Matt Wise has tested positive for COVID-19. He reportedly feels fine, but protocols are protocols. Contact tracing reveals no other Angels who test positive. For now it will be pitching coach by committee. On a more positive note, Jaime Barria has arrived at camp. Our Gold Glove pitcher Griffin Canning made this list of ten pitchers poised to break out in 2021. The Angels are exactly middle of the pack in these MLB Power Rankings to start spring training. Here is an article about Jared Walsh getting the reps at first base this year. Jose Quintana is looking to put his wine glass accident behind him and have a comeback year in 2021.
Links From Around Baseball
Ian Desmond just opted out of his second season in a row. Fernando Tatis Jr. owes a whole bunch of money to Big League Advance now. He can afford it though. Shane Bieber tested positive for COVID-19. The Giants designated reliever Trevor Gott for assignment. We’ll see where he ends up. This may have something to do with them signing Aaron Sanchez. Shun Yamaguchi, recently released by the Blue Jays, now has a modest deal with the Giants. Nick Tropeano might end up pitching in a long relief role.
Photo credit: Rex Fregosi
Pujols’ wife saying this is his last season via IG.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLnDxRulfN5
Well, he’s pushing 50 so it is probably time ha ha.
Seriously, though, I look forward to cheering the future HOF’er on a few times this year. Just hopefully not too many.
I saw (via Fletcher) that she edited that to say ‘based on his contract’. Leaves hope (for him) that he keeps playing, though likely just to let him play out the season without constant pressure to hang it up early or just let him announce it himself. (Do we play St. Louis this year?).
Albert doesn’t seem like the type to want a victory lap that’s all about him. He’s no Jeter or Papi.
Although not making an announcement will keep the questions coming all year.
You are right. With all of the lamenting about how he should retire, he hasn’t quit on us. He still puts in the effort, hustles, and helps out. His diminishing skills are frustrating (not least for him, I suspect), but I have never thought we should bench him because he doesn’t want to play all out.
There was an interesting article on Ohtani by Ardya over the weekend . Ohtani went to driveline to learn more about himself. With Heaney going to see Doug White, there’s no doubt that FAs aren’t jumping to an org that has not pitching coach or program that’s ready. It said that the Angels do have some data machines that they’re using with Ohtani but I feel like these pitchers are fending it themselves .
Thought the same. That’s why I pointed out that Heaney was talking to White all off season when I linked the article.
Plenty of other high profile people go to Driveline, but let’s be real. It doesn’t look like the Angels truly incorporate all the data and technology that other teams do. If I’m looking to sign for a few years, I want to know I’ll be in the best position to put up good numbers and get another good contract.
Skinny medical staff, lack of technology…..these things don’t make me think I’ll enhance my career here.
Breakout season in 2021 has 2 Angels on the list, one for hitting (Adell) and one for pitching (Canning). Now if we can only get Trout to break out a good season for once. Seriously having Canning breakout would be so great in improving the staff. Go Canning! More of a pleasant surprise would be a breakout season from Adell as we would watch a Super-Star in the making. Go Adell!
Cool link on the breakout pitchers. Canning improving his curve is nice to know.
I really think his and Heaney’s nice last months were probably due to Callaway being able to make some adjustments. Too bad he’s (allegedly) a scum ball.
Is the “scum ball” a pitch we would have wanted Callaway to teach our young pitchers?
They’d have to wash their hands after each inning.
I am not sure, from an Angels perspective, NiTro being described as ‘this year’s Trevor Cahill’ is a ringing endorsement. I hope he finds a spot with the Giants, but also hope he pitches better than Cahill did for us.
speaking of Cahill, did he sign? i saw him at my chiropractor’s last week.
we can sign him. or sign him as a pitching coach. dude needs job.
Ian Desmond – is he just taking baby steps to an actual retirement?
Basically.
Maybe coaching in his future?
Pitching coach? Who needs a pitching coach.
It’s not like the Angels have any pitching, anyway.
Pitching Coach? We don’t need no Stinking Pitching Coach!
But we do need Bubba Harkins substance. Especially for Bundy.
i am a very good boy
But can you pitch?
prefer to catch 😜