Angels' fans will forever remember McPherson as being the reason the organization gave up on Troy Glaus and allowed his guaranteed 35 HR/100 RBI/.360 OBP/.520 slugging production to walk to free agency.
Hindsight is 20/20, but it was a huge mistake given up on proven production for unproven minor league talent. Obviously, McPherson has never panned out, battling injuries in 2005 and 2006, culminating in a completely lost 2007 season due to injuries.
In a limited number of at-bats (360 at-bats), McPherson showed his power potential, hitting 18 home runs despite the injuries. He also showed a propensity for the strikeout (121 in less than 400 plate appearances), and a lack of plate discipline (only 23 walks).
I simply can't believe that the Angels non-tendered him now, considering they refused to acquire Miguel Cabrera and have no legitimate third base option right now. At the very least, they could have invited McPherson to spring training to see if he had anything left. He said last week that he is fully healed and ready to go, so it seems the perfect chance to give him at least a spring training invitation.
Now, the Angels seemed primed to give Chone Figgins the 3rd base job. I'm still under the impression that Figgins best position is super-sub, but with the new found outfield depth the Angels have, Figgins has no place to play out there. He is now relegated to infield options and DH.
I think it's time the Angels hand Morgan Ensberg a contract and invite him to spring training. He's not a great option, but he's a patient, powerful hitter that may catch lightning. If he doesn't work out, the Angels can cut him and be no worse off for it.
If Ensberg is able to recapture his form, he is at worst a .270/.370 OBP/.480 slugging line waiting to happen, with an upside that is much greater than that. He has slugged 36 HR in a season before, and even though he'd be moving away from the hitter friendly Minute Maid Park, he could definitely hit 25 HR with nice peripheral stats.
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