Gary Matthews Jr., OF, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

June 8, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Aaron Adams
Edited by Ryan Dodson

When the Los Angeles Angels signed outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. this offseason to a lucrative five-year, $50 million contract, it was difficult for the Angels to keep the critics at bay. While Matthews may have been an All-Star the year before and no doubt a defensive upgrade, it was difficult for many to believe that he could sustain his offensive success and be the consistent hitter the Angels sorely needed behind All-Star outfielder Vladimir Guerrero.

While the Angels were in need of a center fielder capable of covering ground, their offensive inconsistencies kept them from the playoffs for the first time in three years. Manager Mike Scioscia felt Matthews brought them an edge that would give them the push needed, while offensive numbers replicating last season would only be a bonus. 

Table: Gary Matthews Jr., OF, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Year	Team	AB	R	RBI	HR	SB	AVG
2004	Texas	280	37	36	11	5	.275
2005	Texas	475	72	55	17	9	.255
2006	Texas	620	102	79	19	10	.313
2007	Texas	226	37	38	8	9	.292

Many wrote off Matthews as a one-year wonder and his moving from Ameriquest Field a hitters' park, to Angel Stadium a pitchers' park, it seemed Matthews was likely for a big drop-off in production. But so far this season Matthews has continued where he left off last year, on pace for yet another career year.

The move to a new stadium has paid tremendous dividends for Matthews as he currently boasts a home line of: .336 average, five homers, 22 runs, 26 RBI and eight steals.

Fantasy Impact

So far this season Matthews is on pace to top his career year of 2006, making him one of the best draft day values so far as he was drafted in the mid-to-later rounds. He currently is on pace to top 20 home runs for the first time in his career as well as 100 RBI, which would also be a career first. 

Mike Scioscia’s National League style of management has also helped to further tap into Matthews’ potential as Scioscia likes to run, the Angels led the majors in stolen bases and attempts in 2006 with five Angels logging 20-plus attempts. Matthews has the speed and should get the opportunity to reach 20 steals for another career first, making him even more valuable. 

Hitting fourth behind hot-hitting shortstop Orlando Cabrera, and a constantly hot Guerrero, Matthews will continue to be a valuable player. If he can continue to maintain an average near .300 we should see his numbers improve even more as third baseman Chone Figgins who currently is struggling, usually thrives after the All-Star break. Matthews should also enjoy better production behind him as well with the return of starting outfielder Garret Anderson and second baseman Howie Kendrick.

Matthews should be a very valuable player for the remainder of the season as the Angels lineup should peak sometime after the All-Star break making him a solid No. 2 or No. 3 outfielder in all but the shallowest of formats. Matthews could still be pried from a skeptical owner, and he should only be moved if receiving top dollar.

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Aaron Adams
Aaron has been with KFFL since 2007.

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