Angels sign Brett Phillips (1 year, $1.2 million), DFA Austin Warren

[mmc]

 

[mmc]

There's OF4.  Not what I'd have gone with but I think that's a clear sign we plan to invest money elsewhere, don't imagine he'll cost much.  Wonder who goes from the 40 man now.

[mmc]

 

[Erstad Grit]

Would rather have someone in AAA take that spot.  

[Chuck]

Great signing!! He's a great outfielder defensively, which is what you want in a 4th outfielder. 

If one of our core OF's go down with an injury you bring one of Adell or Moniak up from AAA. 

[Stradling]

He’s a super good guy. Not a great player but a good clubhouse guy. 

[m0nkey]

Another two way player!

[Hubs]

2 minutes ago, Stradling said:

He’s a super good guy. Not a great player but a good clubhouse guy. 

Wasn't he the "pitcher" that gave up Rendon's left handed homer?

 

[Hubs]

Just now, Hubs said:

Wasn't he the "pitcher" that gave up Rendon's left handed homer?

 

Update, yes, yes he was. 

 

[Don]

This is one of those terrifying signings only because I can see our org talking themselves in to letting this guy start games consistently if we get bitten by the injury bug. This signing is fine if he's a late inning defensive replacement, or starts every week or two. Anything more than that and this dude is a burden.

[wopphil]

 I would have preferred an option with more upside, as I am guessing Moniak can perform as well as this guy. But he is costing barely more than league minimum, so no real risk here. 

[Hubs]

12 minutes ago, Don said:

This is one of those terrifying signings only because I can see our org talking themselves in to letting this guy start games consistently if we get bitten by the injury bug. This signing is fine if he's a late inning defensive replacement, or starts every week or two. Anything more than that and this dude is a burden.

There is no need for a defensive replacement with the regular three OF. Not even if Walsh is getting an occasional day in the OF. But if Urshela or Drury is out there, or even Fletcher, or Rengifo, then Maybe.

Edited January 9, 2023 by Hubs

[Chuck]

Phillips is the perfect 4th outfielder but it's doubtful he gets regular time in the outfield if there's an injury to one of the regulars. I'm guessing Adell or Moniak will get the call and the majority of the time in the outfield should one of our core guys go down. 

[Warfarin]

This signing is fine.  Not exciting, but the whole idea we have had is to raise the floor.  He is fantastic defensively, and I can envision him being a late inning defensive replacement often, which is how you would maximize value.  Even if he isn't hitting, which appears to often be the case, he is a positive value player because of elite defense and speed.

This will enable Moniak and Adell to start in AAA.  I like Moniak much better as a 5th OF than as a 4th OF.

Our position players are set now, I would say.

[Warfarin]

So, our opening position player roster, pending health:

Catcher:  Stassi + one of O'Hoppe, Thaiss, Wallach

IF:  Walsh, Drury, Rengifo, Fletcher, Rendon, Urshela

OF:  Renfroe, Trout, Ward, Phillips

DH:  Ohtani

[Pancake Bear]

Good defense and base running. Hope he doesn't start much, though. If there's an injury and Adell gets called up, Phillips will be a great defensive replacement. Otherwise, he'll mostly be an emergency guy or base runner, I'd assume. At that cost, easy to release him if someone else noticeably outplays him in Spring. 

[Chuck]

 

[Warfarin]

 

1 minute ago, Pancake Bear said:

Good defense and base running. Hope he doesn't start much, though. If there's an injury and Adell gets called up, Phillips will be a great defensive replacement. Otherwise, he'll mostly be an emergency guy or base runner, I'd assume. At that cost, easy to release him if someone else noticeably outplays him in Spring. 

Yeah.  1.2mil is a minimal investment.  Ideally, if we need someone to start games in the OF for the purposes of player rest/etc, I'd like to see Walsh or Rengifo flexed out to the corners as opposed to seeing Phillips start.  I do think Phillips will probably start, though, when Trout needs a day off.  

[UndertheHalo]

Very powerful acquisition.  Perry, thank you. 

[Warfarin]

There is also the random benefit that this guy can serve as an occasional mop up reliever in blowout games, lol.  4 innings pitched last year!  

[Warfarin]

So the subsequent question is, who will be DFA'd?  Stefanic, Marte, Davis?

[Docwaukee]

I would have hoped for someone a bit better with the stick.  Maybe this is a paired move to keep the team below the threshold when they sign a P.  

[mmc]

 

[mmc]

 

[Jay]

So what I'm hearing is, he's really good but we hope he doesn't play much.