LA Angels Thursday News Crash: Never Mind

Never mind. The Mayor of New York caved on the issue of a vaccine mandate as far as professional ball players are concerned.

In keeping with trAdition, Cooper Criswell has shoulder inflammation.

Non-Angels Links

The Ghost Runner is back tentatively.

Franklin Baretto got a minor league deal with the Astros. The Cubs just designated infielder Sergio Alcantara for assignment. Meanwhile, the Dodgers signed infielder Hanser Alberto. Trea Turner just got a ton o’ money, also from the Dodgers.

Oakland will sign catcher Steven Voght. The Reds signed Hunter Strickland.

Right hander Bryan Shaw stays with the Guardians. Meanwhile Sergio Romo signed with the Mariners.

The Seattle Mariners are hiring.

Photo credit: Rex Fregosi

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Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago

The not so known A & W brother Andrew Wantz pretty much solidified a spot as a multi inning reliever on the Angels major league roster today . With the expansion of the MLB roster to 28 for the month of April and his 12.5 SO/9 and 3.45 SO/BB from last year, today’s performance should give Wantz a leg up for snagging the last bullpen spot.

Last edited 2 years ago by Cowboy26
gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Twebur
Legend
2 years ago

Still cheap…thanks for nothing Arte.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Twebur

What a deal for the Angels.

Why would Stassi take this deal? Is he concerned about CTE?

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago

28 man roster for about a month, then is the 26 man roster in effect or 25 man roster? Making the roster cuts through a short ST is going to be difficult especially for making a decision on a veteran player.

FungoAle
Super Member
2 years ago

26. Halos will probably carry as many arms as they can to bring Syndergaard slowly and Joe loves to play the match-ups.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  FungoAle

A 26 man roster equals a 13 man pitching staff (including Ohtani) while a 28 man roster will mean a 14 man pitching staff.

red floyd
Legend
2 years ago

Seen on the internet…

comment image

steelgolf
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  red floyd

😂

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  red floyd

Awesomeness

Twebur
Legend
2 years ago

Roster Resource projects the Angels for a payroll of roughly $188.3MM, and a luxury tax number of just under $204MM. The latter figure is well under the $230MM luxury tax threshold, and while the Angels have been willing to spend in general under Arte Moreno, it is clear Moreno considers the CBT threshold to be something of a barrier, as the Halos have only paid the tax once during Moreno’s ownership (in 2004, his second year owning the franchise).
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/los-angeles-angels

LanaBanana
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Twebur

I wonder who would sit if he starts? Both Marsh and Adell? Upton?

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Charles Sutton

His defense and base running skills still suck. After all the hoopla about the importance of defense for the SS & 2B position, I can’t believe that Maddon would turn over a starting outfield position to a player who is deficient in this area.

FungoAle
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  LanaBanana

Whomever gets the start, hope they rake. So the Angels will carry Trout, Adell, Marsh, Ward and Upton as the OFs? Not too shabby.

Twebur
Legend
2 years ago

Angels have the 4th highest TV deal and are the 9th most valuable team in MLB at 2.2b. The new CBA raised their value 9%

https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2022/03/24/baseballs-most-valuable-teams-2022-yankees-hit-6-billion-as-new-cba-creates-new-revenue-streams/?sh=21a2cac9600a

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Twebur

And…. shock of shocks, we are 9th in payroll right now.

Marcotor
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Twebur

The list seems about right, you have the cornerstone franchises, sans the 2nd Chicago team, plus all the LA and NY teams. Anyone notice the Angels had an operating LOSS according to Forbes? Stupid cheap Arte even has a operating loss by being cheap.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Marcotor

As a privately held company, How would Forbes know about the Angels? Also, Was that operating loss before depreciation and amortization?

According to the records for the publicly traded ( as part of Liberty Media ) Atlanta Braves, they made $104 million before OIBDA and $32 million after.

https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-braves-made-some-money-in-2021/

There’s no clue what Arte is reporting other than he has a larger payroll than the Braves and probably a larger media deal. Regardless, the concept of depreciating the value of your team is a very interesting one and seems to be the holy grail among team owners that fuels the franchise appreciation frenzy over the last few decades.i found this article to be the best resource in explaining the accounting system that all of the MLB owners have embraced:

https://sabr.org/journal/article/the-roster-depreciation-allowance-how-major-league-baseball-teams-turn-profits-into-losses/

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago

Good news. We can get Kyle Tucker back if we want him.

Sux just DFA’d him.

matthiasstephan
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Tyler (right?)

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Not so fast Kemosabe . the Angels would have to fine another spot on their crowded 40 man roster before Tyler would return to us. I think ( but I’m not sure) that based upon Kyle Tyler’s age and status, the Chowds would be able to sneak him through and outright him to Pawtucket if he clears waivers.

The Angels would be better off to put Criswell on the 60 day IL and then claim Tyler back onto the 40 man only to sneak through waivers at a later date.

Last edited 2 years ago by Cowboy26
Eric_in_Portland
Legend
2 years ago

big time lineup today. If I knew how to embed it, I would. Everyone except Trout. Lorenzon pitching.

LanaBanana
Super Member
2 years ago

1. Shohei Ohtani (L) DH
2. Matt Duffy (R) 2B
3. Anthony Rendon (R) 3B
4. Jared Walsh (L) 1B
5. Justin Upton (R) LF
6. Brandon Marsh (L) CF
7. Jo Adell (R) RF
8. David Fletcher (R) SS
9. Chad Wallach (R) C

halofansince1978
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  LanaBanana

Why no Trout for a home game?

admkir
Trusted Member
2 years ago

Attending a funeral, will be back Saturday

LanaBanana
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  admkir

Jessica’s grandfather, I believe.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  LanaBanana

thanks, Lana!

halofansince1978
Super Member
2 years ago

Yes, thank you!!

FungoAle
Super Member
2 years ago

Trout does not need to play, he is superior. Mike, can I grab you a Perrier?

AnAngelsFan
Super Member
2 years ago

Everything bagel is back in Oakland?

For those that don’t know, and reluctantly giving credit where credit is due, the Oakland A’s have some of the funniest commercials I’ve seen. Here’s a timestamped link to the one explaining my above comment: https://youtu.be/AxIPrO7PXuw?t=31

halofansince1978
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  AnAngelsFan

Hilarious…Charlie O would be proud!!

FungoAle
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  AnAngelsFan

Good stuff! Hoping they stay in Oakland and in a new stadium.

Jim Atkins
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  AnAngelsFan

Years ago Seattle had a Nose-and-Mustache glasses night that had a great commercial with players sitting around wearing Groucho Marx glasses. Low budget and perfect.

red floyd
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Jim Atkins

Arte and his marketing team are too damned serious. We need some silly stuff.

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago

Need some assistance from you good peeps. I am having a lot of trouble getting into baseball and particularly the Angels this season. This is the first time that I can recall feeling so apathetic (and not super excited) about a baseball season during Spring Training. I find my tolerance for disappointment and frustration is the lowest in my life (not just baseball- everything). Any suggestions as to the cause and maybe solutions?

halofansince1978
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Keep it simple because it’s a simple game

Throw the Ball, Hit the Ball, Catch the ball.

Compartmentalize…ignore everything else

AnAngelsFan
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Honestly, if you having trouble getting into baseball, then maybe move on and don’t watch as many games as you normally would. Look for something healthy to fill the time (like an evening walk), constructive (take some community college classes), or something fun (like the upcoming release of MLB the show ’22 with Ohtani on the cover) to to replace watching baseball.

I’m more concerned about your comment that your general tolerance for disappointment and frustration is lower. It’s likely an effect of the prolonged response to COVID. Whether you agree with the measures that have been implemented or not, may people are frustrated by them. Just like the straw that breaks the camel’s back, little frustrations are much more impactful when they land on a pile of existing frustration.

The only solutions I have are exercise more, which is linked to improving mental health, talk about your feelings with friends and family, and consider therapy.

Mas_Angeles
Member
2 years ago
Reply to  AnAngelsFan

This year in particular we got to see how the sausage was made, and it wasn’t pretty. But pile it on top of what AnAngelsFan said, and yeah — it’s just general annoyance and irritation.

Sleep, exercise, and turning off the 24 hour news cycle are helpful.

I’ve also found that watching videos that remind me of why I liked baseball to begin with are also helpful (The Sandlot / Ken Burns’ baseball series / the 2002 season recaps). It’s not the corporate greed or the incompetent commish. It’s the guys who hustle and make incredible plays. It’s the sounds and smells of friends chilling at the stadium, enjoying just hanging out and watching the game.

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Mas_Angeles

Agree. Last two years have been brutal. My wife is highest risk so it’s been constant vigilance. I’m pretty worn down.

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  AnAngelsFan

I have been exercising and avoiding all social media and news. Very good advice. This is definitely 2 years of Covid vigilance speaking.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

After living through the heartache of 1979, 1982, 1985, 1986 1989 & 1995 and all the bullshit seasons in between leading up to the 2002 season, I feel more encouraged about the 2022 season than in recent seasons past

Plus the players on this team do not seem to be raging assholes. So, as a result, seem easy to be root for. In listening to PTP on a recent broadcast , this was important to him so I hope this translates into victories.

I don’t need to follow a team riddled with Pollyannas but why can’t we root for a team whose members come to work each day and don’t lose sight of the fact that they work in a profession where they’re paid big bucks to play a wonderful game that has withstood the test of time?

clover_black
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

alcohol

Twebur
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Chill out for now and wait until we start winning. Check back at the end of May, maybe June. We’ll have our shit together by then and start punching these punks in the face. I’ll save you a seat on the bandwagon. No worries, we’ll be here.

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Twebur

Really appreciate the community and all of you taking the time to offer your perspective on how to get out of this funk. It’s helpful.

Last edited 2 years ago by Fansince1971
steelgolf
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Solution idea. Take a Saturday, go visit the local Little League parks and watch a few games, from Tee Ball to The Majors, you are going to see kids loving the sport of baseball and their friends on the various teams. Maybe a kids first ever hit in a game, or first ever catch. It helps you forget about all the CBA/lockout bullshit and propaganda from both sides and other world issues. It is pure, and it is fun.

RexFregosi
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  steelgolf

Yes this ^

Getting outside and seeing kids at any ballpark

Seeing kids around this spring and their geeked out excitement getting their first ball or autograph is really energizing.

I always feel like I’m 12 yrs old at a ballpark.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  steelgolf

Yes. Little League baseball…. and vodka.

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago

I’m sensing a theme 😎

red floyd
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

comment image

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  red floyd

Ha! Classic!

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  red floyd

Bluto knows best

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  steelgolf

Very good advice. Really appreciate it

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

There’s good abs bad about having so much information available all the time. We know more of the ugly stuff. Everywhere. Including baseball.

Work on your physical and mental health. I know you’ve been around seriously high risk folks and faced far more anxiety than most.

Time for you for a while. And if baseball is missed, you’ll be back.

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Good advice from everyone. Really appreciate it.

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Jeff – I really appreciate your kindness and understanding. It’s very good advice re needing to focus on getting my brain back on the fun things in life rather than constantly worrying about my wife and her high risk. It’s been 2 years of daily, intense planning and worry. Your advice is appreciated.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Fansince1971

Southpark and vodka.

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago

Ha!

RexFregosi
Super Member
2 years ago

Thinking about going to Shohei’s start in Glendale Saturday?

Starting game time temp: 96 F

LanaBanana
Super Member
2 years ago

I’m sort of surprised by the “Shohei” rule. Happy, of course, but surprised. Would I, or any of us, be happy if this rule only affected another team, especially one of our rivals?
I’m pretty sure I would not be happy.

Marcotor
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  LanaBanana

Imagine the exploding heads here if the Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers, or A’s had an exceptionally talented two-way player and this rule came along. Oh the horror of MLB and the continuing Conspiracy to Only Screw The Angels 😉

FungoAle
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  LanaBanana

The “Shohei” rule struck me as MLB awarding Shohei for his immense talent. Maybe MLB is cultivating the way for future two-way studs to come along. Previously, there has never been a seriously talented pitcher/hitter like Shohei. Although, agree. This is clearly an advantage for the Angels.

Thinking more, a DH is a position which is not required to be on the field. So why couldn’t you rotate a player to DH after removing him from one of the nine positions? In prior years, the only time a manager can change who is in the DH role is when that player is due to hit. So with this new rule change, if a position player jams a toe or is changed as a late inning defensive replacement, can the manager pull that player off the field and put him into the DH slot at anytime to keep his bat in the line-up? I’m guessing so.

Mixed feelings on the rule change but happy for the Halo’s!

AnAngelsFan
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  FungoAle

The manager can replace the DH at any time after the DH has his first at-bat, but the change doesn’t have to be announced until the DH’s next at-bat.

The reason you can’t move a fielder into DH is because that isn’t a substitution, that’s a position swap. If you substitute for an injured player, that player has left the game and can’t re-enter as a substitute DH. Thus, you instead have to swap an injured player with the DH, and then replace the former DH in the field. However, as soon as you swap the DH into the field, you lose the DH spot. That rule won’t change.

Interestingly, Shohei can now stay in the game as DH, but Shohei now can’t go to RF, because that would cause the DH to move to the field and be lost.

FungoAle
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  AnAngelsFan

Agree, DH slot can be swapped but it not officially announced until the official AB. That was what I was trying to indicate.

That is good, would not like to see managers finagling OFs with the DH role if the situation arises that I painted. Admittedly, I have not read all through the new rule change language.

Last edited 2 years ago by FungoAle
AnAngelsFan
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  FungoAle

I don’t think the official formulation of the rule has been posted anywhere. However, from reading articles, I understand the implementation will be that Ohtani is penciled into the lineup twice, once as starting pitcher and once as DH. The normal rules should apply to him in both those positions.

Thus, he can be substituted out of the game as pitcher and remain in the game as DH. Potentially, he should also be able to be substituted out as DH and remain in the game as a pitcher. If however, he moves from pitching to the field, the DH slot would be lost. Similarly if he moves from DH to the field the DH would be lost (although this can’t actually happen since it is physically impossible for a player, even Ohtani, to pitch and play another fielding position at the same time).

AnAngelsFan
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  LanaBanana

You have a point, but the particular rule was stupid. It makes sense that in order to have the advantage of a DH, you have to forego the use of the DH in the field. However, it doesn’t make sense to punish a team if they want to have a pitcher hit, so I think I would still support the change even if Shohei played elsewhere.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  LanaBanana

There are already about a dozen MiLB guys trying to go two way. I think MLB is trying to encourage this.

LanaBanana
Super Member
2 years ago

It’s inevitable that more guys will aspire to being two-way players, or groomed to be. Will that player count on the roster as one of the 13 pitchers allowed or as a non-pitcher?

AnAngelsFan
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  LanaBanana

Didn’t they pass the two-way player rule? If so, a new two-player has to be designated as a pitcher until they both 1) pitch 20 innings and 2) have 3 plate appearances in 20 games as a position player.

Once they meet those requirements, they can be designated as a two-way player and won’t count against the pitcher limits for the current and next season.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago

Angels came up empty against them Friars with all of 2 hits. But our pitching looked good too with Suarez tuning up. I am looking forward to seeing the pitching doing well this season and having the offense carry us into the Playoffs.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago

First up is this silly Ghost Runner rule. It seems that MLB feels the majority of fans like it. Why? I do not understand other than to say that I prefer the old way and that will come as a surprise to no one. I guess in the long run if the fans like it caulk one up for Manfraud.

Gavin Lux was once projected as a future Dodger SS then thought to be a 2B is now a backup OFer for Mookie Betts and doing well there.

boyjohn
Member
2 years ago

It has nothing to do with whether the fans like it or not, it’s just about eliminating as many extra innings as possible. And it succeeded in doing that.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  boyjohn

Trust me, if the fans did not like the Ghost Runner it would be gone. And the survey said; fans liked it. So far all indications point to fans wanting a pitch clock too. It will be welcomed by fans and Umpires as the game will move along faster and there will be the end of 3 hour games. It only took 40 years for both leagues to implement the DH, but the fans wanted it and should have already had it. Fans do not like long games and so they got it shortened. Fans equal money and as Jerry McGwire said, “It’s about the money”.

boyjohn
Member
2 years ago

Well, then it’s a win-win, but the reason they did it is not because of the fans, it’s because they didn’t want the players out there for a bunch of extra innings.

It’s funny how they keep talking about making the games shorter, when the number one reason they are so long is because of in between inning breaks (for ads).

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  boyjohn

Yes that is one big reason why the games got extended, but both pitchers and hitters take a lot more time. Constant stepping off the mound to adjust gloves, take hat off to using hand to push back their hair to rubbing the ball up. Hitters readjusting batting gloves, walking over the plate then around the Umpire to finally getting back in the Box. Kole Calhoun drove me nuts for years. Sheffield the M’s pitcher takes up to a minute between pitches and still can’t get outs. We faced him twice last year, horrible experiences. Many things have factored into increasing the length of games. To many pitching changes, the meeting room conferences during a time out for a mound visits, umpires not moving the game along. Challenges to an Umpires call. The list is way to long.

boyjohn
Member
2 years ago

Yes, but (a much worse game like) NFL football gets away with it just fine, with an hour of clock time (actually only about 12 minutes of ball in play) spread out over 3.5 (or more) hours. Why does baseball have to keep getting shortened? Just relax and enjoy the game.

Last edited 2 years ago by boyjohn
AnAngelsFan
Super Member
2 years ago

I agree this has nothing to do with the fans liking the rule. Owners want shorter games because it reduces operating costs of keeping the stadium open (no beer sales in extra innings). Players want shorter games because they make the same money for fewer hours played. Also, networks don’t want extra innings because it interferes with other programming, so the rule increases the value of broadcasting deals.

The question isn’t whether fans like the rule, but whether the revenue lost from the number of fans that hate the rule so much they will give up baseball because of the rule exceeds the amount of expenses saved and broadcast revenue earned.

ScoopleDoople
Trusted Member
2 years ago

“Fans were surveyed” – I wasn’t surveyed and I am a fan… But it would be:
pitch clock = yes,
NL DH = yes,
Shohei Rule = Yes,
No Shifts = Undecided
Ghost runner = WHAT? Your kidding me right This isn’t Little league! Maybe you want to add batters hitting off a tee after everyone gets tired? NOOOOOOOOOO to Ghost runner.

Well that is my 2 cents worth  😀 Ooh back to work they are pinging me…

KingsHalos10
Member
2 years ago
Reply to  ScoopleDoople

Agreed. The new rules are not bringing in or keeping the casual fan as Manfred wants. The shortening of the game is a joke, but rather improving the pace of play as it should be the case. Enforce the rules of the batters box along with the pitch clock and the pace of play improves.
They do need to limit the extreme shifts. Baseball has evolved from pitchers throwing 80-90mph up to all throwing mid 90s+. Add that they change the ball all the time. The hitters do need to adjust to an extent, but that is tough when what I mentioned is the norm.
Ghost runner should be the last resort starting in the 14th or 15th inning, but on 1st, not 2nd.
Keep the game the way it is. The rules outside the DH and Ohtani rule are not bringing any new attention to the game.

Last edited 2 years ago by KingsHalos10
AnAngelsFan
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  KingsHalos10

I think I agree on extreme shifts.

My rule would be that teams are required to have a catcher, 4 infielders, and 3 outfielders. An outfielder is defined as any player in the grassy area behind the bases. An infielder is any player in the dirt around the bases or the grassy area inside the bases. All players must set up in fair territory, with the exception of the catcher, who must set up in foul territory directly behind home plate.

halofansince1978
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  AnAngelsFan

If there is a violation of the no extreme shift rule…what is the penalty?

More delays while the umpies call NY to sort it out…just ban the shift.

KingsHalos10
Member
2 years ago

Thats the hard part with baseball. How do you enforce it all? Runner gets to 1st automatically?
The pitch clock or batter rule would be easy auto ball or strike.

One major adjustment I would love to see would elminate the tick tack review plays. Have a dedicated video judge up in the booth. Any review goes to them and they relay the call to the home plate umpire. All reviews would be done in less than a minute. Second part would be figuring out what would be reviewable.I would elminate the outs called on the pop up slides. But having a review judge would speed up that process.

AnAngelsFan
Super Member
2 years ago

That’s the beauty of the rule I proposed, it’s easy to enforce before the ball is put in play rather than having to impose a penalty after the fact.

If the team moves an infielder into the outfield or vice versa, the player at-bat or the manager for the hitting team calls time, points the violation out, and the umpire directs the team to re-position in accordance with the rules. If the hitting team fails to notice, then there is no penalty.

It’s no different than what would happen if a team tried to put 10 players on the field.

KingsHalos10
Member
2 years ago
Reply to  AnAngelsFan

if they want to put 2 infielders on one side, fine, but should have at least 1 foot on the infield not 20-30 ft in the grass. That could be a start.
Its not just all on the hitters having to adjust. I agree that they do, but the game has evolved make that extremely difficult. Everyone wants power and HR now vs contact plays, slap hitting and bunting. Much hard to do that when everyone is throwing gas.