Angels Official Website: Aybar credits Pujols with helping calm his approach

[AngelsWin.com]

Before every game, a few minutes before it's time to get on the field and stretch, Albert Pujols gets the attention of shortstop Erick Aybar for early batting practice.

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[jshep]

As he swings at a slider above his head in tonight's game

[Ohtaniland]

No doubt in my mind that Albert pushed the FO to give Aybar $8.75M per year until 2016.

[jshep]

No doubt in my mind that Albert pushed the FO to give Aybar $8.75M per year until 2016.

Lol

[Glen]

No doubt in my mind that Albert pushed the FO to give Aybar $8.75M per year until 2016.

 

 

It's all part of Albert's plan to bring the team down from the inside so he can buy it from Arte in a few years, and be a player-owner.

[tomsred]

As he swings at a slider above his head in tonight's game

It isn't Aybar's swing that goes bad, it usually his brain.

[YouthofToday]

I still like Aybar's contract. Has his pitches per PA increased this year?

[CaliAngel]

I dunno, do we really want a .250 hitter telling a .280 hitter how to approach an at-bat?

[STLCardinalsFan]

So you'll have GIDP Pujols and his sidekick 6-4-3 Aybar!

 

With their powers combined no team has to worry about the Angels getting a runner past second.

 

Fantastic.... 

[eligrba]

Wow.....

 

I like how people ignore Albert's efforts in helping his teammates.  Regardless of Albert's current numbers, he has demonstrated he knows how to hit.  John Kruk clearly outlined the reasons for Albert's struggles last Sunday.

 

I maybe the only one, but I like the contract.  I think Albert's influence will be well worth the money.  When he gets healthy, probably next year, his numbers will improve.

[Blarg]

Aybar's approach at the plate looks no more in control than when he was using Vlad as his role model.

[Ohtaniland]

Albert Pujols DH/1B/Hitting coach

Fire Eppard.

[yk9001]

I remember when the Angels press used to say Tim Belcher was a good influence on the young pitcher.  There was no other plausible way to justify his exorbitant (at the time) contract.

[Angel Oracle]

Wow.....

 

I like how people ignore Albert's efforts in helping his teammates.  Regardless of Albert's current numbers, he has demonstrated he knows how to hit.  John Kruk clearly outlined the reasons for Albert's struggles last Sunday.

 

I maybe the only one, but I like the contract.  I think Albert's influence will be well worth the money.  When he gets healthy, probably next year, his numbers will improve.

I missed the telecast and didn't tivo it.   What did Kruk say?

[eligrba]

I missed the telecast and didn't tivo it.   What did Kruk say?

He focused on Albert's inability to use his lower body to drive the ball.  He described how Albert's right knee prevents him from rotating his right foot allowing his hips to drive his hands through the zone, and how his planter faciitus prevents him from creating a solid left leg as an anchor.  He showed how Albert lifts his right leg and keeps his left leg bent during his swing explaining that all of Albert's power, currently, comes exclusively from his upper body.  It made sense from what little I know about the biomechanics of hitting.

[Angel Oracle]

Wasn't the right knee the surgically repaired one this past off-season?

Is it common for it to be an issue for all of the following season?

Or has the PF put extra pressure on the knee?

[eligrba]

1.  Yes, it was a "minor" surgery on the right knee.

2.  I do not know.  I can't recall any recent players having a similiar surgery.

3.  That is what Kruk was suggesting.

 

I am sure the Angels FO, coaches and clerical staff already know this.