The acquisition of Brendan Ryan adds clubhouse presence and depth at shortstop

When the Los Angeles Angels traded for Washington Nationals shortstop Brendan Ryan on Tuesday, they got a very gifted defensive shortstop to help lessen the blow of losing MLB’s top defender (based on runs saved) Andrelton Simmons who was lot for at least two months with a torn ligament in his thumb. The Angels acquired Ryan for a player to be named later and cash.

What might be even more important for the Angels is Brendan Ryan’s clubhouse presence.  He is known for having a great sense of humor and a positive mental attitude.  Ryan has a career .234 batting average and .294 on-base percentage.  Ryan has played in the majors for 10 seasons with St. Louis, Seattle, as well as the New York Yankees.

Ryan is slated to split time with Cliff Pennington at shortstop.  He will also give Johnny Giavotella a break every once in a while at second base. Ryan’s was a part of the St. Louis Cardinals during multiple championship season, but only saw post-season action in the 2009 NLDS Series going 1 for 12 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Ryan’s best season was in 2009 where he batted a career high .292 with three home runs and 37 RBI’s and he stole 14 bases with a .400 OBP.  In 2012 while with the Seattle Mariners Ryan won the team defensive player of the year award.  Ryan sports a .976 career fielding percentage with 84 errors in 3,526 total chances and he has helped turn 516 double plays.  He has played 707 games at shortstop, 104 at second base, and 45 at first base.

While Ryan may not be an all-star his presence on the Angels team will be valuable both on and off the field.  The acquisition of both Brendan Ryan and pitcher Jhoulys Chacin are very shrewd quickly executed moves that could end up paying big dividends by the end of the season. One can only hope so as the Angels are in need of a ray of hope right now.