The LA Angels should go after Justin Turner to bolster line-up
I know most LA Angels fans are excited that the Angels made a move to bolster their infield by picking up Danny Espinosa from the Washington Nationals over the weekend. However, I think the team needs one more bat like Justin Turner.
Now I know u may say the LA Angels already have a third baseman in Yunel Escobar who did very well last season. It’s true Escobar was excellent batting .304 with 5 homers and 39 RBI’s and he also had a good on-base-percentage of .355 as well, but… Escobar is in the last year of his contract and is a subpar defender who sometimes has mental lapses, and he has shown almost no power.
So my proposal is to sign local boy Justin Turner, a Cal. State Fullerton product, and trade Escobar for some pitching. Turner is two years younger, a better fielder and has some pop in his bat. Not to mention Turner is a leader and has a knack for coming through in the clutch which are all areas the Angels could use help in.
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Turner batted .275 with 27 homers and 90 RBI’s last season in the Dodgers magical run to the NLCS. He also had a strong .972 fielding percentage and had an OBP of .339. Turner also can play second base and 1B if necessary
It will cost some more money for sure to get Turner, which the Angels have not been in a hurry to spend this off-season, but he won’t break the bank. But just imagine the Angels line-up with Turner. Maybin, Calhoun, Trout, Pujols (when he gets back from injury), Cron, Turner, Simmons, and Espinosa. That looks pretty strong.
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With that line-up too the Angels will have an upgraded defense and then could afford to play a defensive catcher like Gold Glove Finalist Carlos Perez or up and coming Jett Bandy. I truly believe if the pitching staff stays healthy, and the bullpen falls into place with Bailey, a healthy Bedrosian and Street anchoring down the late innings, the Angels could make a run for the division and even further.
Turner seems to be getting closer to re-signing with the Dodgers so the time to make a run for him is now. It is known that Turner would love to stay in Southern California so the Angels would be a very desirable landing place if the Dodgers don’t get him. Turner could be the difference in the team struggling to finish .500 or making a deep playoff run.
It’s your move Mr. Eppler and Mr. Moreno. Make it a good one and give the Angels fans what they deserve, a winning team!!!
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