By Andre Castillo - AngelsWin.com Columnist
Name
|
WAR
|
Mike Trout
|
4.0 (AL Rank: 1st)
|
Mark Trumbo
|
2.7 (AL Rank: 13th)
|
Torii Hunter
|
1.9
|
Albert Pujols
|
1.1
|
Peter Bourjos
|
1.1
|
Alberto Callaspo
|
1.0
|
Howie Kendrick
|
1.0
|
Kendrys Morales
|
0.5
|
John Hester
|
0.4
|
Chris Iannetta
|
0.4
|
Erick Aybar
|
0.4
|
Maicer Izturis
|
0.3
|
Andrew Romine
|
0.2
|
Vernon Wells
|
0.0
|
Dan Haren
|
-0.1
|
Bobby Wilson
|
-0.3
|
Doesn't make the Vernon Wells trade look any better does it? There
Mike Trout is, by far the best offensive player on the Angels roster, and an
astounding 1st in the American League in WAR, despite not playing an inning in
April. Because of who else, but the incomparable Vernon Wells. While we don't
really know how Trout would have responded had be been promoted right out of
Spring training, it wouldn't be a stretch to guess that he would have handily
beat Vernon Wells's production of 0 WAR.
Speaking of underplaying top performers, look who's number two and
ranked a stellar 13th overall in the American League: Mark Trumbo. Vernon
Wells's timely injury helped ensure he would receive steadier playing time in
the outfield after the failed experiment at third, but it still hasn't left much
room for Peter Bourjos, who last year posted a gaudy 4.3 WAR and still has,
according to Fangraphs, managed more WAR to date than either Kendrys Morales and
Howie Kendrick. It seems that the optimal Angels line up at this point would
have Trumbo at DH and Bourjos and Trout in the outfield, with Callaspo at third
and Morales riding the pine.
Other interesting notes: Albert Pujols is slowly but surely bringing
his season stats to respectability, though they are still on target for career
lows across the board. One continuing ugly trend however -- check out his his
awful baserunning scores (BsR), worst in the American League! (See for yourself here).
Also, John Hester isn't bad. And Torii Hunter continues to be a bit
of an ageless wonder. Good for him.
*Note: These numbers do not include the Sunday game between the
Angels and the Blue Jays.