Thursday August 16th, 2012

Jake Dal Porto:  Don’t be sad for Vernon Wells. Sure, he’s not getting an abundant amount of playing time with the Angels, given the sudden emergence of Mike Trout and Mark Trumbo. But he is still set to make $42 million over the next two years. For the Angels, this experiment is becoming even more depressing by the day. The front office has an ample amount of money to spend. If there were any misconceptions, Jerry Dipoto clarified them in the offseason by acquiring Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson. And of course, Zack Greinke is the latest of a string of hefty additions. Obviously, a contract hasn’t been posed for the right-hander, but that will be the next step of action for Dipoto and his aggressive staff.

The point is, Wells’s contract isn’t killing the Angels, but it’s killing them to see him struggle at-bat after at-bat. We’re talking about a guy who was a three-time All-Star with the Toronto Blue Jays. An MVP candidate for multiple seasons. And the fact that he has practically gone from a starter to a bench-rider has been mind-boggling for the Angels and everybody in-between. In two injury packed seasons with Los Angeles, he is hitting .220/.251/.408, backed by just 32 home runs and 84 RBIs. The worst part— he has totaled a negative WAR with them (-1.1). Yes, that is possible. In 11 years with the Jays he boasted a 26 WAR. Frankly, it just goes to show how a player can slip so quickly.

On a positive note, Wells has recently shown a few flashes of a possible comeback. In seven rehab games he posted a .308 batting average. Then, in nine games since returning to the majors, he has hit a home run. Yet, his starting job is a lost cause at this point. It was essentially his role to lose in spring training, and he couldn’t have done a better job to lose his coveted spot.

For the Angels, Wells’ struggles are not half as bad if you take out the fact that he’s making a boatload of money. They aren’t losing anything without him because they have far superior options than a rundown veteran. The best Los Angeles could shape Wells into at this point, is a pinch hitter or an occasional spot starter. Obviously that’s not your typical job description for one of the highest paid players in the league, but what choice do they have? They can’t take playing time away from Trout, Trumbo, or even Kendrys Morales. Let’s not forget that a younger, cheaper and better Peter Bourjos is also sitting and waiting in the wings. Wells’ defense, once at a certain gold glove level, has even become a liability given his recent injury history. There’s just no place to stick him.

The good news is that there is an alternative that isn’t merely out of the question. Although it would take a hefty big chunk of money from the Angels, they could waive him. Unfortunately, contenders with a need for an outfielder is sparse. It would be tough to pin-point one specific team, but off the top of my head, the San Francisco Giants look like a foreseeable option having just loss Melky Cabrera. The Angels would most certainly have to send a truck full of money to San Francisco in order for them to take Wells on, but that shouldn’t be the slightest of problems. If anything, they probably just want him out of the organization. The fans practically hate him, as he’s not doing anything productive and simply wasting a valuable roster spot. The fact is that Vernon Wells is a lost cause. It’s basically been that way since the day he arrived in California. While he isn’t a clubhouse flu in the way most players generally are who are not being paid big bucks not to play, he’s a disruption in the way that he just has no life left in his tank. The injuries continue to pile up for Wells as well.

The other most realistic alternative is to just keep Wells around. Barring a miracle, no team is going to take dead weight on. Even if the Giants emerge as a team with interest, they already own one bad contract in Barry Zito, and it’s doubtful that they would be willing to take on another one. The Angels have to decide if they would rather pay Wells to sit on the bench and act as a cheerleader, or pay him to drag down another team offensively.

There is always the chance that Vernon Wells catches lightning in a bottle like most veterans do in the heat of a playoff race. If not, it’s no big deal. The monster contract will continue to be in place. But the dependancy and hope that Wells will lead the team has long vanished. Remember Richie Sexon? Get ready for some company in retirement. Once Wells’ contract runs out in 2014, the clock will likely strike midnight on this one-time superstar.

(*The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of mlbreports.com*)

Jake Dal Porto is a high school student from the Bay Area. He is a big time Giants fan and his favorite players are Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum, Buster Posey, and Sergio Romo. Jake’s favorite sports moment was when the Giants won the World Series back in 2010. He loves to use sabermetrics in his work. He thinks they are the best way to show a player’s real success compared to the basic stats such as ERA, RBIs, and Wins. Jake also enjoys interacting and debating with his readers. Follow him on Twitter:@TheJakeMan24

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