LA Angels Wednesday News Crash: STILL Ohtani-less

Good morning Angels fans, only a few more games left this season. Have some links as we wind down.

Angels News

Shohei Ohtani hasn’t played for 9 straight games. Is he done for the season or not?! COME ON!

Oh yeah and the Angels played a game. They lost. Sadage.

Want a paper Kabuto?

Meetup game?

Jose Suarez is back! Remember when he went down way back all those months ago?

Around Baseball

Matt Olson is advocating for the Autism community. Great cause. Makes him hitting the most Home Runs this season a bit easier to deal with.

Rich Hill is available on waivers. Wow, he is still pitching…

The most clutch MLB players since 2018. Of course there are 3 Trashos on it…

Alek Manoah did not take his demotion well and has been MIA since. No, literally, as he never reported to AAA. Very awkward and a whiny baby.

The mom from Little Big League now has a son in the real Big Leagues. Cubs must feel very lucky right now.

John Means is back! First start since April 2022!

Nick Castellanos hasn’t made an error yet this year. Last qualified player to do so.

Anything I missed? Post below for upvotes.

82 Comments
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2GA2Join
Super Member
1 year ago

I almost burst out laughing when I just now went to the Angels website and the front story says “Sandoval runs into trouble” next to the score 8-0.

At the end of the year, they’ll probably run the headline “Angels season doesn’t quite live up to expectations”

Guest
1 year ago

I got deep into the prison blogs about toilet wine. Trade Ohtani and trade Trout! Herr derr gerr! And there he is, the panic meister cooking up his salty spaghetti. Evil Arte Moreno and his billboard minions! I wonder if the sad I’d be without you would be less than the sad I get from being with you. Injury curses, the scaffolded depth of talent, and MF Anthony Rendon’s no ingles translation of manners for the butt hurt fans of a butt hurt franchise. Gah and dammnit, Perry! Three more weeks of this? Ah well.

what am I going to do with a soul anyways?

halofansince1978
Super Member
1 year ago

Wantz on the bump…no lineup yet.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Just waive him already

smithy610
Super Member
1 year ago

This is just seriously the org stringing around fans to entice them to come to the stadium in the hopes of catching Ohtani one last time, but internally I think everyone knows he’s done.

Twebur
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

The Dr PA is on Vacation. Waiting for recovery from his bloodletting procedure the other day. Iron level is low. Extra Bologna sandwich next few days. He’ll be fine.

halofansince1978
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Thank You!!

Claret
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Yes! we have no Ohtani today

FungoAle
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

From 5 slot on down, hopeless at the plate

steelgolf
Legend
1 year ago

Wantz is the starting pitcher? Yeeeesh.

smithy610
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  steelgolf

I still remember the last time Wantz started a game against the M’s….

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  smithy610

It was a real hit.

Angelz4ever
Super Member
1 year ago

Good morning Halo faithful.

Let’s take another series tonight.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Angelz4ever

I dont know about you but I dont think the team can wait until tonight to take the series.

Angelz4ever
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Tonight…today…same difference

CAoldskoll
Trusted Member
1 year ago

Padres are just as bad as Angels this year, even spending way more money. Both teams need a shakeup. Trade Trout, Rendone, Rengifo, for Tatis, Bogaerts, Kim. Why not, can things get any worse next year for either club ? Bad enough the Dodgers going after Ohtani and rumors say Snell (SD best pitcher) too during FA. No wonder both fan bases despise them.

Angelz4ever
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  CAoldskoll

Heavy sigh….

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 year ago

The Little Big League link is money. Great job there.

Pineapple12
Super Member
1 year ago

Reid Detmers this season has 154 strikeouts = 34th amongst all MLB starters.

If Detmers qualified with IP, his 10.1 K/9 would place him tied for 11th with Wheeler and Morton. If Ohtani qualified, he would be 5th with a 11.4 K/9.

I am so bullish on Reid Detmers reaching his ceiling yall have no idea. Future ace imho.

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

Detmers improved his K/9 YoY from 8.5 to 10.1.

That’s significant.

Twebur
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Best hope we have for an Ace. Still has a long way to go. Mentally, might his biggest obstacle.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Twebur

I wouldn’t give up on Silseth provided that thrown ball didnt…

 “Kind of knocked his eyeballs, a little goofy, a little bit.” 

Last edited 1 year ago by Cowboy26
Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Yet his WHIP rose from 1.209 to 1.366 and his ERA went from 3.77 to 4.77. Those are also significant

Guest
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

ERA is a meaningless waste of consideration.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to 

A Myopic view but how about FIP then? it Still went up significantly.

Guest
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

From the poop deck of my majestic schooner, with the salty brine stinging my weather-beaten face, I say unto you, ARA/BF, ARA/BF, and again, ARA/BF.

And Detmers’ ARA/BF has been averaging at the mediocre mark all year. Can he improve? It has been known to happen.

Guest
1 year ago
Reply to 

And my optics view the world just fine.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to 

For an apparition? yeah I guess so.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

He just needs some more consistency. When’s he on he’s great. And I understand guys aren’t going to be on every time. But when he’s off he’s really bad. Once he figures out how to gut out a mediocre performance when he doesn’t have his best stuff he’ll be really good.

My biggest disappointment this season is easily Sandoval. I really thought he’d have a breakout year. And it looked to be that way during the WBC.

Twebur
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Pitches with a .10-cent head too many nights. Needs to find a good sports psychologist. Check that, the team needs to find a good sports psychologist.
Or hire a coaching staff that can teach what appears to be basic baseball fundamentals and knowledge. Think a lot of our pitchers are a good coach away from becoming much improved and solid.

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Twebur

Aside from personal responsibility, the staff is failing to get his best.

smithy610
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Twebur

Sandoval’s temper reminds me of John Lackey, but Lackey knew to win games and pitch according to the situation, most of the time.

I understand incorporating analytics, but it seems the move is extreme to the one side. I agree with the players that there should be some balance between analytics and adjusting to game situations. It’s not a “one-size-fits-all” approach. I would think teams that are more successful in implementing analytics still incorporate actual game situations’ strategies when playing.

2GA2Join
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Twebur

You all realize that he’ll be acquired by the Dodgers or Braves, and then he’ll tweak his pitch mixture and change his stance a little, and win a Cy Young Award.

AnAngelsFan
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

To that he has to learn how to pitch, rather than to just throw the ball with velocity and/or maximum spin. To do that, he needs an organization that teaches pitching, not just throwing.

Pineapple12
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Sandoval’s breakout year was last season and this season is the natural regression.

His stuff is good, not dominant. Pair that with his tendency to lose control of his emotions and *presto* there is your mid-rotation arm.

Sandoval settles in somewhere around a #3-4 arm. In 2022, he pitched like a #2 and in 2023, a #4.

He’ll be better next season.

Last edited 1 year ago by Pineapple12
toad2065
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

If you are going to use a mathematical response, I think you should be required to show your work.

toad2065
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Simple fix for next year, replace Nevin with Benji! Problem solved. 😇 

HaloLew
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

I’d love to see the team bring in a veteran pitcher next year who has achieved a high level of success but is in the twilight of his career. His role would be to model preparation and the mental side of pitching. In other words, a mentor to our young guys. Someone like Kershaw comes to mind. 

halofansince1978
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  HaloLew

I can’t even imagine any scenario where Kershaw wears Halo Red.

But having said that…great idea and exactly what these kids need.

halofansince1978
Super Member
1 year ago

Notice I didn’t use the word youngsters?

halofansince1978
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Where’s Bluto to complain when we need him?

Pineapple12
Super Member
1 year ago

Nolan Schanuel (89 PA)
.288 BA
.416 OBP
.301 SLG
.717 OPS
100 OPS+
15.7% walk rate
13.5% strikeout rate

if the power EVER comes …

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

At least he got his slugging % back over .300

Pineapple12
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

small victories add up haha. Somebody, anybody, needs to help this kid fill out his upper-body.

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Was surprised that Bobby compared him to Rafael Pameiro last night. Maybe he meant strike zone command?

Claret
Trusted Member
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Bobby is, and always has been, full of it.

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Claret

Grich?

Pineapple12
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Maybe before Palmeiro juiced up ? Maybeeeeee lol ? Idk

Twebur
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Then Roids must be part of the solution to his lack of power.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Twebur

Or Viagra.

halofansince1978
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Is the 4 hour rule in effect?

FungoAle
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

It does not look like Schanuel drives the ball, just protecting the plate. I’m not onboard yet. Palmeiro had gap power at least.

Guest
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Believe it or not, Schanuel has hit 20 home runs this year across his collegiate and minor league games.

Pineapple12
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to 

Sadly, only 1 HR with a wooden bat at the MiLB and MLB level.

I am a big fan of Schanuel already, and will be an even bigger fan once he starts launching balls over the fence.

Last edited 1 year ago by Pineapple12
smithy610
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

If the power ever comes, I think there should be a reasonable expectation that that OBP will come down to .350-.370s, as well as the K rate increasing

Cowboy26
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  smithy610

So what do s his power numbers need to rise to for him to become an asset where he would generate significantly positive WAR each season?

I would assume to at least .450?

Guest
1 year ago
Reply to  smithy610

If this is Schanuel, and all he does is get on base, move runners over, and keep the inning alive for the next batter, I’m all for it. Let the other players provide the power.

FungoAle
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Another JB Shuck or something better?

Guest
1 year ago

The Foundation Building Materials’ keystone of the game today against the Seattle Ms is “Looking for Clues” by Robert Palmer.

The Angels are going with a bullpen game today. Get as many players into the game as possible. Going full spring training mode here. Pull the position players every three innings. Looking under all the rocks for someone who may be able to help the Angels next year. Need that strong fourth string depth. Looking for clues.

https://youtu.be/92wCPfqyVbg?si=fMkPrASA5iyPPDcs

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago

Does anybody have the Moose injury update?

Twebur
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

Injury. Update. Angels 😀😀😀 that’s funny. Like they know what’s wrong the day after an injury. 😀😀😀

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Twebur

I’m setting my fantasy lineup for today and he’s the only Angel left on my team, so this is actually serious.

Twebur
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

Lack of Planning on Your Part Does Not Constitute an Emergency on My Part

-Angels and Dr. Nick

You shouldn’t have any Angels on your fantasy roster if it’s serious.

Last edited 1 year ago by Twebur
Brent
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

lol… fantasy baseball… actually serious.

Surly you can’t be serious.

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Brent

It’s all of got left in terms of winning something related to baseball.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

I gave it up when I started thinking some pitcher could strike out an Angel and that would be ok or even good

DowningDude
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

It’s called misplay-itis. and here’s the moose tank:
comment image

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

From the Mean Streets of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. 

FungoAle
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  DowningDude

Couple of gaffs by Moose last night, he performed the tank well.

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend
Reply to  MarineLayer

I’m sure it has something to do with an oblique injury that created a fracture of the hamate bone, which then Moose overcompensated his throwing motion and injured the UCL. While he was getting and MRI on the UCL injury, he contracted long COVID.

Last edited 1 year ago by Senator_John_Blutarsky
Twebur
Legend
1 year ago

Ha! But he’s still listed day-to-day.

Twebur
Legend
1 year ago

All M’s RBI came with 2-out…..2 outs are bad.

halofansince1978
Super Member
1 year ago

Take the series tonight…GO HALO!!!

Okay with CP SLO Woo getting win.

halofansince1978
Super Member
1 year ago

Make that today…1:10pm start!!

Twebur
Legend
1 year ago

The Return of Suarez?

Good for TEAM TANK, bad for our eyeballs.

steelgolf
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  Twebur

🤮

CAoldskoll
Trusted Member
1 year ago

Seems like they don’t want to admit Sho is done for season, cause that would tank attendance last week for home games. They know there is a lot of interest seeing him playing for us knowing it may be his final Angel games. Especially the Japanese fans.

Twebur
Legend
1 year ago
Reply to  CAoldskoll

 a lot of interest seeing him playing for us knowing it’s may be his final Angel games.

MarineLayer
Super Member
1 year ago
Reply to  CAoldskoll

Maybe they could have that team picture guy sub in for him.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
1 year ago

Good morning, folks, amazingly just like Nick Castellanos, the Angels haven’t committed an error since, hmm, well since last night. 😫  😃