Who looked at this group in Tempe and thought they’d get out to the best 10 game start in franchise history? Yeah, me neither.
But the kids are doing just fine. They won each of the first three series they played and split the first two games in Tampa Bay before laying down an absolute beatdown yesterday.
Jo Adell cracked two home runs in one inning to punctuate the 11-1 win. Taylor Ward added two bombs, Mike Trout got in on the homer barrage, and the offense was a thing of beauty.
No kid is hotter than Kyren Paris. His two home run game on Tuesday was a new high point in a preseason and season full of high points.
He’s also getting the job done on the base paths and blazing a bit of a new trail.
Paris hot start is getting the attention of the baseball world and giving us some reason for hopium. His revamped swing is really working and even MLB.TV did a breakdown of his new mechanics.
I’m a big fan of KP and hope he keeps it going. I think we’ll know how legitimate this streak is in a couple of weeks. Pitchers and pitching coaches at this level will adjust how they pitch him. If he can adjust back a little, be ready to smile.
But Paris is far from the only youngster off to a torrid start. Logan O’Hoppe is also a man possessed. He homered in four straight games this past week before getting Tuesday night off. Logan already has 5 bombs on the season and his command of the game behind the plate is equally as impressive.
I really think the Angels have found their team captain/anchor of the future. While we look to the future, Logan is leaning on veterans for advice on how to be his best.
But as an old guy (that happened quickly) I have to give this week’s Highlight of the Week to a fellow old guy. Kenley Jansen was put in a hole on Tuesday night thanks to some shaky defense behind him. Not only did he strand the tying run at third, he called a huddle to the mound to align the defense. True leadership on the way to a milestone: save #450.
Trying not to jinx anything, but the Angels have been relatively unscathed on the injury front until this week. Yoan Moncada is now on the IL due to a thumb sprain. Oddly, he left Friday’s home opener after two balls missed his glove and he allowed two out rallies to continue. In his place, the Angels called up JD Davis, giving me an excuse to post the picture below. JD was a good dude to fans in Spring Training and I really respect that.
Up next is a three game set in Houston. The Astros represent the toughest competition the team has played to date. Silent C, Tyler Anderson, and a surprisingly resurgent Hendricks are slated as the starters for our Halos.
From around baseball:
Who cares? The Angels are killing it, ha ha. But seriously…
Vlad Jr. signed a massive extension to stay in Toronto. On top of the half a billion dollars guaranteed, it comes with a $325 million tax saving signing bonus. The fact it is a signing bonus means it will get paid even in the (likely) event of a work stoppage in a couple of years.
In devastating news, the Octavio Dotel was among the 221 and counting confirmed dead in a roof collapse in Santo Domingo. Life is short. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Hug your loved ones while you can.
Something I’ll be keeping an eye on is next Tuesday. April 15th is Jackie Robinson Day throughout Major League Baseball. Jackie is obviously a huge hero of mine and a man I thank for paving the way for most of my personal relationships. MLB has always done a great job promoting this Day and in recent months we’ve seen Jackie in the news quite a bit. Jackie’s biography was removed from the Naval library and his military service stories taken down but later restored.
But he is an integral part of baseball history and I anticipate MLB and the fans doing their usual great job celebrating this national hero. He deserves it.
My son recently read a biography on Jackie (his own choosing, which warmed my heart) and I pulled up highlights of him on YouTube. I honestly think we overlook just how great of a ballplayer he was. So I’m going to leave you with some of the clips we’ve been watching of him.
Enjoy your weekend and link what I missed. My farm Angels played the best game of their season on Wednesday night and I couldn’t be prouder of them or to be their coach. We play the Cubs tomorrow and will follow that up with a well deserved pizza party. Seeing these kids become friends while getting better at baseball is truly a rewarding experience I treasure.
Side note: there’s a decent chance I catch the Dirtbags game on Sunday. You should know how to reach me by now. If not, drop me a line below.
Ethan Holliday could make Neato a 3rd baseman. Just a thought.
Or maybe Neto can make Ethan Holliday a permanent third baseman ?
You ever heard of former UCLA Shortstop Troy Glaus?
I was thinking about Neto’s health as he is out with a lot of disabled time off and that playing third might help.
I’ve heard Holliday is more projected at 3B.
Lineups are posted.
https://www.mlb.com/gameday/angels-vs-astros/2025/04/11/778368/preview
Same as yesterday?
Hey if it works stick with it
Joyce was “fine” after his last outing where he got rocked and had decreased velo. Now to the IL with shoulder inflammation.
Dead arm to Deadguy
To Deadpool? That healing factor would be great!
When does it magically turn into TJS?
Months.
So it begins.
You would think we could have at least got Joyce through enough of the season to when Stephenson returns but TrAdition says NO!
When it’s the elbow he injures?
Don’t forget, the shoulder bone is connected to the TJ bone.
Well then it wouldn’t be very magical!
Next up… Everyone slide up 1 chair. Carry on.
The Z-Man cometh.
The Hypenator will be our savior
Set fire to the pitching mound a few nights ago
He throws so damn hard this was always going to be a possibility. Hope he comes back soon.
Yeah honestly surprised this is the first injury trouble he’s had that I can remember during his time with the Angels
The memory getting a little fuzzy?
July 27, 2023 Los Angeles Angels transferred RHP Ben Joyce from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list. ulnar neuritis.
September 10, 2024 Los Angeles Angels placed RHP Ben Joyce on the 15-day injured list retroactive to September 7, 2024. Right shoulder inflammation.
IIRC I believe he already had TJS in college
I do recall the 2023 injury now that you mention it. Last year I don’t remember him missing any time. I have two kids under 5 man, give me a break!
Yeah, TJS in college but I was specifically referring to his time with the MLB club.
Two kids under 5? Then you get a free pass for at least a decade.
With any luck hopefully you can raise them to be Angels fans cuz this team needs all the help it can get.
Have I come to the right place to PANIC about Joyce…?
I only Panic! At The Disco.
Ace reliever in a coma, I know
I know, it’s serious
But you know, I would hate
Anything to happen to him
Do you really think
He’ll pull through
Let me whisper my last goodbyes
I know, it’s serious
Nothing to see here.
Just a minor case of the flu.
Some fluids and bed rest and he’ll be alright.
I had suggested before the season that he was the most tradable asset we had and a likely injury candidate so we should move him while healthy. That ship may have now sailed.
I could not disagree more.
That’s quite alright. It’s one path to the future.
Rub some dirt on it.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6272789/2025/04/11/mlb-former-top-draft-picks-breakouts/
More love for Paris at the top of this list on The Athletic
It’s almost like a 45 grade prospect can become a much higher grade prospect if they make a successful adaptation in one area. Unsane.
I know. NAR OOO NEVAHR TAY EEN DIVIDSON! But man, if the Mariners will give a little extra…. maybe give us something like Logan Evans, Yorger Bautista and Cole Phillips or Ben Williamson…. I’d do it.
Update on Holliday. He’s giving big bro a run for the money. But remember, they play on a very small home field. Ball park numbers:
I didn’t tackle slugging – because I might have missed some doubles, triples.
Hernandez update
https://x.com/TylerJennings24/status/1910424187082092863
That umpire should be ashamed of himself!
Even Jace LaViolette is heating up as he joins Club 33. He now has 33 walks to match his 33 strikeouts and 33 hits . Jace has hit 10 HRs and the average is definitely creeping back up even as they face better SEC competition with a slash line of .282/.442/.607 for the Aggies.
I like him. He’s just not a top 5 draft pick to me.
Seth is not getting past the top 3 picks, hope it’s no. 2. You see how effortlessly he throws? He’s the one.
It’s a minor thing compared to everything else, but it’s crazy to think that Robinson got started in his incredibly challenging first season having to show up and they tell him “You’re a first baseman now my man! Get to it!” We stress about how a hitter may get a case of the sads when they don’t have fresh cleats every week for him or he may have to hit in a couple different spots in the line up. Scherzer acted as if a pitch clock could result in pitchers collapsing dead on the mound or hitting twelve batters a game. All Robinson had to do was be the first black player and pick up 1B on the fly…. simple.
Are you happy and proud of our boys? Sure, you are, but the real secret is to not stop bringing the Yuts in, no matter the record come June and July keep on trading. The future is what matters to win and get to the World Series. This team needs to continue what has been started with building a whole new way of doing things from top to bottom and that means that the future is not with older players but with young players. Don’t get too caught up in this fun start as we are in April still and trAdition is still yet to rear its ugly head. Enjoy this start but realize that there are loftier goals to be achieved….Wow 3 x 2 = 6HRs
First. Fk trAdition. That shits for losers.
Second. YES. MOAR KIDZ!
But also, I understand if Neto is the last young addition for a little while. Gotta let those kids cook down in the minors for a while. I’m not gonna be annoyed if Anderson, Ward, Soler, Rengifo, Ti Anderson, Davis, Moncada if he lives, etc play more than I’d like even if they get cold. Gotta showcase them as much as we can so we can trade the for….. MOAR KIDS.
This is, of course, after we draft MOAR KIDZ!
The way I look at, we are making NEW trAditions. KIDZ need traditions.
And these NEW trAditions made the once SAD Donkey into a very, very HAPPY Smiling Donkey
https://x.com/Rainmaker1973/status/1910182198906409233
Man. I dig a good donkey.
Good Donkey
https://flic.kr/p/2qXaDyx
this is Burnham Square – he is my college roommate’s horse – he won his last race Tuesday and I’ll be heading to his next one in a few weeks.
But can he Pitch?
Nope. He can run, and as a gelding….., welp that’s about it.
He can run, but gets picked off frequently, doesn’t read pitchers well, gets poor jumps, always forgets how many out there are, runs through stop signs, doesn’t know how to slide and will consistently make the 3rd out on the bases.
Too bad you cant run over the catcher anymore at plays at the plate. Burnham would definitely excel at that.
Jackie Robinson Day is not DEI, it is to celebrate a trail blazer who was a man of steel and had integrity.
Old friend Matt Moore released by Red Sox; good guy-hope he finds a home soon as there is probably Moore lefty in his arm.
Last year, the Astros pummeled the Angels, scoring 80 runs (better than 10% of their season total) in 13 games. Their scoring is down this year so hopefully Angels’ pitchers can keep it going.
Keep Calm everyone as Master’s Week is upon us. I for one will not be leaving my couch all weekend and have instructed my children that daddy gets the TV!
Baseball will be there for me to check in on and I hope the halos can keep the train rolling.
Keeping myself grounded BUT I have to just say that the performances thus far by the kids have been impressive and if they are the real deal and can continue, this team could be in a great position with Neto coming back and the #2 pick. It’s way to early and we have certainly been disappointed so many times before but these kids look to me like they may be legit.
Yes, it is too early. I will say, I do like the way our offense projects, and in that area at least I think we can be the class of our division. The thing that concerns me is obviously the pitching, both starting and bullpen, but especially starting pitching. Though both Hendricks and Anderson have been surprisingly good thus far I don’t think they both can continue on that course. But if we continue to play well and be competitive past May I would hope we could add some starting pitching somehow.
If they figure out a way to limit the walks, I’m less concerned with the SP right now than the RP. Our guys are quite clearly being taught to pitch to contact and it’s been working for them. FIP isn’t going to like that of course, but FIP in itself doesn’t win games either. The Angels starting rotation has been very solid and has kept us in every single contest of the season until at least the second half of the game.
The bullpen is bad in every way. Full stop. Jansen is the only one I trust right now
Joyce had one bad game (the last outing). Otherwise he has been nails. I don’t know that I would panic about him over that last game. I just hope he is not hurt. Maybe it was just an unnusual case of early season arm fatigue that had his velo down — I guess we will find out. But I think if he is not hurt he will be very dependable.
The problem with the pen is the middle relief. I am not sure we can trust Aqualung or even Burke. Ryan Johnson may be good and I think his numbers are inflated because Wash made a mistake and kept him in too long on Opening Day.
I think some of that could be mitigated by letting Detmers and Anderson go more than 2or 3 outs.
Yah. It’s early times. Wash kinda had to use the complete pen a little cause you can’t have guys sit for five days right after ST…. in the cold. But as everyone knocks the nubs off their tires we’ll likely see some longer pen outings from those two. Johnson likely gets replaced by a guy they don’t want to make a starter soon if he doesn’t just crush it. There are about ten guys getting started in the MiLB right now that they can replace Johnson with when they want him throwing more than one inning.
Gonna need to cram Stephens in there at some point too….
I didn’t mention Detmers, but I do think he could be helpful in the pen. That said, I have a sneaking suspicion that we are going to need him to start when either Hendricks or Tyler Anderson finally implodes.
Likely. But by then minor league arms will be warmed up.
The pen’ll likely be fine. Johnson and Joyce dropped a pretty girthy gas can on it within the first 50IP the pen had. I’m guessing Joyce will be OK if he isn’t hurt. Jansen, Zeferjahn, Burke, Detmers, McDanials, Joyce etc will likely be statistically fine if not the Guardians pen by mid-season.
Suarez isn’t around people. Everything is supposed to be wonderful now. He was THAT BIG a deal.
HOT TAKE! I don’t think this team is going to win 108 games. This will likely mean that some of the guys who are doing well now will likely NOT stay as good as they currently are. THERE WILL BE REGRESSION, ATTRITION and CONSTERNATION. I use big words.
Scientifically speaking it is better to start 8-4 than to start 4-8 though. I concur. With myself.
Well said, this is where I am at…scientifically speaking.
Maybe ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’ ???
For the times they are a-changin’
Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won’t come again
And don’t speak too soon
For the wheel’s still in spin
And there’s no tellin’ who
That it’s namin’
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin’
https://youtu.be/90WD_ats6eE
I heard and see – Paris has gone electric.
It’s possible that MLB might tone down the Jackie Robinson celebrations, but I hope not. In fact, I wish the Angels would do a little more and celebrate Leon Wagner along with him.
I doubt MLB tones down Jackie Robinson Day.
There’s definitely some headwind this year but the players love it and I expect it to still be big.
Daddy Wags!
Why? As far as the fans, Joe Public and even MAGA Guy etc go there’s a huge difference between celebrating Jackie Robinson and what generally gets called DEI… the stuff they’re all seal clapping to get rid of.
Robinson is the ani-DEI, even from their perspective. He was BETTER than the guys he and Doby replaced. It wasn’t “let’s just get some random black guys in here to meet a quota” and performance suffered. The game got way way better. Same with society at large. Racism, when it’s real, actually hurts a society’s performance. Trying to manage outcomes to LOOK a certain way also hurts a society’s performance. Be it modern DEI or having to make the stats look a certain way to make the Council of Commissars feel secure in the way Bolshevism is viewed by the world…. or how fantastic a war in a hot sandy place is going…. But it’s easy to see how what Robinson did was 100% not bullshit.
I think the same folks who are bent about Jackie Robinson day were bent about it in 2015 and will be bent about it in 2035. But I also think it’s the same small pile of people. I’ve pretty much never heard anyone bitch about Robinson. I hear plenty of bitching about DEI programs etc. It’s cause they are two very different things…. unless someone’s trying to cape one thing with the other.
everyone loves jackie aside from the shadowy cartoon racist i conjured up in my imagination.
There probably is some small pile of idiots out there that’s like “The game was better before all this integration crap!” but they are small enough that I never hear it.
Now it’s far more likely to hear that there aren’t enough “real black people” playing baseball and we NEED to fix that. And that’s where bullshit starts. If real black guys are not that interested in baseball, or Norwegian design, or German food I don’t see it as something we need to fix so that white people feel comfortable. If someone wasn’t allowed to play baseball I’d be pissed. But if it turns out suburban white kids and dirt poor brown kids love baseball and black kids like basketball and football more that’s fine with me. I’m also not concerned about the lack of white cornerbacks in the NFL. They’re all supposed to be good at sports and have fun, not build the perfect village.