LA Angels all-time roster — Right Field: Tim Salmon (1992-2006)
Through what was essentially a decade of futility in the 1990s, Tim Salmon established himself as one of the best players on the Los Angeles Angels. He spent his entire career with the Halos, with his World Series ring in 2002 the ultimate reward for his dedication.
Salmon was a top prospect during his time in the minors, and carried that success over when reaching the Majors. He won the Rookie of the Year award in in 1993, producing a .283/.382/.536 batting line with 31 home runs and 35 doubles. Two years later, when he hit at a .330/.429/.594 rate with 35 home runs in his best season, he finished seventh in the MVP ballot and won his only Silver Slugger award.
Despite never making the All-Star Game, there was no denying what Salmon brought to the Angels when healthy. He was a cornerstone player, a middle-of-the-order bat who provided the Angels with excellent power until he was slowed by injuries. Yet, he was able to hold on and be a key part of the Angels’ run to the World Series.
Defensively, Salmon was an excellent offensive player. While he played in right field, he was decidedly below average with the glove, with a -139.9 DEF score. He cost the Angels a total of 38 runs in right before eventually being shifted to their designated hitter. Salmon did, however, have a solid enough arm, accumulating 100 career assists and turning 23 double plays.
Another player whose career did not turn out as expected due to injuries, Tim Salmon was still a key part of the Angels resurgence, developing into one of their stars in the 1990s. In fact, given the relative lack of accolades during his career, he may have been one of the more underrated players during his time.
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