Teixeira, who has hit .283 with 20 homers this year, will provide the Angels with the power they’re seeking as they attempt to make a run toward the World Series.
Kotchman, who has hit .287 with 12 homers this season, provides the Braves with the power-hitting first baseman they were seeking as compensation for Teixeira. Marek is a 25-year-old right-hander who has gone 2-6 with a 3.66 ERA in 34 relief appearances for Double-A Arkansas this year.
I don't have anything to say. I'm sad, and angry.
They better freaking sign him for a multi-year contract now. If he seriously goes at the end of this year as a two-month rental, I'll be pissed to have let Kotchman go for that.
I hate business, that's all this is. Shows no faith in the team. If I wasn't a fan of the REST of the players, I'd hope Teixeira's production all of a sudden drops off the face of the planet.
I hope Kotchman gets a Gold Glove too, and starts hitting home-runs every night. Stupid. And I don't care what anyone says about serious contention and blah blah blah bullshit.
12 home runs and .287 average, for 20 home runs and .283 average. I just don't see the point, I'm sorry. I don't care whaty ou say.
Here's my take. First, the business side:
ReplyDeleteMost teams are all about building for the future, right? Well for the Angels, the future is NOW. The Angels have a boat load of expiring contracts and they have a lot of decisions regarding to the 2009 roster. Let's face it. This team will probably not be together for very long. If they pick up Vlad's option and resign Teixeira, then most like Garret Anderson's option won't be picked up and K-Rod will sign a 5 year, 75 million dollar deal with a team not named the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. That being said, right now is the Angels best shot at winning the World Series and it will probably be the best shot they have for a long time. Why not go for the gold right now?
Now, for the logistics:
Casey Kotchman is a solid player but his offensive numbers are average at best. 12 homers at this point in the season is below average for first baseman, and his OBP is .324, which isn't very good. Teixeira has a lower batting average but his OBP is a whopping .392 which is the reason he is hitting in front of Vlad. Also, Teixeira's mere presence in the lineup makes everyone else better. Pitcher's are scared to pitch to this guy. Kotchman doesn't make opposing pitchers so much as flinch.
I know you may not agree with me but I bet the vast majority of Halos fans do. We all love Kotch and he was a good player but you have to stop and look at this from an objective point of view. He is good, but he isn't THAT good. Besides, we have capable first baseman in the minors who can step in if we can't resign Teixeira.
To summarize, this is the best opportunity the Angels have ever had to win the World Series. This team is much better than the 2002 team, but it won't be together for much longer. As much as you love Kotchman, you can't argue with the fact that Teixeira gives us a better chance in the post-season than Kotchman.
*Side-note*
I'm not trying to be judgmental or offensive and if I am wrong, then I apologize. It seems like you are the type of person who gets a bit overly-attached to players that have been with the Angels for a long time. You can't let your loyalties to certain players blind you from the facts. Remember when Reagins traded Cabrera for Garland and you hated it? Well look how brilliantly that trade worked out for us.