About three years ago, these guys in the cover photo were “the kids” or “the yutes” down at the Arizona Complex League. In the meantime, we have gone out and gotten some more kids. Some of the new kids are working out. Others are not working out. There is a learning curve. Of those 2021 kids, William Holmes retired a little over a year ago. David Calabrese is limping along at Rocket City with a .223 batting average that is a slight improvement over his career average. Brandon Marsh was there in 2021, although not in this photo. I guess Marsh is doing OK with 3.3 WAR so far this season.
Both Jo Adell and Kevin Pillar wound up on the injured list over the weekend. For Adell, the season is over. He was transferred to the 60 day IL to make room on the 40 man roster for (drum roll please!) Jose Suarez. I still think they should have converted Sano to a pitcher.
Although he’s not one of the kids, Mike Trout has been keeping himself busy. He is one of the 2024 nominees for the Roberto Clemente Award. Taylor Ward is trying to finish out the season on a high note.
For those of you into fantasy baseball, Ben Joyce is a hot commodity right now. In the no-brainer category, the Angels should have traded Luis Rengifo and Tyler Anderson at the trade deadline. Thank you Captain Obvious.
Non-Angels Links
For today’s argument, Shohei Ohtani or Aaron Judge?
Here is the gratuitous article where we can gleefully watch the Astros and Justin Verlander struggle. Here is Verlander on his awesome era.
The Mariners picked up Austin Kitchen off waivers and designated Jason Vosler for assignment. The Guardians designated Anthony Gose for assignment. The Mets designated Pablo Reyes for assignment and selected Eddy Alvarez who they just acquired from the Red Sox for cash.
Notable deaths
Ed Kranepool, one of the original Mets.
James Earl Jones, of Sandlot and Field of Dreams fame.
Cover photo: Rex Fregosi
