Joined: 02 Apr 2006
Location: Madison, WI Posts: 7989
Posted:
Nov 05, 2006 12:22 pm
I wanted to explain a bit on Erick Aybar and add another comment to the Angels genreal situation.
Erick Aybar plays very good defense, probably better than Brandon Wood. But, I think the Angels will defer to Wood and move Aybar to third. This would create one of the best defensive left sides in baseball, if talent comes to fruition.
The incredible depth the Angels have at catcher and shortstop is, to my knowledge, unprecedented. I can't recall a system that has arguably had the best SS and catcher at A, A+, AA and AAA in the same season. Thier catchers are built on hitting and good defense, their shortstops are bulit on above average defense and good hitting. As these players come along in their development they will provide the Angels with plenty of opportunities to upgrade at other positions. There aren't many places they can move these excess players as they have a pretty solid set of guys at or near the ML level right now, but they can certainly be packaged for a solid pitcher. The biggest question mark for the Angels future is who will be the ace? Jared Weaver doesn't really project as an ace but would be a fine #2. Same with Nick Adenhart.
It should also be noted that the Angels have built their farm system on high school players. So, although they are highly regarded now, they are in their "injury prime" and are more risky than systems that are built on college players.
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