LA Angels Wednesday News Crash: Giant Spending

Good morning Angels fans, how are you today? It isn’t winter quite yet, but have some warm links anyway.

Angels News

Reid Detmers got noticed by the Baseball Card company Topps as a top Rookie of 2022! Does that mean I can sell his card in 30 years?

9 Angels will play in the WBC next year. Just please don’t get hurt.

Former Angel/Philly/Card/Cub Curt Simmons has passed away. He was 93.

It has been 10 years since the Hamilton signing. A reminder to everyone that FA signings can backfire and he should be in jail.

Around Baseball

The SF Giants, who, 20 years ago blew it vs the Angels, are spending like Arte Moreno at a Del Taco. Carlos Correa, the cheater, has a new 13/350M deal with the Giants.

And that big splash overshadowed the other Giants’ move of the yesterday of a 2/25M for Stripling. Yes, that will be awkward for the Chicken Strip.

With the Giants scooping these guys up and all the Mets have been doing, it is easy to forget that there are still be names out there. Not that they are the best anymore but their names are big.

Hey, want some neat baseball SCIENCE? Support open source!

A reminder that the HOF voting ballots are being drip fed as voters release their ballots to the public. So far only Scott Rolen seems to be making it this year.

3 Billion spent on FA this year by teams. Yes, BILLION.

The Ohtani rule is coming to Japan! Well, parts of Japan anyway.

Anything I missed? Post below for upvotes!

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RexFregosi
Super Member
1 year ago

need several things but starting pitching is down the priority list. Need a SS and OF/1b, then more C

Canning is key for depth.
and all those Pandas.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  RexFregosi

Canning and C Rod are major bonus pitchers. Don’t want to count on them, but holy shit how quickly CtPG guy forgot how friggin nasty Canning’s curve and change up can be. As soon as he had physical issues that made him more hittable we washed our hands of him, but if he’s as healthy as they say he is and has the long run up to ST he’s getting he could really help us.

And, on the other side of CtPG guys chubby is C Rod. I actually think he and Canning are about equal on the “flash of goodness” meter, but for some reason, probably because he can blame his dad, I mean Arte, for “rushing” C Rod and overusing him for 29 innings, CtPG guy still talks about C Rod like he is a slice of greatness almost tasted.

C Rod threw 29 innings of nearly 1.5 WHIP ball with 1.9K per walk and 9 K9. That’s not anything all that great… but our Lylin eyes all recall one good outing.

Canning threw 146 innings of 1.29 WHIP with almost 10 K/9 and 2.8 K/BB before the injuries got him in 2021.

I think both don’t “move the needle” for many of us, but I am almost certain that the FO intends to see what they can get out of these guys. I feel it in my bones that if we cut Canning he’s gonna go win a friggin Cy Young in Milwaukee or Cleveland just because of bad JuJu.

But you’re right. If Canning is the #6 pitcher and throws 120 innings of 1.3 WHIP and 10 K/9 that’s gonna be one hell of an ass end to that rotation.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
1 year ago

Could have signed both for less than Thor made last year and keep our 2nd round draft pick.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

Stay butthurt

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 year ago

It is a good day to be a former Angels starting pitcher.

2GA2Join
Super Member
1 year ago

People’s Lorenzen dream is over.

steelgolf
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  2GA2Join

Damn, wish The Angels would have signed him for that.

Angelstan
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  steelgolf

It’s too much money. Lorenzen is a $6 million guy that signed for at least $8.5 and maybe $10 million. Thor is a $10 million guys that signed for much more. Value counts.

matthiasstephan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Angelstan

Inflation hits hard

VladimirTrout27
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Angelstan

I’m with you, but maybe the Angels could’ve tied incentives. I saw him as long relief and spot starter. I’m betting it was $ combined with starting opportunity which Angels wouldn’t come close to. I thought he’s talented and a great athlete. Wish him luck

FungoAle
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  2GA2Join

Nice, I really preferred not to see any ex-Halos come back in FA, That would just be settling for familiarity. Respect Perry for staying away.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  2GA2Join

Eh, there are still plenty of guys who can be a #6

WallyChuckChili
Legend
1 year ago

Like Griffin Canning

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago

Until he breaks again.

steelgolf
Super Member
1 year ago

Canning is destined for the pen. Middle relief, 2 to 3 innings one game a week.

Angelstan
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  steelgolf

Agree. Canning has been unhealthy for a long time. He just got cleared to throw again in November I think. I doubt there is even enough time for him to contend for a starter slot.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Angelstan

??? When I was a semi-good pitcher surrounded by even better pitchers we didn’t even start throwing for Feb squad until after New Years. Unless he has a setback he’ll be ready for Tempe.

Angelstan
Trusted Member
1 year ago

I hope you are right. It’s been a long time for him.

Angelz4ever
Super Member
1 year ago

However, the lefty saw a decrease in velocity and production…”

From the Syndergard story by Phillies Fan Nation, right under picture showing him throw right handed.

FungoAle
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Angelz4ever

Phillies not giving Thor a long lease spoke volumes…decline

Angelstan
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  FungoAle

Yes. I’m shocked they didn’t bring him back on a one year deal at least.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Angelz4ever

Maybe he was using the wrong hand?

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Angelz4ever

Gotta love CtPG guy’s mind.

Yes, the man who once had the highest av velocity has lower velocity. The reason the Doyers signed him is because he throws strikes. And because guys tend to regain some velo 2nd year after TJS.

Oh, and his average velo is still 94.1… which is STILL HIGHER THAN AVERAGE guys. He will probably not sit at 98 anymore ever, but with the way he seems to command the strike zone now 95.5 will cause plenty of issues from a #4 starter.

Mia
Legend
Mia
1 year ago

Noah Syndergaard to the Dodgers…

Second year back, along with the Dodgers system, could very well net him a resurgent season.

Will be rooting for him.

2GA2Join
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Mia

I wish the best for him, and don’t have anything against him, but…

Is this going to be yet another Quintana? Where a previous star comes to the Angels, and only struggles for the one season they are with us, and then revert back to being a star for the next team?

2GA2Join
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  2GA2Join

It happened with Pujols too, with the Angels between his two Cardinals stints. Except in that case, it was 10 years.
 😀 

Mia
Legend
Mia
1 year ago
Reply to  2GA2Join

Did it happen with Pujols? Or was MLB feeding him balls that wanted to enter orbit faster than a Falcon 9?

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Mia

Both. But the fact that they didn’t feed him balls when he played for us is relevant.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

Through the miracles of modern science and corked bats.

Angelstan
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Mia

Let’s not use Pujols for analysis. It’s virtually impossible for anyone to support his performance the last two years, especially this year in St. Louis. He was what he was in Anaheim.

Mia
Legend
Mia
1 year ago
Reply to  2GA2Join

Probably.

Biggiswrth
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  2GA2Join

I don’t think Thor was bad with the Angels. I would actually almost say he was better with us than with Philly.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Biggiswrth

Thor’s Slower than molasses to the plate which will cause the Doyers all kinds of grieve with the new pick off limits and larger bases.

FungoAle
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Biggiswrth

5th best starter on the staff, $20M and a draft pick

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  2GA2Join

Hope so. Angel’s fan gets the team they deserve.

WallyChuckChili
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Mia

And Dodgers didn’t give up a 2nd rd pick

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

Holy shit. The second round pick you say!?! Has any team survived without their second round pick? Are we gonna be OK? What are the long term health effects of loss of a second round pick? Oh. And don’t forget to ninny hissy about draft pool money too.

I’m surprised the teams even taking the field this year sans a second round pick.

WallyChuckChili
Legend
1 year ago

Well…
One of our 2nd round picks netted us Logan O’Hoppe.

So…
Yeah, would’ve love to see who our 2nd round pick would have been.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

It’s still a completely fking stupid thing for this site to be so fixated on.

2002heaven
Trusted Member
1 year ago

CTPG/HH just can’t stay off the puppies and butterflies over Logan O’Hoppe unbelievable. 😆  😀  😭 

2GA2Join
Super Member
1 year ago

Without second round picks in the long run, that will harm our ability to build up a stronger farm and have a good homegrown team instead of filling spots with super expensive free agents in their 30s…. which is what everyone here seems to be against.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  2GA2Join

It’s
One
Draft
Pick

It’s not even in the first round. It’s never going to be what makes or breaks any team’s farm system. It’s going to be OK. We can let it go.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago

its
Also
An
Additional
Slot
To
Create
A
Larger
Draft
Pool
And
More
Excess
Funds
To
Sign
Latter
Round
Draft
Picks
Away
From
College

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Cowboy26

Yeah. I already mentioned that, and that it’s also just not that big a deal.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago

It is when one or more of those sleeper over slot picks like Ben Joyce, Jake Madden, Caden Dana or Mason Albright turn into an everyday major leaguer

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Mia

Once they put on that blue they are dead to me.

Killed me when GA was over there.

Mia
Legend
Mia
1 year ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

I know i’m the oddball here that enjoys watching the Dodgers.

WallyChuckChili
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Mia

I enjoy watching them to!
Watching them lose in the Playoffs!

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

Gold. True. Pure. Lovely gold.

red floyd
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Mia

TBH, I don’t mind the Doyers that much. It’s their fans I can’t stand.

Example, I took my sister to the freeway series. That was the game the Doyers took a no-no into like the 8th. My bleed-blue sister was like “aren’t you happy for them to be throwing a no-hitter?” and got mad when I said I just wanted one hit.

Last edited 1 year ago by red floyd
Angelstan
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  red floyd

I went to a Dodgers-Angels game last year. Sat near some Dodgers fans. Not good. Obnoxious doesn’t even begin to describe the experience.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Mia

The last few years they’ve actually had a lot of players I like. I’m a bigger Kershaw fan than most dodgers fans.

I both appreciate them and hope they lose.

JackFrost
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Mia

Dodgers : not me.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Mia

Its really his third year back. He had TJS in March of 2020.

Mia
Legend
Mia
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Second full year back

ihearhowie3.0
Super Member
1 year ago

I’m sure this has been pointed out or explained elsewhere but these ridiculously long deals are basically just creative deferments right? The Giants and Correa both understand he wont be on the team or possibly the league in 8 years but those extra years drive down the AAV during this competitive window.

FungoAle
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  ihearhowie3.0

Exactly, $27M AAV for Correa is not a bad way to fit it in.

Biggiswrth
Trusted Member
1 year ago

Nash Walters is back, now no longer on the 40-man on a minor league contract. Perry really trying to get the depth all over this org.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Biggiswrth

I like his approach this year. Then again, I liked his bullpen signings last year.

TBF, Tepera was alright and he did get out of the Iggy deal. Really only Loup ended up being a bad signing.

Biggiswrth
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

I agree. I loved the Tepera signing and still think he’s going to be a big part this year. Here’s hoping that Loup just had a bad year and can come back stronger. Boys on the farm will be coming soon!

PedroCerrano
Super Member
1 year ago

I’m happy that the Angels haven’t yet done the surprise overpay like Pujols, Hamilton and Rendon. Hopefully they stay out on Swanson or Rodon. It’s not our money but it does become our problem when the team we like is hamstrung with bad contracts.

2GA2Join
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  PedroCerrano

Overall, I agree with you.

I just wonder how I may feel in September if some of these big spending teams like the Mets, Yankees, Rangers, Phillies etc. are laughing their ways into the postseason while we are venting our frustration about our season here, partly because we had a sub-average SS.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  2GA2Join

If the Rangers are laughing their way into the post season I’ll be wondering what was in those brownies.

Sadly we’re in no man’s land as a franchise. Either go full Cohen and buy a team or wait for the AA pitching calvary to arrive.

PedroCerrano
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

No doubt, they still have lots of holes and play in a brutal division. I’m really interested to see how removing the extreme shifts changes how we see things.

2GA2Join
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

I wondered if someone would comment on my including the Rangers. I’m not saying I pick them to win the WS. Just that they have spent tons of money and have some of the top players now, and eventually they’ll suddenly become really relevant again.

I sure agree with you about your second point.

PedroCerrano
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  2GA2Join

No telling on that I guess. The quote about keeping your wits about you when all around you lose theirs seems spot on. Opportunities to improve will come up and they should have more flexibility to respond without the current spending frenzy.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  PedroCerrano

Are there any quotes about my heart filling with envy so I piss myself, forget everything I have supposedly learned over many many years of watching baseball and demand huge stupid moves that will limit my teams abilities in the long run but make me feel like I’ve done SOMETHING in reaction to what other teams done did?

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  2GA2Join

We can’t compete on spending. The Mets are just willing to spend a ton more than us.

FungoAle
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

and they are still 3rd in the NL East

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  PedroCerrano

Yup. Honestly, I look forward with hope to a roster that has “our” Mike Trout as a legacy overpay and the rest of the team being from a good farm a trades that were made via a good farm with a semi-large contracts being extended younger players. We could have this if we don’t sign anymore big splashes before Rendon’s contract ends.

Then, if all that’s set up and looks good, we can always pay for a big “difference maker” instead of trying to buy a half dozen changes.

2GA2Join
Super Member
1 year ago

So have the reports surfaced yet that we were outbid on Correa?

FungoAle
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  2GA2Join

yes, by $349M.

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago

So with second level players like Correa getting $350 million, it looks to like Shoehei will be the first on the $500 million train.

DMAGZ13
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

Shohei is only going to sign here out of loyalty to the org ( but the owner is leaving) or if Ippei who I think is a Diamond Bar native, doesn’t want to move.

I also think that perhaps he’s so competitive about people talking shit about him and Trout all year, they may decide to stick it out in a very very short term contract, like 2 years $100. That’s why I think the Angels need to sign a “dawg” who is ultra competitive to light a fire in the clubhouse. A la Torii

red floyd
Legend
1 year ago

Three BILLION dollars!

comment image

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
1 year ago

I wonder if Correa has realized yet that he opted out of a $35mil contract for 2023 and has signed for $27 mil instead.

Awungsauce
Member
1 year ago

Well, 13 years is a huge contract. Could he have gotten a 12 year, $315mil contract next year (or 11 years $280mil in 2024)? Maybe, but opting out and taking the contract now is safer than possibly losing more if he gets hurt or turns into a pumpkin.

Last edited 1 year ago by Awungsauce
Marcotor
Trusted Member
1 year ago

He said all along he wanted something long term. So he traded 70MM guaranteed or so for 350MM guaranteed. Big loser, there.

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago

It’s really an eight year contract with payments spread out over 13 years. They were trying to make it 15 years, buy they knew MLB wouldn’t go along with that cap deception.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  MarineLayer

Yeah, the 13 year length is kind of a gimmick.

h27kim
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

Yeah, I have trouble imagining Correa physically lasting through the entire length of the contract. 4-5 years have to count as deferred payment.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

that makes sense. Then if he breaks down he can get $27 mil a year for doing nothing.

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago

Like Pujols.

2pints
Trusted Member
1 year ago

does this make Wil Wilson available?

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend
Reply to  2pints

Yes, but we’d have to take Zack Cozart out of retirement

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago

San Francisco keeps the cheating tradition alive moving from Barroids to Correa. I am so glad they have this horrible contract and we don’t. With Judge, you have an MVP. With Correa, you have about the 60th best hitter, who will have to be moved off SS due to size and injury history. It’s the definition of a panic move. Takes them out of the Ohtani sweepstakes, too. Also moves him to the NL, which doesn’t hurt on our chances.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  MarineLayer

Eh. Correa’s the 19th (I think?) best hitter in baseball. And the best hitting SS. I understand why he got such a big contract…. it’s long and at a lower AAV because that’s what FOs do now to mess with Lux numbers I guess. And if the Giants can’t afford Ohtani now that they are paying one player slightly less than 30M a year (in a bigger market) what makes you think we can afford him?

I bite my thumb at all these huge contracts and say figh to them. NewOwnerz the Unicorn needs to take 1/10th the money they’d pay Ohtani and build a Shangri La of a player development system that attracts all the best international prospects and scouts out the best guys to sign with our pool each year. Then pay those guys 18M a year pre-arb contracts when they become stars. Then let them leave as FAs when they are 29-31 years old.

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago

Regardless of what his actual rank is, he’s second level and an overpay.

we can’t afford Shohei unless we get an owner who doesn’t care about money, Steve Cohen 2.0. $500 million will be a big pill to swallow for anybody.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  MarineLayer

OK. I still don’t understand why he’s second level, other than the fact that you’ve typed it twice.

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago

Because he’s not as good as Aaron Judge or Trea Turner, or many other players. He is also injury prone.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

He’s a stud shortstop. 130 wRC+, good glove, averages 5WAR per year after the cheating stopped.

Not sure I’d call him second tier. That’s legit, perennial All Star level production for a guy who will play 2 full seasons on this deal before turning 30.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Year in and year out he shakes down to be the best at the position the last few years. Hard to be anymore “tier 1” than that.

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago

https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/war

Using last year’s WAR, which I know you love, he’s the 46th ranked player. Very good, just not elite like Aaron Judge who ranked 1st or Trea Turner who ranked 13th who are this year’s salary comps.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

And will be playing shortstop at the end of the Contract when hes 41?

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

He won’t be playing SS for at least half of this contract.

FungoAle
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

Regardless of contract size and value, Correa will outperform. Judge had his career year.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  FungoAle

Exactly. If you told me I’m gonna be stuck with Correa it’s not great, but it’s alright. Tell me I’m stuck with Judge that long…. eh, not so good.

That’s actually my problem with Ohtani. What do we get if his ability to pitch erodes? A 45M DH who is likely not even the best in the league at that point? Move him to the pen? How’s that gonna work? I love that, because he played a little OF in Japan years ago now, we assume he’s an MLB OF…. especially if his arm goes to shit. Unless he wants a pretty short contract I just don’t feel good about it.

When Correa loses a step he likely just becomes a very good 3B or 2B who can still hit. Unless Judge and Stanton age very well that Yankee roster is going to be gross.

2GA2Join
Super Member
1 year ago

Brutal observation.

I prefer to think that Ohtani will be the greatest player ever, a combo of Nolan Ryan and Vlad, who will play like a superstar until he’s 40, with Cy Young’s, MVPs, and hopefully some championships…..

So if Perry does extend him soon, allow me to believe that for a while…

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  2GA2Join

That’s the fun part about being a fan and likely the scary part about being a GM.

As a fan I hope Ohtani keeps this up for a decade, all while wearing an Angels uni, and goes down as the undisputed GOAT.

But if I’m paying him half a billion dollars over that decade and I get anything less, I made a colossal mistake.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  2GA2Join

If they do extend him I’m just gonna shrug my shoulders and enjoy it while he’s good. But it’s not the smart move, and we all keep playing like we want our FO to be smart instead of simping out and declaring we gotta sign Ohtani or our kids will be sadz…. this of course after also signing a Big 4 SS…. oh and a closer…. holy shit do we hate when Arte makes the big splash!

2GA2Join
Super Member
1 year ago

We just need to get our $500MM-20year deal for Ohtani past the censors at MLB.

Then he can be receiving checks with Bonilla.

FungoAle
Super Member
1 year ago

Yeah, you have to wonder how long he will play both ways. The pitching tool outweighs the hit tool. Quite probable, we’ve seen the best of Ohtani. As much as it would bum me out, trading him is the best move. When it comes to FA, Angels will need a Balmer type of owner, worth billions, and not a Buss familiy owner, $500M.

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago

Sadly, I agree with you. The smart thing to do is get some pieces so we don’t hand him off for nothing.

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  FungoAle

Your guess is as good as mine. My guess is that both teams will regret these contracts after a very few years.

DMAGZ13
Trusted Member
1 year ago

My son is in kindergarten. He will be in college and Correa will still be under contract.

Twebur
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  DMAGZ13

…and he still won’t have witnessed an Angels playoff game.

Fansince1971
Legend
1 year ago

The Correa deal emphasizes my thought process that the Angels are done for the off-season except for maybe a straggler or two at the end. Arte is not going to chase this market and the free agents are salivating at what are absolutely absurd deals. Thank goodness Perry acted early or else who knows what moves he would have been authorized to make.

Last edited 1 year ago by Fansince1971
MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

I don’t think we were ever going to pay for any of the Big 4. Now it’s certain.

RexFregosi
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

holding out hope for that ATL connection tween PTP and Dansby.

can’t bring myself to start rallying around the conquistadoreSS (Soto, Velazquez) and proclaiming Thames as a savant quite yet.

Angelstan
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

Perry is much more likely to pick up an Andrus or a Diaz than to shell out for Dansby. Cubs and others are supposedly big into Swanson. It would be a bad deal if Angels get him.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

I’m ok with missing on Dansby. His K rate is very concerning.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

But I need big splash so feelz champiham! Then needs complain about big splash cause K rate next year winter. Solve all promblems berfor games evah play or I getz the sads! ANGRY!

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 year ago

Exactly.

Swanson’s career wRC+ is 94
Fletcher’s is 87.

Swanson is fresh off his career best year and Fletcher has been injured and struggling for a year and a half. So basically, until last year Swanson = Fletcher at the plate.

I’m a little more comfortable thinking a gamer who put off surgery for months will bounce back to his old self than I am thinking a guy who had a career year in his walk year will keep up that production for 7-10 years.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

If Swanson were more Simba with the glove I think I’d push more to replace Fletcher/Squid with him for 20M a year….. but he’s not.

Wanting Swanson is just pure DEMANDACHAMP bull pucky.

Last edited 1 year ago by gitchogritchoffmypettis
Marcotor
Trusted Member
1 year ago

No Swanson. Fletcher is the “fan-favorite” overachiever in the Eckstein mold with SUPER EXTRA GRIT!!!!!

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Marcotor

I’d rather go Fletcher than overpay for another career year.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  MarineLayer

This. Swanson’s just not THAT far ahead of Fletcher when it comes to value so why pay him double or triple what we have to pay Fletcher?

People always scoff at the “Bavasi, 2 meh pitchers make one Nolan Ryan” anecdote, but in a lot of cases that logic works. In fact, if a GM just put himself on autopilot with that logic his team would probably be pretty good.

Mikeal1st
Trusted Member
1 year ago

“why pay him double or triple what we have to pay Fletcher?”

Because… Arte

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Mikeal1st

Also, his name’s DANSBY. Very Orange County.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
1 year ago

While “Simba like” only happens about every 25 years or so, The TV Dinner is a very good fielder in his own right. I have toted around the want of Swanson but have also posted not for 7-10-years on a contract. I’m good with going with what we got.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

When we traded for Simba I read the same type of stats, he was our best hitter in 2017.

FungoAle
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Just get Iglesias back or trade for Adames

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  FungoAle

Seriously. Iggy + the other guys in the IF mix…. not the end of the world at all.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  FungoAle

I mentioned Iglesias once last off season and saw torches outside my office ha ha.

Not sure he brings much more to the table than Fletcher and Rengifo at this point.

Perry hasn’t pulled off a legit trade this year. Urshela and Renfroe were both salary dumps. I have a feeling Perry has a trade in him somewhere.

WallyChuckChili
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

I’m hoping he trades Tootsie

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  FungoAle

You mean Jose Iglesias and his -28 defensive runs saved over the last 3 years which is far and away the worst of any shortstop in Major League Baseball? That Jose Iglesias?

I’d Rather bring Elvis back into the building.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Cowboy26

All we have to do is not remember that -20 of those -28 were in his incredibly weirdly bad 2021 with us and you’ve got a point.

the combined -8 in those other two seasons that include last season make him good enough to get over 900 innings, but far from Jeremy Pena.

By the way, mathematically, you know who would have been 2nd to Pena with 15 TRS last year if he’d gotten 1110 innings? Friggin Squid.

FFFFFKKKKIIINNNNGGG! If they could just get him to hit over .240! ARGGGG!

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago

He actually hit .274/.293/.466 in his last 75 PAs of the season when he junked attempting to hit from the left side of the plate.Unfortunately he ain’t much of a walker.

If we can pare him with a Left handed hitting option like Soto or even Joey Wendle I think this would work

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

I’ve always figured we were out on the A list guys. I was surprised we were in on Contreras.

Plenty of “stragglers” I’d still love to get.

DaveChalk
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

I agree I wouldn’t have thought of Contreras but makes more sense in hindsight due to it only being for 4 years and not only addressing immediately a position of need but fitting into this year’s philosophy of guys you can fit into other positions if injuries and/or poor performance pops up so you aren’t dumpster diving like last year.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  DaveChalk

Yeah. I do think there’s logic in Arte wanting to stay below the luxury tax line so the new owners don’t start off in a hole.

Contreras would’ve put the Angels just a few million below that line and been a great fit. It also could’ve set the team up to trade O’Hoppe for a SS (mere speculation) and built a really good team right below the limit.

As mentioned in my piece Monday, for now guys like Myers, Segura, Lugo fit in the category of “needed depth” while requiring lower cost and years. Plenty of bullpen arms are available too.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Lost out on Williams…. I’ll take a Lugo please.

Honestly, I think that PTP will be opportunistic when it comes to SS and if a guy like Rosario or “Rosario lite” comes to him he’ll make the move, but I think that they are fairly OK with a mix of Fletcher/Squid/Urshela/Rengifo/Soto in the middle infield.

So get ready to fume and fuss CtPG guy. This is a line up you may have to live with…

Rengifo 2B
Ward RF
Trout CF
Ohtani DH
Rendon 3B
Renfroe LF
Walsh 1B
Stassi C
Fletcher SS

Other days Urshela will be in there for one of these guys.

Boo fking hooo.

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago

It would help if O’Hoppe can take on a good part of the C role successfully.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  MarineLayer

I’m sure he’s gonna get plenty of starts as long as he doesn’t face plant in Tempe.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
1 year ago

that’s a pretty good lineup. The problem is what it’ll be when guys get hurt. Then it’ll be Moniak, “Mike Ford”, Some Other Bum, and Stassi.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 year ago

Exactly. Which is why I keep harping about multi position guys.

FungoAle
Super Member
1 year ago

Lugo would be nice in the back end of the pen, agree

Fansince1971
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Jeff you are too kind. I don’t think Arte really cares about the new owners and keeping payroll down below the salary cap for him/her. It’s all about the amount that they might be willing to pay for the franchise. If going over the salary cap would increase the value of the franchise, Artie would do it in a second. But it won’t do that, in fact, it is more likely to lessen the value of the franchise. As a result, Arte will do what serves his self interest as he is probably wise to do. I don’t think that this makes him evil, I think it makes him a businessman. To ascribe any other intent to Arte other than self-interest I think would be misplaced.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

I completely get that angle. A $300 million obligation is the last thing you want to add prior to a sale of a franchise.

I do think giving the new owners a crack at retaining Ohtani enhances the value of the franchise. It will be easier to do so without increasing the tax penalty for doing so.

And of course we know Arte won’t want to pay the tax if the sale takes longer than expected.

Basically, there are plenty of reasons for Arte to want to avoid the tax as well.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

It’s like selling a car or a house. I may think a shiny gold paint job that costs half as much as the car is worth sounds great. It could be really cool. But doing that to the car and then demanding that anyone who wants to buy the car pay a bunch of extra money for the gold paint I did to it…. this actually happens a lot with custom cars and resto-mods. The buyer believes his car with a lime green flame paint job, CB radio and vibrating seats is a masterpiece that should fetch extra thousands while most buyers just wanted a 1973 Old Cutlass with that engine in it.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Fansince1971

You’re right. Arte’s only angle is maximizing sales profit. Letting the team fall apart doesn’t do that, loading it with bloat doesn’t either. Having the team be competitive at around the standard cost helps ol’ CheapnEvil the most.

I love how people on here expect baseball owners to handle their money the way any of us with a brain would never handle our own finances. If I am leaking $5 a day for no good reason I fix that shit… but apparently if I’m ver very rich I don’t care about, or even know about, leaking 50K or 100K a day…. or a 3M loss, etc.

Cause billionaire business men are well known for just letting financial shit slide.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

I think if the Angels take on more salary it will be for pitching and/or via a trade upgrade. And it won’t be an extra 15M apiece, more like in total. But there are still dozens of moves that can be made that could really help us… they just don’t stir the blood much.

Fansince1971
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

As I’ve stated, I’m really not sure we ever really were in on Contreras. It’s very easy for a team to make an offer that they know won’t be accepted and use that to create a narrative for the fan base.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Fansince1971

Or to drive up the price…. remember, the Astros were looking at him.

Fansince1971
Legend
1 year ago

Very true

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend

The 2023 baseball season winter signings……

comment image

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
1 year ago

3 billion spent on Free Agents this off season, just a few months ago the player’s union was complaining that older than 30 was getting taken advantaged of because the numbers start to fall off. It must be a bitch in life to be considered washed up at 30 years old and still sign a 300-million-dollar contract.

Boy oh boy, how times have changed. 😁 

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend

No owner in MLB should be taken seriously if they ever cry “small market poverty” again.

Fansince1971
Legend
1 year ago

And if I ever hear Bor-ass cry collusion again…..

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago

Hilarious that Frisco pretended to be a small market team.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  MarineLayer

Source? I missed that. That’s hilarious. The Giants are the 5th “biggest” team. Ahead of the Mets, ahead of us, the Phillies…. the only thing goofier is when the Cubs try on their “lovable small town losers” clown suit.

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago

I live here and they always claim that. Google if you don’t believe.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  MarineLayer

Oh, I believe. I’ve also seen the Phillies and Astros try to drop the “small market” vibe. It’s hilarious. Sure Astros, New York, LA and Chicago are indeed a little bigger than your market…. my heart bleeds.

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago

Since they’re now paying for older guys, maybe we could get a contract.😀

DaveChalk
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

I’m insisting upon 15 years, $300 million to stay luxury tax friendly. Weak hitter, slow on the bases, so so in the field, but great clubhouse guy.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
1 year ago

Good morning, Correa now on the West Coast with the Giants. He wasn’t coming to SoCal anytime soon as the Dodgers and Angels were burned by his cheating ways. Leaves one of the big four left, the one we really could use, but the Cubbies want him bad. As the going rate seems to be 10–13-year contracts I too would pass on Swanson. Would be a bargain at 7 years and 200 million. Tough being a GM in MLB, mortgaging the future for the present. If you don’t play you won’t win and if you do play, down the road the team is disadvantaged. Used to be that GM’s last on the job for a long time, I don’t see that as happening to the top 10 biggest spending teams any longer, do you.