Gameday Thread: Giants @ Angels (03/11/2021)

[jsnpritchett]

24 minutes ago, Trendon said:

They may just still be building him back up, as he arrived late to camp. He's still young, so they probably don't want to rush him out into MLB outings. But yeah, he's gonna have to start pitching in ST games and showing something if he wants to make the roster.

He's not all THAT young.  He just turned 24.  Looks like he signed later than most Dominican players do.

[Stradling]

1 hour ago, failos said:

Easily the stupidest thing Eppler ever did. A fireable offense, if you ask me.

I think it was to sign Rendon.  

[ThisismineScios]

5 hours ago, Inside Pitch said:

Joe Maddon take...

I openly wondered what the hell he was doing at times last year -- the Joe doing things to do things takes..   But I really like how he's handled the rolling innings and SPs exiting and re-entering the games.   Instead of doing what most teams have done and rolling an inning when a guy gets into trouble, he's removed the SP, called in a RP and then brought the SP back to restart the next innings.  Good way to get RPs in game situations like those they will see when it counts and at the same time allowing the SP having a shitty inning to come back and get his work in.

It really does seem like the focus is on getting guys ready for the season and it's been nice to see.

Also think he’s practicing inherited runner situations because we were so bad at it last year. And, the bullpen is the polar opposite of a finished product right now. There’s a scenario where 2/3 of Faria, Rivera, or Bowen make the bullpen. It’s kind of an odd situation. 

[Angels 1961]

15 hours ago, Trendon said:

Why should he? He's been awful the past 4 seasons. Since 2017, he's been the 2nd worst player in MLB by WAR, with -3 fWAR. From 2017-2020, his slash line is .242/.291/.406 in 1842 PA's.

The best player deserves the opening day nod, not the old veteran. I don't care that he's a HOF'er. He's been putrid the last 4 seasons and has been a massive disappointment as an Angel.

I agree best player should start but Albert is having a nice spring. 

[Stradling]

15 hours ago, Trendon said:

Why should he? He's been awful the past 4 seasons. Since 2017, he's been the 2nd worst player in MLB by WAR, with -3 fWAR. From 2017-2020, his slash line is .242/.291/.406 in 1842 PA's.

The best player deserves the opening day nod, not the old veteran. I don't care that he's a HOF'er. He's been putrid the last 4 seasons and has been a massive disappointment as an Angel.

Well be prepared to be upset.  You may not care that he’s a hall of famer but baseball cares as it relates to things like this.  It’s also possible that both Walsh and Albert start on opening day. But if it’s only one it will be Albert.  It’s one game in 162, but it’ll be his last opening day.  

[BTH]

8 hours ago, Stradling said:

Well be prepared to be upset.  You may not care that he’s a hall of famer but baseball cares as it relates to things like this.  It’s also possible that both Walsh and Albert start on opening day. But if it’s only one it will be Albert.  It’s one game in 162, but it’ll be his last opening day.  

Unfortunately, as an Angels fan, I'm always prepared to be upset.

I understand the reasons why it may happen, but I just don't agree with those reasons.