Welcome Halo faithful to the last weekend links of the 2024-2025 offseason. By the time I sit at my computer to type up next weekend’s edition pitchers and catchers will already be working out. There’s a certain romance to reporting day with baseball that doesn’t exist in other sports. We know spring and summer are coming; that the familiar routine of baseball is on the horizon.
And just as camps open, Angels GM Perry Minasian came through with a nice addition to the infield. Yoan Moncada, welcome aboard.
Moncada is a 29 year old switch hitter who is capable of playing multiple positions but is most likely ticketed for third base. His talent is undeniable but injuries have plagued him in recent years. For $5 million on a one year deal this is a great signing.
For those of you who perhaps took a breather over the off season, here’s what you need to know as camps open. I will post a series of storylines to follow over the next two weeks as well.
We have 15 days until the Angels take the field in their first Cactus League game. Here is their full schedule. I already have game threads for the full AZ slate scheduled and look forward to actually chatting baseball with you folks soon.
The beauty of the Cactus League is that 15 teams train in the metropolitan area. Here’s a map of the locations and a master schedule for the league.
For those of you who have not attended Spring Training, you need to get out there. Next year isn’t promised to any of us and life can change in an instant. If you want tips on planning a trip, ready my musings over the years or contact me and I’ll try to help. I’m already counting down the days until I’m sitting in the Arizona sun next to my dad watching a ballgame.
About the only other notable news out of Anaheim is the team staying put through 2032.
For those of us trying to read the tea leaves for meaning behind the extension, the AP goes into more detail. With a $4 billion redevelopment taking place across the way at the Honda Center the stadium’s location is likely going to be even more desirable. But with no plans in place to build a new one, the extension simply gives both sides more time to figure out a plan.
Or perhaps sell. Last time Arte marketed the team for sale he had several looming questions. The Ohtani question is now resolved (ugh) and this seems to take care of the stadium portion for the time being. With options the lease can run all the way through 2028. Next up is the Tyler Skaggs wrongful death lawsuit which heads to trial on July 1st.
Perhaps this is wishful thinking, but not only is the team set up to rebuild with $105 in salary falling off the books the next two years, it is looking like it is nicely positioned to sell once the Skaggs suit is resolved.
In actual baseball news, Angels prospects enjoyed a day at the Big A learning from team alumni.
Speaking of Angels prospects, get to know them as they head to camp. Fangraphs has updated their 2025 prospect list for the Angels and is my favorite prospect list. Look at all those ETA’s of 2025 to 2027 and keep a close eye on those players in camp and through the minor league season.
Angels top prospect Christian Moore is among the prospects who will be in Tempe. These guys will get some looks early in camp then sent to minor league camps.
From around baseball:
Ippei was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for gambling away about $17 million of Ohtani’s money. I’m sure he’ll start knocking down that $17 million in restitution the day he gets out. Maybe he can defer the payments until another lifetime.
The off season’s Rachel and Ross finally did what Rachel and Ross do and got back together. Boras blinked first and this has to come as an L for Team Scott as the Polar Bear turned down a $158 million extension offer two years ago.
Former Angels Gold Glove centerfielder and malcontent Jim Edmonds ripped the Cardinals for not being fun.
Edmonds might be on to something as the Cardinals current Gold Glove third baseman thinks a trip to the East Coast would be fun.
For now, let’s wrap up this column by watching the arrival of a championship caliber team to camp.
Enjoy your weekend and link what I missed. I think KC threepeats but wouldn’t be surprised if the Eagles rushing attack is able to win the day. Either way, about the time New Orleans hoses the sidewalks off pitchers and catchers will be reporting to camps across the country.
