Angel Moves

In the offseason, the Angels made some decisions on what free agent players to retain and which to let go.

As the 1st 1/3rd of the season rolls around, I thought this would be a good time to evaluate some of those decisions.

As to main players they either lost or let go, we have Mark Texeira, Franscisco Rodriguez and Garrett Anderson. Players they brought in (or promoted from within) are Brian Fuentes, Bobby Abreu and Kendry Morales.

Let's compare how their season's have been going:

KRod versus Fuentes - KRod signed with the Met's for 3 years, 37 million (plus incentives). The Angels didn't want to go higher than 10 million a year as they felt there were other lower priced options out there either in free agency or in house. They'd been concerned about KRod's arm and didn't feel the injury risk and the 3 year guaranteed money was worth it. Instead they ended up signing Brian Fuentes for 2 years and roughly 18 million.

KRod has been everything the Met's had hoped saving 14 games in 14 opportunities and a sub 1 era. Fuentes hasn't been quite as effective as he has a 5.30 era but does have 13 saves in 16 opportunities. Obviously the edge goes to KRod here but this is year one of the contract. As I said, the concern is injury with KRod, so we'll have to see what transpires in years 2 and 3.

Bobby Abreau versus Garrett Anderson - The Angels decided not to bring back their long time player due to age and the contract Anderson was looking for. The 37 year old Anderson was hoping for a 3 year 18 million dollar deal with the Angels but was told no way. After the Angels walked and signed Abreau for 1 year 5 million, Anderson was forced to except an offer from the Atlanta Braves for 1 year 2.5 million. Abreu has played in 48 games with a .293 batting average, 15 stolen bases, 25 rbi's and 23 runs scored. Anderson's been battling injuries, playing in 34 games, with a .261 batting average, 2 hr's, 16 rbi's and 11 runs scored. I think the edge goes to Abreu as more than just stats, Abreau has helped the Angels with his patient approach at the plate forcing pitchers to make more pitches, helping other hitters.

Mark Texeira versus Kendry Morales - Texeira was the big pick up mid season last year when they traded Casey Kotchman. Morales was a young guy in their farm system they promoted when they failed to resign Texeira. I like Texeira, and I like him a lot. But committing that much money and years to 1 guy is crazy.... The Yankees went 8 years and 180 million to sign him. Reportedly the Angels went 8 years and 160 million. You can't fault the Angels for that offer. Let's look at how Texeira is doing compared to Morales. Texeira is batting .279 with 16 homeruns, 44 rbi's and 36 runs scored. Morales as you can imagine is not doing quite so well, but he's quitely having a nice season. His average is .288 with 8 homeruns, 32 rbi's and 21 runs scored. Big edge to Texeira, but since the Yankee's are paying 22.5 million for the Texeira production, I have no issue with Morales and his 330,000 contract.....

In today's game, it's not just about getting the best player, but a mixture of very good high priced players and young inexpensive players your trying to develop. While I don't agree with every move by the Angels (why Brandon Wood is not on the roster is beyond me.......) I don't have an issue with what they did on those 3 positions/players. I would have loved to have Texeira back (even at the high cost) but the bet on Morales has paid off so far. If the Angels brought back all three of those players (KRod, Texeira, Anderson), I feel they'd be in the same position they are now.

As for money, this year the Angels are committed to roughly 15 million for Morales, Fuentes and Abreu. If they'd resigned Texeira, Rodriguez and Anderson, they'd be on the hook for close to 40 million (depending on what they paid Anderson) and in my opinion, they'd be right about where they are now in the standings (currently second to the Rangers who have the best record in baseball).

As with any of these deals though, you need to wait a couple years to see what becomes of these players. It'll be interesting to follow.

Bill