Inside Pitch

On Beach and Slater!

So a career .322 OBP or a .320. The AL Average for leadoff hitters last year was .333, Escobar the last three years has been over .350. Being fast is great -- but being out machines... not so much.

He is, but we won't sign him because AO can't give him a good nickname. Good to see you at it again Bruce.

Yep... I always try to distinguish veterans from young guys when talking about ST stats. Different standards IMO.

I don't know that there is any predictive value in ST stats, but I definitely pay more attention the final week to ten days of ST than early on when batters are facing Jimmy Bagadonuts from AA Scranton.

Last time I checked he's starting today with the rest of the "varsity" .vs the Rangers.

And changed again...

Just like Nibs taught him.....

I get what you are both saying -- Ettin is saying that in a theoretical (saber) sense, he fits as a number three... You're saying that in the traditional sense any team batting him 3rd is effed. Both of you are right from your respective POVs. I think Ettin's point was that while flawed, Escobar has some unique/specialized traits (as a hitter), that actually fit in well with what we have... Ultimately that's also the problem, he's likely more valuable to the Angels than he would be to most teams.

I don't think that was the thread's original name -- I think it was altered after he got two hits. Might have been TrollDaddy or a mod -- they would likely know.

Look who is making things up again. I told you to read Tank's post... and he didn't call it meaningless either. But since you brought me into this.. I don't really put a lot of weight (if any) into the numbers veterans put up in ST, and if I did, it wouldn't the be same metrics you would. Speaking of ST stats.. Sort of sucks that BB Ref isn't running their ST stats -- that opponent experience data they used to show was pretty good for weeding out big numbers .vs low A talent.

Good post/topic. I think this is one of the better problems we have had in a long time. Marte, Cron, Valbuena, are all good enough to merit a starting gig. Given Escobar's defensive shortcomings and lack of pop -- he's likely less valuable than any of those guys. At the same time, it's hard to dismiss the OBP he gave them at the top of the order last year... While it's hard to make calls based on ST results but you have to wonder if the Angels regret taking on Escobar's option year.

The only proven fact on this message board is that you will distort "facts" to press on with your agendas. There is little doubt Maybin is a bust compared to what was predicted/projected for him -- everyone knows this, but he's proven to be a capable if fragile and imperfect player -- the WAR totals make that point pretty clear.. And while you will no doubt continue to drone on with the same tripe all season everyone understands he was brought is as an easily obtainable stopgap. Your superfluous posts about Maybin ring hollow to anyone with an ounce of intelligence. But hey, keep yapping about "Snoop Dogg", Mr. Bunker...

How about 9.8 bWAR in 2404 PAs since 2011. For perspective, Kole Calhoun has amassed 10.9 bWAR in 2142 PA's since 2012. Don't like bWAR? Okay.. His 9.0 fWAR since 2011 in 2404 at bats is better than Mark Trumbo 8.5 in 3400+ PAs. Want links? http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=of&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2016&month=0&season1=2011&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=21,d&page=3_30

Just a few of the guys he's been traded for... Miguel Cabrera/Dontrelle Willis. Craig Kimbrel/Upton. Edward Mujica/Ryan Weber. Twice teams have given up two players to get him. But I'm certain those rock solid facts mean nothing to you.

Didi Gregorius had left the Netherlands team with a shoulder injury. http://m.mlb.com/news/article/220107366/didi-gregorius-off-dutch-roster-with-injury/ The 27-year-old had performed well in the Classic, hitting .348 (8-for-23) with four doubles, a home run and eight RBIs in six games to help the Dutch advance to the semifinals. He felt stiffness while throwing before Saturday's exhibition against the D-backs. "That's always your concern when guys play in the WBC, is they're not with you," Girardi said. "They're not in your hands and that's the hard part. I mean, arm injuries can happen, that's the bottom line. The thing is, he hasn't played a ton of defense." "If it is going to be a DL [situation], we've got a lot more to discuss than maybe what we thought we had to," Girardi said.

And for most of it's Olympic life was only a exhibition or demonstration sport. Honestly, I find the WBC a lot more interesting than Olympic baseball ever was.

I said no such thing. I responded to your calling someone else out. Is it really that difficult to keep track of whats been said?

Is a link where he says it was a personal choice good enough? Or are you gonna argue he is lying for the team's sake? http://www.latimes.com/sports/angels/la-sp-angels-20170313-story.html

So, you should maybe read this post... and learn from it....

At least they really happened... I can link the boxscore.

Don't worry about the stats -- everything you need to know is at the fake Tigers forums, just ask Claude for the links. You may be waiting for a while.

Yup.. He's a guy that if he figures it out, or has it all click could be very very good. Stuff alone, he's got a future in the pen.

Can you imagine them trying to put Married with Children on TV today? It's sad.

Yup. got lit... My guess is he's heading back to the pen. Possible long man.