The New York Mets

It is easy to say that The Mets are going to have a rough 2012 season. There is now four empires in the making in one division. The Braves, The Philles, The Nationals, and The Marlins are all strong contenders for the National League East.

In the 2011 season The Mets traded Carlos Beltran and Francisco Rodriguez who is also known as K-Rod. The Mets also lost Jose Reyes to the Marlins due to free agency. These three players were big parts to their team and now they have all gone their own way. Probably the most damaging aspect of losing these key players is the fact that they are all still in the National League. Beltran is now on the Cardinals, Reyes is now on the Marlins, and Rodriguez is now on the Brewers.

Johan Santana is supposed to coming back to pitch for the Mets in this upcoming season after surgery. I do not believe that Santana will be able to put up the numbers that he did with the Minnesota Twins, which feels like ages ago. Even if Santana posts a sub 3.5 earned run average The Mets' offense cannot provide enough support for Santana.

The Mets still have their franchise face of David Wright. David Wright has not been putting up the numbers he is paid to do. I consider Wright to be one of the most over rated player in baseball, which sounds harsh, but it really isn't. If The Mets were to trade David Wright for prospects and begin to reconstruct their team and replenish their farm system, they may have a promising season in the future.

Although The Mets are in a reconstruction phase, they have made some transactions. They signed a few relief pitchers including Ramon Ramirez, Jon Rauch, and Frank Francisco. Out of these 3 relievers the only one that will seem to have a decent impact on the team is Ramon Ramirez who posted a 2.62 ERA and 8.7 strikeouts per nine innings. The Mets also signed Andres Torres, Ronny Cedeno, and Scott Hairston, who will probably receive a decent amount of at bats off the bench and platooning.

Team Evaluations

Alright guys we all know when spring training begins; the first exhibition game is February 29, 2012 between the Philadelphia Phillies and Florida State University. So Starting January 31, this upcoming Tuesday, I will start the 2012 team evaluations. One team will be evaluated a day in no particular order. All the evaluations will be completed by March 1, 2012 so you can sleep comfortably knowing how well your team is going to do.

Almost all the free agents are off the market and trades are calming down, so that means baseball season is coming soon. I know I cant wait.

The Youth Gone Wild

Last night MLB Network presented their special for the top 50 prospects right now. The list had changed a bit since 2011, but all the names on it were very promising. The top 10 prospects right now are as follows.

10. Dylan Bundy- Right handed pitcher in the Orioles' system
9. Trevor Bauer - Right handed pitcher in the Diamond Backs' System
8. James Taillon - Right handed pitcher in the Pirates' system
7. Jurisckson Profar - Shortstop in the Rangers' system
6. Manny Machado - Shortstop in the Orioles' system
5. Shelby Miller - Rigtht handed pitcher in the Cardinals' system
4. Julio Tererhan - Right handed pitcher who pitched 5 games for the Braves in 2011
3. Mike Trout - Outfielder who played 40 games for the Angels in 2011
2. Bryce Harper - Outfielder in the Nationals' system
1. Matt Moore - Left handed pitcher who pitched 3 games for the Rays and started game one of the ALDS against the Rangers.

All of these prospects have great potential. I think that Jesus Montero should make the top 10. He was ranked number 12. He put on a show for the Yankees during September of 2011. Now he is on the Mariners after the trade for Micheal Pineda. Matt Moore Will Probably be the 3rd or 4th starter for the Rays this season. Lets see what other prospects may go wild  in the big leagues.

King Cabrera and Prince Fielder

There is a monarchy taking over at first base in the Motor City. Last night Prince Fielder signed with the Detroit Tigers for 9 year $214 million. After the injury to Victor Martinez, putting him out for most of the 2012 season The Tigers quickly became the mystery team for Prince Fielder.

As a kid Prince Fielder would hit home runs out of old Tigers' Stadium with his dad Cecil Fielder. Fielder will be 28 in June of 2012 and he has already established himself as a power house. He hit 46, 32, and 38 home runs in 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively. Over those 3 years he gathered 344 RBI's with a 154 OPS+ and a .409 on base percentage. He will provide a lot of offense for the Tigers.

We all know how dangerous Miguel Cabrera is, but lets take a look at his stats. In 2011 Cabrera hit 30 home runs, 108 RBI's, had a .448 on base percentage and a 181 OPS+, which is ridiculous.  The 3-4 Spots in the line up will be a RBI factory for the Tigers.

The road trips to the AL east will be very offensive, with Fielder and Cabrera playing in Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, and Camden Yards the baseballs may be flying with the birds.

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So Long Posada

Drafted in the 24th round of the 1990 draft by the New York Yankees, Jorge Posada Retires at the age of 40. Jorge was called up to the MLB in late 1995, but he wouldn't look back. He would go on to play 17 seasons and 1829 games all with the New York Yankees. He will be remembered for his part in the 5 world series champion ships and being one of the best offensive catchers in his era.

Some of his achievements are being a five time all star and five time silver slugger award winner. The Yankees will probably retire his number and soon the Hall of Fame will be calling.

So long to Jorge Posada.

How a Lineup Should Be Made

Using Hayes Craze and modern statistics, I present how to make an ideal lineup.

1. Highest LOV
2. Highest SBE
3. Highest OPS+
4. Highest RPP
5. Highest SLG
6. Lowest Strike Outs
7. OBP of .350+
8. OBP of 350+
9. Second Highest LOV

The ideal lineup according to 2011 statistics.

1. LF Brett Gardner
2. 3B Michael Young
3. RF Jose Bautista  
4. CF Curtis Granderson
5. DH Miguel Cabrera
6. 1B Albert Pujols
7. C Alex Avila
8. SS Troy Tulowitzki
9. 2B Emilio Bonifacio

Second Batter Evaluation

After reading about the Lead Off Value, you may want to know how valuable a number two hitter is. A batter  batting second in the lineup has to be bale to get on base, get extra base hits, because they score the runner and have sacrifice hits and flies. The number 2 batter does not want to strikeout and ground into double plays. Getting on base will further fuel a first inning rally, as does driving in the lead off man with extra base hits and sacrificing yourself to advance the lead off hitter. You want your lineup to flow nicely and having a good second batter will be good after a good lead off hitter

OBP = On base percentage
SH = Sacrifice hits
SF = Sacrifice flies
2B = Doubles
3B = Triples
GDP = Grounded into double play
SO = Strikeouts
SBE = Second batter evaluation

SBE = OBP( SH + SF + 2B + 3B) X100
                       GDP + SO

Derek Jeter's SBE = 0.355(37)   X 100
                                      91                     = 14.4

A 14.4 SBE is above average, Derek Jeter is a pretty good number 2 hitter.

Dustin Pedroia's SBE = 0.387(49)   X100  
                                           97                
      = 19.5

A 19.5 SBE is great. Pedroia would make an excellent number 2 hitter

 For an additional fact: most lead off hitters are left handed. Having a number 2 hitter who is right handed or a switch hitter would negate the left on left and right on right match ups that the opposing managers love to use so much. With a right handed pitcher coming in to face the number 2 hitter, that right handed pitcher may stay in the game to face the left handed, slugging number 3 hitter.

Hayes Craze Statistics

This post is just a summation of the statistics I have already developed.

Run Production Probability (RPP) = (Runs + RBI's - Home Runs)
                                                            Total Plate Apearences

Relief Pitcher's Clutch (RPC) = (Strikeouts / Runs)
                                                          WHIP

Lead Off Value (LOV) =
(On Base Percentage X (Pitches per Plate Apperence))(Stolen Bases^2/Caught Stealing)
                                             Time to Run 90 Feet

There is a statistic coming tomorrow so be ready to get the Hayes Craze in you. I know that was corny.

5 Players to Have a Big 2012 Season

Looking at various statistics, there are a few players I believe will have a breakthrough or comeback seasons in 2012.

Robinson Cano - Cano is entering his age 29 season. Players are said to be in their prime from the ages of 28-32. 2011 for Robinson Cano was a down year from 2009 and 2010. He plays about 160 games a year, I think 2012 wont be any different. He is a doubles machine getting an average of 45 doubles a year over the past 3 years. His power serge gives him an average of 27 home runs a year over the past 3 years. Also averaging 104 RBI's over the past 3 years. I project Cano to finish with 30 home runs 120 RBI's and a .370 on base percentage.

Prince Fielder - Fielder will be 28 in May of 2012 and he already has established the title of a super slugger. With an average OPS of .955 over his past 3 seasons he is without a doubt a power house. Depending on where he signs that number could skyrocket. If he signs with The Rangers or The Orioles or any team in a hitter friendly park he can put up some big numbers. I project Fielder to finish with 40 home runs 115 RBI's and a .400 on base percentage no matter where he plays.

Albert Pujols - After 2011 the 32 year old Pujols looked to be on the decline. I think that a change of scenery will bring him back to the Pujols of old. Pujols has always been known to get on base and draw walks. With a new offense in front of him he may have an another big season. playing 13 few games than usual Pujols hit 37 home runs in 2011. Playing against American League pitching I say he finishes with 42 home runs, 120 RBI's and a .390 on base percentage.

Tim Lincecum - The Freak will turn 28 in June of 2012 After an improved 2011 season. 2010 was disappointing for Lincecum although The Giants won the world series. A 0.69 point drop in ERA from 2010 to 2011 means Lincecum is going back to being himself. Although his strike outs have been declining, his whip remains the same. I see a spike in his strikeouts to occur in 2012 giving him a 2.65 ERA, 240 strikeouts, 1.1 WHIP and of course 200+ inning pitched.

Yu Darvish - Darvish will be 26 in Mid season of 2012. In Japan he had a 1.72 ERA over 5 years and an average of 217 strikeouts a year. The only thing I am frightened about is that he only pitches about 26 games a season. How will he perform in September and October. Japanese pitchers tend to have their best season in the first year in the MLB. I project Darvish to finish with a 2.78 ERA, 210 strikeouts, 1.0 WHIP and slightly over 200 innings pitched.

Top Players 25 and Younger

If you want a successful franchise you're going to need young players with talent. In this post I will name and evaluate the top players by position of the age 25 or younger.

Pitchers:

Clayton Kershaw (23) - Kershaw holds a 2.66 ERA over the past 3 years for the LA Dodgers. That also gives him a 143 ERA+ over that span. That means he is 43% better than the average pitcher which is really good. consistently getting around 200+ innings pitched and 200 strikeouts every year, Kershaw has proven the pitcher that he is at a young age.

Felix Hernandez (25) - King Felix has been in the major leagues since he was 19. Everyone knows about his dominance of the game collecting the 2010 Cy Young award. He has a 2.74 ERA over his past 3 seasons which translates to a 152 ERA+. That means he is 52% better than the average pitcher. 200+ strikeouts and well over 200 innings pitched in his past 3 seasons make him one of the most dominate young pitchers.

Neftali Feliz (23) - A 2.55 ERA for a closer  is pretty decent. At a young age its more respectable. With 9.1 strikeouts per nine innings Feliz makes an excellent closer. he can absolutely develop into a star with the years to come.

Offensive players:

Buster Posey (24) - Posey is an excellent catcher. Although getting injured in the 2011 season ended his season early he earned the rookie of the year in 2010. He had an average on base percentage of  .362 over his past 2 seasons, which is excellent. If you juxtapose that with a 162 game average of 22 home runs and 88 RBI's Posey could be a deadly force down the road for the the Giants.

Billy Butler (25) - Playing in the Kansas City Royals' home field Kaufman Field can destroy offensive players' numbers. For Billy Butler that is not a problem. Holding a .370 on base percentage over the past 3 years is miraculous. With about 18 home runs and 90 RBI's a year if Butler was added to a team with more offense he can provide a lot of run support.

Pablo Sandoval (25) - Sandoval holds a .355 on base percentage over the past 3 seasons. A disappointing 2010 brings that number down, but about 20 home runs a year proves otherwise. Being a switch hitter, Sandoval can provide plenty of offense for a ball club .

Mike Stanton (22) - Micheal Stanton is a power house. He has a 162 game average of  34 home runs and a 132 OPS+. That means he ranks 32% better than the average offensive player. With the new Miami Marlins Stanton can put up some big numbers. Although his on base percentage is only .344 over 2  seasons, he can drive runs in like no tomorrow.

Evan Longoria (26) - Even though Longoria is 26 I included him in this post becuase of his incredible numbers. Averaging 28 home runs a year 105 RBI's and a .363 on base percentage, Longoria is a big part of any offense. He can be a number 3 or a number 4 hitter on any team and can play stellar defense.

Japanese Cowboy

Yu Darvish signed with the Texas Rangers last night for 6 years $60 million.This will keep the Rangers as competitors with the Angels. If he performs well, the Western divisions will be stacked with great pitching. Darvish pitched to minuscule ERA's and high number strikeouts in his seasons with Japan. Now the Japanese right hander will be pitching 6 years in Texas, lets see how he performs.

With all the big name pitchers off the market, only Edwin Jackson and Roy Oswalt remain. The western divisions will be loaded with excellent pitching.

Rangers: Davish
Angels: Weaver, Haren,Wilson, Santana
Mariners: Hernandez
Giants: Lincecum, Cain
Dodgers: Kershaw, Billingsly
Diamondbacks: Kennedy, Hudson, Cahill

Those are 13 names that can put up great numbers. Those fans on the west coast sure are lucky.
  

Lead Off Value

At the top of your lineup you want a speed demon, a guy who get on base, a guy who can turn a single into a double, and a pesky hitter who can work the pitcher's pitch count at the beginning of the game.

There is a statistic that compares a player to the players in their era. This stat is OPS+. OPS+ is a value of a player compared to the league average that year. If one year the OPS (On base percentage plus slugging percentage) was .800 A player with an OPS greater than that would have a value greater than 100. The difference between the player's OPS+ and 100 is a percent of players that they are better than. OPS+ seems to favor power hitters, but you don't want a 30 home run guy hitting lead off that can't score on a double.  My stat, Lead Off Value (LOV) determines which player would be most valuable in the lead off spot.

LOV = Lead off Value
OBP = On base percentage
P/ PA = Pitches per plate appearance
SB = Stolen bases
CS = Caught stealing
T= Time to run 90 feet

LOV = (OBP x (P/PA)(SB^2/CS)
                               T

To explain this is a bit complicated. You want a player to get on base a lot, hence why OBP would work at their advantage. You would also want them to work the pitcher, so the other players can get a good look at the pitcher, hence why P/PA would also work at a players advantage. Stolen bases will work at your advantage, but being caught stealing will work at your disadvantage. The reason why the stolen bases is to the second power is to make a point. You could have 3 steals and 1 caught stealing, and you could have 30 steals and 10 caught stealing, and the ratio would be the same. The higher the number of steals a player has will be stressed. Finally the time a player takes to go 90 feet. If that number 2 hitter comes up and hits a ball in the gap, you want your lead off guy to score, having a low time will work at your advantage, because that player will get home the fastest. The higher the LOV, the more valuable of a lead off hitter the player is. If the player has not been caught stealing, set the value to 1.

The time to run 90 feet is not a big statistic, but is valuable for this stat and in baseball. You would have to go to the park and time that player running from home to first. One of the fastest, if not the fastest guy in the MLB is Brett Gardner of the New York Yankees. In 2011 he had a .345 OBP, 4.19 P/PA, 49 SB, 13 CS, and takes an approximate of 3.5 seconds to run 90 feet. This will give him a  76.28 LOV, a really good one to say.

They Yankees should use Gardner as a lead off hitter.

PS: Let me just say Vladimir Guerrero would make a terrible lead off hitter.




         

Possible Hall of Fame Inductees in the Near Future

The 2012 Hall of Fame class consisted of one person, Barry Larkin, but in the near future some big names are coming up, with a lot of controversy.

Frank Thomas (The Big Hurt)- Thomas played 19 seasons, 16 of them with the Chicago White Sox. over those 19 seasons he posted a .301 batting average, .419 on base percentage, 521 home runs, and a .555 slugging. I think there will be some controversy, because he was convicted of steroid use in his career. This is one of the many problems of the steroid era.  All in all Thomas will get inducted within 5 years of eligibility.

Greg Maddux- Without a doubt Maddux will be inducted on his first ballot. He dominated the 1990's and 2000's pitching 23 total seasons mostly with the Braves (11 seasons) and the Cubs (10 Seasons), but pitched 2 seasons each with the Dodgers and Padres. 355 wins is a ridiculous number, I don't think we will see a player hit 350 wins for another 20 years or so if that. A lifetime 3.16 era and 3371 strikeouts. His best season was 1996 when he held a 1.63 era, 209.2 innings pitched, and 181 strikeouts with just 28 walks.

Mike Mussina (Moose) - Mussina pitched 18 seasons, 10 with the Orioles and 8 with the Yankees. He collected 270 wins, a 3.68 era, 2813 strikeouts, and 6 gold gloves. He may not make it in the first ballot, but he will absolutely make in by 2017. He is a fan favorite, getting his first 20 win season in his final season was something really magical. He was known for his durability and incredible fielding.

Roger Clemens (The Rocket) - 24 seasons, 13 with the Red Sox, 6 with the Yankees, 2 with the Blue Jays, and 3 with the Astros.  354 wins, 3.12 era, 4672 strikeouts, and 7 cy young awards will not get Clemens into the hall of fame for a long time. Until he admits that he took steroids, he will not be admitted. Once he admits it, then I will give him 10 years to get admitted, just because there is no on better to admit that year.

Barry Bonds- Bonds played 22 seasons in the MLB, 15 for the Giants and 7 for the Pirates. Being known as possibly the best hitter all time, The son off Bobby Bonds and godson of Say Hey Kid (Willie Mays) Barry posted 762 home runs (The most all time) a .444 on base percentage, a .298 batting average, .607 slugging, 1996 rbis, and 2558 walks. Barry Bonds will never get into the hall of fame. His constant denial of steroid usage will keep him out. All he would have to do is apologize and he would be admitted.

Pete Rose (Charlie Hustle) - Pete has been eligible for 21 years for hall of fame induction, but he was denied again and again, for gambling on games he took part in as a manager and a player. he has 4256 career hits. Come on Pete, just apologize. The same would go for Shoeless Joe Jackson, although he is deceased taking part in the Chicago Black Sox scandal withheld him from the Hall of Fame.

New York New York

So nice they named it twice. Last night the New York Yankees traded top prospect Jesus Montero and Hector Noesi for Micheal Pineda and Jose Campos. I am for this deal even though I would have much rather traded for the miraculous Felix Hernandez. Either way Pineda will be a definite addition to the Yankees' rotation.

Also shortly after the trade previously mentioned The Yankees signed free agent pitcher Hiroki Kuroda. Kuroda pitched for the LA Dodgers this past season posting his best season yet.  This deal was worth 1 year 10.5 million.

To get back to the trade, this trade worked well for both teams. The Yankees received a hard throwing, young, right handed starting pitcher with a lot of promise. The Seattle Mariners received the ranked 3rd best prospect in all of baseball, Jesus Montero, who had an exceptionally excellent September. The Yankees needed starting pitching and the Mariners terrible offense needed a spark. I don't think the Mariners will be contending with the Angels and Rangers, but it will be nice to see how things stack up 5 years from now.

The Yankees already have one of the best lineups in the MLB. Now their pitching ranks pretty well also. They're rotation will shape up something like this: Sabathia, Nova, Kuroda, Pineda, Garcia which is pretty strong.

Now for The Yankees, they are left over with AJ Burnett and Phil Hughes. I believe The Yankees should keep one in the bullpen and trade one. I love to watch Burnett pitch, but it is agonizing sometimes. If I was general manager Brian Cashman I would see how AJ performs in spring training and if it ins't up to par, trade him to a team for a relief pitcher.  Phil Hughes has had experience in the bullpen before and he might add some depth. A friend of mine says Phil Hughes should be sent to AAA and recreate himself and come up later in the season.

Giving up Jesus Montero wasn't too hurtful. It was nice to get a little taste of what he can do in September, but the Yankees have Austin Romine and Gary Sanchez in the minor leagues, whom are also promising. But now the Yankees have interest in free agent slugger Carlos Pena, he would bat mostly against right handed pitches, and play DH. Andrew Jones will bat DH against left handed starters. Both can play the field to give every day players a "Half day off."

This 2012 season is shaping up well for The Yankees, for the 2013 season Cole Hamels and Matt Cain will be free agents. With one year deals to Garcia and Kuroda, the Yankees may land one of them.

Relief Pitcher's Clutch

We all know those really tough situations in the ball game. Bases loaded, no outs, and the opponents slugger is at bat. Who do you want to get you out of this jam? The guy in your bullpen with the most clutch. Up to now there hasn't been a reliable statistic to measure a pitchers clutch to my knowledge. Well I have developed one. I call this statistic RPC standing for Relief Pitcher's Clutch.

If your in a tough part of a game, you want a strike out, this is what relief pitchers are inevitably known for. In this statistic strikeouts will work at a pitchers advantage. Runs and an elevated whip (walks and hits per innings pitcher) will work at the pitcher's disadvantage. In an important game where the score is close and there are runners on base, you do not want runs to score, nor do you want to add additional runners on base.

To explain why the strikeout is important. If you get a strikeout you are obviously not getting a different kind of out, ground out, fly out, pop out etc. A 'contact out' may result in a run scoring and there is always a chance of the fielder dropping it or committing an error. This is why strikeouts would work at the relief pitcher's advantage in the statistic.

Finally to reveal the statistic: RPC = (Strikeouts / Runs) / (Walks and hits per innings pitched)
                                           RPC = (K/R) / (Whip)
                                           * The higher the number the better the pitcher's clutch

Now you check the math. What if the Runs or Whip is equal to 0. In the case of Runs be 0 the RPC is infinity. In the statistic for earned run average, if a pitcher gives up a run with 0 innings pitched, his ERA would be INF.  Getting back to RPC, if a pitcher's RPC is infinity he is currently 100% clutch, because he has not allowed a run to score. If the whip is 0 the player currently doesn't qualify for the statistic, because he could have given up a run without giving up a hit. If Both Whip and Runs are 0 then the RPC is infinity.

To look at some examples. David Robertson is notorious for getting out of big jams. He has 100 strikeouts, 9 runs, and a 1.125 whip. This gives him a 9.88 RPC. among the highest for 2011, earning him the name Houdini.

Dennis Eckersley's 1990 season 73 strikeouts, 9 runs, and a 0.614 whip giving him a  13.21 RPC, one of the best all time.

Now you may say RPC is directly proportional to ERA. Not always. Tyler Clippard of the Washington Nationals, and Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees have very similar ERA's 1.83 and 1.91, respectively. That is just a 0.08 point difference, barely anything, or noticeable, but Clippard's high amount of strikeouts (104) makes him much more clutch. Clippards RPC is 6.89 and Rivera's is 5.14. Rivera gets more of his outs from contact, making him less clutch in a tough situation.

I believe that the clutch rating may be the end of the closer, because if you have bases loaded jam with none out in the 7th inning, wouldn't you want your best pitcher to be in the game then and not close the door with the bases empty, just cruising by.

Hello Hall of Fame

Barry Larkin was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame today. Remembered as one of the most consistent and best players of his time (1986-2004).

Called up to the MLB in 1986 Barry Larkin was just 22, he played a total of 2180 games all for the Cincinnati Reds. Playing shortstop he received 3 gold glove awards, received the national league MVP in 1995, nine silver slugger awards, and had a .371 OBP over his 19 seasons.

His career stats are as follows,  2340 hits over 7937 at bats, forming a .295 batting average. 198 home runs and 960 RBI's. Also speed was a big part of his game stealing 379 bases and hitting 76 triples. His on base percentage was previously mentioned at .371.

Once again Congratulations to Barry Larkin.

If Only I Was the Angles' GM.

The Angles just extended Howie Kendrick's contract. They also signed CJ Wilson and Albert Pujols. They have the best pitching rotation in the MLB with Weaver, Haren, Wilson, and Santana and the best first baseman and hitter of the past 10 years. They have it pretty good. The Angels also have Trumbo and Morales left over, what will they do with them.

If I were the Angels' general manager I would bring up a trade. This trade would involve Morales, Aybar, Chatwood, and the team's choice of $2 million or another prospect. But now the team for these players to be traded to... The Miami Marlins. Can you guess who? Hanley Ramirez.

Hanley Ramirez is an all star and capable of outstanding numbers. With the recent acquisition of Jose Reyes, the Marlins say Hanley will be moving to third base, which Ramirez is not fond of.  Perhaps a change of scenery would be nice.

The Marlins were in on Albert Pujols, but of course he went to the Angels. The Marlins aren't in on Fielder because he wont bring what Pujols would have to the Latino community. Morales has been injured for 2011 because of the incident when he hit a walk off home run and hurt his leg when celebrating. But he is healthy now and is capable of outstanding hitting. He is also of Latin origins and will bring a lot to the Latino community.

In this trade Aybar will be traded to the Marlins to replace Ramirez at third. This is a logical choice, because the Angels would no longer need a shortstop, because they have Ramirez. Also Aybar has remarkable speed, which is a big part of Marlins' offense.

Chatwood is young and could round out the rotation for the Marlins. Pitiching in the National League will maybe lower his ERA. Johnson, Burhlie,  Zambrano, Chatwood, is a pretty decent pitching rotation. The Angels don't need Chatwood. because they have the previously mentioned pitching rotation all in their prime.

Finally the Angels and Marlins will decide weather the Angels will take 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100 percent of Ramirez's contract. The choice of $2 million or a prospect will remain, but Andrew Romine will not be an option, becuase he is the back up plan if Ramirez is a fluke. Ramirez only played around 90 games in 2011 which would make some skeptical, but I believe the Marlins will take it as yet another reason to trade him.