Saturday brought a celebratory mood to Anaheim, as the Angels conducted a press conference welcoming their newest second-best player, Anthony Rendon. While the presser included several interesting quotes on the part of Rendon–including his preference for Anaheim over LA due to its family-oriented atmosphere–the most interesting takeaway from the day may have been GM Billy Eppler’s statements indicating that the club remains “actively engaged” in the market for pitching. Jeff Fletcher of the OC Register passes along Eppler’s quotes, which indicate that Rendon’s signing will not preclude the club from going after impact pitching.
“We will continue to look at pitching,” Eppler is quoted as saying in Fletcher’s article. “I’m still actively engaged in that marketplace.” Eppler allowed that the club could have payroll space for two possible pitching acquisitions. Hyun-Jin Ryu, Madison Bumgarner, and Dallas Keuchel represent the high-end remaining options on the open market, and we’ve already heard the club connected to Indians hurler Corey Kluber today–even if a later report characterized the Halos as “out” in the Kluber trade race.
Regarding the trade market on pitching in general, Eppler said that asking prices are a bit too aggressive for LA’s liking at the moment. “The prices are a little rich right now,” Eppler said of the market. “I’m not sure I’m going to engage at the level clubs are asking right now, but I know I can play if I want to.” As for whether the free agent options available will prove too rich as well, we’ve already heard that Bumgarner is seeking to surpass the nine-figure mark with his next contract, although price estimates have been murkier in regard to Ryu and Keuchel. But Ryu’s old team, the Dodgers, don’t seem to be chomping at the bit at this stage to retain the Korean lefty–perhaps the chance to draw away both Rendon and Ryu from their rivals to the north would be an added delight for Eppler and Co.
As for the added appeal Rendon represents for Anaheim as a free agent destination, agent Scott Boras opined that the third baseman “absolutely” makes the Angels a more desirable club for pitchers–a statement noteworthy in that Boras represents both Keuchel and Ryu. “I think the Angels, in the pitching community, are viewed as a team that is very different than the team that entered the offseason,” Boras said. “No question.” As it stands now, the club projects to enter 2020 with Andrew Heaney, Griffin Canning, Patrick Sandoval, Jaime Barria, Shohei Ohtani, and the recently acquired Dylan Bundy as starting pitching options.
M
Pop Muzik
God. Even Pop Muzik doesn’t suck as much as the Angels do at signing players.
You are not a stand up guy, you really have issues.
They need to make 2-3 other significant acquisitions this offseason for the Rendon signing to make sense. If he was a little younger then it wouldn’t be the case.
Phillies are a little further along but in a similar situation with their recent big contracts.
Do you follow the Angels? I don’t think people realize how many players they are going to add just by being healthy.
I’d like the Angles to add a Starting pitcher. A BP guy and a Catcher. Maybe they’ll add t starters.
I also bet very few people realize the Angels were four games over 500 in mid July. If people are looking at the Angels as a 90 loss team going into the off=-season, they are very much mistaken.
Agreed, well said
As you are quite knowledgeable on the club, how good do you think the Angels will be if they are able to acquire some additional pitching?
The Angels haven’t signed anyone quite yet because I think there is something bigger brewing.
I think the Angels are working a deal to resolve all their issues.
Maybe a deal with the Red Sox such as the salary dump Boston did in 2012 when they sent Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford to the Dodgers. I wonder if there is something in the works like a David Price and/or Mookie Betts.
I’m not too thrilled about any of the guys connected to the Angels.
MadBum is seriously injury prone and on the backside of his career.
Kluber would be nice but also someone who’s had arm problems the past couple years. I think we’ve dealt with enough of that (Heaney, Skaggs (RIP), GRich, etc.)
Ryu would be nice and maybe Keuchel.
Wouldn’t it be ironic if the Angels signed both at the same time as both are represented by BorASS?
Canning should take a nice step forward.
Bundy and Heaney both have work to do, but have mid rotation appeal.
A halthy Ohtani needs to be their ace in any case, but adding Kuechel etc gives them a favorable rotation overall.
Basically they have a ton of upside, and a ton of downside. No expert in the world could predict the health of Shohei and Andrew, nor the adjustments of Bundy in a non rebuild environment.
Angels are always healthy in the offseason, won’t be long till the chips start falling. People are delusional for thinking their offense is so good. Upton, Simmons, Ohtani, fletcher will all regress. Ohtanis swing is a train wreck, way to many swing and misses.
Paul. I don’t know. I don’t know how they are going to pitch. I just wouldn’t dismiss their pitchers as junk.
If pitching goes wrong again, they are a 500 team. Pretty much like they were in 2017 and 2018.
But the Angels staff is talented. Tell me how the A’s are going to pitch? The A’s staff is talented as well, with very similar question marks.
Otani #1 pitching prospect in baseball Canning rated higher than Puk.. Heaney made it to 25th prospect in baseball.. He hasn’t lost his stuff, he just can’t stay healthy. Bundy is a 5th starter, who unlike Heaney, has lost his stuff. But he still has very effective “out” pitches. Then they’ll add someone who you’ll want more than Fiers.
I also think people will overlook Callaway who is arguably the best pitching coach in baseball.
upton cant regress from what he did last year.
everyone counted fletcher out after 2018. hes here to stay
simmons I do agree. but wont be a train wreck. still elite D
ohtani isn’t a train wreck, he does have a hole or 2 like everyone else, but I dont see him regressing unless the pitching on top of dh hurts him
And if you think a team that lost 92 games in a top heavy league is a couple pieces away than you are mistaken.
Stop with the injury BS, the Spankees had more injuries to actually good players and won 103 games.
Its called having depth in every area, the angels have zero.
I hate to break intro you. But – Ohtani is. It an ace, and will not be. He will be a consistent #3.
Nothing ironic about it, Alanis.
Boras also represents Rendon, and I think you know how that worked out. There are no issues between the Angels and Boras.
The Yankees had a lot of injuries. And why are you comparing them to the Yankees, where Tanaka threw 180 innings. Happ threw 160 innings and Paxton and German threw almost 300 innings.
But take those four guys out of the rotation, and then take away 75 million in payroll, and then you can compare them to the Yankees.
Well played.
Angels.suck. Moreno runs the team worse than Disney. DISNEY for Christ’s sake. To many Pujols, Hamilton, Matthews contracts. Moreno told Boras he wanted Rendon over Cole and Strasburg BEFORE they signed. How stupid is that for a team that has no starting pitching? Sorry Angels fans. Your team sucks and is destined to suck as long as Moreno is the owner. So basically forever. The Angels suck for forever. For-ev-er.
When you’re in the room listening to all the GM’s and agents that you later tell us what they said, do they take a break from talking so that you can make a comment on MLBTR from your phone?
Standup – Wow. First, were you involved in the conversation between Moreno and Boras to know what was discussed? If not, how do you know “Moreno told Boras he wanted Rendon over Cole and Strasburg BEFORE they signed.”?
Second, the Angels currently have Trout the best player in baseball, Rendon the best 3B on the market and tops in baseball, Simmons the best SS in baseball, all star LaStella, Upton (good or bad depending on opinion), Adell the #5 prospect coming up early in 2020, HOF Pujols who batted in almost 200 RBIs in the last 2 seasons, Fletcher who had a great rookie season, ROY Ohtani back to both skills, etc. We need 2 good starters and a catcher. So, what do the Angels need to do for you to concede that they have a competitive team on the field?
Stand up guy is a troll. Maybe he has such a low level life this makes him feel better about himself.
72-90
Well padnastikador, if that is your understanding of this team, then you are clueless regarding this team.
So much wrong here. Simmons is far from the best SS in babseball. Pupils is awful, no one cares about RBIs, LaStella cannot be trusted to repeat that performance and it was still just 1.5 WAR, Ohtani is unproven until he can safely pitch at least 100 innings, etc.
There are massive question marks all over the roster and they cannot be expected to be anywhere close to Houston as constructed
Angels have had all of that for years now and gotten the same result. So unless you think Rendon alone will make that much of a difference the Angels can forget about even a wild card in 2020.
have you even seen Simmons play lame oh? he is super good yo
Feel free to pick and choose different records at different points in the season to judge your team.
1 playoff appearance in 10 years, even though you have the best player in baseball.
Starters ERA dead last in baseball last season.
You’re right though, they are excellent. One of the best teams in baseball. Super competitive!
Ha Ha Ha!
Shield – Simmons has been touted by many as the best SS in baseball, but I agree it’s up for debate as most things are. I can’t imagine you believe no one cares about RBIs. Runs are all that matter. Score as many as you can while keeping your opponent from scoring = baseball 101. LaStella can’t be trusted is your opinion and not supported by his all star performance from last season. Ohtani is proven, not only in his ROY season, but in Japan.
So aside from disagreeing about these points, where are the “massive question marks all over the roster” you mention?
PS – Houston is a very different team going into 2020.
Career high 108 OPS+ and an 80 OPS+ Last year. Great defender, best in baseball absolutely not. Lindor, Correa, and even Gregorious have better numbers the last 4 years.
As far as RBIs go, anyone smart enough to understand analytics knows it’s an awful stat. It’s too predicated on the performance of a players teammates and position in the batting order. It says little to nothing about individual performance
La Stella had a decent year, 1.6 bWAR, but that over doubled his career WAR in 5 previous seasons with a juiced ball.
So padnastikador, what team do you support out of curiosity?
Yep. If all five of the starting pitchers get hurt, then they’ll score as much as they allow, like they did the previous two years. Last year all five starters went down AND they lost key members of the team.
So if you are predicting this team will lose all five starters, then yes,
The Rangers, and they suck, but at least I can admit it. Unlike pathetic Angels fans who lie to themselves. Can’t win without pitching. Everybody knows that.
Again Shield, all up for debate and we can agree to disagree. My opinion is the Angels have moved in the right direction to compete in 2020 with a number of acquisitions still to come. The need is pitching and a catcher. With Houston being a different team in 2020, I believe the Angels, with expected rotation improvements, will be as competitive as the Astros and the As. There are no “massive question marks” as you stated.
I respect your opinion as an obvious fan of the team but I just laid out plenty of concerns. Simmons was bad last year, many pieces are unproven (Ohtani, La Stella, etc) pitching market is thinning and Pujols is a drag on the roster. I hope they do best the Astros, as I assume most people do. I just have concerns as I think anyone reasonably should.
I’m a Yankee fan and I’d express the same concerns with Urshela, Sanchez, Stanton and others
While I agree with all that you said regarding what the Angels currently have going for them, it has been widely reported today that Arte pulled Boras aside during their meetings with Cole and told him that he wanted Rendon. It was clear from the beginning, and other reports corroborate this, that Cole wanted to sign with the Yankees because he wanted to win a World Series, even though there’s no more a guarantee of that in today’s game. Cole fell for the Yankees’ sales pitch and had stars in his eyes while Rendon went to a place where he could settle in as a highly productive supporting player behind the best player in the game.
Yeah pad, the Rangers need some moves, but they don’t seem to be willing to spend the cash to improve. They had a good team not too long ago.
So, please tell this pathetic Angels fan what you believe the Angels can do to improve the team for you to concede they have a chance at being competitive?
Stop it! You guys aren’t catching Houston. Oakland either.
The Yankees were good, and now better with Cole. But, man, that’s a long contract for a pitcher.
@Ryan W
It’s always a crapshoot but saying Cole had as good a chance in LA is laughable. You have to make the playoffs to have a shot and Mike Trouts 3 games total in the playoffs says the Yankees are the better bet to win the chip
Krol – I haven’t seen those reports but as an Angels fan, I’m fine with how it turned out. I am so glad the Angels didn’t tie up that much money on Cole for that long.
You actually don’t seem like a bad guy. I don’t put you in that pathetic category. You just want your team to win. I get that.
Get Bumgarner. He knows how to win. He’ll help whichever team signs him immensely.
Add another starter or 2 on top of Bum. Maybe trades like Bundy. I’ve always been a Bundy fan. He just seems like he’ll put it together eventually.
Stay away from Ryu & Keuchel. I’m not real high on either of them in the AL next year. Both could easily be regrettable signings.
I’m envious of Trout and Moreno. Moreno may have made some bad deals in the past, but at least he’s willing to spend money.
Rendon alone makes this a 78-84 team.
Pad – Pitching is the need as the experts have been saying for the Angels. Bumgarner would be a good start. I do like Ryu when healthy but not sure about Keuchel. I believe the Angels will have one of the top infields in baseball in 2020, which will help the rotation win games.
Angels will be better. I’m hoping Texas will be better. Astros should take a step back. A’s still look good. I’m just not sure anybody is catching Oakland and Houston. I could see Oakland jumping Houston for the division though.
Why the hyperbole? When people resort to hyperbole, they prove they don’t know what they are talking about. I never said they were excellent. If you think this is a bad team, a 90 loss team, then the only thing you know about this team is their record. Which means you know nothing about them.
You brought up this decade, 12 teams make the playoffs and they have the 12th best record of the decade. Even with those 90 losses.
You say the stink, I said they don’t. I’m right, you’re wrong.
Keep lying to yourself Mac.
Angels still won’t make the playoffs next year.
Moreno said at the press conftence he told Boras he wanted Rendon. The AD at Rice called Arte and told him about Rendon, what a special player he was and Arte has followed his career ever since.
Pitching
If you’re going by BBRef WAR it’s 1.5, if you’re going by FG it’s 2.0; either way, that’s you neglecting to mention that that came in 80 games. Even if Ohtani struggles to pitch 100 innings, the value he accrues with his bag is undeniable (and Maddon might be more open to using him in interesting configurations). The bullpen is passable, the rotation would look better with an Ace at the top (but most of the pitchers in-house are young and showed promise), and as long as they have a decent defensive C there’s have passage production behind the dish. The main question marks you’re pointing to are the COF (in reality, Ohtani COULD play in one on off days if they’re willing to stretch the safety margins) and that TOR spot. Im not even an Angels fan and can see that they have one of the better defensive alignments and one of the better contact hitting lineups anchored by two Top 5 players in the league. They’re going to make some noise with or without Cole or Strasburg.
Simmons is the best SS in baseball? Ok.
Mac: with all due respect the Angels haven’t had a winning record in 4 years. That stinks. To win the AL West it’s likely going to take 100 wins. At least 95 wins. So to think that the Angels can win 25 more games than the did last year is pretty absurd.
You’re right they had an crazy amount of injuries last year, coupled with the tragic death of Skaggs. But 2018 they had a losing record. And 2017 they had a losing record. And 2016 they had a losing record. A couple great players, but also a ton of holes on the team. Just being realistic that the Angels have a ways to go. They need pitching, pitching, and more pitching.
I’m jealous of their signing of Rendon, but that was a massive outlay of cash that could have been much better spent on their biggest need – pitching.
Unless MLB burns down the entire Astros organization, the Angels are a 3rd place team as currently constructed. Maybe a free agent pitcher signing will get them to a winning record, but that’s about the best case scenario this team has. Mid 80’s in wins would be something to get excited about. Unfortunately that will still be 15 or so less wins than they need for the season to matter.
Yeah, because as good as that offense is and it is really good, it will still be very difficult for them to make it to the postseason because their pitching staff is atrocious.
not if Pujos plays 1st, he has zero range 1 steep and fall down. Below league average in all areas even hitting.
I disagree. Signing a true Ace until 38 is beyond fine.
If Cole was signed til 40 itd be different, but these dudes are still easily racking in 18 mil at 38-39
RyAn – not sure I agree with your logic. Most great players don’t want to be #2. To say that a player fell for a sales pitch is a stretch too. He joined a team that has 204 wins in 2 years of regular play with arguably the best offense and bull pen in the game. That is a selling point if any.
@Steven St Croix I believe we, the Angels, can catch Oakland if the team can stay healthy. However, that is a big “if” since it has not been our forte. I don’t expect the Angels to hit as many HRs or score as many runs as the Astros since we play in different type stadiums. The biggest difference right now is the Astros rotation is much better so I don’t believe they can be caught. McCullers is a good pitcher but he is not Gerrit Cole. Cole had a career year last season and he wasn’t even the best pitcher on his team. Strikeout pitchers like Cole and Verlander are hard to replace in hitter favored fields like the Astros play in. You also have to factor in that the Astros are branded as cheaters now. Teams are going to have a little more incentive to beat them now. No one likes a cheater.
I keep hearing the Angels linked to every halfway decent arm, but we have yet to get one. Unfortunately, this has been an ongoing struggle for us.
@HaloHonk4Life I am not surprised. Moreno always has preferred every day players over pitchers. I don’t believe the Angels have ever paid a pitcher $20 million per year I know they offered Cole more than that. There has only been a couple of time they have, but none have signed.
Don’t forget Vernon Wells. But I disagree- the point is Moreno tries. So many fans would love to have their team be top 10 in payroll every year. And re: Pujols and Hamilton, you’re missing the context. That was during a time they couldn’t get offense and he opened the vault. Moreno is a great owner.
I think alot of hatred is directed at Arte and Angels because they have Trout. And they got Ohtani
awww shutttttt upppppp ya moxiedoodle
angels sucked before Randon and will suck with him.
i like to what know which team some iof you follow. Sounds like a lot of sour grapes here. At least he’s not pocketing the money. Angels haven’t had a really good 3rd baseman since Troy Glaus. Our infield is set as is the OF..
We need C and the starting pitching situation has been beaten to death.
its 12/14. Plenty of time to get help. Whats in your dugout?
Really? Sounds like u have Mike Trout jealousy syndrome
lol. I cant remember but who had the best record in baseball in the 2000s? sorry
Billy Inept-pler….
Kluber, Lindor and cash for Simmons, Adell, Sandoval, Jones
Adell is a no go.
Marsh instead of Adell. Who says no?
Anyone with a functioning brain?
I say no because Arte Moreno is too stupid to pull a trade that “complicated” off. Moreno is a 1+1=2 guy. Money plus money equals hitters on the free agent market. Once you start subtraction prospects or even discussing pitchers it all just gets too complicated for him.
Nicely done.
Adell would have to go in any trade for Lindor
LOL
Excuse me…..
After the Angels acquire Lindor, are they going to use Andrelton Simmons starting or out of the bullpen?
The package included Simmons dude
how about marsh instead of adell
Some prehistoric penguins were over 6′ tall. That’s at least 3″ taller than the Ron Cey penguin.
Stop.
Hahahaha….are you nuts?
You renewed your membership at “Pot O Green” dispensaries I see
@dgid I wouldn’t do that from the Angels perspective. I believe Lindor is a bit over rated. I believe he is a good all star caliber player, but not a mega superstar that everyone believes he is. I don’t what Kluber is any longer.
Griffin Canning has big upside. I really like his potential.
Yes. I really hope he gets in there and does well
we love him soooo much
i love watching the press conference when the player, media and even the coaching staff and manager is smiling but in reality thinking’ great, instead of 72 wins we’ll have 76.
You don’t know much about the Angels. The Angels were four games above 500 in mid July. To that team they are adding Rendon, Upton, Ohtani, Adell, Canning, Middleton, Bundy, LeStella, Heaney, a catcher and at least one starting pitcher. The only player they are losing is Calhoun.
No one but the clueless considers this team a sub 500 team.
Don’t forget the injuries and one of their best pitchers died.
Who’s to say those players will be healthy again in ‘20, especially the perennial injured guys like Heaney and Bundy ?
That’s true, but no one seems to look at the A’s and suggest Puk and Luzardo will get hurt. The PED user will pitch like he’s not on PEDs. Manea will get hurt or Fiers isn’t very good.
It’s always everything is going to go right for the A’s and everything will go wrong for the Angels.
Heaney, Dallas and Bundy altogether are 3.8 WAR. The Angels really need pitching bad, by all accounts. Rendon was a FA spending splash, but probably an unnecessary one, compared with their pitching staff.
Dallas isn’t gonna be what they desperately need. MadBum and Klubot would be a nice for them, but they desperately need Ohtani as a FT pitcher. And Kluber IF he performs as projected (sub-4 ERA, 3.5 WAR, 4.0 FIP).
Well, if Kuechel and Heaney only pitch half a season, then fine.
Hey man, I’d love to see the Angels go for it because I want to see Trout in the postseason. They’re failing him by not building around him with the necessary guys. Look, Skaggs was a tragedy, Ohtani was an unpredictable injury….. But you’re in for Cole at 300 million and Pivot to Bundy, while spending the cash on Rendon? Rendon is pretty awesome, but they need to get pitching bad bro.
I would have like to have Cole. Instead they Angels signed the best free agent player in years. You can’t always get plan “A”.
It’s better for the Angels signing someone like Rendon, then what they did last year.
True on that
Bundy wasn’t a pivot he’s a 5-6th starter, they run. A 6 man rotation with ohtani. They will still get two starters, and keep the prospects in the middle its until needed
If they do that, not bad, but going from Cole to Bundy and missing a bunch of pitchers in between looks like a pivot from best to below avg. pitcher. My perspective may be incorrect, but If they don’t get some decent pitching, like the two left, Eppler & co. should be embarrassed.
hope your mama knows you troll!
@Vizionaire – Who are you talking to?
@Vizionaire – why bring up troll comments in a conversation that was productive and mature, for once. People expressed their opinions and even said they could be wrong. I thought @macstruts and @ rexhhndler68 did a fine job of opining.
If you reply, you should identify to whom you are speaking, otherwise it looks a bit out of place.
Angels will not get any league average pitchers.
I said in another post they seem to be one step behind in each move. If they don’t get Ryu and MadBum (or something of equal performance) they will be in trouble again.
The Mick… He’s talking about Fred.
Copy.
They been sub .500 for the last four years…
Be careful sir, it seems speaking truthfully will get you attacked on this one. There are some seriously triggered people in this forum. Either way, it’s a valid point you make.
-queue the immature response from the randomly offended fan!
Here’s an overview of the current projected six-man rotation for the Angels
*the entire team was injured last year
**the Angels have the best SS in baseball
***the Angels will sign & trade for multiple aces before the season starts
****Rendons defense will vastly improve all pitchers stats
*****the Angels have the best player in all of baseball
******the Angels had a winning record the first couple months of last season
Asterisks aside, here is where they currently stand with starting pitching:
LHP Andrew Heaney: 95.1 IP, 4.91 ERA, 4.63 FIP, 1.29 WHIP
RHP Dylan Bundy: 161.2 IP, 4.79 ERA, 4.73 FIP, 1.36 WHIP
RHP Griffin Canning: 90.1 IP, 4.58 ERA, 4.37 FIP, 1.22 WHIP
LHP Patrick Sandoval: 39.1 IP, 5.03 ERA, 4.59 FIP, 1.37 WHIP
RHP Jaime Barria: 82.2 IP, 6.42 ERA, 6.23 FIP, 1.44 WHIP
RHP Shohei Ohtani: Injured, did not pitch
Very well laid out, sir. Your perspective is valid. I disagreed in an earlier lost about the SS position. I think he’s likely the best def ss, but not best all around (based on WAR). I would like to see Trout in the postseason, especially since he dedicated his whole career to the Angels and is clearly the best player in MLB, best player of our generation, and definite HOFer.
Good stuff, bro.
Not one pitcher that would start with Astros, “A” or Dodgers
Give the front office a chance. And don’t forget they are adding a lot from Simmons, Upton, LaStella and Ohtani from injuries.
All this hope for Upton who hasn’t played in ages, Ohtani who can’t be counted on for significant innings because he hasn’t proven he’s durable or successful over any significant sample size and La Stella who doubled his career WAR in the year of the juiced ball
Wow, Shield, you bring up some good points with stats – thank you. Most people say unsubstantiated things like, “Simmons is the best SS in baseball” and it’s amazing, because by metrics, he’s lucky to be top 5 in ‘19. I don’t know where these guys are getting their info from but it must come with some good hookah
Upton hasn’t played in Ages?
The previous two season he had 1248 Plate Appearance with a 129 OPS+. Last year Brantly’s OPS+ was 126.
I don’t think you people know a thing about the Angels. Which is fine, but why write like you know you do?
As far as Ohtani, you’re right. And how many Oakland A’s pitchers can be counted on for significant innings? But people completely ignore that.
More stats! This is pretty cool. It’s like a real, adult conversation on the forum for once. But I think he was referring to the fact that Upton only played 6 games in ‘18 and 63 in ‘19, i think. Plus Upton has been below avg.
From more than one season. What part is so hard to comprehend? He was the best defensive ss year in and year out for several years. He was playing through injury last year and should bounce back nicely.
upton played 145 games in ’18. he was hurt last season and as soon as it ended he had a surgery to get better.
Hey man, he may be the best defensive SS, with that I can see your position. He’s not the best SS overall, that’s all. Hell, I’d take him on my team, any day, but he’s just not the best. Metrics show that. And last year most certainly not. Easy to comprehend for me. Thanks though, I appreciate you fella.
Vizionaire, you’re right, I was thinking Upton was out for two years, but it was only part of one.
TheMick7, What are you talking about? Upton played 145 games in 2018.. Clearly, you need your daddy to teach you how to read stats.
Crap like this is why steve needs to invest in moderators. You could have easily called out his statistical errors without being childish and hostile
You clearly need daddy to teach you how to be civil and have a conversation
@mrangelfan – Yes which is why I stated I was wrong, if you actually read the post. Quite honestly, jumping into a conversation at the end to point out an error in the middle, which has already been clarified and acknowledged, is not productive conversation. I’m finding there isn’t much, unfortunately. And I’m confused about the overt immaturity; can you explain, or were you just trying to be funny?
Nonetheless, thank you for pointing out the obvious, I said I was wrong for misremembering Upton’s games. Anything else, it was that your strong contribution to the conversation?
@TheMick7, As long as you admitted you don’t know anything and are merely a troll, I think we are good. A lot of people like you try to talk stats when they don’t understand. It is not like you are the only troll on these forums.
@ShieldF123 you and the Mick make points based on stupidity and non-facts. I can call you out for be obvious obnoxious trolls. It is clear that your lack of knowledge ruins forums. You are only here to stir the pot with nonsense. If beta boys like yourself cant handle it leave. All I did was stat facts to the other troll. Mind your business dummy. You cant have conversations with morons like yourself. so,mind your business cry baby.
2019 was a horrific year for The Halos. lighten up buddy.
2020 will be a horrific year for the Angels if they don’t trade for some top pitchers
Funny thing is… some fans on this site are more interested in attacking those conversing truthfully. I agree, many of the ardent defenders of the LA Angels of Anaheim, CA need to lighten up. What most of us are saying is the team needs pitching and has to be prepared for the impending departure of star ss Simmons, among other holes. I’d like to see the Angels do well to see Trout’s postseason performance. Talk you your co-fan, the mentally ill Mr Angel Fan, and let him know it’s just baseball talk.
I said there were 12 playoff teams and the Angels had the 12 best record over the decade. The later was true, the former was obviously not, Everyone makes mistakes.
Even Angel fans dismiss Upton and I have no idea why. Is it because he doesn’t have a 135 OPS+? They are talking about Dave Parker for the Hall of Fame and his lifetime OPS+ is 121.
I’ll put up big money Upton ends up with a higher lifetime WAR than Dave Parker.
Man, why is everyone hating so hard on typos or minor mistakes….. it’s supposed to be a discussion. Macstruts, regardless of whatever mistake about the twelve, you’ve posited your perspective well throughout.
“newest second best player?” wow, as much as Trout is good, that’s a way to put it.
I LOL’d
So there’ll be collusion on the back end market. Clever.
I like the idea of Keuchel getting ground ball after ground ball for Rendon, Simba, Fletcher.
If Ohtani is going to pitch once a week, they need six starters.
I don’t know what the Angels are going to do, they may go six. But every team today needs six or seven starters.
FACT!
This could make starters leary to sign there since most wont want to pitch on a 6 man and a rolling 5 man where Ohtani shifts around could f with their routines as well. I think Ohtani might kill them with pitchers unless he can go every 5 or switch to OF/DH/RP. Pitchers dont like 6 mans if its an ace they want to go every time theyre up they dont want 7 day breaks because Ohtani and an off day or two do to there between start routines.
6 day turns make things messy for attracting SP.
Maddon said Ohtani might hit in some games he pitches. I like that.
Ohtani has 50 innings to his name and none last year. I would assume he’s on a very strict innings limit. Under 100. It’s the Angels though, they might take the Mets approach and throw him to the wolves all year, like the Mets did with Matt Harvey after he missed a year and a half. Who knows at this point though.
Ohtani arguably has better stuff than Cole when healthy. Sitting near 100 mph with a nasty splitter to compliment. He will be fine.
That’s hilarious. Ohtani is better than Cole? Get a grip on reality
@ShieldF123 Why are you here? Only to be a troll and make troll statements? Have you seen both of them pitch or do you even follow the game? Clearly you no nothing about the team. Cole does not have a nastier pitch than Ohtani’s splitter. Ohtani as a rookie had a SO9 of 11.00 which is higher than Cole’s career and especially as a rookie.
So far I’ve counted multiple fans from 8 teams convinced that Bumgarner is a slam dunk to sign with theirs.
Shoulda woulda signed Porcello
No Price talks?
Angels should take will Myers off the Padres hands stick him at 1st and ask the Padres to include mlb ready pitching to take on Myers contract.
Something like Myers and add Yates be (if he agrees to a reasonable extension like Hand) Morejon Quantril Bolanos and Avila.
Add Myers money and they are done signing any more pitchers on MLB deals. Moreno aint breaking the tax line.
hmmmm
I wouldnt mine Meyers at 1B with the Angels. Maybe the AL would be better suited for him.
No, they shouldn’t.. LaStella, Pujols are going to split first base with Ohtani and Puljos splitting DH.
Fletcher full time 2B.
I think fletcher will move around, and cover days off
Did you watch the Press Conference. Moreno singled out Fletcher…. as he should. He’s reminds me of Eck and now he’s going to be wearing 22.
Last year I was not high on Fletcher. But some people are just ball players. Fletcher is a ball player.
bobo!
That would involve benching Pujols, which they won’t.
Talking to me about Benching Pujols? If healthy, Pujols will get about 500 PAs. How is that benching him?
Padres have no ML ready pitchers to trade, in fact, they don’t really have any.
Just trade Adell for Mike Clevinger and get it over with.
They add one via free agency guaranteed. But they need to do more.
Ground ball pitchers. With Simmons and Rendon on the left side of that infield, they should go hard after Dallas Keuchel and…
Yeah. That’s all fine if those ground ball pitchers have had MLB experience/success. Keuchel makes sense. ya
Go hard after Dallas Keuchel and…
fletcher is no pushover either!
Cmon Angels go get David Price for nothing
Gonna need some veteran leadership on that group of kids of a pitching staff
Need to roll the dice on at least two of Ryu, Bum or Keuchel. A good two-way catcher and RF ( unless they feel Adell is ready for opening day). A couple bullpen upgrades perhaps as well. Some better depth for inevitable injuries too. Tall order for all that. 75-80 win team without it.
angels should sign one of ryu, bum and keuchel. then add one of japanese or korean pitcher. leaves room for a catcher.
hot stove is still very hot and the offseason is young, trolls!
Nothing’s changed. Angels still need 2 starters,they are still actively looking and there are still 3-5 free agents and a few trade options we know about and a few we probably don’t know about.
Rendon was a great signing while not the priority that pitching is he makes the offense and defense sooo much better. If you think otherwise you’re delusional.
The Angels will get 2 SP, a catcher and with decent health push for the AL West title. You can toss that 72-90 record out the window!! Last year doesn’t matter …ask the twins that won 100 or the BSox that won a WS a year AFTER crappy seasons.
Losing a player to DEATH is a heavy burden for any team to carry the rest of the season, not to mention the SP games/innings lost to IL.
C Free Agent/Stassi (Castro?)
1B Pujols/LaStella/Thaiss
2B Fletcher
SS Simmons
3B Rendon
LF Upton
CF Trout
RF Goodwin/Adell
DH Ohtani/Pujols
SP1 Free Agent (Keuchel & Ryu don’t cost a pick)
SP2 Trade or Free Agent (Kluber,Price,Gray, ??)
SP3 Ohtani – needs to pitch like 2018 but over 150-180IP. 400-450AB would be great as DH.
SP4 Heaney – needs to stay healthy and give 160-190IP. 3.8-4.5era Needs to live up to the potential.
SP5 Bundy – I see him as Skaggs replacement. Decent innings eater, 4.0-4.5era could thrive with the better defense behind him and offense support.
SP6 Canning – shown he can pitch but was a little overmatched. He’ll improve.
SP7 Sandoval? Suarez?
RP Robles, Buttrey, Bedrosian, Ramirez etc.
Stability at SP will help the RP tons, but they could use a lefty RP.
This year they improve the roster, manager and coaching and put 2019’s 72 wins in the F’ing past.
Haters gonna hate!
Good luck you’re gonna need it.
GoHalos
I share your enthusiasm. Our defense is good and our ballpark will prevent HRs. We should be able to lure some pitchers on those facts alone. If that is not enough we have one of the best pitching coaches in Callaway. If he can replicate his success that he had in Cleveland than that would be amazing. I kind of figured that Cahill and Harvey were not the answer. The Dark Knight was actually the Joker.
Teams will need to pitch to Trout even more now. They can chose to walk him, but Rendon is a doubles machine. If you get a double with Trout on, that is a run. Just having those guys back to back, you know the others are going to see a ton of pitches. Upton is about as consistent as they come….250-270 avg with 25-30 HRs, Last year he was hurt in spring training and was terrible, just need J-up to be J-up. I am excited about Adell, he has all the tools, but is only 20yo. Just having him and Trout in the same outfield for years to come is cause for optimism. I hope we can bring back Maldonado. He not a offensive force, but he has a good arm and calls a good game.
We do still need pitching. I don’t like the prospects of signing Madbum. I am sure he wants to remain in the NL so he can swing the bat. I believe Ryu too will remain in the NL. I believe Keuchel is the best available option to become an Angel in free agency. I do not want Price if we need to pay all of that contract, maybe if we can pay only 10m per year. Also, not sure what Kluber has left after last years performance, but if we can get him on the cheap and reunite him with Callaway, why not?
@MrAngelFan
All good points. If the Angels can keep a healthy rotation we all know they can & will compete. They’ve got roughly $40 million to play with to stay just underneath the tax (correct me if I’m wrong) which would pay for a Ryu level pitcher and they are desperate for a decent catcher. $40 million more than covers that.
My one question about the Angels is how they best utilise Ohtani. I’m not certain a two way player can physically survive in MLB 2020. A six man rotation is a possibility – especially on a 26 man roster. That adds as many questions as it answers though…
I believe they have $33M before they hit the luxury tax. MadBum is probably the best of the 3, but he is looking for 5 years, @ 100M plus. I do believe he wants to hit. The problem with Ryu is that he is always hurt and the fact that the Angels picked up Bundy, shows me they want someone that they know can take the ball every fifth day. It has been been frustrating not knowing who is going to pitch. No one can stay healthy for the Angels that pitches. Keuchel’s WHIP has increased over the past 2 years. None of them are ideal, but i believe Keuchel will be the least costly, around 3year at 40M, which puts in the Angel affordability range.
I believe the Angels will keep with the same routine, not allowing Ohtani to pitch the day before, the day he pitches, or the day after he pitches. This is what he is used to and the same he did in Japan. I saw that Maddon was considering letting him hit on the day he pitches. I am not sure how Ohtani feels about that. I always thought he should hit on the day he starts and never understood why not since NL pitchers do. He is a better hitter than any other pitcher. I am of the mindset that it is not good to go a few games without ABs but Ohtani was proving me wrong and was a fairly consistent hitter in his rookie campaign.
The Angels have already tried the 6 man rotation in his rookie year. The pitchers, Richards, Skaggs, Heaney, were all “fragile handle with care” types, so they were all on board with the idea. It did not go well. We had inconsistent pitchers and a lot of injuries. I think we just need more durable pitchers. With more durable pitchers, they want a routine and they don’t want to wait an extra day between starts..
@ Mr. Angel Fan: since you involved yourself in my conversation by pointing out a mistake that I corrected, I shall reciprocate in your conversation by pointing out exactly how dumb your statement that your ballpark will prevent HRs is.
Off your sucky pitchers it might as well be a little league field jackwagon. Next time read the whole thread before you try to call someone out, numb nuts.
Word of advice, next time try correcting without trying to insult, especially if you’re too lazy to read, because people will respond in kind.
@TheMick7, You dont know anything about baseball, so just keep quiet. You’re the one that claims Upton only played 8 games in 2018. Anyone that knows baseball knows otherwise. Angel stadium is knowing for having a marine layer, which will prevent HRs. I don’t expect you to know that since you don;t know anything. Just keep quiet. It doesn’t matter what you have to say because you already prove you know nothing. Now go away troll.
ML pitchers don’t want to play for angels just like Cole and Strasburger would not even consider the Angrels
@larry48 Cole already said he strongly considered the Angels. You can’t fault the guy for taking the extra money and choosing a team that is more championship ready. Angels used to be known for their good pitching staff and mediocre lineup, but the front office philosophy under Moreno has changed and now it is the opposite. The Angels offered more money to Cole than they did to Rendon, but were still outbid by the Yankees and Dodgers. We will need to wait to see how the deals pan out.
I know people keep saying we don’t have an Ace! But the truth is Ohtani is an Ace. The problem was he was injured when the angels signed him. I’m hoping after all the surgery’s and he’s healthy now Ohtani can show everyone he’s the Ace of the staff. I know these season he’s going to be pitching once a week which is fine. Angels just need Keuchel and ryu and sign a Maldonado. Once that’s done the angels need to go trade for betts. Nothing crazy to give up for betts because he’s going to be a rental. Angels lineup would be so beast!
Pitching on-paper is thin, no question. The trouble is the Angels do need arms and if the trade route costs them Adell, is it worth it? A trade with the Indians for Kluber/Carrasco going to significantly improve the rotation? It might be a better route to call the Mets about Syndergaard/Familia.
Simmons is an absolute stud defender at SS. The defensive numbers/metrics are extremely flawed. It takes a real baseball fan to judge defense. The numbers never do players justice on the defensive side.
The Angels can pick up 18.5 million guaranteed for Kluber, but I don’t see who they can trade. The Angels can’t pick up a guaranteed 50 (approximate) for Price… and they shouldn’t.
About Simmons, advanced fielding metrics work pretty well provided you are not a firstbaseman or Catcher. They are not perfect, but they are good. They also love Simmons.
ML pitchers don’t want to play for angels just like Cole and Strasburger would not even consider the Angrels
So the pitchers don’t want to pitch in a pitchers park, under a great defensive, and great offense with arguably the best pitching coach in baseball.
You’re not very bright.
All the People stating the Angels are a 75-80 win team couldn’t be more wrong. Yes if Simmons, Upton, Trout, Ohtani, La Stella, Heaney, etc all get hurt and miss significant amounts of time they are a 75-80 win team. Imagine having Rendon, Ohtani or Upton hitting behind Trout every game instead of Bour or Pujols for 50-60 games. Those guys stay healthy there is your 15 more wins, add in Rendon and Jo Adell there’s another 5-10. Yes the Angels need another starter and a catcher and probably at the break need to go after another starter but this is a playoff team with a strong core. Defensively and offensively, also with greater length out of the starters the pen is nasty. Robles, Middleton, Buttrey, Bedrosian, Pena are all high velocity guys with great stuff the problem was Middleton was out, and buttrey and Robles were so overused it was ridiculous. I’d go all in on Noah Synagaard, Mets brought in starters so they can have the ability to trade per reports. I love Marsh he’s going to be a top 100 guy this year and an all star In the future, 4-5 tools but he’s the center of the deal with Rengifo or La Stella and Sandoval.
LaStella is a 30yr old utility player, he’s not the center of any trades involving top SP.
yes the Angel’s need pitching . shocking.
but people forget that we are getting Ohtani back, which is like adding a top free agent pitcher. September was a COMPLETE dump , for god sake we ran Suarez out there every 5 days , NO Trout, Upton, Simmons, LaStella, Ohtani. I dont think the Angel’s were win at all cost since August . I do believe right now they stand as a 500 ball club, but with adding a pitcher or maybe 2, boost that up a few wins and maybe, just maybe things click can get them to a wild card. but to say they are a 90 loss team to me is absurd.
Well they are officially out of the Kluber bidding now…haha
Typical Eppler response. Sign a player you really don’t need to compensate for losing one you really did. Then pivot and say what you really need “ Is a little rich “ after you paid for a 3rd baseman you could of spent half the amount on and been just as well off and had $$$ for pitching. Then comes the ole “ we will get better with our injured players coming back”. How many seasons has that worked out for you? I am not sure who is worse in So Cal as GM Eppler or Preller.
The Rangers get Kluber for basically nothing and Eppler says pitching is too expensive??? I think we need to fire Artie Moreno. Let’s face it, Eppler is his puppet.
@Bluemarlin528 Fire the owner? Good luck with that.
The Angels offered more than the Rangers but the Indians took less from the Rangers.
You really think the Indians took less just because they didn’t want to deal with the Yankees?
I am not aware that the Yankees were in on Kluber. The Angels offered them Rengifo and 2 top ten prospects in Sandoval and Deveaux. They instead chose DeShields and Clase. Clase isnt even in the Rangers top 30 prospects. DeShields is also not good, he hit 290 at home and less than 200 on the road. It is a bit of a head scratcher. We are uncertain what Kluber has left, so maybe it will be just an exchange of garbage.
The Angels will be better with Rendon but will clearly not enter the “elite” group of teams . As they celebrate Rendon, 2 of available pitchers have signed elsewhere ; their pitching is their Achilles heel and I don’t see that changing
There really was only one elite team in the American League last year, the Astros. Their lineup and rotation entering the playoffs were far superior to any other team entering. Particularly with the addition of Greinke If they would have had Verlander, Greinke, and Cole the entire year, they would have challenged the Cubs and Mariners for most wins in a season. Even so, they were still pushed to a final game by the Rays in the playoffs and lost to the Nationals in the WS.
There are a lot of people in here who have no clue what they’re talking about. So many people saying that there is no way the Angels go from a 92 loss team to a 90+ win team without adding a lot more players. You can’t just look outside your organization to add 20 wins the following season, a lot of things happen from within as well.
Last season the Angels were devastated by injuries, and not only pitching like in the previous 3. Not to mention someone stated, Fletcher, Simmons, and uptown will all regress which is asinine.
Simmons played less than 3 months of the entire season, and while he’s not the best offensive SS in league he is the best defender. Not to mention the season before he had one of his best offensive season of his career and just having him healthy is a massive upgrade. Not to mention adding Rendon gives them the best defensive left side of the infield in baseball ha da down.
Fletcher is a scraper and will find a way to produce every season when he has enough opportunity’s. People said Eckstien wasn’t for real either and what happened there.
LaStella was having an All Star season and missed the whole second half. Him back is a big boost. Some will say that was a fluke but with Trout hitting behind him as protection he will excel again.
Upton missed all but 2 months of the season and had a horrible year. How on earth can he regress ??? Trust me he will be better even if he’s not the player he once was.
Our BP wasn’t bad, and if they get healthy and even just a little better starting pitching it will be a massive upgrade.
Then you add a healthy Ohtani to the pitching staff. That alone could translate to 9-10 wins minimum.
Canning in his second yr will make big strides along with a lot of the other pitchers who got brought up last season.
Calhoun is gone, but Goodwin is a better all around hitter, so that’s already an upgrade. Not to mention Jo Adell is one of the top prospects in baseball and will be in the show next year. No one can say how good he will be, but what if he has a season like Torres did for the Yankees??
Not to mention how much of a boost getting Rendon and having madden back along with a whole new coaching staff will have.
All the above alone can easily translate to 20 more wins this season.
Not to mention I will bet mylife they are not done adding more starting pitching. If you haven’t played this game at a high level you have no idea a fresh season with healthy players and a tiny bit of better luck can raise the level of everyone’s play. Teams like TB and Oakland do shit like that all the time never signing big name players.
The more I look at 2020 projections for MLB starters, the more I think the Angel’s should sign a Ryu or Keuchel and trade for 2 pitchers. Matthew Boyd from the Tigers is a perfect target as well as Jon Gray or German Marquez from the Rockies (although I doubt the Rox will trade Marquez). I’d also see what the Pirates want for Chris Archer. Obviously the Angel’s missed the opportunity for Quality (Cole or Stras), so now their strategy should be Quantity. That lineup will get runs, they just needs some healthy bodies to throw some pitches deep into games.