LA Angels Wednesday News Crash: Smoke and fire

Morning Angels fans. Please stay safe out there. As you are reading this, 2 fires in SoCal have already burned down communities and forced tens of thousands to evacuate.

Angels News

Do you miss the Angels? Well, the Ducks gave Angels fans something as a late Christmas gift with Angels night last night.

Mike Trout has not been healthy. He last played 120 games in 2019. Last time he had 140 games was 2018. The last time he had 141? 2016. 90% of a season is 145.8 games. Mike Trout has only done that 4 times in 14 years. Expecting him to do that ever again is foolish. Still, even in partial seasons, he has been great, winning an MVP and finishing top 5 four times. Which is why MLB Network thinks he will be the 5th best CF in 2025. In Computers we trust?

Please stay healthy

Around Baseball

Verlander won’t retire. Instead, he heads to SF, where the Giants fans wish they had him of 8 years ago, not the him of the now. He is 4 years older than Posey.

Pete Alonso is the last big name yet on the FA market. (not including Japanese pitching). Why hasn’t he signed? He wants Prince Fielder money. Prince Fielder didn’t deserve Prince Fielder money. No one is signing a 1B for that long ever again after he and Pujols were such a mess.

As the Angels are stuck with Arte, the Twins may get a new owner by Opening Day. Lucky.

While everyone is waiting on Roki Sasaki, the Astros and the Sneks made a trade. Backup infielder for a pitching prospect. Wut?

Anything I missed? Post below for upvotes!

Subscribe
Notify of
65 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Angelz4ever
Super Member
1 month ago

So, since he’ll be under oath, I imagine Trout has to walk that fine line of fink when asked about his knowledge of his former/deceased roommates “Habit(s).”

I think Trout’s image is going to take a serious hit no matter what comes out of his testimony.

I told you guys before, I had a pitcher roommate for a while that was a steroid baby, and I knew it. I didn’t say anything either.

Last edited 1 month ago by Angelz4ever
DMAGZ13
Trusted Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Angelz4ever

How does his image suffer? I’m sorry but I personally don’t have a ton of sympathy for addicts.. in my own personal immediate family I dealt with that pain and suffering at the detriment of my own health … I was still supportive and did everything to help get this person clean.., but if anybody blamed me for something that person did I would go haywire on them. These people are sick and do it to themselves. This is not a contagion

I understand that the Skaggs family wants to sue the employer if they were both feeding the habit and/or withholding something from a doctor or whatever , but damn it’s not Trout’s responsibility to talk to his coworkers wife about anything. Where is the personal responsibility for Skaggs to communicate with his own wife? Sounds like this lawsuit is trying to make up for a failed marriage. How does she not know he’s hopped up on meds when he goes home to sleep? If she’s that unaware then that’s on her relationship…

Sorry for the rant, but I think it’s total bunk that anyone would blame Trout for anything. Trout of all people needed just mind his own business. People tell you things all the time, doesn’t mean you have to be the narc. Trout’s own wife’s brother literally dealt with the same issue… if anything Skaggs should’ve had sensitivity to telling Trout about his habits and Skaggs’ widow should be sensitive to Trout and his wife.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  DMAGZ13

Beyond that, addicts are really, really good at lying and being sneaky. The amount of booze and/or drugs a friend like Trout sees a guy ingest is usually just the tip of the iceberg.

In this day and age there will be a huge segment of people who won’t believe him no matter what he says, anyway.

I do think the deposition is less about Skaggs and more about Kay. If Trout admits it was common knowledge Kay was a go to guy for players, that sinks Arte and the Angels.

Charles Sutton
Editor
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Then they will want him to name names. That could get uncomfortable.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

It’s already common knowledge the Kay was supplying drugs ( and receiving drugs) to and from other Angel players . That came out in Kay’s criminal trial. I think the key here would be to prove that many of the higher-ups in the organization knew of this ongoing illegal activity and were indifferent to its perpetuation and that this led to a pervasive clubhouse culture that contributed to Skagg’s death

If you want to know what is already out there, here’s a link to an article from the WP last year that gets pretty detailed on the case and what testimony was reported from the criminal trial: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/07/31/tyler-skaggs-eric-kay-angels-fentanyl/

Born_in_59
Trusted Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

I don’t know much about Arte, but I would be shocked if he knew an employee was supplying drugs to players and looked the other way.

Last edited 1 month ago by Born_in_59
Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Born_in_59

When I worked in radio there was always a guy with a title (usually promotions) who was pretty much there to get talent drugs.

It was an open secret but we shielded the bosses. Sure the program director knew (he also partook) but the executives had no contact with the guy.

I’m completely convinced professional sports work the same way.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Nice. I will read that.

I know Matt Harvey was in the pill circle. Foggy on other details.

PedroCerrano
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

You nailed it Jeff. Truth is/was the first fatality.

A drug addict spent 20 minutes sharing his life story with a counselor friend of mine. His response was “You’re a drug addict, therefore you are a liar, why don’t you start again but this time try telling the truth”. Recalling that conversation has been a guiding light in my interactions with addicts in and outside of my family since.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  DMAGZ13

Because of my life I have known literally dozens of drug addicts. I hate the “someone should have done something” bullshit. I have NEVER seen an addict quit because of something someone else did other than handcuff them to a bed… and even that only took cause once the guy was clean he realized he wanted to stay clean and then stuck with it.

I quit using drugs because I wanted to. Those of my friends who had a problem with it had to just ignore it unhappily while I tried to make things less obvious till I did.

Trout was likely in the same boat. I think anyone who thinks “someone” should have done something is speaking from inexperience or just plain dishonesty.

And yes, I have known more than 30 people who have died from drugs. And I am still this insensitive about it.

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend
Reply to  Angelz4ever

I respectfully disagree. Trout has no choice but to testify. I fully expect he’ll tell the truth and suffer no adverse repercussions from being honest.

Born_in_59
Trusted Member
1 month ago

Dave Parker got into the Hall of Fame, so the Pittsburgh drug trials weren’t a permanent bar for him.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Angelz4ever

They already have text messages and testimony from other ex Angel Players like Matt Harvey , C J. Cron & Blake Parker that Kay had supplied them with Opiods. In some cases these players supplied Pills to Skaggs as well ( and vice versa) . From the criminal trial reporting there was never any evidence that Trout was a user or knew anything about these dealings. 
It seems like the family just wants to use this opportunity to shake him down because of his status. They really need to settle this case and go on with their lives despite the lingering pain.

red floyd
Legend
1 month ago

For those who remember my ex, Vickie, it looks like her former house got burned in the Eaton fire.

Charles Sutton
Editor
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  red floyd

It’s tragic up there. We can barely breathe south of the 210. Most businesses are closed.

Angelz4ever
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Charles Sutton

Cripes! God bless and keep everyone up there.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  red floyd

a good friend’s sister’s house in Altadena is gone. Yikes! This sounds like the worst fire ever in the area.

grichmanpoorman
Trusted Member
1 month ago

Can 2025 international signing bonuses (all projected at this point, but with a fairly high degree of certainty) be sifted for clues about where Sasaki is headed? My understanding is his signing bonus needs to come directly from a given team’s bonus pool. Unless he doesn’t care about money, that would seem to preclude the Yankees, Mariners and Giants (who according to this link have already committed $4 million+ to prospects out of their $7 million-ish pools) and possibly the Angels and Padres (each around $2 million). Meanwhile, the Dodgers and Rangers don’t have any players among the top 35 projected bonuses. So unless he’s looking at real dark horse teams (like the Guardians) it’s gotta be one of them, right? https://www.beisbolfr.com/p/mlb-international-signing-period

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 month ago

All of those commitments are verbal so they don’t mean squat until they sign the kids on or after January 15th.So in reality, all teams have all of their allotments when the signing period opens on the 15th.

Also, teams can trade for international bonus slot money on or after Jan 15 as well. Who trades for more should be a good sign.

Smart money is on the Dodgers. I’ve seen twitter rumblings that they are asking some of their younger prospects to wait a year to sign with them. Nothing that can be confirmed, of course. And none of them will.

Ultimately some team is likely going to leave a group of kids high and dry and sign Roki. If I’m Perry, I probably sign my top few targets but leave a nice stash behind to snag one or two of the kids left out in the cold by the team that gets Roki.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 month ago
Last edited 1 month ago by Cowboy26
Born_in_59
Trusted Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Does this mean we trade Ward now?

Cowboy26
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Born_in_59

Blake or no Blake?

Cuz I like there Blake guy.

Angelz4ever
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Born_in_59

Blake has a no-trade clause my friend.

Angelz4ever
Super Member
1 month ago

SI story tagline: “Padres Notes: Roki Sasaki Named in Seidler Lawsuit, Huge Ha-Seong Kim Prediction”
Now, that is the way to encourage FAs to sign with your team. Anyone want to bet on Sasaki signing with the Padres now?

RexFregosi
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Angelz4ever

Thank goodness we don’t have any court room drama or lawsuits in Anaheim…
🙄

Angelz4ever
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

Yeah, but at least the Halo’s situation isn’t naming a player, who isn’t even on the team and that hasn’t made a decision to join said team yet.

That was my point.

RexFregosi
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Angelz4ever

I wasn’t trying to throw shade on your post and agree with it.

just a reminder of our own shit show.

Twebur
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

Arte’s Angels spend more time and money on court cases than Al Davis did.

Angelz4ever
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

LOL, I figured so, but the layers of absurdity are amazing to these situations.

Marcotor
Trusted Member
1 month ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

But really, isn’t that the modern way to defend your team? I call it the Laker Defense, as Laker fans have it perfected.

Point out how some other team sucks while not really addressing the question. Deflection.

clover_black
Super Member
1 month ago

This is the least motived I’ve ever been to purchase spring training tickets / lodging. Usually I have it all wrapped up by now.

RexFregosi
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  clover_black

similarly, my thoughts are that I’d like to spend some time in other camps, namely Brewers and Padres

clover_black
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

i like to go to 2 games.. one @ diablo and another away that i havent been to yet.. looking at Goodyear (reds game) on the 18th.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  clover_black

Goodyear is a good call. If you have 4 in your group or just a little cash, try to reserve a table in the right field pavilion. It was $88 last year and those tickets get you into the game.

The one really bad thing about Goodyear is that the back fields are a trek away across a street. But the ballpark itself is really nice. It also has club seats that are covered and in the shade and I’ve found plenty of shade on the berm behind left field.

Goodyear is my dad’s favorite ballpark and IMO the best place to catch a night game.

clover_black
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Good info, thanks Jeff!

red floyd
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  clover_black

Goodyear is a decent stadium. They have a sculpture out front that looks like a giant doobie.

RexFregosi
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  red floyd

I saw AFL games at Salt River and Peoria late last year. It’d been almost two decades since I went to Peoria and maybe 10 years since SRF.

My main takeaway reminder is Tempe Diablo is a dump. Rays playing at Yankees spring home in Tampa – can you imagine MLB regular season games at Tempe Diablo? 🤣

Charles Sutton
Editor
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

They’d have to start them all at 3 A.M.

red floyd
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

SRF would be a good AAA stadium. IMO, it’s too big for spring training. Same with Camelback.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  clover_black

I wrote a piece about planning Spring Training trips but put off publishing it for a few days. People have fires to consider today.

I’m stoked about Spring Training as always. I get time at the ballpark with my Dad. Which ballpark doesn’t really matter.

RexFregosi
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

The freeway around Tempe Diablo has been adjusted (you’ve probably seen the work going on last year or two). Still not done but mostly done.

it will be different from what you remember

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 month ago

Hearts out to those affected by the fires. These are just devastating and uncontrollable until the wi de change.

Hope you are safe.

Mia
Legend
Mia
1 month ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

I fled to my parents in OC with my dogs. So much of the Pallisades is gone. Heartbreaking day.

Last edited 1 month ago by Mia
Fansince1971
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Mia

Really tragic. Such a special area. Glad you are safe.

Mia
Legend
Mia
1 month ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

It was really just the smoke and general panic I wanted to get away from. Can’t imagine for those who are losing their whole lives as their homes go up in smoke.

red floyd
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Didn’t see this subthread when I posted.

For those who remember my ex-GF, Vickie*, her former house likely burned in the Eaton fire.

*She moved in 2021, right around the time we split up.

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
1 month ago

Alonso will “almost certainly get an opt-out-laden short-term deal,” reports ESPN’s Jeff Passan. This! Using Fielder’s contract as a comparable is a bad look and a real credibility loser. It’s actually a very strong argument against what Boris is asking for. Alonso is the next Bellinger.

Last edited 1 month ago by Roy Hobbs
FungoAle
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

One dimensional players are out of style, besides we just traded for one, Soler.

Pineapple12
Super Member
1 month ago

LA fires are burning neighborhoods downs. Personally, lost power yesterday now going on close to 20 hours.

It’s scary. Be safe 🫂

Fansince1971
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Sending lots of good thoughts to you for your safety and for the quick return of your power.

Pineapple12
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

Thank you sir 💙

Last edited 1 month ago by Pineapple12
Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

That’s rough. Please be safe.

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
1 month ago

Mike “let’s play in 2 this week” is rated the 5th beast CF’er in the game! Really? Yikes, look at that list, that is a very weak list of CFer’s don’t you think? It is truly sad that MDT could not of had a 15 year career of 150 games a season. At least we saw him at his peak of 2012 thru 2016, and what a stud Super Star we got to see too. It would be special to see him have one more “Trouty” season from him.

MH252525
Trusted Member
1 month ago

He’s been in peak golf course creating mode the past couple of years. His bunker and hole placements have been outstanding, although I feel like he’s been getting some help.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 month ago

When I was younger center field was the premier position in the game.

Now it is shortstop. And I agree center looks weaker than in previous eras.

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

There was a time when CF was played by the likes of Mantle, Mays, and Duke Snyder. Later Reggie Smith, Fred Lynn, Jimmy Wynn, Dale Murphy, Kirby Puckett, and Andre Dawson.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

There was a time I played center field. My friend Aaron played there too and this guy Gabe.

red floyd
Legend
1 month ago

Don’t forget John Fogerty!

Angelz4ever
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  red floyd

Fogerty sounded too much like CCR, there’s a court case and everything…..

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

Ken Griffey Jr. Kirby Puckett, Eric Davis, Andy Van Slyke, Jim Edmonds, and I even vaguely remember Robin Yount.

I liked guys like Kenny Lofton and Devon White too.

Angelz4ever
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

Yount was a beast and quite frankly physically imposing.

Cowboy26
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

ironically Yount was a GG shortstop that moved to centerfield after he slowed down

Angelz4ever
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

He won an MVP at both positions too.

PedroCerrano
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

I have a close friend that played with Devo. He said he was most talented and frustrating teammate because he could do everything well but was super lazy.

Angelz4ever
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

Tim Raines!

65
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x