LA Angels Monday News Crash: Foreign Substances

MLB outlined its plan about foreign substances for the 2022 season. Umpires will be able to check out the tops and bottoms of pitchers hands as well as their equipment in random between innings checks.

We coulda been a contendah. Not! Apparently the Angels are in the “High Variance .500” tier according to MLB.com. Also in that tier are the Minnesota Twins, although Carlos Correa thinks he will “build a championship culture” there.

Another article at MLB.com thinks that teaming Shohei Ohtani with Noah Syndergaard is a pretty hot move. Let’s just hope the “high variance” works out for the Angels this time.

Mike Fiers signed with the Leones De Yucatan of the Mexican League.

In a blast from the past, Jake Jewell signed a minor league deal with the Cleveland Guardians. Other old friends, Tommy La Stella and Andrelton Simmons have been dealing with the injury bug.

Dave Roberts says the Dodgers are going to win the 2022 World Series. Go figure! He just got a three year extension from those same Dodgers.

Photo credit: Rex Fregosi

102 Comments
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Designerguy
Super Member
2 years ago

Interesting news about the Skaggs family lawsuit. This could give the Angels a way out.

https://twitter.com/nmbaseball/status/1508310314927882243

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

Thats a $240,000,000 Sharpie

2002heaven
Trusted Member
2 years ago

comment image
comment image
Sumhow I think we missed out on both of these gies top dood is shelby miller
 😆  💪  💪  💪  💪 

Last edited 2 years ago by 2002heaven
2pints
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  2002heaven

Well if they aren’t on the Angels roster then yes, they did miss out on them. Thats some great detective work there. Take the rest of the day off.

red floyd
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  2pints

Didn’t you know? If we didn’t sign every kid who wound up doing well, we sucked?

I think tootytoo is our version of DesignatedForAssignment, without the recs.

2002heaven
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  2pints

yoo and angry little floid missed the point…….uhgayne.
mike fiers is dun and shelby miller is close (another matt harvey kind of guy that somebody like the A’s would’ve taken on a flyer and not the Yankees). try harder to think before you make pathetic and seedy little insults. I don’t have to love Artee the oligarch. 💪  💪  💪  👈 

2pints
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  2002heaven

How about you put together some actual coherent thoughts in your comments instead of random photos with muscle emojis before you go telling anyone else on here to think harder.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  2002heaven

So what you’re saying is Arte is becoming an intelligent and thoughtful Owner because he’s no longer wasting his money on washed up pitchers like other teams in our league .

Man, Toots, you’re becoming quite the Arte homer now.

2002heaven
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Yooooo Meen like Noah Syndergaard?
Hoo prawbubly couldive been syned for half of whut weee syned him for.
Eeevin if hee duz in fact win the MLB 2022 Comeback Player Of The Year do you think Artee The Oligarch (BTW I still don’t have to love him) will wanna resign him for $21M+ for 3 or more years?
 💪  💪  💪  💪 

Last edited 1 year ago by 2002heaven
SScott
Super Member
2 years ago

Not been able to watch or listen to the spring games, and I know it’s early and limited, but I’d be interesting in reading some takes from folks who have been watching. Are you positive, negative, or just in the IDK camp?

SScott
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Charles Sutton

Thanks. Regnifo doesn’t surprise me.

I’m really trying to temper my hopes for Syndergaard. We’ve been needing a high potential arm for so long, I’m just afraid of a setback after his surgery.

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

Agree and to think this was Perry’s big pitching move. High-risk, med-reward. Angels will manage his innings and pitch selections with kid gloves. I think 2023 is the year for max performance.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  SScott

I’m normally pretty optimistic around this time and more so this year. We’ve been waiting for Adell and/or Marsh to come around and be impact players and this spring both have showed promise.

RexFregosi
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  SScott

im pretty excited this year – bullpen obviously improved, the starters are better than i thought.

my only concern is SS. i wish we’d keep Fletch at 2B and upgrade the SS.

With all the spare parts we have, would love to see them cashed in for a SS, or more SP.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  SScott

Seriously optimistic all around. Only concern is at 3rd as Rendon does not somehow seem right. Good fight going on at 2B and for back up positions. Starters seem to be doing well and pitching with confidence. The BP has a fight going on for one or two spots. 2nd catchers spot up in the air with Romine in the mix. I believe being in a playoff spot possible with limited injuries.

SScott
Super Member
2 years ago

Boy, I hate to hear that about Rendon. I so badly want to be a huge fan, but he just won’t let me.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  SScott

Defensively he looks fine to me.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago

Pujols going back to St. Louis is a great feel good story. The fans in St. Louis should love Albert. They haven’t watched him suck the life out of team and destroy its payroll for the last 7 or so years.

matthiasstephan
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Still seems like they paid roughly 2M more than they could have.

Does this postpone he service agreement with the Angels? Did he get out of that?

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago

I hope the Cards deal with grandpa isn’t just postponing the inevitable. Maybe Arte will pay him some alternative amount as part of his PSA to NOT come around the team.

admkir
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

So now every time he comes up to bat Yadi will come out of the dugout and start waving his arms to get the fans to stand and applaud? Man that will get old fast

FungoAle
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

He’ll stick around to get his 700th homer, that is all that he is playing for. They gave him more than the minimum to not insult his integrity.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  FungoAle

21 bombs from a part time DH? I’d bet against that.

steelgolf
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Would you believe 21 GIDPs?

halofansince1978
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  FungoAle

He only needs 17 to pass K-Roid and become the all time Latin leader.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago

So that would make A Roid the Ex Latin X

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
2 years ago

my fave comment from a St. Louis fan on Facebook about Pujols’ signing.

“All you people bashing him will be the same people saying great move when he hits that game winning home run in the playoffs to get to the World Series!!
Welcome back Albert!!”

Personally (and I could be wrong), I think that’s delusional. That’s why it’s my fave comment!

RexFregosi
Super Member
2 years ago

What’s funny is that Cardinal fans are supposed to be the most knowledgeable fans it baseball and they’re excited/applauding this move.

Lol – another myth busted

My prediction is he doesn’t get close to 700,(maybe 10 more this year) and he certainly doesn’t make it back next year.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

A few years ago the Halos visited the Cardinals and Albert told Trouty that StL. had the most knowledgeable fans in all of MLB. How can such a thing be measured? I know, Albert judged it based on curtain calls, so when he used ‘Roids in St Louis and could hit like no one before him he was worshipped. In SoCal we just wanted him shipped anywhere.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago

I wonder if the Cardinals faithful are that knowledgeable regarding Albert’s splits against RHP last year? (.180/.233/.266)

RexFregosi
Super Member
2 years ago

Funniest part of the night was Smith initially laughing at the joke.

Haven’t watched the Oscars in years and didn’t see any movies this year – but for whatever reason I was watching it all

This is a good breakdown.

https://twitter.com/jomboy_/status/1508288763201572866?

Last edited 2 years ago by RexFregosi
halofansince1978
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

You insult my wife…I punch you in the nose.

That’s called old school chivalry and I like it.

Like real men they shook hands afterwards.

YOUknowulovetheIE
Trusted Member
2 years ago

Jada was hooking up with their son’s friend. That should be off limits

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago

From what I understand, Their marriage is about as open as Will Smith’s fist was.

Last edited 2 years ago by Cowboy26
Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

It’s only open on one side and it ain’t Will’s.

clover_black
Super Member
2 years ago

now imagine if it was real.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

Just be thankful he didn’t insult Alec Baldwin’s wife.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

cough….cough….

ouch

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago

Ha ha. I feel no sympathy for Alec but a ton for the woman he killed and her family.

Had he taken the same firearm safety class millions of others have taken she’d be alive. In all honesty I couldn’t imagine handling a deadly weapon without being able to load and check it myself.

Then again I’m not an arrogant, pompous ass like Alec.

AKA_rmhalofan
Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

No sympathy for Baldwin either and yes he is very pompous… but… it was not supposed to be a dangerous weapon to begin with. Should have down-armored. Prop weapons are used all the time in movies with out any issues. Why was this one any different? Should his expectation of it being a live weapon? And yes, I know, it should always be treated as a live weapon. Just making a point that if prop weapons had been used, none of this would have happened and someone wouldn’t be dead.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  AKA_rmhalofan

Definitely should have been prop guns. Alec, like 99% of Hollywood, has no business with a real gun in his hands.

I wonder if the real guns were cheaper to use or something. Alec was cutting costs and corners at every opportunity.

I don’t know how props work. Unlike Alec, however, I know how firearms work and haven’t killed anybody.

Last edited 2 years ago by Jeff Joiner
JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

Ridiculous.

Obviously scripted and phony. How stupid does Hollywood think people are ?

Twebur
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

A. It was preplanned (fully focus grouped) Fake. Hollywood. Attention. Look. At. Me.
B. Crazy movie star shit
C. Drug induced crazy movie star shit
D. Flash back to his roll as Mohamed Ali
E. Part of a “secret in production” future movie with Will and Chris

Picking A and B. 50/50 both can be true.

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Twebur

A. is the answer.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

I hope you’re right. The News station reported it as real.

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago

Of course they would. This was all about creating “buzz” and drawing attention to the Awards show.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

If it was staged, it sure as heck looked real by watching the way Chris Rock reacted.

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago

I disagree. It was very poorly done. Rock would have been much more disoriented and shocked had it been real. In addition, Smith walked calmly away like nothing happened. That kind of reaction would not be likely had he been angry enough to strike Chris Rock in legitimate passion.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Again, I prefer to agree with you rather than it being real, but post show Smith seemed to stick to it being real with saying he hopes to be invited back. And another presenter made a comment about settling this thing at a post awards party.

RexFregosi
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Rock has been in these situations before – I’m imagine he wasn’t as stunned and unprepared as you imagine

You really think Smith would completely stain his reputation like this for a stunt? The dude is about to hit the pinnacle of his career—- and now he’ll most be remembered by the ugly situation more than anything

FungoAle
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

Agree, was not a stunt. Why would Smith agree to look like a jackass. .

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

Disagree that he’ll be remembered for it. No matter what happens with media the guy is set for life. Not to mention the fact that he made many “personal” sacrifices to get where he is in Hollywood. Will Smith did not get to those heights by being his own man. He played the “game” to get where he is. He has shown he is willing to do it. Why would he stop now?

Particularly when it comes to success in Hollywood typically sacrifices have to be made and Will Smith has shown that he is willing to make them.

2pints
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

It was real dude. Get over it.

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  2pints

We all know that your word is sacred so I guess that stops all conversation.

2pints
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

The fact that you don’t think Will Smith will be remembered for what happened last night shows how ignorant you are about current pop culture and media. Every single year when the Oscars come around that moment will be replayed over and over, until the end of time.

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  2pints

Whether or not the news networks, the Academy or especially whomever has the broadcast that year (usually abc, I think) talks about it or plays it up is not the point. Of course they will play it up since it benefits them to do so. But that has nothing to do with Smith being “remembered” for it.

The guy has been one of the most successful box office draws for over two decades. That doesn’t change because of a silly fake assault. I am not a Smith fan, but I am just saying that his career will not be defined by it. I mean, if it was that important and that scandalous the Academy could have taken away his award. It is not out of bounds for them to do something like that. But the Academy declined to do so, and that says alot.

2pints
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

“Of course they will remind everyone every year for decades that this happened, but he won’t be remembered for it.”

thats a tight rope you’re walking

AKA_rmhalofan
Member
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

“Remember the crazy shit that happened during the 2022 Oscars? Tune in to this years failing, uninteresting awards show for uncaring, self-entitled asshats to find out what crazy shit might go down this year!”

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  AKA_rmhalofan

Exactly.

Twebur
Legend
2 years ago

They might not always be the best source….just saying, without saying much.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Twebur

I’m leaning towards A but Will Smith is such a horrible actor I’m not sure if he could pull it off.

You’d think his training to portray Ali (which he sucked at) would teach him to throw a proper strike. That was horrible.

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

There was even a sound effect used, lol. Just like the sound effects used in movie fights.

2pints
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Rock had a mic on his lapel, which was inches below his cheek. Of course there was a sound from it.

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  2pints

What slap have you ever heard make that kind of sound?

No slap I have ever heard…

2pints
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

You’ve never heard a mic get bumped and make that sound? You want a loud slap sound like in the movies, but when a mic gets scuffled it makes the exact sound that was made.

Listen, I’m not going to try to change your mind, I’ve seen your stubbornness for years on this blog, so whatever. Have fun in your conspiracy land.

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Ha, ha, yeah, good point. The tears afterwards were good acting though. People aren’t thinking about the inconsistencies. He laughed at the joke when it first happened. Do they expect us to think that he saw Jada frown and then all of a sudden he became enraged? It wouldn’t happen. No way.

Will Smith has been in the business way too long and he understands how many people are watching at home and the kind of money behind the event. There is no way this guy who has made calculated decisions his whole adult life in order to gain and keep his fame and wealth would suddenly become an out of control idiot. No way. It makes no sense.

The only logical explanation is that the thing was scripted. The whole thing was clearly bogus.

Last edited 2 years ago by JackFrost
Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

But can he pitch?

RexFregosi
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Twebur

C. Thing was real

And so impressed with Rock right now – you could tell he’d had some experience with that sort of thing.

Only a true professional kept it from going off in the deep end

Twebur
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

And he deserves a cookie……
https://youtu.be/jkxB15nXRvM

LanaBanana
Super Member
2 years ago

My post says “awaiting approval? Is that new?

LanaBanana
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Charles Sutton

Ok, thanks.

LanaBanana
Super Member
2 years ago

Today’s expected lineup with Syndergaard pitching.
but will it be raining?

1. Shohei Ohtani (L) DH
2. Mike Trout (R) CF
3. Anthony Rendon (R) 3B
4. Justin Upton (R) 1B
5. Matt Duffy (R) 2B
6. Max Stassi (R) C
7. Taylor Ward (R) RF
8. Jo Adell (R) LF
9. David Fletcher (R) SS

RexFregosi
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  LanaBanana

just cloudy today and nowhere near as warm.

the rain is due tomorrow

halofansince1978
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  LanaBanana

Solid lineup…especially if Upton would just DO SOMETHING!!!

Any platoon at first base will hurt a young player like Marsh.

matthiasstephan
Super Member
2 years ago

Walsh?

I think it only starts as a platoon – but it is nice to have depth for those eventual injury bugs or necessary off days. Having someone else who can work in at 1B makes the bench decision easier too.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago

IF Upton can hit, particularly lefties, it gives Joe a lot of roster options. Historically he’s had a small positive splits vs. lefties.

Tough lefty starter, play him at first.

Good lefty reliever comes in, send Upton to either hit for Walsh or Marsh. If he hits for Marsh, he plays on the grass the rest of the game.

The thing is Ward has been much better vs. lefties the last three years to the tune of a .265/.332/.414 slash line. And he moves better on the base paths and outfield grass.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Plus Ward can at this point play more positions. LF, RF, !B, #B, and even in a pinch C. JUp is done and really at this point there is no room for him, sad to say but true.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago

yes he can play all of those positions extremely poorly.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

As poorly as Upton? Because that’s who we are talking about replacing.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Both options suck. But I’d rather have J Up’s offense

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Unfortunately, many times Ward moves in the wrong dimension both on the base paths and in the field . Here’s his superior defense from 6/25/21 Where he single handedly blew the game(check out the highlights for the bottom of the 1st (x2) and the bottom of the 8th) https://www.mlb.com/gameday/angels-vs-rays/2021/06/25/633535#game_tab=videos,game_state=final,game=633535

And 2 nights later where Ward demonstrates his stellar base running prowess (AKA in-game napping)
https://www.mlb.com/gameday/angels-vs-rays/2021/06/27/633459#game_tab=videos,game_state=final,game=633459

jco
Trusted Member
jco
2 years ago

Walsh’s platoon splits thus far in his career are striking. He’s a beast against righties, but Mathis-like against lefties. It just seems to me that Ward ought to be the one playing 1B and Upton should be in the OF. With that said, Spring Training is the right time to see if Upton can be passable at 1B.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  jco
Last edited 2 years ago by Cowboy26
JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

With everything that Shohei did last season this game, and specifically this HR was the highlight of the Angels season.

Probably 2nd would be Shohei’s two out game-winning HR at Boston.

Last edited 2 years ago by JackFrost
halofansince1978
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

I’m reminded of why Sutton got canned.

Biggiswrth
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  LanaBanana

It took me a min. Upton at first. All I have is Moneyball in my head with Ron Washington talking about how difficult it is to play 1B, with Billy saying all will be fine. Fingers crossed!!

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Biggiswrth

The positive thing for the Adell and Marsh fans is that this Upton at 1B move is a good indication that they’d like to start both Adell and Marsh in the OF. Maybe it does not start right away at Opening Day, but I think by May you’ll see an everday outfield of Trout, Adell and Marsh.

Last edited 2 years ago by JackFrost
Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Agreed. I think Upton rarely sees the grass this year. The only question to me is does Upton hit well enough to keep his roster spot and play a couple of games per week or is he cut and Ward gets the job?

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Nope.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago

I’d bet the same.

I can understand giving him the opportunity early as there’s a lot of money on the line. But barring injury, I think Ward takes his spot about May.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

I think that in April the team carries both Ward and Upton while Perry hopes that a DH spot opens up and the team eats 20-21 mil and trades him before April 30th. If not I can see him being DFA’d and the team eating his contract (24mil) aka Albert. I don’t think that Perry really will have Joe waste a lot of AB’s on JUp at the expense of the future of Adell or Marsh. When Trouty needs a rest Marsh will cover and the corner spots covered by Ward. Just no place to go for JUp as just a poor LF and poorer !B except DH and that would be in frequent at best.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago

Whenever rosters go down from 28 to 26, Upton will need to either be hitting like the Upton of old or he’ll be gone.

I’m right there with you. I think he’s gone.

FungoAle
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Just a real poor decision to give him reps at 1st base. Commit to the long term; Adell, Marsh and Walsh.

jco
Trusted Member
jco
2 years ago
Reply to  FungoAle

Walsh is 27. I think he’s always going to have platoon issues.

FungoAle
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  jco

I’m against platoon’s. A player gets pigeonholed into sitting against lefties and never is able to shake-off the stigma. However, if we need a RH 1B compliment, lets get a guy who can play the position with competence. My 2-cents.

Biggiswrth
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Yes!!!