Welcome back, World Baseball Classic. Unlike in the regular season, our team has a chance to win this one. I caught the Team USA at Giants beatdown in Scottsdale on Tuesday with my dad. It was incredible.
Yes, another great Spring Training trip is in the books. This time we were joined by my sister, her son, and two other nephews. We had a blast and will cherish these family memories for as long as we live.
Guess who got a full media credential through the Angels? Yes, that would be me. I watched the Angels vs. Royals game from the air conditioned press box and chatted with Rhett Bollinger while my family suffered in the sun. Here’s my view of the game.
I just happened to sit behind the ABS guys. You can see them at the bottom of the picture. I was pretty mesmerized about how that system works and wrote a piece about it On SI.
Spring training is the best. So far it looks like the Angels have a decent handle on who will make the Opening Day roster but there are still some questions. I also looked at who will be on the Opening Day pitching staff.
News broke earlier this week that the Angels have not offered shortstop Zach Neto a long term contract. How much might an extension cost the Angels? Not as much as if they wait longer.
The highlight of me week was watching Team USA against the Giants. That roster is stacked. No Angels are on Team USA but there are several sprinkled throughout the tournament. Here’s how to watch the Angels players in the WBC.
One Angels prospect is already having a good start to the Classic.
Any idea who will seize the second base job this year? That decision could really shape the early part of the Angels season.
Did you guys follow my interview with Joel Hurtado? It was in Spanish so I transcribed it and broke it into segments.
Part one on his outing against the Giants.
Part two on the Angels finding him and his transition to the USA.
Part three on his rise through the minor leagues.
Part four on the upper minor leagues and his prep for the Major Leagues. Part four has video of the full interview but including the translator. This one is an easier read than watch. Then again, considering my mug, aren’t they all?
Hurtado is on the squad for the team’s Spring Breakout game. So is Chris Cortez, who I also interviewed recently.
Here is the full list:
From around baseball:
Jurickson Profar was trying really hard to live up to his contract and got a 162 game suspension. This could be good for the Braves.
Nice Guy Hall of Famer Andrew McCutchen signed with the Texas Rangers.
And, lastly, the Classic.
I will be glued to every game possible. Don’t call, text if you need me. Here is the full schedule.
How much do I love the Classic? I tried to talk Pops into flying over Phoenix and heading to Houston in lieu of our annual Spring Training trip. I think tried to do two days in Houston followed by two in Phoenix. We settled with planning our trip around the Team USA vs. Giants game when I was able to buy the tickets presale.
