LA Angels Wednesday News Crash: Sitting Simba

Good morning Angels fans! Have some links.

Angels News

The Angels faced the Padres last night. They won somehow. I blame Stassi. Still need to win out and hope for a miracle to make the playoffs.

Simba has opted out for the rest of the season. Officially it is personal matters, but with how close he is to free agency, his injury luck, and how the Angels will not make the playoffs, it makes financial sense.

With 5 games left

In case you missed it, Rev Halofan has written about Simba’s Angel legacy. I will be honest, if he doesn’t come back, I will miss him.

Speculation of Billy Eppler leaving has ramped up. His replacement has been speculated to be Dave Dombrowski. Whoever it is, they will have to deal with Arte Moreno as an owner, and insiders have come out to say that the Angels GM job isn’t good.

Around Baseball

It is clinching time, as the postseason spots are being officially nabbed. The A’s, Dodgers, Padres, Cubs, Yankees, Braves, White Sox, Twins, Rays, and Cleveland are already in. The Astros are close to claiming one, which doesn’t sit too well with Baseball fans.

The 2021 Draft order is not official but it seems to just take 2020 standings into account. Top 10 pick for the Angels is secured!

A Pirates Prospect has been arrested for allegedly killing 3 people in the Dominican Republic while drunk driving. Seriously people, DO NOT drink before or during driving.

An Astros pitcher drilled Mariners Dylan Moore in the head. It is the second time he got hit in the head the last 7 days.

MLB Players are voting on Players choice Awards. Maybe Mike Trout can win this one.

Quality of Pitch Baseball is attempting to patent their statistic. It is not going over well with the baseball community as $the Athletic explains$.

Anything I missed? Post below for upvotes!

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2002heaven
Trusted Member
3 years ago

comment image
Arte……..On signing Trevor Bauer or Hyun-jin Ryu last December for that matter! 😣 
Pitcherz suck!!!

Last edited 3 years ago by 2002heaven
Nick_LA96
Member
3 years ago

I love the idea of signing Bauer, especially if he is considering longer term deals. But if he prices himself too high then I’d say let’s pivot to Stroman or Gausman like others have mentioned, they have solid track records despite their teams (though Stroman and the Jays did have success) they could be cheaper options, so holding hope they don’t ask for some astronomical amount. Also hoping we don’t have to pivot to those who are 33+ As we haven’t had the best luck with those guys lately.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
3 years ago

The smart thing to do is let Simba hit free agency. Fletcher’s versatility puts the Angels in a great spot to control the market.

If Fletcher is to play second base, Marcus Semien and Didi Gregorious are both ahead of Simba in the free agent pecking order. Not many contenders are looking for shortstop help this year and the following off season is the best shortstop class in MLB history. Simba’s market is extremely limited.

If Fletcher is to play shortstop, Cesar Hernandez, Kolten Wong (probably), or Jonathan Schoop are all available. DJ Lamehieu likely paces that market but any of the other three will give us solid production from a player younger than Simba.

A smart GM would let this market play out a bit. Focus on pitching then grab the piece with the right price.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Not a bad plan…. it is a chance to live the dream circa what? 2016? and get Cesar Hernandez on our team.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
3 years ago

Exactly. Good OBP, meh glove, cheap. Wong is the other way around, meh bat good glove. Schoop is meh all the way around.

A middle infield of Fletcher/Simba or Fletcher/Wong is pretty similar but Wong is 2.5 years younger.

Greatjake
Member
3 years ago

I wonder how a vocal player like Bauer would mesh with the current clubhouse. I personally think his type of personality would be beneficial to the team as we seem to lack any form of an assertive presence. Our stars are known low-key guys so maybe a Bauer would be the perfect spice to make the soup. Everything I’ve read from him suggests he wouldn’t be interested in Anaheim but there’s always a chance

Nick_LA96
Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Greatjake

I agree, especially on him not being interested. We have been wanting long-term pitching and him wanting one year deals makes it a very tough match.

Gorbachav5
Trusted Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Nick_LA96

I don’t have any problem signing him to a one-year deal. If he were a younger position player, that’s probably a bad deal for the Angels. But a pitcher entering his 30’s? Bauer is doing teams a favor. The Angels get to severely mitigate the risk while getting him for what should be the best year remaining of his career. If Bauer likes it in Anaheim, he’ll sign another one year deal. If he doesn’t, he leaves. I think the only issue with this is draft pick compensation if Bauer gets offered a QO, which he will. But otherwise, sign me up for one year deals for pitchers.

JackFrost
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Gorbachav5

Totally agree Gorbachav. The one year deal is good for us. You don’t end up footing a huge multi-year bill if he gets injured etc..Plus, we are in “win now” mode so focusing on the present (instead of three or four years ahead) works well for us. We need to be focused on putting together a roster that can compete for a championship in 2021.

Bauer would get us close to that place.

Last edited 3 years ago by JackFrost
Greatjake
Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Nick_LA96

He’s recently walked those statements back a tad. He now says:
“I want to win. I want to be with a team that has a winning culture. I want to be there in the playoffs. I want a chance at a World Series. That’s one thing that really drives me. I want a chance to pitch every fourth day instead of every fifth. That really drives me. Going along with that: how’s the medical staff? How’s the technology — the information that’s available on the coaching staff? What’s the culture of the organization like?”

And:
“Again, I think it comes back to I just want a chance to win every year. I want to be in a situation where I feel valued and I have the chance to conduct my career the way I want to conduct it. So, pitch every fourth day, and stuff like that. I want to challenge myself and have a chance to do those things. So if there’s a situation where it presents itself where it is a four-year or five-year deal, and I feel confident that’s going to be a situation that’s good for me, I would consider it. I do think that in order to do the things that I want to do, I think I’m going to have to take on a little more risk than normal in those long-term contracts. …I’m not afraid of the one-year deals. I’m not afraid of the longer deals. It’s just going to be a case-by-case basis, and we’ll see what the situations look like.”

Nick_LA96
Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Greatjake

Okay that makes sense, I did not see those statements, but with the word that’s come out from Moreno I don’t really see him coming here. I mean maybe they were taken the wrong way, but the articles do make it seem like he doesn’t have a plan so I’m hoping we find a GM who does and talks him down from playing a big role.

Fansince1971
Legend
3 years ago

The Simba thing is just wierd. Why would you do that just before you become a free agent? There must be more to the story. It’s counterintuitive. I’ll just say goodbye and let it go.

The Moreno LA Times piece confirms what many of us have been saying. His failure to commit to a rebuild or winning has landed the team squarely in the middle of the pack – from which it is exceedingly difficult to emerge. I’ll go on record that I am not a Dombrowski fan. However the piece does suggest that Dumbo has some gravitas which could cause Arte to give him more leeway/freedom. I am not sure on that – and really am frustrated by the part of the article that cites to lack of investment in baseball operations. If I’m Dombrowski, I make increasing the investment in player development a condition of hire – which may cause Arte to look for another GM he can control.

h27kim
Trusted Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Dombrowski’s record in the past is decidedly mixed (although he did build contenders in FL, Det, and Bos, albeit with much deserved controversy) and I don’t know what to think of the prospect, BUT if he can get Arte to stop messing with baseball operations, that’d be a huge win no matter what he does. Arte and his gang worship famous ppl, whether they are over the hill or not, thus the presence of ppl like LaRussa. Dombrowski is, fwiw, a famous person and Arte and the gang will bend (and, indeed, Dombrowski will insist on it if he does wind up in charge.)

Gorbachav5
Trusted Member
3 years ago
Reply to  h27kim

I’m not necessarily for or against Dombrowski specifically, but what you mention is the key. Whomever the Angels hire NEEDS to be a guy who can tell Arte that, above all else, he’s got to spend money on scouting, player development, and analytics. Is Dombrowski that guy? He would seem to carry the weight of experience required to tell Arte that he’s got to open the checkbook for more than just the on-field personnel, but is that something Dombrowski values? I honestly don’t know.

If all you care about is on-field results, then this is the strongest argument for noted pile of dung Jeff Luhnow. Question his tactics all you want (and I will), but the guy built an absolute machine of an organization in all three areas in which the Angels desperately need to improve. As I said yesterday, I want no part of him, regardless of his talents. But that’s the type of guy the Angels need – a guy who can be the architect of an entire baseball franchise. Just without the assholery.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Gorbachav5

Here’s a random idea, not sure it’s a good option, but it’s an option.

What do you think about Neil Huntington, ex-Pirates GM? As a semi-Pirates fan, I know he gets shit on a lot, but it’s mostly for trades he was forced to make because, unlike Arte, Bob Nutting truly is a cheep and crappy owner. The Pirates recent push to try to be post season regulars really ate them alive once the bills came due and the trades got even worse.

Still, I am curious. He built a winner with 1/3 the budget we have. He drafted fairly well, created a really good Latin American scouting program and built a good farm that he was then forced to burn down. What would he have been able to do with the ability to sign some needed players and keep the stars they develop? I’m not sure he’s all that good, but he may be a better choice than Dumbo if we really value a farm system, data and scouting.

2002heaven
Trusted Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Gorbachav5

analytiks & saybermetriks……LMFAO!!!! 😆 
Ide hire Jeff Luhnow two minutes after he comes off suspension!!!

JackFrost
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  h27kim

The key point you make here is that DD or anybody else who takes the GM job will have to be respected enough by Arte that he won’t meddle. In short, Arte will need to let the GM do his job. Of course Arte will lay down certain parameters, but after that he should stay out. That may be hard for Mr. “Big Splash” billboard magnate Moreno to do, but that is what is best. You are right on with that h27.

Obviously with Reagins and Dipo that was not the case, and we see where it got us. It seems that Billy did not have a lot of freedom either , however, he did not have a winning track record ( actually none at all) as a GM as Dombrowski would have if he comes on board.

The bringing in of Maddon and the rumors of a DD hire allow me to hold out hope that Arte just might be prepared to take a step back and let the baseball guys lead, even if he won’t completely be an uninvolved owner, which I don’t think he’ll ever be. It is not in his nature.

Last edited 3 years ago by JackFrost
h27kim
Trusted Member
3 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

He let Stoneman do his thing. Of course, Stoneman had the necessary gravitas bc of 2002. I don’t think we are ready for a young, forward thinking GM/pres of baseball operations, if only bc Arte won’t respect a young person. Dombrowski may be a step backwards (in that he’s a bit outdated, to say the least), but if he can keep Arte out of baseball operations, I’ll take it.

ChillRIL
Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

The article is revealing. Arte is, after all these years, a rank amateur who overvalues his own acumen. He overpays for faded veterans while starving the development budget. He’s “star driven,” while the Dodgers are “process driven.” The source talks about how excited the Angels are about Adell, but that a normally functioning club should have a new Adell every year. Until Arte hires a real boss to replace himself, a president of baseball operations, this team will never win–not without winning the lottery type of luck. Pretty sad.

Fansince1971
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  ChillRIL

I agree. A good manager knows how to get out of the way. Arte thinks he knows baseball because he has money. It’s a phenomenon we see in our society – people with fane and assets are presumed to know more and are viewed to have a more relevant opinion than others. Arte really believes he knows baseball (and that guys like Carpino know baseball) when all they really know is business. It’s different disciplines but try to tell Arte that.

Last edited 3 years ago by Fansince1971
BruinsAngelsKings
Trusted Member
3 years ago
Reply to  ChillRIL

All I’ve got to say about the dodgers is…fuck the dodgers. We get one a month, right?

JackFrost
Super Member
3 years ago

Ha ha. Love it!

ihearhowie3.0
Super Member
3 years ago

The weird timing of the opt out makes me think Simba has another ankle issue and felt opting out for “family reasons” was better than going on the IL or revealing *another* injury right before he becomes a free agent.

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend

The perfect end to the perfect season. Ugh.

That was Simba’s “goodbye” to the franchise and fans. The CBA gave him the right to opt out, I don’t fault him at all for using the option.

Canning did look good last night and hopefully this will continue forward into 2021. As for Ward, Walsh, Barria – my hopes are much lower given the small sample size. Stassi might have figured something out after 500+ MLB ABs. Bundy is a #4.

If When Dumbo is hired as the GM, I’d expect Ohtani to be one of the first players to be dealt. The next GM will have a lot to do and not much talent to do it with. Thanks Arte.

Commander_Nate
Member
Trusted Member
3 years ago

YOU GUYS, WE TRIED A SQUEEZE AND IT WORKED!1!!! HOLY SHIT, THIS IS AMAZING.

H.T. Ennis
Admin
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Commander_Nate

WHAT ABOUT THE CONTACT PLAY

DowningDude
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  H.T. Ennis

THAY BRAUWT TEH DH TO THE NLLLLLLLL!

Warfarin
Trusted Member
3 years ago

Very encouraging performance by Canning, whose velocity looked like it increased a bit.

Overall, while a bummer of a season, there are a lot of individual performances to be encouraged about – Bundy, Barria, Walsh, Stassi, Ward, etc..

It does take some time for a coaching staff to work with their players and help create change, and I think what we are seeing now is the impact of a good coaching staff helping their players adjust and succeed.

This team still needs pitching help, but having Bundy, Heaney, Canning, and Barria is definitely not a bad start. Add someone like Bauer (or Gausman) to the mix, hope that Ohtani can recover and start a few games, and see some progression from Suarez/Sandoval, and we suddenly have a lot of depth.

JackFrost
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Warfarin

Bauer or Gausman???

Putting those guys in the same sentence is laughable. You wrote that as if it was one or the other, that it’d be equivalent. I hope you we’re joking.

Last edited 3 years ago by JackFrost
Warfarin
Trusted Member
3 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Obviously they are not the same caliber of pitcher. I do not know what Arte is willing to spend, so I listed both. Obviously, if he wants to go all-in, he’ll spend on Bauer. That said, I don’t think he will, so I think Gausman would be a consolation prize.

H.T. Ennis
Admin
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Gausman’s numbers look pretty good this year, and if I wasn’t watching Bundy, I would have no idea how he’s putting up the numbers he is. I assume it’s similar with Gausman.

Warfarin
Trusted Member
3 years ago
Reply to  H.T. Ennis

Yep. FIP of 3.42, fWAR of 1.2 in 52.2. K rate and BB rate both very impressive.

He is not Bauer, but he likely costs 25-33% of what Bauer does, and can likely slot in very nicely between Bundy and Heaney.

We would not have a “true ace,” barring a miracle from Ohtani, but we should have a rotation of very solid pitchers who keep us in most games. That’s way better than anything we’ve had here for awhile.

JackFrost
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Warfarin

Yep. Gausman is not a “true ace” as you say. And that is what we NEED. We need a true ace. Gausman does not get us over the hump. Bauer does. That’s the difference.

Plus, a guy like Gausman is a huge risk for a big-time regression to the mean next year. He’s the kind of guy you’d think caught lightning in a bottle this year and won’t duplicate it. But to be honest, there is also that risk with Bundy. Fortunately, we are not committed to Bundy past 2021, so if Dylan collapses next year we can simply part ways.

Bauer (if healthy) is pretty close to a sure thing. Plus, he’s a power pitcher. For me that is part of my definition of an “Ace” (Greg Maddox being the exception to the rule of course).

Last edited 3 years ago by JackFrost
Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

We need 2 guys who put the team into position to win each time they take the bump. Bauer does that once through the rotation. Stroman and Gausman? Neither are Bauer but the two combined will cost the same and give us twice as many opportunities to win games.

Nick_LA96
Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

I like that idea, I’ve been onboard with stroman since he was being brought up in trade rumors. Gausman really hasn’t been too bad, his worst season since his first was last year. This plan would, in theory, work as you say.

Warfarin
Trusted Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Nick_LA96

I think it’s doubtful we could sign both.

I would be on board with possibly signing Gausman + Richards, such that Gausman would be counted on to be to be SP2/SP3, and Richards could present upside as a possible SP, or if that doesn’t pan out, as a high-leverage reliever.

Gausman could be had for ~3/45, I’m guessing, and Richards for maybe 2/10ish?

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  Warfarin

I’ve liked the idea of bringing Richards back. One last lap with his best buddy to likely wrap up his career.

If Dombrowski is the guy, though, count on one of Adell or Marsh to be flipped for a pitcher. Prospects have a short shelf life under him.

Warfarin
Trusted Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

I’m dreading it.

Dombrowski would be a decent hire if we had a stacked farm system and wanted to push our chips to the center.

We don’t, though, and it’s more likely he’ll burn down what’s left of our farm system in a failed attempt to be good, and then we’ll be screwed.

I really would love for us to hire someone from LAD or TB.. but Arte is too short-sighted to do that

JackFrost
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Bauer > Gausman + Stroman.

That is the way I see it at least. This is colored by my view that Heaney is a definite # 3 caliber pitcher, or very close to it, and that either Barría or Canning becomes a solid #4 next year. Let’s not forget about Ohtani as well.

Warfarin
Trusted Member
3 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

I can respect that view. I just feel like Bauer will price himself out of Arte’s budget, so I am trying to approach it with a realistic expectation.

We can afford Gausman, but likely not Bauer. Gausman can probably generate 2/3-3/4 of Bauer’s production at 1/3 the price or so.

JackFrost
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Warfarin

The GM has to explain to Arte, and get him to understand (by hook or by crook) that “Look, if you want to win a WS you need to invest in a stud starter, a true ace.”

By that I mean a guy with a sub 2.00 ERA or FIP. (like Bauer). There is no way around it. We as a fan base have to DEMAND it.

If we are willing to settle for not being the best that is what we’ll get. That is why I don’t like these “realistic” scenarios.

We are at the poker table of Mike Trout’s career and it is time to go “All in.”

Last edited 3 years ago by JackFrost
gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  JackFrost

Wait, we have to DEMAND it? That’s been the problem this whole time?

You sound like you’re coming around to my plan from last year where Arte hires hit men to go to people like Charlie Morton, Zack Wheeler and Garrit Cole and explains to them that if they really want to keep their families happy they will come play close to Disneyland.

Nay, DEMAND they do so.

JackFrost
Super Member
3 years ago

No, lol. We don’t demand that the FA’s come here. That doesn’t work.

I am talking about the fan base being demanding of the organization, as opposed to typically laid-back politically correct, laissez faire OC mentality which doesn’t boo anybody, including the owner of the team.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Warfarin

I don’t know. Arte’s budget for Cole last year was apparently high enough to push the Yankees to 9/324M, proving once again Arte is cheap and won’t spend on pitching.

Bauer’s not Cole, but I am willing to bet Arte’d pony up a large stack for Bauer if he’s willing to sign here. Given the Angels already have to be weird about rotation slots because of Ohtani, I wonder if the Angels would be more open to letting Baur try to pitch every 4th day, which he says he really wants to try. That would likely help land him.

H.T. Ennis
Admin
Super Member
3 years ago

Bauer should get $35-40 million on the open market on a one-year deal.

Warfarin
Trusted Member
3 years ago

It’s not necessarily that Arte is cheap, but rather, he used the money he was going to spend on Cole instead on Rendon. We already have a lot on payroll, so I am not sure how much there is to spend.

Bauer on a one-year deal, if he holds to his word, will be very expensive. A multi-year deal probably leads to an AAV around 25mil/yr or so. In that case, perhaps there is a pathway to sign him, since Arte can backload the deal (as Pujols and Upton’s deals come off the payroll).

JackFrost
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Plus, you have to ask yourself “Do we have a guy who can start Game 1 of a playoff series”? and you feel really good about; no hesitation, and total confidence that you’ll win that game.

If you don’t have that guy you are not in the picture. That is why two good guys do not equal one great guy.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

How about Bauer and we pull my/Turk’s Adell to Detroit trade? Now we’re talking, right?

Bauer, Manning, Bundy, Heaney, Canning for a top 5 with Barria as long reliever/first man up. That leaves Detmers and Sandoval as depth.

Marsh takes over in the outfield for Adell. Legit rotation. One expensive piece, one cost controlled, and little impact on the lineup.

JackFrost
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

I like it.

By having this strong starting five it allows you the flexibility of using a guy like Detmers as a mid to late innings matchup guy. Besides, as a soft tossing lefty I think he’s probably more suited to that kind of role than to SP.

Plus, it would help the team more. The key is getting Bauer. Everything just flows out of that.

Warfarin
Trusted Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

This absolutely is what I’d to, in a fantasy world, to re-vitalize the organization.

If we could trade Adell in a deal for Manning, while signing Bauer, then we’re in amazing shape. I would still sign Richards as a bridge to Manning, but more likely, to serve in the pen as a high-leverage reliever.

2021 Initial Lineup: Fletcher SS, Walsh 1B, Trout CF, Rendon 3B, Ohtani DH, Upton LF, Ward RF, Stassi C, Rengifo 2B.

2021 Season End Lineup: Fletcher SS, Walsh 1B, Trout CF, Rendon 3B, Ohtani DH, Upton LF, Marsh RF, Stassi C, Rengifo 2B

2021 Initial Rotation: Bauer, Bundy, Heaney, Canning, Barria, with Richards, Ohtani, Sandoval, Suarez, etc all options.

By season’s end, insert Manning in-between Bundy and Heaney. In 2022, with Heaney (and maybe Bundy?) departing, Determs can take over.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Isn’t Manning durst? I thought he hurt his arm?

Bauer, Boyd, Bundy Barria, Bcanning, Bohtani and Bheaney…. that could be bountiful.

Guest
3 years ago

Bhull.

H.T. Ennis
Admin
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

I’m worried about making the playoffs first.

JackFrost
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  H.T. Ennis

Getting that ace is HOW you make the playoffs, in addition to winning once you are there. 😉

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  JackFrost

So if Baur just plain doesn’t want to pitch here, say he doesn’t like Calloway or sunshine or his grilfriend is from Miami, what do we do then? Where do we get an ace?

JackFrost
Super Member
3 years ago

Well, sometimes it is true that the peripheral factors rule you out from the start. More often than not however it comes down to the money.

If that is the case then the new GM will hopefully see the necessity of getting the ace and then be able to sweet talk Arte into opening his wallet.

If Bauer does not want to be here for other reasons then you have to look for creative trade ideas.

Nick_LA96
Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Warfarin

My only issue with Bauer is his adamant statements about wanting only one year deals for the rest of his career. He would be great to have but only one year of, knowing how much he’ll probably want, 20+ mil wouldn’t work too well with our hopes of continuing to contend.