LA Angels Thursday News Crash: One Away

10 hours ago

“I think it starts with creating a scouting and player development monster” says Paul Toboni. WHO? Paul Toboni is the newly hired GM for the National, 35, previously Asst. GM with the Red Sox.

I think he looked at the blueprint to success of Arturo’s and saw the wisdom in going in the opposite direction. Toboni added that coaching is another ingredient for success.

Another rookie GM, what do they know? Well, more than Arturo and Minasian that’s for sure. 🤓

Legend

11 hours ago

One reason to root for the Dodgers in game 6 is that it extends 2025 baseball season for another game, so there is that. Another is that if the Dodgers win one more the hate comments will be even much more a fun read filled with angry calls for a Jays win in 7. Go Dodgers! 😂

Member

12 hours ago

I just noticed something kind of interesting. I’ve been thinking recently about power and its correlation to success on the field.

If you look at the top 5 teams in the Majors in regard to total homeruns, four of the top five went to the playoffs. If you look at the top 10 in HR’s in the majors, I believe eight of ten went to the playoffs. Quite a significant data point in my opinion.

Power equals success. Unless you’re the Angels.

The Angels were 4th in the Majors in total HR’s but sucked and missed the playoffs. We were also 27th in the majors in team WAR, just slightly better than the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago White Sox.

I don’t know what my point was. I’m just happy I’m going to Austin pretty soon to see my favorite band. Much BBQ will be eaten.

Super Member

Roy Hobbs

12 hours ago

Reply to RexTookMyStash

The power needs to be combined with quality pitching and solid defense as well as some other hitting and walks, all things we did not do. Our pitching and defense were really bad. We need to start acquiring players who are already solid and quit trying to make projects out of ones who are not. We may have at least one of those in Nelson Rada.

Editor

Super Member

Charles Sutton

12 hours ago

Reply to Roy Hobbs

I’m bracing myself for another budget conscious off season. I am trying to figure out which washed up outfielder we will get this year.

Last edited 12 hours ago by Charles Sutton

Super Member

Roy Hobbs

12 hours ago

Reply to Charles Sutton

The most frustrating thing for me is that instead of doing things to make themselves better for the long term, everything is mostly about being a little better right now, and therefore they start over every year or two. And for this year they’re stuck with Soler so Trout will have to LF or RF.

Trusted Member

Phil

17 minutes ago

Reply to Charles Sutton

Michael Conforto
DJ LaMahieu
Nick Castellanos

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FungoAle

12 hours ago

Reply to RexTookMyStash

Pertaining to playoffs…I think if one would crosscheck the leaders in Team OBP (taking out power for a second) against the Home Runs team leaders, one would also see roughly the same teams that made the playoffs except the Angels would sink quickly. Halos are a station-to-station team today and it has been this way through this decade and back through the JeDi, Eppler and Minasian window. Exception was 2009 and Covid year.

OBP leaders – LA, NYY, NYM, Philies, Jays. I think OBP is a good metric, translates to runners op the base paths and more chances to put up runs.

Cool on the Austin trip. Have fun.

Member

11 hours ago

Reply to FungoAle

Great points. I missed a scary point here. While leading in HRs, Angels are 28th in the Majors in OBP, good enough for 2nd to last. Also 25th in wOBA.

Consequently, we also lead the Majors in K%, at 27.1%. Most of those must have been solo HR’s because we were 25th in the Majors in runs scored.

Trusted Member

Phil

18 minutes ago

Reply to RexTookMyStash

Problem is:
— Angels hit lots of solo HRs.
With man on 3rd and less than 2 outs, they had difficulty making contact, much less hitting it out of the park

— starters nibble on 0-2 counts, resulting in higher pitch counts and inability to get out of 5th inning

Most importantly, TALENT IS LACKING.

Trusted Member

Marcotor

14 hours ago

Surely the Dodgers could replace Yamamoto with “A couple a 6-4 pirchers” if need be.

Editor

Super Member

Turk's Teeth

16 hours ago

Wanted a seven game series. Think we’ve got one brewing.

High contact Jays demonstrating how the game is moving on from 3TO. Some killer pitching from Yesavage doesn’t hurt.

Legend

FungoAle

14 hours ago

Reply to Turk's Teeth

Perfectly fine with 6. Yamamoto has offered to clean up the Jays club house after the championship festivities.

Legend

Senator_John_Blutarsky

14 hours ago

Reply to Turk's Teeth

Retrospectively, Yesavage was a steal at #20 in 2024.

Drafted: 20th overall by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1st round of the 2024 MLB Draft.

Pre-draft projection: Ranked as the No. 11 prospect in the draft class by Baseball America and was considered one of the three best college pitchers available.

Draft night analysis: Many analysts viewed his selection at No. 20 as excellent value, with some believing he could have fit comfortably in the top 10 picks.

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Jeff Joiner

12 hours ago

Reply to Senator_John_Blutarsky

Kid was a stud in college and would’ve been a nice addition here.

It is early but so far him, Kurtz, and to a degree Cam Smith have been really good pickups.

Member

12 hours ago

Reply to Jeff Joiner

Didn’t you used to work at the OC Register?

Author

Legend

Jeff Joiner

12 hours ago

Reply to RexTookMyStash

That’s Jeff Fletcher, who I do interview from time to time.

Member

12 hours ago

Reply to Jeff Joiner

Awesome! So who owns this site? I’ve been thinking about becoming a Patreon member. But at the same time, I’m having a hard time trying to figure out a way to get excited about Angels baseball because I’d like to start writing again.

Writing about awful teams can be as interesting as writing about teams with a .750 winning percentage. Writing about .500 teams is about as boring to me as cold oatmeal.

Last edited 12 hours ago by RexTookMyStash

Editor

Super Member

Charles Sutton

11 hours ago

Reply to RexTookMyStash

We are getting ready to run the “If I Were Perry Minasian” series. Crazy ideas for the off season are most welcome. We already know what the reality is going to look like.

Jessica DeLine set up and admins this alternative to the old HH. She kind of took over when we lost Josh M. at the old site. Then the powers that be promptly fired all of the HH writers so we migrated.

Last edited 10 hours ago by Charles Sutton

Legend

FungoAle

12 hours ago

Reply to Jeff Joiner

Kurtz has done it for 3/4 of a season, lets see how Trey responds to a full year.

Love. Nick. Kurtz.

Author

Legend

Jeff Joiner

12 hours ago

Reply to FungoAle

Cam Smith was my draft crush in that draft. I’d so desperately love to have a power hitting third baseman.

I started looking at some of the other picks and was surprised Seaver King struggled as much as he did this year.

JJ Wetherholt at 7 to St. Louis could ultimately be the steal of this draft. Kid crushed it in the minors this year.

Legend

FungoAle

12 hours ago

Reply to Jeff Joiner

I think JJ is going to hit in this league. With those initials, greatness comes along 🙂

Super Member

Roy Hobbs

11 hours ago

Reply to Jeff Joiner

He went right before our pick. I believe we would have taken him.

Editor

Super Member

Turk's Teeth

10 hours ago

Reply to Roy Hobbs

I wonder. There was a fair amount of pre-draft chatter that the Angels were high on Wetherholt, but post-draft it seemed the club wanted Moore all along. The strong Tennessee connections, and the connection to Washington going back to his high school years.

I get this sense that they would have grabbed Moore regardless, even though Wetherholt would have been the play. I don’t have access to that alternative timeline though, so we’ll never know. 😉

Editor

Super Member

Turk's Teeth

10 hours ago

Reply to Jeff Joiner

Seaver has been having a nice fall in the AFL though: .354/.456/.583

I think he’s going to have a much stronger sophomore season. I was high on him in ’24 – had him a notch above Moore.

When Wetherholt came off the board at #7, I really thought there was a solid case to made for any of Yesavage, Smith or Montgomery. All three looked like fast movers with stable, projectable profiles at positions of need for the Angels. It makes sense that Montgomery will be the last to make his MLB debut, given that nasty leg fracture he recovered from. But I think he debuts by mid-season.

Legend

FungoAle

12 hours ago

Reply to Senator_John_Blutarsky

I had no problem with skipping a pitcher given the shortcomings in positional talent but Perry did pass on Cam and Konnor Griffin. Moore was a head scratcher for most draft night analysts.

Last edited 12 hours ago by FungoAle

Super Member

Roy Hobbs

12 hours ago

Reply to FungoAle

Exactly.

Super Member

RexFregosi

12 hours ago

Reply to FungoAle

i remember way back in ‘25 when the fan base wanted an IF, and we drafted a dadgum pitcher!

Yesavage, Moore, Kurtz, Griffin, Cam….all good starts but IIRC our Ryan Johnson beat them all to The Show.

thats not saying he is the best, that is saying it’s not how you start your career is what matters, its the career in its entirety.

it’s a good draft class? Maybe someone will come out of it that even better than the ones who have appeared so far.

im happy with the 2024 class as it stands now.

Legend

FungoAle

11 hours ago

Reply to RexFregosi

If not for the 2024 high school pitchers Perry drafted, I’d feel queasy. Moore will need to produce. Less confident with Cortez. But if the Halos can hit on one of the TGA and Dylan Jordan combo, that would work well. So far, both appear to have some MLB talent.

I’m a fan of drafting HS players who have yet to grow into their frame and might be flying under the radar as a result. I’ll be hyper-focused on Slawinksi this year.

Member

11 hours ago

Reply to RexFregosi

What’s Peter Bourjos up to? Let’s reanimate him. He can be rebuilt!

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steelgolf

12 hours ago

Reply to Senator_John_Blutarsky

Yeah, but The Angels got Christian Moore because ………. 2nd base?

Editor

Super Member

Turk's Teeth

11 hours ago

Reply to Senator_John_Blutarsky

I thought Yesavage fell too far, myself.

If you go back to my draft analysis for 2024, you’ll see Yesavage was the top remaining player on my board when the Angels selected. Yesavage, Smith, Montgomery, King and Moore were my remaining top five, in that order. Not to peacock, but I think that was a pretty solid stack ranking.

Only King has struggled somewhat, and his performance in the AFL suggests he’ll improve in his second go at pro ball in ’26.

Trusted Member

Marcotor

1 hour ago

Reply to Senator_John_Blutarsky

Does this mean someone soon will be posting a headshot of Yesavage and some he-man emojis showing his hindsight expertise 💪 💪 💪 💪 BYE!

Legend

WallyChuckChili

15 minutes ago

Reply to Marcotor

I believe he is still recovering from Seattle getting ousted.

Legend

17 hours ago

DAAAYYYYMM. The Nationals are going an interesting rout with their manager hire. Padres fans are getting all expectant about having PooHoles manage so their boys can learn to ground out sharply to 3B. Derek Shelton is gonna get a chance to show Bob Nutting that he was the problem, not him, far sooner than I expect6ed.

I am still totally C grade fine with our hiring Suzuki. The off season starts in two days. Trade everything.

Legend

17 hours ago

Guys. I’m not sure you are REALLY opening your eyes to the vein collapsing greatness we are seeing unfold before our sad little optical goo bags every time Shohei Ohtani inhales and then exhales.

He is THE FIRST EVER Japanese born player to lose a pitching match up to a Gaucho from Orange County AND THEN ground out to a rookie pitcher and get totally owned the next game! Incredible. Just incredible. What can’t he do?

And I hear he did all this while wearing totally new, completely untested pairs of socks both nights! What a survivor. Is there no obstacle these Doyers and their totally deferred demi-god of the game can’t overcome?

Last edited 17 hours ago by gitchogritchoffmypettis

Trusted Member

grichmanpoorman

17 hours ago

Reply to gitchogritchoffmypettis

(snicker)

Super Member

RexFregosi

16 hours ago

Reply to gitchogritchoffmypettis

For sure – i want a bobblehead of him and his dog

Super Member

Angelz4ever

17 hours ago

Ode to the Blew Crew:

You spent two Billion,
and deferred so much,
You have set an unreachable standard,
and now you need a crutch,

You spent so much,
you built a super team
Now your fans cry,
bicker, whine and scream

Though Blue hopes are still alive,
with two straight wins a possibility,
Here’s hoping that the Jays will win it in six,
against all probability.

Legend

17 hours ago

Reply to Angelz4ever

I think someone should probably highlight the sheer amount of domestic abuse and general vandalism that will take place Friday night in Los Angeles if the Jays beat the Doyers. If they have even a shred of human decency they will lose. If they win they are clearly fascists.

Super Member

Angelz4ever

16 hours ago

Reply to gitchogritchoffmypettis

It won’t surprise many, it will be a “Peaceful demonstration of frustration” that will cost millions to repair. Too bad the Jays couldn’t have sewn it up in Game 5 in LA. That would’ve been wicked awesome!

Trusted Member

CAoldskoll

16 hours ago

Reply to Angelz4ever

Was praying Tuesday for Jays to win, just so all the cocky and arrogant fans wouldn’t be able to celebrate a championship at the Latrine.

Legend

15 hours ago

Reply to CAoldskoll

“WE won!”

Trusted Member

Mikeal1st

13 hours ago

Reply to gitchogritchoffmypettis

Nazi’s…. don’t forget Nazi’s… or is that the MFY’s.

Super Member

Jim Atkins

14 hours ago

Reply to Angelz4ever

You do realize, no matter what, Blue will win the series. I’m rooting for North Blue, myself.

Legend

Senator_John_Blutarsky

14 hours ago

Reply to Angelz4ever

When the Angels haven’t been to the playoffs since 2014, writing cute limericks about a team that has an 84-73 record in the postseason since 2000 is all there is for Angel fans to celebrate…….

Legend

Fansince1971

14 hours ago

Reply to Angelz4ever

Dodgers suck
Despite the money
When the Jays win
It will be funny!

Author

Legend

Jeff Joiner

12 hours ago

Reply to Fansince1971

I think this series is very much up for grabs. No way I’d count on a Toronto win.

Right now you have to bet on Yamamoto every time he takes the hill. I know he’s human but this postseason he hasn’t pitched like it.

That gets us to a game 7 and anything is possible.

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Fansince1971

11 hours ago

Reply to Jeff Joiner

Agreed. Series could shift on a dime

Super Member

Roy Hobbs

11 hours ago

Reply to Jeff Joiner

Just for the drama, I would like to see a 7th game.

Super Member

RexFregosi

18 hours ago

Dodger Song for Thursday
https://youtu.be/CD-E-LDc384?si=sHcpTdcXmfQr4eAD

Legend

FungoAle

17 hours ago

Reply to RexFregosi

Hush, little baby, don’t say a word

Legend

19 hours ago

The Dodgers have come down with the “Fever of Angels”, definition of which is simple, not able to get hits while striking out a lot with a touch of mental error in the field. Fever of Angels can last for years and maybe worse in a foreign country.

The Blue Birds have the pitching for sure; Vlad Jr. is a true star like his dad.

Super Member

Angelz4ever

18 hours ago

Reply to GrandpaBaseball

“Fever of Angels” is terminal for some orgs.

Super Member

Roy Hobbs

18 hours ago

Reply to Angelz4ever

Like the Halos

Legend

17 hours ago

Reply to GrandpaBaseball

Wouldn’t it just be Angels Fever?

Legend

Fansince1971

19 hours ago

The Blue Jays have shown incredible resilience after losing that 18 inning game. One would think the momentum would have completely switched to the Dodgers- particularly with two more at home and with Springer and others injured. It showed amazing strength to win those next two games. Jays deserve the trophy.

Last edited 19 hours ago by Fansince1971

Super Member

Jim Atkins

18 hours ago

Reply to Fansince1971

Heard a talking head on Fox last night mention that Toronto being quite a bit younger than LA, that marathon the other night took less of a toll on the Blue Jays. Made a lot of sense.

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FungoAle

17 hours ago

Reply to Fansince1971

No different that any other team, you have to show up and play the next game. Is there another choice? Can’t stand those Fox postgame questions. Bichette said as much last night.

Legend

17 hours ago

Reply to FungoAle

Nothing like listening to Big Papi and Derek goop themselves up talking about the Doyers to make me love the game even more.

I still dream of a Reds/Indians WS where they will have to basically just talk about themselves since they will only know about two players on each team….

Trusted Member

toad2065

15 hours ago

Reply to gitchogritchoffmypettis

I’d like to speak to someone at Fox. Preferably someone responsible for hiring “on-air talent” for the Sports Dept. My first question would be, “do you people hate your viewers?” After inflicting us with the Three Stooges for years now, you had to add Arrogant Tom Brady to your toxic mix! I watch a lot of sports programming and know that there is no shortage of competent play-by-play or color commentators. So why do you insist on hiring irritating idiots?

While I have your attention, couldn’t you cheap bastards have splurged on some functioning microphones for Verducci and Rosenthal? You know, in case one of them had something interesting to contribute!

You are welcome. Hope you find this helpful.

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FungoAle

12 hours ago

Reply to toad2065

I’m tracking to all you said and feel the same. I might get stoned by this statement but I thought Pete Rose was pretty good on Fox.

Not a fan of the play-by-play broadcaster calling the word series when he is already employed by one of the teams involved.

Member

12 hours ago

Reply to FungoAle

Rex Hudler would definitely get stoned by certain statements.

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FungoAle

11 hours ago

Reply to RexTookMyStash

The Hudman! Yeah, he was polarizing, a Roger Lodge twin.

Super Member

Roy Hobbs

11 hours ago

Reply to FungoAle

Honestly, Terry, Mark, and Tim Salmon would be light years better than these guys.

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red floyd

14 hours ago

Reply to gitchogritchoffmypettis

That’s why I was pulling for a CLE/MIL series.

Trusted Member

HaloLew

19 hours ago

All those strikeouts the Dodgers had last night triggered PTSD from our season.

Super Member

Angelz4ever

20 hours ago

Here’s hoping for the Jays yo win game 6 tomorrow.

Legend

19 hours ago

Reply to Angelz4ever

Say it won’t happen Shotime.

Super Member

Angelz4ever

18 hours ago

Reply to GrandpaBaseball

Who?

Super Member

HalosFanForLife

21 hours ago

Good chance it’s going 7. Another great series. Man I love this game.

Legend

19 hours ago

Reply to HalosFanForLife

I can only hope so. 👃 Yamamoto vs Gausman is going to be a good one. Go Dodgers.

Super Member

Angelz4ever

18 hours ago

Reply to HalosFanForLife

Let’s just hope for it to be done in six.

Author

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Jeff Joiner

18 hours ago

Reply to HalosFanForLife

Agreed. As stated above, Yamamoto is just a beast and he’s on a roll right now.

The only way I think Toronto beats him is if they get some early traffic and Roberts pulls him too soon.

Super Member

RexFregosi

18 hours ago

Reply to Jeff Joiner

Gausman is really really good too but no way would I pick against Yamamoto and it’s not close.

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FungoAle

17 hours ago

Reply to Jeff Joiner

Jays let him wiggle out of early inning challenges last time out. Need to capitalize. Nobody is unbeatable.

Super Member

PedroCerrano

17 hours ago

Reply to Jeff Joiner

Series clinching games seem to have their own narrative. The only certainty in my mind is that some will shine, while others fade when the lights are this bright. Toronto/All of Canada will be losing their minds and that energy will be tough for the Dodgers to silence.

Super Member

RexFregosi

18 hours ago

Reply to HalosFanForLife

Its 7 games

we all know Y

Super Member

RexFregosi

18 hours ago

Reply to RexFregosi

And the entire world want to see #17 start Game 7.

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red floyd

14 hours ago

Reply to RexFregosi

Alex Johnson or Darrin Erstad will start game 7?

Super Member

Roy Hobbs

12 hours ago

Reply to red floyd

I loved Alex Johnson. Some people though just can’t help themselves. My favorite memory was one time when he was unhappy about a pitch call. He proceeded to get a line drive base hit on the very next pitch and after running to first base continued to voice his displeasure with the call, leading to his ejection.

Member