His aggressiveness at the plate and free-swinging abilities have earned him the title “Bad Vlad.” Plain and simple, Vladimir Guerrero is an amazing baseball player. When Guerrero played in Anaheim, he had an overwhelming fan base, and it is easy to see why.
In his first season with the Los Angeles Angels, Guerrero led the club in many offensive categories, including 124 runs, 13 outfield assists, 366 total bases and a season-ending batting average of .337. He continued his offensive dominance in September, earning American League Player of the Month after batting .371 with 24 runs scored, six doubles, one triple, 10 HR and 23 RBI. In the final seven remaining games of the 2004 season, Guerrero’s 10 runs, six HR and 11 RBI ultimately made the Angels’ ball club American League West Division Champions. Following their 2002 World Series win, the Angels went on to earn four additional AL West Division Titles: 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
In the 2009/2010 offseason, Arte Moreno and Tony Reagins decided not to bring Guerrero back for an additional year. Instead, on January 11, 2010, Vlad signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the Texas Rangers and wound up being largely responsible for the organization’s successful win of the AL West Division Title, and the first pennant in Rangers history.
Statistics and figures aside, Guerrero was, beyond a doubt, a fan favorite in Anaheim. After winning the 2002 World Series, the Angels automatically gained popularity and respect from their fans, but Guerrero brought extra excitement. As a power hitter, with virtually no strike zone, he aroused Angel fans, and baseball fans in general.
Due to Guerrero’s ongoing struggle with arthritic knees, this might very well be his last year in the majors. What a shame it would be for such a respected player to end his career as a “free agent.” Although the Baltimore Orioles have made him an offer, Guerrero’s fate as a major league baseball player is still up in the air. At this point, I’m not giving up hope!! Come on Arte Moreno, sign him! Make this die-hard Angel fan’s year and bring back Anaheim’s no strike zone king!!
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