Eppler: "had converstations with LF FAs 24 hours ago"

[ABC]

By Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com | @Alden_Gonzalez | January 4th, 2016 

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ANAHEIM -- Angels general manager Billy Eppler said Monday that he's "had conversations with free agents on the outfield market as recently as 24 hours ago."

 

Worth noting

 

• Albert Pujols, who underwent surgery to alleviate pain near the arch of his right foot in early November, has been given the OK to ditch his walking boot. "Everything has been very positive, and the feedback we're getting is that he's doing great," Eppler said of Pujols, whose initial timetable had him resuming baseball activities in March.

 

• The Angels have 11 relievers who could factor into their Major League depth chart, but Eppler said he'd "definitely" like to add more to his bullpen. Six of Eppler's relievers --Huston Street, Joe Smith, Fernando Salas, Cory Rasmus, Bobby LaFromboise andRob Rasmussen -- can't be optioned, for various reasons. But more quality depth would be welcome.

 

 

 

 

http://m.angels.mlb.com/news/article/161047578/angels-billy-eppler-seeks-outfield-free-agent

Edited January 5, 2016 by CF8

[Redondo]

Sounds like Eppler is still shopping. May not be buying, but at least still looking.

[NachoPop]

Window shopping?

[halomatt]

"Is this Justin Upton?"

"Is your refrigerator running?"

...

[Ohtaniland]

But he never mentions who or what caliber FA outfielders he's talking to. He could be talking to Matt Joyce for all we know.

Oh and he mentions that Pujols is doing great. But how's his foot doing?

Edited January 5, 2016 by CALZONE

[nando714]

So pretty much what I do. Look at shit you can't afford

[Stradling]

But he never mentions who or what caliber FA outfielders he's talking to. He could be talking to Matt Joyce for all we know.

Oh and he mentions that Pujols is doing great. But how's his foot doing?

Of course he doesn't mention who. What does he possibly gain by telling us who he is talking to? Edited January 5, 2016 by Stradling

[Ohtaniland]

Of course he doesn't mention who. What does he possibly gain by telling us who he is talking to?

What does he possibly gain by telling us he's talking to any FA outfielders? More likely that he's going to offer some spring traning tryout invitations.

Edited January 5, 2016 by CALZONE

[Stradling]

He was asked the question and he answered it, I'm assuming that's why he told us.

[krAbs]

What does he possibly gain by telling us he's talking to any FA outfielders? More likely that he's going to offer some spring traning tryout invitations.

i feel like he gains the most if he is lying. The market is starting to feel like there are more lf fa's demanding big contracts than there are teams willing to shell out. Angels HAVE to be a team that people look at as willing to spend, despite what's been said. If they are shoping, and casually mention that they have talked to someone in the last 24 hours, then in the back of every agents mind has got to be the fact that that isnt THEIR player the angels are talking to, and yet another suitor may be slipping away.

Obviously, in the grand scheme of things, this wouldnt make a big impact. But that would be my guess about what is going on. Negotiation.

[Troll Daddy]

Nothing new ... I think we all know the team is looking to improve. The good news is that Pujols is ditching the walking boot.

[zenmaster]

Of course he's going to say that. Most likely the conversation went like this:

 

"Hey, Justin Uptons agent, we are looking for a LF!"

"What's your offer?"
"We can offer 1 year 3 million!"

Hang up

[AngelsLakersFan]

[Angel Oracle]

He asked if they preferred Mary Ann or Ginger.

[Ohtaniland]

"Your circumstances and timing might dictate what you can and cannot do," -Eppler

They will continue to try to move Wilson and the bulk of his salary. If they find a suitor and one of the big 3 is still available then they will get into serious discussions. No way Arte goes over the LT.

[halosfan1970]

But he never mentions who or what caliber FA outfielders he's talking to. He could be talking to Matt Joyce for all we know.

Oh and he mentions that Pujols is doing great. But how's his foot doing?

 

Matt Joyce was impressive in the DR winter league. Possible AL Comeback PLayer of the Year in 2016.

[Troll Daddy]

I think the concern going over the lux tax this year is ... the second time offense is 30%. This could hamstring us in 2017.

[zenmaster]

Matt Joyce was impressive in the DR winter league. Possible AL Comeback PLayer of the Year in 2016.

 

Have the A's signed him yet? Is he even still on our team or what is his situation outside of being a crappy player?

[laagamer]

We're currently trying to talk Johnny Damon out of retirement.

[Blarg]

MLB Hot Stove this morning showed that of the major free agent signings in the 12/13 offseason, 7 out of 8 were busts and most of those players were traded. The only considered successful signing was Greinke because he opted out.

[VariousCrap]

Personally, I believe the Angels will sign a better player for LF.  They are just waiting for prices to drop and I don't blame them.  Upton/Cespedes/Gordon are not worth 20+ million a year.

 

Now, I have no idea if the Angels end up signing one of those guys when their price drops or a guy like Parra, but I do believe the team will have a full time LF by Spring Training.

[Homebrewer]

Billy Eppler said Monday that he's "had conversations with free agents on the outfield market as recently as 24 hours ago."

 

Are we really down to this?

Sad, isnt it,  what is passing for Halos hot stove news this year.

[Blarg]

You reading anything more exciting from the 29 other GM's in baseball?

[Troll Daddy]

MLB Hot Stove this morning showed that of the major free agent signings in the 12/13 offseason, 7 out of 8 were busts and most of those players were traded. The only considered successful signing was Greinke because he opted out.

Greinke opting out was a Dodgers nightmare ... It was a bust for them.

[Docwaukee]

"Hey Billy, what up?"

 

"Who is this?"

 

"It's Justin, did you call me for any reason?"

 

"Justin who?"

 

"Justin Upton.  Why did you call me?"

 

"I didn't call you.  Must have been an accidental dial.  My kid was playing with the phone.  Sorry about that"

 

"No worries"