halosfan1970

Mr. halosfan1970, I recommend going into the archives th read a few previous Point Counterpoints then immediately adding a little fiber to your diet.

 

I'd personally prefer to save whatever cash is available and wait until the biggest weakness is exposed in the season instead of trying to solve perceived problems in February.

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. 

Didn't Jered say that last spring training as well? That he had gained a little weight and felt the best he had ever?

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. 

If they are keeping Nava you almost have to keep Gentry, although Jackson could do most of what Gentry can do, and other things better. I like Gentry in the right role, 5th outfielder, just not sure we carry 5 outfielders. I like him as a pinch runner late in games when you need a stolen base. I like him as the CFer when Trout needs a day off his feet. He can get a bunt down. Austin Jackson is a better starter, Gentry would be better off the bench late in games. That may not appear to be sexy but it's important.

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.

I assume Jackson wouldn't cost a draft pick?

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.

We need to enjoy our faceless doll out in left field.

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

'Decline' seriously hate that frickin word. It's the new buzz word that makes me want to throw up all over this website.

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

.....Yeah and your response hit it right on the head. I won't argue numbers with you, It was one year. David Freese made this legend for himself  by getting a few big hits in the World Series. The truth is that David Freese got a few big hits for us and landed a ton of DL time. If anyone thinks that David Freese is a consistent player and is better than either one of our current options, then shame on you. 

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."

......He'll be a better defender than David "anti" Freese. There's a reason why our former third baseman, who was supposed to be leading the third base market, is still out in the cold. The best part is that Escobar is cheaper than Freese and gives Cowart one more year to develop, if need be. He could possibly even take over this year if Johnny s**t's the bed. Personally I don't see anything special in Kubitza and could be a nice piece in a trade.

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.

not a very zen thread

Zen looks favorably on vegetarianism.

Apparently, some people don't understand hunting.

 

The human desire to do it, the need to control animal populations for their and human well being, the ability to obtain meat without gnarly factory farming, etc.

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

So I think we might see Soto with Richards on opening day

 

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.

Many Angels fans saw that AB unravelling and were hit with PSTD flashbacks. 

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.

Not only that, but I dont get how some people can watch his last ab of the playoffs and still want him.  I really dont get it.

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

What kills me is that we are probably a high-end bullpen arm and legit left fielder away from being a really good team. Two positions that are so easy to fill, yet the team seemingly has little interest in doing so.

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.

Why can't some of you here believe the way the Angels are treating LF? They've been doing the same thing for years at 3rd. It's very clear that they think upgrades elsewhere will make up for a good or even decent LF. They are pretty much just hoping it works out.

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.

Has anyone ever seen a ginger Mexican?

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.

Hopefully Eppler is better at finding clean peanuts, than Dipoto was.

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.