Orlando Cabrera vs Scutaro

by Donner on Sep 16, 2005 9:51 AM PDT

So, I tend to rip my Angels fan friend for the Angels signing Cabrera and letting Eckstein go. An example of the Angels having more money than sense. He defends it with two points. First, Eckstein probably would not have played as well in Anaheim as he is in St Louis. Second, Cabrera is better defensively. Both likely true, but I still think signing Cabrera was a mistake. But, I just noticed something...

Are the Angels paying $6 million in 2005 for Marco Scutaro? Offensively, their OBP and SLG are nearly identical. About the only difference is Carbrera is better defensively, although I don't have the stats to show it conclusively. He does play more innings.

Finally, they have him signed for 4 years $32 million. And, it looks like a couple of decent guys in Salt Lake are now blocked.

So, does anyone else think Caberera was not a smart signing by the Angels?

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Not smart....

One of several boneheaded expensive signings by them, including Finley and Erstad.

I sipped the Kool-Aid, and it tastes gooooooooood!!!

by kaweahkaweah on Sep 16, 2005 10:05 AM PDT reply actions

At the time

I thought it was an expensive signing--especially with some good SS prospects in their system. I didn't realize what an expensive disaster it would become. I guess they can afford it.

by Alien @ Athletics Nation on Sep 16, 2005 10:09 AM PDT reply actions

I was wondering about that...

I am in southern California and I always hear about the Angels stacked minor league system. But, then you look at their roster, and have to wonder if their system is so stacked, do their signings make sense?

by Donner on Sep 16, 2005 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions

Eckstein was and is a feared spark plug

Hudson used to hate him - probably still does but sees him less. He was a royal pain in the ass. Caberera is just another guy. Eckstein's OBP is much better - and a key to St Louis have big numbers without Rolen, Walker, etc. Just ask La Russa.
Caberera is better in the field.
He will be hard to move at that money.

by Carerra on Sep 16, 2005 10:24 AM PDT reply actions

keep in mind also that Scutaro

is a second baseman. Shortstop is not his natural nor best position. Also, when you look at the $$ paid to Cabrera vs Scutaro...or even Cabrera vs Eckstein, Cabrera has to be a huge disappointment.

by OaklandSi on Sep 16, 2005 10:58 AM PDT reply actions

That was my point...

They paid a lot of money to have Marco Scutaro playing SS.

by Donner on Sep 16, 2005 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions

Sort of Like We're Paying A Lot of Money ...

.. to have Brad Ausmus or Ramon Casto playin Catcher.

by Eck on Sep 16, 2005 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions

True...

Except one difference, we needed a catcher and to unload some really crappy contracts. And, we don't really have anyone in the system who will be Major League ready until year after next at the earliest. So, the timing on Kendall's contract works. Actually, if you think about it we also got a draft pick from Kendall because getting him is related to Damian Miller getting signed.

Angels had Eckstein and I think he was still arbitration eligible and non-tendered. So, they did not need to unload Eckstein and get a shortstop. Plus, they have players who should be ready soon.

by Donner on Sep 16, 2005 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions