2021 Marked 50 Years of Angels Baseball - Time to Throw a Fancy Party?

So, before we dive into the numbers, we need to have a discussion about the approved payroll number that Angels owner Arte Moreno provides to General Manager (GM) Perry Minasian.

As the Orange County Register’s Jeff Fletcher reminded me recently, that number Moreno provides is not transparent, it could include or not include player salaries, player benefits, Minor League player salaries, non-guaranteed salaries, the cost of a Pepsi or Coca-Cola out of the clubhouse vending machine, yacht fuel, etc. The point is that we, as fans, do not know, so determining how much payroll the Angels have available for the upcoming season is not entirely clear.

The current 2017-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), clearly states the following regarding ‘Actual Club Payroll’:

Was Raisel Iglesias a One-Off, Elite Closer for the Angels?

The Angels started the 2021 season with what could only be described as a questionable bullpen with two exceptions, in the form of Raisel Iglesias, an established, premium arm, and Chris Rodriguez, a young, promising prospect from the farm system. As the team limped past the Trade Deadline, the front office shook things up and made a series of promotions from the farm system to audition some new, young arms in anticipation of rebuilding the 2022 bullpen.

Realistically, if Minasian focuses most of the available payroll and resources for one or more starting pitchers, a shortstop, etc., that will leave little left for relief help, thus relying heavily on that aforementioned bastion of young arms. The signing of Aaron Loup did not come without a cost, so barring a Moreno financial flex, it is quite possible the Angels front office may be done in this area, despite a potential desire to retain Raisel.

Angels and Reds have discussed Castillo trade, remain far apart

I'm thankful that you all enjoy the house that I've built that has become YOUR home to discuss all things Angels Baseball (and more). I'm especially thankful for the friendships that have been made since 2004.

Let's be thankful for our health, our loved ones, Ohtani's historical season and so many other things that we've been blessed with.

Thank you everyone.

 

Shohei Ohtani wins the 2021 AL Most Valuable Player Award (unanimously)

46 HR, 103 Runs, 100 RBI, 26 SB, 8 Triples, 151 wRC+, fWAR & bWAR leader, .372 OBP, .965 OPS, 9 Pitching Wins, 3.18 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, .207 BAA, 156 K's in 130 1/3 IP.