Vlad hits homers, not cops (Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE)

Vladimir Guerrero is still looking for a team to play for in 2012. And trouble. He found the latter a few nights ago at a Dominican discotheque. Early allegations had “Roadhouse” Guerrero attacking and injuring a police officer after a brawl erupted at the the disco. Or as I like to call it, Beatdown le Biblioteque 12 (which roughly translated, I think, means 12 smashed bookcases). The 6’3, 235 pound slugger, affectionately nicknamed Vlad the Impaler, surrendered himself Tuesday morning but maintained his innocence…

”At no time did I attack anyone, nor was I fleeing,” Guerrero told The Associated Press. ”I presented myself at the jail last night after the complaint from the disco, and this morning first thing I went to the police that are handling the case.”

If his last few seasons were any indication, Vladdy probably did a whole lot of swinging and missing during the fight. But there’s good news, after all. Guerrero won’t be charged and will get to do something the free swinger didn’t do much of in his career. Walk. Was that as good for you as it was for me? The entire post was set up for that one lame joke. You’re welcome.

And yes, I know Guerrero had 757 career walks but 250 of them were intentional. The 250 IBB are the fifth most in baseball but well short of Barry Bonds and his ridiculous 688. Guerrero has had an amazing career that should be Hall of Fame worthy. If the 449 homers and .318/.379/.553 career slash line aren’t enough, Guerrero has the fourth most seasons of 25+ home runs while hitting over .300 with 12. He’s behind Ted Williams, Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron. Guerrero did it in 11 consecutive season too, which is tied with Lou Gehrig for bragging rights.

I should note that with enough time on Baseball-Reference’s Play Index, I can make a Hall of Fame case for anybody. But I do think Vlad belongs.

It’s Hall of Fame time for the baseball world. I submitted my 2012 ballot for FanSided but it’s always fun to look at the future. Vladimir Guerrero was one of my favorite players before he joined the Angels in 2004 and won his only MVP. While he might hang around another year or so, let’s pretend Vlad retired today. Is he a Hall of Famer? Would you vote for him?

I know I would. If you’re on the fence, take a look at some of his statistical company. You might recognize some of these names from baseball lore… (more…)

(Photo Credit: Boston.com)

MLBTR is reporting that the Angels are interested in free agent “ex slugger” and Scott Boras client Manny Ramirez

The Hangout View: Signing Manny at this point of his career really doesn’t make much sense. While he is still a patient  hitter (.412 OBP. last year), his power has dropped dramatically the past few seasons, bottoming out at just 9 home runs last year. Signing Vlad who is already a fan favorite and is coming off a really good season is the better move. This news and list of teams is likely just typical Scott Boras shenanigans. Of the five teams listed (Angels, Twins, Rangers, Rays and Blue Jays) I’d bet only one or two really are and that neither of those two is the Angels.