LA Angels Weekend News Crash: Let the Games Begin!

One Cactus League game is in the books, four more are on tap for today, and the Angels open their preseason tomorrow. I have game threads set up for all the Cactus League action so make sure to join in the discussion.

Here is the Angels complete schedule thanks to cactusleague.com

Of course, the Angels aren’t the only team out there. Here’s a link to the master schedule for the Cactus League.

The biggest news out of Tempe were off the field comments by Mike Trout and later Anthony Rendon. I liked the direct candor by both men. I also place my family first. Big difference is I show up to work every day and make a lot less money.

The comments I liked best this week came from Patrick Sandoval, who sounds like he’s passionate about stepping up his game on the mound and as a leader. I like his stuff and think he has the potential to be a stud.

Soon the storylines will generate on the field and the Angels have some particularly interesting ones this Spring. None more so than in the outfield where two guys out of options might be battling for one roster spot.

Sandoval’s battery mate Logan O’Hoppe also says he’s ready to step forward. This is another great interview.

A huge storyline across the league is that the Boras Four of Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Cody Bellinger, and Matt Chapman are still in a stare down with suitors. I’ve looked around multiple fan forums and see groups advocating for and against players from this group.

Some non Boras guys did move this week. Tim Anderson got $5 million in income tax free Miami. Gary Sanchez had to rework his deal but officially landed in Milwaukee.

I was holding out hope for Gio Urshela but that hope can now die. A measly $1.5 million from Detroit landed him.

My theory is the free agent freeze is due to half the league not having TV revenue past this season. Disney/ESPN, Fox, and Warner are trying to combine forces to offer a sports only service that might solve that problem. Fubo TV is suing and stating that conglomerate equals collusion and is unfair to consumers.

I’m old enough to remember when we actually upheld anti trust laws, but those days seem to be long gone. Every merger seems to get approved nowadays.

Here’s a thought: Maybe Arte could sell the Angels back to Disney who could broadcast every game nationally on ESPN+. They pull off a stadium deal from the City and develop a money printing machine with a new stadium, shopping, and dining.

Major League camp isn’t the only place storylines will develop. Minor league camp is where the next wave of talent is honed. One name starting to pop up on some prospect radars is Walbert Urena. An international signee in 2021 he played Inland Empire last season and really improved as the year went along, winning Pitcher of the Week once and turning in some other high quality starts.

While I’m sure many of us will be glued to our TVs to catch some early Spring Training action, these aren’t the only baseball games going on this weekend. College baseball kicked off last weekend. The weather is supposed to be great this weekend and both the Dirtbags and Cal State Fullerton are playing home series.

Those are links to their schedules. UC Irvine is on the road this weekend. I’ve really enjoyed taking my family to Dirtbags games and think I’ll catch Fullerton this weekend. ESPN+ airs a ton of college baseball games so if you have it, look around.

For those of us with kids playing baseball, the games that matter most are about to begin. I’ll be coaching my son’s team’s practice this weekend and we’re about 10 days away from taking the field. At this stage it is all about smiles, laughs, high fives, and post game pizza parties. And I love every second of it.

Have a great weekend. Enjoy the sun. And link what I missed.

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Eric_in_Portland
Legend
11 months ago

The gist: Angels poised to sign Snell or Montgomery

Mia
Legend
Mia
11 months ago

Man, imagine how happy Jeff will be if they ink Montgomery.

I’ve never seen him advocate for a signing more. 🤞🏻

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
11 months ago

Rendon’s probably sitting on a beagle puppy drinking heroine and reading the Bible right now. He’s the worst person ever. I’m so mad.

Cowboy26
Legend
11 months ago

But can she pitch?

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Fkn auto correct. “He can’t possibly mean he’s drinking drugs. He must mean he’s drinking a heroic woman.”

Cowboy26
Legend
11 months ago

Sorry Gitcho. I just thought you went woke like the rest of the World. Good to know you’re still you being You.

Cowboy26
Legend
11 months ago

You know your bullpen is going to be waaaay better when Jimmy Herget is just an after-thought in a mop up role for a ST split squad game.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
11 months ago

“For the Halos to give away Ohtani’s once sacred No. 17 to quite literally the worst player in baseball in Hunter Dozier shows us that the only thing the Angels are winning anytime soon is The Angeleno Spite Wars.” – John Buhler

I wonder if the guy knows someone else used to wear #17, someone with moar grit and actually won a WS with the Ångels.

No one better tell him that #27 was previously occupied as well, by the only guy in HOF wear an Ångels cap

comment image

In short, no fan cares about a players number. It’s about what they do wearing and representing the name in the front & back.

Cowboy26
Legend
11 months ago

WTF is John Buhler?

Angels2020Champs
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Someone trying to get in on the Blowhei Sucktani train?

大谷のペニスをしゃぶる

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
11 months ago

This makes me so mad. After everything Shohei did for me. I wonder how he feels. Is his mom mad? I wonder what he’s doing right now. Does he realize I’m a real baseball man even if Arte isn’t? Does he ever think about us? I bet he does. I bet he wishes he could have taken me with him. It was so annoying when it seemed like the sports media couldn’t get the taste of Jeter out of their mouths, but with Shohei….. his musk is just so rich. Is it weird that I named my Real Doll Ohtanya? Nope. Not at all.

Hey guys. Did you hear Ohtani is the first player ever to hit 100 HR and have TJS twice in MLB history!?!?! So amazeballz. I wonder if my apartment complex will let me drain the pool and get a mural of Ohtani as a centaur painted on the bottom…. then it will be like I am skinny dipping with him…. he’s the best.

Arte could have totally signed Ohtani to the exact same contract and he didn’t and I’m so angered. I bet Arte likes tacos. That’s why I hate tacos now.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
11 months ago

🤣🤣

Cowboy26
Legend
11 months ago

Does this mean Ersty can get his old number back when he takes over for Wash in a year or 2?

Fansince1971
Legend
11 months ago

In the words of Jerry Seinfeld- who cares about laundry?

Cowboy26
Legend
11 months ago

We get to Play two today!.

https://twitter.com/JeffFletcherOCR/status/1761786852330377463

https://twitter.com/JeffFletcherOCR/status/1761786696478457995

I think I’m more interested in the away game against the Reds than the home game. A lot more budding future Angel stars and potential spring surprises are in that lineup

Cowboy26
Legend
11 months ago

30 Year old Jared Walsh started for the Rangers at 1B yesterday going to 1 for 2 with a walk and a punch out . Maybe he’s finally on the road to recovery?

JackFrost
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

He’ll be the next Napoli and haunt us for years.

You can book it.

Cowboy26
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  JackFrost

I doubt that Napoli ever put together 2 MLB seasons with an average OPS of .613. Naps was discarded away as trade bait for Artes weird obsession with Wells. 
On the other hand, I dont blame the Angels for giving up on Walsh . he definitely has been impacted physically by a terrible condition. But you’re probably right about this Frosty.  TrAdition dictates he’ll come back and bite us in the ass like so many others have in the past.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
11 months ago

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/02/angels-release-francisco-mejia-from-minor-league-deal.html

Catcher Mejia released. Chad Wallach, Caleb Hamilton, Zach Humphreys opportunities increase.

MarineLayer
Super Member
11 months ago

Among this group, Mejia would be the last one I’d release. Probably the best offensively, perhaps among the worst defensively.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
11 months ago

https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/angels-jose-cisnero-reports-for-camp/amp/

Cisnero’s visa/mastercard/AmEx/dicover card finally clears, he’s in camp

Pineapple12
Super Member
11 months ago

It’s too bad Stefanic hurt himself on his BDay to start ST, but it’s opened the door for my boy Miggy Sano !! Sano is making the opening day roster.

“Miguel Sanó said he’s lost 58 pounds. Said it was important to lose weight in an effort to stay healthy and on the field.”

https://twitter.com/RhettBollinger/status/1761780250332324350?t=mJX9ZRS_exTF7AP7Y7hdPA&s=19

Last edited 11 months ago by Pineapple12
Angels2020Champs
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Seeing as you double posted (see game threads) you’d like some sort of interaction… would’ve been funny if you posted 2 different takes, like its your boy fontenelle that’s going to make the opening day roster 😁

58 pounds?! https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/weighing-facts-tough-truth-about-weight-loss#:~:text=Here's%20a%20sobering%20statistic%3A%20Roughly,just%20about%20all%20of%20it.

90% of people who lose significant weight will regain it 😳 personally don’t care but whatever makes him a better player

MarineLayer
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Maybe he can pass the information about it to Minasian.

Mia
Legend
Mia
11 months ago

Bellinger/Cubs 3yr/$80M

Last edited 11 months ago by Mia
WallyChuckChili
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Mia

Reporting before Trade Rumors!

Mia
Legend
Mia
11 months ago

Tweet notifications for Passan come in clutch.

steelgolf
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Mia

Black eye for Boras! Okay Cody, we are going to get you a 7 or 8 year deal for 250 million + , just trust me, we will wait out the market and cause a frenzy! Oooops, uh, Cody, how about going back to the cubs on a 3 year deal? But hey, I got you an opt out!

JackFrost
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  steelgolf

I think owners are sick of being screwed over by Borass. I won’t call it outright collusion, but let’s just say they aren’t going to be pushed around by him anymore…

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  JackFrost

He doesn’t have a very good track record as far as his clients performance after signing.

Mia
Legend
Mia
11 months ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Ehh, Bellinger is just a weaker client with an iffier track record than most Boras clients.

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  steelgolf

Agreed. this is actually a good deal for deal for Bellinger because if last year was not a fluke, and he repeats it, with consecutive good years he’ll be able to sign something closer to the contract he wants. In the mean time, If things go south, he’s at least got an 80M dollar contract. If I was the Cubs, I would have pushed for the opt out after 2 years.

JackFrost
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  Mia

Bellinger has an opt out after either of first two years. Cubs were smart not to take bait on long-term deal.

I am glad we don’t have to worry about him now ….

Snell is exactly what we need. But knowing how Arte has been with money recently it is a fantasy really…

Cowboy26
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Good news Cheap Ass Arte can still sign him next year without losing a second round pick so theres a bonus for us all.

Mia
Legend
Mia
11 months ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Yankees will outbid Arte.

Cowboy26
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Mia

All hail the Era of Jo is finally happening Ladies and Germs. Big Warts and all. It will be a wild ride for sure.

Mia
Legend
Mia
11 months ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Sink or swim, this is his moment for sure.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Mia

Jo Adell. This year is THIS Adell’s year! 2024 MVP!

Mia
Legend
Mia
11 months ago

I want nothing more than for him to breakout, but i’m also a realist lol.

His age does favor him though. His development was just mishandled from the jump and was exacerbated by Covid.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Mia

Adell, unfortunately for me, just plain LOOKs good. So I just don’t want to let him go. To spite all the weirdness when he came up defensively he’s actually a good looking OF in all the MiLB games I’ve watched him in. He’s faster than most of us realize. Has a good arm. He actually has a nice swing. And Fk does he have power.

I know he is likely to be a AAAA all-star, but he’s like Razor Ruddock was in boxing back in the day…. he just looks like he could be the next great thing if a couple things click.

And they will. For the Brewers or Indians. Because Angels fans can’t have anything Arte does work or they melt or something.

FungoAle
Legend
11 months ago

For a team skimming the bottom of the ocean trying to find the surface, there is nothing to lose and all to gain by putting Adell out there and give him 500+AB. Don’t care he muffs a flyball or strikes out at a 37% clip, his bat can play. If he does click, this would be a big add to the franchise. For me, this would be objective #1.

Perry is going to overthink this and that is too bad.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  FungoAle

Yeah. I’d be OK with him being an average to below average OF for a year, striking out a ton, hitting .240 and just having 25 HR or something. Age 24. First full season.

But I think those 500 Abs and 1000 innings in the field could be a realistic platform for him to improve on and become a solid OF with a 750 OPS…. albeit probably always with a 25%+ whif rate.

Good cheap #5 or #6 hitter who can play all three OF spots. Low arb # Adam Duvall. I’ll take that. If for some reason he explodes into a 30/30 guy, hurray for us.

Mia
Legend
Mia
11 months ago

He’ll get every opportunity this spring.

We’ll see.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Mia

WHART! HAR CUD ARTEH NAH DOO DIS! HE SAR GOO IN TIGHT PANTZ! THIZTEAM ARE AH JOE KAH!

Mia
Legend
Mia
11 months ago

Arte signs players, fans bitch.

Arte elects to pass on players, fans bitch.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Mia

AHHHH AHHHHMMMM BITCH!

Mia
Legend
Mia
11 months ago

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Roy Hobbs
Super Member
11 months ago

And so just like that, our two reserve 3B are out with a hammy and a quad strain. It’s a long time until opening day but those things take time to heal properly. All we have left is the iron man who doesn’t really like playing baseball.  🙂 

Cowboy26
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

And our 3rd reserve 3B is still having visa problems

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Forgot about that, thanks for the reminder. So there’s still hope.

WallyChuckChili
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

He should have chose American Express.

And never leave home without it.

RexFregosi
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

“I am him”. Ehire Adrianza (eye-EE-ray ade-dree-ahn-zah)
Ehire replaced Gio. It was Wash and Perry’s idea to pluck the old guy from the Braves.

Giffy was the starting 2B. And now its Drury.
Paris was backing up Neto so he’d cover 2B too

53546846147_7cde84209f_k[1].jpg
Last edited 11 months ago by RexFregosi
Cowboy26
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

Andhere I thought with a name like that they just found him on the internet.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
11 months ago

https://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/2024/02/24/angels-chase-silseth-looks-to-reclaim-form-before-last-years-concussion/amp/

Silseth on coming back this year after missing September with a concussions sustained on an errant Cabbage throw.

Him and Ward hopefully hit the sports psychologist this offseason. Would love to see them start and finish a season with what they showed last year.

Last edited 11 months ago by Angels2020Champs
Roy Hobbs
Super Member
11 months ago

I think I’m ready for the sports psychologist.  🙂 

Angels2020Champs
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

I’m not even sure that’s the terminology used anymore… performance enhancement consultant? Sounds like something Bob Dole (non political, referencing an endorsement he once had). Mental coach?

Last edited 11 months ago by Angels2020Champs
gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
11 months ago

Lord. I forgot about this. What doesn’t go wrong for this poor team? And who do I blame? How is Arte causing all this?

Cowboy26
Legend
11 months ago

Actually precipitated by O’Hoppe’s brain fart when he did a Premium and threw to the wrong base which then forced the Cabbage patch fan machine to throw to Third.

steelgolf
Legend
11 months ago

I hate when people throw cabbage at me. But not as bad as when they throw coconuts.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  steelgolf

Nickels, batteries and insults were a common favorite to be thrown my way at Doyer Stadium when wearing Halo gear. My usual replies: don’t spend your whole paycheck on me, my clothes are staying on; what are you going to use for your vibrator now; talk back in a language other than Spanish/English.

Last edited 11 months ago by Angels2020Champs
steelgolf
Legend
11 months ago

😆

Pineapple12
Super Member
11 months ago

LINEUP

Screenshot_20240224_081206_Bleacher Report.jpg
RexFregosi
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

7 of 9 Opening Day Starters

giphy[1].gif
Pineapple12
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

Stefanic getting the start on his birthday! All eyes on King Luis ..

“Luis Rengifo has a hamstring issue. He took himself out of workouts yesterday.”

He’s going to be off his feet for a few days. Ron Washington was adamant that he’ll be ready for opening day.
https://twitter.com/SamBlum3/status/1761428054646444412?t=wGks0I0njpVFWK-mDvqr3g&s=19

RexFregosi
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

CtPG reported that 24 hrs ago, Sam

matthiasstephan
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

Well, it takes him a while to read here – the threads are long and our engagement high.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Personally like the enthusiasm. Unsolicited advice, when/if things go south this season have some other positive outlets, so as to NOT

comment image

Hopeful you got your 1 year ‘chip and are onto continued successes.

Pineapple12
Super Member
11 months ago

lmao thanx bro. You are sure persistent for continuing to try and engage with me even tho I’ve made it clear I’d prefer not to interact.

Last edited 11 months ago by Pineapple12
Angels2020Champs
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

https://crashingthepearlygates.com/community-guidelines/

Might want to review these. I’ve certainly done nothing but be the typical CtPG poster. Good, bad, indifferent.

Still wishing you well, enjoy reading some positivity on here, which you provide. Kinda weird to hold online grudges (I believe that was your unsolicited advice at one time). But to each their own. I don’t seek out your posts but am able to post, reply to who/when I want.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
11 months ago

Hell yeah. Enjoy Angels baseball how you can when you can. Also enjoy some other stuff. Migrate accordingly.

MarineLayer
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

It’s cool Rendon is already missing rime and Stefanic has inherited his lineup position.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

That is the absolute most notable thing about the lineup.

Pineapple12
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

Wash gave Stefanic the start for his bday. Rendone will be in tmrw.

Pineapple12
Super Member
11 months ago

The dream is still alive.
Snell – Detmers – Sandoval – Canning – Anderson – Silseth is a playoff caliber rotation.

“Jeff Passan said the Yankees make the most sense for Snell, but believes the Angels are still in play and that it will ultimately come down to Yankees and Angels.”

https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/39586731

Last edited 11 months ago by Pineapple12
Fansince1971
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Passan and all the other talking heads just are talking to be talking. From a purely predictive standpoint for a talking head – I agree that the Angels ‘make sense’. But prediction is way different than reality. I personally doubt Arte would be willing to commit those kinds of dollars to a pitcher. And beyond that I’m not sure that Minasian could in good faith tell his boss that such an investment would pay dividends. So I just don’t see it happening.

Last edited 11 months ago by Fansince1971
Pineapple12
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Passan is the only real reliable MLB insider, so when he says it’s NYY or LAA it’s probably true.

Snell likes the West Coast and his facial hair. I’m holding out hope until it’s no longer a possibility.

Fansince1971
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

None of them are reliable when they are just ‘predicting’. It’s basically a way of saying that it’s their opinion based on what, theoretically, makes most sense. They are creating content for clicks. But hope is a good thing so it’s good to have it.

Last edited 11 months ago by Fansince1971
Pineapple12
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

I’ll push back here. Passan is objectively the best in the biz. He’s the Woj of MLB.

Cowboy26
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

So instead of Woj-Bombs they’re Pas-Shits?

Last edited 11 months ago by Cowboy26
MarineLayer
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

i prefer Montgomery if we’re going for a pitcher. To me, Snell isn’t someone I’d consider unless he went for way shorter and cheaper than we’re hearing Boras wants.

Fansince1971
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

I had Monty in my IIWPM so yes, if a big priced free agent pitcher is coming, it would be Monty as my choice. I don’t see it happening but that would be my choice.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

Yah. Montgomery will be less overpriced and has a better chance of being good when the team is good again.

matthiasstephan
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  MarineLayer

The longer it goes, the shorter/less expensive he can expect.

CAoldskoll
Trusted Member
11 months ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

I sure hope Snell. If not, hoping Bauer with Clevinger. Also wouldn’t mind a couple of cheap older veterans on 1yr deals Josh Donaldson and Brandon Belt in case the kids struggle or Rendone breaks again.

Fansince1971
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  CAoldskoll

Just curious – if we follow you down the Bauer and Clevinger rabbit hole – what corresponding moves do you make to make room for these players?

CAoldskoll
Trusted Member
11 months ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Good question, First Anderson out and given back to Dodgers., but beyond that is question mark about who is stepping up or flopping during spring training

Fansince1971
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  CAoldskoll

Why would the Dodgers take Anderson back?

CAoldskoll
Trusted Member
11 months ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Free and he magically pitches great for them lol

FungoAle
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

The Dodgers did give him a qualifying offer so it is not too much of a stretch. One could theorize that Andersons down year was due to the chaotic state of the Angels organization and porous defense.

Fansince1971
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  FungoAle

Who would the Dodgers take off their 40 man for Anderson? That’s a big problem in that scenario.

And is Arte just going to flush an additional $26 million invested in Anderson?

I don’t see it.

Last edited 11 months ago by Fansince1971
Angels2020Champs
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

They’d move someone to the IL.

Fansince1971
Legend
11 months ago

Hahahaha- good one! Billy Eppler says hi.

Last edited 11 months ago by Fansince1971
red floyd
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

The Doyers were doing it long before Billy. It’s just that someone ratted on him.

FungoAle
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  red floyd

Agree, FREE BILLY EPPS!

FungoAle
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

40-man roster, DFA someone

Arte flush $26M, see Upton and Pujols.

I don’t see it either but LA liked Anderson. Angels should have dumped him that direction in the offseason. Better option than Paxson.

Pineapple12
Super Member
11 months ago

LETS GOOOOOOOOO

It’s been too long. Life is empty without Halos baseball.

Victor Mederos, start us off right, kid.

Twebur
Legend
11 months ago

Grab some peanuts! It’s on! 

F the Doyers!

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Twebur

Amen

h27kim
Trusted Member
11 months ago

Could it be right that we have only 2 catchers (O’Hoppe and Thaiss) on our 40 man roster?! :O. I wasn’t sure about our catching depth situation and lonand behold, it seems that we have no depth there either. So no IF depth (no good gloved reserve, no real backup to a rookie starter), no depth behind the plate either? :/

Mia
Legend
Mia
11 months ago
Reply to  h27kim

Wallach is hiding away collecting dust somewhere still I believe.

Cowboy26
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Mia

So is Mejia

RexFregosi
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Wallach and Mejia both in camp, busting it every day

WallyChuckChili
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  h27kim

Ward in a pinch

Cowboy26
Legend
11 months ago

Pinch me if that happens . I would want to make sure it’s not a nightmare.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  h27kim

How many catchers were you gonna carry on your roster?

clover_black
Super Member
11 months ago

8

Angels2020Champs
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  clover_black

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red floyd
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  clover_black

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SD19
Trusted Member
11 months ago

I don’t post much but the Hopium is strong in me. I think we compete this year. Youngsters preform, trout stays healthy (ish) rotation comes together, bullpen holds strong, and yes Rendon actually contributes. I’ll be wearing my Trout Rendon 20’ shirt yet again. fingers crossed that its not gonna be another embarrassment cause it’s a comfy shirt

WallyChuckChili
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  SD19

Rendon will be team MVP!

Mia
Legend
Mia
11 months ago

And i’m gonna date Shohei!

Let’s speak it into existence, boys!

Last edited 11 months ago by Mia
steelgolf
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Mia

😆 My wife likes Shohei except she wants to cut his side burns. She hates his semi pointed side burns for some reason.

Fleckstein
Trusted Member
11 months ago
Reply to  steelgolf

Anti-Bill Shatner’s Kirk?

WallyChuckChili
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Mia

Are you 2 still on reds lawn?

I hear that’s a great 1st date spot!

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Mia

 😂  😄  😀  😱  👀 

Angels2020Champs
Legend
11 months ago

Shohei to baseball Annies:

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red floyd
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Mia

I thought you had a GF?

red floyd
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  red floyd

Speaking of which, I need advice. I have a new GF, and she’s [shudder] a DOYERS fan! What do I do?

Angels2020Champs
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  red floyd

Have her take and treat you to things she likes.

I’m assuming thats what you do. It’s ok to have things reciprocated/be equals.

red floyd
Legend
11 months ago

In case you guys couldn’t tell, my post was tongue-in-cheek.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  red floyd

60% of the posts here are such.

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It’s why my reply, while in theory might be good, in reality you’d be looking for ms new booty

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Mia
Legend
Mia
11 months ago
Reply to  red floyd

Yeah, I got divorced January of ‘23 and moved back to LA. Just two people headed down different paths.

Take her to a ton of Angel games!

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  Mia

I’m very sorry to hear that but welcome back to SoCal.

Mia
Legend
Mia
11 months ago
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

Thank you. So incredibly happy to be home.

red floyd
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Mia

Very sorry about your divorce.

Mia
Legend
Mia
11 months ago
Reply to  red floyd

I appreciate it!

Cheers to new beginnings.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  red floyd

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Eric_in_Portland
Legend
11 months ago

I think we had $68 million to spend in our IIWPM posts. Does anyone know how much of that is still unspent?

Charles Sutton
Editor
Super Member
11 months ago

Let’s see:
Adam Cimber- $1.65 M
Luis Garcia- $4.25 M
Matt Moore- $9 M
Robert Stephenson- $11 M
Zach Plesac- $1 M
Aaron Loup buyout- $2 M

Total: $30.9

Factoring in the trade of Stassi and Fletcher to the extent that counts, and the arb raises and settlements I still think there is room for one big dog.

I’m not sure if the Aaron Loup buyout counts.

Last edited 11 months ago by Charles Sutton
FungoAle
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Charles Sutton

Don’t forget Hicks! Dollar Tree special.

To think, Stephenson is the 4th largest contract on the squad. Rendon, Trout and Ty-Ty are the top 3.

Last edited 11 months ago by FungoAle
Eric_in_Portland
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Charles Sutton

Thanks. When Arte increased the budget last year I’m afraid it was only to accommodate Shohei and not a new baseline

Fansince1971
Legend
11 months ago

I think that is accurate particularly given the likelihood of lower attendance and the television revenue uncertainty.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Yeah. That 170 to 185M payroll area we tend to live in isn’t arbitrary. It’s what the team can afford…. when it draws 3 million fans per year…. but hurrah, we don’t draw 3 million any more…. so while we can all smirk at dad, i mean Arte, because he’s gonna learn his lesson, that learning is gonna likely involve that budget item called payroll shrinking some.

And no CtPG Guy. New unicorn owner isn’t gonna magically just piss away tons more money long term. The team makes what it makes, and maybe newownerz will spend big at first, but we’ll likely be between #10-7 in total payroll most years. Which, is enough to win, but isn’t enough to pay off bad juju.

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
11 months ago

With Artie’s methodology for filling the roster, it won’t ever be enough money to win because he doesn’t invest in development. He has to buy his stars. What’s going to change that causes the team to draw 3 million again.

FungoAle
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

What is going to make a difference are guys like Neto, Ward, Adell and O’Hoppe start to have breakouts or show all-star potential and the team exhibits good exciting baseball. In Perry’s era as the GM has produced some really ugly rosters and baseball. Speed and defense are and still big flaws which amplify the shortcomings of the pitching staff.

I’m fine with the current payroll, there is nothing left to buy but if you can issue a 1-yr contract for depth, sure, you do it.

BannedInLA
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  FungoAle

I’d be pleased if the kidz turned into solid everyday players. All-Stars would be double icing on the cake.

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  FungoAle

Neto is an unknown as a hitter at this point. Ward is 2 years away from free agency and will start costing money. Adell will probably never be an everyday player. I believe O’Hoppe will eventually be an Allstar and is the most likely to “break out’ as you say. We may have seen the best of Moniak. Schanuel is the other player who is likely to surprise people. All of them are just 2-3 years away from arbitration though when they will cost more. Rendon and Trout are getting old fast. The window is the next 3-4 years for this group. There is little if anything position player wise in the farm system that is anywhere near major league ready. There is no infield depth on the roster. As long as everyone stays healthy we could be ok but with a few injuries, we could be watching Stefanic, Soto, Hicks, and Adell every day. I actually believe the team will be better than last year because I am optimistic about the rebuilt bullpen and I believe the coaching staff will make a difference with the starting pitching. I also optimistic as you are about some of the young players breaking out. But I still think that the team would have a much better chance with another starting pitcher and middle of the order bat. Artie should bring in an investor like he mentioned last year to help get through the last 3 years of Rendon’s contract.

FungoAle
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

All fair points and you’re right, not much depth on the major league of definitely the minors. But I’m probably the only one who thinks the Angels are not winning more than 81 games so not too worried about the roster construction or payroll so shelling out a 5-year deal for a Boras 5, just does not make sense. For any injury, just grab a body from the minors. This year is about figuring out how good the young kids can be, especially Adell and Neto. If it happens, I think they will begin peaking at a time when Rendon’s contract expires, then you bring in that key FA.

I’m more excited to watch a team that plays good hard fundamental baseball than worrying about Arte’s spending habits. Angels are top ten in payroll, that should be more than enough.

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
11 months ago
Reply to  FungoAle

I agree with you 100%. I was just saying I would support the additions as I believe they would benefit the team long term, and I would take Montgomery instead of Snell.

Last edited 11 months ago by Roy Hobbs
gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

Really? Hadn’t heard that. Tell us more about this. You may be on to something.

WallyChuckChili
Legend
11 months ago

inquiring minds want to know.

Marcotor
Trusted Member
11 months ago

I’ve never understood the thought that an owner should dip into their own fortunes to finance a team. In spite of all the old stories about the Beloved Cowboy “opening his saddlebags” the Angels were profitable, although apparently not enough in this “small market” when Jackie the Banker took over.

Lots seem to assume the player payroll budget equals the CBT, but I doubt the Angels generate enough revenue to sustain that year after year. Now anyone who is party to the Angel financials can correct me with real facts and figures, but merely typing “Arte can afford it” does not make it so.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Marcotor

It doesn’t really matter. Not THAT much. Look at about a dozen teams that have done well in the last 10 years. 170M can more than get it done. Hell, ARTE’s 180M would have done pretty well in at least a couple of those seasons if the team didn’t constantly lose the majority of it’s top players to injury all the time.

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
11 months ago

That requires a stream of good young players and a good farm system instead of Jerseys which is not how the current organization operates. You can win both ways but the Jersey way requires investment, sometimes beyond earnings or profits. I’m good with either method. Even now, we only have 4 young position players and all 4 would have to be really good as the two big money earners are getting older fast. I don’t see a path forward until Rendon goes off the books unless Artie is willing to spend a little bit in the mean time.

steelgolf
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  Charles Sutton

4.25m for Luis Garcia? Yeeesh. That’s a 3m overpay.

FungoAle
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  steelgolf

I did not quite get this signing. Melvin lost faith in him last year at age 36. Lost velocity in his sinker/slider. Not a high leverage guy but will take the ball and be available. Not too bad of an overpay but no bargain.

DMAGZ13
Trusted Member
11 months ago

For all you HHers… “This is all Boras”

WallyChuckChili
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  DMAGZ13

But it’s Andrew’s fault!

matthiasstephan
Super Member
11 months ago

I think Boras has aged, and it is now one of his minions who goes by the nickname ‘Andrew’ that is the mastermind.

red floyd
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  DMAGZ13

Is this all Boras?

Mia
Legend
Mia
11 months ago
Reply to  red floyd

At the heat death of the universe, there will only be BORAS.

steelgolf
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  DMAGZ13

Boras is all this.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  steelgolf

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red floyd
Legend
11 months ago

All your baseball are belong to Boras.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
11 months ago
Reply to  red floyd

I was too GA to personalize the meme to say Boras. Glad you got the reference!

red floyd
Legend
11 months ago

Move all zig. For great justice.