Erstad gets offer from A's

1050 days ago

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I'm somewhat surprised that Beane would make an offer to Erstad, a guy who has been consistently overrated by the old guard for his "character," "grit," and "clubhouse presence". However, he is a terrific defender (the A's are suddenly all about the defense) -- if only there was such a thing as a Designated Fielder, this would be a great move! As it stands, I can only assume that the contract is small and that he'll be a late-innings defensive replacement.

The BeastAAA-er

1050 days ago

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He wants guranteed money, and the A's can provide that. He wants playing time, and the A's can do a better job of that than the Halos would.

The BeastAAA-er

1050 days ago

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Anyway, he will always be an L.A. Angel.

1050 days ago

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And a lousy player.

1050 days ago

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If the year isn't 2000, that is.

The BeastAAA-er

1050 days ago

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Ersty was a good player in his prime. A defensive specialist. He was what Angel baseball was about. Good character, heart, speed, defense, and hitting for contact. He wasn't a star, but he was a glue guy, and part of that Angels core that won the World Series in 2002.

1050 days ago

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Oh, you were so close to mentioning the full compliment of Erstad cliches! "Character," "heart," "what Angel baseball is about"... You forgot to mention that he was a punter at Nebraska -- always pertinent to how good a baseball player he is (certainly more informative than his .757 career OPS). You also forgot to call him "hard-nosed," "gritty," "no-nonsense," or "the single least productive first baseman in MLB from 2004 on." Oh, and "guy who has hit like Neifi Perez since 2001." That's a good one.

Manny StilesMajor Leaguer

1050 days ago

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but he was a good punter at Nebraska!

Manny StilesMajor Leaguer

1050 days ago

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and here's a vote for the "Designated Fielder" OR just implement my idea to have the Designated Hitter bat for ANY position if the pitcher bats.

KelsdadAll-Star

1050 days ago

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Good move by the A's. If he hits around .280 with 70-80 or so ribs, probably from the two hole, not bad. And good luck to the Angels with Hillenbrand at third, its going to be a long season.

The BeastAAA-er

1050 days ago

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Hillenbrand isn't playing third base, he's going to be the DH or first base. It isn't going to be a long season either. The Angels have the best pitching staff in the majors even without Bartolo Colon. Vlad Guerrero is at the top of his game. Plus they have a lot of young talent and a good mix of vets. I'd be jelous if I was a Yankee fan.

KelsdadAll-Star

1050 days ago

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Then its a good move, because defensively he's terrible, at first or third. Jealous of your young talent, yes. Wood, Aybar, Mathis, Weaver...good young group of players, and at important positions too. The Angels look good on paper I agree, but like the old saying, the game isn't played on paper, its played on the field. You're fortunate the Angels are in a less than competetive division, and should have little difficulty staying in the race right til the end, but will have less than 90 wins for the year.