LA Angels Wednesday News Crash: Making News

Good Morning Angels fans, last week of Spring, can you believe it? Anyway, have some links.

Angels News

Angels faced a rookie yesterday. But not to fear, the offense was here, and the Angels won, winning their 3rd in a row and guaranteeing at least a split with Texas.

Brandon Drury is suspended a game for making contact with the ump on Monday when he got ejected. He played last night as he is appealing.

Gio Urshela is still not feeling well and may end up on the IL. Him and Rendo cannot both be healthy at the same time.

Shohei Ohtani continues to be an outlier, with his home run on Monday being the only 114+ Opposite field HR in the statcast era by a lefty. Yes that is very specific.

Angels are good enough to be talked about on MLB Network! High Heat without Mad Dog, MLB Central, MLBN Off Base, and MLB Now.

Around Baseball

A’s had a reverse Boycott yesterday. Showing up in large numbers to show people they care for the team, a team that won 7 in a row! It is the most wins in row by a team that has a sub .200 record since the 1800’s!

However, they may still move to Las Vegas as the Nevada State Senate voted to give Fisher money to move the A’s to Las Vegas. The Nevada house votes on it next.

Stroman gave his Cub teammates Nintendo Switch consoles. They play in London and so, the battery life will last maybe until the plane actually takes off.

Giants vs Cards in a Field of Dreams game in Birmingham Alabama. Not very dream like, to be honest. Not enough corn.

It has been a few months now, how are pitchers adjusting to the pitch clock? TLDR: Pitchers really want their offense to score a lot to get more rest between innings.

Anything I missed? Post below for upvotes!

175 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
tanana40
Super Member
1 year ago

Fangraphs projects the Angels with 86 wins and a 41.4% chance of making the playoffs.
The projected wins has come up from opening day. https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds

Fansince1971
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  tanana40

Seems pretty reasonable

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago

Toss up game on paper.

Tonight’s Angels starters have a collective 80 HRS (75 for Tejas).

Slight ERA edge to Henney over Detmers.

Both guys surrender their fair share of bombs career wise.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

Las Vegas predicting high scoring game with over and under at 9.5 runs. However, this particular site recommends to avoid over and under today. It also strongly urges money line bet for the Angels. I like this site today.

Last edited 1 year ago by Kiyotchan
BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

Not playing it today, but I like the over.

Pineapple12
Super Member
1 year ago

Ask and you shall receive

Ward LF
Ohtani DH
Trout CF
Rendon 3B
Drury 1B
Renfroe RF
Rengifo 2B
Wallach C
Neto SS

Sure looks like another win to me. Our depth is actually crazyyyy. Salute, Perry !

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

I did not do well with my prediction again, which is a good omen for Angels. I did not do very well yesterday, either. Go Halos!

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Seems about right against the left hander although considering that Rengifo is struggling this year against LHP than in seasons past, I was hoping Gio was healthy enough to play.

But The real question to me is, will Thisbe the game Detmers finally breaks out?

angelslogic
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Why the f*ck is Rendone batting 4? He’s 1 for 19 cold as ice ( not Thaiss).

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  angelslogic

So is Rengifo. So is Trout. And before yesterday, so was Drury and so was Renfroe.

angelslogic
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Wallach is 5 for his last 14 and has power. He would be perfect. It’s a gritty vet thing, which is stupid when the gritty vet(s) is in a deep slump.

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  angelslogic

If you google “gritty vet” Wallach’s image is the first that pops.

PedroCerrano
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

Oh it’s like Ian Kinsler when you Google Douche Bag!

angelslogic
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  PedroCerrano

And rat face and punchable face.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  angelslogic

I don’t know rat face, but certain Texas catcher, who is DHing today has very punchable face.

PedroCerrano
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  angelslogic

He was a charter member of the rat face club.

angelslogic
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  PedroCerrano

Hard to believe he was an Angel for a short while in 2018. It was difficult for HHers to adjust.

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  PedroCerrano

That’s funny. That dude was a prick for sure.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

I distinctly remember when Shohei hit his first MLB homerun and the bench gave him the “silent” treatment, it was Kinsler who started busting with laughter and high fived Shohei. Japanese newspaper reported that Shohei bowed first and hugged Kinsler before the first game of the current series; I think Kinsler is an assistant to Texas GM.

angelslogic
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

He’s a newbie vet, not too gritty yet.

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  angelslogic

If there’s a Mt. Rushmore of “gritty vet”, there’s certainly a spot Brian Downing. That dude was all grit.

PedroCerrano
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

Super quiet unassuming guy off the field. I heard a couple of stories about him taking a friend of mine into blues bars in Chicago where they were the only white guys. Brian had played in Chicago, loved the blues and knew folks but otherwise it wouldn’t have gone well.

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  PedroCerrano

Not surprising re: Downing.

Chicago is a fun city to visit.

PedroCerrano
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

Umm…Lou Malnati’s

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  angelslogic

He’s a good luck charm. Much like Jobu

angelslogic
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Let him be a good luck charm in the 8 hole.

PedroCerrano
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

I say forget Jobu! We do it ourselves!

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  angelslogic

The braintrust is expecting these guys to regress to somewhere near their career mean(s). This is reasonable – for now.

If Trout and Rendon look this bad at the break, then we can talk.

This is why quality depth is so critical. It’s not only injury insurance, it’s also slump insurance.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

Totally agreed with quality depth. All I have to do is to name from 2022 squad some of futile batters like Duffy, Mayfield, Wade, Lagares, Velazquez, and Gosselin.

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

Those dudes were the bottom of the barrel…… at the back of the scrap heap, in terms of talent level.

Come what may the rest of this season, Perry had a solid offseason.

Pineapple12
Super Member
1 year ago

Phil needs to drop the lineup.

I’m getting restless

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

I am thinking it’s either Urshela’s back issue or Drury’s 1 game suspension or a combination there of is what is holding up the lineup announcement.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

No Urshela in starting lineup. Drury is in, don’t know what that means whether MLB decided to cancel suspension, or if Drury would serve it tomorrow. No information on that.

Wallach is in, which now makes me think that Thaiss may be hurt.

Last edited 1 year ago by Kiyotchan
Pineapple12
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

I think Fletch tweeted that the Angels are going to try and get Drury thru the Texas series under appeal then drop it, and have him serve the 1 game in KC

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Thank you for the info. That makes a lot of sense.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

I hope Thaiss isn’t hurt but the match ups lately ( both as a batter and behind the plate) have favored Wallach.

I thought that Phillip was going to PH for Wallach last night after the starter got pulled for a RHP but maybe he decided against because we had the lead and he valued Wallach’s defense more.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

I forgot Thaiss started two days ago in that crazy game and got subbed out because Nevin used Urshela to pinch hit against lefty Ragan in top of 10th inning. Thaiss had two hits that day. I surmise that Thaiss is healthy. So, Nevin must have gone with matchups today.

Thaiss could have started yesterday, but already had lefty bat in Moniak. With lefty starter Bradford out in 5th inning, Thaiss could have replaced Wallach, but as you have mentioned, Nevin trusted Wallach’s defense and stayed with him.

You have probably read Owen White got optioned back to 2A today. Bochy did as much as he could with Gray being scratched. But, you gotta give it to Bochy. He almost pulled it off. We have to thank Corey Seager for mishandling of DP play, which allowed Shohei run and their bad bullpen.

Last edited 1 year ago by Kiyotchan
Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago

Since Angels are on winning streak, paying utmost respect to Baseball god, here is my prediction for starters:

Sure ins are: Ward, Ohtani, Trout, Rendon, Renfroe and Neto.
Probables: Urshela (bothers me that Angels have not announced their lineup yet. If he is still not good with back, Walsh), Rengifo (Drury will be paying for his suspension today in my opinion), Thaiss (could be Wallach, but I am thinking Wallach will rest for tomorrow)

Go Halos! Like I usually say, score early and often, Wash, rinse and repeat. Las Vegas predicting high scoring affair. I wish for easy peasy stress free landslide win for Detmers’ second win of the season.

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

Lower case g is not indicative of utmost respect

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Touche! 😔 

Guest
1 year ago

For the past two months, I kept checking at my local library for the Jeff Fletcher Ohtani book. No dice. I checked at my Barnes and Noble to buy a copy. They didn’t have one. Yesterday at the library there it was, SHO-TIME. Couldn’t believe it.

Sixty pages in. Did not know Ippei grew up in Diamond Bar, CA.

https://youtu.be/k9iYm9PEAHg

Last edited 1 year ago by GhostGuest
DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to 

Duh! His dad is a chef or something.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

So, Shohei has no blood relationship to Joe Lombardo? I am crushed.

Twebur
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to 

Ippei went to the Harvard of the Inland Empire, UCR.

Biggiswrth
Trusted Member
1 year ago

I’m torn by this trade. It was written by MLB that thinks we might be a good trade partner for Goldy from the Cardnals. In the long term, he might help lighten the blow if Ohtahi bolts.
Is Ward expendible?
I’m ok giving up the two pitchers.
Time to go all in this year?

Angels Trade .png
Pineapple12
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Biggiswrth

I can assure you with 1000000000% certainty that the Cardinals would never do that deal.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Pineapple12

All we have to do is convince the team we all wish Arte would model the Angels after to become the version of Angels management we can’t stop cramping over. Sure. Is easy.

PedroCerrano
Super Member
1 year ago

MLB radio had folks calling in saying that the guys that built them are now all gone to Houston. Not fans of the GM of Manager.

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago

I knew the whole “Trout vs. the Fastball” was a thing, but I didn’t realize it was this much of a thing. He’s seeing more fastballs than any player in baseball.

https://www.si.com/mlb/2023/06/14/mike-trout-slump-cant-hit-fastball-angels

smithy610
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

I hope it’s not a back thing that he’s keeping from the trainers and Nevin. I do hope he figures this one fast. Or else, pitchers are going to just keep throwing him high heaters, AND pitch around Ohtani.

Twebur
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

He’s hurt. Might include some personal life issues.
Or, huge slump-based timing belt problem. And eventually, pitchers will need to bring a change of underwear when they face him…doubt he’s fallen off the cliff this fast. We might not ever see Peak Trout again, but he will still be one of the more productive players in the game. Besides, he has some help now.

Pineapple12
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Twebur

Super weird hunch to put out there.

We know Trout has some sort of back issue he has to deal with. We have absolutely no insight into his personal life (or any of these guys lives) and its reckless to go there imo

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

My bad. I’ll delete it.

Twebur
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Not weird. I have no issues with a fan having some curiosity about a players personal life. He’s just human, he’s a public figure. It’s no more personal in knowing the details about his groin strain, or if he’s dealing with a personal family health issue or whatever else. Athletes share their shit all the time….imo

Last edited 1 year ago by Twebur
PedroCerrano
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Twebur

I think the launch angle thing they sight is what will likely change. It seems like he wants to hit everything 500ft. He’s still quick to the ball if he flattens out his swing approach he’ll still hit lots of backspin balls out. He will also punish pitchers with line drives and go back to hitting .300+.

Last edited 1 year ago by PedroCerrano
gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  PedroCerrano

I hope so. Honestly I have never been a big fan of “home run Trout”. First, he’s always hurt. second, he hits .270. “Power first” guy isn’t that hard to find. We can get Hunter Renfroe or some other version of Jack Clark any given season. Trout is a pure hitter who seems to f*ck around with the long ball even though he already got his huge contract.

Bro. Just hit .330 with 40 doubles and 25 home runs. No one will hold that against you. If you’re that worried, go ahead and steal 15 bases too.

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago

That Trout was always better than this Trout.

PedroCerrano
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  BannedInLA

The gap between him and the others on the list is big. Most of those guys don’t play everyday.

smithy610
Super Member
1 year ago

The first two games against the division leader showed a lot of promise, especially the 2nd game when the team’s “superstar” is “resting”. Maybe Ohtani can rub some of his magic on Trout and it will really be amazing to see them go berserk offensively.

If the team keeps this pace up, I can see Perry try to swing for a mid-level starter at the deadline, someone that can push either Barria or Suarez back to long relief. Adell on the block, maybe?

Now if this team can show it can also go toe-to-toe with the bangers in their July/August series, they have a really good chance for the division. Why settle for the WC?

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  smithy610

Mid-level starter at the very least. The good news is that barring injuries, starting pitching is probably going to be the only area of need this time next month….

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  smithy610

Suarez?

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago

In an attempt to restore at least some of my goodwill on this site, I would like to suggest possible appropriate Father’s Day gift. Disclaimer: I don’t get anything from Mr. ManFraud. I am certain that there are some female participants whose fathers are MLB aficionado and would consider my suggestion. Or for that matter anyone with avid Angels crazy father might appreciate this.

MLB.TV just announced 50% off until Father’s Day. That means less than $1 per game to witness one of a kind unicorn does his magic for the rest of the season.

I hope this post didn’t violate community guidelines, Jeff.

Last edited 1 year ago by Kiyotchan
halofansince1978
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

Since when are you in hot water.

Cowboy26 is mad at everybody!

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago

I do like hot bath. Huge fan of Onsen (natural spring), which I highly recommend if you visit Japan (Disclaimer: I don’t receive any Yen from Japanese Prime Minister.)

I admit I got carried away with certain gender subjects. I would have won 100% of Jeff’s praise and approval if I was more circumspect. Gotta be careful. I am learning. I do not want to be like Trevor Bauer.

Last edited 1 year ago by Kiyotchan
Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

Wow, that’s a great suggestion. Immediately added to my bucket list. We have a few in Oregon, but little too hippieish for me with too many people with TMI hanging out. As opposed to well spread rumors, most Onsen in Japan are strictly gender segregated.

PedroCerrano
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

If by hippieish you mean clothing optional you are accurately describing Oregon hot springs.

Last edited 1 year ago by PedroCerrano
halofansince1978
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

Look at Sycamore Mineral Springs in Avila Beach, California.

I’m about 45 minutes away and I know a killer place for lunch.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago

Thats not true I’m not mad at Shohei right now. https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/48bd0740-e85b-4be5-bb45-e9c3caed139d

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

If I buy MLB TV I can’t watch any angels baseball on it.

I’d rather get another tie to put into the rafters of the closet

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

I forgot that stupid exclusion. I guess there is another plus for living in Oregon besides no sales tax. (Disclaimer: I don’t receive any compensation from Visit Oregon.)

PedroCerrano
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

Or could you just get your brother’s password for the LA feed and stream it? Asking for a friend.

Twebur
Legend
1 year ago

When we are on a heater like this, too much time in between games.
Let’s get tonight’s Heaney ass-whipping started

IMG_1971.png
DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Twebur

Let’s kick Heaney’s hiney!!!!!

halofansince1978
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Bet the house payment…Trout’s coming up huge tonight.

JackFrost
Super Member
1 year ago

What makes you say this ???

halofansince1978
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  JackFrost

My gut and he is due!!! I relish in the fact that all the stat heads here just groaned outloud.

Twebur
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Look into the light………..look up, don’t look down, keep the faith.

IMG_1985.jpeg
Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago

Interesting prediction. I hope you’re right ’78 because I dont think they’ve ever faced each other except possibly in spring training.

https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/batvspitch/_/id/32672/andrew-heaney

BannedInLA
Super Member
1 year ago

I agree. You can practically feel it coming….

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago

I am aware that I am not supposed to discuss politics, but I also love to plant a seed for potential heated discussion. It’s about A’s, not related to Angels, but it is riveting.

MLBTR writes that during the special session called by Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo to vote on $380MM in public funding to build a stadium for A’s, the Senate passed the bill yesterday as expected. The bill now goes to the Assembly (House) which is composed of 28 Democrats out of 42 seats. Unless Lombardo has something to offer to Democrats, the bill is not going anywhere. Lombardo, while bucking his own party, yesterday also signed a bill requiring health care companies to cover gender converting procedures. (I wonder if dildos and/or S&M equipment are covered.) Coincidentally, June is Rainbow month. 🌈

I also find it interesting that Joe Lombardo was born in Sapporo, Japan, home of Nippon Ham Fighters. (I wonder if Lombardo is the true father for Shohei?)

I don’t know what Las Vegas odds are for Assembly passing this bill. My best guesstimate is even steven.

Last edited 1 year ago by Kiyotchan
Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

With regards to politics, they are allowed if directly tied to baseball. Like most of your post.

Leave out the gender care stuff and you’d have nailed this.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Got you.

halofansince1978
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

No stadium should ever be paid for with public funds.

Owners are all billionaires and then will make billions.

I would think bankers would line up around the block.

Storied franchise and Vegas…a no brainer investment.

Much more to say…I don’t want to be called poophead.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago

Whats with the double spacing? Is this some sort of provocative Haiku?

halofansince1978
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Just so you know, I don’t even know what a Haiku is.

Twebur
Legend
1 year ago

Angels kick ass now
Playoffs, yes, talking playoffs 
October baseball 

halofansince1978
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Twebur

Maybe we should have K explain it to us.

JackFrost
Super Member
1 year ago

Yes, Kerouac wrote some very special Haikus.

But he is no longer with us to explain them…

halofansince1978
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Already answered that question many times…it’s called a writing style.

There’s another very distinct feature of my writing style…do you see it?

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago

Yes. You don’t like to use spell check.

halofansince1978
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Yes we know you’re perfect.

All we have to do is ask you.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago

Good. Just don’t ask my wife.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

Is the other distinct feature an incredible ability to generate disinterest in unique features?

JackFrost
Super Member
1 year ago

Totally agree.

When taxpayers agree to pay an extra 1.5 cents in tax for whatever they’re buying they show themselves to be suckers of the highest order. By paying for a billionaire’s stadium they are essentially paying him to make money off of THEM !! … Thus they are getting screwed two ways, coming and going !!

Last edited 1 year ago by JackFrost
Twebur
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  JackFrost

A million ways we get screwed as taxpayers. Don’t like paying for billionaires’ toys either, but sports teams can be a huge part of a city, state, region. So I’m ok with the city/taxpayer helping with the coast of a stadium. Look what Petco Park has done for the gas lamp quarter in SD. The city is now benefited greatly from that stadium/team with new revenue/tax streams. That was once useless underutilized land. Now, it’s a beautiful playground for Doyer fans to visit and vacation destroy 10 times a year.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Twebur

Unlike almost everything govt pays a huge amount of money on, “buying” a billionaire a stadium does two things.

First. It actually works. It is a huge bowl that you fill with a sports team. Said sports team generally arrives. Job done. Usually on time. Unlike almost everything else govt pays for.

Second. All the tax base/area revival that may or may not happen that I’m sure others will bring up. Plus visitors to the area.

Third (bonus). Is Nevada giving money to the A’s? I thought the A’s were getting tax credits, which is not the same thing at all. You have to show up and be a functional business that the rest of the city sucks off of to get tax credits. And how much of the cost of building the stadium is Nevada footing? Are they just “upping taxes and building the A’s a free ball park”? Or are they just giving tax credits to cover a part of the development?

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

The state, city and neighborhood that a billionaire owner builds himself a stadium in should not make any extra funds from said stadium. It is purely a very rich man making a capital investment and the public shouldn’t see any more from it, proportionally, than if someone builds a check cashing store. Just to make sure everything stays even steven there should also probably be a building and renovation moratorium within four or five blocks of the new stadium to keep selfish developers from sucking in extra profits from the new stadium coming in. We can’t have tax revenue from this area increasing unfairly. Keep everything exactly the same as it was before that bastard fatcat bought land and built his play thing with just his money.

Also, tax exemptions on money that the team this bastard fatcat brings to town will earn are, apparently, now exactly the same as just giving him money…. if you squint real hard. Because that land was totally gonna generate the same tax revenue if they had just built a Native American Cultural Center on it. I hates fat cat.

Plus also, no other events in that stadium. Only that billionaire owner’s team can do stuff there. Otherwise, dark and dead.

Gotta keep things fair for the people.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

I don’t know if I would call you a seed planter Mr Chan.

More like a shit disturber.  💩 

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

I humbly accept that moniker.  😣 

55yearsangelsfan
Trusted Member
1 year ago

Mondays game was very encouraging. All around.

Particularly encouraging was Anderson. Things looked bleak when the score was 5-1, and it looked like we were going to get bombed, and our bullpen stretched hard. But Anderson then turned it around, got through six innings without giving up anything else. Maybe he can be serviceable after all?

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago

I am going to stay neutral on Tyler Anderson. Despite his less than stellar outings thus far, he has remained as the most fortunate Angels pitcher in sharp contrast to Detmers and Canning. I understand that Nevin mentioned possibility of converting to 5 man rotation in late season. Tyler would be someone who might go to bullpen as middle inning lefty reliever.

However, I was amused by what took place in the first 2 games of this series. It is as if we switched uniforms. Texas playing like good ole’ bad news Bear Angels. And Angels taking advantage of Texas multiple errors and miscues. And occasionally Angels succeeding with scoring runner from 3rd with less than 2 outs, though not perfect (I’m looking at you, Drury, Ward, and Neto)

On the twitter world, some Texas fans are now panicking that they might even not make the playoff.

TrojanBoiler
Trusted Member
1 year ago

I was saying yesterday that that’s kind of been his MO all year. Start ok, get lit up, then end ok. His ERA splits through the first / second / third time through the order are 4.9 / 7.3 / 5.0

So the bad news is that even when he is pitching “serviceable” its to the tune of a 5 ERA

frosse
Member
1 year ago

Anderson is barely a 5th starter. He has been the beneficiary of better offense than any other starter (except for Barria who only has 3 starts)

Pineapple12
Super Member
1 year ago

Shohei Ohtani ranks this season:

Batting:
TB — 1st
HR — 2nd (1st in AL)
XBH — 2nd (1st in AL)
RBI — 5th
OPS — 5th

Pitching:
H/9 — 1st
opp BA — 1st
SO% — 2nd (1st in AL)
SO — 3rd

I say it all the time and it’s true each time — Shohei Ohtani is the greatest baseball player ever.

https://twitter.com/statmuse/status/1669012070900146177?s=20

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Current Las Vegas odds for Shohei winning AL MVP: -250 with second place Judge +750 and third place tie Marcus Semien and Wandar Franco +3000.

Smart money bettors will not touch this with 12ft pole. With $10, I win $4. Should I with my barely 2 in pole? (It’s not the size, but motion of the ocean.)

Last edited 1 year ago by Kiyotchan
Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

That’s an insane difference between 1 and 2.

LanaBanana
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

MVP ‼️

Mikeal1st
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Give me a few more seasons first, then maybe I put him above Trout, but I do agree with the Unicorn nickname, I’m just not ready to take GOAT away from Trout.

Pineapple12
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Mikeal1st

I meant it in a macro sense. Ohtani is the first 2-way player to sustain this level of production — we are now watching his 3rd straight season of 2-way dominance.

He has no rival.

What Shohei is doing on a daily basis is unheard of. Career longevity be damned, this is the most impressive 3-year stretch in baseball history.

It is NOT normal. Greatest player ever — it shouldn’t be a debate because nobody has ever done this.

Last edited 1 year ago by Pineapple12
DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Agreed. It’s honestly like watching Bo Jackson except if Bo Jackson could play baseball at daytime and then in a nightcap same-day play running back for the Raiders

(Jack will probably contradict me for something but hey – this is the closest comp I can think of)

Last edited 1 year ago by DowningDude
Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

There is a nerdish baseball reporter from a certain east coast cable company whose name I have vowed not to utter at this site was quoted during spring training before 2018 season, “Ohtani is basically like a high school hitter because he’s never seen a good curveball,” At least, he later apologized in public.

halofansince1978
Super Member
1 year ago

Cy Heaney…hmmmmmm!!

BruinsAngelsKings
Trusted Member
1 year ago

I hope they light him up like he was lit up so many times when he pitched for the Halos.

Twebur
Legend
1 year ago

He will be facing an offense on the rise. #5 in runs 340. #6 OPS .763.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago

After doing all kinds of arithmetics regarding Neato Neto’s numbers with the obscene part of my brain mingling in, here is another algebraic prediction.

After 96 games, we will be 83-13.

I am sure my evil twin brother, Edward Gorey, will figure out my math.

Hint: Squid Game.

Unknown.jpeg
Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago

I strongly feel that it is my public duty to report the followings:

Trea Turner $300MM x 11y
Corey Seager $325MM x 10y
Carlos Correa $200MM x 6y
Xander Bogaerts $280MM x 11y
Fernando Tatis Jr $340MM x 14y
Trevor Story $140MM x 6y

Zach Neto $$ 0.72MM x 1y

Neto is my most VALUABLE player of the year. (Shohei does not even come sniff close with $30MM x 1y, which means Shohei has to perform 41.7 multiple of Neto. Shohei is a mere 2 way player, not 41.7 way player.   😍 

Last edited 1 year ago by Kiyotchan
Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

Neto: 45H, 12 double, 6HR, 5SB thus far. In order for Shohei to beat his beloved SS, he has to do the followings from the VALUE point of view.

>1876H, >500 double, >250HR, and >209SB

I think I made my case.

JackFrost
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

Hmmmm.

Something is not quite right here …. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Zach Neto for what he provides both offensively and especially defensively.

HOWEVER, he is and never will be Shohei Ohtani. In short, how valuable a player is to a team is not a function of how little or how much money he makes, but rather what that player provieds ON THE FIELD primarily, and to some extent in the Clubhouse.

Last edited 1 year ago by JackFrost
Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Please read above. Thank you.

JackFrost
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

I already did lol.

You are talking about MONEY. In overall production Shohei blows him away.

Now, if you are talking about “value” in terms of OWNERSHIP,( so the value/production that Arte gets per dollar) then that is a completely different discussion. But again, that would not make the player more valuable to the TEAM but only to the owner… If that is what you are trying to convey it was not at all made clear in your original post.

Last edited 1 year ago by JackFrost
Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  JackFrost

I think it is a combination of many things. Definitely I was playing on the word, Value, as it has many meanings in general as well as in baseball. Sports media tend to talk about this ad nauseam. All those dollar figures I listed were meant to jeer those teams who traded for those INVALUABLE useless SS. (Indirect kudos to Perry for not choosing)

Shohei is always MVP in my mind, but I also like to poke fun at him on this site because I imagine that he loves to do that to his teammates. I appreciate Neto adoring Shohei and the latter taking the rookie SS under his wing.

Last edited 1 year ago by Kiyotchan
gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Kiyotchan

VALUE per DOLLAR actually is important since most owners don’t own the Yankees or Dodgers and thus give a shit about it. Thus it will always be at least a factor in roster and org construction.

So, in actual, real, roads get muddy, milk goes bad and ladies get mad sort of application, yes you’re right Neto is very valuable.

Troutstrikeout
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

Shohei is the mvp but whatever. You do know until this year we were getting shohei for like 5 mil a year or less which makes the last few years even more criminal. We weren’t just beyond lucky he chose us but he left Japan 2 years early before he was 25 so we didn’t have to pay him anything. He coulda cost himself $200 mil if it didn’t work out. He gambled on himself to get mlb early and live his dream.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Troutstrikeout

You just posted what I have previously posted Zillion times, if not quadrillions, sir. I am the zaniest, Ichiban Kitanai, self declared Shohei apologist. I am the concentrated version of 30 million Japanese Angels fans because of Shohei. I would even put $10 to win $4 for AL MVP bet in Las Vegas just to make me feel proud that I did it.

Now, I am going to take a remedial course on anger management.

Last edited 1 year ago by Kiyotchan
Troutstrikeout
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

I’m off and on this blog so apologize that I never saw you say that before. And I appreciate your translations I saw the last few days of the Japanese media, makes me wish they’d replace our beat writers tbh. I get the point you were making about Netos value relative to his salary so made same point about shohei, didn’t realize it’s probably already been talked to death here

JackFrost
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Troutstrikeout

Even now, I am sure you’d agree that his $30 million salary is by far a bargain for us …

Troutstrikeout
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Oh yeah of course. Not as much a bargain as Rendon at $245 million but close. Can’t wait for that 2nd HR and the SLG to creep back over .350. Over under 3.5 HR on year for him? I always like my 3B to have more errors than homers

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Troutstrikeout

We totally robbed Rendon. He left easily another hundred mil on the table

JackFrost
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Troutstrikeout

Wait, what ? You don’t like our $245 million man to belong to “The Ancient Society of 1 HR” ??

Pineapple12
Super Member
1 year ago

Angels are 38-31

6 losses back of the division
7 losses back of WC1
2 losses back of WC2
2 losses back of WC3

6-14 Rooting Guide

Angels > Rangers
Blue Jays or Orioles (win-win for us)
Rockies > Red Sox
Mets > Yankees
Nationals > Astros
Marlins > Mariners

red floyd
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

As mentioned yesterday, the Sux, MFY, Trashtros, and Latte-sippers rooting guides are what they’d be regardless of the wild card. Jays/O’s is pretty much a don’t care in almost ANY situation.

AnAngelsFan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  red floyd

The only departure from normal is that we should actually be rooting for the A’s to continue their win streak and beat the Rays, although the odds of the Rays not making the playoffs at this point is so low I understand why that matchup wasn’t included.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  AnAngelsFan

For some reason, I am imaging this duel between Charlie Sheen in Cleveland Indians uni on the mound pitching against Brad Pitt at bat in the Coliseum. Of course, Charlie’s first pitch is a two seamer curving towards Brad’s head as intensional brush off.

That’s all I got. I am going to take my AM meds. You are welcome to fill in the rest.

Last edited 1 year ago by Kiyotchan
Pineapple12
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  red floyd

I gotcha boss.

Posting an update for us every morning 🙂

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Really disappointed with NL teams (except Rockies who hung on to win in extra to beat Red Sux), MFYankees continue to have behind the door deals with umpires who ejected Mets reliever Drew Smith for “sticky substance” I anticipate MFYankees sweep over Mets (Cohen might be having purchaser’s remorse) and Asstros dismantle weakling Nationals.

RexFregosi
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Kiyotchan

A’s big win streak is mostly NL teams – Coincidence?

Snakes are rolling – that makes a happy NL for me

halofansince1978
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

How do the Snakes match up against us at the Big A in two weeks?

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

Uh oh Snek! Arizona is low key really good. They may kick us in the ass.

Kiyotchan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

You mean it’s not all those reverse Boycott fans with green “SELL” t-shirt, 28 thousands strong?

Angelz4ever
Super Member
1 year ago

The “Ren men” couldn’t be stopped”

red floyd
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Angelz4ever

So we have a team with Renaissance men?

red floyd
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  red floyd

And we have some here, too. Keeping up the pants-optional tradition!

comment image

Twebur
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  red floyd

Nice European Man Bag!

red floyd
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Twebur

That’s a sporran, dude.

RexFregosi
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  red floyd

RENegade Bro

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend
Reply to  red floyd

You BRAVEHEART!

comment image

Last edited 1 year ago by Senator_John_Blutarsky
halofansince1978
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  red floyd

Pants optional defined!!

RexFregosi
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  red floyd

Giffy doesn’t quite strike me as a renaissance man

more like Renovations or Renegades or Renewals