Tomorrow kicks of Lunar New Year, ushering in the Year of the Dragon. 10 days of parties with family and friends; red envelopes, lion and dragon dancing, and so much food. So, for those who celebrate, Happy New Year! For those who don’t, start. It is fun.
Wednesday kicks off the start of the 2024 baseball season as pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training. No sport celebrates guys showing up to work like baseball.
The Angels kick off Cactus League play two weeks from tomorrow. Here’s their full Cactus League schedule.
The team site produced their own guide to Angels Spring Training. I also have plenty of resources here.
As soon as a broadcast schedule is published, I’ll link it. As of now the only official word is that all games will be on AM 830 and Bally’s will broadcast all regular season games. I’m confident Bally’s will also broadcast Cactus League games.
Crashing the Pearly Gates will have game threads for all Cactus League games. So join us to celebrate and gnash teeth over games that have absolutely no meaning all month long.
So far the story of the Angels off season has been straight forward: bullpen arms and more bullpen arms. Angels GM Perry Minasian talked about the bullpen additions this week.
One such move came this week when the team acquired hard throwing Guillermo Zuniga from the Cardinals.
Not all players are added to rosters, however. We also lost Livan Soto to the Orioles.
As far as adding to that roster, there’s apparently one cheap option available.
I’ve long despised Bauer but in the last few months he’s being saying all the right things. The backlash would be pretty big but it would get the Angels a lot of attention. I highly disagree that signing a player can’t cost fans, though.
Trevor’s former team reported to camp this week. Clayton Kershaw has been a class act on and off the field and decided to rejoin the Blue Crew for another season. Alden Gonzalez put up a great piece on him.
On the position player front there’s been no movement for the Angels but that could be changing soon. A reunion with Gio Urshela could be in the works. The Halos are not the only suitors for Urshela but rumor has it the Yanks and Mets efforts are coming up short.
Elsewhere…
NCAA Baseball kicks off next weekend. Check out the rankings and a local game.
The Brewers are intent on outslugging everyone. They added Gary Sanchez this week.
I’ll wrap this up with a video of of lion dancing as my son is absolutely enthralled with them. They really are cool and the jumps on the platforms are harrowing.
And my son reads now, so…
Daddy loves you and put the lions on his page for you. Happy New Year big boy!
Enjoy the sunny weekend. Get outside. And post what I missed.
So I knew the Chiefs would win. The NFL wanted it to be so -,Swift and Kelce to celebrate.
So I put a 5k bet on KC. Easy money! Woo hoo!
I would have been SWEATING at the end. Geez.
Never had a doubt. They gave me 2 points.
This is why I don’t gamble lol.
That was easy money in my opinion. But I am also drunk.
Enjoy your hangover!
Now go and sign Ruth and Gehrig tomorrow
What a goddamn finish.
Fantastic game.
On to Tempe!
BASEBALL SEASON!!!! ⚾️
Hell of a game so far!
Game? I here for the commercials!
That halftime show was every bit as rancid as I expected it to be. Perhaps even worse. Never underestimate the mainstream’s ability to underwhelm. Lol
We’ve had Janet Jackson’s nip slip now Usher’s dad bod. Maybe we can just nix the nudity for future shows at this point.
I’ve spent a few minutes trying to find the Nickelodeon version that keeps getting promoted on Paramount+ and they don’t have it. Have to have DirectTV or Fubo. Hilarious
Do something fun with kids or cute animals, public executions, ANYTHING but these nauseating corporate driven shows for the programmed masses
There is some baseball tie ins with the Soper Bowl and it’s not just the official calendar call out for the beginning of the baseball season.
Everyone knows about Patrick Mahomes dad was mediocre pitcher for the Twins among other teams, but did you know,Mr. irrelevant , Brock Purdy’s Dad, Shawn Purdy was draft pick and long time minor leaguers for our very own California Angels?
The Athletic ( no it wasn’t from Sam the Hat TG) recently did a piece on this where they interviewed his former players including his ex roommate Eduardo Perez as well roving minor league instructor at the time our very own Soggy Joe who now become Mr Podcaster. https://theathletic.com/5247025/2024/02/05/brock-purdy-dad-baseball-49ers/
Purdy was a right-handed relief pitcher who was drafted on the 16th round of the 1991 amateur Draft out of Florida. He was another of those gritty little players that famed Angel coach and scout Tom Kotchman found down in the south beaches of Florida. Purdy played in the Angels system in for 4 years including multiple stops in renowned minor league teams like the Boise Hawks, Palm Springs Angels and Midland Angels. Purdy eventually moved on to the Giants organization but never arose above AAA before retiring in 1998. Here’s an old video local news story where they interview Purdy (and Kotchman) after winning the Northwest League title. In addition to the Angels prized draft pick https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvJP89MpGfE In addition to Perez, Purdy was also teammates with Angel notables Troy Percival, Orlando Palmeiro, Brian Anderson Todd Greene, Jorge Fabregas and 20 year old Garret Anderson among others. Maddon recently said that Brock’s demeanor and drive is like the spitting image of his father Shawn (Although some say that Brock Purdy is a dead ringer for presidential assassin Lee Harvey Oswald-Sorry I could resist the last comment as you can tell I am not nor have ever been a 49er fan.)
Lifelong 49ers fan. Yes, Angels fan(s) know that about Shawn (he’s a Dolphins fan btw, his son’s #13 is an ode to Dan Marino… also runs a jacuzzi shop in AZ). Wasn’t Trout’s dad a minor leaguer too? You don’t have to be Ohtani for past teammates to sing your praises.
Mr Irrelevant is something that’s celebrated in NB every year, I’d suggest going to it if you can sometime. It’s fun.
Brock has his own story, I hope people get to know more of it today.
Lee Harvey Oswald, just for a different look maybe you want to look up Zapruder Film?
Unfortunately Billy E thought Matt Thaiss was better than this guy
😥 😥
Go Swifties
So then why did Billy lie about him being injured ?
Anyone have any action on the game?
Yep I have money on Giant Meteor.
It is Sin City you know.
KC
27-23
I took the over at 47.5 points. Doesn’t look like a good bet at this point.
Oooffff, tough one.
REEEEEEDDD KIIIINGGGDDOOOOOOOMM!!
Lets go Chiefs !!! Enjoy Super Bowl Sunday yall
Phuc that noize.
McCaffrey goes off for 175 combined yards and 3 TD’s while Bosa folds Mahomes in half, knocking his a$$ outta’ the game.
Oh, an Usher gets electrocuted by a live wire, sparring us another dreadful normie half-time show.
You, I’d watch the SB with you!!
Whaaaaa ???
Usher is incredible
We can thank him for Biebs, dear God I hope that’s not a guest appearance that’s made.
And you’re saying this un-ironically Lulz.
2000s RnB/Rap is my favorite genre of music.
Where’s the 60s?
Those belong to The Beach Boys or The Beatles.
here you go
70’s missing Issac Hayes
They say that John Shaft is a bad mutha…….
Shut yo mouth!!!
That’s a lot to hope for…
I give Mahomes a lot of credit for succeeding despite his father’s sixth DUI and his brothers ‘I can sexually assault who I want but play a victim’ setbacks. Clearly Reid is imparting some fatherly wisdom on the young man that he couldn’t with his own sons.
Savage. I like it.
I’m in too good of a mood to go back and forth lol.
Enjoy your day
It’s a great day. I don’t get offended by what anyone says on here, good or bad. It’s entertaining. I post stupid stuff hoping for a good back and forth sometimes. Questioning why I like/don’t like something is cool. Some of us are allergic to group think. Hope things work out for you and Mia 😘
I’ll just leave this here:
https://www.wikihow.com/Stir-the-Pot
LMFAO
The NFL is playing a game today?
One day closer to MLB activities….
Any of you watching ‘Masters Of Air’ on apple?
I’m one episode in. Very high quality content.
Watched #4 last night. It gets better with each passing episode and historically accurate, IMO, thus far.
New season of True Detective is on par with the first season (2 & 3 were meh). Might check this out, as any other true ‘merican I love me some WWII boob tube
Was season #2
the one with Vince Vaughn and that dime piece from ‘Mean girls’ ???
Or am I thinking of a different cop show?
Yeah that was 2. Which was probably better now that I’m thinking twice on it. Season 3 was pretty, pretty, pretty good too. 1 and 4 (so far) are slightly better imo
Didn’t watch 3. I think these are stand alone seasons so I could jump to 4 and not miss anything?
I finished ‘Six Feet Under’ in December. Man, what an underrated drama/dark comedy. The finale might have been the best of any show I’ve seen and I’m one ☝️ the few that liked the Sopranos’ finale.
Yes, exactly. I still have to get into 6 feet under more than a handful of episodes. Sometimes it’s just when you watch something, frame of mind, who you were with that makes it more or less enjoyable. Sopranos and Wire are top notch television.
I’ll spare everyone the details, but there’s been an excessive amount of death in my personal orbit so that show caught in the moment.
It’s great to find outlets that help.
I’m very sorry to hear that.
Nothing will ever live up to Band Of Brothers, but even the CGI doesn’t put me off of Masters of the Air.
Hanks and crew made a great show.
My personal favorite war movie is: “The Dirty Dozen”
Block buster cast I can watch it over and over all day.
My favorite WW2 ear movies, in no particular order, are:
Saving Private Ryan
Downfall
When Trumpets Fade
Cross Of Iron
Patton.
UCSB Gauchos #17 baby!
Our basketball team is beyond underwhelming this season tho 😭
Boras likes publicity. His clients like being talked about when they sign. There’s a football game taking the spotlight tomorrow and that game will be talked about Monday and Tuesday. So signings might happen Wednesday…at the earliest (my opinion)
Also teams can move players to the 60 day IL and open up roster spots on Wednesday.
As Cowboy pointed out the Quijada is headed to the 60 day so the Angels could add somebody later this week.
You are both right. It makes sense that signings will happen Wednesday. Although I wouldn’t be surprised if frameworks and agreements are privately in place before then.
Silly MLB article ‘Ohtani acting like a rookie at training camp’. He states wants to approach camp like a rookie so he can get to know his teammates. How is that news? I don’t think he even cares about teammates, especially if your hurt or not playing well. It’s all about stacking rings. I Like how Trout has not commented about his departure. And I’m sure his former teammates are not very happy to see Ohtani play such a big role recruiting star players for the Dodgers. Something he never did for Angels.
This sure is a take.
Imagine watching the Angels for the last 10 years and this is what you come away thinking about players that want to get off Mr. Moreno’s Wild Ride.
Ohtani’s decision to become a doyer was a no brainer on ever level for him. I don’t begrudge him for it nor wish him ill.
That said, he dumped us so I rather not sit here and scroll his social media feed while were getting over it – if you know what I mean.
I guess his departure hit some of you like losing a girlfriend.
Idk, i’ve been preparing for years for him to leave. Doesn’t bother me. 🤷🏻♀️
It’s an analogy. No need to pine over an ex.
Oh sweet Ohtani news 🤢
Did Ippei translate? Was Decoy there??
who?
I think Ohtani’s former teammates are happy to have had the chance to play with him. Imagine the stories they can tell their grandchildren.
I don’t understand all this hating on Ohtanii. He was extremely respectful to the team and to the fans. This bipolar love and now hate doesn’t make any sense to me.
We all knew that he was leaving the Angels. Or at least we should have known. And most of us knew he was going to the Dodgers. How can we blame him. He wants to live in Southern California and he wants to play for a winning team. Why wouldn’t he go to the Dodgers? And if he wants to fit in with the culture by being himself, and being humble, good for him, if he did that in Anaheim- the love would be never ending. So why should we hate on him as a person or player?
I wish him luck. He was a great Angel and is a fantastic, humble person. There is nothing about him that is hate worthy. Why does it matter so much what laundry he wears?
Should we post Bo Jackson’s recent legal win for defamation ($21 million) against his nephew/niece, since he was once an Angel?
I don’t really see the ‘hate’. Coming to an Angels site to hear about what other players are doing is fine, especially as FA or possible trade acquisitions. Getting constant Ohtani updates on his introductory press conference, why he thinks the sky is blue, or what he ate for dinner last night is old. Go to a doyer site or any other baseball site for that.
TBH I did not like those constant updates about everything Ohtani when he was an Angel. I’m just saying there shouldn’t be hate around these parts or an attitude like the guy doesn’t exist. He did nothing but represent the Angels well during his 6 years. It was great having him on the team and the National and International attention he brought to the Club. Everything else is just bitter grapes.
I appreciate you taking what I said in stride, not getting offended. I have a bunch of Ohtani merch, my daughter still sleeps with the Ohtani pillow, every personalized kid jersey I have for them has a Trout patch on one sleeve and an Ohtani on the other. I definitely read that article prior to you posting and keep up with him, it’s all the rage.
Just kinda wishing there was a break from him specifically though. Especially since we have a bunch of up and comers and guys that will flat out surprise us this year. Get back to team play not hero ball.
I am on board with not focusing on Ohtani for sure. As I said watching his every move on field or off the field was annoying to me anyway even when he was an Angel. I’m glad your kids still have some connection to him because watching him was watching baseball history. Maybe someday soon that Ohtani pillow will be replaced with an O’Hoppe pillow!!
Ohtani is dead to me…Ippei too!!
Totally agree with you Fan.
Ohtani showed nothing but class the entire time he was here with us. He remained humble while winning two MVP Awards and putting in the finest season in MLB history. And he even handled his departure with the utmost class. I mean, what did the guy do wrong to deserve this kind of hate ?
I won’t be rooting for him simply because he is a Dodger now, but that doesn’t mean I will be harboring any ill will or bad feelings towards him.
Essentially playing for free so they can sign more teammates seems like a pretty good teammate thing to do.
Perhaps. I’m more inclined to believe that Ohtani’s former teammates are happy for him. By all accounts, he was a solid teammate and always played hard for the team.
The punishment of Eppler for doing something every team does seems completely overblown. I guess MLB is making an example of him but it seems overly harsh to me.
Agreed. It’s been an open secret for years the Dodgers manipulate the IL.
So who ratted him out? It’s my understanding MLB got an anonymous letter .
Like running a red light, many do it, few get caught.
Buck turned state’s evidence, that’s how he escaped a jail term.
If you can’t do the time…don’t do the crime.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HNWhVXcjV8
Eppler won’t ever be a GM again, Never! Claim to fame was signing Shohei, so there is that. Arte likes stooges, had three in a row in Reagins-Jedi-Epps. Will it turn out soon that Arte has had 4 in a row? Stand by and we will know soon enough. (At least Jedi had some Big Balls and said take this job and shove it-I ain’t working here no more. 😀
Banned from MLB for one year! Why? Making up injuries and working the roster to the Mets advantage. Altuve and Beltran and Cora got off easy for cheating. What pencil necked geek 😂
There’s a big difference in promoting a culture of stealing signs through illegal video and trying to cover it up v s manipulating the IL and following on your sword . Eppler will work again not sure as a GM but he’ll be back. But whether he gets hired as a GM will be more about overseeing a $300 million turd than this “violation”
Eppler will get another gig, he’s part of the fraternity. Plus it seems like he’s going to do his time without whining, so the owners will throw him a bone when he’s out of the penalty box
Agreed. Taking it like a man and not dropping the dime will grant him respect in enough circles.
Some poor new Angels season ticket rep reached out to me yesterday wondering if I would consider coming back and purchasing some games and asking why I had canceled my season seats before last season. Well since he asked- I was honest and laid it out for him. Is it surprising he did not respond back to me?? 😂😂
I got the first phone call in December, and I think the first email even before that. The phone call person claimed to be my “personal” ticket sales representative. Yeeesh.
Never was a seatholder, but I got a phone call, a voice mail, a text and an email from my “Personal” rep.
I’m sure the low waged, largely commission based, guy trying to scratch out an existence thoroughly enjoyed you haranguing him (sarc/)
I didn’t harass- just answered his “why?” question.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=js-tnEmI78w&pp=QAFIAQ%3D%3D
Yeah. You sure showed that minimum wage slave what’s up. Very impressive. He saw your huge balls and was speechless. Like when I got arrested, went to the police station, went to the cells, went to court, went to the parking garage to get my car after a steady reeming, and the parking lot attendant asked if I was having a good day so I let that bitch have it. I took on the system that day man.
But at least you didn’t give the Angels money. That’s all that’s gonna register with them.
I just spit on my screen. You own me a new dumb phone. Haha
Hey, if you’ve had bad service and a minimum wage customer service rep calls you and asks you about the service the business provided, do you lie ? My hope is that my email got forwarded to someone higher up in the Org. I know it probably didn’t, but I can always hope.
Sorry about your jail experience!!
Some would have NO content to provide if it wasn’t for snarkasically commenting on others.
My ‘rep’ call was less than a minute after I told him the only games I’d go to were ones for $2/ticket (including fees). He then sent me an email. NBD
There are 12 or so of these sales reps and only 1-2 make it a next year, then possible promotion within the organization. These are all stepping stone jobs, they don’t care. Doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun (either what an experience this is for my family to go or uhhhh thanks but no thanks) conversation with them. They get sick of voice mails, actually answering provides them with something (a chance to sell!)
The sublime narcissism of getting offended on other peoples behalf’s runs strong here. Offense taking by proxy. Fun site
Holier-(and smarter)-than- thou is the rule around here for some. Also some weird pride and “street cred” for doing time.
I agree with you, snark is not content. But we are the ones who keep coming back here and posting despite such snark – so what does that say about us?
As for the Angels reps – over the 30 years of owning season tickets, I probably had 28 “personal representatives”. I always was kind to mine when they introduced themselves or if we chatted during the season.. They often would ask for an opinion- and sometimes would express their frustration with the Club to me. So I really dont think expressing an honest opinion is anything they would take offense to – I just hope he forwards my email up the chain.
I contribute to the snark at times, mainly as a pot calling the kettle black. The site can be enjoyable and informative. Snark/sarcasm are the lowest forms ‘comedy’. If you’ve been around you might have seen me throw in the borscht belt origins of some ‘jokes’ but rarely is there an attempt to discuss anything… just a race to the bottom (insert fart joke or kick in the balls here 😜)
Or rim-shot!
Anybody else have this problem? Tried today for half an hour to get Padres-Marlins tickets (Marlins are the only MLB team I haven’t seen). Ticketmaster kept telling me my card info was incorrect. Put a brand new card in the system. Didn’t work. Finally paid with PayPal. I freaking quadruple checked the numbers on all four cards on the account. Very weird. I was able to book a room at the Omni hotel so I can walk the skybridge to the game and the seats are second row back from the Padres dugout. Wednesday day games rock!!
That stadium is top shelf. I wish I was a Padres fan. Haha
check your account. I’m sure it’s ok but…
a few years ago I tried to buy a printer at New Egg. Said the card didn’t work. I thought I’d put the number in wrong or something. Tried again. Same message. Tried a different card, same message. One last time for sure, right? Same message. I gave up. The next morning I saw I was being charged for 4 printers. I called New Egg. They said it was handled by the distributor and I needed to call them, which I did and was told no, it’s a New Egg thing. I said “just cancel them”. Nope, can’t do. After much runaround I got a partial refund. Partial! I cancelled them all and got it elsewhere and still paid a hundred something!
No, I’ve never used that company again.
Odd. I’ve never had anything but good experiences with Newegg, dating back to 2001.
If you park at the Omni, you can use the Skybridge, even if you aren’t a guest.
Yeah Jim, have had the exact same issue (most recently for tickets at snapdragon stadium) and have had to navigate multiple payment attempts within the allotted time. Glad you found a way.
OK, WTF is Snapdragon stadium? It sounds like the most horrifically awesome place around.
Replacement for Jack Murphy in San Diego. A great spot to catch a game.
How did that 86 MPH fastball with no life get past me.
The new Padre spot is sweeeet.
Call your credit card company and talk to them.
Got to the final screen at Ticketmaster once and saw a message my order was not completed. So I went home to use my Wi-Fi, ordered tickets 10 minutes later and got confirmation emails for both orders.
I immediately called Ticketmaster who refused to give me a refund.
Ultimately I called Chase to dispute the second charge and they worked some magic.
Great stadium. Stayed at the Omni, great location.
Three days ago Gitcho said, “Let’s go Tay Tay! Comeback player of the year!”
https://www.si.com/mlb/angels/news/angels-taylor-ward-provides-major-injury-update
the key will be his reactions at the plate. He might be alright physically but will he flinch?
MLB pitchers will bust him inside until he proves it.
He’s my Tay Tay. Fk some other Tay Tay and all her songs about how hard it is being extremely rich and beautiful that “everyone” can relate to. This is TAY TAY’s year baby! The first time a pitcher goes high and tight on him and he doesn’t back away….. ROCKY ROCKY ROCKY!
I’m gonna be stoked if he has a good season.
I thought Tay Tay was Featherston? (No offense, Ryanfea).
I for one like the aggressive approach the Angels have taken pushing their youngsters including inviting teenagers/joungsters like Nelson Rada Juan Flores and Caden Dana to the Major League Spring training camp. But I also think this philosophy can ultimately cause other problems that have not been an issue in the past. Debuting players on the early side runs the risk of having them take a much needed spot on the 40 man roster that could be used for real ML depth. This is true of current 40 man roster member Victor Mederos who skipped AA got a quick cup of copy in the show when it was evident he needs more seasoning at AA or AAA but cant be snuck through waivers without running the risk of losing him. While you can argue the faster young players get major League experience, the faster they can develop but there are definitely other areas of concern like irresponsibly wasting minor league options or starting the service time clock too early (This is an issue that has affected Jo Adell) so it seems to me you have to be very careful in weighing the cost/benefit of this approach.
inviting the young kids to camp is one thing – it’s been going on for years.
but what is different is this regime has no choice but to play them in real games in the season – that’s the concern