Thursday, February 24, 2005
That's Right…Streeeeeeeeeetch!
The Halos completed their first team workout on Tuesday and the biggest news of the day was really that no one pulled anything doing hurdle stretches. The Angels camp, at least for now, seems as if it may be one of the quietest of Spring Training this season. Of course, with basically the entire lineup, rotation, and bullpen set, the only thing to talk about is the debate over the name change. I've already said my piece on that and for now, I'm done with that like Barry Bonds wants to be done with RoidGate. So is there any buzz at all at Angel camp? Well, you know when you see entire pieces completely on the subject of a player's mood, there's very little to talk about. The biggest question I would have is what does Bartolo Colon weigh and is it higher than Vlad's batting average?
Draft Guide is a Brewin'
Yes, I realize the last thing you need is another draft guide. It seems that just about everyone with a keyboard and a baseball cap has their own in today's market, but that's part of what I do here on my little page for ESPN and in my own little world at ITH (insidethehalo.blogspot.com). I realize that some of you like to draft the minute someone picks up a glove at Spring Training, so I'll be getting that out to you sooner rather than later, making updated changes as needed. If there's anything you need to know that I don't answer in the draft guide or something you'd like to see in it, let me know at insidethehalo@insightbb.com.
Robb Quinlan is a Big Q
Quinlan's .344/.401/.525 season before injuring his tearing an oblique muscle in August has been largely forgotten by most. So the question that should be on more fantasy player's minds is, "Can he do something like that again?" The answer, of course, is murky. Dallas McPherson looks prepped to be the Opening Day 3B and Quinlan may not even get the ABs to prove he can repeat last year's hot streak. Even worse, it was a small sample size and it's possible a guy like Q just got hot. What's interesting is that he's had his time in the minors to develop and he's at peak age to put up some solid numbers if he's ever going to do so. I'd keep an eye on Q during Spring Training--better safe than sorry. The pub around McPherson may overshadow any shot he has though.
The New Byrd
Last year in Atlanta, Paul Byrd received the popular Leo Mazzone Extreme Makeover that has resurrected so many broken down pitchers. For '05, Byrd has switched leagues and coasts and in the 5 hole, those looking for a steal are wondering if he can do the same in Anaheim, er, LA--whatever. Well, Byrd has a flyball tendency, but he came to the right place for that, as Angel Stadium will suppress that weakness somewhat. He has great control, but he'll have to keep his K/9 above 6 (6.1 is '04) to remain enough of a K threat to really make some noise. He's not had much success at all against lefties for the last several years, and he's at an age where stats like his start to head south, which from where he is, there's not much room on the ledge. High risk, but possible middling reward.
Post-President's Day Update for Kennedy
Adam is going to be with the Angels for Spring Training and he'll be resuming defensive drills very soon. The bad news for those planning to slide him in at 2B on their roster is that he'll likely not be available until late May at best. That date, at least for now, is still kind a dart throw and is certainly being left open for change. The good news is that Chone Figgins will have an everyday spot (hallelujah) and will probably produce better fantasy dollars than AK would anyway. The bad news is that Figgins is no longer a sleeper and getting your hands on him will be much harder than it was at this time last year.
Run, Bartolo, Run!
Have you seen the commercial where the guy weighs himself at 249, dons his headphones, takes off for a quick jaunt around the weight room, heads directly back to the scales, and is dismayed to find he still weighs 249? Well, I'm beginning to think that that guy has a better cardio plan that our man Bartolo Colon. From the "Picture is Worth A 1000 Words" Department, it appears as if BC did little to work on that trouble area around his waist that is beginning to take other parts of his body, like his new second chin. I'll be the first to tell you that Colon had a run of bad luck last season, but I don’t think Kamala of classic WWF fame would've made a good mound ace no matter what kind of hose he had. The Halo ace is dangerously close to needing to change his name to Blobolo.
Late Arrivals
Like several players living in the Carribean area, Kendry Morales and Juan Rivera have had trouble getting the passports/visas to gain entry to the US. They have yet to report to camp, but the good news is that the team expects both of them to be with the team by the weekend. Hopefully that will be the case and this Angel camp will continue quietly. After all, no news is good news, right? For the Angels, Matt Allen--ESPN.
Draft Guide is a Brewin'
Yes, I realize the last thing you need is another draft guide. It seems that just about everyone with a keyboard and a baseball cap has their own in today's market, but that's part of what I do here on my little page for ESPN and in my own little world at ITH (insidethehalo.blogspot.com). I realize that some of you like to draft the minute someone picks up a glove at Spring Training, so I'll be getting that out to you sooner rather than later, making updated changes as needed. If there's anything you need to know that I don't answer in the draft guide or something you'd like to see in it, let me know at insidethehalo@insightbb.com.
Robb Quinlan is a Big Q
Quinlan's .344/.401/.525 season before injuring his tearing an oblique muscle in August has been largely forgotten by most. So the question that should be on more fantasy player's minds is, "Can he do something like that again?" The answer, of course, is murky. Dallas McPherson looks prepped to be the Opening Day 3B and Quinlan may not even get the ABs to prove he can repeat last year's hot streak. Even worse, it was a small sample size and it's possible a guy like Q just got hot. What's interesting is that he's had his time in the minors to develop and he's at peak age to put up some solid numbers if he's ever going to do so. I'd keep an eye on Q during Spring Training--better safe than sorry. The pub around McPherson may overshadow any shot he has though.
The New Byrd
Last year in Atlanta, Paul Byrd received the popular Leo Mazzone Extreme Makeover that has resurrected so many broken down pitchers. For '05, Byrd has switched leagues and coasts and in the 5 hole, those looking for a steal are wondering if he can do the same in Anaheim, er, LA--whatever. Well, Byrd has a flyball tendency, but he came to the right place for that, as Angel Stadium will suppress that weakness somewhat. He has great control, but he'll have to keep his K/9 above 6 (6.1 is '04) to remain enough of a K threat to really make some noise. He's not had much success at all against lefties for the last several years, and he's at an age where stats like his start to head south, which from where he is, there's not much room on the ledge. High risk, but possible middling reward.
Post-President's Day Update for Kennedy
Adam is going to be with the Angels for Spring Training and he'll be resuming defensive drills very soon. The bad news for those planning to slide him in at 2B on their roster is that he'll likely not be available until late May at best. That date, at least for now, is still kind a dart throw and is certainly being left open for change. The good news is that Chone Figgins will have an everyday spot (hallelujah) and will probably produce better fantasy dollars than AK would anyway. The bad news is that Figgins is no longer a sleeper and getting your hands on him will be much harder than it was at this time last year.
Run, Bartolo, Run!
Have you seen the commercial where the guy weighs himself at 249, dons his headphones, takes off for a quick jaunt around the weight room, heads directly back to the scales, and is dismayed to find he still weighs 249? Well, I'm beginning to think that that guy has a better cardio plan that our man Bartolo Colon. From the "Picture is Worth A 1000 Words" Department, it appears as if BC did little to work on that trouble area around his waist that is beginning to take other parts of his body, like his new second chin. I'll be the first to tell you that Colon had a run of bad luck last season, but I don’t think Kamala of classic WWF fame would've made a good mound ace no matter what kind of hose he had. The Halo ace is dangerously close to needing to change his name to Blobolo.
Late Arrivals
Like several players living in the Carribean area, Kendry Morales and Juan Rivera have had trouble getting the passports/visas to gain entry to the US. They have yet to report to camp, but the good news is that the team expects both of them to be with the team by the weekend. Hopefully that will be the case and this Angel camp will continue quietly. After all, no news is good news, right? For the Angels, Matt Allen--ESPN.
