LA Angels Thursday News Crash: Trout Fishing

Now that his season is over, Mike Trout took Beckham Trout fishing and they caught a nice bass. Look how big Beckham is getting!

It’s not full on robo-umps, but the new automated ball-strike challenge system is a big hit in the Arizona Fall League. Batters, pitchers, and catchers (and nobody else) are entitled to use the system to challenge the umpire’s call. Angel Hernandez games will soon be five hours long I predict.

Jose Rojas signed with the Doosan Bears of the KBO. He is going to get $1 Million for one year. It doesn’t look like Thor will be starting any of the first four games of the Worlds Series. First Aaron Nola and then Zack Wheeler will go in Houston.

The Tigers hired Rob Metzler away from the Rays as their new Assistant General Manager. Clayton McCullough is a finalist for the Royals managerial vacancy.

Ageless Adam Wainwright will come back to play for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2023. He will, however, retire after the end of the 2023 season. Manny Ramirez thinks he would like to come back. Good luck with that. Thirteen players elected minor league free agency, including Luke Bard and Michael Hermosillo. The Giants say they won’t be underbid to win the services of Aaron Judge.

Job Postings

No pushing and shoving! The Los Angeles Angels are hiring a Baseball Systems Developer.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are hiring a Junior Analyst.

The Oakland Athletics are hiring for a number of different positions.

The Cleveland Guardians are hiring a Baseball Technology Fellow.

Photo credit: Rex Fregosi

114 Comments
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GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago

I might be alone here, but the game going high tech will the K-zone is going to far in changing the game. Done kids playing ball in the street or the fields have this access of high-tech K-zone? How about P.O.N.Y. League or Little League how the same equipment? The game needs some changes, but what is purposed is not going to increase the appeal of the game. Or is it?

Baseball is steep in history, pickup games take place often because a bat, a ball (any ball, wiffle, tennis, softball, rubber coated baseball, etc.) Newspaper for bases. The farther away the MLB distances itself away from the casual fan the more it will move away from being understood as a simple game.

Selling tickets to home games every other week such as the NFL does is not the same as selling 81 home games to casual fans. Argue with the Man in Blue is part of the game, let the high tech stay with score boards and pitch clock, leave the game alone. Would a player from 1901 recognize today’s game? You bet, and that the game is still the same game is part of the it’s roots that Basketball and Football do not share.

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend

Let’s take a look at the strike zone of Eric Gregg from the 1997 NLCS……

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59YiY0SKM1A

Trout_is_my_Bestie
Member
2 years ago

Looked legit

2GA2Join
Super Member
2 years ago

Shouldn’t we have some big 20th anniversary picture at the top or something? Isn’t it 20 years ago today?

2GA2Join
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  2GA2Join

All we talk about is the Angels, and today is the 20th anniversary of the greatest moment in team history, and not even a GIF? Throw me a bone!
 😀 

DowningDude
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  2GA2Join

My ticketcomment image

2GA2Join
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Aww man, I can’t even view your image.

Not sure why some pics won’t show, but others will.

Biggiswrth
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  2GA2Join

I found that if I log in more pops up

MarineLayer
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Now I need to find mine.

red floyd
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  2GA2Join

comment image

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago

Sign that kid with the bass to a contract now!

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago

Don’t the Giants mean they won’t be “overbid” or better yet “out bid.” ?

Mikeal1st
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Maybe it’s a Frisco thing.
They hate being called Frisco.

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago

I was thinking back to that wonderful, 2002 World Series championship and why exactly it was so special (besides the obvious). For me, it was because so many of the players were homegrown and out of the Angels’ farm system. I related to the players because of that – I had rooted for them and felt a connection to them. It’s so much better than just going out in the free agency, and essentially buying a championship (presuming that works out). Free agency should be left for the final pieces of the puzzle – not for building a team.

Mikeal1st
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Farm First, then FA. Fact.

2GA2Join
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Your strategy is correct.

Although you wouldn’t see me complain at all if we got a new crazy owner in December who walks into the Big A with a cowboy hat on and declares “Yeeee-haw, let’s win this thing” and instructs Perry to sign anyone he wants to get us into the playoffs. Like DeGrom, Rodon, Judge, Turner….

2GA2Join
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  2GA2Join

As long as he’s willing to keep the payroll high until the farm and development catch up, then fine….

h27kim
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

The other thing about the 2002 squad was how many key contributors were successful reclamation projects, whether an old vet whose career seemed to be over (Appier) acquired in a bad contract-for-bad contract deal or products of successful dumpster diving like Weber or Donnelly.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

Man, I hope the Giants really do land Judge. Then I could like him with a mind unburdened by hating Yankee fans. Other than the Pinstripe Disease he’s pretty much got everything I like in a player. He’s big like a folk hero. He dingerz. He’s nice. He’s from a tiny farm town in central California. He went to Fresno for college. He’s managed to play in Nue Yawk this whole time and hasn’t started worrying about his “brand” or launching a rap career. He’s also a very very good player but doesn’t seem selfish.

I feel like my heart is ready to like Aaron Judge. He just needs to quit living with that hoe the Yankees.

Mikeal1st
Trusted Member
2 years ago

Total respect for the player, the uniform, not so much.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
2 years ago

I’ve long liked Judge for all those reasons. Small farming town, Fresno, and being a class guy.

ihearhowie3.0
Super Member
2 years ago

I always thought they were a good fit for Ohtani too. Sign Judge, trade for Ohtani would be a massive swing in the NL

2002heaven
Super Member
2 years ago

We should try to get Ahmed Rosario from Cleveland……..Yes no damm hitting coach can get Squid Velazquez over the Mendoza Line, and Fletch isn’t a very good athlete and totally underpowered (in 5yrs he has just 14hr’s, what’s it gonna take for him to get to 50, a 200yr career?). See if we can get Rosario for Jered Walsh who can’t hit southpaws to save his mom’s life and move Taylor Ward out of RF where he’s terrible defensively over to 1B. BTW Jose Abreu is pretty awful defensively too ( He’s a ChiSoxer who look like they’re playing soccer on the baseball diamond the way they they kick the ball around). That whole team can’t field.

Last edited 2 years ago by 2002heaven
gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  2002heaven

It would be good to land Rosario for sure if we could.

They aren’t gonna trade him for Walsh. We also shouldn’t trade Walsh. We also don’t need to move Ward. You still haven’t actually looked at his RF defensive numbers this year have you? He’s not winning a gold glove, but he was 9th in the MLB in OAA this year at +2.

Nick Castellanos was #37 with -10. He had 3.9 less total WAR than Tay Tay for only 20M. Just in case you plan to start posting his face again someday.

clover_black
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  2002heaven

(in 5yrs he has just 14hr’s, what’s it gonna take for him to get to 50, a 200yr career?). 

so i crunched some numbers and it’s looking like an 18 year career.

DowningDude
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  clover_black

YER HIGHERD – Arturdo

clover_black
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  DowningDude

SWEET. cant wait to get fitted for my red polo and khakis.

milehigh5366
Newbie
2 years ago
Reply to  2002heaven

If the Angels ever find an underpowered guy like Maury Wills who only hit 20 home runs for his career, I would just barf. Who wants a player like that. I think he is supposed to be in some Hall of Fame something or other.

DowningDude
Legend
2 years ago

Photo: What a foursome of awesomeness!
Orlando Cabrera, Erick Aybar, Vladimir Guerreo and Kendry (pre “s) Morales.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  DowningDude

Man…. Morales. What an ultramaroon. Talk about a great player who was derailed by little chocolate donuts on his training table + his trainer being his cousin. So stupid.

Though he is a good example of some CtPG/HH folks long standing need to bitch about Arte because of their daddy issues. Morales was all, somehow, Arte’s fault way back then, and when Morales had a few good months in KC eventually then Arte was evil for letting him slip away…. and everyone moved on to a new same bitch after Morales turned back into marshmallow jiggle.

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago

Just submitted my entry for the Gitcho challenge to get payroll down to $100 million. Editors – enjoy 😃

DowningDude
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Mine:

  1. Hire Tootie.
  2. Awesomeness ensues
  3. PROFIT
  4. ????
Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  DowningDude

You forgot strong emojis!!

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Fansince1971

Damn…. you have drive and initiative. You are hired.

Biggiswrth
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

I also just submitted one. I can’t tell you how dirty I feel. I need to go take a shower….

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Biggiswrth

I loved it. Time for a change in my opinion.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Fansince1971

I’ve just barely looked at the sims…. but it is wild…. the sense of “f*** it let’s just head west” that it brings when you start looking at prospects and young guys you can pile up if we really trade guys like Ohtani, Sandoval and Ward.

Biggiswrth
Trusted Member
2 years ago

I ended up trading most of the lineup, but was able to keep Trout and the pitching ( I even added to it becuse MAURE PIDTCING!)

It’s a fun excercise but really tough to gauge how well the trades could be pulled off.

Biggiswrth
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Biggiswrth

Who reviews and posts them?

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Charles Sutton

Whose is better? 😂

Just kidding

Last edited 2 years ago by Fansince1971
Biggiswrth
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

I’ll send you mine if you send me yours!

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Biggiswrth

Ha! Not sure how to do that but I’d be happy to.

red floyd
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Biggiswrth

comment image

Biggiswrth
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Charles Sutton

Maybe tomorrow morning and we get a shot out on the daily links?

Biggiswrth
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Charles Sutton

Whatever you feel is best for the site Usually in the morning is best to get more looks from people

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Charles Sutton

Whatever is best for you but tomorrow morning works. Thanks so much

smithy610
Super Member
2 years ago

Silver Slugger Finalists for the Halos:

Shohei Ohtani (DH/UT)
Mike Trout (CF)
Taylor Ward (RF)
Luis Rengifo (UT)

Don’t know why Shohei would also be considered UT, but cool to see Ward and Rengifo there.

Shohei is also a finalist for Player of the Year and AL Outstanding Player in the MLBPA’s Player’s Choice Awards

Mike Trout is a finalist for AL Comeback Player of the Year.

From Jeff Fletcher

Mikeal1st
Trusted Member
2 years ago

Trout’ kid is old enough to fish? Damn I’m old and it just keeps going faster.

I figured it would just be a computer call with the umps motioning what the call was and I thought that was fine. I guess this system works all right but I’m not sold yet. I don’t know why they don’t just use the computers.

Manny back?… lol.

Time to call the Giants as the unlucky winner of the Judge(Pujols like) sweepstakes?

So their looking for a computer nerd that can lift 20lbs to run the informations systems. Makes sense. I can’t program but I can curl 100lbs eight times. Maybe I’ll apply.

I’m predicting Asstros because they have better computer nerds than the Phillies.

Sporting News: AL All Stars… Yes to Trout but no to Ohtani? I think they’re missing something here.

smithy610
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Mikeal1st

Went with Yordan at DH. Figures

2002heaven
Super Member
2 years ago

And yet Zack Wheeler is actually their #1 starter ahead of Aaron Nola especially in the post season, BTW Art*ro did in fact spend stupid money (what’s the name of that 3B again?). Also they did in fact go over the luxury tax this season with the signings of Castellanos and Schwarber. Sorry, but the 80%er cult of Art*ro loses yet again and that just makes you angry and want to gnaw on a 300lb anvil.

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

seeing your posts makes everyone want to do the same thing

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  2002heaven

Your comment is confusing. The only take away is that you’re not very bright and you envy the shit out of Arte so much that you probably actually envy Arte’s shit.

Biggiswrth
Trusted Member
2 years ago

comment image

2002heaven
Super Member
2 years ago

comment image
Sorry, but we signed a white elephant 3B that winter for roughly $10M more a year and for 2 yrs longer (5 yrs $118M=$23.6M a yr……..GOOD GAWD!!). Don’t you just love the end result when your owner thinks he knows better?
 💩  💩  😡  👎 

h27kim
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  2002heaven

More twotie thinking that we could have magically manipulated people’s minds retrospectively when they already said “no” loud and clear…

Halos_in_DE
Member
2 years ago
Reply to  2002heaven

And look who the GM was Matt Klentak, who was fired the offseason after he signed Wheeler! The owner even said they would spend “stupid” money and go over the luxury tax, which Arte does not want to do.

Have you ever thought people don’t want to sign with the Angels for personal reasons? Like wanting to stay closer to home, even if they miss out on more money? GOOD GAWD rub two brain cells together.

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend
Reply to  2002heaven

comment image

2002heaven
Super Member
2 years ago

No, because I ain’t a 80%er
But it seems like yer R……..Go hate rain in Southern Cal now.

h27kim
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  2002heaven

Suppose you can go hate Zach Wheeler’s wife in PA. See if that helps bring Wheeler to SoCal back then…if you have a time machine, that is

2002heaven
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  h27kim

So we’re back to the wifey, fiance, GF, mom, sister hates the OC again…..
Truly unbelievable, why not just admit that Art*ro didn’t give a damm about bolstering our pitching that off season………AND HE DIDN’T DID HE?!!! Almost forgot that we did get Dylan Bundy for a 60 game season………barf!!!

cookmeister
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  2002heaven

Why can’t you admit that Wheeler was never coming to the West coast? He said it himself

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  cookmeister

He’s “The Joker”. He’s fighting conformity in the Angels fan community and throwing “The Man’s” failures out onto the streets for all to see. He’s subverting realities and igniting the dry sticks of complacency wit the power of obviousness and shit writing skills… and emojis…. and repetition.

You may not want him, you may not like him, but YOU NEED HIM cause truth and freedom and st*ff.

comment image

Last edited 2 years ago by gitchogritchoffmypettis
Mikeal1st
Trusted Member
2 years ago

So… doubling down on the bully thing?

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Mikeal1st

Sure. Why not.

Mikeal1st
Trusted Member
2 years ago

Because it makes people’s lives worse, not better.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Mikeal1st

Nope. That comment definitely made some lives better.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Mikeal1st

Your real name isn’t Guest is it? We’ve all been wondering who that guy really is.

Mikeal1st
Trusted Member
2 years ago

Mike

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Mikeal1st

It’s a joke Mike. We’ve been wondering who this “Guest” guy is who likes a bunch of people’s comments.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  2002heaven

Art*ro: What is this? Why is this? Is this somehow dodging a censor algorithm? This is some lame ass shit. You suck “Joker”.

comment image

Mikeal1st
Trusted Member
2 years ago

You looking to reach bully status?

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Mikeal1st

If you name yourself The Joker you’ve bullied yourself at that point.

Mikeal1st
Trusted Member
2 years ago

So, you have to attack him whenever he posts something?

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Mikeal1st

Yes.

Mikeal1st
Trusted Member
2 years ago

Bully status achieved I guess… Never understood why somebody is mean to somebody else if they don’t have to.

DowningDude
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Mikeal1st

The conglomerate user account sponsored by the DiPoto/Servais lovespawn gets all the vitriol it asks to bring upon itself. No need to defend it, Mike

Mikeal1st
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  DowningDude

I think better can be done.

DowningDude
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Mikeal1st

Agreed. We will notify aught two on your behalf

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago

It would be a travesty if Gitcho did not.

Mikeal1st
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

I disagree. Bullying, especially from a group because you disagree with his posts is never appropriate and doesn’t make anybody’s life better. Join him as a bully if you want, but I’m guessing we can be better than that.

DowningDude
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Mikeal1st

The folly of your statement is that it is not disagreement.

I think we agree with many of 2002’s statements. It’s his higher than everyone way of expressing it to purposely incite this entire fickkng website that makes him unbearable

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

*edit: changed ‘most’ to ‘many’

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Mikeal1st

Yes. Everyone is welcome to join me here in bullytown. It is impossible to do better. Also, half price fish and chips on Monday nights.

Mikeal1st
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Mikeal1st

So why not tell him that politely instead of making fun of him?

Last edited 2 years ago by Mikeal1st
red floyd
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Mikeal1st

Because a year and a half of doing so has had no success.

DowningDude
Legend
2 years ago

He’s only allowed 1 Arturo bomb per month.

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend
Reply to  2002heaven

comment image

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  2002heaven

“But it seems like yer R……..Go hate rain in Southern Cal now.”

Seriously bro. It doesn’t work when you try it. Even if you have declared yourself to be The Joker.

Last edited 2 years ago by gitchogritchoffmypettis
EccentricATLFan
Newbie
2 years ago

Apologies for crashing in, but wanted to get your opinion on potential Ohtani trades that were posted on Battery Power (the Braves’ SB Nation site, as you can probably guess from my username). One commenter is really interested in the Braves acquiring Ohtani, and suggested the following trades:

1) Ohtani for LHP Max Fried
2) Ohtani for INF Vaughn Grissom and “pieces” (he decided not to specify which ones even after prodding, so take that as you will)
3) Ohtani and Stassi for RHP Ian Anderson, C Travis d’Arnaud, INF Vaughn Grissom, RHP Kyle Muller, and OF/DH Marcell Ozuna.

For the record, I personally do not think any of these trades are realistic and have said as much. However, I’m coming over to get your perspective on things from the other side since you all would likely have a better idea what it takes to get him. Thanks in advance for any answers you all provide.

EccentricATLFan
Newbie
2 years ago
Reply to  Charles Sutton

Thanks for all the responses so far from you and everyone. Again, only passing on the ideas for your opinion despite how I agree with all of you. I know Braves fans would love to have Ohtani, but I absolutely agree that those kinds of deals aren’t happening.

Biggiswrth
Trusted Member
2 years ago

None of those make sense. Freid is a FA in 2 years. If Angels trade Ohtani it sets their clock back at least 2-3 years so they would be looking for players that fit in their new window.
I’m not even going to look at the values on the trade simulator. Go there and you’ve got all the fuel to tell this guy to shut up and try again.

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend
Reply to  Charles Sutton

Adell is a future DH….with enough at bats he’ll get 30 HRs, and also 250 strike outs.

2002heaven
Super Member
2 years ago

 😂  😂  😆  😄 

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Charles Sutton

You can get 30 HR out of a successful platoon partner for Walsh ( Walsh hits 25, “Other” gets 20 out of 1B/DH ABs) and an improved LF, which we already need to pay for, which will almost certainly produce 10 HR if he/they really are an improvement. Plus what ever Rendon/Trout can provide above what they did this year.

h27kim
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Biggiswrth

We likely won’t have Ohtani in 2024 and that’s an extra year of high quality pitching (although we will be missing a high quality bat for a year, too).

I think Ohtani for Fried is about 2/3 of a deal. Realistically, another quality (but not necessarily all star quality) major leaguer (or two) and a top prospect on top of Fried is a realistic deal. Does not mean I’d like it, but I don’t see other GM’s offering more.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  h27kim

Yeah. We’re not getting all of that for newly paid Ohtani who will then want more paid. Though the Braves are EXACTLY who would want to roll the dice on 1 year of Shohei to win another WS.

Unless you live in Frosty Fantasy Village where computers are always wrong and some GM out there is going to triple what the sims say a trade should be cause Bade Root an stuff.

Hell, I’d just trade Shohei for their top 4 pitching prospects and be happy.

h27kim
Trusted Member
2 years ago

I wouldn’t send more than one good prospect for Ohtani if I were Anthropoulos. Fried is, if I were Atl GM, semi-expendable given his contract status. I would be willing to add a serviceable major leaguer (or two, depending on the particulars), but no more than one good prospect for just one year of Ohtani (plus whatever chance at extending him).

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Biggiswrth

I honestly don’t see how trading Ohtani sets the Angel’s clock back 2-3 years.

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend

Perry hangs up on each of these offers.

Tony Reagins would run each by the “Magic 8 Ball” for a decision.

Bill Stoneman would change his phone number and make sure the Braves didn’t receive the new number.

2002heaven
Super Member
2 years ago

Perry’s inept too however.
Why do think AA allowed him to leave without skipping a beat? Just another awful hire by Art*ro.

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend

Take the source, but “Bleacher Report” posted this in an article “5 Trades we’d like to see”

To TEX: RHP/DH Shohei Ohtani

To LAA: OF Evan Carter, RHP Jack Leiter, RHP Brock Porter, RHP Owen White, 2B Justin Foscue

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

I’d actually do this maybe. We would not be a bottom 3rd farm anymore.

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend

I was thinking the same thing. If PTP could get three top 100 prospects + two in the “next 50” lists, that’s not a bad haul for one season of Ohtani.

I’d have to find something else to bitch about once the farm is fixed, but I’m confident in my abilities to meet that challenge head-on.

RexFregosi
Super Member
2 years ago

You want our CY Young Pitcher candidate and our MVP candidate?

Simple enough, send us yours: Austin Riley and Max Fried

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  RexFregosi

 😄  Alex Anthropologisticus

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

I’d do it for Fried, Orlando Arcia and something like AJ Smith-Sawver and Justin Henry Malloy.

Some sort of package with Fried plus.

h27kim
Trusted Member
2 years ago

That’s prob the maximum Atl would consider, IMHO. Fried + ok player or two on MLB roster (depending on specifics) + one good prospect. I wouldn’t offer more (one high quality player with limited control + marginal major leaguer or two + one good prospect, or something similar) if I were the other GM, regardless of the team.