Good morning Angels fans! How are you today? Have some links why don’t you?
Angels News
The Angels got blown out yesterday. Ow.
What should the team do anyway? Brent has a few ideas. As for the Angels themselves? They still don’t know.
Ohtani is getting a lot of love, even from the overly cautious Brian Kenny. They do praise Maddon’s choices though.
MLB Network goes over the Angels’ injuries and what may happen in the next week.
Around Baseball
Trevor Bauer is still not pitching. Still going through the legal system, he has been on admin leave for a while now, and his time keeps getting extended. As the rest of the Dodgers do not care for him, it is not looking like he will pitch again this year.
Japan beat the US in softball at the Olympics. This is despite great defense by USA. US settles for silver in Tokyo.
As the trade deadline is upon us, Mad Max has been the mot sought after player. 14 teams have made offers. Even the Rays! And Angels! Mets have no chance though. But West teams have an edge.
Padres look to dump Hosmer on someone. They may need to include a top prospect as well. Is Gore worth taking on Hosmer?
Trades have been happening and here is another one. Tyler Anderson to Phillies. Well, there is a snag. Medical issues and all. Poor Pirates. At least they got him traded. To the Mariners? JeDi also traded with Houston. It did not go over well with the players.
Kumar Rocker still hasn’t signed. With Boras as his agent, and arm concerns, the Mets are not close to a deal.
Reds and MFY make a trade. Not the players you would expect.
A’s reject Oakland’s reasonable proposal for their new stadium. Oakland would lose 3 teams in a few short years if the A’s do leave.
Anything I missed? Post below for upvotes,
Gallo to NYY with that short porch. Oh boy
Can’t find what the Rangers received in return….must not have been much.
Rangers fleeced them…
Rocker went down to tenth for a reason but the Mets pulled the trigger and lost. OK moving on, Sterling Marte moving in to our division, but we may like this trade. I don’t see us landing Max with SD and LA going after him with some great prospects. Cobb I hope we resign.
RIP Dusty Hill ZZ Top
We traded Marsh?
Legs.
If I were Perry……..make a list, check it twice, find out who’s the next Packy Naughton and buy a bunch of Rice (in bulk 25lbs bags, good enough for Sho, good enough for the farm boys to eat)………..
Then wait until Friday morning, see where we are, and pull the trigger. Improving the team, find a bullpen arm or two……or sell the shit out this team, so hard that the league office tells us to slow down……..dump Upton (eat more salary, better prospect) and bring up Edell, trade Eaton, Gold glove for gas money if needed, someone wants Goose, Mayfield, Cobb, Heaney get what you can…. any scrub bullpen arm, done deal, bring up the kids.
Interest in the Iglesias twins? Do it! Make that deal.
Not opposed to keeping Cobb and the Iglesias twins, damn well better sign them if you don’t unload them.
with Heaney going tonight I figure nothing much will happen re: Angels deals until tomorrow.
Now watch everything go crazy within an hour!
https://twitter.com/TonyMacUMP/status/1420456239880888324?s=20
Yeah, he’s another interesting young arm who has been in our system for a while so he’s actually not interesting because our system is the worstest thing ever.
Ortega was actually our 4th highest pitching prospect at the beginning of the season . Overall for the year he’s sporting a 6.82 ERA , but in 9 July appearances for the trash pandas he has 17K’s and only 3 BB’s in 11 IP with an 0.82 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP. So definitely trending up
Trout and Rendon likely not back for another month which is likely not at all.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/theathletic.com/2736084/2021/07/28/mlb-injury-mailbag-mike-trouts-calf-likely-keeping-him-out-another-month-optimism-for-jacob-degrom-and-more/%3famp
Sell, sell, sell.
Will it be more fun watching to see if Sandoval, Suarez, Barria, Warren, Yan, and a couple of other youngsters are MLB material or watching our current crew miss the playoffs and not add any talent?
Sell away my fine Platypus!!! See if we can at least get an OK pen arm for next year!
“YOU PEOPLE SAYING TO SELL ARE INNORANT I SAY!”
Hence the Marsh call-up
Yeah. I should have seen the writing on the wall, but I didn’t want to.
According to the rehab guy at my work that loves baseball, Trout’s “calf” issue almost certainly involves worry about rupturing his Achilles tendon. Apparently a bad calf can really bring that on if I guy is trying to be super athletic and stuff so they are super careful with the calf if it seems to be yanking on the heel wrong at all. Says that’s why it would take so much extra time. So maybe that’s it?
a rupture would mean the end of the season and possibly half of next season, too. So rest up, Mike!
Yep I think that’s exactly it. Needs to be 100% healed.
it’s moving day…….
https://twitter.com/AngelsMiLB/status/1420444696606744579?s=20
Moving implies these minor leaguers have a place to live….
from one hostel to another……it’s moving
Naw – a tent travels easily in a backpack as the player is hitch-hiking between Alabama, Washington and Utah.
I did an interview with Smith via zoom yesterday. Please give it a watch/listen.
we have roster movement…….
https://twitter.com/RhettBollinger/status/1420411801817141251?s=20
I’m sure Walsh going on IL…..bullpen clean ups in isles “Q 62” or “Guerra 41” would be to much to ask for…..
This is a WalMart sir
I interviewed Warren at the old site. Very happy for him.
The rumors I saw on Rotoworld show Mad Max going to one of the NL West contenders, meaning the Angels, Oakland, Seattle, and Houston are out.
https://twitter.com/Joelsherman1/status/1420434275095171073?s=20
Good for the Angels…glad to see Luzardo out of the division
In order to help the Angels, The entire Oakland A’s pitching staff would have to leave the division.
Mea culpa: looks like I was wrong to be upset about us not picking Rocker. Hah hah on the Mets for their excellent dealings with Boras. Meantime, we used all those extra $$ to sign to that well-drafted HS pitcher and several others. We’re we really playing 3D chess during the draft while the Mets played losing checkers!
Exactly!! Don’t believe the hype on guys like Rocker. Perry has now signed something like 15 of 20.
This article (about the Mets) implicitly explains why Perry’s draft strategy was really good starting with the 1st pick:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/how-the-new-york-mets-messed-up-with-the-kumar-rocker-draft-selection/amp/
And, much like stock investing but even more of a gamble, in the draft it is much better to have a plan or system, the best plan possible, and stick to it. Don’t get hung up on particular players cause “the best” can totally bust out. Even when the obvious choice, like Strausburgh back in the day, does turn out to be as good as the hype it can have it’s bumps and lumps.
PTP had a clear cut, bold plan. We could see what he was obviously doing and addressing. The group of “stocks” he bought all have obvious potential benefits for our needs. So, for example, it doesn’t really matter that, though I liked McGreevy and Williams a little more than Bachman (who I was also in favor of). Those three are pretty much equal opportunities. The draft plan as a whole was solid AF. I am sure there were position players that were better prospects later in the draft (besides Rocker in round 1) that PTP ignored when it was time to pick, but those guys weren’t part of what was a better plan for the draft.
Also, TBH, isn’t it going to be fun to watch what happens next? What other org will have a system this interesting to watch. We have the whole “suckage” problem that will need to be addressed. That’s interesting. Then we have all these A/AA prospects that are cool. THEN we have all the UDFAs and the 20 pitcher draft to follow. We’ll see if this Platypus is Hannibal from the A Team.
Yes for sure. This has the potential to be an absolutely incredible farm system within a couple years. We may very well look back at the 2021.Angels draft as genius.
Agreed. And while I wouldn’t agree with this strategy in most drafts, I think it was perfect in this one.
This draft was basically 2 in one considering the condensed 5 rounder last year. So an 8th round arm this year is likely a much earlier round arm in other years.
The clear organizational need. You don’t always draft for need, but you also don’t always have Trout turning 30, Rendon over 30, and Ohtani’s extension on the horizon.
This was very much the way I like my stock portfolio. Lots of floor, some boom or bust, and risk spread around.
17/20 and 21 undrafted FA
That is really awesome
I still really hope they sign Silseth. That would just be a big bonus.
Perry will get it done.
if anyone’s interested, here’s the list of the 21 UDFAs. It includes Kenyon Yovan from the University of Oregon. He led the team in HRs this year and if he’s an indication then there might be some pretty good talent here. 16 position players, 5 pitchers.
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2021-mlb-undrafted-free-agent-tracker-agreements-for-all-30-teams/#Angels
Yeah. Some of those guys, even beyond Yovan, look interesting. His teammate Gabe Mathews was getting some draft attention a while back, as were the catchers Emmerson and Humphreys. I’ve actually seen video of Mike Peabody cause he’s UC Irvine and he almost certainly would have been drafted by someone if the draft were longer…. he’s a, get this, toolsey OF! But played at a good college and has a nice lefty swing. As far as depth for the system a lot of these guys are really good pick ups and will elevate the over all quality of play for our teams.
Thanks for the man-up!
In all honesty, I was initially pissed we didn’t select Rocker. But in reading Turk’s takes and studying a bit, I felt it was a really decent move to take Bachmann. Everything’s a crap-shoot at the draft, but I feel we made a solid selection with Bachmann.
Again – very solid of you to post this, buddy! Thanks!
My morning sadness; just watched a video of the freaking Mariners come from behind with a grand slam in the 8th inning to pull ahead of the Astros. Then watching the excitement in the dugout…Ugh, I just want my team to be exciting and in contention. I mean, the freaking Mariners are 8 games above .500!
JUp had two chances last night to get the game rolling. Send him back to lead off so he can collect himself.
Yep. Even Ohtani had chances to make a difference in that game. Sadly we had to settle for a game meaningless HR. That’s not a knock on Ohtani.
Ohtani with Late meaningless Pujols HRs
That’s very dark
I’m happy for Ohtani and his success, but I’m tired of wasting years celebrating individual achievements instead of celebrating this team competing for a division championship and playoff spot.
Numbers, it’s what brings the crowds in
Birth certificate onegaishimasu
I always think of Napoli for “late meaningless”, although did not seem to be he case after he was traded/given away for some magic beans
You all misspelled Vernon Wells
That Mariners excitement … I was watching happily seeing the Astros fail, but closed my eyes when I saw Servais-hole and all those nasty Sea-men.
I thought I would enjoy the Astro’s fail more, but in the end I just dropped my head knowing how far behind both of those teams we are.
At this point, I’m just hoping they can at least win the game I get to attend in Arlington.
Scherzer rental for 2 months?! Why would the Angels have any interest? The team is not making the playoffs so that must be one of those PR offers that Perry knows will never be accepted.
I believe the implication would be that Scherzer would sign an extension upon getting traded. So, he’d be a 2-3 year commitment (which has some risk considering his age) instead of a 2-3 month one.
Personally, I’d do it because there is almost no way the Angels could acquire a higher end starter in the short term.
But, doesn’t seem likely.
Why would he sign an extension over testing free agency? That’s a very big risk and one the Angels cannot afford.
Because he’s already made enough money to last for 10 lifetimes, and wants to play on the West Coast with Mike Trout and Ohtani?
However, given the reality that nobody gives a discount below full market value except for Weaver makes this highly unlikely.
Scherzer’s the guy I can most believe would sacrifice money for rings.
So he presumably would not be coming to Anaheim.
To play alongside Trout, Ohtani, and Rendon? That’s not a bad proposition, though it is a bet on himself and takes a little luck. If he’s open to the West Coast, you never know
He’d have to sign an extension and be locked in bf I ever made that trade.
but not NOW. perhaps in the offseason
Max: “So Renny, how is it playing on the West with the Angels?”
Rendone: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
“Well Max, define “play”. I have mostly been rehabbing this season, and it’s been great!”
I can see him coming here as a Free Agent but not via trade. Why move just to miss the playoffs somewhere new.
But Scherzer, Ohtani, Detmers is a great 1-2-3 next year to go with a solid core of position players. Add in the quality of life in OC and the Angels have a shot at signing him.
I posted this above, but the rumors are he wants to go to an NL West contender. If so, we’re out.
What? Not to a perineal underachiever?
I taint imagine it happening.
Thank you. I was looking for that.
I doubt Scherzer has any interest in pitching for The Angels unless they offered him a crazy 5 yr contract extension at 30+ M per year. not happening, but at least we get to have solace in the fact he turned down The Yankees as a trade destination. as long as he turns down The Astros too, then he can sign anywhere. (Dodgers, Padres, Giants?)
Correct. The only logical place for him to go in this trade is to a team that can win the WS this season. Get a ring then hit free agency. That’s his most likely plan.
I wouldn’t be so sure. Scherzer has a couple old buddies from Washington and like some other people said, playing with Trout and Ohtani could be very appealing. I would be down with Scherzer trade if he agreed to an extension along with it. There is definitely age risk, but he is a beast and exactly what this team needs in the rotation.
Arte is pushing it, for the ads
Did you have a pleasant conversation with him?
Always. I only need to say “yes” many, many times
Arte – “Heh ehe he. Eyespy, I am making sure we are vaguely referred to as someone trying to trade for Max Scherzer so that we can make ads and sell ads for the next two days and sell thousands of tickets to fans who are set afire with excitement over vaguely maybe getting Max Scherzer, while signing on a pipe company as a sponsor based on their pants pissing level of joy over two days of thinking we have tried to trade for THEE Max Scherzer. It will be my MASTER STROKE!”
Eyespy – “I’m on to you you rich old bastard cause I’m like super smart! F*** you dad!”
Arte – “NOOOOOOooooooooo! Eyespy, you are too smart for me AND a hero to the common man! Please, take control of my baseball team for me. I cannot defeat your Debbs like wisdom and charisma!”
Leave me alone, douche
You two are adore-able.
Hosmer? 4y $60 million after this year for a replacement level player at a position we already have covered. And he counts toward luxury tax at $18 million per year. On this team, I’d just DFA him. So how much do we pay for Gore? Anything over that has to be covered by the Padres.
I was very happy we didn’t draft Rocker because of the injury issues. That choice could have been absolutely brilliant by the Angels.
I would do it, get the prospect and then flip Hosmer to Kansas City at a 60% discount. Get the prospect for maybe only $40M instead of 60M
Gore seems like he’s broken. I’m not sure I’d want to invest much beyond a few nickels in him at this point.
Have you ever seen video of him? He’s got a really wild delivery. He’s certainly VERY talented, I can’t remember an Angels pitching prospect as good as he is in my lifetime. But yeah, if you watch him you will certainly see where the term “learning to pitch” comes in. He’s still super young though and I think the Padres plan is to give him time and then replace a Darvish/Snell/Clevinger with him as those contracts run out. They can’t pay all three of those guys longer than a couple years.
Padres are known to have pitching prospects with arms made out of glass:
Colin Rea, Cal Quantrill, Jaycob Nix. Add Mackenzie Gore to the mix
We’ve gotta stop with the “How much do we pay for Gore?” question. They aren’t gonna trade Gore in a salary dump, they have top 5 prospects they can trade because they have guys who can basically replace their value in their system, but they aren’t trading Gore, they actually have SP coming off the books soon and will need cheap arms to help pay Machado, Tatis, etc. I doubt the Padres plan to be over the tax limit for years to come.
Yes, Gore is worth taking on Hosmer.
And Hosmer would most likely play a better defensive 1st base then Goose last night.
Defense, much like pants, were optional last night…..
Hosmer could be an expensive bench warmer, and give Walsh an occasional day off, I suppose.
Now, do we want Gore for 15M a year? When he is, according to the El Paso manager ‘learning to pitch and all that‘ at ‘that stage of his career’. I mean, he is meant to be good, but hasn’t been pitching well, his delivery is all out of whack, and he has blister issues.
Yeah, probably don’t want to add that salary cap hit for Hosmer, even if Gore is part of the deal.
There’s no rule that says you have to keep Hosmer if you made a deal like that. You could aggressively shop him to have someone else take the player and a portion of his contract. I suspect plenty of teams would be happy to pay him $7M a year.
I think one time the Mariners did something similar. They acquired a bad contract with a prospect but then flipped the contract again at a discount. So they go the prospect and did not assume the entire financial hit of the salary dump.
Exactly.
Giants did it with Cozart
Does Wil Wilson really qualify as a prospect?
If I recall right he’s like #12 on their prospect list. He actually looks like he’ll be a solid 2B/Utility guy down the line. Has some power so his OPS is above .700 but he, of course, needs to strike out less. Fields well at 3 infield positions and could probably fill in corner OF. That was the last report I remember on him…. could be a useful NL player, like Taylor or Kiki Hernandez were on the Doyers.
Good to know – thanks for the intel