Why, yes, that is the most clickbaity headline I’ve ever written. But it is true. Baseball is coming, just not of the MLB variety. At least not yet.
Eight days ago the players were underwhelmed by the owners proposal. They promised to respond quickly with their own proposal. Crickets.
Don’t worry, the players are preparing to prepare a proposal and should be presenting that sometime in the near but not immediate future.
But there will be baseball next weekend. The 2022 Caribbean Series kicks off in the baseball hotbed of the Dominican Republic.
I’ve often watched those games and thought of how much fun it would be to attend. It will be very easy to attend in 2024. No passport needed as the Caribbean Series will be played in Miami.
One guy who had himself a good Winter Ball season down in the DR was former Angel and great guy Taylor Cole. He was able to use that as a springboard to a minors deal with Boston.
No matter where he goes or what he does, Taylor will always be remembered here for being the starting pitcher in the Tyler Skaggs no hitter.
I like the guy so much I’m going to wish him luck, even as a Red Sox. He’s just that good of a guy.
There’s a lot of MLB news to get to. Yesterday MLB nixed Tampa Bay’s plans for a split home schedule with Montreal.
This plan was a bit more complex than it appears on the surface. The city of Tampa had proposed to help build a stadium in Ybor City while the Rays built a similar ballpark in Montreal. The team would split the season playing in each ballpark and, I’d imagine, secure broadcasting deals in each city.
Rays ownership calls the news “deflating” and local leaders are now left to figure out how to make this work.
Honestly, my first thought was that Montreal was a lateral move from Tampa: low attendance, bad ballpark, crappy turf. But, as others on the staff brought to my attention, Montreal had good attendance for years and a new ballpark would have been built. I’m changing my tune. MLB screwed up.
In other beleaguered franchise news, the City of Oakland approved an environmental review and the A’s took a step closer to a beautiful downtown ballpark.
The A’s are proposing more than just a ballpark. 3000 housing units, office space, retail, parks. This looks like it would be a very nice development and I honestly prefer the A’s stay here. My sister takes my nieces and nephews to games here and I think many more families would support a new ballpark in better developed area.
This is an Angels themed site and I haven’t yet mentioned them. Well, the Angels had a nice international signing period picking up two top 50 prospects. I also like the mix of players.
The highest rated player on that list is Nelson Rada. He netted a signing bonus of $1.8 million then sat down for an interview with The Athletic.
I’ve been finding more old school Angels stuff on YouTube than looking for longform reading. Please tell me which you prefer and I’ll lean that way. I’m aiming for a bit of both, to be honest.
Here’s a clip that couldn’t be more late 80s/early 90s. Enjoy the guitar riff open, the Winston sign during the home run, and the old Big A configuration. Here’s a 1991 tribute to my favorite Angel.
Have a great weekend. Please link what I missed.
I’ve posted this before, but I finally got to meet my boyhood hero a couple of years ago. Definitely a memory I cherish. We had a good laugh about our last names being homonyms and talked about baseball.
What a weekend of NFL football. That league is shining while MLB is doing nothing.
I mean, it is the middle of January, even in a normal year MLB would be doing close to nothing…
And the 2021 MLB playoffs were great!
Yes but…..the point is it would be a terrible optic for MLB to lose any of the season.
A lot of money at stake to delay, we may lose a few weeks of spring, but I think we’ll be okay.
Yesterday’s NFL was down to the last minute in both games. Home field meant nothing as the visitor’s prevailed in both. Hope for some close scores today.
Hope you have a great day today, we will with a warm day by the fireplace and some game time fun. Happy Sunday.
Straight from Rod’s twitter feed.
Rod Carew
@RodCarew_29
I love Angels fans as much as Twins fans. I ‘grew up’ in Minnesota, but my home is in California to this day. I have friends at both organizations who I cherish. The only difference is the Angels’ leadership does not want me to be involved with their club and the Twins do
Well, that is bad on Angels’ management. I remember all of the charity work Carew did when I was growing up, and he has always been admired in the fanbase (correct me if you all disagree).
Would be happy to see him more involved.
Why wouldn’t they want the involvement from a HOFer who played six All Star seasons for your organization (seven over all)?
F***ing Arte. The Angels need to completely change everything…. but also keep every old man who ever worked for them on staff and feeling relevant. Is this so much to ask?
Yeah, they fuck up dealing with their past players pretty regularly.
Really which ones?
How often do you see ex Angels at the Big A before games? Go to a Yankees game or a Dodgers game and former players are there. It is not in the team’s current DNA is all.
Well I see Bobby Grich all the time. In the past I’ve seen Adam Kennedy and Mike Witt. I used to see Rod Carew a few years ago. The Angels already employ, Mark Langston, Mark Gubizca, Garret Anderson and Tim Salmon on a regular basis. The Angels have even employed a speakers bureau where you can get ex angel ball player to attend your charity event if needed.
Many of the old Angels were in attendance during Joe Maddon’s introductory press conference. He even talked about how Important it was to get these players back involved in the organization even if it would be for guest instructional visits during spring training.
Unfortunately some of the Angel legends such as Jim Fregosi and Don Baylor are no longer with us while others have their own careers and interests to follow like Nolan Ryan and Reggie Jackson.
While the last 3 GM’s have chose to bring in more help from outside the organizations roots, and I have no idea what the beef with Rod Carew is, but I believe this concept that somehow the Angels are shunning their old alumni is just manufactured hype.
Clyde Wright, Brian Downing, Percy, Finley, others…agree with you.
The usual Angle bashing…not all of it is justified.
But, they always seem to give reasons to question…..
https://halohangout.com/posts/was-brian-butterfield-dismissed-by-la-angels-for-polarizing-reason
I think it’s pretty obvious that Arte personally punched Rod in the dick and told him to never come to the Big A again. There is absolutely no chance that this tweet came from an old man who isn’t getting his way and is turning to fellow old men on the interwebs for a sympathy pump. Arte feels intimidated by Rod and banned him because Arte is cheap and Arte is evil. If Arte were gone there would be so many happy old man Angels just flocking to the Big A to tell guys like me that they are my friend. I hate you Arte. Did you hear Arte lit Johnny Ray’s dog on fire? Well he probably did.
“No team for old men”
Arte in his younger days….friend’o.
https://youtu.be/opbi7d42s8E
OMG! Sugar as young Cheapnevil! Perfect.
Anton = Arte
The pressure-gun cattle prod thing is what Arte uses on our players. Its why we have so many injuries.
I saw Rod at the Big A around 2012. He was doing some promotional or community event before the game started and he walked through the gates before they were open. But it would be really cool to see former players around the stadium more often.
Sean Burnett, Lee Smith, Kelvim Escobar, Tony Armas, Willie Fraser, John Candelaria, JT Snow, Damion Easley, Jeff Manto…. the list of ex-Angels players who we just don’t see around much is truly troubling. I wonder what positions PTP has totally failed to hire all of these guys to totally revolutionize as the Angels stop being stuck in the old ways of doing things and modernize their baseball ops. If we had a POBO like Andrew Freidman I’m sure Rod Carew would be front and center.
Sweet Jesus we need some Ersty. How many of the men on this site are so so thirsty for Ersty? Probably 110% of us.
I’ve actually kind of enjoyed the “old Angels” vibe in the mix of our front facing org offices. Langston, Gubby, Salmon, GA…. has a nice historical flow. But I don’t want anyone like Weaver or Carew doing anything meaningful in our org. Give a speech in Tempe, shake some hands in a locker room, support a charity, that’s about it. If their ego demands more I don’t care if they’re butt hurt.
Weaver has a comment in agreement.
It makes no sense. I’d love Carew around the players and fans. Same with Weaver.
I’m sure Rod could be involved with the club. He is probably not being offered the involvement he wants. But hey, if a low key “Do you know who I am?” from an ex-Angel gets you’re blood up then this tweets for you.
Both the A’ss and Rays need to move. Both franchises are wasted on those towns. But the evil in me wants the A’ss to grasp desperately at this latest glimmer of hope that they can build something in Oakland. I can’t wait till 2027 when they are on their seventh final attempt to get something passed through all the interested parties in the Bay Area.
Maybe I’m just as stupid as all of the highly successful men who own baseball teams, but I still have trouble believing how tough it is for the MLB to catch on in Florida.
Over / under new stadium ground breaking….is 2029.
under
Angels +350
A’ss +355
over
Angels -350
A’ss -355
That suit you’re wearing is class. You look like you quip wisely in Guy Ritchie movies. And apparently your boyhood hero is the guy who played Walt’s brother in law on Breaking Bad?
Either that or it’s Peter Frampton.
Wally might very well be Lex Luthor or Daddy Warbucks.
I’m getting more of a David Byrne, Stop Making Sense vibe from Jeff in that photo.
I’d take that. Talking Heads is an under appreciated band IMO. Naive Melody is an absolute gem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rauu_MNZXgo
Talking Heads is dope, but you look way more classy than that in that photo. You look like you’re gonna sell Wally his own personal tank.
https://twitter.com/nmbaseball/status/1484728889918124032?s=21
The Giants = Smart for thinking outside the box about Lorenzen.
The Angels = Stupid f***ing Perry. So out of his depth. Mere puppet.
Perry kinda feels like the first GM in years to actually go his own way!
At least, IMO
But how smart can a platypus really be?
Agent P is the top agent in OWCA!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozl3L9fhKtE
Just to be clear – multiple teams targeted a pitcher. We landed said pitcher.
This is a good thing – right? This is what ‘we’ complained about before (with Greinke, Wheeler, Cole), an inability to get the pitcher we wanted.
But here we are, Perry coming through with the goods. Well done, I say, well done.
Lies, if we got him nobody else targeted. I’m sure it was just a bunch of Heyman “mystery teams” who may or may not exist.
I’m fine with this signing because barring injury the fallback is a nice bullpen piece.
It’s a little more than I’d have paid, but that shows there was demand.
If he can’t start effectively, I just wonder how long it takes us to realize it, and how many games he will lose for us before we move him to the pen.
That likely depends on how well Detmers and Canning are doing.
A hot Spring Training by one or both and that leash gets a lot shorter.
Nine. The answer is nine.
Nein, komrade, nein.
If I had to guess without knowing that one of these Jo(i)(y)ners was the ex-baseball great, I’d say it was the guy on the right. Lookin’ sharp, Jeff.
Hey, thanks.
The world also lost the comedic stylings of Louie Anderson today. He was barely in Coming to America but he made his moments count.
I absolutely love this clip. Soon I’ll be on fries…
Louie Anderson had a great guest star appearance on Remington Steele. He was a funny man, and I am sad to see his passing.
…and that’s when the big bucks start rolling in.
Ha! I fell for the click bait heading and was buttercupped! 😂
“Ooh, ooh something happened overnight <click> Noooooooooooo”
Ha ha. I’ve never done clickbait before. I tried to do make sure the first paragraph would end up on the front page.
43 million albums sold of Bat out of Hell. Paradise in the dashboard lights is one of the great baseball songs of all time.
That’s a rather tender subject. Another slice anyone?
Robot umpires have been given a promotion and will be just one step from the major leagues this season…….
https://sports.yahoo.com/robot-umpires-home-plate-moving-204456445.html
This is such a dumb ass idea, imho.
Not as dumb as HP umpires
Did not remember that Tyler Cole started that No Hitter. I’m happy for him to get a contract. Hope he makes it back to the “Bigs”.
Who is that with Wally, tall enough to be a pitcher, heck sign him up. PTP.
That’s me with Wally and you don’t want my arm anywhere near the mound.
I played right field in Little League. I think that’s all you need to know.
That’s where the Dandelions grow
A very, very sad day. Woke up very late today and turned on the PC to the news of the passing of Mr. Aday (Meatloaf), Jan Michael Vincent, and Louie Anderson.
R.I.P. Brothers.
While the Album Bat out of Hell was just awesome and a favorite of mine, I’d do anything for Love is my favorite of his songs. What a voice and a great talent. Louie Anderson was a very funny man and we saw him live at the Hermosa Beach Comedy Club in late 80’s.
It happens in 3’s, but of late it seems like one a day. Maybe years ago I would not have shed a tear, but to seems so different and I am not ashamed as I say goodbye to these talented men.
Bat out of Hell came out when i was 16.
I usually don’t think about ‘Paradise ..’ when thinking about songs with a great opening riff, but i should.
I do wish I would have had the pleasure of seeing him live. I was 25 when “Bat” came out and he blew me away.
Jan Michael Vincent passed away in 2019.
Thats what I thought too but its Friday and I figured I was just missing something.
Well I guess that goes to show me I cannot believe everything I read on Microsoft news. A bit embarring though.
Uninteresting anecdote: sat next to him in a hotel bar on Central Park South Manhattan in the 1980s.He was neither nice nor unnice. Still, it did happen.
Is there something weird about MLB teams signing a bunch of 16-year-old boys from the Caribbean?
its fine – they’ve known these boys since they were 12 or 14 yrs old
Only if the scout is wearing an Angel muscle shirt and a red speedo, then yup we may have a problem.
…or a Angels rally thong.
Harumph
I didn’t get a “Harumph” out of that guy! [points at Twebur]
https://youtu.be/jLO7VrRij_M?t=8
100% yes. These kids start at academies when they are about 12 or so. They should be going through junior high and high school. Instead they are pressured with bringing life changing money to their families, left with no education, and a minimal chance at an MLB career.
I’m not a fan of this system at all. Yes, I know the academies are supposed to have academics but then again college football players are also supposed to go to class.
It’s OK. I’ve seen a bunch of huge DNC donners and politicians hanging around their games so there’s absolutely no way anything sleezy’s been going on. Not with all that concerned power in one place looking out for their well being.
Well, that’s a relief, but just as long as Jim Jordan (R – Ohio) isn’t one of the coaches.
Is Jim Jordan interested in protecting the young men and women of the world by helping them help him climax to new heights as well? Wouldn’t shock me. I’m sure there are still plenty of private islands full of young people being given the old “opportunity of a lifetime” still.
Just read that Ty Buttrey wants to make a comeback. Says he’s over his burnout and has a newfound burning desire. If true, would love to see his resurgence and for him to reach his potential. Such a nice guy. Had electric stuff when on. Could be huge.
Like Patrick Sandoval?
Ty Buttrrey was acquired for a old former AS 2B Ian Kinsler as was Patrick Sandoval for a journeyman catcher Martin Maldonado. Lightning rarely happens in a bottle.
Eppler
Yes. I’ve reached out to him for another interview but nothing imminent yet. Ty spent a year cruising the country in an RV with his wife. Perfect time to do it.
And while baseball was more of something he was good at than a life dream, he does seem to genuinely miss the game, competition, and his teammates.
My first name is Phil.
Does the FILL the bill.
For another homonym?
Paradise by the Dashboad Light – now there was a baseball song!
Here he comes, squeeze
Play, it’s gonna be close, holy cow, I think he’s gonna make it!
RIP Meat Loaf
Meat Loaf ROCKS!!!
Meat Loaf’s voice was a magnificent instrument. He could have been an opera star had he so chosen. And he was a very interesting fellow, so far as I can judge by the interviews I have read. May he rest in peace, singing in the Angel Choir.
Wait! That was about baseball? Color me surprised.
Jeff- I think you and Wally needed to order some more Cracker Jacks.
Ha! Very misleading headline. Have you been taking clickbait classes?
I had to try it once.
It was fun.