"He's an All-Star. He has pitched well all season. He was second in the league in strikeouts," Hunter told the Angels' official Web site. "He can pitch, definitely. We just have to score some runs for him."
Angels owner Arte Moreno, speaking to reporters before Game 1 of the Division Series, said that contrary to sabermetric theory, he believes that some players possess an "X factor" that enables them to succeed in clutch situations. He also talked about the need for players whom you would want in a "foxhole," especially in the postseason.
2008 MLB playoffs
More on the playoffs:
- MLB Playoff Central | Video Central
- Fan reaction to every series
- Perry: Burning October questions
- PHOTOS: Thursday's playoff action
The Angels are certain to exercise Guerrero's $15 million club option for next season, and the industry-wide assumption is that Moreno will attempt to sign him to a contract extension this winter.
Guerrero, 32, qualifies as a foxhole guy, frequently playing hurt and sacrificing for his team. He does not, however, qualify as clutch, at least as far as the postseason is concerned.
In 70 career plate appearances in the postseason, Guerrero's batting average/on-base/slugging line is .203-271-.350. Contrast that with Alex Rodriguez, who is widely perceived to be an October flop, yet has a career line of .279-.361-.483 in 166 post-season plate appearances.
Guerrero, as we saw in Game 1, can barely move on the basepaths. He might require surgery on his right knee at the end of the season. Angels manager Mike Scioscia plans to use him exclusively as a designated hitter in this series.
The Angels could decide that they would prefer to invest long-term in first baseman Mark Teixeira, who is four years younger than Guerrero, a Gold Glove defender and switch-hitter with power.
Besides Teixeira, the team's potential free agents include closer Francisco Rodriguez, right-hander Jon Garland and outfielder Juan Rivera. The Angels are likely to decline the $14 million club option on left fielder Garret Anderson, but could seek to re-sign him for a lower salary. They also figure to explore a contract extension on right-hander John Lackey, on whom they hold a $10 million club option.
Trading second baseman Robinson Cano certainly is an option for the Yankees; virtually every club with a need at the position has expressed interest.
Cano, however, finished strong after adjusting his stance and setup in mid-September, and some with the Yankees believe that he will be more at ease in 2009, saying he tried too hard this season to justify his new four-year, $30 million contract.
The problem for the Yankees is that they need to acquire two starting pitchers, and the top of the free-agent market is thin. CC Sabathia might prefer to go to the west coast and/or stay in the National League. Some baseball people question whether A.J. Burnett possesses the right makeup for New York. Derek Lowe might command a contract too large for the Yankees' liking at age 35.
