Dipoto on Bourjos, Abreu, infield
Jerry Dipoto, the Angels’ new general manager, said he went to bed at about 6 p.m. Saturday night and slept on and off into Sunday. After signing free-agent first baseman Albert Pujols, left-hander C.J. Wilson and reliever LaTroy Hawkins during a frenzied rush at the winter meetings, Dipoto earned the rest.
He already has had a busy and fruitful off-season, spending $334.5 million on the three free agents, obtaining catcher Chris Iannetta from the Rockies and left-hander Brad Mills from the Blue Jays. The Angels remain in “read and react” mode, Dipoto said, but chances are they won’t do much more.
Here’s Dipoto:
*On whether the Angels would trade center fielder Peter Bourjos, who Dipoto said has drawn interest from “quite a few” clubs. Those clubs include the Rangers and Nationals, according to major-league sources.
“Peter Bourjos is a guy we’re going to hold,” Dipoto said. He’s one of the better defenders in the league, a 0-to-3 (in years of service time). He’s a good player who fits in very well on a good team, makes our pitching staff better. We’re not that motivated to move him right now.”
*On designated hitter Bobby Abreu’s role now that Pujols has entered a crowded first-base DH mix that also includes Mark Trumbo, a player whom the Angels might try at other positions, and Kendrys Morales, who has not played since May 29, 2010 due to leg injuries.
Abreu, who turns 38 on March 11, is under contract for $9 million next season and can help balance the Angels’ heavily right-handed lineup. So could Morales, who is a switch-hitter.
“He can still fit,” Dipoto said of Abreu. “There’s value in Bobby. Bobby brings a veteran left-handed bat. His on-base skills have never gone away. The way our lineup looks today, I don’t want to say he fits better, but he projects better than maybe he did four days ago.
“He can hit 2 or 3 at the top, can hit in back of Albert. There are so many different ways you can view him. He also has adapted to the DH role. That’s not an easy role for guys to adjust to.”
*On the infield beyond Pujols, which at one time Dipoto was looking to upgrade. Dipoto indicated that the incumbents - second baseman Howie Kendrick, shortstop Erick Aybar and third baseman Alberto Callaspo – are likely to remain, along with utility man Maicer Izturis.
“Maicer for us is an everyday guy who happens to play a part-time role,” Dipoto said. “It’s such an advantage to have him. He’s very versatile, plays all three (infield) positions. The stability of the club around him really accentuates his strengths.
“We’re in a position where I don’t think any of those positions on the field are in question.”
-Ken Rosenthal
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Trading Bourjos would be a bad move - the amount of runs he saves with his legs, glove and arm makes whatever he does with the bat an added bonus - and if he keeps improving with the stick as he did last year, he could be the Angels' leadoff hitter for years to come. I think Dipoto knows that, and knows financially the guy is a bargain - which allows the team time to let him develop.
Other than that, Dipoto's comments were typical GM non-speak. If a move is forthcoming, he doesn't want to tip his hand, nor get on the bad side of the players who might be shipped elsewhere (unlike the Lakers).
Trumbo will get a shot at third, because Callaspo is not the answer over there and you need to keep Trumbo's bat in the lineup. Abreu may be traded, but more likely will be used as insurance against Morales' not being ready to go... but if Abreu struggles at the plate like last year, look for him to be released in July to make room for Mike Trout.
