Tonight @ 7:30 pm PST - LIVE CHAT with Scouting Director Ric Wilson

[Chuck]

 

The chat will be in our chat room here. Please post questions for Ric here if you cannot make it. 

 

If you're in the chat room, one question at a time, so in the chat PM me your question and I'll ask it for you. This will avoid several questions being asked at the same time and create a better flow in the chat discussion. 

[ELEVEN]

Townes or Okefor?

[Chuck]

Townes or Okefor?

 

Just a reminder, Ric Wilson (nor Eddie Bane when he was with us) will provide names of guys they're looking to get. They will say things like they like this player or that player, or allude to what their draft strategy may be however. 

[ELEVEN]

Will signabilty be an issue?

[Angelsjunky]

Jerry Dipoto has done a lot to improve organizational pitching depth; will you now turn your focus on developing hitters? Any players currently in the organization that you feel have a chance to have a star-caliber bat at the major league level?

[Chuck]

Jerry Dipoto has done a lot to improve organizational pitching depth; will you now turn your focus on developing hitters? Any players currently in the organization that you feel have a chance to have a star-caliber bat at the major league level?

 

That was going to be my question. It is a good one. 

[Second Base]

Which prospect(s) in the organization do you feel have made the biggest strides since last year (pitcher and position player)?

Any surprises in players you drafted from last year?

How does the organization view Tyler DeLoach long term?  Starter or reliever?

How does the organization view Victor Alcantara long term?  Starter or reliever?

Given his early season struggles, do the Angels still view Roberto Baldoquin as a shortstop? 

Who do you think will be the first to majors? Chris Ellis, Sean Newcomb or Jeremy Rhoades?

How has Austin Wood looked this season in AA compared to a couple years ago in A Ball?

How often do you fly down to the Dominican Republic to watch prospects at our academy there?

Who do you think is faster home-to-first, Hinshaw, Hermosillo or Stamets?

Is Chad Hinshaw a possibility for LF in Anaheim soon, or is there considerably more development needed?

Hunter Green update?

Is the organization still considering a potential move to the mound for Kaleb Cowart?

[ELEVEN]

I second the Cowart question. Watching him struggle at IE is brutal.

[Tyler]

In the end, was Newcomb rated higher on the board than Bradley Zimmer? Pre-draft chat (or could've been pre-draft podcast?) you were quoted as saying you would absolutely select Zimmer if he fell into our lap. Who made the final decision for that pick?

 

Echo the Hunter Green update.

[Chuck]

Another question I have is re: Sherman Johnson. 

 

Do the Angels see him as a regular and future leadoff hitter? What position do you see him breaking into the big leagues at, or do you see him as a utility type player?

[Tyler]

I recommend listening to the podcast from a year ago so we don't rehash these questions. I'm listening right now. He talks about approach to draft... last year thought it was a pitching heavy draft so they went with pitching. Depends on strength of each draft (in my opinion this draft is heavy on the MI).

[ELEVEN]

Another question I have is re: Sherman Johnson.

Do the Angels see him as a regular and future leadoff hitter? What position do you see him breaking into the big leagues at, or do you see him as a utility type player?

There is an opening in LF.

[ELEVEN]

I recommend listening to the podcast from a year ago so we don't rehash these questions. I'm listening right now. He talks about approach to draft... last year thought it was a pitching heavy draft so they went with pitching. Depends on strength of each draft (in my opinion this draft is heavy on the MI).

Link?

[Chuck]

and I will include these questions as well.

 

Best Power:

 

Best Hitting Ability:

 

Best Plate Discipline: 

 

Best Speed: 

 

Best Defense:

 

Best Throwing Arm:

 

Highest Offensive Upside:

 

--

 

 

Best Fastball:

 

Best Curveball:

 

Best Slider:

 

Best Changeup:

 

Best Command:

 

Closest to Majors:

 

Future Closer Material: 

[Chuck]

Link?

 

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/angelswin/2014/05/26/angelswincom-welcomes-angels-scouting-director-ric-wilson

[Chuck]

Ric Wilson joined early. We have started our live chat. Join us. Enter questions here, or PM on the live chat. 

[TroutCron]

Are Jett Bandy and Carlos Perez the answer to our catching for the next several Years?

Edited May 27, 2015 by TroutCron

[Chuck]

Are Jett Bandy and Carlos Perez the answer to our catching for the next several Years?

Yes.

[Second Base]

Let's trade for Bradley Zimmer.

[Angel Oracle]

How long is this offense going to remained unchanged?

And by change, I don't mean retreads.

[KevinJ14]

Is there a transcript for this?

[Tyler]

Chuck Richter 
Ric, first question:
Jerry Dipoto has done a lot to improve organizational pitching depth; will you now turn your focus on developing hitters? Any players currently in the organization that you feel have a chance to have a star-caliber bat at the major league level? 
Ric Wilson
We have concentrated on pitching the past few years and we do feel we have some depth in that area. It would be nice to get some quality position players. But we will take what the draft gives.
Chuck Richter
So, will you take the best player available at your pick in the draft?
Ric Wilson
Yes. Early on you have to take what the draft gives you and as you start working your way down we could drift off into some need.
Chuck Richter
In the end, was Newcomb rated higher on the board than Bradley Zimmer? Pre-draft chat (or could've been pre-draft podcast?) you were quoted as saying you would absolutely select Zimmer if he fell into our lap. Who made the final decision for that pick?
Ric Wilson
The ultimate decision is mine and like I said you have to take what the draft gives and we had Newcomb fell to us.
Chuck Richter
Which prospect(s) in the organization do you feel have made the biggest strides since last year (pitcher and position player)?
Ric Wilson
A lot of our pitching prospects have strides. Chris Ellis, Jeremy Rhoades, Keynan Middleton, position player wise Alex Abbott and Caleb Adams.
Chuck Richter
If the Angels don't re-sign Aybar, then who can play shortstop from the organization?
Ric Wilson
We have some young guys coming, Roberto Baldoquin and Jake Yasinich
Chuck Richter 
Ric, what can you tell me about Sherman Johnson? We had him at our Spring Fanfest in Tempe this past March and Don Baylor and Jerry Dipoto spoke highly of him. Does the org see him as a future regular and leadoff hitter based on his on-base skills, speed and pop or?
Ric Wilson
Good question. Sherm is very versatile in a line-up, he can control the zone, get on base, grind out at-bats, make the pitcher work to get him out. So the answer would be he could hit anywhere but the middle.
Chuck Richter
How has Austin Wood looked this season in AA compared to a couple years ago in A Ball?
Ric Wilson
He is still working his way through some things. He is healthy and his velocity is back. He is working on commanding the ball and making some progress.
Ric Wilson
(Regarding Sherman Johnson vs. Yarbrough) Yarbrough is a quality hitter led the Cal league in hits and I believe the Texas league in average. That's tough to beat.
Chuck Richter
Ric: Any surprises in players you drafted from last year?
Ric Wilson
I believe a few of the pitchers have, not in their performance, but their velocity and overall stuff is ahead of where I thought it would be.
Chuck Richter
Ric: What can you tell us about Jeremy Rhoades, Tyler DeLoach and Chris Ellis?
Ric Wilson
Jeremy was our 4th round pick… 92 94 with sink, spins the breaking ball, a strike thrower that can find the plate with 3 pitches… very competitive. Tyler is a different guy. Very deceptive, 88-90 with good sink, can locate the ball and mix and match 3 pitches... Chris Ellis is a polished RHP with a quality arm 91 -95, good body, solid breaking pitch, durable, and very athletic.
Chuck Richter
How does the organization view Victor Alcantara long term? Starter or reliever?
Ric Wilson
I don't believe we really know at this point. We will keep sending him out and giving him innings.There is no reason he couldn't start. It may just be need-based in the end.
Chuck Richter
Given his early season struggles, do the Angels still view Roberto Baldoquin as a shortstop?
Ric Wilson
Yes, he had an early season injury that has held him back some. But we do ultimately view him in that capacity.
Chuck Richter
How often do you fly down to the Dominican Republic to watch prospects at our academy there? Anyone down there we should keep an eye on?
Ric Wilson
You know I used to go down there alot and it looks like I will start up again this year sometime. That is more our international staff and I do not have a ton of information in that area. I will reach out to Carlos Gomez and the next time we chat I will have better information.
Chuck Richter
Ric, this draft seems to be pretty heavy in Middle Infield prospects, what do you and your team look for when selecting from a pool this deep? Bloodlines, approach, physicality, etc? As a part 2 to this, have you seen Nick Shumpert in person this past season?
Ric Wilson
You are correct that there is a deep pool of middle infielders more than I can remember in past years. All of the above… you have to peel back the layers to find the separators... I have seen Nick--a quality young man with tools and an upside to his game.
Chuck Richter
Hunter Green update? Is the organization still considering a potential move to the mound for Kaleb Cowart?
Ric Wilson
Hunter has run into some bad luck just when he gets going good something sidetracks him. He is just resting. Not sure what his Rehab schedule is... Kaleb is making progress at the plate. I believe time will tell.
Chuck Richter
OK Ric, lightening round. We've done this before. Here goes:
Ric Wilson
Pitchers
Best Fastball: Victor Alcantara
Best Curveball: Sean Newcomb
Best Slider: Austin Adams
Best Changeup: Sean Newcomb
Closest to Majors: Greg Mahle
Hitters
Best Hitting Ability: Alex Yarbrough
Best Plate Discipline: Sherman Johnson
Best Speed: Bo Way
Best Defense: Jake Yasinich
Best Throwing Arm: Kaleb Cowart
Highest Offensive Upside: Roberto Baldoquin
Chuck Richter
Thanks, Ric.
Chuck Richter
This will conclude our chat session for tonight. We will have a more robust, more extensive chat session after the amateur draft.
Ric Wilson
You bet we can have a longer one in a few weeks. Thanks to everyone and go Halos
Chuck Richter
Thanks, Ric. Let's talk soon.

 

[KevinJ14]

Chuck Richter 

Ric, first question:

Jerry Dipoto has done a lot to improve organizational pitching depth; will you now turn your focus on developing hitters? Any players currently in the organization that you feel have a chance to have a star-caliber bat at the major league level? 

Ric Wilson

We have concentrated on pitching the past few years and we do feel we have some depth in that area. It would be nice to get some quality position players. But we will take what the draft gives.

Chuck Richter

So, will you take the best player available at your pick in the draft?

Ric Wilson

Yes. Early on you have to take what the draft gives you and as you start working your way down we could drift off into some need.

Chuck Richter

In the end, was Newcomb rated higher on the board than Bradley Zimmer? Pre-draft chat (or could've been pre-draft podcast?) you were quoted as saying you would absolutely select Zimmer if he fell into our lap. Who made the final decision for that pick?

Ric Wilson

The ultimate decision is mine and like I said you have to take what the draft gives and we had Newcomb fell to us.

Chuck Richter

Which prospect(s) in the organization do you feel have made the biggest strides since last year (pitcher and position player)?

Ric Wilson

A lot of our pitching prospects have strides. Chris Ellis, Jeremy Rhoades, Keynan Middleton, position player wise Alex Abbott and Caleb Adams.

Chuck Richter

If the Angels don't re-sign Aybar, then who can play shortstop from the organization?

Ric Wilson

We have some young guys coming, Roberto Baldoquin and Jake Yasinich

Chuck Richter 

Ric, what can you tell me about Sherman Johnson? We had him at our Spring Fanfest in Tempe this past March and Don Baylor and Jerry Dipoto spoke highly of him. Does the org see him as a future regular and leadoff hitter based on his on-base skills, speed and pop or?

Ric Wilson

Good question. Sherm is very versatile in a line-up, he can control the zone, get on base, grind out at-bats, make the pitcher work to get him out. So the answer would be he could hit anywhere but the middle.

Chuck Richter

How has Austin Wood looked this season in AA compared to a couple years ago in A Ball?

Ric Wilson

He is still working his way through some things. He is healthy and his velocity is back. He is working on commanding the ball and making some progress.

Ric Wilson

(Regarding Sherman Johnson vs. Yarbrough) Yarbrough is a quality hitter led the Cal league in hits and I believe the Texas league in average. That's tough to beat.

Chuck Richter

Ric: Any surprises in players you drafted from last year?

Ric Wilson

I believe a few of the pitchers have, not in their performance, but their velocity and overall stuff is ahead of where I thought it would be.

Chuck Richter

Ric: What can you tell us about Jeremy Rhoades, Tyler DeLoach and Chris Ellis?

Ric Wilson

Jeremy was our 4th round pick… 92 94 with sink, spins the breaking ball, a strike thrower that can find the plate with 3 pitches… very competitive. Tyler is a different guy. Very deceptive, 88-90 with good sink, can locate the ball and mix and match 3 pitches... Chris Ellis is a polished RHP with a quality arm 91 -95, good body, solid breaking pitch, durable, and very athletic.

Chuck Richter

How does the organization view Victor Alcantara long term? Starter or reliever?

Ric Wilson

I don't believe we really know at this point. We will keep sending him out and giving him innings.There is no reason he couldn't start. It may just be need-based in the end.

Chuck Richter

Given his early season struggles, do the Angels still view Roberto Baldoquin as a shortstop?

Ric Wilson

Yes, he had an early season injury that has held him back some. But we do ultimately view him in that capacity.

Chuck Richter

How often do you fly down to the Dominican Republic to watch prospects at our academy there? Anyone down there we should keep an eye on?

Ric Wilson

You know I used to go down there alot and it looks like I will start up again this year sometime. That is more our international staff and I do not have a ton of information in that area. I will reach out to Carlos Gomez and the next time we chat I will have better information.

Chuck Richter

Ric, this draft seems to be pretty heavy in Middle Infield prospects, what do you and your team look for when selecting from a pool this deep? Bloodlines, approach, physicality, etc? As a part 2 to this, have you seen Nick Shumpert in person this past season?

Ric Wilson

You are correct that there is a deep pool of middle infielders more than I can remember in past years. All of the above… you have to peel back the layers to find the separators... I have seen Nick--a quality young man with tools and an upside to his game.

Chuck Richter

Hunter Green update? Is the organization still considering a potential move to the mound for Kaleb Cowart?

Ric Wilson

Hunter has run into some bad luck just when he gets going good something sidetracks him. He is just resting. Not sure what his Rehab schedule is... Kaleb is making progress at the plate. I believe time will tell.

Chuck Richter

OK Ric, lightening round. We've done this before. Here goes:

Ric Wilson

Pitchers

Best Fastball: Victor Alcantara

Best Curveball: Sean Newcomb

Best Slider: Austin Adams

Best Changeup: Sean Newcomb

Closest to Majors: Greg Mahle

Hitters

Best Hitting Ability: Alex Yarbrough

Best Plate Discipline: Sherman Johnson

Best Speed: Bo Way

Best Defense: Jake Yasinich

Best Throwing Arm: Kaleb Cowart

Highest Offensive Upside: Roberto Baldoquin

Chuck Richter

Thanks, Ric.

Chuck Richter

This will conclude our chat session for tonight. We will have a more robust, more extensive chat session after the amateur draft.

Ric Wilson

You bet we can have a longer one in a few weeks. Thanks to everyone and go Halos

Chuck Richter

Thanks, Ric. Let's talk soon.

Awesome, thank you.  Sounds like they are iffy on Alcantara.  Is he a possible trade piece?

[Angelsjunky]

Notice how he didn't fully answer the first question - about whether there are any bats in the org that are star caliber. Bummer.

[Chuck]

Notice how he didn't fully answer the first question - about whether there are any bats in the org that are star caliber. Bummer.

I think there a few Kole Calhoun type players but yeah, no players with star power. It would take a few really bad seasons to net high draft picks to gobble up those types of players.

This is why I believe we should trade from our pitching depth to acquire some young bats.