WOW what a day yesterday was in the sports world. Okay honestly it was quite a day for the LA sports world, but it did have a large ripple effect across the country. In this post we will cover the MLB moves and the end of the win...honestly we are just going to discuss the Angels because yesterday was insane. So Saddle up to the bar and lets hear what you think...
My opinion is that the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in Orange County from California, were uncharacteristicly reckless with the Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson deals. Albert got a 10yr $254 Million deal AND a no trade clause! The second part alone is why he isnt in South Beach. I applaud the Marlins for standing pat on that issue, now that issue will also remove them from the Prince Fielder sweepstakes but I do not think they need him. Albert is going to be making upwards of $27 million as a 41 year old DH. That is just not good business, especially if they do not win a world series (They wont because I believe they are still the second best team in the division behind Texas) in the first 4 years of this deal. You will then be stuck with an aging Pujols (That elbow will flare up again because HGH injections hurt, right A-rod), no world series and Jered Weaver set to come off his deal. No Trade clauses are stupid and irresponsible. Who gives a crap who is paying you your guaranteed contract 6 years in when you cant play the field! Now I agree that these next 2-3 years they will have the best hitter on the PLANET in their lineup and Albert is going to become an even BIGGER star in LaLa land, but they are banking on Trumbo being as good as his rookie season finished and OLD Torii Hunter still playing at a high level.
Now on to CJ Wilson's 5 yr $75 million contract. You just paid a pitcher who has only been a starter for 2 years (granted last years 2.53 ERA is stellar) and has lost every postseason game he has pitched number 1 starter money...TO BE YOUR NUMBER 3 starter. As my man Keyshawn would say...C'MON MAAAN! CJ wilson, in my opinion, was the second best starter available. Mark Buerhle was the best and signed with the right club I believe, but was once agan passed to the side for a shiny new toy in young CJ Wilson. He is not better than Jared Weaver by a LOOOOONG shot and is equivalent or slightly below Dan Haren. Does he make their rotation nasty? Hell yeah, especially if Ervin Santana has really figured his stuff out as a number 4. This might rival that Philadephia Phillies rotation they have assembled, but even the cash happy Phils havent given Cole Hamels a CJ Wilson like contract and Hamels is probably better (not to mention was the key to the Phillies World Series win a few years ago). Look at it this way CJ wilson is a hometown kid that will fit in with his mop top hair do and unshaven face, but in the end that contract makes no sense. New Angels GM Jerry Dipoto must have gotten so overwehlmed leaving cash strapped Arizona for those huge cash chucking LA Angels of Anaheim OC.....yeah I heard it and it doesnt sound right either..
Dipoto is clearly a win now and worry about being broke later GM, which is probably why he was on everyones list as the top GM candidate and proving it now. (Another kick in the nuts for us Oriole fans) He was able to pull The HGH Machine from his longtime, WORLD SERIES CHAMPION home and convinced CJ sloppy hair to come home in 48 hrs. Are we seeing the making of the next Theo or are we seeing the next Roland Hemond (Orioles GM through the shit late 80's early 90's )? Only 10 years and $254 mill later will tell.
What do you think of the Angels contracts? Foolish, smart? What do you think of new GM Jerry DiPoto?
Ye ole Tender
GOLDY
I liken the Pujols signing to ManRam's deal with the Red Sox. Everyone laughed, but then Boston won 2 championships. For Boston, a World Series title was well worth the money spent. I think the Angels are hoping for the same. Also, don't forget that the Dodgers have been slowly losing its fan base to the Angels. If the Angels can win a title or two in the next 5 years, the Angels will own the town/area/county/state/country.
ReplyDeleteCJ Wilson may be the new AJ Burnett. But I don't think it matters.
One last thought, why on earth would a "big time" free agent pitcher want to sign a big money contract with an American League team? Not only do you have to play against the mighty Yanks and Sawks (and Rangers), but even the bottom dwellers have a good hitter as their DH. Buerhle's a smart man. He got the money AND an extra out in the lineup.
I actually agree with your pitching point. It makes good sense to me. I think however that the pujols deal and manram deal comparison is a little off. Manny was never as injured as Albert is when he signed the deal. The sawx (led by our Duquette) actually built a monster of a team around manram too. The angels don't have an Ortiz, Pedro or even a healthy young jd drew.
ReplyDeleteI did however just see the Angels signed a TV deal with fox that ups their TV revenue from $50 mil a year to $150 mil