Should The Angels Get Mike Piazza?

Mike Piazza of the Oakland A's cleared waivers this week meaning the Angels could trade for him before the August 15th deadline. With Jose Molina gone and Mike Napoli hurt, the lack of major league catching depth has become apparent for the Angels. But does this mean that they should target Piazza?

My answer is yes, but don't expect too much out of Piazza. He's 10 years removed from his best season when he hit .362 with 40 hr and 124 rbi. And he's never been known for his defense. However, experience carries a value and the Angels are in a pennant race and that experience could make a difference.

His power seems to be gone - he has hit only 3 home runs this year in 178 at-bats. That's 1 hr every 59 at-bats. Numbers that are eerily similar to Shea Hillenbrand's power numbers this year - 3 hr in 197 ab. And we all know how effective Shea was.

However, all three of Piazza's home runs have come against the Angels. Stranger yet, they have all come at Angel Stadium in just 30 at-bats.

So if Piazza comes to the Angels will we get the 1 hr every 60 at-bats of Piazza 2007 or will we get the 1 hr every 10 at-bats at Angel Stadium Piazza?

Whatever his power output would be, Piazza would be an upgrade over Jeff Mathis or Ryan Budde based on experience alone. That's why I'd like to see him on our bench come September.

Strange Drop Off In Power
At-Bats Per Home Run

2007 59 ab/hr
2006 18 ab/hr
2005 20 ab/hr
2004 22 ab/hr
2003 21 ab/hr
2002 14 ab/hr
2001 14 ab/hr
2000 12 ab/hr
1999 13 ab/hr
1998 17 ab/hr
1997 13 ab/hr
1996 15 ab/hr
1995 13 ab/hr
1994 16 ab/hr
1993 15 ab/hr
1992 69 ab/hr