Reasons to watch the Angels & carry optimism forward

[AngelsWin.com]

• Mike Trout (duh)
• Tyler Skaggs
• Matt Shoemaker
• Cam Bedrosian in the role of the closer
• Andrelton Simmons' defense & encouraging signs w/ the bat
• Watching Pujols break home run records as an Angel
• Jett Bandy 
• The return of C.J. Cron
• What Alex Meyer brings
• Yunel Escobar's hunt for a batting title (slim chance, but good to see him in the top 5)
• The development of Choi & Marte
• Saying goodbye to all-time Angels & Giants greats, Lincecum & Weaver
• Garrett Richards elbow (crosses fingers)
• Hoping the Angels go on a run and finish ahead of Dipoto's Mariners
• Kaleb Cowart's continued success as a prospect
• Our prospects & 2016 amateur draftees seemed to have given the farm a BIG BOOST going forward! 

 

[Docwaukee]

From what Jeff said in his facebook video chat, It doesn't seem like the team is all that interested in giving Cowart the everyday job at any given point.  But I am and I really hope they change their mind.  

[tomsred]

7 minutes ago, Dochalo said:

From what Jeff said in his facebook video chat, It doesn't seem like the team is all that interested in giving Cowart the everyday job at any given point.  But I am and I really hope they change their mind.  

Yeah, that was an interesting comment, and I've been thinking about it a lot.  Specifically he said that the team knows everything they need to know about Caleb.  Things were pretty cool on Bandy for a long time too, but so far he looks great to me, especially for a guy ranked so low on the prospect list.  Maybe Caleb will step up like Jett.

[Chuck]

21 minutes ago, Dochalo said:

From what Jeff said in his facebook video chat, It doesn't seem like the team is all that interested in giving Cowart the everyday job at any given point.  But I am and I really hope they change their mind.  

I don't get that at all. Cowart has good defense and was hitting as good if not better than Bandy this season. He's still fairly young too. 

Also, in addition to playing 3B he has played 2B, SS, 1B and LF. Maybe with his arm they should give him a crack in LF to finish off the season in AAA.

[Oz27]

20 minutes ago, Dochalo said:

From what Jeff said in his facebook video chat, It doesn't seem like the team is all that interested in giving Cowart the everyday job at any given point.  But I am and I really hope they change their mind.  

Yeah I really want to see him get a legitimate shot. PECOTA predicts he falls short of becoming a league average hitter (a .246 true average is the best he gets projected for based on his in-season data) but, given his defensive value, he could still be a pretty useful MLB player.

[ten ocho recon scout]

I think a good point in the list is weaver. Yeah, he's ugly this year to watch. But he's been a legend in terms of angels. Wish he'd go out on a better note, but I think he's earned his due in terms of clapping as he leaves the building.

[ettin]

Despite his defense it seems like the Angels don't view Cowart as the everyday guy. I think if they end up bringing him up they will platoon him with someone like Marte.

[Oz27]

2 minutes ago, ettin said:

Despite his defense it seems like the Angels don't view Cowart as the everyday guy. I think if they end up bringing him up they will platoon him with someone like Marte.

Yeah if we'd done the smart thing and traded Escobar I was really hoping to see a Marte/Cowart platoon at 3B.

[Rico]

No Nolasco?

[Billy_Ball]

Richards isn't pitching any more MLB games in 2016.  Either get the TJ surgery or rehab and rest up until next Spring.

[Chuck]

2 hours ago, Rico said:

No Nolasco?

I forgot,  but yeah I should have included him... 

[arch stanton]

Because I love watching the Angels and I am optimistic by nature.

[Angel Oracle]

Jefry Marte has been a bit of a pleasant surprise (.753 OPS in 132 at bats); and has a great first name, although he needs to learn how to spell it right. 

[fan_since79]

I notice that Mike Scioscia is missing from that list.

That's a future Hall of Fame manager we have there. What gives?

 

 

 

[fan_since79]

13 minutes ago, Angel Oracle said:

Jefry Marte has been a bit of a pleasant surprise (.753 OPS in 132 at bats); and has a great first name, although he needs to learn how to spell it right. 

Love the home run swings. It looks like he's going to come out of his shoes.

 

[Angel Oracle]

Can Marte play an effective enough LF?   That's the next question.

He's been a solid run producer (23 rbis in just 132 at bats).

[totdprods]

Don't know if Marte walks enough or makes enough contact to really be counted on for an everyday role, but I think he's a great 1B/3B/DH/LF bench option, and when he gets on a hot streak can be a huge asset for a couple weeks. Sort of fills that old Jack Howell role, from the other side of the plate.

[Stradling]

56 minutes ago, fan_since79 said:

I notice that Mike Scioscia is missing from that list.

That's a future Hall of Fame manager we have there. What gives?

 

 

 

Chuck wanted to give you and Claude something to blab about.

[Stradling]

I don't really need a reason to watch other than, once the season is over I have to wait six months for my favorite team to play again.  Frustrating baseball is better than football and basketball combined. 

[nate]

I watch about 10 Mike Trout ABs a week and that is it.  Baseball is already mostly a boring sport and when the team is as bad as this one it is unwatchable.

[Stradling]

6 minutes ago, nate said:

I watch about 10 Mike Trout ABs a week and that is it.  Baseball is already mostly a boring sport and when the team is as bad as this one it is unwatchable.

You are very bad at this thread. 

[ksangel]

2018 when the rotation (at some time hopefully) will be Richards, Haney, Skaggs, Shoe and Tropeano. 

If the Angels can figure out 2B and LF by then and let Cowart have a chance at 3B the Angels should be very competitive.

 

2017 draft (hopefully top 5) and more toolsy prospects to go along with Thaiss, Ward, Jones, Marsh, Williams and other recent prospects.

 

Regarding Cowart, Scioscia has made it clear that his bat doesn't play at the major league level....so unless Scioscia leaves I don't see Cowart being part of the Angels.  Surprised they didn't try and trade him now while he's hitting at AAA. 

 

 

[stormngt]

2 hours ago, ksangel said:

2018 when the rotation (at some time hopefully) will be Richards, Haney, Skaggs, Shoe and Tropeano. 

If the Angels can figure out 2B and LF by then and let Cowart have a chance at 3B the Angels should be very competitive.

 

2017 draft (hopefully top 5) and more toolsy prospects to go along with Thaiss, Ward, Jones, Marsh, Williams and other recent prospects.

 

Regarding Cowart, Scioscia has made it clear that his bat doesn't play at the major league level....so unless Scioscia leaves I don't see Cowart being part of the Angels.  Surprised they didn't try and trade him now while he's hitting at AAA. 

 

 

Just curious.  Where did Scioscia say that?

[Guest]

There's very little to be excited about based on that list. I still watch and root for the Angels, but the future is bleak and I do not like the direction this team is heading. 

[fan_since79]

3 hours ago, nate said:

I watch about 10 Mike Trout ABs a week and that is it.  Baseball is already mostly a boring sport and when the team is as bad as this one it is unwatchable.

WTH?!

Heresy!!