3 Key Infield Moves The Angels Need To Make To Be Contenders

No Comments November 13, 2015 Angels By John Stellman

2nd Of A 3-Part Angel Off Season Series

Today: Infield

Now playing third base for the Angels… Who? Last season’s supporting cast failed their auditions miserably.

Kyle Kubitza (.194), Kaleb Cowart (.174) and Taylor Featherston (.162) need more seasoning. And Conor Gillaspie (.175) is gone.

Back in the star(t)ing role for his encore performance could be David Freese. The 32-year old veteran happens to be the best free agent third basemen out there. And he recently told reporters he “absolutely” wants to return.

“In my opinion,” Freese told the Orange County Register, “this is one of the best places to play.”

The St. Louis Cardinals 2011 NLCS and World Series MVP, Freese made an impact last summer despite hitting just .257 with 14 home runs and 56 RBIs.

The Angels were 20-11 down the stretch after Freese returned from the disabled list to hit .308 while belting 3 three home runs and driving in 13 crucial runs. If he hadn’t missed 44 games (the Angel record was 15-29) the Angels might have won the division. He’s also had a positive influence in the clubhouse.

No Hall Of Fame Candidates

Freese, who earned $6.425M last year, probably would require a 3-year deal in the $30M range. And the alternatives aren’t exactly eye-popping. Aramis Ramirez (37), Juan Uribe (36), Casey McGegeee (33) and Alberto Callospo (32) won’t be enshrined in Cooperstown anytime soon.

Howie Homecoming?

At his introductory press conference general manager Billy Eppler emphasized that he’s “committed to championship standards.” That’s Freese’s modus operandi.

The same could be said of Howie Kendrick, who went to the post season 5 times (6 series) with the Angels. Kendrick hit .292 and drove in 501 runs in his first 9 years in Anaheim and also is a free agent.

The Angels could use his steady glove at second base.

Last winter the Angels dealt Kendrick to the Dodgers in exchange for left handed pitcher Andrew Heaney.

Kendrick made $9.5M last season.

He hit a consistent .295 in 2015 and committed only five errors in 493 chances with the Dodgers, a fielding percentage of .990.

During his 10 seasons as a second basemen the 32-year old has totaled just 70 errors while handling 4907 opportunities. His .986 career fielding mark is remarkable.

Johnny G.

The departure of Kendrick prompted the Angels to sign Johnny Giavotella.

When he arrived in Tempe, Arizona last spring Giavotella was No. 4 on the depth chart. Few thought he would even make the roster, let alone be the opening day second baseman. He accomplished both.

And as the season progressed, Johnny G. became an immediate fan favorite. His aggressive style of play won over the faithful.

The feisty Giavotella became a late inning spark plug. He delivered some timely hits in pressure situations that either ignited or prolonged rallies. He even won some games with his bat.

His defense however, was inconsistent. He was charged with 12 errors in 535 chances (.978). There were numerous mental breakdowns as well. The Angels need an upgrade in the field.

Angel shortstop Erick Aybar probably wouldn’t mind if Eppler brought Kendrick back home. The two broke into the major leagues together in 2006.

Catching Upgrade

That was two years before Angel catcher Carlos Perez signed his first major league contract with Toronto.

It took the Venezuelan eight minor league seasons to finally arrive in Anaheim. And he didn’t waste the opportunity. In 86 games with the Angels, he hit a solid .250 with a .293 OBP and a .335 slugging percentage.

Perez Promotion?

Behind the plate, the 25 year old was solid. He threw out 38 percent of would be base stealers (25 of 66) and pretty much displaced veteran Chris Iannetta, who hit a dreadful .188. Iannetta, a free agent, is not expected to be resigned.

The Angels however, are expected to add reinforcements. The top free agent is Baltimore’s Matt Wieters. The 29-year old Oriole had a .267/.319/.422 slashline.

The rest of a very weak field includes Alex Aliva (.191), Dioner Navarro (..246), and Brayan Pena (.273) .

Unless Eppler lands Wieters, Perez could very well end up as the Angels 2016 opening day catcher. And that wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

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John Stellman

I was born with sports in my blood. I began coaching little league baseball at 15. I was the sports editor of my high school newspaper. I did football play by play for the college radio station. I broadcast high school basketball for a local commercial station. But baseball was always my passion. During the 1970's I covered the Angels for the Orange County Register. And now I am back where I belong...