Daily Archives: December 24, 2011
Overcrowded Angels in the Outfield
Saturday December 24th, 2011
Sam Evans: Heading into the 2012 season, the Los Angeles Angels of U.S.A. of California of Anaheim have six outfielders that will be vying for playing time in the majors. Three of their outfielders have been selected to at least two all-star games, one is the best prospect in baseball, and the forgotten one was their best player last year. Let’s go through these players and decide who will be the starters for the Angels this coming year.
Mike Trout, CF, LF, RF: Trout has been the best prospect in baseball for the last two years, and looks like a sure superstar in the making. He is a true five-tool prospect, and he has been clocked from home to first in a startling 3.75 seconds. This summer, a scout told Angels AA manager Bill Mosiello, “Maybe this is what Mickey Mantle looked like when he was 18.”
With the Halos in 2011, the 20-year-old Trout hit .220 with five home runs in forty games. He was probably rushed to the majors a little too early, but he impressed players and coaches with his physical abilities.
In 2012, Trout needs consistent playing time at the major league level. If Trout is on the roster, the Angels have no other choice but to play him. If Trout fails in the majors, then they can send him back to the minors. But he needs a fair shot first. That’s why heading into this season, the Angels should have Trout penciled in as their starting right-fielder.
Ryan Langerhans, LF, RF: The Angels signed Langerhans to a minor league contract on Friday. Langerhans has played for the Mariners, Nationals, and Braves in his career. He has never posted great numbers at the major league level and he’s always struggled against right-handed pitchers. However, Langerhans has established a reputation for being a clutch player. He has 26 go ahead hits in his career.
Langerhans should definitely start in AAA. If any of the other outfielders get injured, he is a solid option to call up to the majors temporarily. For right now, he is just simplynot talented enough to compete with the other Angels outfielders for a full-time gig.
Bobby Abreu, LF,RF,DH: Abreu is a solid, consistent player. Still, he is 37-years-old and his level of play has dropped off drastically in the last couple of seasons. In 2012 (his contract year), Abreu is set to make nine million dollars. That is a lot of coin to pay someone to sit on the bench.
Last year, Abreu hit .253 with 8 homers, 21 stolen bases, and a .353 OBP. Despite his age, Abreu can get on base and is a solid base runner. He can read the pitcher better than anyone else in baseball. Abreu started 108 games as the Angels DH last year, and he played the outfield for only 28 games.
For the upcoming season, Abreu should split time with Mark Trumbo at DH. The Angels might trade Trumbo, who has drawn interest from other clubs. Another scenario that I could see happening is the Angels trading Abreu at the trade deadline. To a team seeking a productive veteran outfielder, Abreu would be the perfect acquisition.
Peter Bourjos, CF: Last year, Bourjos was the Angels most valuable outfielder. Borjous was an above-average hitter who posted a 115 OPS+, and hit 11 triples to lead the American League. However, most of Bourjos’ value is found is his defense. Bourjos was one of the best defensive outfielder in all of baseball last year. He had a 7.5 Ultimate Zone Rating in 2011.
Bourjos should split time in center field with Trout. Even though both Bourjos and Trout are outstanding defensive center-fielders, Bourjos covers more ground and is slightly more valuable. Bourjos needs to play everyday in 2012, and I’d be shocked if Mike Scioscia didn’t have Bourjos as his opening day center fielder.
Torii Hunter and Vernon Wells, RF and LF: Torii Hunter is one of the more fun to watch players in baseball. He is also extremely respected amongst his teammates. Over his career, Hunter has hit .274 with an average of twenty-four homers a year. Hunter is signed through this year, and is set to make $18.5 million dollars.
Vernon Wells is probably the reason why former Angels GM Tony Reagins quit his position (insiders say he was set to be fired but was allowed to resign instead to save face). The Angels traded Mike Napoli for Vernon Wells and the worst contract in baseball last offseason. Vernon Wells is signed through 2014 and due $21.5 million in 2012. That’s only about four million less than Albert Pujols salary in 2012. Blown away? I certainly am.
To put it bluntly, Wells is not a very good baseball player anymore. In 2012, Wells hit .218 with 25 homers, but only a .248 OBP. Compared to Hunter’s .281 AVG with 21 homers and a .354 OBP, Wells looks pretty awful.
Hunter and Wells will probably end up seeing the field about the same number of times. That’s not because of their abilities, it’s just because of Well’s contract. Defensively, Wells actually has a slight advantage over the nine-time gold glover Torii Hunter (although most baseball people would choose Hunter).
Overall, the Angels outfield situation is a mess. The Halos have some very talented players, and a trio of overpaid veterans. The Angels outfield logjam gives the team flexibility, with backup solutions in case of injuries or poor play. I would be mildly surprised if the Angels didn’t make a trade before the season. They need to find some bullpen arms and maybe another starter for their rotation. With their plethora of outfielders, they can and should definitely make a trade. It will be more based around what they can get in return. Happy Holidays!
***Today’s feature was prepared by our Baseball Writer, Sam Evans. We highly encourage you to leave your comments and feedback at the bottom of the page and share in the discussion with our readers. You can also follow Sam on Twitter***
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Interview with Jake Elmore: Arizona Diamondbacks Prospect
Saturday December 24, 2011
Jonathan Hacohen: Today on MLB reports we are proud to feature Arizona Diamondbacks Prospect: Jacob Elmore (Jake). Originally drafted by the Marlins in 2007, Jake was later drafted and signed with the Diamondbacks in 2008. Jake just completed his 4th season in the Diamondbacks system, with a 2nd straight year in AA with the Mobile Bay Bears of the Southern League. During his professional career, Jake has played every position except for outfield. Yes, he did catch one game and pitched in four games! Jake’s greatest strengths are his batting eye and speed. He has shown close to a 1:1 walk to strikeout ratio (career .370 obp) and very good speed (career high 25 stolen bases in 2010 and 15 in 2011).
Featured on MLB reports, I proudly present my interview with Jake Elmore, Arizona Diamondbacks Prospect:
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MLB reports: Who was your favorite baseball player growing up, that you most idolized and patterned your game after?
Jake Elmore: My favorite player growing up was Ken Griffey Jr. I loved how he played the game with a big smile on his face. He looked like he enjoyed playing baseball more than anyone I have ever witnessed. Being as great as he was, that was understandable. His excellence on the field had a great deal with me admiring him as well.
MLB reports: Which current MLB star do you most admire and why?
Jake Elmore: Chipper Jones would be my pick. I admire how he plays the game and his loyalty to his organization. Many players run for the higher paycheck but Chipper is beloved in Atlanta and has always found a way to make it work there. The player I try to model my game after is Brian Roberts. The tough, gritty approach he brings to the table is admirable and he always finds a way to impact a game.
MLB reports: Reflecting on your career to-date, what are your proudest accomplishments on the baseball field?
Jake Elmore: My proudest accomplishment would be winning the “Big Stick” award at the Junior College World Series in Grand Junction Colorado. This award is given to the player with the highest batting average at the World Series that qualifies with ample at bats. I hit .526 and took home the crown.
MLB reports: Did you fully expect from the start of the draft back in 2008 to sign with the Dbacks? When was the final decision made in the process to sign with Dbacks? Any disappointment with being drafted in the 34th round? What factors led you not to sign with the Marlins back in 2007 when you were originally drafted?
Jake Elmore: I had no expectation to be drafted in 2008. I was really excited to be drafted at all and feel fortunate to be given the opportunity. I had a really rough time at Arizona State and did not fit in well with that program. I thought there was no way I would be given a shot after the year I had, so when I was taken it brought me back to life and gave me extra motivation. I had no plans to sign with the Marlins after 2007 being such a low pick and a Junior year at Arizona State on the horizon.
MLB reports: What do you consider your greatest baseball skill(s)?
Jake Elmore: My greatest skill on the field would be my versatility and knowledge of the game. I feel that me being able to move all over the field and the batting lineup gives me an advantage against other players. I pride myself on being athletic and multi-faceted. The mental aspect of the game is really enhanced as you progress through a system and being able to adjust mentally is a key to success.
MLB reports: What facets of your game do you most wish to improve upon?
Jake Elmore: I would love to improve my power numbers and my stolen base success. I am known as a speedy guy, but know that I have been caught far too many times to be considered a top-notch stolen base threat. Power is something all organizations are looking for and I am striving to improve in that area.
MLB reports: I am very impressed with your displayed ability to get on base during your career. You have close to a 1:1 walk to strikeout ratio. How do strikeouts and walks figure into your game? Do you see any of these items changing over time and to what degree?
Jake Elmore: The ability to get on base is a key to my success as a player and being disciplined at the plate is the key to obp. Over time I hope to maintain this ratio because I do think it is important. Although, I would sacrifice a few strikeouts for a few more home runs in a season.
MLB reports: Long term what position do you see yourself playing? You have mainly played 2b and ss, but also some 3b, 1b, catcher and pitched! What’s the story on all these positions played? How do you see defense as part of your overall game?
Jake Elmore: Well, being versatile is something I take pride in so I make sure all the coaches I play for understand that I am serious about playing different positions. I told the organization I could catch and they laughed and took it in stride. Then when I got the chance to get behind the dish they were surprised that I actually had an idea back there. I caught throughout high school, got recruited as an infielder and catcher, started junior college as a center fielder due to an injury, played both at ASU, and played all the infield positions in pro ball. Still waiting on my first outfield appearance in the pros. As for pitching, I do not pretend to be good in that area but when the game is 17 innings in and our team is out of pitchers….”Jake get loose.” As for my projected position of the future, I would say middle infield is my ticket but the ability to catch can become valuable to my career.
MLB reports: If you had to look into a crystal ball, when do you see your expected time of arrival in the big leagues and what do you think you need to do most to get there?
Jake Elmore: Looking ahead and trying to predict the future can be dangerous and tricky. So… lets jump into the gauntlet. I feel that if I continue to get on base and score runs, playing solid defense and increase my power numbers, I will get a shot in the next few years.
MLB reports: What do you do for fun when you are not playing baseball?
Jake Elmore: I really enjoy working out. Not necessarily for baseball but for health in general. I enjoy learning how the body functions and why we do the workouts we do. MW3 is a time waster that I enjoy even though I am average at best. Lastly, I have recently started keeping a journal. I figure one day it will be intriguing to look back and remember what was going on at this time in my life.
MLB reports: Have you visited Arizona yet? How did you enjoy Chase Field?
Jake Elmore: Yes I have visited Arizona many times and have always enjoyed my time there. I have been to Chase Field as well. It is immaculate and gives you extra fuel in the tank to make it to the Show.
MLB reports: You just completed your second season in AA ball. Do you know where the Dbacks likely plan to start you this season?
Jake Elmore: I have no idea about the organizations plans and there is no need to even speculate. I am doing everything in my control to better myself to prove I am worthy of a promotion.
MLB reports: If you could send out a message to the Dbacks fans, what would it be?
Jake Elmore: Hopefully I will see you guys soon!
Thank you again to Jake Elmore for taking the time to join us today on MLB reports. We highly encourage our readers to post at the bottom of the article any questions and/or comments that you may have for Jake. You can also find Jake Elmore on Twitter (@JElmo6)
Jonathan Hacohen is the Lead Baseball Columnist & Editor for MLB reports: You can follow Jonathan on Twitter (@JHacohen)
Please e-mail us at: MLBreports@gmail.com with any questions and feedback. You can follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook . To subscribe to our website and have the daily Reports sent directly to your inbox , click here and follow the link at the top of our homepage.
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