Top Angels prospect Jo Adell won’t have a chance to force his way into the big leagues this year through his play at Triple-A, but that may not be altogether necessary. GM Billy Eppler says that he anticipates Adell will have the opportunities he needs to show the team he’s ready, as Maria Torres of the Los Angeles Times was among those to report.
That’s certainly far from a guarantee that Adell is going to debut in 2020. But Eppler says the Halos intend to structure their second preparatory camp in such a way that the talented 21-year-old will see plenty of competitive action.
“There’s some upside to the intrasquad format,” says Eppler, who explained that the organization anticipates staging contests between its major and minor-league participants. “We’ll just have to keep getting [Adell] at-bats. There’s going to be talented pitchers over there for him to face and we’ll go from there.”
Adell is by most accounts one of the five best overall prospects in baseball. On the whole, he has done nothing but impress since the Angels took him out of high school with the tenth overall pick of the 2017 draft. But having only just turned 21, Adell does probably have a few more boxes to check before he’s handed the keys to an outfield spot alongside Mike Trout.
Last year, after working through some early-season injuries, Adell laid wasted to High-A and Double-A pitching but showed his age a bit after moving to the highest level of the minors. All told, he finished with 340 plate appearances of .289/.359/.475 hitting. Adell was productive, but not overwhelmingly so, in a 24-game Arizona Fall League stint (.273/.351/.444).
It was never likely that Adell would force his way onto the Opening Day roster, with legitimate remaining developmental goals alongside service-time consideration. Any faint hope dissipated as he struck out 13 times in his 26 Cactus League plate appearances.
With an odd and uncertain 2020 season now on the docket, the Angels will surely take a flexible approach to handling Adell. The plan, clearly, is to get him as many reps as possible. If there’s a need and opportunity at the MLB level, and Adell seems ready, there’s not much reason for the Halos to hold back on a promotion. (Service time will be pro-rated. So long as Adell spends a few days off of the active roster, he won’t qualify for a full year of MLB service.) Making a surprise run at the division in a short-season format may well hinge upon the ability to call upon such a special talent.
might as well play him asap. if they keep him in the minors for the whole year when he can clearly play soon would give him a better case then Bryant did honestly.
Adell struggled in Triple A and didn’t exactly rip the cover off the ball in Spring Training
Guy needs at bats against Triple A/MLB level arms but without the pressure of MLB right now.
Put him on the 60 man and let those others players practice.
did you read he was injured?
If you want to believe that he will hit MLB pitching right now that is on you.
He does have a chance before the start of the season to show something. IMO he isn’t a MLB player yet.
Did you read the injury was before he tore through high A and double A before showing his age at triple A?
he had an lingering effect of that injury all last season. in spring training, he showed he was still feeling it.
Seven years of Adell is better than Six.
He’ll be up in a couple of weeks. It’s not going to take much for him to be better than Goodwin. Goodwin is a nice 4th outfielder, nothing more.
This is where hype meets reality
Goodwin produced near an 800 OPS last year.
There is ZERO proof as of right now that Jo Adell would come anywhere close this year.
Goodwin is one of those players who could benefit hitting in the spot before Trout, Rendon and Ohtani.
Him or LaStella would be perfect.
Goodwin is a 4th outfielder. If you want to play it safe, go Goodwin.
If you want want’s best for the future, go Adell.
This isn’t just about 2020, but I like Adell chances in 2020 better than Goodwin’s.
Goodwin was 5 outs above average last year. That’s far far far from horrible.
those two are fillers. unfortunate, but still fillers.
You couldn’t be more wrong.
Every play is measured. Velocity, ground covered, stating position, hang time. It’s probably more accurate than batting average.
This is not five years ago. It’s not a guesstimate.
And don’t tell me what is fake or not.
You wanted to use data. Fine. But now you are using feelings.
If Adell doesn’t have it he doesn’t have it, but it’s comical to think this will “ruin” him.
You need to understand they are not defensive metrics anymore than timing a 100 yard dash with a stopwatch is a metric.
It’s math. A ball is hit in spot “Y”. The runner is standing in spot “X”. the ball gets to the spot in a time of “Z”.
There are enough events to measure how often an event happens and how many times MLB players make the play.
That’s not metrics. It’s about as accurate as you can get.
In comparison, compared to this, since all hits are not created equal, batting average is less reliable.
Great response. Keep remaining ignorant about this stuff. It’s fine with me.
But when people go to that extent to measure every event, I pay attention.
But keep with your “World is Flat” philosophy of baseball.
IMO it’s not more accurate than batting average. You either hit the ball or you don’t.
But balls in the air don’t take bad hops.
And seldom do throws take bad hops.
Batting, if you hit the ball on the screws, it doesn’t even out.
Fielding measurements have come a long long way.
This also applies to Upton. He scares me when a fly ball heads his way.
`Upton was horrible last year.
He was bad in 2018. Five outs below average, which led to 6 runs allowed.
@halo …. that’s like saying you can win a game but you really might not of deserved to win the game. Sure that does happen but a win is a win. That’s so hypocritical. When we always argue about on base percent it never mattered how you get on base. Just as long as you got on base ( remember I said trout walks his way to a high obp ). I said the guy with less walks and more hits is more impressive. But for some reason all hits aren’t hits? Or all hits aren’t created equal? The fact is you either got the hit or you didn’t. Now it’s the hitters fault some fielder might have botched it? I guess Ichiro didn’t deserve the hits record then, surely someone mishandled a ball that season. You just crack me up will your logic dude. If it fits your advanced metrics narrative then it’s better than any traditional stat to you.
when i say ASAP i mean as soon as you get the extra year. i just believe keeping him down any longer is a waste of his talent and holding back his growth. if 59 games on the 40 man keeps him under a year the. he should be on it Day 2.
DarkSide830
You and I completely agree. People always under estimate the Arizona Fall League. Adell did better than Trout.
Baseball Prospectus has him #2. Baseball America has him #3.
His AFL OPS was what Goodwin’s was last year in the MLB
This idea that he will provide more quality at bats than Goodwin in 2020 is out of touch with reality.
I get the point. Even for 2020, I like Adell better than Goodwin.
But I certainly understand the negativism.
You do know players can get ruined when you rush them to the majors.
You throw Adell into your lineup and he struggles for 10-15 games is that better for his development than working with the other players who are on the 60 but not the MLB roster
I think not. Like I said Adell has a chance to prove himself before the season. This is what the GM is talking about. I believe is *spring training” more than anything will be to see where Adell is at.
Now you are the one who is not relying on data.
Players don’t get ruined. Not with good coaches.
He has a father who was drafted by the NFL. He doesn’t come from a broken home. He has his head on straight.
there is also adell’s defense. projected to be much better than goodwin.
Vizionaire.
I agree. Goodwin is adequate. Adell is special.
I understand the optimism, I also understand the pessimism.
Adell is really good defensively. Saw him in Spring Training a couple of times. He gets great reads, takes a decisive first step.
This “spring training” Adell has to cut down his strike ours and show the ability to drive the baseball
That simple. His Triple A stats and the fact that he struck out 50% of the time in spring training doesn’t show to anyone that Adell is ready to be the everyday RF
You can dump on Goodwin all you want but the Angels have to cut corners and at RF is a position.
If Goodwin can come close to his 800 OPs from 2019 the Angels will be happy.
Adell has a lot to prove to show that he can produce near Goodwin’s level.
Being a Top 5 prospect is hype. Separate the hype from the data.
I have no issue with anyone who is skeptical. How could you not be?
As far as Goodwin, he has a lot to prove. One OK year at age 28 does not make you a sure thing. I’ll take Adell. How could you not be skeptical about Goodwin?
Cozart had one great year at age 31.
If a great year doesn’t mean much, neither should an OK year.
The Angels are in trouble.
Upton isn’t really a RF.
I believe their plan is to have only 4 OF because of Fletcher.
At best Fletcher can fill in at LF. Upton moves to RF but Upton isn’t really a RF anymore.
Not going to be Goodwin or Adell.
I believe the Angels will put Goodwin in the honey hole and hope he produces for a 60 game stretch.
If not they won’t turn to Adell unless he proves he is ready.
He hasn’t to this date proven to be anything more than hype.
20 year old at AAA is a rarity but the water was too hot.
Some of you are thinking that you should just throw him into the water all the way at the MLB level.
Baseball is 100% confidence.
Especially as a hitter. Don’t want to put that doubt into his mind.
Do you know anything about the Angels?
How many RF do they need? Upton is not playing RF.
If you are not going to break Adell in with little to few fans in the bleaches in 2020, then you are saying you are not going to break him in for the 2021 season.
The Angels don’t have a problem with their lineup.
If you say you don’t trust their starting pitching, that’s fine. But their lineup?
If Goodwin isn’t producing.
Re read what I wrote
Most likely they will hit Goodwin before Trout, Rendon and Ohtani
Great chance he hits. He could actually extend the meat of the lineup if he can drive fastballs.
One thing people aren’t talking about is starting at the end of July instead of the beginning of April.
May see pitching at an all time low and a lot of high scoring games.
Players are now going to see that ball fly a little further their first few games.
Adell is an after thought this year unless he opens a lot of people’s eyes.
Best case scenario would be for this to happen and regardless of what Goodwin’s is doing you allow Adell to hit the ground running.
I think that is what the Angels are wanting to do.
Is this year or next.
Next year the Angels may bring someone in for insurance and call Adell up at the end of April.
If Goodwin, Adell, and Marsh don’t produce over a 60 games season, then they might have a hole in the 9 spot of their lineup,
I’m not the least bit concerned. I don’t think any Angel fans are.
We are much more concerned with Canning.
Angels plan is to mash and then have players capable of eating innings.
Need to put up some runs.
Have to extend the meat of the lineup both ways.
LaStella and Goodwin are just as important as Upton and Pujols.
60 game run can be make some rare MVP caliber players.
LaStella after 60 games last year looked like the best 2nd basemen in baseball.
Did you ever watch the film Apollo-13.
Jack Swigert is talking about the ship coming in too shallow and Jim Lovell is saying that is number 72 on their worry list.
It doesn’t mean it wont be a problem, but RF is way down the Angels worry list.
Pitching is a luxury after the fact.
Meaning the Angels don’t go anywhere unless they have a Top 5 lineup in the AL
Not going to pitch their way into the playoffs.
But if Rendon can hit like he did last year there could be a carry over to other players.
Getting players on base before Trout.
Forcing pitchers to pitch to Trout because you have production before and after him.
I’m a lot more worried about Mike Trout leaving the team to have a baby than RF. I’m much more woried about someone getting covid.
And of course Pujols getting too many ABs. Starting Pitching, Relief Pitching. Rendon pressing.
Marsh, Goodwinn, and Adell all falling on their faces is very low on the list.
Just for accuracy
Jack Swigert : I’ve been going over the numbers again. Have they called up with a re-entry plan yet? ‘Cause we’re coming in too shallow, we’re coming in too damn fast.
All right, there’s a thousand things that have to happen in order. We are on number eight. You’re talking about number six hundred and ninety-two.
Adell will be the starting RF in 2021. In the mean time let him get his at bats in Summer Camp and see what he does. There is no rush now, but if Goodwin starts real slow and Adell is tearing up the pitchers in Camp then bring him up to take over RF. Based on 2019, he isn’t ready.
The whole point of having up to 30 players in the secondary camp is to get your best prospects action.
Don’t worry about Rendon.
He is a very relaxed guy. A lot comes from his Dad who was supposedly the best pool player in Houston in his day.
Rendon isn’t the player to press. Just have to worry about him repeating his career year
Even without the norm isn’t too bad. 850-900 OPS.
They will start with 4 outfielders on the 30 man roster with Hermosillo probably being the 4th. You only have Adell on the 26 man roster if he is ready to play everyday. This will be one of the things to watch along with Marsh and Rodriguez. Most of the starters should be able to play every day so the bench at the beginning will have La Stella or Fletcher, Stassi, Hermosillo and maybe a third Catcher. The rest of the roster will be pitchers.
Goodwin will be at the bottom of the order. I think the order will be: Fletcher, Trout, Rendon, Ohtani, Upton, Pujols, Simmons, Castro, Goodwin/Hermosillo. If the Angels think that Adell is ready he probably hits 7th with Simmons and Castro moving down one.
So you bring up Adell with Crowds and a regular season, but he’s not ready to play without crowds and this?
Unless you bring up Adell after the season starts in 2021. That’s makes no sense.
Dude give it a rest man it’s obvious you responded to any single thing that anyone even said remotely critical of the guy. I’m all for bringing him up too. For once we agree. But you posted a dozen times on this thread. We get it already
@halo 11 ….Know why pujols has gotten so many ABs? Cause he produces with RISP. You must have forgot that besides La Stella, you have no alternative. Tommy also has the power of a 14 year old so I guess he can’t play a corner spot too much anyways. Know who the back ups where in the past? Justin bour. Justin I can’t even hit 190 Bour. Thats the guy you would rather give at bats to? LOL. Your delusional. Who else you giving them at bats to? In the past who was the better alternative? There wasn’t one. That’s why he gets ABs. Because your back ups suck.
I know avg with RISP means nothing to you because it doesn’t fit your narrative, but do you know albert hit .294 with risp last year? Do you know what mike hit? .297!!!!! A whopping .3 better lol. Albert gets ABs because he is clutch and he drives in runs. Get over it.
Stop blaming him because your boy didn’t even hit .200 against the royals in the post season almost a decade ago lol. The reason you guys aren’t playoff bound isn’t Albert it’s your garbage pitching.
Correction…. he didn’t even hit .100 smh.
“I know avg with RISP means nothing to you because it doesn’t fit your narrative,”
What are you talking about? Do you read what I write. You don’t know anything about me if you “Know” RISP means nothing to me.
Situational stats mean a lot more to me than RBIs. If someone says someone has a lot of RBIs, I always look at situational stats.
Warisalie I wrote this in a different thread.
Halo11Fan
7 days ago
I don’t look at RBIs, but I do look at situational stats.
Pujols last year with RISP. 294/362/551.
That can’t be discounted.
Then quit saying pujols gets too many AB’s
@halofan ….. answer me then…. who you giving them at bats to? Who would you have given Alberts at bats to the last few seasons then?
There’s no minors this whole year
Those 34 players who aren’t on MLB rosters but are on the 60 man aren’t just going to sit around for 60 games.
well in the minors in the sense of not being on the 40 but rather on the taxi squad.
The strength in Bryants case was in that he was called up a day after his eligibility deadline, granting them another year of control. It was the most obvious case of service time manipulation, especially given that they claimed it was for defensive work and kris has said that he probably had a few fielding chances during the weeks they left him in the minors. No matter what, jo won’t be as obvious as that
johnrealtime
If the players can’t win that one, then something is very very wrong with the system.
Just let the kid play! I think that the pressure is mostly on Upton, Goodie, Hermosillo, Ward and Fletch to show what they got in left and right field. If any or all fail then why not see what Adell can do? Should be fun to watch…now if he could only pitch
upton has been a very productive player with some deficiencies in defense. last year was anomaly with an injury. he will get back to his normal self this season. it’s just that eppler was unable to read the market and overpaid him for 1 year after he opted out.
Vizion – have to disagree on Upton’s productivity. He is a career .262 hitter.. That is underwhelming. And his defense is lazy. Combined that makes for an overpaid average player.
262 career hitter? Did you just use batting average?
wRC+ for 2017 and 2018. Based on a minimum of 1,000 PA, Upton ranked between Bryce Harper and Xander Bogaerts. Number 28 out of 122.
Yes I use bating average. That is one of the pure batting stats along with RBIs and hits with RISP. Hits score runs, runs win games. Upton gets a hit in a little over 1 of 4 at bats. Couple that with lazy defense and he is an average player at best.
There is also a subjective component to wRC+.
All Fletcher has done, is hit for a good batting average and play gold glove caliber defense. Ward and Hermosillo are playing for their futures. Goodwin is coming off his best season, of his career. La Stella is playing for his future, which won’t be with the Angels.
Angels have a bunch of inning eaters.
Hope is Rendon, Trout and Ohtani produce a lot of runs.
If they can get a solid 60 games from Pujols and Upton they just need people to get outs.
Hope with Ohtani, Rendon and Trout????
You never know with a 60 game season.
If you can look at the numbers through 60 games last year.
162 games usually is enough for the law of averages to play out.
But 60 games isn’t.
So you could have a player like Rendon not produce near a 1.000 OPS.
You need those three players to have a combine OPS above .950 to have a chance.
Dylan Bundy and Julio Teheran are innings eaters. Griffin Canning, Andrew Heaney and Shohei Ohtani most certainly are not Truth.
Look Albert is my boy but they will rest him a game here and there. I got him playing 50-55 max. You got to rotate him around to get everyone the AB’s they need. If LaStella has more power than a 14 year old I would consider giving him a permanent corner job, but he doesn’t have the power of a corner guy. I was impressed with his average though, we will see if it was an outlier though.
Fletch is a beast on the infield. I wouldnt mess that up while also potentially taking more hitting practice away from him. they guy is already amazing but could be even better.
all he needs is a steady opportunities at second and 600 + pa’s he’s future gold glover and all star.
Season starts July 24th and you get an entire extra year of control if you bring a guy up in August. Pretty much a no brainer.
I like Jo, he was incredibly nice out in Spring Training but he still has a lot of swing and miss in his game. IMO, and I’m no pro scout, he could use some AAA time. But that’s not on the table this year.
Give Adell a shot and see what he can do under pressure. There’s no down side to it. Or not. I don’t care. It’s time for baseball.
“Adell laid wasted to High-A”… that could be the first line to a paragraph in a William S. Burroughs novel.
Hope with Ohtani, Rendon and Trout????
Out of the messy morass that the swampers have made of this country, that rare chance to get to see someone play baseball who might be really good is like finding a piece of candy in your pants. Why not enjoy it.
i did find a candy in my pants pocket this morning!