LA Angels Monday News Crash: Lucchesi DFA – Crashing the Pearly Gates

Super Member

BannedInLA

15 days ago

I disagree with the decision to have Adell play in any other position apart from RF.

I’d staple Adell to RF and never move him again. Let Teo roam CF whilst Trout is out.

Soler can DH and Lowe can continue to play RF. Hopefully Lowe “finds it” and soon.

Bench Moncada and let Peraza man the position for now.

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Eric_in_Portland

15 days ago

As expected, Trout sitting tonight

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Member

jefftulsa

15 days ago

Bruh. Moncada at DH? Bench his ass. Moving Adell to left? Cmon Suzuki

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Super Member

LanaBanana

15 days ago

Reply to jefftulsa

The fans in RF are not going to be happy!

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Trusted Member

milehigh

15 days ago

Reply to LanaBanana

Neither will the fans in left.

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Super Member

TrojanBoiler

15 days ago

Reply to jefftulsa

Rough. Looks like he was trying to load the lineup with right handed bats though.

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Super Member

ryanfea

15 days ago

Guess it’s a bad illness, Ryan Johnson to IL. Mitch Ferris called up for some length in the pen. Klassen looks like he’ll get a 2nd chance. https://x.com/laangelspr/status/2041266879847960652?s=46

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Turk's Teeth

15 days ago

Farm notes:

Dylan Jordan made this week’s Baseball America Top 20 Hottest Prospects report for his excellent opening-day start for the Quakes.
Tyler Bremner had a very strong three inning outing in his pro debut for the High-A Dust Devils. Six of nine outs were on strikeouts, five swinging, nine whiffs overall.
Raudi Rodriguez is struggling at AA – hitless in his first 13 plate appearances with six strikeouts. It’s a challenging jump from A+ to AA – the pitching is just much better.
Hayden Alvarez was also pressing a bit in his first series with the Quakes at leadoff. He managed two singles across the series, but showed less plate discipline than the end of last season in my first looks.

Both A-ball clubs exited the weekend undefeated. I’m not sure we can draw too much from the run returns on either club – the bats we’d expect to be hot were not, and we saw contributions from more bit players – but early pitching looks from Jordan, TGA, Bremner and Vargas were promising.

Salt Lake looks rough – Rada, Moore and Guzman pretty quiet out of the gates, and pitching has been generally clobbered. Pretty much all of the bats in the system have struggled in the early going, but “early” is the key word.

If there’s any pop-up guy that could merit a follow, it’s 10th rounder 2B Nick Rodriguez, who has a hitterish utility look to him, and followed up a decent fall debut last year with a strong weekend in the three-spot with the Pandas. Not a ton of power there, but quality contact and plate discipline from a lefty bat in the Adam Kennedy mold.

Last edited 15 days ago by Turk's Teeth

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Trusted Member

Hatcher_Is_My_Homeboy

15 days ago

This team feels like it is a few parts of way from being consistently mediocre. One of the big blunders that could have raised this ceiling was not signing Okamoto. While the concerns about his high k% have materialized and he’s currently striking out at an 43% clip.. Okamoto is otherwise looking like a steal with his WRC+ at 118 and likely to rise as he gains comfort at the plate.

At 4 years and $60 million that’s really good value for the Jays while we still have a black hole at 3rd base for the millionth year in a row. We were rumored to be his preferred choice. His production and not to mention the magic of having a Japanese Super Star back in the park was yet another huge misstep by Arte and crew.

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Super Member

TrojanBoiler

15 days ago

— This is not a judgement of the trade thus far —

But has anyone looked at how Ward is doing in Baltimore? He is crushing it. Glad to see he’s having a good season.

.343 average with 4 doubles and surprisingly no home runs, but his OPS+ is 160

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Trusted Member

toad2065

15 days ago

Reply to TrojanBoiler

Good for Taylor! Hope he has a great season and cashes in next winter.

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Super Member

BannedInLA

15 days ago

Reply to toad2065

Completely concur. Good dude by all accounts.

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Super Member

HalosFanForLife

15 days ago

So loved the win yesterday – but wow did that HBP on Trout stir up some recent emotions. 2 weeks ago my son, a junior in HS, got HBP – upper 80’s on the hand – they first thought bone contusion, but it broke. High school season over. He had been on fire. In fact, for a few weeks he was leading the country on Maxpreps in RBI’s – and was really heating up. .435/.516/.761. I saw Trout – and was like -“NO – not again.” Glad to hear Trout is day to day.

Mine did get some good news too – getting out of cast a week earlier. He was selected for the Rangers Area Code Games tryout in Texas in mid June – so he’ll have time to recover. Ironically, first games he’s ever missed since Tee-ball because of injury or illness. I had to tell him – it’s not a matter of if, it’s when. He tried to stay – in ran the bases. Went to short at the next inning and couldn’t throw.

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Super Member

LanaBanana

15 days ago

Reply to HalosFanForLife

So sorry to hear about your son but glad that he will get out of his cast early.

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MarineLayer

15 days ago

One last thing. I know I often come across as a hater when I see our crappy team and post accordingly. However, it is done out of love for the team I have been rooting for since I was a little kid in 1961. I will always love this team more than I loathe Arturo and his incompetent minions and can’t wait for the day he is gone. I hope I outlive that.

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MarineLayer

15 days ago

Watching Torii in the dugout in our uniform makes me wish he was our manager. I don’t think it’s an accident we had that amazing win yesterday.

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Trusted Member

toad2065

15 days ago

Reply to MarineLayer

Far too soon to be writing off Suzuki…there is a learning curve for new managers. I do hope he learned a lesson yesterday. Frazier had a good game with the bat, but he is no outfielder. In replacing Lowe with Teodosio in left field for no apparent reason, Kurt left himself with no option other than Frazier when Trout left the game, and it almost cost us the game.

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MarineLayer

15 days ago

Reply to toad2065

I’m not writing him off, I just like Torii more.

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Super Member

Roy Hobbs

15 days ago

Reply to MarineLayer

Perhaps Tori is more effective in a teaching/mentoring role. The managing job is really more administrative.

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Super Member

2pints

15 days ago

Reply to MarineLayer

IMO if Torii is serious about wanting to manage a team, he should put in some time working as part of a coaching staff first.

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Super Member

ryanfea

15 days ago

Reply to 2pints

Torii was on the Halo Territory podcast the other day and he explicitly said he wouldn’t go on the road full time unless he was a manager.

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Super Member

2pints

15 days ago

Reply to ryanfea

Right. He’s unwilling to put in any time and just wants a top job handed to him, otherwise its not worth his time. I love Torii, but his ego can be ridiculous.

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JackFrost

15 days ago

Reply to 2pints

Okay, so what time did Suzuki put in ?

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Super Member

2pints

15 days ago

Reply to JackFrost

Lets compare qualifications, shall we?

Suzuki:

ML catcher for 16 years, vast experience handling a pitching staff.
Retired 4 years ago
Worked in Halos FO with Perry prior to getting hired
Took a 1 year prove-it deal, leaving ego at the door so he can get a chance to show what he’s worth

Torii:

CF/OF for 19 years, had little to do with a major league team’s pitching staff
Retired 11 years ago (7 years further away from the game than Kurt)
Refuses to work with a team because its only worth his time if he can be immediately in charge
Has a nice smile

I know which one I’d choose. Feel free to provide your reasoning on why Torii would be a good manager.

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JackFrost

15 days ago

Reply to 2pints

Thanks for writing alot of stuff that is of little consequence. It is my understanding that BOTH Torii and Kurt Suzuki had zero prior managing experience at any level. So they are identical in that regard. They also BOTH worked as “Special Assistant’s to the GM” which is Perry. Again, both equal. Neither has “put in the time” as an assistant coach or field manager. If we are to be fair the guy who got the job is no more qualified as a coach than Hunter.

And while Kurt does have the experience of having played catcher at the MLB level there are many successful managers who did not play catcher. Some of those are Casey Stengel, Walter Alston, John McGraw, Billy Martin, Sparky Anderson, Cito Gaston, Tony LaRussa, Terry Francona and Lou Pinella. There are alot of World Series trophies represented there.

SO, we can see that it is not necessary to have played catcher to be successful in the role of field manager.

To be clear, I have nothing against Suzuki, I actually like him. I just don’t like the way you unfairly went after Torii when the facts really don’t justify your critique.

Last edited 15 days ago by JackFrost

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Super Member

2pints

15 days ago

Reply to JackFrost

Thanks for writing a lot of stuff that is of little consequence. You could’ve just said you love Torii’s smile and you have a huge mancrush on him and left it at that.

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JackFrost

15 days ago

Reply to 2pints

Yeah, I do like Hunter. And so what? I would not describe it as a “mancrush,” but for what it is worth I do think he would do a good job.

What is it about him that you don’t like? I mean assuming we can agree that ALL Major League players either current or former have an ego… And some regular people too !

Last edited 15 days ago by JackFrost

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Super Member

2pints

15 days ago

Reply to JackFrost

My personal opinion is that a former player should first either be a coach on a ML team, or a manager at a level below the majors (minors, college), prior to getting the job as a manager. Out of all positions though, I think catcher would be the one where I’d have a bit of grace on that position. So if choosing between Kurt and Torii as first-time managers, and having no clue what each did in their assistant roles for Perry or how their interviews went, I’d prob lean towards Kurt. I also think Torii has a huge ego, and don’t think that’s a great quality for a ML manager to have given their role in the game.

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Super Member

LanaBanana

15 days ago

Reply to 2pints

I liked your post and yes, Torii’s smile could light up a dark cave.

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FungoAle

15 days ago

Reply to ryanfea

I heard that interview and maybe just me but came across as a guy who was enjoying being around the team having fun being allowed to float as a Minasian disciple

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Super Member

Roy Hobbs

15 days ago

Reply to MarineLayer

Me too.

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FungoAle

15 days ago

Reply to MarineLayer

I sure don’t. Installing a fan favorite in that role with no experience just feels sloppy and meant to appease the masses. Results matter. Kurt deserves a year. If we had to reach back into the lores of Angel history, grab Erstad.

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JackFrost

15 days ago

Reply to FungoAle

It is more than him just being a “fan favorite.” Torii was the de facto leader in the clubhouse for most of his time there. As such I think it is fair to say that he has leadership qualities.

And while one can’t mathematically measures those, I for one think he has them. If for any reason Suzuki leaves or is let go I would love for Torii to get a shot.

Last edited 15 days ago by JackFrost

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JackFrost

15 days ago

Reply to FungoAle

BTW, despite what some posters here have joked I think Erstad would make a great manager. And he certainly can’t be attacked for not having “put in the time.”

Of former players my first choice of guys who presumably might want and take the job it would be

1) Erstad
2) Hunter

Also, IF Don Baylor was interested I would put him on that list so,

3) Baylor

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WallyChuckChili

15 days ago

Reply to JackFrost

Baylor could really put Angels in the Outfield.

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FungoAle

15 days ago

Reply to JackFrost

Groooove. Love Don Baylor. I do recognize in today’s game, guys get hired with no experience for the managers job. Cora, Boone and Suzuki to name a few. That’s the way it is. In today’s game, most matchups, pinch-hits, and bullpen decisions are mapped out by the front office and support staff long before the first pitch. The modern manager’s real job is to manage people, to maintain culture and keep players pulling in the same direction. Yeah, Torii could likely do that but I’m not sure. The version of Torii I see is a happy go lucky, media friendly personality and folks just love him. Reeks of Mark Derosa. If in the clubhouse, he was a no-nonsense leader and called out folks out of line, I could’ve behind it but I do like Erstad as you do.

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Trusted Member

Marcotor

15 days ago

Reply to MarineLayer

The Angels “insulted” him with their offer to join Washington’s staff. He would have ascended to the Managers chair naturally. Fuck Torii Hunter

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MarineLayer

15 days ago

Thank you to Jo Adell, the fan who captured this image, and the artist who created this rendering for helping us remember the single greatest Angels moment since we won the 2002 World Series. Even if we lose 100 games, I will be remembering 2026 this way and remember being an Angels fan is about the players, not the owner or the front office.

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MarineLayer

15 days ago

Reply to MarineLayer

Click on it to see it larger. I want a wall-sized signed by Jo version of it on my memorabilia wall.

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Trusted Member

Marcotor

15 days ago

Reply to MarineLayer

Gloria mundi sic transit

How soon they forget.

Last edited 15 days ago by Marcotor

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Super Member

2pints

15 days ago

Reply to Marcotor

A week after this catch happened the Halos did a giveaway of this pic on a poster. My buddy worked in the FO and said they had Trout sign 10 of them, and he gave me one. It’s still rolled up in a poster roll, one day I’ll frame it.

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Pineapple12

15 days ago

Gonna be busy the next few days with work, giving you all a reprieve from me 😂. Great win yesterday grabbing the series! I loved every second being back at the Big A.

Zooming out a bit from the day-to-day paralysis by analysis, this team will be a fun follow. Tough stretch upcoming, especially with Trout dinged up. Can we activate Rendone for the next Seattle series and have him jump out of the dugout ready to swing? Seriously, we need to throw hands and protect Trout, it’s getting ridiculous how often they hit him.

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Pineapple12

15 days ago

Reply to Pineapple12

Few other quick notes
— Peraza and Frazier were smart pickups
— CMo has started at 3rd in AAA the last several games 👀
— Bachman’s stuff is eye popping. That 101 on the corner yesterday 🥶
— pleasantly surprised with the pitching. Wya offense ?

Last edited 15 days ago by Pineapple12

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MarineLayer

15 days ago

Reply to Pineapple12

I basically agree but did you see that noodle-armed throw by Frazier in extras to allow that Seattle player to take third with one out.

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Senator_John_Blutarsky

15 days ago

Reply to Pineapple12

I agree regarding Frazier.

I’m waiting for Peraza to turn into Kyren. 😀

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Member

Awungsauce

15 days ago

Reply to Senator_John_Blutarsky

At least Peraza has defensive upside. Potentially elite defensive player that can cover 3 infield positions plus 1B in a pinch.

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FungoAle

15 days ago

Reply to Pineapple12

Could use a Don Baylor type about right now

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Senator_John_Blutarsky

15 days ago

Reply to Pineapple12

I was thinking the same thing about Trout being hit by Seattle pitchers. Based on the data available online, Seattle pitchers have hit Trout a total of 13 times during his career. I couldn’t find any data about how many times Trout was knocked down by Seattle pitchers, but I suspect it’s got to be double-digits as well.

Trout’s game is to crowd the plate, and that makes him prone to getting “bruised”. However, taking a pitch in the thigh or backside is not the same as getting hit in the hand, wrist, or head…and Woo did throw heat near Trout’s head.

I was very pleased that Detmers returned the favor to Julio (?) later in the game. We need more of the team to start taking it personally when Trout is thrown at.

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JackFrost

15 days ago

Reply to Senator_John_Blutarsky

Hey Bluto…. I missed the game on Friday night. Did Detmers actually hit Julio with a pitch (I hope !) or did he just brush him back off the plate ?

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Senator_John_Blutarsky

15 days ago

Reply to JackFrost

I believe it was a fastball at chin level, but he did not hit him.

I agree with you – a HBP would have sent a stronger message, but any type of retaliatory action by an Angel pitcher was a welcome sign.

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Angels2020Champs

15 days ago

Reply to JackFrost

https://www.instagram.com/p/DWsabmxFhFY/?img_index=2

At the knees, behind him

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Senator_John_Blutarsky

15 days ago

Reply to Angels2020Champs

Thanks for the correction. 😀

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JackFrost

15 days ago

Reply to Angels2020Champs

Seeing this clip I am more convinced that it was not enough…He needed to put one in his ribs. Make it hurt.

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Author

Super Member

Charles Sutton

15 days ago

Reply to Senator_John_Blutarsky

I was kind of hoping we could get past that stuff this year I guess not.

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JackFrost

15 days ago

Reply to Charles Sutton

Basically, they will keep doing it until you MAKE them stop. If they know that every time they hit Trout either Raleigh or Julio will get hit they’ll think twice about doing it…. This is part of the tradition of baseball.

It is called “protecting” your players.

Last edited 15 days ago by JackFrost

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Super Member

HalosFanForLife

15 days ago

We don’t have Ohtani, but we have great parking.

https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-gifts-ball-to-fan-who-waited-in-rain

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