Angels look for speed, power

The Los Angeles Angels have several choices in the offseason. Los Angeles, whose offense was, shall we say, weak last season, has decided to reach out and grab a slugger. Now their problem is which way to turn. I believe they should go for speed or power, and indeed, that is what they seem to be going for. For available speedsters, the choice is between former Red Sock and Yankee Johnny Damon or White Sock, Royal and Dodger Scott Posednik. Personally, I think they should go for Posednik in this situation. I mean, look at the recent stats. Johnny Damon last year for the Tigers? .271 and 5 triples, 8 homers and 11 steals. For Posednik, a .297 average, 6 bombs, 7 triples and 35 stolen bases. The only spot in which Damon edges Scott is in the one that in my opinion does not matter at all for leadoff men. My final case is that Posednik turns 35 in March, and Damon is currently 37. My opinion on this matter is that one of the last prime years is at age 36 or 37. So, Damon has one more year, Pod has at least 2 or 3. One final thing; Scott has been a better fielder recently.

Slugging options for LA are slightly more plentiful, with Vladimir Guerrero, Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez, and Jim Edmonds all possibilities. Manny? No. Last year, the 38-year-old slugger (39 in May) garnered a grand total of one home run and two RBI in 24 games. Plenty of time to at least make it to ten RBI, right? Oh yeah, and one double, making two extra-base hits. Okay, one option down. Edmonds? Great player for the Cardinals in his prime. A possible option, considering he turns 41 in June and managed to hit 11 homers and add 28 doubles in just 86 games last year. However, with a .276 average, he might just have to wait, but he could be a nice one-year choice for the Angels.

OK, now Jim Thome's turn. Same age as Jim Edmonds. He had an even better year last year, floating 25 homers and knocking in 52 in just 108 games. Quite a passable candidate, but again for one year. One final flaw with him: Whenever he had a great year, he would always have over 130 strikeouts. Finally, Vladimir Guerrero. Probably the best choice, especially considering Vlad's history with the club. Turns 36 this year, so he has time before he goes down. Vlad, one of the flashy stars of the Montreal Expos during that era. Best season out of all the top candidates last year, with a .300 average, 27 bombs, and 115 runs batted in. Some comeback year, considering he also netted 28 doubles. Definitely the prime candidate.

Trivia
Vladimir Guerrero's brother was a .282 hitter in an eight-year career.