Vernon Wells Predictions (2011)

[Crash Davis]

Just wondering what people believe Wells will do in 2011, especially Angels fans.

Things to consider:

Hit poorly away from Rogers Centre last season
Hasnt done well in L.A. over his career (bigger ballpark also)
Has only had 3 seasons of great numbers
Will no longer be in CF (most of the time)

Joining a contender with a push to make the post season (in 06 was the only time the Jays were going all out for the playoffs and Wells had a great year)
Will be closer to his home in Texas
Will be in a more balanced line up including "small ball" style of play for the first time in his career
Will play in front of ALOT more sold out crowds

Prediction:
AVG. 290
HR 24
RBI 88
SB 28
RUNS 105

Use whatever statistical numbers you wish.

I think he will flourish in many ways, the excitment will help him and soscia as well. HR will drop due to the ball park but doubles will increase signifigantly, as well as stolen bases RBI's depend where he'll be in the line up.

[snepp]

Re: Vernon Wells Predictions (2011)

He's 31, hasn't stolen more than 17 bases in a single season, and has only hit double digits 3 times (17, 17, and 10). I would be shocked if he isn't in single digits yet again.

[Majingir]

Re: Vernon Wells Predictions (2011)

I also see him around the 20HR, 80 rbi mark hitting in the high .200s

He did hit great at home in Toronto,but he did horrible against Yankees,Red Sox and Rays(23 games combined at all 3 of those places and he hit below .200), so getting out of the tough AL East would do him good. So while he did hit great in Toronto, it doesn't mean he hit good there cause of the ballpark, maybe he's just a good home hitter. So facing A's,Rangers and Mariners instead of Yankees,Red Sox and Rays could be better for him.

Youreally think he'll get 28 stolen bases? His career high is 17 during a season in which the Jays had one of the best stolen bases %.

[bkrich83]

Re: Vernon Wells Predictions (2011)

He's 31, hasn't stolen more than 17 bases in a single season, and has only hit double digits 3 times (17, 17, and 10). I would be shocked if he isn't in single digits yet again.

I think 12-15 steals is feasible. In the past, the Angels have been pretty agressive on the bases. Although that seems to have changed over the last year.

Me personally I am skeptical of how well he will play but am hoping for the best.

[theaub]

Re: Vernon Wells Predictions (2011)

.270/.325/.465, 22 HR, 10 SB

[Crash Davis]

Re: Vernon Wells Predictions (2011)

He's 31, hasn't stolen more than 17 bases in a single season, and has only hit double digits 3 times (17, 17, and 10). I would be shocked if he isn't in single digits yet again.

Very true but look at the tards who were coaching him Cito who's primary Focus was hitting and Gibbons dont get me started on him.
In LA he should have the green light, offseason work out the last month hes been purposely focusing on his legs (john Ferrell told him he would be running more) 28 might be a big leap, however he will swipe more bags than usual especially not hitting as many bombs anymore

[theaub]

Re: Vernon Wells Predictions (2011)

Yeah damn that Jays management for not having a guy who has wonky hamstrings and took up 25% of the team's payroll steal constantly.

And with both Cito and Gibbons there Rios stole 32 in '08, while Wells stole 4. There's a reason for that.

[snepp]

Re: Vernon Wells Predictions (2011)

Very true but look at the tards who were coaching him Cito who's primary Focus was hitting and Gibbons dont get me started on him.
In LA he should have the green light, offseason work out the last month hes been purposely focusing on his legs (john Ferrell told him he would be running more) 28 might be a big leap, however he will swipe more bags than usual especially not hitting as many bombs anymore

Sounds like a typical off-season puff piece. Stories like this (in various forms) come out every year, and every year nothing changes once the season rolls around. 31-year-olds that have lost a step (or two) aren't given green lights, it just doesn't happen. I don't see a ton of running to be a realistic expectation for him. I think BK's 12-15 estimate is a reasonable ceiling.

[theaub]

Re: Vernon Wells Predictions (2011)

I think Vernon writes that piece himself at this point I've seen it so many times...if they were true he'd be Rickey Henderson by now.

[DrJones]

Re: Vernon Wells Predictions (2011)

Just wondering what people believe Wells will do in 2011, especially Angels fans.

Things to consider:

Hit poorly away from Rogers Centre last season
Hasnt done well in L.A. over his career (bigger ballpark also)
Has only had 3 seasons of great numbers

Don't forget "Was the worst RH hitter against LH pitching in MLB in both 2009 and 2010."

Will no longer be in CF (most of the time)

Why is this a negative? I have little doubt Wells is going to improve the Angels' LF defence.

[Dog]

Re: Vernon Wells Predictions (2011)

Tweaks an oblique on the first swing he takes in spring training and never plays baseball again.

Spoiler

No, I don't predict nor want that