Comments on: Erick Aybar settled way too cheap

By: kpow55

kpow55 — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:25:39 +0000

He and AM are also quoted as saying they don’t plan any big moves, right before signing Pujols and Wilson. Their desire to win often trumps their budget flexibility.

I get what your saying though.

They have a decent farm system and the know how to develop so hopefully the can ignore high end FAs for the next couple of years till their current batch expire.

In my mind, it actually makes them more likable than the Yanks and BoSox. Yes they all chase and throw money around, but the Angels make an effort to develop talent.

By: fearlessleader

fearlessleader — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:03:20 +0000

Actually, Jerry DiPoto is quoted in this morning’s LA Times as admitting that this deal and the others the Angels have made will likely hamstring their future payroll flexibility, and will require them to develop the bulk of their incoming talent through their organization rather than acquiring it through free-agent signings. I don’t begrudge Aybar the contract, not at all, but I think the Angels have thrown a huge amount of money at a few marquee players while badly neglecting a number of other needs.

By: bancacentral

bancacentral — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:41:27 +0000

Yeap, 2 plate appearance should be enough to determine the validity of his contract.

By: homelanddefense

homelanddefense — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:24:30 +0000

Hits for “average” average. Little to no pop, very few extra base hits. Doest really drive in or score many runs…does have nice speed and a solid glove. Guy is a nice player, nothing special.

Just because you can name a few deals (that were terrible by the way) doesnt mean he is underpaid.

By: kpow55

kpow55 — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 07:36:27 +0000

Weaver took less last year, Aybar this year….. it’s about staying with a winner and solid ownership.

Would you rather be w/ a team that has a legitimate shot at a playoffs/WS every year or make 30% more and play for a perennial rebuilding project?

Knock him all you want but a sensible guy who’s obviously good enough to be a starting SS on a top 5 team.

By: jlhc5530

jlhc5530 — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 07:24:21 +0000

Interesting how stark a contrast this analysis is to Fangraphs’ piece on Aybar. They cite far more comparable players/contracts, more recently signed, to show that Aybar looks to have done great by this deal.

By: storebrandcookies

storebrandcookies — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 05:23:05 +0000

That’s what the Angels could scrounge up after giving C.J. Wilson and that first baseman almost $300 million total.

By: 1981titan

1981titan — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 04:20:18 +0000

I don’t care if Aybar hits .300 every year. Lasting impression is “NO CLUTCH” Can’t get a a bunt down on a suicide squeeze in the 2008 playoffs against the Red Sox and it was too cold to move to get a critical popup against the Yankees in 2009. HE was unable to move 5 feet to get the ball.

By: mianfr

mianfr — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 03:00:23 +0000

In general, I’m not a fan of early extensions from a player’s perspective, but if you’re Aybar, you have to take this.

Players reliant on defense have much more incentive to take the money early than players whose strength is the bat.

By: itsmekirill

itsmekirill — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:03:25 +0000

Where do you get this idea that Aybar has a plus glove? Other than that, he’s a singles hitter with low average and very little power.

By: joshnorman

joshnorman — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:57:55 +0000

I think people forget that replacement-level offense is very position-dependent. A .695 OPS as an OF is garbage, but it is a quality contribution for a SS, especially one with a plus glove.

By: hushbrother

hushbrother — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:07:46 +0000

Um, isn’t a .695 career OPS, like, terrible?

You know, this year’s Angels remind me a little of last year’s Red Sox. Both teams made a big off season acquisition of a slugging first baseman, and appeared to have a stacked offense. But in reality, both teams’ lineups were riddled with barely-above-replacement-level black holes. Aybar, for all his solid glove work, is one of them.

By: randygnyc

randygnyc — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:39:14 +0000

Still short enough so he can earn another contract, if he plays well. Could it be that that’s enough for him?

By: explodet

explodet — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:37:58 +0000

I think you’re overlooking the fact that Aybar is terrible.

By: paperlions

paperlions — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:32:54 +0000

Actually, price tags have not generally gone up for decent players….it has gone up for elite players. Being a top 10 SS might sound good, until you realize that such a designation still doesn’t make a player elite or in any way shape or form a difference maker. Aybar is 28 and had exactly 2 good years in his career. Getting 4 years and $35M guaranteed is pretty good with someone of limited ceiling and track record.

By: singingfriar

singingfriar — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:20:57 +0000

There is no way Jason Bartlett’s option should be allowed to vest.