« Matt Morris Tough To Move |
Main
| Miguel Tejada Age Discrepancy »
By Tim Dierkes [April 17, 2008 at 10:56am CST]
Angels outfielder Juan Rivera is in a tough situation, fighting for playing time in his contract year. So far he has eight ABs in the team's first 16 games. He's just not getting starter consideration at the DH or corner spots.
Rivera seems like an interesting buy-low candidate, whether via trade during the season or free agency after it. The one time he received more than 400 ABs, in 2006, he hit .310/.362/.525. He broke his leg in a winter league game that year and has barely played since. The Angels aren't in any hurry to trade him, despite interest.
If the '08 season continues to depress Rivera's value, perhaps he could be had one a one-year, $5MM deal. He turns 30 in July and could be quite a bargain if he returns to form.
What are the Angels waiting for? They're chock full of outfielders, so it's not like Rivera's going to suddenly get some playing time and "increase his value." They could get a decent prospect for a guy who's never going to play for the Angels anyway.
Posted by: FineHamAbounds | April 17, 2008 at 11:57 AM
They are waiting for the inevitable Anderson/Guerrero breakdown to occur. It's a pretty safe bet that at least one of those guys will miss substantial playing time.
Posted by: bjsguess | April 17, 2008 at 12:07 PM
I would love for the braves to get rivera either through a trade or during free agency next season...
Posted by: bravesbeast | April 17, 2008 at 12:08 PM
What would the Braves have to offer? Tex- not sure that would work with Kotch starting off hot.
Agree with bjs, one of And/Guer will be on the DL but my guess is a mid-season big 3B bat or front end pitcher.
Posted by: Burtis | April 17, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Burtis, did you really just suggest (in the same sentence no less) that the Braves would be willing to trade Mark Texeira for Juan Rivera, and that the Angels wouldnt be interested? I cant figure out which one of those statements is more ridiculous.
Posted by: nickname | April 17, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Not only did Burtis suggest Texeira but went on to suggest that Rivera could yield a "front end pitcher". Homer. Homer. Homer. Maybe a AA prospect would be more like it.
Posted by: MickS | April 17, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Suggesting that the Angels probably wouldn't trade River for a prospect when they need a power bat or possibly a front end pitcher. Tex would be a lesser fit when Kotch may be reaching potential and a trade for either 3B or Pitching would make more sense. Obviously it would have to be a package deal, didn't expect I'd have to spell it out for you experts.
Posted by: Burtis | April 17, 2008 at 01:19 PM
I don't know what they're waiting on personally. We can say that they're waiting for the Garrett Anderson yearly breakdown and/or Vlad's but that doesn't make sense.
Their outfield/DH without one of them(say Anderson) still looks like this:
Matthews Jr. Hunter. Vlad. Willits. And at first they have Kotchman already so he's not playing there either(apparently, not that I wouldn't consider him)
I almost hope that he's played more and is available at the end of the year for the Mets. Lose Alou, gain him. Leave room for plattoon with Martinez/Delgado if need be.
Posted by: Jerry | April 17, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Willits value comes primarily if Figgins is hurt or not playing well. Willits as a leadoff hitter works - anything else - not so great.
If Vlad or GA go down they will need a replacement with power. Something Willits can't provide.
As for what Rivera is worth ... he's young, has always had significant upside. Unfortunately, he just hasn't had the opportunity to shine. When he did he posted a 900 OPS. He's worth more than some low level prospect.
Now, if all the Angels are going to get back is some low level prospect then hold on to the guy. They don't need to move him at all. If a great deal comes then make it - otherwise sit tight.
Posted by: bjsguess | April 17, 2008 at 05:23 PM
Long time reader, first time poster here...
I actually created an account just so I could comment on bjguess's post to give him props. He nailed it right on the head.
People keep taking about "trade him since he's wasting away!" But trade him for what? If we don't resign Anderson next year who do you think is going to be starting LF? It kinda sucks for Rivera but he's making more than most of us so I'm sure he's not crying about it :)
Posted by: tbagginz | April 17, 2008 at 06:02 PM
Ok Tbagging do you not remember that the angels have 5-6 outfielders? If Anderson leaves in the offseason--the same offseason Rivera can leave in too, and might due to NOT BEING GIVEN PLAYING TIME,--they still have:
Vlad
Hunter
Matthews Jr.
Willits
Figgins (if need be)
So seriously why are they not providing at bats for someone who could garner them at least a good minor leaguer in return by mid-season? No one is going to give them all that much if there's nothing to show he's good anymore. AND as I said before--why would he want to stay if the amount of at bats is so minimal?
Posted by: Jerry | April 18, 2008 at 06:20 AM
This is whole dialog is kind of ridiculous. The Angels intend to win, not provide players for some other team. Rivera is not "wasting away" as some suggest, he is helping the Angels achieve their goal, to win. Sure, Rivera may leave in the off season, any prospective has that option. But he also has the option to sign a contract with the Angels if he is offered one.
Posted by: A | April 20, 2008 at 12:36 PM