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The reason why I don't think his batting average will be significantly higher is because of the fact that he will be asked to move Trout over quite often. When players try harder to direct their bats that has a slight tendency towards more ground ball outs (for instance in a hit and run scenario). That is the main reason I think he'll hit closer to his career average. You are correct that if he goes the other way and becomes more selective it could lead to a higher average, but Aybar tried that before (2011 I think it was) and it is just not in his nature to be patient at the plate. He really does swing at a high number of pitches.

Low-level prospect with average upside or possibly a reliever that is closer or at the MLB level if the money involved is actually true. There could potentially be more in play than just Vernon. Perhaps we might send one of our minor leaguers over in exchange for a better player in return? Lots of different scenarios so this topic is a real guessing game.... I'm glad we were able to move him off of our 25-man roster to make room for someone like Conger or Calhoun.

As I wrote back in an article last year, about Vernon's trade value and possible partners, if Dipoto could get $5+ million paid by another team in trade for Wells it would be a job well done in my opinion. If that $13 million number is true I'll be really pleased. Of course we haven't seen the other details about players exchanged so don't go crazy yet. If we are sending more than just Vernon this may not be as mind-blowing as it could be.

Here is an excellent article at FanGrahps: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-changing-caught-stealing-calculus-2/ It speaks to the MLB break-even average which is around 67%, currently. Last year the Angels had the 2nd highest success rate (thank you Mr. Trout!) with a break-even point around 70%. The bottom line is that stolen bases are becoming more valuable but you obviously have to have the right players capable of stealing bases at a high success rate.

Just Another Halo Victory is my favorite although I am partial to Light That Baby Up. Miss Rory's voice!

Luckily Sky Net should catch all of the pop ups.

It is an interesting question Blarg. Both Blanton and Santana are potential injury risks but I really think that Dipoto looked at Santana and his heavy use of the slider and thought "his arm is a walking time-bomb" and traded him. Although Blanton also is high-risk we got him for 2 years at a price that wasn't much higher than what we would have paid Santana. I am "tentatively" hopeful for Blanton. I see Jerry's thought process and design (fly ball pitchers in a pitcher-friendly park with elite OF defense) behind this signing as it brings in a pitcher with potential to do well in Angels stadium at a reasonable price (based on current market rates) on a short 2-year contract. At the end of that contract there are potentially a few top-level aces on the market (Verlander? Price? Shields?) that the Angels would probably aggressively pursue in free agency. On a different note I watched his outing last week and I thought his overall performance was sharp. He threw a lot of first-pitch strikes and looked pretty solid to me overall. I guess time will tell the story. Expect some home runs but I also think you should expect an improved pitching performance and results from Blanton which should help the team win games.

AW.com the informational home of all things Angels.

Thanks for the kind words and I plan to sharpen it up more in future talks. A "rough" first start but that's what Spring Training podcasts are for I suppose?

No not Petey!!!! Noooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!

Even the white t-shirt guy couldn't help Bautista against Weaver.

Actually Wallerrrr, on average, velocity only increases by about a 1/2 mile per hour (usually no more than 1 mph) from Spring Training into the season. However, 90 mph should be enough for Hanson if he can utilize his pitch mix which has a variety of speeds to keep hitter's off balance. His pitches have speeds ranging from the low 70's (Curve), to the low 80's (Slider and Change), to the high 80's/low 90's (Fastball) when running right. Somewhat similar to some of Jered's velocities except that Weaver is exceptional at precision control and maintaining his arm slot (hitting the corners and fooling the batters).

Conger!!!!!!!!!!! Woot!!!!!!!!! Damn I wish I could have watched it! Love me some Gangham Style Hank!

A review of Jeff Mathis' arbitration hearing on MLBTradeRumors.com: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/02/jeff-mathis-arbitration-case.html "To help prove their case, Abbott and his group used 12 quotes from Scioscia and other front office personnel to show how much weight the club put on a catcher and his defense. They also used a three-year comparable prior to their first time eligible arbitration years to show that Mathis had more starts behind the plate during that time." Poor Mike. Damned if he does, damned if he doesn't.

This. ^^ The press keeps wanting to make it an issue and frankly Weaver has said his peace on this topic and I for one am extremely happy that not only did he stay in Anaheim but that he also took a team-friendly contract which has allowed the Angels to continue acquiring great talent to make the team even better. Jered realizes $85 million is a huge sum of money that will last him the rest of his life and stupid reporters keep wanting to enrage him by pointing to the millions that he could have had in free agency. Jered wanted to be in Southern California and he wanted to be an Angel. I think he loves the ballclub, the atmosphere, and that he learned from his brother's free agency mistakes. Hat's off to you Jered! Thanks for sticking with the Angels, you are a class act in my book! Go Halos!

I would do this if it is ESPN. Yahoo is inaccessible from my work and that prevented me from playing in the one last year.

Well since Chuck has decided to mature the site's look and feel, I have no choice but to upgrade from a Baby Hank Conger photo to #16, himself, Hank Conger in full swing mode! Looks great Chuck!