Woo Hoo! the Angels signed Tayron Guerrero to a minor league deal.
The Dodgers extended Tyler Glasnow for five years at $135 Million. Michael Wacha is officially off the board. His deal with the royals is for two years and $32 Million. Left-hander Martin Perez has a one year deal with the Pirates.
The matchmakers in the press are talking about the Angels being a good fit for Cody Bellinger. That’s right. We are talking about the guy who dislocated his shoulder during a high five. He should fit right in.
The KIA tigers of the KBO have re-signed Socrates Brito for another year. there is $800,000 in guaranteed money plus some incentives. The Nationals have signed right-hander Spenser Watkins. The Mets acquired Yohan Ramirez from the White Sox for cash. The Orioles acquired Jonathan Heasley from the Royals. Apparently, rookie ball right-hander Cesar Espinal was sent to the Royals on the deal.
The Braves released Matt Carpenter, who they were apparently unable to trade away. The Diamondbacks claimed Collin Snyder. Meanwhile the Giants claimed Devin Sweet from the Athletics.
The Orioles and the State of Maryland came to an 11th hour agreement concerning the lease to Camden Yards.
Anybody have any info on the Angels’ television deal as it relates to the Bally’s BK?
Just this. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/12/amazon-diamond-sports-discussing-potential-streaming-deal.html From what I can tell it will be business as usual in 2024 for Arte but in all likely hood The Angels will either be forced to either renegotiate the terms with the New Bally’s or find a new provider for ’25 and beyond.
There was an article last week that indicated that Diamond would honor all but about 2-3 teams existing broadcast deals for next year. I think the 3 they wanted to jettison were Cleveland, Texas and possibly Arizona . MLB already had something in place to take those over if it happens.
Interesting. That deal was very lucrative for Arte. If the renegotiation is for a lower amount and he can’t rely on selling 2 million-plus tickets, there may be more motivation for him to get out while the getting is good.
Well that’s it then.
Chris Bassitt has declared that Trout should be traded to the Phillies.
Perry has work to do, and hopefully we can get value in return.
WTF is Chris Bassitt?
One of the many pitchers that Arte could have signed in the past few years that might have made the difference between contending and where we ended up.
https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/current-toronto-blue-jays-pitcher-chris-bassitt-calls-for-los-angeles-angels-to-trade-mike-trout-to-philadelphia-phillies
Well that settles it then.
Snell, Bauer, Bellinger, Hoskins would instantly create an angry fiery locker room led by a fiery Ron Washington. It’d be a bit like his Rangers teams.
😂 😆
So, Bellinger, Bauer, Strohman and Minasian walk into a bar…..
The bartender, being a devout Halos fan, gets them all plastered and then puts Perry in an Uber before they can agree to terms.
Top 5 Angel position players as of 12.19.2023:
1.) Mike Trout (Despite possibly being washed). The greatest Angel of all-time has earned his wings.
2.) Logan O’Hoppe – Young stud at what is arguably the most important position.
3.) Luis Rengifo – Suck it haters, Luis produces offensively and plays multiple positions whilst not breaking the bank.
4.) Zach Neto – Potential Simba with a better bat? Time will tell….
5.) Mickey Moniak – Mickey will be so fine if he can hold his own versus lefties.
Mickey will not be fine even against Righties if he doesn’t learn the strike zone. Too many K’s per PAs too few walks.
Easy to be in the peanut gallery. What is your top 5?
Not sure what the criteria is but I have MNT, BD, LO, AR, ZN, as the top 5 then LR, TW3, MM, NS & JA as the next 5
Ahhh, I missed Drury.
This bumps Moniak to #6.
Trout, O’hoppe, Drury, Rengifo & Neto.
Neither Drury nor Rengifo should be on the team by the end of the season. Here’s to hoping they have a wonderful April through July.
Moniak has to keep focus. I’ve seen him pro-glide up the line and seems the “Too cool for school” attitude kicks in with that swarmy smile. He needs to know that he hasn’t “Made it” yet.
Same to you. Easy to disagree. Which five current Angel position players are better than Moniak?
Catchers are not even close to being the most important position.
SHORT STOP IS. THIS 2024 NOT 1955 2018 BOSTON RED SOX WON 108 GAMES AND 2018 WORLD SERIES WITH 3 LOUSY CATCHERS I’m looking at this list and don’t agree some of it. Mickey Moniak is crashing back down earth in 2024 and we’ll find out why “Brilliant Dave” traded him to us. We still need either Jonathan India or Tommy Edman.
STICK WITH 2002heaven and don’t get caught with your head up YOU KNOW WHERE!!!
💪 💪 💪
How did you miss Drury?
The number of position player unknowns on this team is substantial. Other than Trout if he’s healthy, Drury, and maybe O’Hoppe, you really have no idea about anyone else. They all have potential to be pretty good to pretty poor. Actually our buddy Rengifo is probably fairly predictable though. This team could literally win anywhere from 60 to 80 games.
Schanuel & Neto are unknowns?
They are certainly “unprovens”.
100%
Offensively yes. Neto had an 86 OPS+ last year and I thought he was drafted as a hitter. I’m certainly hoping that he is much better this year, but it’s all hope at this point. Schanuel’s was only 103 and that required a 400 OBA. I would love for that to be real but, once again, it’s a limited sample. We saw Moniak tear up the league for 3 months and disappear for two months. I like all of them and I hope they all perform as well as I would like but honestly we don’t know yet. We don’t know if last year’s injury issues for Neto were a fluke or not either. I’m optimistic but I don’t think we know right now. After a full season this year they’ll have a little better body of work predict their performance.
Well theres only one way to find out……
That is a fact sir. You can play the kids 😀
No fake news detected.
I’d be searching for a team in short quantity of OFs and move Moniak in a deal.
Even though I rate him as our 5th best position player, I suspect he’s potential fools gold. His stock is likely at its zenith.
an imaginary conversation between Perry and Arte
Perry: We can sign Stroman for $25mil a year, two years
Arte: Who’s Stroman?
Perry: a pitcher. We need pitching.
Arte: I never heard of him. What about Bellinger?
Apparently we’ve recently “met” with Snell.
Fake News according to The baseball Insider.
Really? Word has it that Snell is on a plane headed for John Wayne.
😆
So Del Taco has been reserved tonight for the big signing celebration ?
Naw, it’s OC, so “Chronic Tacos”….
One Chronic Taco opened up by my house about a year ago.
Mucho bueno!
Nice. As far as chain taco spots go, Chronic is solid.
I’ve been to the one in Moorpark (Ventura County). I wasn’t impressed. Seemed like it had the same relation to Mexican food as Chipotle.
don’t do it, Arte. No revenge contract
100%
Worse yet, it’s not even a revenge “hit”, it’s sloppy seconds – or thirds – at best. The doyers would mock with glee if we dropped that much cabbage on Bellinger.
Snell makes good fishing hooks.
The Yanks are back to having “Jeter” on their team…
I’m still hoping for Soler, Gio and Anderson all on 2 year deals and then a couple pitchers. I think with the young kids that would be a reasonably fun team to watch my IIWPM signed those 3 FAs and might still happen.
NED MOAR PITCHIN
I agree – lots of holes to fill
Don’t forget, if you’re celebrating Festivus this weekend, an aluminum pole is preferred (for its very high strength to weight ratio), and Airing of the Grievances is immediately after dinner.
If you’re participating in Feats of Strength, know that Festivus does not end until the head of household is pinned.
Celebrate responsibly.
And NO TINSEL! He finds it very distracting.
Along with pants…
🤣
Is CtPG taking donations to the Human Fund?
I got a lotta problems with you people and now you’re going to hear about it!!!
Perry Minasian finally made a big splash!
He fell into his heated pool.
Was it an “aggressive” fall?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l3sJHA1lTU
i heard he tried but missed, then tried the hot tub but came up short there too.
He ended up just taking a bath.
I’m late to the party, but I’m now firmly in the camp that this team will not see significant improvement until a top-to-bottom change in management including ownership is made. After the A’s, the Angels have to be the next worst-run organization.
Mike Trout legacy season incoming (not that he doesn’t already have 9 legacy seasons under his belt).
MVP #4 🔜🔜🔜
Sending all you CTPGers an extra huff!
We know you’d prefer all of us join you in kvetching (a little Yiddish for ya!) about Arte every single day, but that hopium is too strong.
With that Japanese guy gone,
— no not Kiyo or Ippei, the other one — I have upped my daily intake of hopium 200%.
We all must embrace Angel hatred until Evil Arte is defeated.
https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/1c38cb71-d313-4d2d-b6fb-bbbc7ca50bb5
When in doubt, double down.
More ketchuping!!
I think we’re unanimous on Bellinger and the risk versus price tag likely being a gamble that’ll blow up in our face. That said, our OF paper thin IMO:
Trout – Simply can’t stay healthy and is showing definite signs of being washed.
Moniak – Legit starter or 4th OF that can’t hit lefties? The latter is more likely.
Ward – Following the horrific HBP to the face, the club shouldn’t assume that he’ll bounce back.
Adell – He’s only proven that he’s a .200 hitter with a 40% SO rate. Granted, with enough AB’s, he would probably hit 30+ HR, but the batting average & strike out rate numbers are atrocious.
I’m NOT advocating for Bellinger, but we do need an OF’er IMO.
Perhaps Rengifo sees more time in RF or we sign someone like Whit Merrifield as stop gaps.
If we are going to spend big, please let it be on pitching (Yamamoto, Snell, etc)
Gotta get Mickey and Jo each 400-500 PAs in 2024 and figure out what we have. Mickey is obviously further along after last season.
“Trout – Simply can’t stay healthy”
Trout is frustratingly injury-prone and no longer the unanimous best player in baseball. However, I don’t agree with him exhibiting signs of being washed.
His inability to catch up to average fast balls last season was alarming and I’m not only referring to the up & in pitches. He was missing meatballs down the middle as well.
His walk rate & batting average has also plummeted over the past few seasons.
Pitchers are now challenging him. Frequently & consistently.
He’s my favorite player, but the numbers & eye test are flashing red…..
Dead on. He faced by far the highest percentage of fastballs by in any MLB player last season. Would love to see him drop some bulk and chase some of the plyometric training stuff to help with fast twitch responses.
How have other players like Barry Bonds been able to bulk up so much and maintain their quickness at the plate?
…oh right, nevermind
Better life through chemistry
https://youtu.be/tJtKkBYlHFw?si=PabpGv4wOLUEE-Zn
Agree with all that and I’d love to see him embrace the DH role and the “art of hitting” ala Edgar Martinez, Paul Molitor and Chili Davis.
I agree with Banned. You look at his advanced metrics and they were super average last year. I wouldn’t say he is a bad player yet, but he is nowhere close to the player he used to be.
Chase rate, swing and miss rate, average with RISP, all of it was waaaaay down and has trended that way for a few years now.
I agree with both of yall in terms of Trout’s advanced stats. Definitely, definitely trending down. I was moreso nitpicking on the semantics of being “washed”.
I need a full season from Trouty to evaluate where he is. It’s hard with all the injuries, because before the hamate injury he was truly heating up.
Despite missing considerable time in 2022 while battling a mysterious back injury, Trout was the 2nd best hitter in baseball behind Judge.
Injury-prone? Hell ya.
Washed? I don’t believe so.
I qualified my opinion with the word “signs” versus saying that he was outright “washed”.
For example, I’ve unambiguously stated that David Fletcher is WASHED because he is indeed WASHED. BTW, has that dude been traded yet? It’s Tuesday after all.
Trout is showing flashing red warning signs, but I’m also not ready to make it an official pronouncement as of 12.19.2023.
I agree, let’s pray for health and see where the dust settles after 140+ games played….
I want nothing more than to eat my words re: Trout.
PS – Fletcher is still washed.
This is fair. I may be clinging a little too tightly onto Trout’s 2022 season, but we will see.
You and I winning the Rengifo vs Fletch debate was a highlight of 2023. I’m honestly rooting for another Rendone disasterclass season in the hopes that Rengifo gets enough PT to put up a 4 WAR campaign 🙏.
Trout’s last two months of 2022 were DUDE LEVEL for sure.
Yes – to the Braves, a week or so ago.
I was being sarcastic because Fletcher is a bonafide stiff.
There’s a good chance Adell can match Bellinger’s production given a full year w/ good health. Just not comfortable giving $$ and years to a guy who isn’t that big of an upgrade.
any mix of jd martinez / stroman / bauer i’d be happy.
Agreed. I don’t think anyone here is stumping for Bellinger.
But his father makes him an Angel Legacy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bhFCts-Rt0
Belushi’s reaction to Dorfman is always hilarious.
Needed to be posted by Sen John Blutarsky.
It’s the holiday season – joy, good tidings, goodwill to all
His dad is a legend where I live.
A good chance Adell can match Bellinger? I’ll take that bet.
Agreed.
Bellinger is a massive gamble at 150 million or whatever, but c’mon, Adell has proven nothing at this level.
His oblique injury that sidelined him for two months last season was beyond unfortunate. He was poised to play every day when Trout & Ward went down and that would’ve been enough AB’s to evaluate him.
More hopium.
I don’t like Bellinger but he’s 10x Jo Adell.
2023 bellinger might be…but he’s gonna likely regress and I wouldnt be shocked if Adell can muster .250 w some power.
basically i just dont want bellinger lmfao.
I think Bellinger is a good fit…as an insurance policy to back up CF and 1B, not as a regular.
You are probably right not to have faith in Adell, but if we are not going anywhere, why throw tens of millions at a high risk FA who won’t be flippable at the trade deadline one way or another?
I don’t want Bellinger. My comment was more about Adell.
Ohtani can not be replaced/will ever be replaced, and discussion to the contrary is not realistic or credible. In my view, 2024 is about establishing a solid performance “floor”. I’m hopeful Washington and his band of soothsayers can start to turn the ship in a more stable, positive direction – and position the franchise for success when the current executive leadership have moved on.
Unless Neto and O’Hoppe are made available (and they shouldn’t be), we don’t have the players to make a trade for an impact bat. This is the Free Agent cycle to focus on pitching, so I’d focus on something like: Snell or Montgomery, and Imanaga or Strohman. If looking to roll the dice on someone, it would be Montas.
Bullpen: Hicks and Stephenson
For depth given the uncertainty of Ward’s recovery, Kiermaier and Hoskins would be at the top of my list.
Any remaining lineup gaps would focus towards kids from the farm.
https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/2846a83f-b128-4b0f-9701-2caa751360e9
There’s not enough positions in the starting lineup to take the “quantity” over “quality” approach….
Upgrading from Nevin to Wash is like adding an instant 15 WAR.
For all the negativity surrounding this team, and it’s mostly warranted, I’m truly excited to have a worthy manager back in the clubhouse.
Wash has consistently mentioned teaching and patience as keys towards managing the young MLB players. Is anyone convinced that Nevin, Thames or Wise taught anything of value last season? I don’t.
https://twitter.com/MLBNetwork/status/1737123570180817268?t=t0LRfkii_hkceH_mqNU26g&s=19
Might be the most hopium ever smoked before a post.
Your point is by changing from Nevin to Wash the Angels go from 73 wins to 88 wins? Even losing Ohtani?
If so then Wash is remarkably underpaid!
Surely he meant 1.5 WAR and not 15 WAR.
Make decimal points great again.
I was detecting the “Casm of Sar” in Mr. Pinapple’s post, but my detector could be broken….
The post is dead serous with what I thought was clear hyperbole at the +15 WAR comment lol
Nevin to Wash +15
Ohtani to no Ohtani -10
73 + 15 – 10 = 78 wins
Simple math.
I have trouble seeing a five game net improvement at this moment. We are full of holes (more than last year) with no obvious plugs. Wash doesn’t pitch or play 3b or OF.
I’m mostly just chatting. I don’t believe this is a 78 win team as currently constructed.
BUT, the improvements we will see under Wash and his staff will be night and day from Nevin’s tenure.
I believe that.
My take is that this is an 80 win team as currently constructed IFFF we get 140+ games from Trout & the 3B that shan’t be named.
Totally, except for Rendone.
Trout wins MVP, Detmers wins Cy Young, Angels win 80 games.
The problem is that I can’t see 80 wins unless Rendon plays 140+.
It’s a true conundrum, broski.
He has to play 140 and hit like it’s 2019?
Basically, yes.
How else can this current squad win 80 games?
So what you’re saying is that there’s not a snowball’s chance in Arte’s Office at 80 wins….
That’s your interpretation.
73 + 15 – 10 = 78 wins?
Adjusted for suckage -10…
73 + 15 – 10 = 78 -10 = 68 Wins
Sorry, not sorry…
“Fuzzy Math”
15 is a stretch, but early in the season I think Nevin had at least 5 or 6 games where his poor decision making may have cost us the game. I do feel like he got better as the season went on, but early in the year man he was bad.
Also, I think he is saying that last year’s team would have won 15 more games with Wash instead of Nevin managing the team.
Referencing the headline above, is Washington cooking hopium?
So, you are saying that the team will finish 15 games better in 2024? They won’t even finish 7 games better.
Can Cody Bellinger pitch? The focus needs to remain there or the team is whistling past the graveyard.
There isn’t a hitter on the FA market that makes sense. I think Stroman for 2 years is worth it for depth on our SP and allow the young guys to not have to carry us this season. We have a pretty good lineup. We still need insurance for 3B with Rendon. Tim Anderson and or Gio Urshela still make sense for us. And we should look at adding another 4th outfielder to make sure Adell get’s the message, either put up or shut up time.
`I think Gio and Anderson make good sense on two year deals (I included both in my IIWPM). Strohman is going to be pricey and I don’t think he’s worth it. He made 25 million last year. He’s going to be looking for a raise. I’m not sure he adds enough to justify the price.
I am not convinced that Tim Anderson rebounds. 2023 was bad, and there is no good explanation for why. 60 OPS+ is not someone I would want to gamble with.