Matt Harvey a one-year $11 million $ deal plus incentives after going 16-26 with ERA of 5.42 the past three seasons. Imagine if Harvey pitched well ? @jaysonst
— pittsburghpirateguru (@harvardplayer) December 19, 2018
And of course, Harvey’s off-the-field “leisure” activities have been sometimes notorious.
Bummed Mike Scioscia retired before having to face six questions a week on Matt Harvey’s nightlife. https://t.co/0McytTk9jj
— Jon Tayler, Smiling Politely (@JATayler) December 19, 2018
But you know what? Not everyone thinks the Matt Harvey signing is a bad idea, and many fans of the Mets and Reds are hopeful/wishful for his success as an Angel.
I was hoping Brodie would bring back Matt Harvey. The #Angels got him for practically nothing. Great deal for them #Mets
— Greg Pomes (@Greg_Pomes) December 19, 2018
I know I'm in the minority as a Mets fan but I love Matt Harvey and hopes he does well with the Angels
— Bobby (@CapSteveRogers9) December 19, 2018
I hope Matt Harvey kicks ass with the Angels. Rooting for him.
— Dan - You Watch, I Listen Podcast (@jerseypiroz) December 19, 2018
Watch Matt Harvey make a comeback with the #Angels. That would be awesome.
— DRW (@HopsMonster) December 19, 2018
I’ll leave you with a fun video Harvey did while he was on the Mets - and before most people knew who he was. (Thanks Chris K for the tip!)