I was able to go for a walk down the pier and catch the tail end of sunset the other night. The days are getting ever so slightly longer each day as the calendar turns to February. January is the last month without baseball so we will soon be able to discuss things that actually happen on the field.
This week I spoke with Jeff Fletcher about all the things happening off the field and a few things happening on them.
One of the things we talked about was the Angels center field conundrum. I took a look at the current options. Warning, none are idea.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any center fielders on the free agent market. Not that Arte is spending money anyway. But there are some bargain bin players I’d like to add as camp nears.
The Angels need so many players every year because the minor leagues don’t produce many. This week MLB Pipeline released their Top 100 and it only had one Angel. That report is another indictment of the Angels farm system.
I may not be a very wise man but I know one when I see one. Turk’s Teeth brought up a great idea and I explored how the Angels could use a 2027 lockout to their advantage.
Meanwhile, Perry did something fun this week. I’m not sure how it will turn out, but I love having a good story to cover.
Mancini is a great guy with an incredible story. I’m happy it will continue as an Angel have played phone tag with his agent to set up an interview.
It has been awhile since I found a great longform reading piece. Here’s one on Mancini that I can’t recommend enough. I know I read it years ago but I’m not sure if I linked it.
Conversely, the Angels did something that on the surface looks very Angels. I’m hoping somebody can figure out a reason for this but with all of his money guaranteed there appears to be no need to keep Rendon on the roster.
The best guess I’ve seen is it has something to do with insurance. Perhaps the Angels need to keep him on the roster then move him to the IL so their insurance can continue to cover his rehab.
From around baseball, the FanGraphs 2026 projections are in.
Skubal vs. the Tigers is a fascinating arbitration case. Here’s what it means to both sides and future cases.
I’ve found a new to me site that I will reference quite a bit. It looks like a 90s video game but the information is sick. Welcome to Prospect Savant and the fabulous rabbit holes it presents.
The Olympics are coming to LA in 2028 and MLB may allow professional players to compete. It would be a nice gesture after a likely lockout in 2027. If the big boys can play, Dave Roberts wants to manage Team USA.
First there is the World Baseball Classic in 2026. I absolutely love this tournament and Team USA is stacked.
Enjoy your weekend and link what I missed. I get to enjoy my family and a good fight card before we have a string of busy weekends. It will be a perfect weekend for a couple games of catch with my son. Fatherhood really is an repeated streak of having the best day of your life over and over again.
