LA Angels Monday News Crash: Worst Nightmare

The Angels won yesterday. Eight were ejected. We await word about the fines and suspensions. On Friday the Angels designated Juan Lagares for assignment. On Saturday Shohei Ohtani hit the hardest home run of his career. The ball left the bat at 118 miles per hour and traveled 462 feet. Mike Trout, for his part, made it official that he is Seattle’s worst nightmare. The Angels are trying out David McKinnon at third base. Cross your fingers everyone. The Angels brought up Suarez and optioned Junk back to triple A.

Luis Castillo of the Reds is drawing trade interest. The Angels are not listed among the suitors. Former Red Shogo Akiyama signed a three year deal with the Hirshima Carp.

Salvador Perez needed thumb surgery but he is expected to return during this season. Bryce Harper fractured his left thumb on Saturday. The Astros reinstated Jeremy Pena. The Rangers are moving a lot of guys around. The Mets reactivated James McCann from the injured list but they are still waiting on Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom.

The Yankees and Aaron Judge came to an 11th hour agreement and avoided arbitration. He gets $19 Million plus incentives. To celebrate, the Yankees are now in a hitting slump. It’s their worst in 70 years. The Astros got a no-hitter out of it.

Check it out! The Marlins designated Willians Astudillo for assignment. Meanwhile the Rays reinstated Wander Franco from the injured list.

It turns out that A.J. Hinch has a five year deal with the Detroit Tigers.

Thirty nine year old Cole Hamels is looking to make a 2023 comeback.

Photo credit: Rex Fregosi

187 Comments
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Guest
Newbie
2 years ago

Real “smart” for Rendon to get involved in the brawl after having the wrist surgery. But since he’s done for the year anyway what the hell’s he care. Might as well get involved. Homey’s making a guaranteed $35 MILLION per year 7yrs/245MM. So he’ll have plenty of time to sit on his ass………

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago

10-game Ray Montgomery manager audition. $5 says he’ll be way better than Nevin. I guess assuming Montgomery gets the interim manager tag. From what I remember, managers can’t really appeal suspensions.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  benjiface

Dude, you gotta love the comradery. Our f***in interpreter and catching coach got suspended.

Montgomery too. 2 games.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago

Too bad none of the hitting coaches got suspended.

Then again maybe they did. How would anybody really know?

WallyChuckChili
Legend
2 years ago

D-Cell 2 games
Wantz 3 games
Tempera 3 games
Rendon 5 games

Nevin 10 games
Chitin 5 games
Montgomery 2 games
Haselman 1 game

nishiogawakun
Super Member
2 years ago

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

bradllee424
Trusted Member
2 years ago

That’s ridiculous. MLB is a joke and the commissioner needs to be thrown out and never allowed anywhere near this sport.

SScott
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  bradllee424

D-Cell shouldn’t have even been thrown out of the game in the first place, but he sealed a suspension with his two tosses.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
2 years ago

And the Ms?

bradllee424
Trusted Member
2 years ago

I can’t believe that douchebag Servais didn’t get suspended. What a piece of garbage he is.

SScott
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  bradllee424

I fully believe that part of the blame belongs to the MLB. I think this whole things plays out differently had they not blown the call and overturned the HBP on Walsh.

bradllee424
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  SScott

MLB is a joke. This commissioner is not only bad for the game but he is weird. I won’t say what I think he is on social media.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  SScott

I think this all comes out different if the Angels wear pinstripes.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  bradllee424

MLB must not have had the footage that jomboy had which showed Servais actually fighting

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  bradllee424

comment image

bradllee424
Trusted Member
2 years ago

Activate Rendon for the last 5 games of the season. They can do that.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  bradllee424

but hes on the 60 day IL so they would have to DFA a player.

bradllee424
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

If we are out of it the last 5 games of the season then just DFA a player and have Rendon serve his suspension. Why take away games from next season.

max
Trusted Member
max
2 years ago
Reply to  bradllee424

well he’s probably gonna have a mild, day2day, injury anyway at the start of the season

TXAngel
Member
2 years ago

What a joke the Mariners didn’t get more. Servais was in the middle of the brawl pile at one point.

Designerguy
Super Member
2 years ago

Returned home after a few weeks being a vacationing bum in France. Took stock of the MLB hats I saw during the trip.

No surprise, the MFY hats were number one, followed by the Doyers. A few scattered Sux and Cubs hats, but was surprised by the number of A’ss hats I spotted. Easily the third most hats. The A’ss? WTH? Even the A’ss fans I work with had no explanation.

Welp, civilization had a good run.

El_Duderino
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Designerguy

The A’s are the only Baseball team with legit green uni’s. So if anyone wants a green MLB hat, they get an A’s hat.

Also, I have to admit, I think they’re one of the coolest hats out there, especially the green with the yellow bill.

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  El_Duderino

Ha ha. Did not see your comment before I responded Dude. But I agree of course.

The A’s uni’s circa 79′-80′ were awesome. The bright yellow top with white pants or the green top with white pants were my favorite. However, I liked most teams uni’s in the late 70’s.

LanaBanana
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Designerguy

Wow! Sounds like a terrific trip!

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Designerguy

The colors are cool. I think that has alot to do with it.

The only team with green as the main color.

tommyshalo
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Designerguy

A lot of A ‘s hats can be seen in Japan too.
You don’t actually see much in a baseball shop but you can always pick one at any fashion item shop.

John Henry Weitzel
Editor
Super Member
2 years ago

comment image

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago

Classic

DowningDude
Legend
2 years ago

The long-awaited Jomboy Media account of the action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFUawXZhnlc

nishiogawakun
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Tbh, I feel like I’m in the minority here but I don’t think that was the right call and I’m not into Nevin because of it. I guess I said earlier what I felt, go beat them via the scoreboard, then make some petty remarks that they’re not worth your time, because they aren’t. If there is a rare situation where physical confrontation is appropriate, this just ain’t it in my opinion.

Mariners fans are going bat shiz crazy though, wowee. This is what happens when the baseball is no good. Bleh.

DowningDude
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  nishiogawakun

I felt the opener ahead of Suarez was the right move strategically. But it was lame for the actual reason Nevin did it. Mariners got sucked in and lost their best batters. Win all the way around except Nevin is a douche – I’ll take that. Go team!

FungoAle
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  DowningDude

You saw Mike Trout’s response. If you don’t back your best player, something is incredibly wrong. Good job Nevin. Privately, Trout is very pleased about what occured.

El_Duderino
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  FungoAle

Yep. Nevin also seems like the type of guy who just might keep a hand-written list on his refrigerator of every pitcher that has thrown chin music at Trout.

SScott
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  FungoAle

Trout’s remarks sealed it, Nevin had to make that call.

RexFregosi
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  DowningDude

brilliant

FungoAle
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  DowningDude

That’s awesome, thanks for the post!

LanaBanana
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  DowningDude

I laughed out loud several times. Jomboy does such a terrific job!!

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  LanaBanana

Yeah he really does

WallyChuckChili
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Best thing about the video is Jomboy’s Hat!

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
2 years ago

geez, Mariners fans are still whining and crying. Apparently Winker was justified in throwing off an umpire and approaching the Angels dugout and the real villain was Rendon!

WallyChuckChili
Legend
2 years ago

Plus he got a Pizza

SScott
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  red floyd

Nope. I was once stationed up there for a bit over 3 years. Beautiful place, but I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Western Washington is chock full o nuts.

55yearsangelsfan
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  red floyd

WTF?? Is that writer a total douche? Or a Seattle sycophant?

SScott
Super Member
2 years ago

It’s Seattle, so yeah…

red floyd
Legend
2 years ago

LL is the M’s place on the old site, so yeah, definitely a sycophant, and most likely a douche.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago

Yes

FungoAle
Legend
2 years ago

If I was Winker and someone was popping off from the opposing dugout, I’d venture over there too, right? Go back and look at the Amir Garrett Reds-Pirates brawl back in 2019, YouTube it. He went over to take the dugout on. That was a real brawl. A lot of clutch and hold was occuring yesterday.

Jim Atkins
Super Member
2 years ago

Claimed Dillon Thomas from Houston, Barraclough DFA’d.

FungoAle
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Jim Atkins

Unbelievable, Perry sure settles for medicority

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Jim Atkins

He learned from the Wade in CF disaster.

admkir
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Jim Atkins

I called this on Friday

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  admkir

I called it on Wednesday.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago

I called it 3 weeks ago, but nobody answered.

WallyChuckChili
Legend
2 years ago

I called it last year!

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago

Who answered?

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

Margaret

WallyChuckChili
Legend
2 years ago

Yes Who, the guy on 1st.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
2 years ago

Who answered?

red floyd
Legend
2 years ago

What’s the guys name?

MikeSalmon
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  red floyd

I’m ASKIN’ YOU!

FungoAle
Legend
2 years ago

…and i cried on Monday.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Jim Atkins

Why would we want to keep a reliever with an WHIP under 1.35 when Dillon Thomas is clearly the key to it all?

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago

Why would we keep Monte Harrison on the 40 man? Just because he had enough sense to run hard to the plate with 2 outs doesn’t mean you don’t DFA him. He got a 5 pitch walk yesterday but looked lost on his other 3 PA’s.His AAA numbers are abysmal.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Cowboy26

Yep, that’s kinda where I’m leaning…

FungoAle
Legend
2 years ago

WTF has Dillion Thomas done in the past 12 years? The love around here is blinding.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  FungoAle

Simple: HE AIN’T LAGGARD ASS

Last edited 2 years ago by Cowboy26
AnAngelsFan
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Jim Atkins

It’s funny. People are complaining about grabbing Dillon Thomas, but when the Angels DFA’d him a little bit ago, people complained that we released him.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  AnAngelsFan

I complained we released him. Not out of some exceptional love for Thomas but because that left the club obviously short of outfielders.

The result was Wade in center field. And on national television to boot.

Now I’m happy we claimed him.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago

To borrow from Rev, “this team will go as far as the bottom of the order takes us.”

I’m all for playing Thor 2 at third. We already know Wade and Mayfield aren’t going to hit. If Thor 2 can be a decent bat, that means we are eliminating one automatic out from the lineup.

Rengifo is streaky. Ride the hot streak as long as you can.

Also, Duffy is our second best utility guy with a 73 OPS+/74 wRC+ so playing him at second from now until Fletcher comes back should be a given.

This should eliminate Wade and Squid’s presence in the starting lineups for the most part, meaning the Angels have at least passable offense around the horn.

FungoAle
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Fangraphs has the Angels at a 14% chance in making the playoffs but if we roll with this infield and not acquire better performers, we’re doomed. Mail it in and prepare to be Sellers (Thor, Zen).

2B, 3B, SS and left handers (1B Walsh ugly split), will continue to haunt Perry. Even, the C position is non-perfoming. Don’t fall into a Rengifo trap for a week long quiet hitting streak. Will it be pre-Covid Fletcher when he comes back? Passive Perry knows he has one more year, my guess is there will be no upgrades coming the Angels way and agree, we’ll go as far as the Pony Leaguers will take us.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  FungoAle

Getting Fletcher back will definitely be categorized as “like making a good trade.” Hopefully he’ll have his base under him again and can drive the ball more.

That said, even if we get pre Covid Fletcher back, that’s an MLB average bat. Replacing Duffy’s 73 with Fletcher’s 100 isn’t enough to really catapult the team.

We need at least one of Wade/Squid to never see the field again via an MLB caliber upgrade on top of Fletcher coming back. Rengifo is streaky, yes, but neither Wade or Squid is capable of having a hot streak and when Rengifo is cold he’s on par with normal Squid and Wade.

I like trying to add Drury from Cincy. a legit bat to replace one of the dumpster fires.

Then let Duffy handle first against lefties.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Sure, if we can get Drury I’m down…. or Wendle… or any of the other couple guys folks just like me are typing out on baseball boards all across this great nation of ours right now.

Actually, I wonder if your dream of Kyle Farmer is more doable now. The Reds are so BAD. He goes to arbitration next year. FA in 2025. We’d have to give em Jackson+ to get him… maybe try a big ass trade, try to get Drury, Farmer in one trade?

I still think Josh Rojas would be really great if we could get him…. I’m trying to think of some solid “not rental” players we may be able to get so we don’t have to do this next year.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago

One year contracts that fit the budget are now the norm. I like the idea of trading for farmer though.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago

I’d be stoked to snag Farmer and Drury in one trade. Cincy has to realize they won’t be good for the next 2-3 years while Farmer’s salary rises. He’s already 31 so he won’t be around next time they are good anyway.

Wendle is a guy we could have had in the off season.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

I would be so stoked if we could just get Squid to the bench. The guy can actually field at multiple positions and even CF. He is a perfect late inning pinch runner for this reason too. He is a great BENCH piece, so I don’t want to just throw him away.

But an IF of 3B who can hit a little (Thor2 or a trade guy) and Fletcher/Duffy in the middle with Squid stepping in when needed would sure be nice.

Twebur
Legend
2 years ago

I agree….Squid can see the field every single day as you put it “multiple positions and even CF / pinch runner” defensive replacement. Start him at 2nd or SS to give someone a day off. I like him in that roll for years to come, he seems like he might take it.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Twebur

Take that you mangy dog. I think he would like to remain in the majors, and he would do well as a back-up and fill in.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

The 3B Balder experiment survived yesterday but in reality not one ball was hit to him in 7 innings. I think I would actually like to see him in real game action before we decide this is more than a just get by until Fletch gets back scenario .

With the 13 pitcher limit now in effect through seasons end, There is a spot for a defense first roll player. But we really need to bring in all around stability at an infield position from outside the organization.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Definitely. I’m just saying we know what we have in Mayfield and Wade; automatic outs.

We don’t know what we have in Thor 2 yet.

At this stage, I’ll gladly take the unknown.

h27kim
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Balder? Should he watch out for mistletoe?

red floyd
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  h27kim

And we played him during the “Halfway to Christmas” series??? By Odin’s beard, we were lucky!

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

comment image

El_Duderino
Trusted Member
2 years ago

We’ll get a bunch of suspensions and fines out of this, but it was a good call. If you disagree, before you get your blood pressure up, go back and watch the sequence again. Rodriguez was thrown behind his back– actually a pretty good warning shot although technically you wouldn’t want it any closer. Wanker was plunked in the ass. We’ve all probably got hit way worse than that in little league.

I am going to decide to give Nevin credit on this. Remember also, it wasn’t Nevin’s idea to have Wanker go over and start a brawl (although know these are the risks, going in).

For ten or twelve years we’ve been watching pitchers try to figure out how to pitch to Mike Trout. I remember several iterations– most significantly effective was the high fastball a few years ago, which Mike Trout adjusted to. There were other adjustments but I don’t remember them all. Every year there seems to be a plan, Mike Trout slumps, then adjusts. This year the scouting on Mike Trout has clearly started at “fastballs in”, but has culminated in “fastballs up and in”. The idea is clearly to get Trout thinking fastball inside to open up off speed stuff away (which Mike Trout feasts on, historically).

So now we’ve seen this fastball up and in to Mike Trout, and we’ve seen Mike Trout roll with the proverbial punches, because he’s Mike Trout and he’s a pro. Other teams seem to take that as “Mike Trout understands it is nothing personal because we can’t get him out otherwise”.

And then the scrubs with no control like Swanson (is that his name who cares?) start throwing at Mike Trout, up and inside, probably just “going with the scouting”, but they are scrubs and have no control. Now Mike Trout says something but he never says it directly to the other team or in the spotlight because he’s Mike Trout. Mike Trout has even gotten hit in the hand and wrist and elsewhere which has taken him out. This is part of baseball, and it happens to others, but it seems to be more a part of baseball for Mike Trout.

So Nevin, who isn’t Scioscia, or Ausmus, or Maddon, takes the decision into his own hands. Hell, he’s probably been screaming at video all season about these clowns throwing at his superstars– bits of spittle flying at the iPad screen as he curses.

Finally, I think this will work out just fine. The league will see this, and justifiably issue fines and suspensions. But those aren’t really that big of a deal this season in particular.

From now on, we’ll see if Trout is pitched as much inside toward the face area by teams. Or Shohei. Or Walsh. I’d bet they aren’t nearly as much, and a lot of the reason will be because the league won’t let them because they won’t be able to just ignore it now.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  El_Duderino

Nevin seems like much more of a fighting manager than Maddon and Sosh. Sosh played like a badass but managed like a softy. He’d let our guys get beaned repeatedly but never retaliated.

YOUknowulovetheIE
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

It’s gotta be for repeated missed called by umps as well. Screaming at the umps and holding them accountable for screwing your team over and over needs some kind of response from an owner, gm, or coach.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago

And even the league has been shitting on us. after smug face Cervix challenged the HBP on Walsh lid on Friday night, the League overturned it even though EVERYONE said they heard it. MLB should have upheld the ruling awarded Walsh first base and made it clear to the Mariners ( and Angels) that head buzzing was not going to be tolerated. Instead they gave them an implied license to pitch inside whenever they wanted.

If the League and the Umpires cant control the game ( which they couldn’t ) What did they really expect the Angels to do?

Last edited 2 years ago by Cowboy26
SScott
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

I absolutely believe that the Walsh incident played a part in what happened yesterday.

El_Duderino
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Exactly– Servais challenging and then overturning that Walsh helmet-tap sent this the wrong way from the get go.

The league needs to get their head and their ass wired together on this replay stuff or whatever because I don’t think there is any big problem about players faking their helmets flying off from HBP. But you’d think they would want to avoid the whole players getting hit in the head thing if at all possible. Missing that one was just stupid.

Last edited 2 years ago by El_Duderino
MarineLayer
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  El_Duderino

I 100% agree with everything you posted. Thanks for taking the time.

El_Duderino
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

Yeah man– it will be interesting to see if rate of inside pitches toward Trout goes noticeably down at all. One way or another.

FungoAle
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  El_Duderino

Yeah, great post!

admkir
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  El_Duderino

It was also mentioned how Nevin didn’t like the M’s celebration on the field Saturday night

MarineLayer
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  admkir

I noticed that too. Way too over the top.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  admkir

It’s not as though every time is a good time for a fight, but we have to see these Mariners again several times this season. They were antagonistic. It was exactly the right time for a fight.

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago

Looking at the Angels’ minor leaguers, you can see why the system is rated as low as it is in terms of ready-to-go talent. Detmers is considered the #1 prospect and then Bachman. The top guys have scores in the 50 to 55 range and then it falls off precipitously. The infielding trio of Paris, Jackson and Vera are at least 2 years away. – I personally have high hopes for Jackson.

A tough question becomes whether the team keeps trying to put bandaids on the middle infielder positions for another 2+ years in the hope that one of those prospects can become the regular SS. That is such an important position both defensively and offensively that it is hard to imagine the team succeeding without a SS that can maintain at least an .800 OPS and provide some pop

The problem is fairly obvious- with $37 m in dead money committed to 3B and a big raise to Ohtani upcoming- where is the money to sign a difference making SS? Those guys require 5+ year deals at $25+ million.

So – what to do? Shortstop has become a very big hole and there is no immediate, reasonably priced solution available.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Fortunately thanks to Fletcher, the Angels need a quality infielder. While I don’t love Fletcher at SS he plays a passable enough one to maybe sign a dedicated second baseman to a 2 or 3 year deal while we hope one of the SS trio emerges as MLB caliber.

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

I understand and agree to some extent. Fletch really is a 2Bman. He does not project well at SS.

What I was trying to drive at was the difficult situation that Perry finds himself in with the budget restrictions that he has. There is no easy fix and it’s only going to get more difficult when the amount of money committed to a limited number of players increases.

Unless Arte opens his wallet far beyond the current budget, Perry has no choice but to sign scrub level players at a key position like SS and hope that one of the trio emerges as MLB quality.

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Of course a choice that could be made (if Arte is unwilling to significantly increase the budget) is to trade Ohtani to fill those considerable holes at multi positions and lack of organizational depth.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

These two posts combine for the reason I made the Ohtani trade thread. In each and every one of them I snagged a stud infielder, preferably a shortstop.

There are three avenues to acquiring talented players: free agency, trade, farm. Unless the budget is increased, free agency is off the table. The farm doesn’t have anyone close to MLB level. So that leaves trade as our only viable option.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

I’m Fletcher’s biggest fan, but I stated several times over the Winter that Fletch is not a Shortstop. He can field there with the best, but he does not have the arm or upper body strength to stay there long without injury. As for the pre-Covid hitting machine, that is strictly up to him. He knows the strike zone; he just needs to adjust his swing and his head. Not every hitter is going to have an .800 slg rate, because they don’t have more than doubles power. When Fletcher is right, he is the best in MLB at 2B.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

It wasn’t just Trout….

Sure, Trout getting buzzed at the end of the game Saturday was a big part of what happened Sunday, but the M’s spent ALL of Saturday throwing at our chins. It wasn’t just Gilbert doing it. It wasn’t just at our best player getting it done to. The whole friggin M’s team decided to push our entire line up off the plate. It would have been demoralizing if the Angels hadn’t done something. It wasn’t just Nevin, it was most likely a team decision, you can tell because our dugout was loaded with dudes from the pen who were there to throw down. It won’t be announced, but I can almost 100% promise you that other players are gonna pay Wantz’s salary over his suspension. It may not be important to retaliate every time someone throws at one of our guys, but this was a lot more than that and it would have had really bad club house ripples if they hadn’t gone out to fight.

How many players OTHER THAN Trout did we see get the brush back? Can you list one kids? Here, I’ll start…

Kurt Suzuki

Last edited 2 years ago by gitchogritchoffmypettis
Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago

I was there Friday when Walsh was thrown high and in. To the point it was initially ruled the ball hit the brim of his helmet.

At that point 2 Mariners had been hit in the game. One a very light graze, the other a decent shot that was in no way intentional.

I think that Friday night game led into Saturday.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

And was the Friday night game the product of Lorenz’s last start in Seattle? There was a lot of talk about the lack of mudded up balls but I’m sure the M’s had bad feelings about that.

rosstrade
Trusted Member
2 years ago

We have got to sign Willians Austudillo.

He would immediately be our best set-up man.

halofansince1978
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  rosstrade

Willians Astudillo…only one U.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago

But 2 Willian?

LanaBanana
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

LOL

red floyd
Legend
2 years ago

So he’d be A stud?

MarineLayer
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  rosstrade

I posted him yesterday. He would be our best utility player, by a huge amount, and I consider him a must sign after Minasian’s off-season failure to provide depth to an incredibly weak roster.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  MarineLayer

Yeah. I still do get it. Other than hah hah he pitched once. To begin with, the guy is a “utility” that can’t play anywhere in the middle of the field…. and also can’t really play third base. I don’t see how this guy is better than getting Fletcher back and/or bringing Stephanic up, or giving Lil’ Thor a shot…. other than it acknowledges our Wade Derangement Syndrome for what? Six games?

Here’s Atsudillo along with the versions of pathetic that we have that CAN play middle infield and OF positions….

Astudillo
Mayfield
Rengifo
Wade
Velazguez

I almost feel like it would be better to try to get the ghost of Jonathan Villar once he comes available. Of course, the best option would be to get a semi-real 3B, have Fletcher come back and not suck, and have our SS/Utility be Squid and Rengifo.

DowningDude
Legend
2 years ago

Re you still do(n’t) get it.

He has the word “stud” in his name. Even Ersty and all his red-assedness can’t say that

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  DowningDude

Well, who ever we play, they may suck but at least they can spell DON’T.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago

Taking a look at infielders who will be free agents at the end of the season…

Brandon Drury is sporting a wRC+ of 132 a year after sporting one of 114 and Cincy is going nowhere.

The Reds also have Donovan Solano but he’s not playing much.

MarineLayer
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

I see Drury at Cozart 2.0, a career loser who has one good year, you pay for that year, then he reverts to being a loser. It would be a classic Moreno move IMO.

MarineLayer
Super Member
2 years ago

He has played everywhere, including catcher, third, and short. I’d have him as C2 alone for Suzuki, but the fact he can play an average to bad at many other positions makes him an upgrade over Wade, Velasquez, Suzuki, and probably Duffy (although this one is a bit closer). But considering the sheer awfulness of this end of the roster, why not. Plus the entertainment value of watching this dude’s body alone makes it worth it. By the way, I like Villar too.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

And hes pitched but I wouldn’t be handing him the ball anytime soon.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  MarineLayer

I understand that you really need to be right about this, but I can’t find where he ever played SS, he’s a truly shitty 3B, this is cleverly disguised by him being an almost impossibly bad OF. Oh, and he can’t hit, not really.

He can kind of play 1B… just what we need.

We have a 73 OPS+ guy that can actually play all the IF positions already in Duffy while Thor2’s MiLB #s dwarf Willans’ with a similar defensive profile. Astudillo’s tits on a bull.

DowningDude
Legend
2 years ago

Duffy got hurt putting bubble gum back into the container out near second base. 😀

WallyChuckChili
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  DowningDude

He a and Rengifo did turn a double play after rhat

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  MarineLayer

Huge…. I do not think that word means what you think it means….

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend

“That’s what she said”

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

Yeahhhh… I was leaning that direction…. but I’m afraid of HR.

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend

“HR is a breading ground for monsters.”

fishfarm
Trusted Member
2 years ago

My favorite part about the Mariners is how they are weak little bitches.

“HOW DARE THEY HIT OUR GUY!”

“All our pitches just get away from us. Theirs are trying to give us boos boos!”

Soft like their GM.

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  fishfarm

Shots fired!

PedroCerrano
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  fishfarm

I don’t get why Winker went so ballistic. The Ramirez pitch was a bad look but they had to know it was coming and the pitch plunked Winker in the ass is right where you would prefer to be hit. I’ve always liked the guy thought Crawford coming over the top from the back was a punk move and he talked about it afterward like he believes he’s badass.

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  PedroCerrano

Crawford was definitely the most out of control.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  benjiface

Wait! You did see Iggy, right?

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago

Yes. He was just brainless

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  PedroCerrano

I wonder how much of this is related to Seattle seeking revenge for the Upton headshot last weekend. Clearly Lorenzen didn’t mean to hit Upton and blamed the baseballs. Just think that’s clearly a factor in this incident

jefeRey14x
Member
2 years ago

Tony Stiff-Arm. Glorious.

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago

Legit question, was Ohtani’s back-to-back games of 8 RBI and then 13 Ks the best back-to-back performance in MLB history?

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  benjiface

Yes. No question in my opinion.

MarineLayer
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Mine too.

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Agree! Simply amazing.

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago

Optics on yesterday aren’t too good for Phil Nevin. Obvious he started Wantz with the express intent of throwing at Seattle players (with Suarez slated to be the long guy and the original starter). Nevin hadn’t used an opener yet as a manager.

Phil is just trying to play tough guy hurrrr durrrr; a former roider who isn’t the right manager for this job, as it becomes clearer each day.

Which is fine. He’s gonna get a 3-5 game suspension I’d guess, maybe longer. This maybe gets us a chance to see Montgomery in action as manager, as a peek into the future of 2023. If he does well, they can just relieve Nevin of his duties when he returns from his deserved suspension (won’t happen, but a guy can dream).

Unhinged Iglesias was a sight too. Not sure why he’s throwing a huge pack of seeds and gum on the field after the whole thing had wrapped up. No thinking there. That’s gonna lengthen out his suspension too. Honestly kind of embarrassing.

Dumb teams do dumb things, and this was a whole lot of dumb all around. I get you want to show the Mariners that they can’t throw at Trout. How about you show them by destroying them on the baseball field? The whole thing seemed childish by Nevin and the Angels. I acknowledge Winker charging the dugout was what threw gas on the proverbial fire yesterday.

I know some on here loved it, because “we gotta show some grit” or whatnot. How about showing some grit by winning some games? Not embarrassing yourselves and the game. Just my opinion

DowningDude
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  benjiface

regarding Iglesias … so you were there on the field and heard everything that was said? we don’t know why he reacted like he did but it seems that something was said to make a normally happy-go-lucky dude go off like that.

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Yup. I was on the field /s

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  benjiface

Iglesias’ actions strike me as immature. 🤷🏼‍♂️

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  benjiface

I think we have to assume Iglesias was really angry about being thrown out. But the only thing that does is make it a longer suspension and that hurts the team.

DowningDude
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  benjiface

he’s been pitching poorly, so won’t be missed. The sunflower seeds, tho … we will miss them.

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  DowningDude

No! Noooooooo! Not the seeds!

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Good point. And you don’t need Assburgers with ketchup to see that.

DowningDude
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

😂👍

halofansince1978
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  benjiface

Woke Bullshit /\!!!! Nevin, Rendon, and Iglesias are my new Old School heroes.

What exactly did the Mariners expect after throwing at Trout’s head on Saturday?

Last edited 2 years ago by halofansince1978
benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago

Haha. Yeah, that’s it! 😵‍💫🙄 You don’t have to agree, it’s fine really- I’ll be just fine. I just see it differently.

halofansince1978
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  benjiface

Real simple…don’t F with Michael Nelson Trout.

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago

Totally fair. Interesting how Trout didn’t react much during the 9th the other night. Just a pro’s pro. Then after the game, I think he had time to reflect on it, then he was mad.

PedroCerrano
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  benjiface

Guys who have lived it consistently repeat that you have to let the players police themselves. In the minors you got 10 game stretches against the same team and this type of stuff happens. Ideally you don’t want it to get out of hand but if you just let it go the field begins to tilt and the other team will continue to push it further. These aren’t run of the mill guys here and in order to make it to MLB you have to be uber-completive beyond the typical understanding of normal people.

red floyd
Legend
2 years ago

You don’t tug on Superman’s cape
You don’t spit into the wind
You don’t pull the mask off the ol’ Lone Ranger
And you don’t F*** around with Trout

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  benjiface

Why yes, yes we do. 😎 

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Twebur

That escalated quickly. Good thing the Mariners didn’t have any Tridents with them yesterday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipsPgNEmAXI

tommyshalo
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  benjiface

I ‘m with you. Iggy better get back to his good self(and performance) next time up.
Knocking out 3 of their key starters and still barely winning didn’t look good either.
Well if they’re really fired up, just crush the whitesox please.

YOUknowulovetheIE
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  benjiface

I disagree. You can’t let a team go head hunting against your best player because he’s dominating your team. Where’s your hate towards that? All I see is your soft take towards the mariners.

I 100% agree with nevin. Every year it’s been the same shit with letting teams throw at angel players and get away with it. Rangers should be next.

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago

I can see that. It’s very similar to the Marlins repeatedly throwing at and hitting Acuña. Finally, the Braves had had enough and stuff boiled over.

Not trying to be soft on the Mariners. Just can’t control what they do. Winky was way out of line and acted like a total jackass.

I don’t think two wrongs make a right either. But sure, if you think it sent some strong message, then hopefully it did.

MarineLayer
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  benjiface

I think it was a great look, waking up a team that has looked dead for weeks, while sending a strong message that we won’t tolerate our superstar being used as target practice any longer. Nevin goes from being a placeholder to an actual candidate if Erstad doesn’t want the job. Also, it was flat out entertaining, my favorite game of the year. The only impact player who will probably draw a suspension will be Raisel, and who cares anyway because we’re playing for nothing this year. Nevin can manage on the internet, and managing this year consists of moving deck chairs on the Titantic.

That all said, well done Angels. It was your finest hour.

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

Lol, finest hour. Let’s not get carried away. But yeah, what you’re saying about this season doesn’t matter much is true. I wish that wasn’t the case. But if they were contending, it would matter more. Agree there.

I don’t think Erstad is getting a look. I think it will be Miniasian’s guy in Montgomery. He’s about to get an audition

halofansince1978
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

There are only a couple places left that men can be men and act like total jackasses with almost no consequences…great stuff.

Most every other place some snowflake would get offended and call HR.

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  benjiface

Pretty much the only thing I agree with you about in that whole comment was Iglesias.

The rest was waaay off and totally misses the point. As far as “showing them on the field” that is pretty hard to do if your best player is out due to injury; broken bone or worse. We saw with Scioscia for over a decade plus what taking the “high road” gets you — which is namely stronger, tougher teams hitting your best players repeatedly and this resulting in them missing time. Actually that specifically happened to both Orlando Cabrera and Vladimir Guerrero when they were beaned by the Red Sox and no, ZERO protection was forthcoming from Soth. No retaliation, not even a hard slide into their 2B man.

Losing players to injury is only one component however. The team doing the throwing also gains a psychological advantage, which is arguably even bigger than potentially removing a stud player from the game or future games. That advantage is creating an atomosphere of fear at the plate. If the hitter has any fear whatsoever at the plate he is going to be heavily compromised in his ability to do his job. There is a reason pitchers throw inside and at hitters, one of them is to move them off the plate, the other is to gain a psychological edge. Hitting a baseball consistently is the hardest thing to do in sports, and having the slightest amount of fear, whether conscious or unconscious makes it near impossible to do.

So, while Nevin is admittedly not the sharpest tool in the shed, he DID do the right thing in protecting Trout. Actually, it was not only Trout but other hitters of ours. It was the right thing and the smart thing. I am not the biggest fan of Nevin, however, in this case the protecting of Trout and our hitters in general has been something we have not seen in a long, longoooong time. It was way overdue.

And as a side benefit I think the subsequent fight might also do some good for team morale and team chemistry. Many have complained in recent weeks about the lack of “fight” or fighting spirit in the Angels. That changed on Sunday. We will see if it has any lasting impact.

Last edited 2 years ago by JackFrost
DowningDude
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

+1 soth never ever retaliated. I don’t like that we threw near Julios head but a message needed to be sent. Wantz mistake was going high.

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Look, I don’t like or believe in throwing at somebody’s head, but the pitch to Julio was behind him and pretty far from his head. The Mariners however threw right at Mike’s noggin. just inches away. I think the Seattle intent was pretty clear.

This NEEDED to happen for the Angels, for alot of reasons.

Last edited 2 years ago by JackFrost
benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Well-said. I agree Soth never did it, even when pushed to the brink. I totally get this argument.

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

We at least found common ground on one thing Jack. That’s something!

nishiogawakun
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  benjiface

Tbh, I enjoyed watching the drama live as much as anybody else. But in hindsight, I much prefer the more petty but not physical “shoot the Rodney arrow at their face” after beating someone in game. Winners have the last laugh. Or really don’t care about what you do because they are too busy winning.

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  nishiogawakun

Oh yeah, for sure. I think live being there would have been epic, because you’re seldom at a game where something like that happens. From that standpoint, a fun time.

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  nishiogawakun

Yeah, it has to be followed up by winning or it falls pretty flat. That said, sometimes the fight and the accompanying emotional release spurs a team on to victory. I certainly think it played a role on Sunday.

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend

What’s up with “Susan Sarendon” doing an open hand slap? He has one good hand, there was nothing preventing a closed fist punch. He was set up perfectly to tag the Wanker, but he wussed it.

He’s such a disappointment…

comment image

Last edited 2 years ago by Senator_John_Blutarsky
jefeRey14x
Member
2 years ago

Tony “Stiff-Arm” was my favorite part of the whole fracas. Genius move.

MarineLayer
Super Member
2 years ago

I’ll take it. It was Rendon’s finest moment as an Angel.. I was proud of Tony.

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

Might be his career highlight as an Angel player. Going out to meet Wanker like, “you’re not coming in our dugout, sucker” /slap!

Close runner up is his left-handed home run

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  benjiface

I will forget the stiff arm over the top, but I will never forget the LH HR, classic move in trying not to show a team up and creating comedy

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago

In trying not to show a team up, and then totally showing them up

halofansince1978
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

First one out of the dugout…with a cast on!!!

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

Ummmmm…. yyyeeeaaahhhh. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard guys who are training other guys to hurt people say “Make sure you always hit a person in the head with a closed fist. It’s just more manly.”

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend

I don’t think I said “hit him in the head”, but okay….

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

Rendon hit… or hand mushed?… him in the head

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago

I was thinking more of an eye gouge. Here’s the video:

comment image

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago

Yeah, that’s not the way we do it in the gym but still props to Tony for going out there one handed. That’s definitely not the way I prefer to head towards a fight.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago

Meanwhile back at the ranch the hard-hitting Angels are preparing for the next target and strategizing how to get four starters out of the game and only lose one reliever. They love it when a plan comes together. 👊 

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago

That was not an accident that Wantz started as an “Opener.” Nevin knew what was coming and kudos to him, he planned accordingly. And kudos to Suarez for a very strong performance in the aftermath of Wantz getting tossed…

Last edited 2 years ago by JackFrost
MarineLayer
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

It was beautifully managed. He was going long as an opener. A very strategic sacrifice of a pawn in the chess match. We very much outplayed Seattle.

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Absolutely. I could see Nevin get 10 games honestly. Because there was clearly some thought there. I thought I saw Suarez was the announced starter, but after the 9th and Trout getting buzzed Saturday, Nevin clearly planned this.

benjiface
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  benjiface

Called it. 10 games for Nevin

PedroCerrano
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

That’s what makes Winker’s reaction all the more surprising. Seattle knew it was coming and winker got hit the right way. Didn’t like the pitch to Ramirez being up but perhaps it got away from him more than intended. None of those pitches were close to 95+ through the space that Mike Trout’s head formerly occupied a pitch after a mound visit and a pitch prior to an IBB.