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Smith: Aybar is a fearless leader who brings energy and fun to the AngelsLittle red spark plug

ANAHEIM – Sometimes we forget about the mighty and mite-y guy who’s back hitting big in the middle of the lineup, patrolling the middle of the infield and cracking jokes from his locker in the middle of the clubhouse.

On a team better known for more sizable and more powerful attractions such as Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, the Rally Monkey and Saturday night fireworks, Erick Aybar has been the Angels’ most enduring centerpiece.

Other players are older, more decorated, beloved, famous and, yes, verbal and more able to control their own self-promotional narratives.