But there are days when analytics make you shake your head, and Monday was one of those days for the Angels. According to Fangraphs, Albert Pujols entered play Monday as the least valuable position player in the American League, at least among the 87 qualifiers for the batting title. “We don’t attach that statement to Albert Pujols,” general manager Billy Eppler said. “That is definitely not something we believe.”Fangraphs rated Pujols at -1.0 WAR (wins above replacement), essentially arguing a generic minor league callup would be more valuable to the Angels. But to say, as Fangraphs does, that backup catchers Juan Graterol and Carlos Perez each has been more valuable to the Angels this season than Pujols, well, the Angels aren’t buying that.

Source: Los Angeles Times June 27, 2017 04:38 UTC