BrandoFan

V--La--See-T E-Lo must throw 92-94 with control in order to be successful. Only when hitters are looking heat, will his change, slider and especially that cutter make them look silly. He hasn't really had that since last August. when he blanked the Yankees.

Here's my take: 1. Anderson, at this point, is a superior defensive player. 2. Anderson has probably hit as well as Maggs in the last 3 years -- less OPS but spectacular RISP/clutch numbers to make up for the difference -- last 2 season, Anderson has basically been baseball best clutch hitter. And he did it with guys like Spezio protecting him in the order. Andeson also had postseason success, so you know big-time pressure is no problem. 3. Maggs has been more consistent through-out the years, but then again, that's why he made 2, 3 times what Anderson made in that span, so it's moot. 4. Paying Anderson 12 Mill is not that bad since Angels' payroll is 105. Paying Maggs 15 Mill, even if he was worth that, is near impossible with a 60 Mill payroll. 5. Then again, a GREAT (read: career) year from Magglio this year would certainly go a long way toward changing some minds. If he shows awesome power and ability to lead the Sox to ALCS, then his value would probably jump.

They are one the right track. It doesn't guarantee them jack squat this year, but they could easily win the World Series again. Most importantly, they already won the battle -- they got their fans to care about the team again. Once Bonds retires, Beane's magic wears off and Dodgers continue their ineptitude, Angels might just become California's favorite Cinderella team. If the play their chips right, they might become Atlanta Braves of the ALW.

Maggs (15) - 930 OPS >>>>>>> LF Everett (3.5) 840 OPS #5 hitter, similar speed and defense RF Reed (0.3) 820 OPS, better running and defense SP Washburn (5) 3.65 ERA, #2 starter C Urbina (4) 2.90 ERA, closer Edgar (4) - 850 OPS, #4 hitter >>>>>>> Ok, so you're gonna have to pay 2 mill extra for that bunch, but you can't tell me you're better off with Maggs than those 5 players.

One of my favorite players and one of league's very best in the last 2 seasons.......I wonder what the terms are.

Albert Belle had a deceptive batspeed. I read a while ago that in 1996 season, among the fastest swings clocked were the usual suspects - McGwire, Bonds, Griffey and....Belle. Besides, Belle, Ramirez and especially Thomas in their prime had INSANE hand-eye coordination and power. They didn't need to be Soriano quick because they saw the ball earlier than him, had a better approach and could muscle through it..... Anderson most likely won't have the benefit of being super-strong or super-quick so he BETTER have a good eye, patience, flawless mechanics, supreme confidence in himself, etc if he wants to be an All-Star CF'er.

Fine, then I wish he'd succumb to existential ennui to end all ennuii.

You don't have to worry about that scenario because he will NEVER accept 6/68. If I were him, I wouldn't either. For 5/75 he can go f*** himself. 30 homers don't mean as much today as it did 25 years ago. Neither does his overrated throwing arm.

I'd hate to root against the Angels because I actually like them as a team.....but every time Colon takes the mound, I want him beaten to a pulp.

Say what you will about Berroid Bonds, but his swing is absolutely majestic. He sees the ball well. He manages the strikezone and is very disciplined for a power hitter. And then there is the swing itself -- short, super-quick and mechanically sound. It he was willing to sacrifize some power, he could have been a ,400 hitter.

Boomer had an excuse -- 38 and bad back. What was Phatolo's?

As bad as 2002 was, at least we could blame Hurt's tricept tear and Ritchigate; afterall Twins had a good team, with Mays, Hunter and literally half the team busting out for career years....Sox rolled over and died, it was sad but tolerable. 2003 on the other hand....a year that had ALL the making of going down as one of the most memorable in franchise history.....It was a disgrace, a spit in Sox fans' collective face. 50 Mill on OD......:headshake :puke [/belaboring the point that needs to be seared on Chairman's slanted forehead]

Holy crap, that's 96-66. Where did we go from "sky is falling" offseason to 96 wins dominance? Damn, and I thought my 92-win prediction was out there....Wow. I also think this formula for success has to include the HEALTH factor. It seems in the Sports Bar banter that Sox fans all of the sudden think Twins and Royals are the only ones who are liable to accrue a lot of DL time through-out the season. And to think 2001 was just 3 years ago..... :headshake

Two words: ain't servin' That is all.

Paging Janet Leigh's dautah

Professional athletes emasculate me. Booing them is the ultimate (if safe) act of defiance; it reaffirms my sense of self-worth and moral superiority. Booo!

What's with the death threats, Killa? Liable to drive some posters away....

What's all this commotion, muchachos?

Substitute Benson for Washburn and Loretta for Edgar Martinez.

Hey Soxy, don't you be hijackin' this thread now By which I mean, make with the Franken-woman.

Evil misquoter!!!

No way man....really? Shows what I know -- that Washburn iz a, hud'yasai, a bum?

Sorri for mai Inglish - it's no good, you see...

Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert = demigods. Colbert is a NW alumni, too.

My very first question to Jaugs had "PNAC II" in it. Don't waste time.