The Angels went an even 3-3 since last weekend’s links. A 2-1 win in the Disappointment Series against the Mets followed by a predictable series loss against a good team in Philly.
It took a furious rally to avoid the sweep in Philly. 2 runs in the 8th and 3 in the ninth, the latter coming against one of the all time great closers in Craig Kimbrel.
Drury and Renfroe powered the Halos to that dramatic win. Renfroe went 3 for 4 with a home run and 4 RBI in his final appearance as an Angel. Which is rather ironic because he’s been the polar opposite of clutch his entire tenure here. On the year, Renfroe is slashing an anemic .178/.242/.322 with RISP. In his career his numbers with runners on have always been worse than his overall slash line, but this year he’s been outright terrible when the team has needed him most.
But, that’s Cincy’s problem now. The Reds revamped their outfield by claiming both Hunter Renfroe and Harrison Bader.
And Renfroe is far from the only Angel to depart yesterday.
The Cleveland Guardians snagged a trio of Angels pitchers. Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, and Matt Moore are Ohio bound. Bear in mind, the Angels traded two of their top prospects for Giolito and Lopez.
We can add Lucas Giolito to the seemingly endless string of guys who sign here and immediately get worse. With the White Sox he was 17% better than league average. In red he was 33% worse.
Even division rival Seattle swooped in and took a little something from the carcass of the Angels 2023 squad, claiming Dominic Leone.
Nobody wanted Randall Grichuk, who cleared waivers.
In a way we could say the Angels are being cool by letting these guys pursue October baseball and give development time to young players. But this is a business and this purge was done with one goal.
And now the roster needs replenishing. I’m glad to see Davis Daniel back. He’s done multiple interviews with us and seems like a great guy.
As far as the youth movement, Nolan Schanuel is hitting the ground running. Or at least hitting.
And hopefully Ben Joyce will be a part of the Angels bullpens of the future. He got back on the mound Wednesday.
From around baseball:
The Atlanta Braves are the most complete team in the league and Spencer Strider is comically overpowering.
Former Angel Alex Cobb was sooooo close to a no hitter Tuesday night.
I absolutely love speed in baseball. Some guys have it but don’t steal bases, though. FanGraphs takes a look at the runners who make the least out of their legs. Fleet Pete, anyone?
It keeps looking worse and worse for Wander Franco, who is now facing a third accuser.
Enjoy your weekend and link what I missed.
