The Mediocre Angels of Anaheim
by Jon ~ December 23rd, 2008
More potentially good news from Ken Rosenthal:
At least for the moment, the Angels are talking about finding offensive solutions from within. That means no Ramirez, no Adam Dunn, no Milton Bradley. Until further notice.
The fact is, the Angels will be devoid of left-handed power if they lose both Teixeira, a switch-hitter, and Garret Anderson. The biggest power threats among their remaining switch-hitters are Kendry Morales, who is unproven, and Gary Matthews Jr., who is recovering from knee surgery and might not be ready for Opening Day.
Dunn might make sense, but the Angels’ outfield is stacked and the team is accustomed to superior defenders such as Casey Kotchman and Teixeira at first base. Morales remains the leading candidate to replace Teixeira.
Jeff from Lookout Landing and Dave from USS Mariner have already commented on how weak the AL West is looking, and it will be even tighter if the Angels decline to chase one of the secondary free agents.
The West is very much up for grabs. At this point in time, all four teams look like they’re very close to each other.
We’ve still got a couple more months of offseason to go, but it could be interesting.
8 Responses to The Mediocre Angels of Anaheim
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BoiseM
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Tony Reagins….
“”Manny Ramirez will not play for the Angels in 2009, or beyond, for that matter.”
Letting Anderson’s LH bat go will hurt them more than they think. Even a “healthy” GMjr offers no protection for Vlad.
Jon Shields
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Losing Anderson wouldn’t hurt anyone. He’s a league average hitter at best but will get paid a few million.
After all those years of being underrated, he’s now one of the most overrated players on the market.
I’m not saying they don’t need a lefty bat, but Anderson isn’t that guy anymore.
Mr.Benton
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:24 pm
What about Vladimir Guerrero? he is a power threat, no?
Mr.Benton
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:25 pm
even if he isn’t a switch hitter
Jon Shields
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:34 pm
That’s about all they’ve got, though. No one to protect him (Hunter will bat in front of him).
chris d
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Yes, and thank _____(higher power of choice) that Bavasi is gone or he would have seen the current Anderson as a good purchase. He probably signed him 15 years ago. I am grateful we do not have to worry about Mr JZ doing something so foolish.
pmbaseball7
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:26 pm
With Teix on the Yanks, the Angels offense looks like the M’s offense going into last season. All the M’s need to do is sign that power bat and make some moves for either a new SS or 2B and we might be in business after all. But don’t get your hopes up because the Angels have their pitching still with Lackey, Santana, Weaver and Saunders. Also their new CL Jose Arredondo looks like a young K-Rod (10-2 1.62 ERA in ’08).
Jon Shields
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:46 pm
@ 6: If Bavasi were still here, I’d guarantee an Anderson signing. He’d be seen as a perfect fit.
@ 7: Their starting staff is very good, but beyond that their team is a bunch of question marks. Their bullpen is iffy (although I do like Arredondo as well), their lineup is weakened and their defense (infield and outfield) is awful. They are very one dimensional at this point.