Gene Watson is leaving the Royals for the Angels’ front office, ESPN.com’s Jeff Passan reports (Twitter link). Watson will be a special advisor to new Angels GM Perry Minasian, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register, and The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya recently chronicled Watson’s longstanding ties to Minasian dating back to Minasian’s childhood.
Watson has spent the last 14 seasons with the Royals, the last three as the team’s senior director of pro scouting and a special assistant to GM Dayton Moore. Watson previously worked as a scout with the Padres, Braves, and Marlins before coming to Kansas City, and his long career as a respected evaluator put him on the radar for general manager openings in the past. Of greatest relevance, Watson interviewed for the Angels’ job before Minasian was hired, and Watson also spoke with the Astros about their GM vacancy last offseason.
More from Anaheim…
- The Angels were known to be suitors for James McCann, who reached an agreement with the Mets today on a four-year deal worth over $40MM. According to Maria Torres of the Los Angeles Times, the Angels weren’t willing to offer McCann more than a three-year contract. Given the large amount of interest McCann was generating in the free agent market, it would be interesting to know if any other teams besides the Mets went beyond a three-year offer, or if it was indeed the fourth year that clinched the signing for New York. It remains to be seen if the Angels will pursue another catcher or if their interest in the position was limited to McCann — in regards to J.T. Realmuto, Torres figures the Halos will spend on pitching rather than direct resources towards a nine-figure deal for Realmuto’s services.
- Longtime Angels broadcaster Victor Rojas was the most surprising name to interview for the team’s GM position, and Rojas discussed his candidacy with Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times. Previously a minor leaguer in the Angels farm system in 1990, the GM of the independent Newark Bears for two seasons, and the son of former big leaguer Cookie Rojas, the younger Rojas carried a unique resume to go along with his 11 years of calling Angels games on television. The interview stemmed from a lengthy memo Rojas wrote after the season detailing how he would address various issues within the organization since, as he told Shaikin, “as an Angels fan, I was getting a little frustrated.”
It’s kind of funny they interviewed their broadcaster.
Classic
He knows the team really well and knows baseball too. He should spend a few years in an MLB front office and he’d probably be ready.
Well…the Yanks actually went ahead and hired a broadcaster. So.
Not really. Victor has served as a GM, bullpen coach, and has extensive connections in baseball.
Pat Riley was a broadcaster before he became a coach.
Pat Riley was also a first round pick who then played on a championship team.
How is that relevant. So if your a first round pick then you can be a good coach or manager? Sorry there is no correlation to that.
Really interesting. If he felt comfortable voicing it after the season you’d think Arte and senior management asked his thoughts before it ended too. Eppler’s firing came quickly that last week. Not saying Rojas contributed to the firing, but likely he was at least consulted. That long memo wasn’t unsolicited by a broadcaster.
He was not consulted on the firing of Eppler. Get real. Epplers fate was sealed way before the end of the year. The decision had been made so that is why he was fired right after the season. Not because the broadcaster said so.
Why not…nothing to lose but the time it took to interview him…plus they could steal some ideas from his interview too!
@dan55 Not sure why it’s funny. His dad was a 5 time all star and Victor has been around major league dugouts since he was a kid. His dad managed the Angels and Victor pitched for the Angels minor league system. He has a good understanding of the game. Broadcasters probably see as much baseball as anyone and have as many connections as anyone else.
A lot of the Angels failures could be tied to deals made by the owner rather than the GM. Arte wanted Pujols and that contract has hamstrung the organization for 10 years now. Most Angel fans were excited about getting Pujols when initially sighed. We thought we would get at least 5 years of something close to what he did in St Louis, but it certainly has not worked out that way. The Pujols deal, I can forgive, but the Vernon Wells and Gary Matthews Jr deals smelled rotten from the beginning.
Good for Rojas for voicing his opinion on his frustration as an Angels fan.
We don’t need a nice shiny expensive catcher. Get a guy to fill in for Stassi until he’s back from surgery with Bemboom as a backup. Then get some good pitchers, a lot of them.
All Angel fans are frustrated. Most fan bases are. The Angels try every year. There is always room for optimism, and unfortunately pessimism.
Would be pretty crazy/interesting to see Yadi reunite with Pujols with the Angels. He seems to be the best FA catcher after JTR now McCann is gone.
No thanks. Yadi,, like Albert, is a shell of his former self.
I’ll take Casali or a trade before I’d pay another declining Cardinal.
Yeah, I don’t really see the fascination with Molina anymore. Not only is he 38 going on 39, he also has 17 big league seasons under his belt – & most of those was worked hard.
A lot of Yankee fans are hung up on him, too. As a mentor to Gary Sanchez (or any catcher, really) I’d be all for it. I don’t think he’s all that interested in that kind of a roll, however.
I think he still wants to be The Guy.
Which is probably limiting his number of suitors.
How about Salvador Perez? 1 year left on contract
If they want to go all in for a catcher to trade for , How about Wilson Contreras?
Sal Perez led all catchers in total WAR in 2020, combine that with his minimal (expiring) contract and the market and KC could benefit from the seller’s market at the position right now.
Prime example of how worthless WAR as he’s definitely not the best catcher
Would you trade Ohtani for Contreras?
LOL.
Hell no
Perez will have 4 years on his deal before the season starts. He’s Royal till the end.
We could get more for Ohtani on hype alone.
Yadi would be a great sign barring he’s willing to be a 65% starter only (His call )
This team needs a backbone, I love Trout, he’s the best player in the game, but this team needs some extra grit and Molina brings that the first day of camp –
Seems like an Arte guy, a 2/18 is an easy stomach here
I dont think any Angel fan would regret this 2 years from now. Your pitching staff would be all smiles, not to mention every catcher that crosses paths with him the next 2 yrs in the org. You know he already looks good in Red, ink him
Dead right on. Yadi would be perfect.
hmm, the Rojas thing is kinda interesting
Could take a flyer on Ramos or Zunio ? They have to pull the trigger on Bauer , I say 3 years 90 mill. Get a bullpen arm , possibly Colome & Hand to go with Iglesias.
pat riley was a broadcaster to become head coach of the lakers
Everyone thought the top tier free agents would be okay and it would be the middle and lower tier FA suffering. It’s starting to look more and more like the top tier guys are gonna be the ones not getting anything near their expectations. JTR is prolly the best catcher in the game right now. This doesn’t make him elite/deserving of a 9 figure deal.
JTR will probably get around $19-22m AAV over 4-6 years.
If the Nats, Phillies & Angels are out on JTR, who is left? We’ve heard interest from Toronto but the Blue Jays have a nice collection of young catchers right now. Houston has also been mentioned but they want to cut spending too and have (2) open outfield spots to fill and some pitching needs as well. I’m starting to think that perhaps the Yankees get into the JTR market now. To do that, they’d have to let DJL walk and probably trade or release Sanchez (with 30 days pay) but it would be a classic Yankees move to swoop in and sign the best player at his position when no one expected them to do so.
Sorry for so many posts about JTR but his lack of interest so far fascinates me. If he ends up having to take a discount, some team is going to be very happy.
Phillies most logical landing spot –
Look ownership in Philly spent, it just spent unwisely. Kinda suiting this fits in an Angels article as well – Phillys books get exceptionally better next year
Im sure DD got some backing that money would be spent. DD knows value and isnt afraid to pounce- If he can get the sign off to bite a tough year on the books for the betterment of the organizations 5 yr window this is where I think he (re) signs
A week ago ida been a whole lot more skeptical- Phillies future is very bright; they just need to crack a few more 2 WAr players internally than they have been able to produce in the past – DD should help with that as well
*After next year
JTR at 20 over any period outside below 4 years is a steal.
top free agents will take longer to sign.
Rojas is a text book example of how to live a great life while having a parent who was very famous. Hes worked his tail off in many aspects of the sport and is humble and hard working. Him and Gubby (Mark Gubizca) are low key one of the best teams in the game.
It also doesnt go into that Rojas is an entrepreneur who has done well for himself. Just an all around stud.
+1. One of the best things Artie has done with this team was hiring Rojas.
I find him to be really negative and he comes across as narcissistic in his broadcasts. I much prefer their previous TV broadcasters or wish they’d give their radio broadcasters a chance on TV they’re much better. Gubizca does not seem that bright and repeats the same things game after game making for a very uninteresting and at times annoying broadcast. When the Angels are losing, Rojas is being Mr. Negative, and Gubizca is repeating the same empty baseball platitudes they become nearly unwatchable.
Dude, the previous team, you mean Rex Hudler? How you gonna say “I hate platitudes” and then in the same sentence say “I miss Wonder Dog?” Dont get me wrong I love me some Hud, but this is what broadcast mostly is.
At least Rex had a positive upbeat energy to him as did Steve. Rojas is just depressing 90% of the time. Maybe he’d be better if the Angles could put together a winning season but I doubt it. He seems like the kind of dude that insists on telling you the downside when you’ve just won the lottery. Ya know, you’ll go bankrupt don’t ya. Most do. Thanks Victor.
The only problem I have with Rojas is when he’s being interviewed on the radio by Roger Lodge. Roger will ask a very basic question. Rojas will go for 5 minutes answering the question.
I can’t stand Gubi personally.
Angels are blessed ….No matter who the announcers are in the future, it will never be as painful as “The Hud” years –
Rojas and Gubi have too much of a bromance for the booth. Gubi also has a tendency to literally name every pitch when talking about situations.. “he has him set up here, he could go fastball in, or paint it away, or could bounce a curveball or back door him”
The Angels sadley haven’t had decent broadcasters since Ken Wilson/Ken Brett in the early 90’s
This is such a joke and sounds like Rojas came on here to gloat about himself… which is his MO on air too.
The first runner up is the Angels……again
angels, at least, try. many are just cutting salaries. how unintelligent you must be not to realize that!
Just like Rendon…
The Angels could always get Tyler Flowers, low cost, good pitch framer and hits a little.
Angels are going to go cheap on Catching as they have Bemboom and Stassi, though Stassi is likely going to open the season on the IL so whomever they sign is mostly place holding til Stassi is ready.
I wouldn’t put it past Arte Moreno to want to sign JTR. He loves offensive players. Hopefully Perry has enough clout to convince Arte that his money will be better spent on pitching but Arte is infamous for overruling his GMs to bring in players that he wants. He’s the Jerry Jones of MLB.
Royals are not trading Salvy , face of the franchise he will sign for less to stay with the Royals
Wilson Contreras keep saying it come on perry
What are the Angels going to trade for two years of Contreras?
Jermai Jackson and Chris Rodriguez for Contreras
That’s worse than me asking for Ohtani straight-up.
Looking like JTR could be signing with the Halo’s. I would think they will in on Bauer also. That could start a bidding war with the Mets. My guess is Springer will be signing with the Mets or the BlueJays.
The only way JTR signs with Angel is if they overpay by like 40%. No play want to play for angels because they will finish under 500. Players want to play for a contender which the Angels aren’t. The angel need outfield help, infield help, catcher , starting pitchers, and relief pitchers.,
What infield and outfield help do they need old wise one?
@larry48 huh? Yes the Angels need pitching and a catcher. Maybe sign a RF on a one year deal, not necessary though. The Angels are set on the infield and outfield. The Angels are deep at outfield and middle infield prospects.
That’s a good no-sign on McCann. The money should go towards pitching.
People forget that the signings on the offense side the past few years have been a result of missing out on pitching, often because the price was too high or the offer was just rejected. The Angels went hard after Cole, but the Yankees offered more (AKA way too much). Then they turned to Rendon (having waited too long on other possibilities).
I think Perry will aim at Bauer/Tanaka/Odorizzi as well as trade targets before signing anymore offense.
In all honestly you will probably get better value via trade- Ordorizzi is going to be a huge overpay that will be regrettable this time next year already- Bauer same on a different scale – I cant see Tanaka leaving NYY and he wouldnt be a prime target as well –
If it were me, id look at an old friend in Richards on a 2/16 type deal then eneter the market on 1 of Gray/Cookie/Snell with either Adell or Marsh being the headliner back…. Now i was talking Sonny above but I wonder about Jon Gray as well for LAA on a smaller scale producing a BUNDY turnaround- Lotta options still but they should be active
Cap
Angels aren’t trading Adell.
Marsh and Jones have other owners eyes right now as well
Jam Jones? He stinks
Most everyone forgets that Rory Markas was given the full time job but sadly passed away before the season in 2010. As a lifelong Angels fan, I will never forget his call on the radio when the team clinched the World Series. I’m not a huge Rojas/Gubicza fan, but at least they aren’t Physioc and Hudler. On a side note, Bob Starr and Joe Torre calling games in the late 80’s is still the best tandem the team had.
They were good but Dick Enberg and Don Drysdale were better.
Enberg and Drysdale were a little before my time unfortunately as I was born at the end of the 70’s. I used to watch Drysdale and Ross Porter with the Dodgers on weekends when I was a kid. Unfortunately, I was born a tad late.
yep
Roy grew up a Angels fan. I miss the guy. “Just Another Halo Victory”
Actually that one year when they had the radio and TV guys alternating, I found Physioc pretty good the radio.
I really like the idea of a broadcaster running a team with that fan mentality. They typically have good baseball knowledge because they’ve already worked positions in the sport, and they have connections because of all the 1 v 1 interviews and sit-downs they have baseball execs and players. Not a bad idea…
Good pass. Spend more on pitching.m. Angels already have their offensive core in place, so they can go out and get another Jason Castro, or bring back Castro himself, for an affordable price. Stay the course with pitching.
Please delete this comment and the profile, if possible. I think I made a second account by mistake thinking I was logging into this account.
Good pass. Spend more on pitching.m. Angels already have their offensive core in place, so they can go out and get another Jason Castro, or bring back Castro himself, for an affordable price. Stay the course with pitching.
Congrats Gene Watson!
The Angels got a great evaluator in Gene Watson. He will be missed in the Royals organization. Big reason for the teams recent success. I knew Minasian was going to come knocking on that door.
Angels want pitching and catching… how about Keilbert Ruiz, Josiah Gray, Tony Gonsolin, Aj Polluck for Trout and Pujols. Just spit balling here.
It’s interesting reports were the angels weren’t willing to go over 8 a year or go 4 years so their final off was likely 3/24. It make sense because they have a lot of spots to fill with very little money they need two starters 3/4 relievers and a catcher with maybe 30-40m to spend
As a diehard Angels fan, I will say that Victor Rojas is the most annoying announcer I’ve ever heard.
Every other sentence is him trying to name drop who he’s friends with, spoken with or hung out with. It’s like the dude who always has a story to tell you in any situation, but it always revolves around him.
It wouldn’t surprise me if he was never actually interviewed. Like, in reality he could have asked Manassian for an interview over dinner and then told a reporter he was a finalist. Seems more plausible.