Nori Aoki

[Homebrewer]

That was my thought as I read it. 

[VariousCrap]

Actually, this is a pretty good idea.  It would be excellent to get a guy like him to get on base in front of Trout.

 

Doing this though would mean they would need to improve power numbers at 2B and 3B.  Maybe that can be done via free agency; maybe it will have to be done via trade.  If it takes trading Shoemaker and Santiago to do it, the Angels can then sign a couple of the second-tier starters (Chen, Gallardo, Leake, etc) to fill out the rotation.

 

 

All that said, I still like Dexter Fowler for LF for the Angels.

[Homebrewer]

Dexter Fowler had a big role in getting the Cubs where they ended up, in the NLCS.

He's on a team with a lot of youngsters, that is going to be in contention for a long time, and will be adding big pieces this off season.

I expect them to give him enough of a raise to keep him in Chi-town.

I could be wrong, but I don't see him leaving.

[VariousCrap]

You could be right.  Fangraphs predicts that the Cubs keep him for 4/56.  

 

My guess is it would take 5/70 to sign him over the Cubs.  He is currently 29 years old and so a five year deal only has him signed until he is 35 which isn't too bad.

[Homebrewer]

He'd be a perfect addition, would love to see it happen.... just don't think it will.

He has a perfect situation in Chicago, and you get the feeling that that young team really bonded over the season and want another shot at the ring next time around..

Ricketts has deep pockets, he will get paid well.

[SlappyUtilityMIF]

Why do people around here have a crush on Jaso like they did about (frosted tips)???? But, but, if he got 600+ ab's he would hit 137 HR's and have 500+ RBI's....

[Broad Street]

Why do people around here have a crush on Jaso like they did about (frosted tips)???? But, but, if he got 600+ ab's he would hit 137 HR's and have 500+ RBI's....

Having Jaso splitting time with Perez isn't a bad idea, though I'd probably just go with Bandy instead.

[AngelArcher]

I wouldn't want Jaso to do any catching duties, although he'll be available in case of an emergency and even for 1b in that case. I'd want him strictly as a DH platoon/bench bat. He has a career .797ops vs righties.

[Guest]

I'm surprised so many here want the Angels to sign him. I was under the impression that people don't like him here.

[nikkachez]

If they went with a route like this, they better end up going pitcher heavy. Maybe Aoki to a 2-year deal, flip Santiago, a prospect, and cash considerations for Prado or maybe go after Yunel Escobar? Would still be well below the threshold to add a Tony Sipp, Joakim Soria, or even Antonio Bastardo. Then Arte can be a man of his word and go after Price, Cueto, or maybe a Mike Leake so they improve the rotation, and don't lose the pick without absolutely blowing past the tax threshold. Use some other trade assets to get another hard thrower in the pen and a competent utility infielder. Hell, sign Avila on the cheap? Wouldn't be the sexiest roster, but it could be a really good and all-around solid one.

1. Aoki LF

2. Prado/Escobar 3B

3. Trout CF

4. Calhoun RF

5. Pujols 1B

6. Cron DH (still not crazy about him)

7. Aybar SS

8. Perez/Avila C (still want Perez to get a bulk of the work)

9. Giavotella 2B

Marwin Gonzalez or one of the Twins utility infielders, Avila on the bench most days, Navarro, Cowgill on the bench.

Cueto/Price, Richard, Heaney, Weaver, Wilson/Skaggs

Street, Smith, Soria/Sipp, Gott, aforementioned hard throwing reliever, Alvarez/Ramos, Rasmus in the pen.

[marcosantinia12]

If they went with a route like this, they better end up going pitcher heavy. Maybe Aoki to a 2-year deal, flip Santiago, a prospect, and cash considerations for Prado or maybe go after Yunel Escobar? Would still be well below the threshold to add a Tony Sipp, Joakim Soria, or even Antonio Bastardo. Then Arte can be a man of his word and go after Price, Cueto, or maybe a Mike Leake so they improve the rotation, and don't lose the pick without absolutely blowing past the tax threshold. Use some other trade assets to get another hard thrower in the pen and a competent utility infielder. Hell, sign Avila on the cheap? Wouldn't be the sexiest roster, but it could be a really good and all-around solid one.

1. Aoki LF

2. Prado/Escobar 3B

3. Trout CF

4. Calhoun RF

5. Pujols 1B

6. Cron DH (still not crazy about him)

7. Aybar SS

8. Perez/Avila C (still want Perez to get a bulk of the work)

9. Giavotella 2B

Marwin Gonzalez or one of the Twins utility infielders, Avila on the bench most days, Navarro, Cowgill on the bench.

Cueto/Price, Richard, Heaney, Weaver, Wilson/Skaggs

Street, Smith, Soria/Sipp, Gott, aforementioned hard throwing reliever, Alvarez/Ramos, Rasmus in the pen.

Agree with everything pretty much.

The only thing I would change is not going after Avila. Instead, allocate that money into acquiring O'Day. O'day instead of Soria/Sipp and Avila.

[nikkachez]

Agree with everything pretty much.

The only thing I would change is not going after Avila. Instead, allocate that money into acquiring O'Day. O'day instead of Soria/Sipp and Avila.

The Angels need a lefty that can at least stay in to face right-handed batters. I don't think Ramos is amazing, but I definitely like him as a lefty specialist, Alvarez should be an innings eater out of the pen. If the O'Day sweepstakes start getting ridiculous (I know Baltimore wants to keep him, I've seen something saying the Yankees like him, Detroit needs a shutdown arm, Minnesota, Houston, Los Angeles, the Mets, hell just about anyone) then you bow out. I don't think it's a necessity to overspend on the pen. 

 

I do think the team will need to add a veteran backstop. Avila still has some usefulness against RHP, Bandy should get everyday AB's in Salt Lake. For me it's just a matter of how much he wants. 

Edited November 6, 2015 by nikkachez

[moccasin]

His OBP is and always has been legit, and I actually wanted the Angels to sign him earlier.

But his concussion seems to be pretty serious, and he reportedly still is suffering from the after effects.

He won't be signed anytime soon, so they should take their time.

[Angelsjunky]

He must be the most consistent player in baseball. Consider that in each of his four major league seasons he's hit between .285 and .288 with an OBP between .349 and .356. That's a very tight range. He slugged .433 his first year and then has been between .360 and .380 since.

[wopphil]

Pass. We won't need a good fourth outfielder if we sign a guy like Upton or Heyward.

Sign Upton or Heyward, Zobrist, and a pen arm or two.

[Cdaniel]

Bryce Harper is a FA in 2019. What if we signed Aoki on a 2yr contract with a team option for a 3rd year. Might bridge the gap so we can sign Bryce Harper in 2019. Trout, Harper and Calhoun for our OF....that's pretty sick. Have a bunch of contracts dropping in the next couple years.

[tdawg87]

Pass. We won't need a good fourth outfielder if we sign a guy like Upton or Heyward.

Sign Upton or Heyward, Zobrist, and a pen arm or two.

Well, I mean sure. But that's gonna add about 45 million in payroll or so. Possibly more.

If Arte wants to do it sure, why not?

[Adam]

I wonder if he has a huge trunk of porn

[nikkachez]

Bryce Harper is a FA in 2019. What if we signed Aoki on a 2yr contract with a team option for a 3rd year. Might bridge the gap so we can sign Bryce Harper in 2019. Trout, Harper and Calhoun for our OF....that's pretty sick. Have a bunch of contracts dropping in the next couple years.

I dunno if the Angels will shell out the money to get Bryce (although I've joked about it with friends before). That would be almost too ridiculous hahaha

[Blarg]

I wonder if he has a huge trunk of porn

He is not old school like Matsui. It's on a thumb drive.

[Jobu]

They should sign Nori so they can open a themed sushi joint at the stadium.

They'll get the tongue lady to make the California rolls.

[VariousCrap]

If they went with a route like this, they better end up going pitcher heavy. Maybe Aoki to a 2-year deal, flip Santiago, a prospect, and cash considerations for Prado or maybe go after Yunel Escobar? Would still be well below the threshold to add a Tony Sipp, Joakim Soria, or even Antonio Bastardo. Then Arte can be a man of his word and go after Price, Cueto, or maybe a Mike Leake so they improve the rotation, and don't lose the pick without absolutely blowing past the tax threshold. Use some other trade assets to get another hard thrower in the pen and a competent utility infielder. Hell, sign Avila on the cheap? Wouldn't be the sexiest roster, but it could be a really good and all-around solid one.

1. Aoki LF

2. Prado/Escobar 3B

3. Trout CF

4. Calhoun RF

5. Pujols 1B

6. Cron DH (still not crazy about him)

7. Aybar SS

8. Perez/Avila C (still want Perez to get a bulk of the work)

9. Giavotella 2B

Marwin Gonzalez or one of the Twins utility infielders, Avila on the bench most days, Navarro, Cowgill on the bench.

Cueto/Price, Richard, Heaney, Weaver, Wilson/Skaggs

Street, Smith, Soria/Sipp, Gott, aforementioned hard throwing reliever, Alvarez/Ramos, Rasmus in the pen.

 

 

 

If you sign Aoki for LF, you have to improve your power numbers at 2nd and 3rd base, because Aoki has no power.  The only other idea would be improving your power at 3B, keep Johnny G at 2nd base and then sign Davis for DH/1B.  Trade Cron.

 

There is no way around it, this team needs more power.

Edited November 6, 2015 by VariousCrap

[VariousCrap]

His OBP is and always has been legit, and I actually wanted the Angels to sign him earlier.

But his concussion seems to be pretty serious, and he reportedly still is suffering from the after effects.

He won't be signed anytime soon, so they should take their time.

 

 

Supposedly, that is not true.

 

"Evans stressed that Aoki was clear of all concussion symptoms when he returned home to Japan a few weeks ago. Aoki’s agent, Nez Balelo, said he spoke to his client last week and was encouraged that the enthusiasm had returned to his voice.  Declining the option wasn’t about health, but about flexibility, Evans said."

 

 

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/2015/11/04/why-the-giants-declined-their-5-5-million-option-on-nori-aoki/

[ten ocho recon scout]

If you sign Aoki for LF, you have to improve your power numbers at 2nd and 3rd base, because Aoki has no power. The only other idea would be improving your power at 3B, keep Johnny G at 2nd base and then sign Davis for DH/1B. Trade Cron.

There is no way around it, this team needs more power.

agreed. I think were in the minority thinking that, and i know its not a must. But if we add an aoki, span, parra type to LF, you have to add a beltre to 3B, which isnt happening.

I like the davis idea

[Angel Oracle]

More power, but also need a LOT more OBP.