I know we say this has been a long year, but is seems to be going by pretty quickly. Even with the team performing poorly, having a game on in the background beats not having one. So it is around this time of year that I try to cram in a couple of more visits to the Big A and relish in the joys of having baseball.
What have we learned in this extended Spring Training?
For one, Zach Neto is an absolute stud.
The Angels have had some pretty good infielders over the years, too. Not even Erstad at first base pulled off the 20/20, which I kind of found surprising. Ersty was a baller and a gamer.
Jim Fregosi is another great former Angels infielder and his club record for home runs by a shortstop stood for decades. Until Neto broke it in our Highlight of the Week.
That ball was crushed. When Neto gets one, it is usually a no doubter.
Speaking of no doubters, Jordyn Adams hit his first MLB home run and it was a missle.
Manager Ron Washington likes what he sees in the youngster. After watching Jordyn in batting practice, Washington noted “he is strong” and that Wash sees potential in Adams.
I saw Adams play in a AAA game in Sacramento a few weeks ago. He is a very fluid athlete. The type of guy who seems to glide around the base paths, moving at a speed most of us could never dream of attaining. And he’s been on a good run in Salt Lake over the summer.
Adams was on of Eppler’s raw athlete picks. I knew he was a good football player, but this is crazy.
In keeping with positive news, Reid Detmers looked good again this week and is hoping the finish the season on a high note.
I think we’ve found out Neto and O’Hoppe are studs. But what did we find out about Jo Adell in 2024?
And if anybody is free over the weekend, perhaps swing by and see if you can join the Angels bullpen. It will be a ragtag group for the next couple of weeks. Hard throwing Ben Joyce is on the IL with shoulder inflammation and several other relievers have been traded or are hurt.
Hat tip to Steelgolf for this one: you can meet and get an autograph from Ben Joyce tomorrow.
You’ll never guess who joined Joyce on the IL. The annual Rendon IL stint opened the door for OC native Eric Wagaman to make his MLB.
Those bullpen trades and injuries have also opened opportunities for others. New acquired Ryan Zeferjahn is making the most of his first few chances with the Halos.
If Perry traded Luis Garcia for a guy better than Luis Garcia and took that guy from the Red Sox, he’s making a fan.
And who expected Jose Suarez to throw 3 innings without giving up a run on Monday night? Yeah, strange times we’re living in.
To me, Jose Quijada is a pivotal piece of the bullpen. When he’s on, he looks like a legitimate setup guy. The type of guy you can insert instead of having to pay Matt Moore or Aaron Loup. He has 17 K’s across 16 innings this season and is also looking to finish the year strong.
Another Perry trade acquisition George Klassen is looking good in the minors. Check out this 12 to 6.
Yes, I’m in a good mood today. So we’re getting good links. I also know the Angels have 6 games coming up against the White Sox so there’s reason for short term optimism. Now, if we lose 4+ of those expect me to go full Chevy Chase on Arte Moreno (which I already want to do anyway.)
I saw the White Sox twice in Spring Training. They did not look like a good ballclub, but they did not look like one of the worst franchises in MLB history. Their march towards MLB futility records has been one solid road of rock bottom and the recent comments by GM Chris Getz further signal how much is wrong with the franchise.
Elsewhere in baseball:
The NL Wild Card race is a lot of fun.
That’s 4 clubs within 3 games fighting for 3 spots. The Braves face a tough schedule starting with 4 against the Dodgers, but if hey can split there they should have 3 games against division foe NY that could determine who plays in October and who stays home.
Speaking of October baseball, here’s all you need to know to prep for the post season. We will have game threads here, so stick around and watch baseball with your pals.
Luis Arraez has simply stopped striking out. That’s a good deep dive by FanGraphs.
Paul Skenes and TJ Watt exchanged jerseys in a moment that was too cool.
Free agency is on the horizon. How deep that class is will largely be determined by players with opt outs. Take a look at the 5 most intriguing player options.
I couldn’t wrap this up without saying we hope all of you near the fires are doing well and continue to be safe. We send prayers, thoughts, and overall good vibes your way.
Also, RIP to James Earl Jones. While I prefer The Sandlot to Field of Dreams, it is this monologue that best describes what we baseball fans feel in our souls when we see the green grass, blue skies, and freshly chalked foul lines.
Link what I missed and enjoy this beautiful weekend with family and friends. We are so blessed to be safe and have time to watch sports and play around. That’s exactly what I plan on doing.
