Welcome back, Angels fans. The unofficial second half of the season started tonight in Philadelphia. For some reason manager Ray Montgomery went with a bullpen game and started Kevin Newman at third base. Pretty blatant moves with a gambling probe going on throughout baseball.
Jorge Soler got the Angels going with an absolute bomb to left center field.
The problem with bullpen games is that you need 6 or more guys to all have good nights and that just doesn’t happen all that often. Tonight Jake Eder had a rough third inning and turned a 1-1 tie into a 4-1 Phillies lead by giving up a 3 run homer to Bryce Harper.
However, in a town known for tough fighters, the Angels kept fighting away. Jo Adell fired back with a 2 run shot in the top of the 4th inning to cut the Philly lead to 3-4.
From Eder to Brock Burke to Sam Bachman, the bullpen held and gave the Angels a chance to come back. Mike Trout had a great at bat and singled in a run in the top of the 5th to tie the game. Then, in the top of the 7th Taylor Ward launched a 2 run shot to give the Angels their first lead of the game.
Detmers then threw a scoreless frame and the Angels looked to be in good shape to win. That view changed to a great chance to win when Logan O’Hoppe hit a one out triple and was poised to score a critical insurance run. He was stranded there by back to back strikeouts by Luis Rengifo and Newman.
Philly fighters are tough and the home squad had plenty of heart in them. Bryce Harper hit his second home run of the night in the bottom of the 8th to cut the lead to 6-5. Jose Fermin was able to settle down after that and set up Kenley Jansen for the save.
It again looked like the Angels would pad the lead, but Trout and Ward struck out to end the top of the 9th and strand Neto at third base. So Jansen entered the game with no margin for error.
After a scare on the first pitch, Kenley did what Kenley does and brought home the win.
I just read two articles with massively misleading headlines. One was about the terrible news on CMo. Click on it and that bad news is Montgomery saying he doesn’t know when CMo will return. Then there was Trout’s important announcement concerning returning to the outfield. Click on that one to find out he says “soon”.
I might have to find the people who write these headlines and rip out their Wi-Fi
I find the most click-harvesty sites in the Halosphere are now Halo Hangout and Sports Illustrated. The former just has uniformly bad takes, and the latter seems to be written by underpaid college interns and leads with headlines that bear little relation to the content itself (which is thin and links to myriad other thin articles).
Feels like we stole a victory yesterday – on the road against a playoff-bound team, while using a reliever to start the game, and being down 1-0, then 4-1.
Yay!!!
For today:
Walker has faced the Angels 9 times, with 5-3 record, 5.06 ERA and 51Ks
For the season, he’s 3-5, 3.55 ERA
Kikuchi has faced the Phillies once (as a Blue Jay, 2023), going 6 innings, 1 ER, 7 Ks, with no-decision
For the season, he’s 4-6, 3.11 ERA
Although odds are against us winning today, we were even heavier underdogs yesterday.
Com’ on Angels, let’s get another win.
Adell and Ward on pace for 30+ HRs. I wish we had an up and coming OF who could replace Ward. That would make a trade more palatable
What will the Angels do at the trade deadline?
MLB.com says
Angels: Too early to tell
It’s still too early to say what the Angels will do, as the next two weeks will be critical for them. If they play well, they could look to add an outfielder or relief help, but if they fall off, they could move veterans such as impending free agents Kenley Jansen, Tyler Anderson, Kyle Hendricks, Yoán Moncada, Luis Rengifo and possibly even Taylor Ward, who is under team control for one more year.
Captain Obvious is filling out a job application as we speak.
Is Philly burning?
I dunno if it’s already mentioned below but DID ANYONE SEE THE THROW ACUNA JR MADE TONIGHT? I never thought I’d see with my own face a throw better than Cespedes made against us like 10 years ago…. this was clearly better. Look it up.
That was unbelievable.
wasn’t it? I’m way to young to have seen Clemente but….. that has to be close
Clemente, The Cobra (HOF, RIP), Barfield…cannons
Also Dwight Evans.
Partial to the toss made by Bo Jackson nailing Harold Reynolds at the plate
Taylor Ward made a throw that one time……..
It was a very strong throw but the runner Ward-ed it. He didn’t expect a throw, wasn’t running as hard as he should have, didn’t slide. He should have been safe. It’s hard for me to say it was one of the greatest throws since the out was partially due to bad baserunning
The throw was amazing.
That he wasn’t rushing, much like the Cespedes play (with the bumbling fielding) perhaps contributed to neither the runner nor the 3B coach taking the possibility seriously. Sure, he could have hustled or slid and been safe – but that hardly diminished Acuna’s accomplishment there. Impressive.
If the runner did his job and was safe, do we even see this play as great? Idk.
Very good point Eric. The other thing was that the Cespedes throw cut down a runner at homeplate — it directly stopped a run from scoring. The Acuna throw did not do that…
The Cespedes throw was all the way to homeplate IN THE AIR with no hops. No windup, etc… and it stopped the go ahead run from scoring in a tie game.
The other throw that is underrated is the Mays throw from the series off his famous catch… It didn’t go as far but he was essentially falling backwards when he did that…
Tatis had a nice throw to 3b last night too.
Plus great job by the third baseman to deke the runner into complacency with a last minute catch and tag . Pure theater
I was behind 3rd base line watching it live. The best throw I’ve ever seen.
There’s just something about this throw
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Auv-72jJXdc
Stoopid Dino Ebel should have known better.
I’m a huge Trout fan. But what was going on with a guy on third in the ninth and a 3-1 count? The play there up one run is to put the bat on the ball and do something to get the run home. He takes a strike down the middle. Then a strike on the outside part of the plate. Both without a swing. Did I miss the memo on how to get a run home from third? Where does play for a walk figure in that scenario?
for what it’s worth, since returning Trout is hitting .283. His OPS of .839 is 12th in the American League. He spent the day flip-flopping between 11th and 12th with Bobby Witt Jr. and ended the day .005 behind Witt. I have no complaints with his 2025.
Yeah. He’s coming together fine. Made the DH adjustment well.
Itching to get back out to RF, trying to extend himself
I would be happy if he just stayed at DH this season. of course there wouldn’t be any consistent spot for Soler though.
Way too passive of an at bat in that situation.
He’s human.
I remember the superhuman and I miss that.
Despite being a huge fan, I took it as Trout being more concerned with his personal stats than doing what was necessary to get the run from third home. I really didn’t like what I saw. Anyway, I hope I don’t see it again.
I didn’t see it like that. I sometimes wonder if Mike ever changes his approach per the situation. Of course, if he swings at that strike down the middle and grounds out we’ll complain about that too.
I think you totally misread that situation. Trout is NOT a “me first” kind of guy. That is not who he is at all. Never has been.
What most likely happened is that he guessed wrong on pitch type and that is why he didn’t swing that time. A guy who was thinking “stats” or trying for HR would be swinging out of his shoes. Mike didn’t do that.
Really, it seems he guessed wrong. This is usually what happens when we see a player take a pitch that seems hittable.
Now, you can argue about whether or not he should have been guessing there or just trying for contact, but that is another question, a strategic question really…
Thanks. I don’t think he should have been guessing there but looking for contact. Swing at anything close and get the run home. That’s the job in the situation.
Sounds easy but weak contact in the infield sometimes doesn’t get the job done. The fly ball is achieved much easier if you are on the pitch thanks to guessing right.
It’s not an easy game.
Perry’s Pitching Lab 🧪- 7/18:
George Klassen (AA)
5.2 innings
0 ER
1 hit
3 walks
7 strikeouts
Chris Cortez (A+)
5 innings
0 ER
1 hit
1 walk
6 strikeouts
Dylan Jordan (ACL)
6 innings
1 ER
5 hits
1 walk
6 strikeouts
something to hope for, thanks for this.
If Cortez is a starter.,,,yes, please!
Way too many walks for Cortez this year. If he can cut those down the Angels might have something since his K/9 or good and he doesn’t give up alot of hard contact. But the walks are definitely a problem.
Yup. He will easily last more than 5 innings a start too if he just walks fewer guys.
Damn. Not a bad Friday night for the whitecoats.
Limiting the walks, nice
Great win against a pretty solid team. Had very low expectations being a bullpen game but they did it. They continue to defy expectations. Been a pretty fun season given the past 10 years. Who knows how it ends but to still be within sniffing distance of the playoffs at this point is progress. I’m pretty indifferent as far as trades. All for it if returns are legit but all good standing pat if nothing but shitty offers. One day at a time and let’s win Saturday
They’re winning gritty games like an angel team I haven’t seen in years.
Trade Deadline Update :
Keep Ward
Keep Soler
Keep Jansen
Trade Rengifo
Trade Moncada
I really doubt the Angels trade anyone with 2 years of control (despite by extreme displeasure in keeping Ward) But I think you might be right Frostie. Jansen would require a large return IMO. Hes been fantastic in solidifying the backend of the bullpen both in performance and as an added coach.
See, the thing is, he likely won’t, but if he does, we WANT to get a large return. Hell, if it’s position prospects we just want a return.
Are we all seriously gonna do the “You don’t trade XXXXX when he’s YYYYY and the team is ZZZZZ.” thing again?
Ward is 31. Value will not be higher, he has flaws.. we’d be dumb not to listen. Phillies have interest and looking for a LF power bat. Milk Dave Dombrowski. Let’s not wait until his contract expires (see Tyler Anderson). This is about expanding the base. Bring in younger players..
Soler? Whatever. One trick pony that we are likely stuck with.
Jansen, you were burning him in effigy in April, something spark some interest? We might just get stuck with him, better closers will be out there come deadline. Luis Garcia and Emilio Estevez trades have set us up with potential major leaguers, replicate if we can.
BUT…I predict Perry will wilt and is all-in in this year.
In retrospect it would have been a good idea to hold on to Estevez …..
Why? we weren’t going anywhere last year . And if Klassen keeps pitching like he did tonight we might get a pretty good pitcher out that summer sell off.
https://x.com/AngelsMiLB/status/1946376388732428721
I mean, keeping beyond that season. Sorry if I was not clear on that ….
Why, would he have stayed?
You always talk about the motives players with other teams have than are unknown to us when they make decisions in Free Agency …(like maybe their wife likes living in a certain area)… Why do you conveniently forget that argument when it comes to Angels players ?
You mean when a player comes out and SAYS WITH HIS MOUTH that his wife wanted to live near Philly, or his dream was to play for the Yankees (for 300+ million), or that he wanted to play in Arizona where his family lives? I’m not conveniently forgetting anything. Those weren’t guesses and maybe’s they were statements the players made.
Yeah that happens. With highly desirable players who have lots of options.
So why didn’t Estevez just resign here? Are you conveniently forgetting he could have just come back if he had the Heim in his heart?
And is this the plan, hope that we can overpay old men if they’d just want to stay here for the tacos instead of chasing rings and money while prospects grow in a cabbage patch?
Not to mention this is silly because Jansen still doesn’t actually have much trade value. We have to hope for a desperate FO.
A. Zack Wheeler
B. Gerritt Cole
C. Mad Bum
What prize do I get ?
You get a slice of Frosted Jack cheese. 😀
Yep. Those last golden eight weeks before he signed somewhere else were gonna be so cool and we missed em for gross prospects who didn’t explode all over the majors right away. yucky.
Send his ass to Mars. Space cadet.
We need prospects still. Ward is NOT resigning here if he wants a big contract. Jansen. If he’s THAT good, we should get a lot for him. He will also not be resigning here since he’ll want money after his prove it season was so good. We should also not be paying him. Trade him, either for a haul or some OK kids.
I love how CoachDad both hates Arte and is totally thirsty just like Arte…. but garnished with excuses for being so desperate…. Arte being the excuse.
Why are you so sure that Jansen wants money above all else ? Do you know his wife ? Or are you good friends with his brother’s co-worker ? See, sometimes people make decisions based upon things other than money…
That can be especially true if the player in question like Kenley, has both a) already made alot of money playing his sport and b) won at the highest level
Kenley has done both. There is room for him to make decisions based on other factors …
Actually Jack, yes I know his wife. We go to the same ass tannery. Funny you should ask. She told me that he’s either gonna go for the money if it’s there, or he’s gonna try to sign with a contender or both if possible.
I was like “buh whah abow feelz?” and she said an extra 5M a year on a playoffs contender feels great.
Not to mention, we still need prospects Jack. You can’t just wrap some corn kernels in shit n wishes and they grow out of the ground. If someone out there really wants Jansen we should trade him. You can write him a sternly heartfelt letter about things more magical than winning and money in the off season and maybe he’ll resign here.
Very realistic. Enjoy the Baskin Robins coupons we get back in those trades.
Happy to trade Moncada – he hasn’t contributed much to the team (injuries suck) anyway. We still need a 3B – so shopping for next year in the offseason with the Rendon money?
Hoping Jansen sticks around and stays next year too. We need more time for Joyce/Detmers to be the backend.
I am hoping Drury can at least be passable with the bat. I have no doubt he will be more solid defensively than Moncada. Let’s figure out next year in the off-season…
Right now we simply need somebody who can make the basic plays at 3B instead of costing us games.
Drury being able to play would be useful. If we are in sell mode, Rengifo is fine to man the hot corner. Next year needs an upgrade (which Drury isn’t).
Did you see I said we could figure out next year in the off-season..? There may not be a long term solution to be found at 3b in the trade market right now…
I’m an idiot baseball wise but I’d trade Jansen, Rengifo and Moncada for Suarez of AZ if that is what it would take. Even at his age Suarez is light years ahead of anyone this team has and will have for at least two more years.
Undefeated when zeferjahn starts
😂😂😂
The Numbers Do NOT Lie.
Just watched a Jo interview. When his playing days are done he’ll make a good coach or manager
He sounds like he is pretty intelligent … Good understanding of the game etc…
So happy to see him thriving. Pretty dope that he hit that homer over Marsh. Sub .700 Marsh…remember when people were killing us on that trade?
And guess who got himself a couple of hits including his second career triple tonight?
Marsh 7 war with Phillies, O’Hoppe 3.7
Adell 0.9
Some people are just born mature. He seems to be that guy.
When Jo was drafted, that is exactly what I remember most was how well spoken he was. Put Ethan Holiday to shame in that regard.
I was really hoping that Jordyn Adams would have been right there with Jo. Both Eppler-esque draft picks, athletic and toolsy high schoolers. At least one of two have emerged.
I swear. every few games that goes by and he’s still Super Jo I get really happy. The dude is finally DOING IT! I’ve always really liked him and his talent and I had really hoped he’d be an OK player. But DAYMNN he’s been good.
LTBU!
They eat cheesesteaks
We eat Wins
Always nice to hand Philly fans a loss
Was at Soak City with the kids! Kept checking the score. What a great post ASG comeback! This team has more heart than the past three years.
https://youtu.be/EErSKhC0CZs?si=o4HochyvxUSGaOls
Banner day, relatively speaking, for the org. Perry got all of his picks signed. The boys came out of the break with a monster win to establish the tone that they want the ‘offs.
LTBU !!! .500 will be ours once again tomorrow
So dope. Great win.
I knew that people overreacted with Perry.
Hes the Skinny on Talon
https://x.com/jimcallisMLB/status/1946385517425181022
Certainly a name we can sink our claws into.
I really thought Vandy was in his crosshairs, I’m pleased
I’m surprised he signed for less than 7 figures. But good that he got signed!
I listened to the real Taylor Blake Ward talk about a conference call they had with Scouting director Tim Mcllvane right after the draft and he indicated that the Angels could not talk about specifics but had general agreements with all of their draftees before the draft.
Nt sure when they talked to Bremner about money though since he didn’t know until the last minute the Angels were interested.
Sooooo…. no plan at all. I had been wondering, they were really just locking all these guys down without a hassle in the world. Next thing you know we’ll find out that scouts and pitching coaches all had a say and a plan for all these guys…. so stupid.
I’m actually kind of into the draft class now that we locked in all the HS pitching talent. At the very least it will be fun to see how they develop.
Perry definitely had more of a plan than we had thought.
Perry is not perfect, but he ain’t stupid and incompetent lol. He’s been executing his post-Ohtani vision darn well the last few years.
— done well in aggregate with his 1st round selections (Bachman, Neto, Schanuel, Moore)
— shrewd FA signings (Estevez, Anderson, Kikuchi, Jansen, D’Arnaud, Hendricks)
— winning trades (Marsh, Estevez, Garcia)
— gotten Arte to invest in minor league development
— revived our international presence
— avoided adding any crippling FA signings
— sent Rendone home to be with his family
— Wash hire established a culture. Shit, Perry has rebuilt the culture
What are the big strikes against him?
— drafting past the 1st round is poor
— not trading Shohei, which we know Arte wasn’t allowing to happen
— going “all in” in 2023. What did he give up in that deadline btw? Quero: .269/.339/.687 in MLB, Crow: career MiLBer, Marceaux: 14+ ERA in minors, Bush: TJS out for the year, Albright: 7+ ERA in minors, Madden: on 60 day IL.
Maybe the 2025 draft class is a major bust. Imma give PTP benefit of the doubt.
One other, sorry…two good things you left out.
1. Told Albert to hit the road
2. Told Upton to hit the road.
Yeah, we really need those 3-8 round draft crop to start banging on the door. Still might come but position player wise, we’re hurting.
Better FA choices…He hit on Kuchi and Hendricks this year, Jansen was just cheap smart buy.
I absolutely loved those moves. Took balls but it was the right decision.
Admitting mistakes (even if they aren’t yours) and moving on is a good trait.
What’s actually the most impressive thing? The Arte wrangling. Drop old men who “draw”. Don’t sign anyone splashy. Buy me a pitching lab. Let me do wild crazy drafts. Let me hire Washington….
Other than the “Ohtani School of Unicorn Pleasuring” bullshit he was stuck with earlier he’s pretty much reined old Cheapnevil in. No one could do that before.
This is an excellent breakdown. I agree with what you have here.
Under positives, you could probably add that he’s found some pretty decent garbage heap bullpen pieces the last couple years.
On the flip side, most of his free agent misses have been bullpen pieces – Tepera, Loup, Stephenson
And there’s the infamous all pitcher draft too
I was going strictly off memory and had Loup+Tepera completely blocked out. Why would you do that to me ?!?!! Also genuinely forgot about Stephenson 😂.
The all-pitchers draft is an objective L. Probably his biggest mistake, but at least it will live in great infamy!
Trust me. its been so bad that even Stephenson has forgotten about Stephenson
And theres the multi year deals Perry did for Fletcher and Stassi. Both big busts
I didn’t mind the Stassi deal. He had shown a lot of promise and it wasn’t overly expensive.
Fletcher we probably should have seen coming though.
He has ideas. I like that. Are they good? I really don’t know yet.
15 more wins to equal last year’s total. We’ll have 65 chances
Wow
That is amazing to think about.