Will some ball club please step up to the plate and give the ''Vladiator'' a place to swing the bat? Vlad Guerrero can still hit! While his stats dropped off last year, I do not believe he is anywhere near done. He played hurt last year and yet he still managed to hit .290 w/ 30 DB, 13 HR, and 63 RBI. Even given his age, [he turned 37 in feb '12] I believe that last year was an aberration. I believe that given the chance to swing a bat, he will again put up Vladdy - worthy numbers in 2012. It was only in 2010 that he hit .300 w/a .345 OBP, .496 SLG., 29 HR, 27 DB, 115 RBI, and 83 RS. He was key to the Rangers drive to the pennant & World Series. While we no longer get to enjoy his top gun arm, he is still an absolute pleasure to watch at the plate - you never know what he will swing at next, and quite possibly take it out of the park. In 2008, he took swings outside of the strike zone 45% of the time. In addition to swinging at sometimes absolutely terrible pitches and connecting, Vladdy is also know for the pine tar on his batting helmet and he does not wear batting gloves.
This 9 time All Star has won 8 Silver Slugger Awards, an MVP, and is a two time 30/30 club member. He has hit 25 home runs or better 12 times, knocked in 100 or more rbi's 10 times, and hit .300 or better 13 times. He helped lead the Angels to the AL WEST championship five times. Guerrero has always preferred to swing at anything as opposed to taking a walk, and, has been very proficient at it. And yet, he has had an on base percentage of .365 or better 11 times. His lifetime stats include: .318 BA, .379 OBP, .553 SLG., .931 OPS, 449 HR, 477 DB, 1496 RBI, 1328 RS, 181 SB, and 2590 hits.
The Vladiator is clearly a future HOF'er. More than that though, I absolutely believe that he is not done bringing it and swinging it. Will some ball club please step up to the plate and give Vladdy a place to swing the bat? ...
Until next time, so long everybody ...
Lee [ Cowboy ]
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