Team Japan beat Team Mexico 6-5 to advance to the WBC finals,
Here is another article about trading Shohei Ohtani. This time it is to the Padres. I think the Padres might be interested in a catcher right now. Austin Nola might be out for a little while. The Angels shut down Jose Marte for four weeks because of a stress reaction in his elbow. They claim there is no damage to his UCL.
Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken says she’s open to working on a stadium deal with Arte Moreno. Fool me thrice shame on whom?
The Angels are close to the middle of the pack in catcher power rankings. Everybody projects to have a little positive WAR except for the replacement level Chad Wallach.
Michael Lorenzen has groin tightness which caused him to miss a game. He has yet to be evaluated. Joely Rodriguez has a grade 2 oblique strain.
The Reds released Daniel Norris, optioned outfielder Stuart Fairchild, and reassigned a couple of guys to minor league camp. Meanwhile, the Guardians just signed Jhon Romero to a minor league deal. The Athletics also signed Carlos Perez to a minor league deal. The Phillies acquired outfielder Jordan Qsar from the Tampa Bay Rays. They released Mark Appel.
Ivan Prieto, the bullpen catcher for Team Cuba, became the first “player” to defect from Cuba during the World Baseball Classic.
Photo credit: Rex Fregosi
Progress.
https://www.ocregister.com/2023/03/20/angels-right-hander-chris-rodriguez-set-to-face-hitters-for-the-first-time-since-2021
You-ess-ay!
You-ess-ay!
………….
USA!
USA!
America! F YEAH!
One of the greatest songs ever.
The WBC has clearly demonstrated that our team sucks. Sure, Trout/Ohtani, but obviously Arte is cheap and we have no other players and Perry is just a simp. As Expert Real Baseball Man of Grit John Smoltz put it, we don’t have any pitching that anyone can see. He said we’d make the playoffs if we just had some pitching, but we don’t. So we waste tons of prime man years. He said this while watching team Mexico. We also have no position players visible to real men of baseball. No wonder there are so many donkeys around here. I’ve pretty much just blamed massive injury issues the last couple years, but clearly the issue is we don’t have any real baseball players and that’s why none of our guys did anything in the WBC.
On paper the Angels are as good or better than even the best teams. How many teams have two MVPs? The starting pitching is actually fantastic- a 1/2 of Ohtani and Sandy is as good as any. Detmers, Anderson and Suarez/Canning fill out a solid 1-5. The offense on paper looks solid.
Unfortunately games are not won on paper. Everything could come together. Or it might not.
But I would put the Angels squad again almost any team in a computer simulation season.
Sure, as long as the computer doesn’t know that calfs, tendons, hamstrings and obliques exist we will dominate.
Japan vs Mexico was as good of a game as I‘ve ever seen.
I was thinking the same thing this morning. Excited for the game tonight.
Ditto!!
More proof of why sports is the last genuine entertainment. No movie set with the best in the industry could create this.
https://twitter.com/WBCBaseball/status/1638018300545310720?s=20
So far I have to say that the WBC has been better than I expected. The level of energy/excitement has definitely exceeded expectations. And the crowds in particular have been simply fantastic. Turner said after the Venezuela game that it was the loudest crowd he had ever played in front of.. and of course he has played in a World Series.
I expected it to be full of energy. Man – I knew something you didn’t for ONCE?????
Note I THUMBED UP your comment. I liked it ❤️
Yes, I saw that. I indeed felt that this comment was meant in fun.
The one I made below was sort of in that same spirit.
I’m really excited for the possibility of Ohtani facing Trout. Gonna be something magical no matter the outcome. Excited for Japan and excited for the US. 🇺🇸 🇯🇵
WBC Final should be really good…
And for the people who said Ohtani won’t face Trout, it looks like you probably are going to be wrong. The plan is for Shohei to be the starting DH and ALSO to pitch in relief for Japan.
If he pitches more than say 2 IP he will almost definitely face Trout. At this point it seems more likely than not
If he pitches more than 2 Innings that’s going to really screw the Angels on their starting Pitching rotation plans for the season opener in 9 days. Which, as an Angel fan, with all the other accommodations the Angels do for Ohtani, I think this would be complete Bullshit.
Well, Cowboy I agree with you. As an Angels fan I also prefer that Shohei prioritize his Opening Day start for us and staying on a regular schedule.
That said, I am not sure that is his top priority right now. I will add that it is a tricky situation for PTP and the Front Office. If they come on too strong about this they run the risk of upsetting Shohei, which is not something they would want to do in regards to ongoing negotiations with him… So, I think it is tricky.
If this were the LAD I have no doubt they would just tell him this is the way it is.. I mean, they had no problem telling Urias what they wanted and expected re: his WBC pitching. Though I have good information that they have already alienated Urias (another Friedman special) and he will most likely be leaving that team as soon as he gets the chance because of it..
But as for Shohei, I think the Angels probably said “this is what we’d prefer” but I doubt they would come on really strong or make demands. That would run counter to everything they have done with Ohtani to this point.
This is exactly why I wanted Mexico to win last night. Angels two key players are playing against each other in a glorified exhibition- but going full out. Increases odds of injury etc.
Nothing we can do about it. Just have to hope all goes smoothly with no long term implications.
The WBC grinches have spoken. What an awful take, candidly. For starters, Ohtani pitching two-plus innings nine days before Opening Day will have little if no impact on his availability. He’d be tossing a few innings with the parent club anyway. And I’m sure they can get creative and use bullpen sessions to put him back on schedule. Also: This is a terrific spectacle for any true baseball fan and one that showcases the sport as the global phenomenon it is. Enjoy instead of grousing.
WBC Grinch? I’ve been advocating for this Tournament since rosters were being discussed months ago. I even visited one of the games at Chase to root for the USA since Miami was out of the question.
But you’re living in the surreal world of Rainbows and unicorns if you think Ohtani pitching “more than 2 innings” won’t impact his opening day start.
Why in the world would you believe that the Angels would get creative with the pitching schedule of their ace before the season even starts after announcing that they are already going to modify his entire season pitching schedule to 5 days rest when he has NEVER done that in his entire professional career.
Every other ML pitcher in the WBC is subject to inning and pitching restrictions imposed by their major league club. Why would the only 2 way player and his surgically repaired UCL and $30 million salary be any different?
You can advocate for the old its “not a big deal since its his throwing day” argument all you want But “I’m sure (the Angels) can get creative” might work in July or a pennant race even in the playoffs but to be forced to do it before the season starts or lose a potential Ohtani start that could cost them a playoff spot later in October with his real job is competely asinine .
WBC Grinch. Lol. Arrrrr arrrrr baseball oligarchs and stuff
I’m not a WBC grinch. I think it’s a fun exhibition and promotion for the game of baseball. Why does it have to be black or white. I can enjoy it but also recognize that there is risk of injury and overuse – neither of which is ideal for a team that has suffered from injury so significantly.
This site seems to have taken on a “with me or against me” mentality much like our World. Why can’t I be pro-WBC and also be concerned about injury and overuse of Trout or Ohtani- two of the keys to this important Angels season?
As I’ve said many times, I am not a pessimist, I am a realist. Maybe there is so much pessimism on the site that realism is being mistaken for pessimism.
Manager Phil says Don’t worry we’ve had this under control all along.
https://twitter.com/JeffFletcherOCR/status/1638227386797023232
Is it me or is this as well as all this talk about Fletch and Ohtani being BFFs or Sandy being mentored by Shohei a concerted Angel ass kissing campaign to try and retain Ohtani?
More power to them if it is. I am all in favor of keeping Ohtani, to be paid for by replacing Loup/Tepera with the young and upcoming bullpen arms over the next stretch.
You do realize Loup/Temoura are like 1/4 of 1/10 of the contract Ohtani wants right?
Is it true hopium smells like buttered popcorn?
He already gets paid 30M, so it is only the difference (annually) that needs to be found.
Would not surprise me. Look if I were them I’d be doing anything possible to keep Ohtani. It’s all marketing and I get it. But it’s likely going to be about how the team does on the field that is going to matter.
Arte is powerless…Shohei’s mom is a huge fan of the Nuutbar and knows that the Cardinals fans are the best and nicest fans ever, it’s a done deal…That is what my internet told me. I believe anything my internet tells me to believe.
https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/1637957407341965318?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1637957407341965318%7Ctwgr%5E1706f0fb4aaa9509609f181739e8e30273534559%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ffansided.com%2F2023%2F03%2F21%2Fcardinals-fans-convinced-theyll-land-shohei-ohtani-lars-nootbar-wbc-bromance%2F
I seem to recall that Philly fans were convinced that they would land Trout.
Shohei’s going to Boston because of a shoe company…Dodgers and entitlement. San Diego because they buy everyone. Yankee gonna Yankee. Seattle thinks they are Eastern Japan. I’ve heard Cubs, Rangers, St Louis, SF..and of course the Mets and it’s $800,000,000 payroll…he’s going to a lot of teams.
I hope we keep him.
The Rangers and Mariners are building solid long term teams. I hope one or the other screws that up by paying Ohtani.
Though I really think he’s either New York, LA or he will gift Anaheim by becoming future massive dead weight for our team.
Unless something just plain crazy genius happens, like we pay him 65M per year for 5 years or something… where we can be at least a little confident he’ll still pitch well. That would actually be cool.
Cardinals players also never f*ck the night before a game.
Shohei’s mom hates f*cking.
Watching Ohtani at the WBC has appeared to make him even a bigger name in the sport thus requiring a constant post season appearances. Lil’ Davey won’t make a dent to stop the momentum Shohei has now.
Just face it. He’s gonna play for AC Milan.
I desire USA to beat them up pretty bad. If Ohtani does take the mound while Trout is hitting, hope he rips it up through the middle.
Today is a good day to be a Jingoist!!!
Blame Jeff Fletcher. Glad you knew it would happen – of course Jack’s always right and a dull boy
You really have it out for me today, huh ? Couple of different provocational posts and it is not even noon yet, lol.
👋😆 love ya, Jack
And, to let everyone know that The Angels are going to go all in on re- signing Ohtani, they have increased the cost of parking by $5.00 per vehicle.
That’s just to cover the paint job on the hats and Big A.
You’re gonna have to sell your first born to cover going all in on Ohtani.
The mustache is gone Mia…Rett Bollingers MLB column yesterday:
“Fletcher and Ohtani are particularly close as teammates and took a picture on the field after Thursday’s game, a pic that included the mustache Fletcher grew for the tournament only to shave off upon his return to Arizona.”
Nooooooooooo!
I know. He looked like a 70s cop on a stake out… searching for dope.
A LiMu Emu Stache ?
Did I mention how happy I am I gave up my season tickets?!
$415 more per season per car.
Approx 20,000 cars in the lot.
Raises about $8 million per season. Not chump change (actually it is for Arte) but barely a blip on the map. It hurts the average fan way more than it helps Arte.
Not to bootlick but we’ll still have the lowest parking in MLB.
And are one of the few remaining Major League Parks that still have 20,000 parking spaces
I’ll bootlick for you…Halo Honks Rule!!
Is this Rodger Lodge?
With the bootlicking I was thinking more like Rex Ryan.
And very easy exit at the end of the game unlike the latrine in LA.
This part is true … easy to get on the 5 North just like that …
Now this is true. Cars have exits and easy access to 3 freeways from the stadium. Me, I just drive down Katella. Little ways and go left.
Brave man hitting Katella. I thought Collins was the secret back road for locals. Whoops
I only take it to Glassell
I street park south of Orangewood
Ah the joy of Spring and a new season. I’ll wait to see how everyone feels about the increase parking prices if the team is sub-500 in June.
I can remember $8 parking and then to $10…and stayed that way for decades. It’s actually an economic marvel that should be studied…but I’m too GA.
Name a better parking arrangement in SoCal, other than your home driveway, if you have one?
Yep. Go to any other MLB stadium and experience their parking ins and outs… we Angels fans get pretty spoiled.
Hell I can remember $7 field box seats
My first season tickets I purchased for myself were $22 for 2 nice club level seats ($11 each) and $3 parking (I think). That was 1994.
All in for 82 games (including freeway series) was around $2,000. And in those days you could write them off as a business expense.
This year for 4 terrace level seats and parking Arte wanted approx $35,000. And baseball tickets cannot be written off anymore.
I know we have had inflation but $2,000 in ‘94 is probably the equivalent of $8,000 today. Not 17x.
Season seats are a big commitment and expense. Had 4 in 514 row D from about ‘04 to ‘09. Owned a business so I wrote it off, sold extras for some cash. If I remember buy 2 get 2 free, no paid parking, parked outside, walked in, I’m cheap. Great deal, thought it was great seat for the money, good time to have season seats in their history. Just became too much, I never could have afforded the lower level seats. I wonder what their real season seat total is now, not Moreno’s version of “attendance”?
Really no need to pay for season seats anymore. With the ease and convenience of buying tickets online, why bother.
Maybe a 20 game plan someday, get access to playoffs tickets…when PTP’s plan is in full effect and we are rattling off AL West championships every year, for a decade. Looking forward to the Jo Adell “Silver Slugger” bobble head night.
Hell, I can remember when I could go see the Dodgers at the Colosseum in the afternoon, then cruise out to Chavez Ravine and get paid actual money to clobber some poor Mexican folks who wanted to live in houses and stuff instead of loving progress with a pipe. Then I’d smoke a pack of Lucky Strikes and eat a raw steak. All for two bucks!
Today times is lame.
You are the OG parking lot thug of Chavez Ravine.
The Frank McCourt “FM 13” has become “MS13.”