You Make the Call: Who Should the Angels Keep?
November 3rd, 2009 | by Garrett Wilson |The World Series is almost over which means free agency will be starting soon. We all know the Angels have some very tough free agency decisions to make. Some must stay. Some must go. The question is who will fall into which category?
The Hot Stove League is about to get underway and things are already cooking for the Halos.
You Make the Call! Which free agent Halos should the Angels try and bring back and who should be the top priority?
A) Bobby Abreu, after all he did give the Angels offense a new perspective with his selective approach at the plate. Can the Angels really afford to let him walk away after making such great progress?
B) Chone Figgins, his playoff failings aside he is one of the top table setters in the league and wouldn’t be easy to replace.
C) Vladimir Guerrero, he isn’t what he used to be, but he showed in the playoffs that he can still get the job done and should be coming at a steep discount.
D) John Lackey, he’s the best free agent starter on the market and did his best to keep the Angels alive in the post-season but is he worth the massive contract he is bound to demand?
E) Darren Oliver, does the old man have much left in the tank or was 2009 his final hurrah?
F) Robb Quinlan, ummmm… I got nothing, he can go.
SECRET OPTION G) Kelvim Escobar, his shoulder is going to be OK, seriously, I swear it is true this time. The seventh comeback try is the charm, right?
Let us know what you think the right call is and join in on the discussion by leaving a comment below. NOTE: Comment moderation is currently turned on so I have to approve your comment if you have never made one at this blog before, but I will try and be fast about it, after that you can comment freely. I know it is a hassle, but it is outside of my control for now.
Tags: Bobby Abreu, Chone Figgins, Darren Oliver, free agency, Hot Stove League, John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar, Robb Quinlan, Vladimir Guerrero, You Make the Call
By Richard M. on Nov 3, 2009
I’d make strong pushes for Lackey and Figgins. Make Abreu a decent offer, but don’t get distracted by it. I’d be happier if the Angels stayed away from the free agency market this off season and focused more on the trade market. Next year’s class of free agents is WAY better. Save the money for then.
By Dennis on Nov 5, 2009
We need to keep either Abreu or Figgins to lead off. I’d focus on Abreu, as he probably won’t require as much money or years as Figgins, is a much more versatile offensive player, and we can replace Figgins with Wood at 3b. Love Lackey, but someone will overpay for him – we should save our money for a true ace like Halladay next winter. Vlad, Ollie, Q are all replaceable. I do have to say I’ll miss Vlad, though…
By Adam Burnett on Nov 7, 2009
I write for the Brewers page and am a fan of Escobar. I would like to see the Crew go after him and get him at a reduced rate next year.
By Garrett Wilson on Nov 8, 2009
By all means go for it, but any Angel fan can tell you his shoulder is a giant mess. I would not be shocked to find out his career is over.