OT: Ohtani to the Angels

[Snapolit1]

Very curious to see how good this dude really is. A two way player would be great for baseball. And maybe Trout will finally get to the postseason.

[Sean]

I would love for him to become a great one, but the Angel's recent history of bad free agent signings makes me wonder. Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, Gary Mathews Jr., Torii Hunter (okay, that last one wasn't a total bust). Still, it's been a long time since they got one right.

[bbcard1]

Anytime you can get a player of the potential of Ohtani at what amounts to a bargain price in today's MLB, you absolutely have to do it. Don't be surprised if there is something going on behind the scenes with Albatross Pujols. While it has been speculated that Ohtani could play an outfield position or possibly first base, DH would be an ideal fit for him.

[EYECOLLECTVINTAGE]

Originally Posted by bbcard1

Anytime you can get a player of the potential of Ohtani at what amounts to a bargain price in today's MLB, you absolutely have to do it. Don't be surprised if there is something going on behind the scenes with Albatross Pujols. While it has been speculated that Ohtani could play an outfield position or possibly first base, DH would be an ideal fit for him.

Don't forget that they needed pitching. He could be their answer there instead of hitting.

Serving only as the occasional DH.

[bbcard1]

Originally Posted by EYECOLLECTVINTAGE

Don't forget that they needed pitching. He could be their answer there instead of hitting.

Serving only as the occasional DH.

He's probably their #1 pitcher from the go.

[Marchillo]

I think the criticism for Pujols is harsh. He had out of this world numbers with STL and got an Albatross contract - fair. But into his late 30's you'd expect a steep decline in a steroid free era. How many guys have more Runs Batted In since Pujols joined the Angels in 2012? I looked at his numbers 105, 64 (hurt played 99 games), 105, 95, 119, 101. So he's driven in 589 runs over the past 6 seasons. Nelson Cruz 591 - so there is one guy. I'm sure there are a couple of more but I am sure not many. At least there is production from the guy and he's not a total bust. I realize I am picking one category but driving in runs is a pretty important stat for a guy you stick in the middle of your lineup 3/4 hitter type.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Those RBI stats probably say more about Trout being on base so much than they do about Pujols.

[scooter729]

Originally Posted by Marchillo

I think the criticism for Pujols is harsh. He had out of this world numbers with STL and got an Albatross contract - fair. But into his late 30's you'd expect a steep decline in a steroid free era. How many guys have more Runs Batted In since Pujols joined the Angels in 2012? I looked at his numbers 105, 64 (hurt played 99 games), 105, 95, 119, 101. So he's driven in 589 runs over the past 6 seasons. Nelson Cruz 591 - so there is one guy. I'm sure there are a couple of more but I am sure not many. At least there is production from the guy and he's not a total bust. I realize I am picking one category but driving in runs is a pretty important stat for a guy you stick in the middle of your lineup 3/4 hitter type.

I'm not a huge fan of all of the advanced metrics, but it's telling that Pujols since 2013 has been a negative WAR guy. In 2017 alone he was a -4 WAR. So RBI are just one stat but far from the whole picture of Pujols in the past few years....

[packs]

Ohtani isn't even signed for that much money so I don't think it's fair to lump him in with Gary Mathews Jr. Even if he's a middle of the rotation pitcher, he's making the league minimum. Smart signing.

[EYECOLLECTVINTAGE]

I am a firm believer of numbers do not lie.

Albert Pujols is one of the greatest hitters of all time, however he was on the juice.

Why did St. Louis let him go?

St. Louis is one of those teams that in my opinion make a lot more good moves than bad ones.

They knew something was going on.

Here are his walk numbers from 2005 through 2010

2005: 97
2006: 92
2007: 99
2008: 104
2009: 115
2010: 103

Pujols is clearly seeing the ball extremely well.

Now you can make the argument that he is being pitched around, however he showed major power 2001-2004 yet averages under 80 walks.

Now fast forward to 2011...

61 Walks?

Then they do not re-sign him?

Then his walk numbers go as follows...

2012: 52
2013: 40
2014: 48
2015: 50
2016: 49
2017: 37

Along with the decline in walks came a decline in batting average.

One thing steroids sure is good at is improving your vision and hand eye.

Some are going to say no way no way this guy was never on steroids etc, but just remember... how many people thought Manny was on the juice?

[rats60]

Originally Posted by scooter729

I'm not a huge fan of all of the advanced metrics, but it's telling that Pujols since 2013 has been a negative WAR guy. In 2017 alone he was a -4 WAR. So RBI are just one stat but far from the whole picture of Pujols in the past few years....

Last season is the only season Pujols has had a negative WAR. 3.1 in 2014, 2.6 in 2015, 1.8 in 2016. That is even with the harsh penalty imposed for playing 1st base. Also, Bill James has joined the "light side" and been very critical of WAR lately. Pujols is going through a pretty typical aging process, not to mention that many think he is older than his "official age."