Angel Pagan

by coral on Mar 5, 2008 9:35 AM CST

I was really sorry to see the Cubs let this guy go. I'm not as savvy as others are here, but this guy had a lot of heart. I hope he doesn't turn into 'one who got away'. He's hitting .423 with the Mets. Here's a nice story in the NYtimes:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/sports/baseball/05mets.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&ref=baseball& amp;pagewanted=print&oref=slogin

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Its the first week of spring training.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 5, 2008 9:47 AM CST reply actions

You're right

the numbers don't mean much...which is why I think people in today's game thread were jumping the gun on Felix Pie. He went 0-4...big deal? People just aren't patient enough!!!

They're not booing, they're saying FUUUUUUUUUUUKE!

by Hugest Canadian Cubs Fan on Mar 5, 2008 8:53 PM CST up reply actions

I was also sorry to see Pagan go...

but his average in spring training means nothing. I thought he could have filled the 5th OF role nicely and cheaply. That said, Sam Fuld is probably pretty close to Pagan in value, and the Cubs must have decided they'd rather go with Fuld. I believe Pagan is out of options, so the Cubs may have preferred the flexibility that Fuld gives them (since he can go down to Iowa if needed).

by mportsch on Mar 5, 2008 9:54 AM CST reply actions

I can safely say

don't worry about it. Pagan is an average OF'er. He's got a little pop and speed but will never hit for a high average. He's a 4th outfielder at best. He'll be 26 this season and his minor league line is .280/.337/.373.

Don't forget that the Cubs got him from the Mets after they had him for 6 years and didn't see enough to keep him in the first place. Maybe he'll take the Endy Chavez spot for the Mets.

by rlpete on Mar 5, 2008 10:00 AM CST reply actions

We saw enough of him

Fourth outfielder at best. His speed is not valuable since he has little fielding or base-running acumen. In reality not a switch hitter (.269 OBP vs. Lefties in '07). I'm not GLAD to see him go but we saw enough of him to know he won't really amount to that much.

by morgane on Mar 5, 2008 10:04 AM CST reply actions

Chances are

He won't even make the 25 man roster...with Church I think getting hurt that could change but on Mets broadcasts they are saying he probably will spent the majority of his time in AAA.

by ak123 on Mar 5, 2008 10:06 AM CST reply actions

What I don't understand...

...is why the Cubs got rid of him, considering that what they're now trying to acquire via trade is a versatile, athletic outfielder that can play all three positions.

by John Q Freejazz on Mar 5, 2008 10:12 AM CST reply actions

Well

from my understanding what the Cubs need is a right-handed hitting OF that could start if a CF platoon is necessary. Angel Pagan could not fill that roll adequately.

by morgane on Mar 5, 2008 10:23 AM CST up reply actions

As mentioned above

He really isn't a switch hitter. His lifetime vs LH numbers are .219/.280/.406. Occasionally he'll hit a HR but he's not very good versus lefties. Definitely not someone to consider in a platoon.

by rlpete on Mar 5, 2008 11:13 AM CST up reply actions

I can't help but notice that...

...the article doesn't mention Pagan's colitis, which, I believe, could flare up again at any time. I wish Angel the best; I always thought he seemed like a hard-working player and decent-to-good fourth outfielder. But, IIRC, his medical condition played into the Cubs decision to let him go.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Mar 5, 2008 10:15 AM CST reply actions

Holy Moises, Batman...

Angel's chances of making the Mets roster just improved...

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring2008/news/story?id=3278800

Mets' Alou to miss Opening Day after hernia surgery

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets left fielder Moises Alou will have surgery for a hernia and miss the start of the season. The oft-injured Alou left spring training camp Wednesday and was sent back to New York for tests on his sore right groin. He is scheduled to have the surgery on Thursday. Alou is expected to resume baseball activities in four to six weeks, making it likely he'll be sidelined for at least most of April.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Mar 5, 2008 8:45 PM CST reply actions