Rest of the offseason, post Shohei.

[Warfarin]

With Ohtani gone now, and given the declarations of the FO that they intend to compete and not rebuild - what moves do you make from here to cobble together a decent team?

https://www.fangraphs.com/roster-resource/payroll/angels 

Looking at the above, if you assume Arte will spend close to the threshold (no guarantees of that), that would mean we have ~65mil or so to spend in AAV this offseason, which is more than enough to secure a top SP, a top reliever, and some hitters to help mitigate the loss of Ohtani.

[tdawg87]

It's definitely fair to assume that. I think he goes by actual payroll, which was $215m last year. So the 65 mil estimate is likely correct regardless. 

His inevitable pivot should be Yamamoto, but it will probably be Snell. Or Stroman. 

[Ron Mexico]

I am offering Yamamoto 300 Mil 

[Stradling]

I’d be very surprised if Yamamoto isn’t a Dodger 

[Angelsjunky]

I feel similar about the team as I did a year ago, even with the loss of Ohtani (which has partially been ameliorated relative to a year ago by generally positive developments from young players): The team, as is, has some talent. Neto, O'Hoppe, and Schanuel all look like they're here to stay and are already average plus regulars with upside for more. Moniak has some value, if only as a good 4th outfielder/platoon guy. Rengifo has emerged as a solid player and I wouldn't be surprised to see him take another step forward this year. Ward's bat is good when he's healthy. Even Adell has shown glimmers of progress. Drury is maybe the one acquisition that was as good as he was hoped to be. Unfortunately none of those guys look like elite bats, so the Angels really need Trout and Rendon to be healthy and/or to add depth, with Ward being a kind of wildcard.

As for the SP, I think the podcast said it well: The Angels have a bunch of solid #3s/good #4s, though I think the upside is there for more from Detmers, Sandoval, and maybe Silseth. But as Chuck said, Canning was sneakily pretty good. It is heartening that his pitch velocity was the highest of his career, so I'm wondering if he's on the verge of finally fulfilling his potential. Anderson should be a solid #4. So that's five guys, but really, if they want a competitive rotation, they probably need to go after the best starter they can get, either Yamamoto or Snell, or at least someone like Stroman.

The bullpen...who the fuck knows. It seems like no matter what they do, it always implodes. But there are some good pieces, so maybe just a couple solid veterans.

Anyhow, my main point is that the team's success in 2024 largely depends upon players they already have: Not just (but to a huge degree) Trout and Rendon, but the rest of the cast. Hiring RW might turn out to be a genius move (and hopefully not genious). I think they need to bolster the roster, but I just don't think it will make or break them. They need better performance (and health) from the guys mentioned above.

Edited December 10, 2023 by Angelsjunky

[Robrock30]

JD Martinez is the obvious first move no?

[Angels 1961]

With Stassi gone another catcher could be next move. Many have said Maldonado to help O'Hoppe and young pitchers. Another name I would consider is Mitch Garver. He could DH some and catch twice a week. Be a good bat in lineup. 

[Angels 1961]

2 minutes ago, Robrock30 said:

JD Martinez is the obvious first move no?

No do not tie up DH spot. 

[Robrock30]

5 minutes ago, Angels 1961 said:

No do not tie up DH spot. 

33 HRs 103 RBIs $ 10 MM one year deal is solid move for DH

[Robrock30]

1 hour ago, tdawg87 said:

It's definitely fair to assume that. I think he goes by actual payroll, which was $215m last year. So the 65 mil estimate is likely correct regardless. 

His inevitable pivot should be Yamamoto, but it will probably be Snell. Or Stroman. 

I take Seth Lugo over Stroman

[Warfarin]

9 minutes ago, Robrock30 said:

JD Martinez is the obvious first move no?

Maybe, but I think this team needs some LHH.  As it stands now, all we really have is Rengifo (who is a switch hitter), Moniak, and Schanuel.  Maybe someone like Joc Peterson, who can DH but also play some LF, could be an option to fill that spot.

[tdawg87]

7 minutes ago, Robrock30 said:

I take Seth Lugo over Stroman

Same. 

[Stradling]

10 minutes ago, Robrock30 said:

I take Seth Lugo over Stroman

Fuck it, get them both.  

[Robrock30]

5 minutes ago, tdawg87 said:

Same. 

I follow his Mom's Twitter while Stroman has blocked me and most of the World.  He has issues obviously while Seth is an upstanding young man with a supportive Mom in his corner.

[Robrock30]

15 minutes ago, Warfarin said:

Maybe, but I think this team needs some LHH.  As it stands now, all we really have is Rengifo (who is a switch hitter), Moniak, and Schanuel.  Maybe someone like Joc Peterson, who can DH but also play some LF, could be an option to fill that spot.

Ok I like Joc so take them both as they are both winners.

[Erstad Grit]

16 minutes ago, Warfarin said:

Maybe, but I think this team needs some LHH.  As it stands now, all we really have is Rengifo (who is a switch hitter), Moniak, and Schanuel.  Maybe someone like Joc Peterson, who can DH but also play some LF, could be an option to fill that spot.

Joc is no longer a competent  outfielder 

[Stradling]

Trade for Yellich and Burnes.  There is your left handed hitter.  

[tdawg87]

1 minute ago, Stradling said:

Trade for Yellich and Burnes.  There is your left handed hitter.  

This makes too much sense to happen.

[Stradling]

9 minutes ago, tdawg87 said:

This makes too much sense to happen.

Now that we saw what Ohtani got paid, it really makes Yellich contract seem ok. I am willing to bet Belinger is going to get $200 million.  Snell is going to get $175-200 million.  

[Angels 1961]

14 minutes ago, Erstad Grit said:

Joc is no longer a competent  outfielder 

Sign Brandon Belt he can play 1B and DH

[Angels 1961]

33 minutes ago, Robrock30 said:

33 HRs 103 RBIs $ 10 MM one year deal is solid move for DH

He would cost 18 or more. Last season was very good but year before not so good. Mitch Garver, Brandon Belt come to mind for me can DH and play in field.

[Angel Oracle]

47 minutes ago, Angelsjunky said:

I feel similar about the team as I did a year ago, even with the loss of Ohtani (which has partially been ameliorated relative to a year ago by generally positive developments from young players): The team, as is, has some talent. Neto, O'Hoppe, and Schanuel all look like they're here to stay and are already average plus regulars with upside for more. Moniak has some value, if only as a good 4th outfielder/platoon guy. Rengifo has emerged as a solid player and I wouldn't be surprised to see him take another step forward this year. Ward's bat is good when he's healthy. Even Adell has shown glimmers of progress. Drury is maybe the one acquisition that was as good as he was hoped to be. Unfortunately none of those guys look like elite bats, so the Angels really need Trout and Rendon to be healthy and/or to add depth, with Ward being a kind of wildcard.

As for the SP, I think the podcast said it well: The Angels have a bunch of solid #3s/good #4s, though I think the upside is there for more from Detmers, Sandoval, and maybe Silseth. But as Chuck said, Canning was sneakily pretty good. It is heartening that his pitch velocity was the highest of his career, so I'm wondering if he's on the verge of finally fulfilling his potential. Anderson should be a solid #4. So that's five guys, but really, if they want a competitive rotation, they probably need to go after the best starter they can get, either Yamamoto or Snell, or at least someone like Stroman.

The bullpen...who the fuck knows. It seems like no matter what they do, it always implodes. But there are some good pieces, so maybe just a couple solid veterans.

Anyhow, my main point is that the team's success in 2024 largely depends upon players they already have: Not just (but to a huge degree) Trout and Rendon, but the rest of the cast. Hiring RW might turn out to be a genius move (and hopefully not genious). I think they need to bolster the roster, but I just don't think it will make or break them. They need better performance (and health) from the guys mentioned above.

Question is, why have they struggled with relief pitching, while other teams find success?

[Stradling]

Just now, Angel Oracle said:

Question is, why have they struggled with relief pitching, while other teams find success?

Because every year we are signing an entire bullpen, while other teams aren’t.  

[Stradling]

Garver would be a good signing.  

[Angelsjunky]

One of the tiny silver linings of losing Ohtani: An open DH spot for the injury-prone players like Trout, Rendon, and Ward. Plus, they can rotate Drury, Thiass, and Schanuel, as well.

Focus on pitching and lineup depth, not an expensive DH-only.