halosfan1970

Other than your insinuation that I'm irregular, I don't understand your point. My critique to the "Point Counterpoint" was specific to the three referenced arguments. I am otherwise agnostic on bringing Freese back for 2016.

Yeah, he came to Spring Training with 20 more pounds last year. Was going from freakishly thin to skinny fat really going help?

It's hard to give serious consideration to this "Point Counterpoint" on David Freese when it devolves in to past DUI issues, an extensive discussion of the left field issues, and the owner's budgetary decisions. All of these are irrelevant to a reasoned discussion of David Freese's on field contributions past or future.

I agree with your analysis. Gentry is the superior pinch runner to either Nava or Jackson. The Nava/Gentry platoon probably provides higher OBP while the Jackson/Nava platoon probably provides more power. Jackson and Gentry both provide satisfactory to above back-up average CF coverage behind Trout. I guess it comes down to spending the $4m now or saving it for the trade deadline.

No draft pick.

Is Fowler's eventual signing holding up the signing of Austin Jackson? A one-year deal on Jackson might be reasonably close to fitting within the Angel's CBT limitations. Would creating a Jackson (strong side) / Nava platoon in LF be a significant improvement over Nava (strong side) / Gentry platoon at a net increase of $4-5m?

Has Guerrero played enough MLB 3B to definitively rule him out there? I know Escobar hasn't played 2B since 2006 or 2007, but his 2B defense should project to be 50% better than the abomination Giavotella put up in 2015. Guerrero kind of sounds like a younger, Cuban, and cheaper version of David Freese with some more power. Play Guerrero at 3B, and play Escobar at 2B. If Guerrero doesn't pan out in 2016 or moves on, Kubitza gets his shot in 2017.

Oh, this brings back all those good times last Spring. It also has brought out a lot the stupid here at AW. Spring training 2016 can't come soon enough at this point.

Hoping for a fertile Spring.

I can't wait to churn some butter and make my own clothes while I watch Angels' games this season.

It's an inexorable drift in to mediocrity and eventual ineptitude.

David Freese spent time on the DL in 2014 for a broken bone after being hit by a pitch. Freese spent time on the DL in 2015 for a broken bone after being hit by a pitch. I'm sorry that reality appears to have a bias against your "opinions."

Is there something even approximating a coherent point here? Both David Freese (121 innings) and Yunel Escobar (139 innings) played 3B exclusively in 2015. Based on UZR/150, Freese rated +0.6 (average) and Escobar rated -9.8 (poor.) 2015 was Escobar's first MLB season at 3B since he played 22 games there in 2007, so comparing statistical performance between the two prior to 2015 isn't possible. However, based on this full season, Freese is a significantly superior defensive 3B compared to Escobar. Escobar is a less expensive contract than Freese. Escobar is a better base runner than Freese. Escobar is a higher OBP bat than Freese (Freese is a better SLG bat.) Escobar in no way projects to be a better defensive 3B than Freese.

Zen looks favorably on vegetarianism.

Some people also seem incapable of grasping irony on the internet.

You are optimistic that we won't see the "ace" of the staff Jered Weaver on Opening Day.

Daniel Nava had a walk-off single on August 1, 2013 winning the game for the Red Sox over the White Sox. It was clutch... I don't need to worry about his other 1600 plate appearances. I know Daniel Nava will be great based on just this one. It was so great, in fact, that it instantly cured my Howie Kendrick PTSD.

I've seen Kendrick strike out on low sliders away for years too. After nine years in the majors, the way that at-bat played out is hardly shocking. However, summing up a player in that one plate appearance is the typical hyperbolic crap that's been flowing on AW. Maybe some could aspire to a little more analysis and nuance every now and then but I'm not expecting it.

Is that how you judge a player's performance... from one at bat? His 495 regular season plate appearances aren't relevant? Enlightening.

Sign Fowler for three-years at LF with Gentry as the 4th outfielder. Sign Freese for one-year at 3B and move Escobar to 2B. Sign Clippard for two-years in the bullpen to go with Smith and Street. Suddenly this team looks much better.

On the luxury tax: I think Moreno and the Angels are probably closer in their public statements than is this SI reporter's estimate. People often forget that it's the salary and benefits of the full 40 man roster not the 25 man roster. Also, there are benefits that must be included. Those benefits tend to run from 10-11.5% of the 40 man salary figure.

I'm in no way justifying the LF situation; however, if the Angels can get 1.0 - 1.5 WAR out of LF in 2016, it is a major improvement over last season.

Yes. Several times (same one.) He has a short jewfro going too. It makes for lively dinner conversation all week when there is a sighting.

You aren't giving Dipoto the full credit he is due. That mid-season pick-up of Kirk Nieuwenhuis in 2015 was pure brilliance. Those ten magical games Kirk gave us: .136/.208/.227. Thanks Jerry!

MLB really need to announce a new 27 man roster just to support the proposed Angels' platoons at C, 1B, 2B, 3B, and LF.