halomatt

I agree. I think it's often a combination of many false ideas/fallacies. I've seen everything from Confirmation Bias, Selective Bias, Argument from Ignorance, to psych/sociology phenonmena such as primacy/recency bias. Our perceptions are truly filtered by personal bias. I'm definitely not an either/or kinda person when it comes to Scioscia. For example, I know he likes the Contact Play, but I also know he doesn't use it ALL THE TIME. It may seem that way, but in fact, he does hold the guys once in a while. I seem to remember Old Man Pujols NOT going on a contact play towards the end of the season.

Hmmm....I fail to see why this is not charitable.

I'd rather have the good young position player than the every fifth day pitcher. I'd say yes to the aformentioned deal. Or at least I'd investigate it thoroughly. The way this pitching staff is shaping up, I'd be almost certain that an "ace" is on the list for this offseason. It depends on Weaver and Wilson really. If they can dump some salary, the Angels can shop in those aisles. That makes a guy like Newcomb tradeable. Please don't get me wrong, this kid has a real good chance to be awesome, so it would take a REALLY good player to make sense.

This is good thinking. I doubt the Orioles move Machado, but the bigger idea is solid and that is Newcomb, Ellis and Ward can and should be in play for these kinds of players. I'll say it again: Teams never know how desperate other teams will be, so every player is worth listening on. I guess that I don't really care WHO the Angels trade for guys like Newcomb. I only care that there's a purpose and that it's driven by analytics and that it's fair. (And a young guy who is cost controlled and that the Angels would have for many years.)

I don't dig too deeply into speculation, but perhaps a club like Colorado that is always seeking pitching that works in that hell hole. Not sure what they'd be willingh to trade, though...

I'd probably do Newcomb for Puig. There's always a chance Puig matures. His offensive output will most likely outpace Newcomb as a pitcher. I dunno. I'm ambivalent either way. As for Scioscia, lots of hate exists. I guess I kinda get it, but does anyone realize that for all his negatives, he led this team, a deeply flawed team, to within one game of the playoffs? Also, the guys in the clubhouse, worked their asses off to get to that spot after sucking in August. They never stopped buying in to the Scioscia mantra(whatever it is) that is said in that clubhouse. I just think that people overstate the effect of a manager. Or understate. We don't really know, do we?

Sorry I'm late to this discussin, but I bring word from The Man himself. The King of Grit speaks: http://gioandjones.radio.cbssports.com/2015/10/16/darin-erstad-bautista-should-throw-bat-higher/ And you better heed his wisdom. (You may lock thread now.)

He's pretty tempting, yes? My issue is the OBP. You state that you want him swinging, and I agree. However, the other part of OBP that is equally important is the strike zone judgement that goes with it. When this guy starts to slow down, and he will, I want to know that he has another, equally significant skill set to offset the slower bat. I always think about Vlad and how he regressed. He just couldn't lay off and he couldn't just take the walk. Wasn't in him. I'm concerned that Cespedes will be THAT guy.

I like the idea here, but have a suggestion: Perhaps it would be "cleaner" to organize by position. For example, dedicate a thread to finding a left fielder. Then a new thread for a third baseman. I think it might lead to clarity and avoid the "throwing shit into a fan" feeling these threads sometimes take on. Just a thought...Carry on, lads! (and ladies)

Wasn't this the guy who couldn't cut it in Toronto and whose dad said that the Blue Jays screwed up his hitting mechanics and ruined him? Then he went to the Cardinals and everyone (Rasmus Family) was please as punch, cause he'd finally go to a real organization with LaRussa and Mcguire and then flamed out there? No thanks.

Haaayyyyyyy now. As usual, this is just a lot of putting the horse before the cart. Let it play out, gents!

The Angels will put all of them out there and see what people are willing to pay. It's silly to think that "this guy" or "that guy" is not tradeable. EVERYONE (except Trout) is tradeable. Whether or not they draw approriate value is another issue entirely. That's why the general managers always say they'll listen. They never know when someone's needs are so desparate that they'll overpay. So yes. See what Heaney will fetch. It can't hurt and it may get us a legitimate, young, cost controlled stick. Or more.

It has been well established that the best hitter statistically should be hitting second. A slight statistical edge? Sure. But as you can certainly see, that slight edge may have made the difference.

First and foremost, the Angels should not (nor do I think they will) give up their first round pick. As of this morning, they will pick in slot 20. It's not great, but it should be protected at all costs. Price and someone for left field. Not Cespedes, who I believe is fool's gold. I also wouldn't be averse to paying somebody a lot of money to take Wilson and Weaver's last year and getting some decent prospects back. Someone like the Dodgers who have a need at the back end of their staff.

Cool. Let's get started working on next year.

Why assign blame? The Angels are a good, but flawed team. Lots of things need to happen to produce a champion. Generally, health and luck are a part of the equation.

There were 76 other games that might have made a difference.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Happy Last Day of the Season. In honor of the challenge ahead, I humbly submit this: Go get 'em!

Perhaps a different phrasing?

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL..

This sucks.

The Angels just need to win tonight.

www.themattressunderground.com I looked carefully for mine cause they're expensive and I didn't want to make a mistake. Lots of information here and also some locations of local custom shops where they'll make it to whatever specifications you want. Located throughout SoCal. Expensive? Yeah, but they might have something that works for you. I ended up with this: http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Dreams-Eurotop-Latex-Mattress/dp/B008KQ8YZO/ref=sr_1_17?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1443657653&sr=1-17&keywords=ultimate+dreams+mattress I took a risk buying without testing(which I almost NEVER do), but it turned out great. Best mattress I've ever owned and it's a pretty good price. It doesn't have a box, so you will have to add that to the price. Once you purchase, the owner calls and asks you about how stiff you want it (he he he). He can really set it up so that you get it exactly how you want it. While you're on the phone, ask him about a base. Takes about a week. Comes in a long box compressed. It's very strange. Open it on the bed cause it's pretty heavy and then let it off gas for a day or so. Throw some sheets on and give it a ride! Oh yeah, like others suggest, it does affect the bedtime action. More work required on your part since it absorbes energy and motion.

Damn. Oh well, best intentions and all.

Hollywood's straigt flexin' with this bet.