LA Angels Weekend News Crash: 161 to go

Opening Day. The words roll off the lips, elicit smiles, and signal the beginning of the best time of the year: baseball season. Day after day of freshly cut grass, the rhythm of the game, and hopefully a post season push.

The big news out of Anaheim came pregame as local boy made good and friend of the site David Fletcher agreed to an extension. I couldn’t be happier for David and his family.

For those of you just jumping back into baseball mode and catching up to speed, here’s where the Angels project compared to the rest of the league.

The most volatile of all positions is the bullpen, which has been completely remade this off season and added three new arms just this week. I’m starting to like this unit.

Hey Jim Abbott, check out this kid. Honestly, my first thought was that the opposing coach shouldn’t run on the kid. But all Abbott wanted, and I’m sure this kid wants, is to be treated the same as everyone else.

Shocker, but EastSPiN kicked off the 2021 season with the Yankees. Of course their schedule includes lots of NY and the Cubs, but the Angels do get a couple of games including Sunday.

Detroit and Cleveland played in a snow globe. That was really football weather.

Miguel Cabrera has the chance to become the first player in MLB history to collect his 3000th hit and 500th home run in the same season. He’s happy to be back and have fans in the stands.

I’m going to put on my big boy pants when it comes to Miggy. No, he was never more valuable than Trout by any logical assessment. And the “triple crown” crowd is annoying. But Miggy is one of the best pure hitters the game has seen and he’s closing in on history. I’m going to enjoy it.

Not every Opening Day story was a great one. The Washington Nationals reminded us that we’re not completely out of this thing yet.

If anybody deserves a night out at the ballpark it is the essential workers who have spent the last year overwhelmed by the pandemic. MLB is donating $1.5 million in tickets to those hard working folks.

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ihearhowie3.0
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Brent

Interesting. Not great for our bullpen this year but hopefully he’s happier doing whatever it is he does now.

Gotta say I don’t have a ton of sympathy for a “I was just kinda over it” response during a pandemic where plenty of people have lost everything and are struggling to pay bills. Bummer you didn’t love your job that paid you millions dude.

LAAFan
Trusted Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Brent

Very strange and seems to confirm it’s a mental health thing.

Cold side of me is glad he walked away though, if that’s the way he feels about baseball.

Last edited 3 years ago by LAAFan
GrandpaBaseball
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  Brent

This is a question of making the right choice. In our long lives you don’t want to regret for a bad choice, but we all make them. Today Ty made his choice of careers, today he has no regrets, so I respect his decision.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  Brent

I might quit, too, if my bosses hired three new guys at the last minute who’d been fired from their old jobs, and told me to stand by at a different location. That had to mess with Ty’s head.

JackFrost
Super Member
3 years ago

Agree.

HalosFanForLife
Trusted Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Brent

Ty was so nice to my son before a game a year and a half ago- very supportive and genuine. I was pulling for him, because I think his stuff has a lot of filth to it and he was really close. But if your head is not in this game, it’s almost impossible to succeed. Good luck on your future ventures. The grass is always greener, but hard to beat the gorgeous green on a baseball field.

Halo71
Trusted Member
3 years ago

I see we’re starting gramps again. Ugh

JackFrost
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Halo71

Well, it is a tough lefty tonight in Keuchel, so it is somewhat understandable.

But if Albert starts tomorrow against Lynn then we’ll know something is up. I would expect Walsh to be in there tomorrow, but we’ll see.

Last edited 3 years ago by JackFrost
Angels2020Champs
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Maddon was talking to Lodge on yesterday’s pregame about not wanting to be the manager to break Albert’s 21 year starting Opening Day streak, the fact a lefty was going tonight and that we would see Walsh at 1B this year

JackFrost
Super Member
3 years ago

Yeah, I don’t think Maddon has soured on Walsh or anything like that.

I think the plan was always to have a time-split. And Albert hit the ball pretty well in Spring Training, so he’s getting a couple early starts. I would not panic or start thinking he’s going to start 5-6 games a week.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
3 years ago

Just called the box office and for now they are leaving any not purchased 4 or more block of tickets empty (not selling 2 of the 4 available or making any other adjustments) but that its being talked about. Just an FYI since there are tickets left and third party selling options have limited selection and same restrictions.

Mia
Legend
Mia
3 years ago

Ty Buttrey did not report to the alt site and has walked away from the game, Maddon said.

https://twitter.com/FabianArdaya/status/1378112098698321920

Angels2020Champs
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  Mia

Interesting. I can’t imagine how frustrating this business is for players at certain points.

FungoAle
Legend
3 years ago

The best bet for him is to hook on somewhere else where a real pitching coach might be able to help Ty make some adjustments. Has not been easy watching him perform inconsistently.

Charles Sutton
Editor
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  FungoAle

They put him on the restricted list instead of releasing him. He’s going to have a hard time getting to the other team without cooperation from the Angels.

JackFrost
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Mia

Can’t say I blame him.

Why was he sent down anyway?

I saw him as no worse than#3 on our bullpen depth chart behind Iglesias and maybe Mayers

But the dude still has great stuff. It is not like he was terrible last year. And it is hard to understand why others were kept on the roster but not him.

2002heaven
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

You must not have seen him since the second half of 2019.
He’s been brutal since then. He ain’t that good dude.

JackFrost
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  2002heaven

I believe in him. Just like I believe in Robles.

Brent
Super Member
3 years ago

Not a surprise, but Newsom is trying to get the ASG moved to CA now.

https://twitter.com/JeffFletcherOCR/status/1378074680939081731?s=20

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

Maybe SF? San Diego was recent, I doubt they would want to do LA area two years in a row, and Oakland is, well…O.Co.

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

I think Anaheim could host again. Idk if 10 vs 13 years is that big of a deal.

Would be cool with either, though.

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

I guess, but Anaheim-LA back-to-back would still be weird if there are other viable options. I dunno…

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

We live in weird times. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Cowboy26
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  Mia

Arte needs to build a new stadium first.

Mia
Legend
Mia
3 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

We can shoot fire out of fake rocks. It’s a lock.

Cowboy26
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  Mia

The Old Big A is definitely in need of another facelift. Last Night I noticed that Some of the seat armrest tops were rusted as the Angels had failed to add their annual coat of all weather green paint. Now even though it looked like mostly the zip tied seats that were being neglected I though that was strange that you would only maintain the current usable seat locations. It makes you wonder what else is lurking in the great bowels of the Big A that has been off limits for the last year plus. I think even the resident giant moths bats and rats are finding the conditions untenable . Hopefully they haven’t took up new residency at The George

Angels2020Champs
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  Brent

Newsom, no thanks. I’ll take an Anaheim AS Game though. 10 years is long enough

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
3 years ago

I just now received the Bally Sports West Calendar from last nights game curtesy of my son who was there. Food he said was limited and took 15-20 min, but beer was a nightmare and that was in the Diamond Club because of the Apps that had to be used.

Last edited 3 years ago by GrandpaBaseball
GrandpaBaseball
Legend
3 years ago

Rob the Goof Ball Commissioner is moving the All Star Game from Atlanta. So to did he announce it is dedicated to Hank Aaron. So why then move it?

and the answer is he has not got an opportunity to address the public who he is sure loves him.

Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred is how the article started, he really thinks he is that important. lol

Mia
Legend
Mia
3 years ago

You tell those clouds, Grandpa.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
3 years ago

so….any guesses where the all-star game will be?

https://www.mlb.com/news/2021-all-star-game-draft-relocated

Brent
Super Member
3 years ago

My guess is Minnesota.

2002heaven
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Brent

SD, SF has to be another NL stadium probably.
Wrigley Field should host it ( haven’t hosted it since 1990 ).

eatgrasslikegoat
Member
3 years ago

milwaukee

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
3 years ago

I was looking at the list of places where the game has been held, checking out which have had the longest wait, which have never had it. Tampa?

Mia
Legend
Mia
3 years ago

Not in that stadium. Maybe the new Rangers park.

Cowboy26
Legend
3 years ago

Even the Tampa Bay Rays don’t want to go Tropicana Field So an ASG ain’t happening there

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

Come to California. We’re wokest. By then maybe some bars and restaurants will be open all the way…. or the MLB can just throw parties in a bunch of the vacant bars and clubs and eateries.

Mia
Legend
Mia
3 years ago

Come to Colorado, we’re tokest. And the DINGERZ flyyyyy.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Mia

Bubby ManBeard should just light the brightest signal ever and declare that the AS Game is moving to Wakanda… forever.

Mia
Legend
Mia
3 years ago

The place with a monarchy and no voting.

Don’t have to worry about voting rights ruining your game if there are no voting rights. *taps forehead*

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Mia

Exactly. Man, there are some pretty funny internet rants about how Wakanda was actually a totally F’d up jerk travesty of a country. Just plain horrible people ruled by truly awful tyrants.

Mia
Legend
Mia
3 years ago

When you choose your leader by a fight to the death, you may have a few issues.

Cowboy26
Legend
3 years ago

China

Mia
Legend
Mia
3 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Go all out and hold it in Taiwan.

Born_in_59
Trusted Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

I want it held at the Tokyo Dome. If nothing else maybe east coast writers will stop complaining about having to stay up late for west coast games.

FungoAle
Legend
3 years ago

Would anybody even miss it? I mean, the lack of competition all star games (all sports) promote in the current era is disappointing. NFL Pro Bowl was on the chopping block and still might be.

DMAGZ13
Trusted Member
3 years ago

Being almost 30 and having a baby at that age, I understand Mike’s weird season. It’s like that big shift in your age and you realizing you’re getting older. He probably didn’t sleep well. Covid generally scared him, most likely since he would be afraid to get pregnant Jessica sick. Obviously as women get older these things are more delicate so I can see that he was playing with probably 75% attention if that. This year he looks set on playing better, he looks healthier in the face and a little slimmer. I also think that he sees the youth going away so he’d like to tap into it a bit more, hence the enthusiasm. This is the age area that Griffey fell off, so I’m hoping he finds his happy place for another 5 really great years.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  DMAGZ13

Perfecto assessment.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  DMAGZ13

I think he’s been reading Kierkegaard and pondering the essence of what makes a good man while worrying about the price of high grade steel pellets and how US foundries will compete with Asia over time while still letting his mind drift to issues closer to his heart such as which band wins the white war, White Lion or WhiteSnake? I really get the sense that he’s come to terms with his love of Key Lime pie but understands that he needs to sometimes just eat an apple because meringue gives him the night farts. He is also coming to grips with the fact that he may, deep down, be a cat person.

At least that’s what I see when I look at him play baseball or see snippets of his life on SM.

Cowboy26
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  DMAGZ13

Yes but he’s still fat

WallyChuckChili
Legend
3 years ago

I wounder who the Astros play in their next series and what fan base gets to let they hear it.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
3 years ago

Did anyone go to the game? How were concessions? How was the experience?

Angels2020Champs
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Awesome, thanks Jeff. We go to our 1st game of the season 4/6

VictoriousVIC
Trusted Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

My dad and I went to last night’s game and we had a great time. The staff was very friendly and we enjoyed the space in between our seats. We didn’t order anything from the stadium since we brought sealed water bottles. So for reference they do allow you to bring sealed water bottles in the stadium and you can bring multiple ones. That was a huge bonus for me since I drink a ton of water. Parking is still $10 which I was very surprised and everything is cashless even when you pay for parking.

Overall it was a great experience for us. I mean just being at the ballpark with my dad again after more than a year brought tears to my eyes as that’s a tradition I didn’t think we’d get to experience for a few more years.

rspencer
Trusted Member
3 years ago
Reply to  VictoriousVIC

Thanks for this information!

steelgolf
Legend
3 years ago

Someone from my office was at the game last night. The concessions were a complete cluster f#$k. You were supposed to text and order your food as well as pay for it. They were supposed to text you when your food was ready so you could pick it up. NOBODY got the texts. This couple ordered at 7:30 p.m. and received their food finally at the bottom of the 8th inning. I’m hoping they get this worked out before the 16th, as they don’t allow you to bring anything into the stadium.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  steelgolf

That really does look bad, so if I order a beer in the first I drink from the 8th. Oh My. That won’t work,

steelgolf
Legend
3 years ago

Exactly.

steelgolf
Legend
3 years ago

She showed me her order placed at 7:32 p.m., got their food and beverage at 9:50 p.m. Colossal fail.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  steelgolf

I’ve had bad experiences at Dodger stadiums NHL outdoor game, 49ers “new” tech Levi Stadium, etc. Makes the experience not as enjoyable but happens.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

Just use your stomach to sneak a bottle of whiskey into the game. They never find the booze you swallow.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
3 years ago

Haha love it gitch

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

I may be missing something here, but what is the logic for not allowing you to bring your own food in?

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

Logic? Logic? That went out the window with all the pandemic rules and regulations that vary from city to county to state to other states to federal govt. to CDC and back to local “Directors of Health”. no food, no beverages (water), no bags of any kind, even clear bags. Now, everyone was surrounding the food stands trying to get their order in the 7th inning as they were tired of waiting, so what they had was an even bigger assembly of people then you would at a normal game pre- pandemic. So they ended up with the exact opposite effect of what they intended. Then they were nice enough to hand everyone a card with a website address that you could go on to get your money refunded if you didn’t get your food/ beverage. In her and her husbands section it was nothing less than a shit show disaster of epic proportions. When she showed me the photo of all the people crowded around the concession, I couldn’t believe it. Isn’t it ARAMARK who does the concessions at the stadium or is it some other company? Whoever it is just face planted last nights game.

TheOrangeCurtain
Trusted Member
3 years ago
Reply to  steelgolf

Yeah the logic is that now every business of every kind gets to blame COVID when they have operational problems. There is no logic except that. It’s theater.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  steelgolf

The angels have obviously adjusted pricing of tickets (to maximize value of every attendee) and I’m sure have minimal staffing to save a few bucks plus a few other issues that create stuff like this

steelgolf
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  steelgolf

It looks like it is Legends who are the concessionaire at the stadium. They have you text 747474, get the menu of food choice, pay, then they are supposed to text when your food is ready for pick up. No texts.

Cowboy26
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  steelgolf

I thought it was 474747. Boy Howie Kendrick would be embarrassed to be associated with this shit show

Angels2020Champs
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  steelgolf

Thanks for sharing. Looks like I could be wrestling my kids for their goldfish/yogurt chips

Cowboy26
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  steelgolf

Well this is what happens when they have a sellout crowd.

AnAngelsFan
Super Member
3 years ago

MLB’s list of essential workers for free tickets has some issues. Why are teachers included when they didn’t have to take any risks until they were vaccinated? And what about retail sales associates, financial institution employees, government services like the DMV, EDD and courts, court reporters, legal secretaries/administrative assistants, garbage collectors, etc…?

Angels2020Champs
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  AnAngelsFan

Great gesture but like you mention some key people left out. How they’ll get distributed even to those included is interesting in itself

Robbinsca
Member
3 years ago
Reply to  AnAngelsFan

Granted, there are school districts where the teachers are running the asylum, but the district I work in has had teachers in the classroom all year long. There have been multiple staff members who got COVID, so please don’t over generalize.

steelgolf
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  Robbinsca

Orange Unified has been in class since the end of September.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  Robbinsca

Any one can contract Covid-19 and die, but that does not make them FLWers.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  AnAngelsFan

Hospital employees, Doctors office staff, Sheriff/ Police, Firemen and EMT’s and grocery cashiers are front line workers, not teachers or retail clerks as Front Line Workers. Otherwise everyone are Front Line Workers.

Gorbachav5
Trusted Member
3 years ago
Reply to  AnAngelsFan

This speaks to personal bias, I suppose, but just going off of what you mentioned: teachers had it rough. Some of them, depending on what state you’re in, did risk quite a bit since their schools never completely closed. And they had to completely learn a new way of teaching with new tools and new structures while trying to navigate uncharted waters in terms of student involvement and feedback. There are some teachers out there who didn’t handle it well, but many more who were absolute heroes. They deserve every bit of recognition. Note, I am not a teacher but I have three kids in school.

I am, however, a financial institution employee who never worked from home. I had to be in the office every day. But because of the advancements that had already been made and implemented in communication and online transacting prior to the pandemic, we were able to limit interaction with clients and obe just fine. There were business concerns, and meeting over Zoom is different than meeting a client in person, but our jobs didn’t change to nearly the degree that teachers’ did.

I will say that it would have been nice to give some recognition to retail workers and other service employees, but that might be too broad a category.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  AnAngelsFan

What about plus plus sized male models with slim portfolios of work?

Fansince1971
Legend
3 years ago

My thoughts on the broadcast on a notecard.

1. Sutton was better but he seems to be hyper when he should be calm and calm when he should be excited; the lack of excitement in the HR call and during the bottom of the 9th where Raisel dominated and post game was odd.

2. Sutton seems like he’s trying hard to be funny at times but his material is pretty weak sauce. Telling the fans he will explain basic baseball terms was a wierd ‘bit’;

3. Chemistry is lacking between Gubi and Sutton but that takes time. It likely will work itself out.

4. Jose is just marbles-in-his-mouth whenever he talks. And his brain moves faster than his mouth causing him to talk faster to make the 3 points he is thinking about. It’s not working.

5. I missed Vic’s building energy very much in the bottom of the 9th and after the game. Light that baby up! Drive Home Safely!

6. Overall, I give the broadcast a C – up from a D during spring training. There is some potential but Jose has to go back to a non-in-game role. A 3 man booth does not work (in any sport) in my opinion.

Last edited 3 years ago by Fansince1971
red floyd
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Re #6. Early MNF is the exception that proves the rule.

Fansince1971
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  red floyd

Yep. But it was Meredith, Cosell and Gifford. All three were talented and meshed. That is rare.

red floyd
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Yeah, it was a unique staff.

Gorbachav5
Trusted Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

I thought Sutton was okay. The drop-off from Rojas was notable, but it’s hard to tell how much of that was Rojas being better individually and how much is chemistry with Gubizca, which will hopefully improve over time. I don’t think Sutton is as good as Rojas, but it should get better.

The sense of humor was really the only part that made me cringe. I assume he was being sarcastic with his “That’s an industry term” bit, but he carried it on way too long. He referred to “look” as a deep industry term which they will have to discuss in a pre-game segment at some point, and it just fell flat.

I did not care for the Bally’s score/game situation graphic. The out dots at the bottom of the diamond were really weird, and the placement of the graphic across the bottom of the screen with the rotating scores was poor. I’ll get used to it, but I’m not a huge fan.

Commander_Nate
Member
Trusted Member
3 years ago

I was begging for a Pujols squeeze play in the 8th last night. Best likely outcome these days IMO. Glad he basically listened!

ihearhowie3.0
Super Member
3 years ago

Too GA to go parse the gamethread but were people less pissed with the broadcast? To my ears Sutton seemed less amped up and overall it was pretty easy to listen to.

Outside of that, the bullpen not being comically shaky was a nice treat for Opening Day. We’ve all earned it.

H.T. Ennis
Admin
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  ihearhowie3.0

I think he’ll grow into the role. Stassi HR call was weak, and immediately after the win was nothing special, but I am pleasantly surprised.

TheOrangeCurtain
Trusted Member
3 years ago
Reply to  ihearhowie3.0

Sutton also has an odd habit of calling fly balls “well struck” when they’re not even close to going out of the yard. I remember that was Bob Starr’s signature call back in the day… and if he said a ball was “well struck” then you knew for sure Downing or Joyner or someone else was certainly taking a trip around the bags. Sutton’s gotta get rid of that or only save it for when the ball is truly going out.

LanaBanana
Super Member
3 years ago

I noticed that, too.

Halo71
Trusted Member
3 years ago

Not sure how smart this is, but I’m getting my second Covid shot on Monday and am seriously considering heading to Globe Life when the Angels visit later this month.

ihearhowie3.0
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Halo71

If you’ve gotten 2 shots and wear a mask I feel like you should be good. Opening Day at Globe Life obviously is a different story if you’re worried but I think I read they’ll either have distanced sections or go back to restricting attendance below 100% capacity after the opener.

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Just started flying again over the past month. Delta did a very good job on keeping things safe. No drama from the other passengers. Traveled through Atlanta, looked to be maybe 60% of pre-pandemic crowds.

Cowboy26
Legend
3 years ago

Atlanta? MLB says you need to stay away from that place

Fansince1971
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Just be careful. The variants are a concern. That said, if you have been vaccinated and get Covid, it’s unlikely to land you in the hospital. I think the recommendation to continue to space and be outside is a good one until they get a better handle on the variants and booster jabs are developed.

Fansince1971
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Yep. It’s like getting back to 40% of life. Which is way better than it was.

Fansince1971
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

CDC just said vaccinated folks can travel 2 weeks after their second shot but should still wear masks. That’s great news.

AnAngelsFan
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Halo71

Here’s the CDC’s recommendations for vaccinated people: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Halo71

Unless you are 85 years old I think if you got no shots at all and didn’t wear a mask, pants, or a shirt you’d have a 99.995% chance of being totally fine. Even if you’re 85 you’d bump that risk up to only 99.95%. But who’s willing to take those odds when there’s a chance you could catch a really bad cold?

matthiasstephan
Super Member
3 years ago

On Miggy – I loved the hustle and being content with a double. So many players are showboating when they hit the ball (and someone with his pedigree (MVP controversy aside) he might even have the right), but there he goes, running all out hoping for a double. That is good to see. Miggy (and even Pujols) playing well is good for the sport, especially combined by good play from Tatis and Luis Robert – baseball needs excitement (old-fashioned, good play, style).

matthiasstephan
Super Member
3 years ago

You are right Jeff, the opposing coach shouldn’t run on that kid. Did you see his arm? He had him dead to rights. Not likely someone tries that again soon.

TheOrangeCurtain
Trusted Member
3 years ago

That has to be the best video of the year, so far. Love that kid!