Free Agency

[kevinb]

I have thought about this for a while. If the Angels go out and spend a huge amount of money this off season are you guys giving praise to Eppler or are you giving praise to Arte? Which gets more credit and why?

[Erstad Grit]

Arte for approving the money

Eppler should be critiqued on how it is spent. He blew a ton last year on Harvey, Cahill, Lucroy, and Allen. 

[Pancake Bear]

Depends on the circumstances. 

- Did extra money have to get approved by the owner?

- How much was the owner involved?

- Did the owner insist on a particular player?

In 2018, I think the decisions were entirely Eppler's. In 2013, I think Hamilton was entirely on Arte. Pujols is less clear. The impression I got was that Dipoto initiated it and Arte got behind it and made it happen. 

As far as this offseason, it depends on how much money Arte approves. If he sticks to his budget and leaves Eppler to make his own decisions, I give Eppler most of the credit and blame, depending how it all shakes out.

[IIIII]

It should be on the GM for his selection of players to target and on Arte for how much he is willing to spend. For example, Harvey, Cahill, and Allen are on Eppler. Arte gave Eppler the money and trusted him to make the correct decision, which he didn't. 

[TroutCron]

Eppler will go to Carpino who in turn will involve Arte on big offers to free agents, the rest is on Eppler. 

[Claude]

Arte and Carol make all of the big money decisions. That’s why we haven’t signed anyone in a while. 

[Stradling]

Narrative

[Claude]

12 minutes ago, Stradling said:

Narrative

It’s called fiscal responsibility. It’s not your money, it’s Arte’s.