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Ely Hydes, the Tigers fan who caught the ball from Albert Pujols’ 2,000th RBI on Thursday, said on Friday night that he had a change of heart and wanted to give the ball to Pujols. Pujols, however, said that the gesture is unnecessary.
“I heard that the guy wanted to give it back, but he can keep it,” Pujols said. “I said what I had to say yesterday. I think he deserves it. He’s a fan. Or he can give it to the Hall of Fame.”
Hydes left the ballpark after refusing several offers of memorabilia exchanges from the Tigers and Angels. He initially said he wanted to keep the ball, rather than try to sell it.
“I slept on it,” Hydes told The Detroit News. “All I ever wanted was to sleep on it. I slept on it and I woke up and I think (Pujols) is a class act. He’s not my player, he’s not my guy, I don’t deserve the ball. I reconsidered. One-hundred percent, I’m either going to give it to Pujols or to the Hall of Fame.”
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DETROIT — As Albert Pujols sits on the verge of reaching 2,000 RBIs, those around him have some news for anyone with the temerity to suggest that RBIs are more a product of opportunity than skill.
“A thousand percent, that’s a skill,” said Kole Calhoun. “You get hits, but the game is different when someone is on second base or guys are in scoring position. Watch any game. Guys pitch at 92 to 93 and then a guy gets in scoring position and they are 95 to 97. Pitchers step up and don’t let runners score. Guys who get RBIs, it’s 100 percent a skill. When (Pujols) comes up in those situations throughout his career, there are not many better guys to have up there.”
Pujols, who picked up RBI No. 1,999 on Saturday, doesn’t talk much about any of his milestones until he reaches them. He said recently that he’s proud of his RBI total, but conceded it’s a statistic that one does not reach alone.
“A lot of guys have been on base for me,” he said. “It’s something you don’t accomplish by yourself. You have to have a lot of pieces that have to go right, and I’ve been able to have that my whole career.”
Only four other players have recorded 2,000 RBIs, and only two of them since the statistic became official in 1920. The all-time leader is Hank Aaron, with 2,297.
The 2,000-RBI plateau has actually been reached fewer times than the 600-homer or 3,000-hit marks that Pujols passed in recent years. He’s coming up to this one with much less attention because, frankly, the reputation of the RBI has taken a hit in recent years.
While no one doubts the value of RBIs — runs, after all, are what wins games — the issue is how much individual credit a player deserves for racking them up. A hitter is on his own when he gets a hit or blasts a homer. But to get an RBI, a hitter generally needs someone on base, and he has no control over that.
So the question then is whether getting a hit to drive that runner in is a different skill than simply getting a hit.
Players believe it is.
“It is a skill,” Jonathan Lucroy said. “I’ve seen guys that in that situation they go up and they swing at everything. They try too hard and get themselves out. Other guys have really good at-bats and don’t chase. I definitely think there’s a difference between the two.”
Brian Goodwin said there is “a little different focus” that’s necessary in those spots.
“For him to have 2,000 of those driven in, to be able to do it consistently, over and over, for all these years, it’s hard to take away from the fact that it’s a skill he possesses that a lot of people would like to have,” Goodwin said.
Sure enough, Pujols had a higher batting average with runners in scoring position than he did with the bases empty in 12 of his 18 full seasons. He has only 31 at-bats this season with runners in scoring position, so his .194 average is in too small a sample to be meaningful.
In his last three full seasons — years in which his overall production had markedly declined — Pujols still had a higher average with runners in scoring position than with the bases empty.
Part of that is because in each of those years Pujols has a slightly lower strikeout rate with runners in scoring position. In 2016 and 2017, he also hit the ball to the opposite field slightly more often with runners in scoring position.
There are also chances to drive in runs without a hit, when a runner is at third and there are less than two outs.
Since Pujols has been with the Angels, he’s converted those opportunities 56.4 percent of the time. The major league average is about 50 percent. Last year, Pujols converted 73.7 percent, which was fourth best in the majors among hitters with at least 15 chances.
All of that gives support to the notion held by Pujols’ teammates: he knows how to drive in runs. Even though he’s no longer the Pujols of a decade ago, who regularly hit .330 with 30 homers, he is still picking up more RBIs than a player with his overall offensive numbers ought to get.
“I do think that there’s some hitters out there that do have an innate skill to drive a runner in,” Angels General Manager Billy Eppler said. “Usually it comes with high-contact hitters and hitters that can use foul line to foul line, who the ability to have some bat range and manipulate the barrel.”
Hitting the ball for power helps too. Manager Brad Ausmus said one part of the equation often not discussed is that the truly good run-producers don’t simply drive in runners from scoring position.
“If someone is at second base and you hit a single, that’s a little easier,” Ausmus said. “Put a guy on second every time for two different players and they have the same average, they’re going to get similar RBIs, but it’s when there’s a guy at first and he can drive him in with a double, or when he’s standing in the box by himself and drives himself in.”
Pujols has driven himself in 636 times, with his homers accounting for nearly one-third of his RBIs. He’s also ninth on the all-time doubles list with 645.
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Angels suffer second straight blowout in lost weekend in Mexico Angels’ Shohei Ohtani closes in on a complete ‘spring training’ Trevor Cahill’s homer problems continue in Angels’ loss in Mexico Taylor Ward returns to the Angels with a few more gloves Angels prep for two-game series in Monterrey, Mexico Even this season, with a batting average of only .224, Pujols is tied for fourth on the team with 17 RBIs, thanks to five homers, six doubles and more sacrifice flies.
Ausmus enjoys watching Pujols drive in runs much more these days than he did for all of those years when he was a catcher for the Houston Astros, dealing with the the St. Louis Cardinals and Pujols 19 games a year.
“Albert was the best for 10 years,” Ausmus said. “I saw him in his prime and he was the guy no one wanted to come to the plate in a big situation, or anytime really.”
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View the full article

DETROIT — As Albert Pujols sits on the verge of reaching 2,000 RBIs, those around him have some news for anyone with the temerity to suggest that RBIs are more a product of opportunity than skill.
“A thousand percent, that’s a skill,” said Kole Calhoun. “You get hits, but the game is different when someone is on second base or guys are in scoring position. Watch any game. Guys pitch at 92 to 93 and then a guy gets in scoring position and they are 95 to 97. Pitchers step up and don’t let runners score. Guys who get RBIs, it’s 100 percent a skill. When (Pujols) comes up in those situations throughout his career, there are not many better guys to have up there.”
Pujols, who picked up RBI No. 1,999 on Saturday, doesn’t talk much about any of his milestones until he reaches them. He said recently that he’s proud of his RBI total, but conceded it’s a statistic that one does not reach alone.
“A lot of guys have been on base for me,” he said. “It’s something you don’t accomplish by yourself. You have to have a lot of pieces that have to go right, and I’ve been able to have that my whole career.”
Only four other players have recorded 2,000 RBIs, and only two of them since the statistic became official in 1920. The all-time leader is Hank Aaron, with 2,297.
The 2,000-RBI plateau has actually been reached fewer times than the 600-homer or 3,000-hit marks that Pujols passed in recent years. He’s coming up to this one with much less attention because, frankly, the reputation of the RBI has taken a hit in recent years.
While no one doubts the value of RBIs — runs, after all, are what wins games — the issue is how much individual credit a player deserves for racking them up. A hitter is on his own when he gets a hit or blasts a homer. But to get an RBI, a hitter generally needs someone on base, and he has no control over that.
So the question then is whether getting a hit to drive that runner in is a different skill than simply getting a hit.
Players believe it is.
“It is a skill,” Jonathan Lucroy said. “I’ve seen guys that in that situation they go up and they swing at everything. They try too hard and get themselves out. Other guys have really good at-bats and don’t chase. I definitely think there’s a difference between the two.”
Brian Goodwin said there is “a little different focus” that’s necessary in those spots.
“For him to have 2,000 of those driven in, to be able to do it consistently, over and over, for all these years, it’s hard to take away from the fact that it’s a skill he possesses that a lot of people would like to have,” Goodwin said.
Sure enough, Pujols had a higher batting average with runners in scoring position than he did with the bases empty in 12 of his 18 full seasons. He has only 31 at-bats this season with runners in scoring position, so his .194 average is in too small a sample to be meaningful.
In his last three full seasons — years in which his overall production had markedly declined — Pujols still had a higher average with runners in scoring position than with the bases empty.
Part of that is because in each of those years Pujols has a slightly lower strikeout rate with runners in scoring position. In 2016 and 2017, he also hit the ball to the opposite field slightly more often with runners in scoring position.
There are also chances to drive in runs without a hit, when a runner is at third and there are less than two outs.
Since Pujols has been with the Angels, he’s converted those opportunities 56.4 percent of the time. The major league average is about 50 percent. Last year, Pujols converted 73.7 percent, which was fourth best in the majors among hitters with at least 15 chances.
All of that gives support to the notion held by Pujols’ teammates: he knows how to drive in runs. Even though he’s no longer the Pujols of a decade ago, who regularly hit .330 with 30 homers, he is still picking up more RBIs than a player with his overall offensive numbers ought to get.
“I do think that there’s some hitters out there that do have an innate skill to drive a runner in,” Angels General Manager Billy Eppler said. “Usually it comes with high-contact hitters and hitters that can use foul line to foul line, who the ability to have some bat range and manipulate the barrel.”
Hitting the ball for power helps too. Manager Brad Ausmus said one part of the equation often not discussed is that the truly good run-producers don’t simply drive in runners from scoring position.
“If someone is at second base and you hit a single, that’s a little easier,” Ausmus said. “Put a guy on second every time for two different players and they have the same average, they’re going to get similar RBIs, but it’s when there’s a guy at first and he can drive him in with a double, or when he’s standing in the box by himself and drives himself in.”
Pujols has driven himself in 636 times, with his homers accounting for nearly one-third of his RBIs. He’s also ninth on the all-time doubles list with 645.
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Ausmus enjoys watching Pujols drive in runs much more these days than he did for all of those years when he was a catcher for the Houston Astros, dealing with the the St. Louis Cardinals and Pujols 19 games a year.
“Albert was the best for 10 years,” Ausmus said. “I saw him in his prime and he was the guy no one wanted to come to the plate in a big situation, or anytime really.”
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View the full article

DETROIT – Shohei Ohtani, who has missed more than a month of the season while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, appears to be ready to play.
Ohtani will join the Angels in Detroit on Tuesday, at which point he will be evaluated to determine if he’s ready to play, Angels general manager Billy Eppler said a statement released on Monday.
Although the Angels stopped short of saying that they will definitely activate Ohtani, it would be a surprise if they sent him to Detroit without being fairly certain he was ready to go. Ohtani had more than 50 plate appearances against minor league pitchers in simulated games over the past couple weeks, approximating spring training.
As his return seemed imminent in recent days, the Angels talked eagerly about what he could mean when he rejoins the middle of their lineup.
“He was the Rookie of the Year,” Kole Calhoun said Sunday before the Angels played in Monterrey, Mexico. “We all got to see what he’s capable of last year and now he’s got a year of experience under his belt. He’s somebody that can definitely help this ball club. We’re definitely excited to get a player like Ohtani back.”
Ohtani, 24, won the award after debuting as a two-way player in the majors in 2018. He was only able to pitch 10 games, posting a 3.31 ERA, because of an elbow injury that would ultimately require surgery at the end of the season.
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Angels celebrate the skill of driving in runs as Albert Pujols nears 2,000 RBIs Angels suffer second straight blowout in lost weekend in Mexico Angels’ Shohei Ohtani closes in on a complete ‘spring training’ Trevor Cahill’s homer problems continue in Angels’ loss in Mexico Taylor Ward returns to the Angels with a few more gloves While the injury prevents him from pitching until 2020, the Angels will soon have his bat back for the rest of the season. Last year he hit .285 with 22 homers and a .925 OPS in 367 plate appearances.
Ohtani could approach 500 plate appearances over the rest of the season if he serves as the everyday designated hitter, with only occasional days off, as Manager Brad Ausmus has suggested.
Later in the season, as he continues to advance in his throwing progression, the Angels may choose to give him a few more days off to work around the heavier throwing workouts.
Eppler said on Sunday that Ohtani has been instructed on how to slide without putting his arm at risk. He will wear a protective elbow guard when he bats and a different one when he is on the bases.
View the full article

DETROIT – Shohei Ohtani, who has missed more than a month of the season while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, appears to be ready to play.
Ohtani will join the Angels in Detroit on Tuesday, at which point he will be evaluated to determine if he’s ready to play, Angels general manager Billy Eppler said a statement released on Monday.
Although the Angels stopped short of saying that they will definitely activate Ohtani, it would be a surprise if they sent him to Detroit without being fairly certain he was ready to go. Ohtani had more than 50 plate appearances against minor league pitchers in simulated games over the past couple weeks, approximating spring training.
As his return seemed imminent in recent days, the Angels talked eagerly about what he could mean when he rejoins the middle of their lineup.
“He was the Rookie of the Year,” Kole Calhoun said Sunday before the Angels played in Monterrey, Mexico. “We all got to see what he’s capable of last year and now he’s got a year of experience under his belt. He’s somebody that can definitely help this ball club. We’re definitely excited to get a player like Ohtani back.”
Ohtani, 24, won the award after debuting as a two-way player in the majors in 2018. He was only able to pitch 10 games, posting a 3.31 ERA, because of an elbow injury that would ultimately require surgery at the end of the season.
Related Articles
Angels celebrate the skill of driving in runs as Albert Pujols nears 2,000 RBIs Angels suffer second straight blowout in lost weekend in Mexico Angels’ Shohei Ohtani closes in on a complete ‘spring training’ Trevor Cahill’s homer problems continue in Angels’ loss in Mexico Taylor Ward returns to the Angels with a few more gloves While the injury prevents him from pitching until 2020, the Angels will soon have his bat back for the rest of the season. Last year he hit .285 with 22 homers and a .925 OPS in 367 plate appearances.
Ohtani could approach 500 plate appearances over the rest of the season if he serves as the everyday designated hitter, with only occasional days off, as Manager Brad Ausmus has suggested.
Later in the season, as he continues to advance in his throwing progression, the Angels may choose to give him a few more days off to work around the heavier throwing workouts.
Eppler said on Sunday that Ohtani has been instructed on how to slide without putting his arm at risk. He will wear a protective elbow guard when he bats and a different one when he is on the bases.
View the full article

DETROIT – Shohei Ohtani, who has missed more than a month of the season while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, appears to be ready to play.
Ohtani will join the Angels in Detroit on Tuesday, at which point he will be evaluated to determine if he’s ready to play, Angels general manager Billy Eppler said a statement released on Monday.
Although the Angels stopped short of saying that they will definitely activate Ohtani, it would be a surprise if they sent him to Detroit without being fairly certain he was ready to go. Ohtani had more than 50 plate appearances against minor league pitchers in simulated games over the past couple weeks, approximating spring training.
As his return seemed imminent in recent days, the Angels talked eagerly about what he could mean when he rejoins the middle of their lineup.
“He was the Rookie of the Year,” Kole Calhoun said Sunday before the Angels played in Monterrey, Mexico. “We all got to see what he’s capable of last year and now he’s got a year of experience under his belt. He’s somebody that can definitely help this ball club. We’re definitely excited to get a player like Ohtani back.”
Ohtani, 24, won the award after debuting as a two-way player in the majors in 2018. He was only able to pitch 10 games, posting a 3.31 ERA, because of an elbow injury that would ultimately require surgery at the end of the season.
Related Articles
Angels celebrate the skill of driving in runs as Albert Pujols nears 2,000 RBIs Angels suffer second straight blowout in lost weekend in Mexico Angels’ Shohei Ohtani closes in on a complete ‘spring training’ Trevor Cahill’s homer problems continue in Angels’ loss in Mexico Taylor Ward returns to the Angels with a few more gloves While the injury prevents him from pitching until 2020, the Angels will soon have his bat back for the rest of the season. Last year he hit .285 with 22 homers and a .925 OPS in 367 plate appearances.
Ohtani could approach 500 plate appearances over the rest of the season if he serves as the everyday designated hitter, with only occasional days off, as Manager Brad Ausmus has suggested.
Later in the season, as he continues to advance in his throwing progression, the Angels may choose to give him a few more days off to work around the heavier throwing workouts.
Eppler said on Sunday that Ohtani has been instructed on how to slide without putting his arm at risk. He will wear a protective elbow guard when he bats and a different one when he is on the bases.
View the full article

DETROIT – Shohei Ohtani, who has missed more than a month of the season while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, appears to be ready to play.
Ohtani will join the Angels in Detroit on Tuesday, at which point he will be evaluated to determine if he’s ready to play, Angels general manager Billy Eppler said a statement released on Monday.
Although the Angels stopped short of saying that they will definitely activate Ohtani, it would be a surprise if they sent him to Detroit without being fairly certain he was ready to go. Ohtani had more than 50 plate appearances against minor league pitchers in simulated games over the past couple weeks, approximating spring training.
As his return seemed imminent in recent days, the Angels talked eagerly about what he could mean when he rejoins the middle of their lineup.
“He was the Rookie of the Year,” Kole Calhoun said Sunday before the Angels played in Monterrey, Mexico. “We all got to see what he’s capable of last year and now he’s got a year of experience under his belt. He’s somebody that can definitely help this ball club. We’re definitely excited to get a player like Ohtani back.”
Ohtani, 24, won the award after debuting as a two-way player in the majors in 2018. He was only able to pitch 10 games, posting a 3.31 ERA, because of an elbow injury that would ultimately require surgery at the end of the season.
Related Articles
Angels celebrate the skill of driving in runs as Albert Pujols nears 2,000 RBIs Angels suffer second straight blowout in lost weekend in Mexico Angels’ Shohei Ohtani closes in on a complete ‘spring training’ Trevor Cahill’s homer problems continue in Angels’ loss in Mexico Taylor Ward returns to the Angels with a few more gloves While the injury prevents him from pitching until 2020, the Angels will soon have his bat back for the rest of the season. Last year he hit .285 with 22 homers and a .925 OPS in 367 plate appearances.
Ohtani could approach 500 plate appearances over the rest of the season if he serves as the everyday designated hitter, with only occasional days off, as Manager Brad Ausmus has suggested.
Later in the season, as he continues to advance in his throwing progression, the Angels may choose to give him a few more days off to work around the heavier throwing workouts.
Eppler said on Sunday that Ohtani has been instructed on how to slide without putting his arm at risk. He will wear a protective elbow guard when he bats and a different one when he is on the bases.
View the full article

DETROIT — As Albert Pujols sits on the verge of reaching 2,000 RBIs, those around him have some news for anyone with the temerity to suggest that RBIs are more a product of opportunity than skill.
“A thousand percent, that’s a skill,” said Kole Calhoun. “You get hits, but the game is different when someone is on second base or guys are in scoring position. Watch any game. Guys pitch at 92 to 93 and then a guy gets in scoring position and they are 95 to 97. Pitchers step up and don’t let runners score. Guys who get RBIs, it’s 100 percent a skill. When (Pujols) comes up in those situations throughout his career, there are not many better guys to have up there.”
Pujols, who picked up RBI No. 1,999 on Saturday, doesn’t talk much about any of his milestones until he reaches them. He said recently that he’s proud of his RBI total, but conceded it’s a statistic that one does not reach alone.
“A lot of guys have been on base for me,” he said. “It’s something you don’t accomplish by yourself. You have to have a lot of pieces that have to go right, and I’ve been able to have that my whole career.”
Only four other players have recorded 2,000 RBIs, and only two of them since the statistic became official in 1920. The all-time leader is Hank Aaron, with 2,297.
The 2,000-RBI plateau has actually been reached fewer times than the 600-homer or 3,000-hit marks that Pujols passed in recent years. He’s coming up to this one with much less attention because, frankly, the reputation of the RBI has taken a hit in recent years.
While no one doubts the value of RBIs — runs, after all, are what wins games — the issue is how much individual credit a player deserves for racking them up. A hitter is on his own when he gets a hit or blasts a homer. But to get an RBI, a hitter generally needs someone on base, and he has no control over that.
So the question then is whether getting a hit to drive that runner in is a different skill than simply getting a hit.
Players believe it is.
“It is a skill,” Jonathan Lucroy said. “I’ve seen guys that in that situation they go up and they swing at everything. They try too hard and get themselves out. Other guys have really good at-bats and don’t chase. I definitely think there’s a difference between the two.”
Brian Goodwin said there is “a little different focus” that’s necessary in those spots.
“For him to have 2,000 of those driven in, to be able to do it consistently, over and over, for all these years, it’s hard to take away from the fact that it’s a skill he possesses that a lot of people would like to have,” Goodwin said.
Sure enough, Pujols had a higher batting average with runners in scoring position than he did with the bases empty in 12 of his 18 full seasons. He has only 31 at-bats this season with runners in scoring position, so his .194 average is in too small a sample to be meaningful.
In his last three full seasons — years in which his overall production had markedly declined — Pujols still had a higher average with runners in scoring position than with the bases empty.
Part of that is because in each of those years Pujols has a slightly lower strikeout rate with runners in scoring position. In 2016 and 2017, he also hit the ball to the opposite field slightly more often with runners in scoring position.
There are also chances to drive in runs without a hit, when a runner is at third and there are less than two outs.
Since Pujols has been with the Angels, he’s converted those opportunities 56.4 percent of the time. The major league average is about 50 percent. Last year, Pujols converted 73.7 percent, which was fourth best in the majors among hitters with at least 15 chances.
All of that gives support to the notion held by Pujols’ teammates: he knows how to drive in runs. Even though he’s no longer the Pujols of a decade ago, who regularly hit .330 with 30 homers, he is still picking up more RBIs than a player with his overall offensive numbers ought to get.
“I do think that there’s some hitters out there that do have an innate skill to drive a runner in,” Angels General Manager Billy Eppler said. “Usually it comes with high-contact hitters and hitters that can use foul line to foul line, who the ability to have some bat range and manipulate the barrel.”
Hitting the ball for power helps too. Manager Brad Ausmus said one part of the equation often not discussed is that the truly good run-producers don’t simply drive in runners from scoring position.
“If someone is at second base and you hit a single, that’s a little easier,” Ausmus said. “Put a guy on second every time for two different players and they have the same average, they’re going to get similar RBIs, but it’s when there’s a guy at first and he can drive him in with a double, or when he’s standing in the box by himself and drives himself in.”
Pujols has driven himself in 636 times, with his homers accounting for nearly one-third of his RBIs. He’s also ninth on the all-time doubles list with 645.
Related Articles
Angels suffer second straight blowout in lost weekend in Mexico Angels’ Shohei Ohtani closes in on a complete ‘spring training’ Trevor Cahill’s homer problems continue in Angels’ loss in Mexico Taylor Ward returns to the Angels with a few more gloves Angels prep for two-game series in Monterrey, Mexico Even this season, with a batting average of only .224, Pujols is tied for fourth on the team with 17 RBIs, thanks to five homers, six doubles and more sacrifice flies.
Ausmus enjoys watching Pujols drive in runs much more these days than he did for all of those years when he was a catcher for the Houston Astros, dealing with the the St. Louis Cardinals and Pujols 19 games a year.
“Albert was the best for 10 years,” Ausmus said. “I saw him in his prime and he was the guy no one wanted to come to the plate in a big situation, or anytime really.”
UP NEXT
Angels (RHP Griffin Canning, 0-0, 6.23) vs. Tigers (LHP Daniel Norris, 1-0, 3.47), 4 p.m., Fox Sports West
View the full article

ANAHEIM — In the course of reporting today’s column on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.,  the Toronto Blue Jays’ prodigy and son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr., we got to talking with Angels broadcaster Jose Mota about Vladimir Sr.’s approach to hitting. As you might expect, it was fairly uncomplicated.
Mota actually was a teammate of Vladimir Sr., toward the end of Mota’s career and the beginning of Guerrero’s.
“I was in Montreal in spring training, my last spring training in ’97, and we spent some spring training time together,” he recalled.
“We’re playing the Astros and they brought in John Hudek,” he continued, referring to a hard-throwing right-hander who lasted six years in the big leagues with a 10-15 record. “Felipe Alou was managing and he says, ‘Hey, Vladi, this guy, very good arm, very firm.’
“Vladi comes up, and his first pitch swing hits off the end of the bat, broken bat. He comes back to the dugout and respectfully says, ‘Felipe, I don’t want a scouting report from anybody right now.’ In other words, he was so keyed in, because Felipe said this guy throws really hard, he swung so early that he ended up hitting the ball off the end of the bat. So he’s like, respectfully, ‘Just don’t tell me anything about any pitcher any more. Let me do it.’”
At this point, mind you, Guerrero had played nine big league games, total. Alou was in the midst of a successful managing career and received tremendous respect from everyone in baseball.  But Guerrero knew what he was talking about.
As Mota noted in today’s column, “Vladi Sr. would not have been a Hall of Famer if somebody had told him to change his approach. He would have been altered as a hitter and confused. He needed to be left alone.
“Mickey Hatcher did such a great job with him here (in Anaheim). I can’t tell you how much Mickey stayed out of the way. Mickey wanted more input from Vladi: ‘How can I help you? What do you need me to watch? I don’t want to go out and say anything to you.’
“Vladi and I always had a joke. Whoever was pitching, he’d have me grip a ball around the cage, like, ‘Hey, what’s his best pitch?’ If it was a forkball guy I’d go like this (spreading his fingers), and he’d go, ‘No chance.’ I’d hold the ball like a changeup, and he’d say, ‘I’m gonna hit it to right center.’”
So how would he function in today’s game, with volumes of printouts, video cut-ups of at-bats, more emphasis on launch angle and exit velocity and hitting coaches who are sometimes a little more aggressive in imparting information?
“I think Vladi would give ’em that look and say, ‘I’m good,’” Mota said. “He’d be respectful about it, (but) he’d say, ‘Until this is working, why should I change, with all due respect?’”
Thing was, it worked.
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Griffin Canning shows plenty of promise in his Angels debut Alexander: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s return to Angel Stadium brings back memories Longtime Angels PR head Tim Mead hired as Hall of Fame president Shohei Ohtani has at least another week before returning to Angels Top pitching prospect Griffin Canning ready for much-anticipated Angels debut From the moment he got to Anaheim in 2004, just the distinctive sound of the ball coming off his bat told you this was a unique hitter. In 16 major league seasons, during which he was a nine-time All-Star and won the American League MVP award in his first Angels season, he hit 449 home runs, drove in 1,496 runs, compiled an OPS-plus of 140 … and averaged 37 non-intentional walks per 162 games while doing damage to pitches outside of the strike zone he probably had no business hitting.
Another hitting coach of that time had a similar experience with Guerrero. When he went to Texas as a free agent in 2010, Clint Hurdle – now Pittsburgh’s manager – was the hitting coach. He related one experience in a tweet posted by Adam Berry, who covers the Pirates for MLB.com:

“He hit the ball way too hard for a 10-year-old.” Did we say like father, like son?
View the full article

Adam Riggs captured wearing the “Angees” uniform.
Interviewed by David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
One of the things I love most about baseball is when I have the chance with former players. No one knows the game like they do, as they have insights that fans won’t always catch.
Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with a former Angel–Adam Riggs. When I first heard that I would get the chance to interview him, I immediately thought of the time he ran out to left field with one of the greatest uniform malfunctions ever (pictured above). So, of course, I had to ask him all about that, and it turns out, there was more to the story.
But, in talking with Adam, I learned so much more. I learned about how he came to play for the Angels, and how that helped save his career, what it was like as a player in Scioscia’s clubhouse, spring training ordeals, and his favorite memories and players. And, I got to fill in some key details about a key episode in Angels history involving Jose Guillen. Many fans remember that situation, but few will recall that it was Adam Riggs who went out the next day to play left field for a team trying to make the playoffs. Adam helped fill in some key details of what it was like for him as that player to live through that experience.
Since retiring from baseball, Adam has started a podcast on the BLEAV Podcast Network. Along with his co-host Matt Gallant, they do a weekly Angels podcast talking all things baseball. It’s well worth listening to, as Adam provides baseball knowledge and experience having scrapped together a solid career with several teams. With his background, he can talk about what it’s like to be an athlete having to constantly prove himself and earn his playing time.
Fans can catch up on all of Adam Riggs’ podcasts by clicking here. Fans can also subscribe to catch all of the weekly shows. I’d recommend it, as Adam is planning on getting other veteran players to have even more in depth discussions to share different perspectives from the industry.
Please click below to listen to our interview with Adam Riggs.
https://thesportsdailydigital.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/angelswin.com-interviews-adam-riggs-1.wav 
 
View the full article

Adam Riggs captured wearing the “Angees” uniform.
Interviewed by David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
One of the things I love most about baseball is when I have the chance with former players. No one knows the game like they do, as they have insights that fans won’t always catch.
Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with a former Angel–Adam Riggs. When I first heard that I would get the chance to interview him, I immediately thought of the time he ran out to left field with one of the greatest uniform malfunctions ever (pictured above). So, of course, I had to ask him all about that, and it turns out, there was more to the story.
But, in talking with Adam, I learned so much more. I learned about how he came to play for the Angels, and how that helped save his career, what it was like as a player in Scioscia’s clubhouse, spring training ordeals, and his favorite memories and players. And, I got to fill in some key details about a key episode in Angels history involving Jose Guillen. Many fans remember that situation, but few will recall that it was Adam Riggs who went out the next day to play left field for a team trying to make the playoffs. Adam helped fill in some key details of what it was like for him as that player to live through that experience.
Since retiring from baseball, Adam has started a podcast on the BLEAV Podcast Network. Along with his co-host Matt Gallant, they do a weekly Angels podcast talking all things baseball. It’s well worth listening to, as Adam provides baseball knowledge and experience having scrapped together a solid career with several teams. With his background, he can talk about what it’s like to be an athlete having to constantly prove himself and earn his playing time.
Fans can catch up on all of Adam Riggs’ podcasts by clicking here. Fans can also subscribe to catch all of the weekly shows. I’d recommend it, as Adam is planning on getting other veteran players to have even more in depth discussions to share different perspectives from the industry.
Please click below to listen to our interview with Adam Riggs.
https://thesportsdailydigital.files.wordpress.com/2019/05/angelswin.com-interviews-adam-riggs-1.wav 
 
View the full article

ANAHEIM — Imagine that you’ve been in a job, your dream job, for 40 years. You’ve ridden out changes of ownership and philosophy, and you’ve represented your organization with loyalty, dignity, credibility and efficiency, as well as providing a pretty exhaustive institutional memory.
And then you get that job offer of a lifetime, the one position that could conceivably tear you away from what has been your professional home. Do you take it?
At first, Tim Mead said no.
He’d joined the then-California Angels in 1980 as a public relations intern out of Cal Poly Pomona, hired by then-PR director Tom Seeberg. He’d risen through the ranks: Director of media relations, then vice president of media relations and even assistant general manager to Bill Bavasi for three seasons. Throughout, he was a trusted spokesman for the franchise, solid in good times and bad, a true believer in the team he’d grown up rooting for.
“Outside of your regular family, this is my family,” he said. “I never thought I would leave the Angels organization because it’s just … the people here, the players past and present, mean everything in the world to me, and I think that those of us who have been around a while continue to feel as though we represent them.”
He said that on Tuesday afternoon, the day it was announced that he was leaving after all.
Fourteen men with Angels ties, including 2019 inductee Lee Smith, are or will be Hall of Famers. And one of their own will soon be running the joint, following Tuesday’s announcement that Mead will become President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
It means a move to Cooperstown, which required buy-in from his wife and his son and daughter-in-law since there are grandkids involved.
And that means he will almost certainly be the biggest Angels fan in upstate New York. Old habits die hard.
“The Angels will always be part of my business,” he said. “I mean, that’s just the way I’ll think, and probably at some point, those guys (here) will tell me, enough e-mails or enough texts.
“But you just can’t do something for 40 years and just think it’s done. So that will be the box score I check every morning, but I’ll know (the result) for the most part because I don’t sleep much.”
In other words, he’ll be firing up the Extra Innings package regularly.
The Hall of Fame job was first broached this spring, after current president Jeff Idelson announced in February he would be retiring following this July’s induction ceremony. Idelson, who has been Hall of Fame president since 2008, likewise came from the baseball PR ranks, working for the Red Sox and Yankees before becoming the Hall’s director of public relations in 1994.
“Jeff Idelson had said something to me in spring training,” Mead said. “We’d had a conversation and we just talked, about his resigning and leaving Cooperstown and looking for a replacement, and would I be interested in the process?
“And I thought about it for a couple of weeks, avoided calling him for a couple of weeks – I think stalled – and finally called him and said I just can’t do it. Between my family and my loyalty to this organization, it just doesn’t feel right.”
The Hall is not accustomed to taking no for an answer. Thus, Jane Forbes Clark – chairman of the board of the Hall, and granddaughter of the man who founded the Hall in 1936 – reached out to Mead and asked for one more conversation.
So, after the Angels got back from a trip to Texas two weeks ago, Mead flew to Florida for a lunch meeting.
“She is fiercely protective of the Hall of Fame and what it stands for and what it represents,” he said. “And when you hear somebody talk about that … you’d be hard-pressed not to at least listen.
“So yeah, we had that conversation and a call at the airport, and then it was time to talk to my family after that.”
How huge a change is this? Instead of representing a team and dealing with the daily hurly-burly of a 162-game season, Mead will now be the curator of baseball’s soul.
Related Articles
Would Vladimir Guerrero Sr. have had to change approach in analytics era? Griffin Canning shows plenty of promise in his Angels debut Alexander: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s return to Angel Stadium brings back memories Longtime Angels PR head Tim Mead hired as Hall of Fame president Shohei Ohtani has at least another week before returning to Angels The Hall of Fame inspires passions. Those of us who are voters rediscover it every year when it’s time to elect the next class. Those who are part of the institution itself recognize that immense responsibility every July, when the immortals appear in the flesh. Mead recalled last year, at the induction that included Vladimir Guerrero, and a conversation between Bob Gibson, Joe Torre and Juan Marichal about the 1968 season.
Not all of us have the chance to listen to legends reminisce.
“It’s not the business of baseball, it’s not all the other things that all of us here have to go through every day,” Mead said. “It’s just … it’s the purity. It’s the history of an institution. It’s the spot where everybody wants to go.”
And when the time comes in January, Mead will be making those calls to inform the next class of immortals that they’re in. How cool is that?
In the meantime, here’s a thought. Wouldn’t it be a good idea, before he leaves for Cooperstown, if the Angels recognized Mead’s loyalty and distinguished service by making him the 17th entity in the franchise’s own Hall of Fame?
jalexander@scng.com
@Jim_Alexander on Twitter
View the full article

ANAHEIM — Imagine that you’ve been in a job, your dream job, for 40 years. You’ve ridden out changes of ownership and philosophy, and you’ve represented your organization with loyalty, dignity, credibility and efficiency, as well as providing a pretty exhaustive institutional memory.
And then you get that job offer of a lifetime, the one position that could conceivably tear you away from what has been your professional home. Do you take it?
At first, Tim Mead said no.
He’d joined the then-California Angels in 1980 as a public relations intern out of Cal Poly Pomona, hired by then-PR director Tom Seeberg. He’d risen through the ranks: Director of media relations, then vice president of media relations and even assistant general manager to Bill Bavasi for three seasons. Throughout, he was a trusted spokesman for the franchise, solid in good times and bad, a true believer in the team he’d grown up rooting for.
“Outside of your regular family, this is my family,” he said. “I never thought I would leave the Angels organization because it’s just … the people here, the players past and present, mean everything in the world to me, and I think that those of us who have been around a while continue to feel as though we represent them.”
He said that on Tuesday afternoon, the day it was announced that he was leaving after all.
Fourteen men with Angels ties, including 2019 inductee Lee Smith, are or will be Hall of Famers. And one of their own will soon be running the joint, following Tuesday’s announcement that Mead will become President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
It means a move to Cooperstown, which required buy-in from his wife and his son and daughter-in-law since there are grandkids involved.
And that means he will almost certainly be the biggest Angels fan in upstate New York. Old habits die hard.
“The Angels will always be part of my business,” he said. “I mean, that’s just the way I’ll think, and probably at some point, those guys (here) will tell me, enough e-mails or enough texts.
“But you just can’t do something for 40 years and just think it’s done. So that will be the box score I check every morning, but I’ll know (the result) for the most part because I don’t sleep much.”
In other words, he’ll be firing up the Extra Innings package regularly.
The Hall of Fame job was first broached this spring, after current president Jeff Idelson announced in February he would be retiring following this July’s induction ceremony. Idelson, who has been Hall of Fame president since 2008, likewise came from the baseball PR ranks, working for the Red Sox and Yankees before becoming the Hall’s director of public relations in 1994.
“Jeff Idelson had said something to me in spring training,” Mead said. “We’d had a conversation and we just talked, about his resigning and leaving Cooperstown and looking for a replacement, and would I be interested in the process?
“And I thought about it for a couple of weeks, avoided calling him for a couple of weeks – I think stalled – and finally called him and said I just can’t do it. Between my family and my loyalty to this organization, it just doesn’t feel right.”
The Hall is not accustomed to taking no for an answer. Thus, Jane Forbes Clark – chairman of the board of the Hall, and granddaughter of the man who founded the Hall in 1936 – reached out to Mead and asked for one more conversation.
So, after the Angels got back from a trip to Texas two weeks ago, Mead flew to Florida for a lunch meeting.
“She is fiercely protective of the Hall of Fame and what it stands for and what it represents,” he said. “And when you hear somebody talk about that … you’d be hard-pressed not to at least listen.
“So yeah, we had that conversation and a call at the airport, and then it was time to talk to my family after that.”
How huge a change is this? Instead of representing a team and dealing with the daily hurly-burly of a 162-game season, Mead will now be the curator of baseball’s soul.
Related Articles
Would Vladimir Guerrero Sr. have had to change approach in analytics era? Griffin Canning shows plenty of promise in his Angels debut Alexander: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s return to Angel Stadium brings back memories Longtime Angels PR head Tim Mead hired as Hall of Fame president Shohei Ohtani has at least another week before returning to Angels The Hall of Fame inspires passions. Those of us who are voters rediscover it every year when it’s time to elect the next class. Those who are part of the institution itself recognize that immense responsibility every July, when the immortals appear in the flesh. Mead recalled last year, at the induction that included Vladimir Guerrero, and a conversation between Bob Gibson, Joe Torre and Juan Marichal about the 1968 season.
Not all of us have the chance to listen to legends reminisce.
“It’s not the business of baseball, it’s not all the other things that all of us here have to go through every day,” Mead said. “It’s just … it’s the purity. It’s the history of an institution. It’s the spot where everybody wants to go.”
And when the time comes in January, Mead will be making those calls to inform the next class of immortals that they’re in. How cool is that?
In the meantime, here’s a thought. Wouldn’t it be a good idea, before he leaves for Cooperstown, if the Angels recognized Mead’s loyalty and distinguished service by making him the 17th entity in the franchise’s own Hall of Fame?
jalexander@scng.com
@Jim_Alexander on Twitter
View the full article

ANAHEIM — In the course of reporting today’s column on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.,  the Toronto Blue Jays’ prodigy and son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr., we got to talking with Angels broadcaster Jose Mota about Vladimir Sr.’s approach to hitting. As you might expect, it was fairly uncomplicated.
Mota actually was a teammate of Vladimir Sr., toward the end of Mota’s career and the beginning of Guerrero’s.
“I was in Montreal in spring training, my last spring training in ’97, and we spent some spring training time together,” he recalled.
“We’re playing the Astros and they brought in John Hudek,” he continued, referring to a hard-throwing right-hander who lasted six years in the big leagues with a 10-15 record. “Felipe Alou was managing and he says, ‘Hey, Vladi, this guy, very good arm, very firm.’
“Vladi comes up, and his first pitch swing hits off the end of the bat, broken bat. He comes back to the dugout and respectfully says, ‘Felipe, I don’t want a scouting report from anybody right now.’ In other words, he was so keyed in, because Felipe said this guy throws really hard, he swung so early that he ended up hitting the ball off the end of the bat. So he’s like, respectfully, ‘Just don’t tell me anything about any pitcher any more. Let me do it.’”
At this point, mind you, Guerrero had played nine big league games, total. Alou was in the midst of a successful managing career and received tremendous respect from everyone in baseball.  But Guerrero knew what he was talking about.
As Mota noted in today’s column, “Vladi Sr. would not have been a Hall of Famer if somebody had told him to change his approach. He would have been altered as a hitter and confused. He needed to be left alone.
“Mickey Hatcher did such a great job with him here (in Anaheim). I can’t tell you how much Mickey stayed out of the way. Mickey wanted more input from Vladi: ‘How can I help you? What do you need me to watch? I don’t want to go out and say anything to you.’
“Vladi and I always had a joke. Whoever was pitching, he’d have me grip a ball around the cage, like, ‘Hey, what’s his best pitch?’ If it was a forkball guy I’d go like this (spreading his fingers), and he’d go, ‘No chance.’ I’d hold the ball like a changeup, and he’d say, ‘I’m gonna hit it to right center.’”
So how would he function in today’s game, with volumes of printouts, video cut-ups of at-bats, more emphasis on launch angle and exit velocity and hitting coaches who are sometimes a little more aggressive in imparting information?
“I think Vladi would give ’em that look and say, ‘I’m good,’” Mota said. “He’d be respectful about it, (but) he’d say, ‘Until this is working, why should I change, with all due respect?’”
Thing was, it worked.
Related Articles
Griffin Canning shows plenty of promise in his Angels debut Alexander: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s return to Angel Stadium brings back memories Longtime Angels PR head Tim Mead hired as Hall of Fame president Shohei Ohtani has at least another week before returning to Angels Top pitching prospect Griffin Canning ready for much-anticipated Angels debut From the moment he got to Anaheim in 2004, just the distinctive sound of the ball coming off his bat told you this was a unique hitter. In 16 major league seasons, during which he was a nine-time All-Star and won the American League MVP award in his first Angels season, he hit 449 home runs, drove in 1,496 runs, compiled an OPS-plus of 140 … and averaged 37 non-intentional walks per 162 games while doing damage to pitches outside of the strike zone he probably had no business hitting.
Another hitting coach of that time had a similar experience with Guerrero. When he went to Texas as a free agent in 2010, Clint Hurdle – now Pittsburgh’s manager – was the hitting coach. He related one experience in a tweet posted by Adam Berry, who covers the Pirates for MLB.com:

“He hit the ball way too hard for a 10-year-old.” Did we say like father, like son?
View the full article

By Tres Heftner, AngelsWin.com Columnist
Here are Top-10 Minor League Performers in the Angels Farm System
4/22/19 – 4/28/19
1) Jose Rojas – IF, AAA: 
The 26-year old infielder continued to build upon his hot spring with an even hotter April, slashing a firm .407/.429/.889/1.317 over the past week, driving in 13 runs in only 6 games, including a 2 HR, 6 RBI performance on 4/22 against Sacramento. Playing 3B primarily, Rojas also made two appearances at LF and one at 2B this week.
2019: .333/.388/.603/.991 with 3 doubles, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 7 BB, 12 K in 20 G/85 PA
2) Matt Thaiss – IF, AAA: 
Coming into the week, Thaiss was mired in a 3-35 slump (.086 BA), but the BAbip gods smiled upon thee.  Thaiss went 10-17 (.588) to go with 7 BB against 1 K over his last 25 PA, with a double and HR leading to his .588/.680/.824/1.504 slash on the week – boosted by a .563 BAbip. Thaiss also continued to see time at 3B, playing twice more at the hot corner vs. Albuquerque.
2019: .289/.406/.434/.840 with 4 doubles,1 triple, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 16 BB, 12 K in 22 G/101 PA
3) Taylor Ward – IF/OF, AAA: 
Ward added LF to his pro resume this week, making a nice sliding catch vs. Albuquerque, while also adding two more appearances at 1B. The increased versatility should boost his odds and value to the Angels as the season goes on, as could his offense, if he maintains it. Ward added 3 doubles and 2 homers to his season over the week, slashing .429/.478/.857/1.335 across five games.
2019: .305/.408/.559/.968 with 6 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 9 BB, 16 K in 16 G/72 PA
4) Torii Hunter, Jr. –  OF, A+: 
2019 is a key year for Hunter, still acclimating to the life of pro baseball, and the Angels pinned high expectations on the 24-year old OF by counting on him to help lead the offense at Inland Empire. While Torii Jr. might never have the game-changing power, defense, or baserunning his father possessed, he’s continued to make improvements to his offensive profile suggesting he might yet have a future as a 4th OF. Hunter slashed .333/.467/.542/1.008 over the week, adding a triple, a home run, 6 RBI, and 2 more SB to his season totals. Since the first week of the season, Torii Jr. has 12 BB to 14 K and a .413 OBP and his 15 walks rank third on the Angels farm.
2019: .250/.384/.338/.721 with 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 15 BB, 21 K in 23 G/99 PA
5) Cesar Puello –  OF, AAA:
While he may be walking along the precipice of being no more than a career 4A journeyman, Puello undoubtedly continues to produce. Seeing time at all three positions in the outfield, the 28-year old Puello continues to demonstrate advanced plate discipline to go with good contact and good power, drawing 4 BB, hitting three doubles, and adding one HR to give him a slash of .429/.571/.714/1.286 for the week. While he may not see time outside of SLC, he offers some intriguing depth for the Angels if he continues to post hefty OBP results.
2019: .303/.465/.455/.920 with 4 doubles, 2 HR, 12 BB, 14 K in 20 G/86 PA
Honorable mention, hitters:
Gleyvin Pineda (IF, A): .357/.500/.500/1.000 with triple, 4 BB, 5 K
Connor Justus (IF, AA): .294/.400/.529/.929 with one walk-off HR
Jarrett Parker (OF, AAA): .333/.481/.524/1.005 with 2B, HR, 6 BB, 5 K
5) Kyle Bradish – RHP, A+: 
The 2018 4th Rounder has looked like a strong pick all season, and the past week only added to that excitement. The 6’4″ righty provided 4 innings of a 9-inning ‘no-hitter’; between starter Aaron Hernandez (4 IP) and Austin Warren (1 IP) on April 23rd vs. Rancho Cucamonga, and followed that up by allowing only one hit across 5.1 IP days later against Lake Elsinore. Over the week, Bradish held hitters to a .033 BAA, allowing 4 BB, 1 ER, and striking out 13 in 9.1 IP, and might find himself in AA Mobile before long.
2019: 1.80 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, .159 BAA, 10 BB, 22 K across 20 IP in 5 G/3 GS
6) Hector Yan – LHP, A: 
One of the Angels’ more intriguing pitching prospects, the 20-year old, 5’11” lefty flashed some of that brilliance this past week across two appearances, reining in some early control issues and striking out 15 hitters across 9 IP, while only allowing 6 hits, one run, and four walks. The Angels continue to piggyback their young starters, as Yan closed out the game on 4/22 with four scoreless innings before a more traditional start later in the week on 4/28.
2019: 4.82 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .242 BAA ,12 BB, 26 K across 18.2 IP in 5 G/3 GS
7) Jeremy Beasley – RHP, AA: 
Never considered a top prospect, Beasley continues to will his way into the discussion and might find himself entering the fray for the SLC-Anaheim shuttlebefore long. Like Yan, Beasley appeared in two games this week, starting one and closing out another, striking out 13 across 10 IP, only allowing 1 run, 5 hits, and 2 walks along the way. Only 23, the 30th round draft pick out of Clemson back in 2017 continues to prove his mettle.
2019: 3.48 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .197 BAA, 9 BB, 26 K across 20.2 IP in 5 G/4 GS
8 ) Cole Duensing – RHP, A:  
While he flashed some potential in 2016 after being selected by the Angels in the 6th round, the 6’4″ RHP had a future in doubt following 9.74 ERA over 28 games and 93.2 IP in 2017-2018, a stretch where he allowed a staggering 136 hits, 21 HR, 102 runs, 58 walks, and only 64 strikeouts. 2019 has been entirely different, as the 21-year old Duensing continued to add to a solid turnaround year by posting a 1.86 ERA, .176 BAA over 9.2 IP, allowing only 6 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 11.
2019: 2.11 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .240 BAA ,14 BB, 20 K across 21.1 IP in 5 G/4 GS
9) Jorge Tavarez – RHP, A+: 
The diminutive (5’10”, 150) reliever was lights-out last season, and it’s continued into 2019. Over the last week, Tavarez made three appearances, all for multi-innings, and delivered 7 innings of spectacular relief, allowing one run, zero walks, only three hits, and striking out 12. Blessed with an above-average 12-6 curveball with elite spin rate, the 23-year Tavarez might be pitching his way into the Angels depth charts before long.
2019: 1.29 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, .196 BAA, 4 BB, 21 K across 14 IP in 9 G
10) Adrian De Horta – RHP, AA: 
Signed as a minor league free agent in March 2018, De Horta didn’t show much last year, but opened eyes with a gutsy appearance in this year’s ST exhibition series against the Dodgers, and he’s followed up on that with a strong April, capped by a solid start on 4/24 vs. Pensacola, allowing one hit and striking out 7 across five innings. As the Angels continue to promote arms, De Horta could be in AAA Salt Lake before long.
2019: 2.03 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .156 BAA, 8 BB, 23 K across 13.1 IP in 3 G/2 GS
Honorable mention, hitters:
Oliver Ortega (RHP, A+) 4 IP, 2 H, ER, 3 BB, 9 K
Aaron Hernandez (RHP, A+): 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K
Luis Madero, RHP, A+/AA): 9 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 12 K, and a promotion to AA Mobile
Cristopher Molina, RHP, A): 4.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
View the full article

By Tres Heftner, AngelsWin.com Columnist
Here are Top-10 Minor League Performers in the Angels Farm System
4/22/19 – 4/28/19
1) Jose Rojas – IF, AAA: 
The 26-year old infielder continued to build upon his hot spring with an even hotter April, slashing a firm .407/.429/.889/1.317 over the past week, driving in 13 runs in only 6 games, including a 2 HR, 6 RBI performance on 4/22 against Sacramento. Playing 3B primarily, Rojas also made two appearances at LF and one at 2B this week.
2019: .333/.388/.603/.991 with 3 doubles, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 7 BB, 12 K in 20 G/85 PA
2) Matt Thaiss – IF, AAA: 
Coming into the week, Thaiss was mired in a 3-35 slump (.086 BA), but the BAbip gods smiled upon thee.  Thaiss went 10-17 (.588) to go with 7 BB against 1 K over his last 25 PA, with a double and HR leading to his .588/.680/.824/1.504 slash on the week – boosted by a .563 BAbip. Thaiss also continued to see time at 3B, playing twice more at the hot corner vs. Albuquerque.
2019: .289/.406/.434/.840 with 4 doubles,1 triple, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 16 BB, 12 K in 22 G/101 PA
3) Taylor Ward – IF/OF, AAA: 
Ward added LF to his pro resume this week, making a nice sliding catch vs. Albuquerque, while also adding two more appearances at 1B. The increased versatility should boost his odds and value to the Angels as the season goes on, as could his offense, if he maintains it. Ward added 3 doubles and 2 homers to his season over the week, slashing .429/.478/.857/1.335 across five games.
2019: .305/.408/.559/.968 with 6 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 9 BB, 16 K in 16 G/72 PA
4) Torii Hunter, Jr. –  OF, A+: 
2019 is a key year for Hunter, still acclimating to the life of pro baseball, and the Angels pinned high expectations on the 24-year old OF by counting on him to help lead the offense at Inland Empire. While Torii Jr. might never have the game-changing power, defense, or baserunning his father possessed, he’s continued to make improvements to his offensive profile suggesting he might yet have a future as a 4th OF. Hunter slashed .333/.467/.542/1.008 over the week, adding a triple, a home run, 6 RBI, and 2 more SB to his season totals. Since the first week of the season, Torii Jr. has 12 BB to 14 K and a .413 OBP and his 15 walks rank third on the Angels farm.
2019: .250/.384/.338/.721 with 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 15 BB, 21 K in 23 G/99 PA
5) Cesar Puello –  OF, AAA:
While he may be walking along the precipice of being no more than a career 4A journeyman, Puello undoubtedly continues to produce. Seeing time at all three positions in the outfield, the 28-year old Puello continues to demonstrate advanced plate discipline to go with good contact and good power, drawing 4 BB, hitting three doubles, and adding one HR to give him a slash of .429/.571/.714/1.286 for the week. While he may not see time outside of SLC, he offers some intriguing depth for the Angels if he continues to post hefty OBP results.
2019: .303/.465/.455/.920 with 4 doubles, 2 HR, 12 BB, 14 K in 20 G/86 PA
Honorable mention, hitters:
Gleyvin Pineda (IF, A): .357/.500/.500/1.000 with triple, 4 BB, 5 K
Connor Justus (IF, AA): .294/.400/.529/.929 with one walk-off HR
Jarrett Parker (OF, AAA): .333/.481/.524/1.005 with 2B, HR, 6 BB, 5 K
5) Kyle Bradish – RHP, A+: 
The 2018 4th Rounder has looked like a strong pick all season, and the past week only added to that excitement. The 6’4″ righty provided 4 innings of a 9-inning ‘no-hitter’; between starter Aaron Hernandez (4 IP) and Austin Warren (1 IP) on April 23rd vs. Rancho Cucamonga, and followed that up by allowing only one hit across 5.1 IP days later against Lake Elsinore. Over the week, Bradish held hitters to a .033 BAA, allowing 4 BB, 1 ER, and striking out 13 in 9.1 IP, and might find himself in AA Mobile before long.
2019: 1.80 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, .159 BAA, 10 BB, 22 K across 20 IP in 5 G/3 GS
6) Hector Yan – LHP, A: 
One of the Angels’ more intriguing pitching prospects, the 20-year old, 5’11” lefty flashed some of that brilliance this past week across two appearances, reining in some early control issues and striking out 15 hitters across 9 IP, while only allowing 6 hits, one run, and four walks. The Angels continue to piggyback their young starters, as Yan closed out the game on 4/22 with four scoreless innings before a more traditional start later in the week on 4/28.
2019: 4.82 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .242 BAA ,12 BB, 26 K across 18.2 IP in 5 G/3 GS
7) Jeremy Beasley – RHP, AA: 
Never considered a top prospect, Beasley continues to will his way into the discussion and might find himself entering the fray for the SLC-Anaheim shuttlebefore long. Like Yan, Beasley appeared in two games this week, starting one and closing out another, striking out 13 across 10 IP, only allowing 1 run, 5 hits, and 2 walks along the way. Only 23, the 30th round draft pick out of Clemson back in 2017 continues to prove his mettle.
2019: 3.48 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .197 BAA, 9 BB, 26 K across 20.2 IP in 5 G/4 GS
8 ) Cole Duensing – RHP, A:  
While he flashed some potential in 2016 after being selected by the Angels in the 6th round, the 6’4″ RHP had a future in doubt following 9.74 ERA over 28 games and 93.2 IP in 2017-2018, a stretch where he allowed a staggering 136 hits, 21 HR, 102 runs, 58 walks, and only 64 strikeouts. 2019 has been entirely different, as the 21-year old Duensing continued to add to a solid turnaround year by posting a 1.86 ERA, .176 BAA over 9.2 IP, allowing only 6 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 11.
2019: 2.11 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .240 BAA ,14 BB, 20 K across 21.1 IP in 5 G/4 GS
9) Jorge Tavarez – RHP, A+: 
The diminutive (5’10”, 150) reliever was lights-out last season, and it’s continued into 2019. Over the last week, Tavarez made three appearances, all for multi-innings, and delivered 7 innings of spectacular relief, allowing one run, zero walks, only three hits, and striking out 12. Blessed with an above-average 12-6 curveball with elite spin rate, the 23-year Tavarez might be pitching his way into the Angels depth charts before long.
2019: 1.29 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, .196 BAA, 4 BB, 21 K across 14 IP in 9 G
10) Adrian De Horta – RHP, AA: 
Signed as a minor league free agent in March 2018, De Horta didn’t show much last year, but opened eyes with a gutsy appearance in this year’s ST exhibition series against the Dodgers, and he’s followed up on that with a strong April, capped by a solid start on 4/24 vs. Pensacola, allowing one hit and striking out 7 across five innings. As the Angels continue to promote arms, De Horta could be in AAA Salt Lake before long.
2019: 2.03 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .156 BAA, 8 BB, 23 K across 13.1 IP in 3 G/2 GS
Honorable mention, hitters:
Oliver Ortega (RHP, A+) 4 IP, 2 H, ER, 3 BB, 9 K
Aaron Hernandez (RHP, A+): 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K
Luis Madero, RHP, A+/AA): 9 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 12 K, and a promotion to AA Mobile
Cristopher Molina, RHP, A): 4.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
View the full article

Interview conducted by David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
One of the many rising stars in the Angels Minor Leagues is pitcher Griffin Canning. A local boy, out of UCLA and Rancho Santa Margarita, Griffin grew up an Angels fan and yearns to pitch for his home town team.
The Angels were lucky to get Griffin in the second round of the 2017 draft. After drafting him, the Angels decided to be cautious with him, due to his large workload in college, and shut him down for the remainder of the season. But, that did not diminish either the Angels plans for him, or temper their enthusiasm for him. Instead, after seeing his development in Spring Training, they are challenging him with his initial pro-experience coming at High-A ball, with the Inland Empire 66ers. It’s as if he lost no development and he is up for the challenge.
AngelsWin.com got to sit down with Griffin and get to know him as a player and a person better. Based on reports that we have heard about him, we, like the Angels, are very excited to watch Griffin develop as a professional. He has frontline starter material, and he could move through the system quickly.
So far this spring, scouts & prospect analysts have reported solid velocity & above average secondary offerings. 
Fans who wish to see Griffin pitch can do so with the Inland Empire 66ers. Griffin is scheduled to pitch the Home Opener this Thursday. But they better do so quickly, as seats are selling fast, and Griffin is someone you definitely want to go see pitch.
Please click here to watch our interview with this rising star.
View the full article

By Tres Heftner, AngelsWin.com Columnist
Here are Top-10 Minor League Performers in the Angels Farm System
4/22/19 – 4/28/19
1) Jose Rojas – IF, AAA: 
The 26-year old infielder continued to build upon his hot spring with an even hotter April, slashing a firm .407/.429/.889/1.317 over the past week, driving in 13 runs in only 6 games, including a 2 HR, 6 RBI performance on 4/22 against Sacramento. Playing 3B primarily, Rojas also made two appearances at LF and one at 2B this week.
2019: .333/.388/.603/.991 with 3 doubles, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 7 BB, 12 K in 20 G/85 PA
2) Matt Thaiss – IF, AAA: 
Coming into the week, Thaiss was mired in a 3-35 slump (.086 BA), but the BAbip gods smiled upon thee.  Thaiss went 10-17 (.588) to go with 7 BB against 1 K over his last 25 PA, with a double and HR leading to his .588/.680/.824/1.504 slash on the week – boosted by a .563 BAbip. Thaiss also continued to see time at 3B, playing twice more at the hot corner vs. Albuquerque.
2019: .289/.406/.434/.840 with 4 doubles,1 triple, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 16 BB, 12 K in 22 G/101 PA
3) Taylor Ward – IF/OF, AAA: 
Ward added LF to his pro resume this week, making a nice sliding catch vs. Albuquerque, while also adding two more appearances at 1B. The increased versatility should boost his odds and value to the Angels as the season goes on, as could his offense, if he maintains it. Ward added 3 doubles and 2 homers to his season over the week, slashing .429/.478/.857/1.335 across five games.
2019: .305/.408/.559/.968 with 6 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 9 BB, 16 K in 16 G/72 PA
4) Torii Hunter, Jr. –  OF, A+: 
2019 is a key year for Hunter, still acclimating to the life of pro baseball, and the Angels pinned high expectations on the 24-year old OF by counting on him to help lead the offense at Inland Empire. While Torii Jr. might never have the game-changing power, defense, or baserunning his father possessed, he’s continued to make improvements to his offensive profile suggesting he might yet have a future as a 4th OF. Hunter slashed .333/.467/.542/1.008 over the week, adding a triple, a home run, 6 RBI, and 2 more SB to his season totals. Since the first week of the season, Torii Jr. has 12 BB to 14 K and a .413 OBP and his 15 walks rank third on the Angels farm.
2019: .250/.384/.338/.721 with 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 15 BB, 21 K in 23 G/99 PA
5) Cesar Puello –  OF, AAA:
While he may be walking along the precipice of being no more than a career 4A journeyman, Puello undoubtedly continues to produce. Seeing time at all three positions in the outfield, the 28-year old Puello continues to demonstrate advanced plate discipline to go with good contact and good power, drawing 4 BB, hitting three doubles, and adding one HR to give him a slash of .429/.571/.714/1.286 for the week. While he may not see time outside of SLC, he offers some intriguing depth for the Angels if he continues to post hefty OBP results.
2019: .303/.465/.455/.920 with 4 doubles, 2 HR, 12 BB, 14 K in 20 G/86 PA
Honorable mention, hitters:
Gleyvin Pineda (IF, A): .357/.500/.500/1.000 with triple, 4 BB, 5 K
Connor Justus (IF, AA): .294/.400/.529/.929 with one walk-off HR
Jarrett Parker (OF, AAA): .333/.481/.524/1.005 with 2B, HR, 6 BB, 5 K
5) Kyle Bradish – RHP, A+: 
The 2018 4th Rounder has looked like a strong pick all season, and the past week only added to that excitement. The 6’4″ righty provided 4 innings of a 9-inning ‘no-hitter’; between starter Aaron Hernandez (4 IP) and Austin Warren (1 IP) on April 23rd vs. Rancho Cucamonga, and followed that up by allowing only one hit across 5.1 IP days later against Lake Elsinore. Over the week, Bradish held hitters to a .033 BAA, allowing 4 BB, 1 ER, and striking out 13 in 9.1 IP, and might find himself in AA Mobile before long.
2019: 1.80 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, .159 BAA, 10 BB, 22 K across 20 IP in 5 G/3 GS
6) Hector Yan – LHP, A: 
One of the Angels’ more intriguing pitching prospects, the 20-year old, 5’11” lefty flashed some of that brilliance this past week across two appearances, reining in some early control issues and striking out 15 hitters across 9 IP, while only allowing 6 hits, one run, and four walks. The Angels continue to piggyback their young starters, as Yan closed out the game on 4/22 with four scoreless innings before a more traditional start later in the week on 4/28.
2019: 4.82 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .242 BAA ,12 BB, 26 K across 18.2 IP in 5 G/3 GS
7) Jeremy Beasley – RHP, AA: 
Never considered a top prospect, Beasley continues to will his way into the discussion and might find himself entering the fray for the SLC-Anaheim shuttlebefore long. Like Yan, Beasley appeared in two games this week, starting one and closing out another, striking out 13 across 10 IP, only allowing 1 run, 5 hits, and 2 walks along the way. Only 23, the 30th round draft pick out of Clemson back in 2017 continues to prove his mettle.
2019: 3.48 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .197 BAA, 9 BB, 26 K across 20.2 IP in 5 G/4 GS
8 ) Cole Duensing – RHP, A:  
While he flashed some potential in 2016 after being selected by the Angels in the 6th round, the 6’4″ RHP had a future in doubt following 9.74 ERA over 28 games and 93.2 IP in 2017-2018, a stretch where he allowed a staggering 136 hits, 21 HR, 102 runs, 58 walks, and only 64 strikeouts. 2019 has been entirely different, as the 21-year old Duensing continued to add to a solid turnaround year by posting a 1.86 ERA, .176 BAA over 9.2 IP, allowing only 6 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 11.
2019: 2.11 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .240 BAA ,14 BB, 20 K across 21.1 IP in 5 G/4 GS
9) Jorge Tavarez – RHP, A+: 
The diminutive (5’10”, 150) reliever was lights-out last season, and it’s continued into 2019. Over the last week, Tavarez made three appearances, all for multi-innings, and delivered 7 innings of spectacular relief, allowing one run, zero walks, only three hits, and striking out 12. Blessed with an above-average 12-6 curveball with elite spin rate, the 23-year Tavarez might be pitching his way into the Angels depth charts before long.
2019: 1.29 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, .196 BAA, 4 BB, 21 K across 14 IP in 9 G
10) Adrian De Horta – RHP, AA: 
Signed as a minor league free agent in March 2018, De Horta didn’t show much last year, but opened eyes with a gutsy appearance in this year’s ST exhibition series against the Dodgers, and he’s followed up on that with a strong April, capped by a solid start on 4/24 vs. Pensacola, allowing one hit and striking out 7 across five innings. As the Angels continue to promote arms, De Horta could be in AAA Salt Lake before long.
2019: 2.03 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .156 BAA, 8 BB, 23 K across 13.1 IP in 3 G/2 GS
Honorable mention, hitters:
Oliver Ortega (RHP, A+) 4 IP, 2 H, ER, 3 BB, 9 K
Aaron Hernandez (RHP, A+): 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K
Luis Madero, RHP, A+/AA): 9 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 12 K, and a promotion to AA Mobile
Cristopher Molina, RHP, A): 4.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
View the full article

By Tres Heftner, AngelsWin.com Columnist
Here are Top-10 Minor League Performers in the Angels Farm System
4/22/19 – 4/28/19
1) Jose Rojas – IF, AAA: 
The 26-year old infielder continued to build upon his hot spring with an even hotter April, slashing a firm .407/.429/.889/1.317 over the past week, driving in 13 runs in only 6 games, including a 2 HR, 6 RBI performance on 4/22 against Sacramento. Playing 3B primarily, Rojas also made two appearances at LF and one at 2B this week.
2019: .333/.388/.603/.991 with 3 doubles, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 7 BB, 12 K in 20 G/85 PA
2) Matt Thaiss – IF, AAA: 
Coming into the week, Thaiss was mired in a 3-35 slump (.086 BA), but the BAbip gods smiled upon thee.  Thaiss went 10-17 (.588) to go with 7 BB against 1 K over his last 25 PA, with a double and HR leading to his .588/.680/.824/1.504 slash on the week – boosted by a .563 BAbip. Thaiss also continued to see time at 3B, playing twice more at the hot corner vs. Albuquerque.
2019: .289/.406/.434/.840 with 4 doubles,1 triple, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 16 BB, 12 K in 22 G/101 PA
3) Taylor Ward – IF/OF, AAA: 
Ward added LF to his pro resume this week, making a nice sliding catch vs. Albuquerque, while also adding two more appearances at 1B. The increased versatility should boost his odds and value to the Angels as the season goes on, as could his offense, if he maintains it. Ward added 3 doubles and 2 homers to his season over the week, slashing .429/.478/.857/1.335 across five games.
2019: .305/.408/.559/.968 with 6 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 9 BB, 16 K in 16 G/72 PA
4) Torii Hunter, Jr. –  OF, A+: 
2019 is a key year for Hunter, still acclimating to the life of pro baseball, and the Angels pinned high expectations on the 24-year old OF by counting on him to help lead the offense at Inland Empire. While Torii Jr. might never have the game-changing power, defense, or baserunning his father possessed, he’s continued to make improvements to his offensive profile suggesting he might yet have a future as a 4th OF. Hunter slashed .333/.467/.542/1.008 over the week, adding a triple, a home run, 6 RBI, and 2 more SB to his season totals. Since the first week of the season, Torii Jr. has 12 BB to 14 K and a .413 OBP and his 15 walks rank third on the Angels farm.
2019: .250/.384/.338/.721 with 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 15 BB, 21 K in 23 G/99 PA
5) Cesar Puello –  OF, AAA:
While he may be walking along the precipice of being no more than a career 4A journeyman, Puello undoubtedly continues to produce. Seeing time at all three positions in the outfield, the 28-year old Puello continues to demonstrate advanced plate discipline to go with good contact and good power, drawing 4 BB, hitting three doubles, and adding one HR to give him a slash of .429/.571/.714/1.286 for the week. While he may not see time outside of SLC, he offers some intriguing depth for the Angels if he continues to post hefty OBP results.
2019: .303/.465/.455/.920 with 4 doubles, 2 HR, 12 BB, 14 K in 20 G/86 PA
Honorable mention, hitters:
Gleyvin Pineda (IF, A): .357/.500/.500/1.000 with triple, 4 BB, 5 K
Connor Justus (IF, AA): .294/.400/.529/.929 with one walk-off HR
Jarrett Parker (OF, AAA): .333/.481/.524/1.005 with 2B, HR, 6 BB, 5 K
5) Kyle Bradish – RHP, A+: 
The 2018 4th Rounder has looked like a strong pick all season, and the past week only added to that excitement. The 6’4″ righty provided 4 innings of a 9-inning ‘no-hitter’; between starter Aaron Hernandez (4 IP) and Austin Warren (1 IP) on April 23rd vs. Rancho Cucamonga, and followed that up by allowing only one hit across 5.1 IP days later against Lake Elsinore. Over the week, Bradish held hitters to a .033 BAA, allowing 4 BB, 1 ER, and striking out 13 in 9.1 IP, and might find himself in AA Mobile before long.
2019: 1.80 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, .159 BAA, 10 BB, 22 K across 20 IP in 5 G/3 GS
6) Hector Yan – LHP, A: 
One of the Angels’ more intriguing pitching prospects, the 20-year old, 5’11” lefty flashed some of that brilliance this past week across two appearances, reining in some early control issues and striking out 15 hitters across 9 IP, while only allowing 6 hits, one run, and four walks. The Angels continue to piggyback their young starters, as Yan closed out the game on 4/22 with four scoreless innings before a more traditional start later in the week on 4/28.
2019: 4.82 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .242 BAA ,12 BB, 26 K across 18.2 IP in 5 G/3 GS
7) Jeremy Beasley – RHP, AA: 
Never considered a top prospect, Beasley continues to will his way into the discussion and might find himself entering the fray for the SLC-Anaheim shuttlebefore long. Like Yan, Beasley appeared in two games this week, starting one and closing out another, striking out 13 across 10 IP, only allowing 1 run, 5 hits, and 2 walks along the way. Only 23, the 30th round draft pick out of Clemson back in 2017 continues to prove his mettle.
2019: 3.48 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .197 BAA, 9 BB, 26 K across 20.2 IP in 5 G/4 GS
8 ) Cole Duensing – RHP, A:  
While he flashed some potential in 2016 after being selected by the Angels in the 6th round, the 6’4″ RHP had a future in doubt following 9.74 ERA over 28 games and 93.2 IP in 2017-2018, a stretch where he allowed a staggering 136 hits, 21 HR, 102 runs, 58 walks, and only 64 strikeouts. 2019 has been entirely different, as the 21-year old Duensing continued to add to a solid turnaround year by posting a 1.86 ERA, .176 BAA over 9.2 IP, allowing only 6 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 11.
2019: 2.11 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .240 BAA ,14 BB, 20 K across 21.1 IP in 5 G/4 GS
9) Jorge Tavarez – RHP, A+: 
The diminutive (5’10”, 150) reliever was lights-out last season, and it’s continued into 2019. Over the last week, Tavarez made three appearances, all for multi-innings, and delivered 7 innings of spectacular relief, allowing one run, zero walks, only three hits, and striking out 12. Blessed with an above-average 12-6 curveball with elite spin rate, the 23-year Tavarez might be pitching his way into the Angels depth charts before long.
2019: 1.29 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, .196 BAA, 4 BB, 21 K across 14 IP in 9 G
10) Adrian De Horta – RHP, AA: 
Signed as a minor league free agent in March 2018, De Horta didn’t show much last year, but opened eyes with a gutsy appearance in this year’s ST exhibition series against the Dodgers, and he’s followed up on that with a strong April, capped by a solid start on 4/24 vs. Pensacola, allowing one hit and striking out 7 across five innings. As the Angels continue to promote arms, De Horta could be in AAA Salt Lake before long.
2019: 2.03 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .156 BAA, 8 BB, 23 K across 13.1 IP in 3 G/2 GS
Honorable mention, hitters:
Oliver Ortega (RHP, A+) 4 IP, 2 H, ER, 3 BB, 9 K
Aaron Hernandez (RHP, A+): 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K
Luis Madero, RHP, A+/AA): 9 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 12 K, and a promotion to AA Mobile
Cristopher Molina, RHP, A): 4.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
View the full article

By Tres Heftner, AngelsWin.com Columnist
Here are Top-10 Minor League Performers in the Angels Farm System
4/22/19 – 4/28/19
1) Jose Rojas – IF, AAA: 
The 26-year old infielder continued to build upon his hot spring with an even hotter April, slashing a firm .407/.429/.889/1.317 over the past week, driving in 13 runs in only 6 games, including a 2 HR, 6 RBI performance on 4/22 against Sacramento. Playing 3B primarily, Rojas also made two appearances at LF and one at 2B this week.
2019: .333/.388/.603/.991 with 3 doubles, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 7 BB, 12 K in 20 G/85 PA
2) Matt Thaiss – IF, AAA: 
Coming into the week, Thaiss was mired in a 3-35 slump (.086 BA), but the BAbip gods smiled upon thee.  Thaiss went 10-17 (.588) to go with 7 BB against 1 K over his last 25 PA, with a double and HR leading to his .588/.680/.824/1.504 slash on the week – boosted by a .563 BAbip. Thaiss also continued to see time at 3B, playing twice more at the hot corner vs. Albuquerque.
2019: .289/.406/.434/.840 with 4 doubles,1 triple, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 16 BB, 12 K in 22 G/101 PA
3) Taylor Ward – IF/OF, AAA: 
Ward added LF to his pro resume this week, making a nice sliding catch vs. Albuquerque, while also adding two more appearances at 1B. The increased versatility should boost his odds and value to the Angels as the season goes on, as could his offense, if he maintains it. Ward added 3 doubles and 2 homers to his season over the week, slashing .429/.478/.857/1.335 across five games.
2019: .305/.408/.559/.968 with 6 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 9 BB, 16 K in 16 G/72 PA
4) Torii Hunter, Jr. –  OF, A+: 
2019 is a key year for Hunter, still acclimating to the life of pro baseball, and the Angels pinned high expectations on the 24-year old OF by counting on him to help lead the offense at Inland Empire. While Torii Jr. might never have the game-changing power, defense, or baserunning his father possessed, he’s continued to make improvements to his offensive profile suggesting he might yet have a future as a 4th OF. Hunter slashed .333/.467/.542/1.008 over the week, adding a triple, a home run, 6 RBI, and 2 more SB to his season totals. Since the first week of the season, Torii Jr. has 12 BB to 14 K and a .413 OBP and his 15 walks rank third on the Angels farm.
2019: .250/.384/.338/.721 with 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 15 BB, 21 K in 23 G/99 PA
5) Cesar Puello –  OF, AAA:
While he may be walking along the precipice of being no more than a career 4A journeyman, Puello undoubtedly continues to produce. Seeing time at all three positions in the outfield, the 28-year old Puello continues to demonstrate advanced plate discipline to go with good contact and good power, drawing 4 BB, hitting three doubles, and adding one HR to give him a slash of .429/.571/.714/1.286 for the week. While he may not see time outside of SLC, he offers some intriguing depth for the Angels if he continues to post hefty OBP results.
2019: .303/.465/.455/.920 with 4 doubles, 2 HR, 12 BB, 14 K in 20 G/86 PA
Honorable mention, hitters:
Gleyvin Pineda (IF, A): .357/.500/.500/1.000 with triple, 4 BB, 5 K
Connor Justus (IF, AA): .294/.400/.529/.929 with one walk-off HR
Jarrett Parker (OF, AAA): .333/.481/.524/1.005 with 2B, HR, 6 BB, 5 K
5) Kyle Bradish – RHP, A+: 
The 2018 4th Rounder has looked like a strong pick all season, and the past week only added to that excitement. The 6’4″ righty provided 4 innings of a 9-inning ‘no-hitter’; between starter Aaron Hernandez (4 IP) and Austin Warren (1 IP) on April 23rd vs. Rancho Cucamonga, and followed that up by allowing only one hit across 5.1 IP days later against Lake Elsinore. Over the week, Bradish held hitters to a .033 BAA, allowing 4 BB, 1 ER, and striking out 13 in 9.1 IP, and might find himself in AA Mobile before long.
2019: 1.80 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, .159 BAA, 10 BB, 22 K across 20 IP in 5 G/3 GS
6) Hector Yan – LHP, A: 
One of the Angels’ more intriguing pitching prospects, the 20-year old, 5’11” lefty flashed some of that brilliance this past week across two appearances, reining in some early control issues and striking out 15 hitters across 9 IP, while only allowing 6 hits, one run, and four walks. The Angels continue to piggyback their young starters, as Yan closed out the game on 4/22 with four scoreless innings before a more traditional start later in the week on 4/28.
2019: 4.82 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .242 BAA ,12 BB, 26 K across 18.2 IP in 5 G/3 GS
7) Jeremy Beasley – RHP, AA: 
Never considered a top prospect, Beasley continues to will his way into the discussion and might find himself entering the fray for the SLC-Anaheim shuttlebefore long. Like Yan, Beasley appeared in two games this week, starting one and closing out another, striking out 13 across 10 IP, only allowing 1 run, 5 hits, and 2 walks along the way. Only 23, the 30th round draft pick out of Clemson back in 2017 continues to prove his mettle.
2019: 3.48 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .197 BAA, 9 BB, 26 K across 20.2 IP in 5 G/4 GS
8 ) Cole Duensing – RHP, A:  
While he flashed some potential in 2016 after being selected by the Angels in the 6th round, the 6’4″ RHP had a future in doubt following 9.74 ERA over 28 games and 93.2 IP in 2017-2018, a stretch where he allowed a staggering 136 hits, 21 HR, 102 runs, 58 walks, and only 64 strikeouts. 2019 has been entirely different, as the 21-year old Duensing continued to add to a solid turnaround year by posting a 1.86 ERA, .176 BAA over 9.2 IP, allowing only 6 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 11.
2019: 2.11 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .240 BAA ,14 BB, 20 K across 21.1 IP in 5 G/4 GS
9) Jorge Tavarez – RHP, A+: 
The diminutive (5’10”, 150) reliever was lights-out last season, and it’s continued into 2019. Over the last week, Tavarez made three appearances, all for multi-innings, and delivered 7 innings of spectacular relief, allowing one run, zero walks, only three hits, and striking out 12. Blessed with an above-average 12-6 curveball with elite spin rate, the 23-year Tavarez might be pitching his way into the Angels depth charts before long.
2019: 1.29 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, .196 BAA, 4 BB, 21 K across 14 IP in 9 G
10) Adrian De Horta – RHP, AA: 
Signed as a minor league free agent in March 2018, De Horta didn’t show much last year, but opened eyes with a gutsy appearance in this year’s ST exhibition series against the Dodgers, and he’s followed up on that with a strong April, capped by a solid start on 4/24 vs. Pensacola, allowing one hit and striking out 7 across five innings. As the Angels continue to promote arms, De Horta could be in AAA Salt Lake before long.
2019: 2.03 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .156 BAA, 8 BB, 23 K across 13.1 IP in 3 G/2 GS
Honorable mention, hitters:
Oliver Ortega (RHP, A+) 4 IP, 2 H, ER, 3 BB, 9 K
Aaron Hernandez (RHP, A+): 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K
Luis Madero, RHP, A+/AA): 9 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 12 K, and a promotion to AA Mobile
Cristopher Molina, RHP, A): 4.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
View the full article

By Tres Heftner, AngelsWin.com Columnist
Here are Top-10 Minor League Performers in the Angels Farm System
4/22/19 – 4/28/19
1) Jose Rojas – IF, AAA: 
The 26-year old infielder continued to build upon his hot spring with an even hotter April, slashing a firm .407/.429/.889/1.317 over the past week, driving in 13 runs in only 6 games, including a 2 HR, 6 RBI performance on 4/22 against Sacramento. Playing 3B primarily, Rojas also made two appearances at LF and one at 2B this week.
2019: .333/.388/.603/.991 with 3 doubles, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 7 BB, 12 K in 20 G/85 PA
2) Matt Thaiss – IF, AAA: 
Coming into the week, Thaiss was mired in a 3-35 slump (.086 BA), but the BAbip gods smiled upon thee.  Thaiss went 10-17 (.588) to go with 7 BB against 1 K over his last 25 PA, with a double and HR leading to his .588/.680/.824/1.504 slash on the week – boosted by a .563 BAbip. Thaiss also continued to see time at 3B, playing twice more at the hot corner vs. Albuquerque.
2019: .289/.406/.434/.840 with 4 doubles,1 triple, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 16 BB, 12 K in 22 G/101 PA
3) Taylor Ward – IF/OF, AAA: 
Ward added LF to his pro resume this week, making a nice sliding catch vs. Albuquerque, while also adding two more appearances at 1B. The increased versatility should boost his odds and value to the Angels as the season goes on, as could his offense, if he maintains it. Ward added 3 doubles and 2 homers to his season over the week, slashing .429/.478/.857/1.335 across five games.
2019: .305/.408/.559/.968 with 6 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 9 BB, 16 K in 16 G/72 PA
4) Torii Hunter, Jr. –  OF, A+: 
2019 is a key year for Hunter, still acclimating to the life of pro baseball, and the Angels pinned high expectations on the 24-year old OF by counting on him to help lead the offense at Inland Empire. While Torii Jr. might never have the game-changing power, defense, or baserunning his father possessed, he’s continued to make improvements to his offensive profile suggesting he might yet have a future as a 4th OF. Hunter slashed .333/.467/.542/1.008 over the week, adding a triple, a home run, 6 RBI, and 2 more SB to his season totals. Since the first week of the season, Torii Jr. has 12 BB to 14 K and a .413 OBP and his 15 walks rank third on the Angels farm.
2019: .250/.384/.338/.721 with 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 15 BB, 21 K in 23 G/99 PA
5) Cesar Puello –  OF, AAA:
While he may be walking along the precipice of being no more than a career 4A journeyman, Puello undoubtedly continues to produce. Seeing time at all three positions in the outfield, the 28-year old Puello continues to demonstrate advanced plate discipline to go with good contact and good power, drawing 4 BB, hitting three doubles, and adding one HR to give him a slash of .429/.571/.714/1.286 for the week. While he may not see time outside of SLC, he offers some intriguing depth for the Angels if he continues to post hefty OBP results.
2019: .303/.465/.455/.920 with 4 doubles, 2 HR, 12 BB, 14 K in 20 G/86 PA
Honorable mention, hitters:
Gleyvin Pineda (IF, A): .357/.500/.500/1.000 with triple, 4 BB, 5 K
Connor Justus (IF, AA): .294/.400/.529/.929 with one walk-off HR
Jarrett Parker (OF, AAA): .333/.481/.524/1.005 with 2B, HR, 6 BB, 5 K
5) Kyle Bradish – RHP, A+: 
The 2018 4th Rounder has looked like a strong pick all season, and the past week only added to that excitement. The 6’4″ righty provided 4 innings of a 9-inning ‘no-hitter’; between starter Aaron Hernandez (4 IP) and Austin Warren (1 IP) on April 23rd vs. Rancho Cucamonga, and followed that up by allowing only one hit across 5.1 IP days later against Lake Elsinore. Over the week, Bradish held hitters to a .033 BAA, allowing 4 BB, 1 ER, and striking out 13 in 9.1 IP, and might find himself in AA Mobile before long.
2019: 1.80 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, .159 BAA, 10 BB, 22 K across 20 IP in 5 G/3 GS
6) Hector Yan – LHP, A: 
One of the Angels’ more intriguing pitching prospects, the 20-year old, 5’11” lefty flashed some of that brilliance this past week across two appearances, reining in some early control issues and striking out 15 hitters across 9 IP, while only allowing 6 hits, one run, and four walks. The Angels continue to piggyback their young starters, as Yan closed out the game on 4/22 with four scoreless innings before a more traditional start later in the week on 4/28.
2019: 4.82 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .242 BAA ,12 BB, 26 K across 18.2 IP in 5 G/3 GS
7) Jeremy Beasley – RHP, AA: 
Never considered a top prospect, Beasley continues to will his way into the discussion and might find himself entering the fray for the SLC-Anaheim shuttlebefore long. Like Yan, Beasley appeared in two games this week, starting one and closing out another, striking out 13 across 10 IP, only allowing 1 run, 5 hits, and 2 walks along the way. Only 23, the 30th round draft pick out of Clemson back in 2017 continues to prove his mettle.
2019: 3.48 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .197 BAA, 9 BB, 26 K across 20.2 IP in 5 G/4 GS
8 ) Cole Duensing – RHP, A:  
While he flashed some potential in 2016 after being selected by the Angels in the 6th round, the 6’4″ RHP had a future in doubt following 9.74 ERA over 28 games and 93.2 IP in 2017-2018, a stretch where he allowed a staggering 136 hits, 21 HR, 102 runs, 58 walks, and only 64 strikeouts. 2019 has been entirely different, as the 21-year old Duensing continued to add to a solid turnaround year by posting a 1.86 ERA, .176 BAA over 9.2 IP, allowing only 6 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 11.
2019: 2.11 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .240 BAA ,14 BB, 20 K across 21.1 IP in 5 G/4 GS
9) Jorge Tavarez – RHP, A+: 
The diminutive (5’10”, 150) reliever was lights-out last season, and it’s continued into 2019. Over the last week, Tavarez made three appearances, all for multi-innings, and delivered 7 innings of spectacular relief, allowing one run, zero walks, only three hits, and striking out 12. Blessed with an above-average 12-6 curveball with elite spin rate, the 23-year Tavarez might be pitching his way into the Angels depth charts before long.
2019: 1.29 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, .196 BAA, 4 BB, 21 K across 14 IP in 9 G
10) Adrian De Horta – RHP, AA: 
Signed as a minor league free agent in March 2018, De Horta didn’t show much last year, but opened eyes with a gutsy appearance in this year’s ST exhibition series against the Dodgers, and he’s followed up on that with a strong April, capped by a solid start on 4/24 vs. Pensacola, allowing one hit and striking out 7 across five innings. As the Angels continue to promote arms, De Horta could be in AAA Salt Lake before long.
2019: 2.03 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .156 BAA, 8 BB, 23 K across 13.1 IP in 3 G/2 GS
Honorable mention, hitters:
Oliver Ortega (RHP, A+) 4 IP, 2 H, ER, 3 BB, 9 K
Aaron Hernandez (RHP, A+): 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K
Luis Madero, RHP, A+/AA): 9 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 12 K, and a promotion to AA Mobile
Cristopher Molina, RHP, A): 4.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
View the full article

By Tres Heftner, AngelsWin.com Columnist
Here are Top-10 Minor League Performers in the Angels Farm System
4/22/19 – 4/28/19
1) Jose Rojas – IF, AAA: 
The 26-year old infielder continued to build upon his hot spring with an even hotter April, slashing a firm .407/.429/.889/1.317 over the past week, driving in 13 runs in only 6 games, including a 2 HR, 6 RBI performance on 4/22 against Sacramento. Playing 3B primarily, Rojas also made two appearances at LF and one at 2B this week.
2019: .333/.388/.603/.991 with 3 doubles, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 7 BB, 12 K in 20 G/85 PA
2) Matt Thaiss – IF, AAA: 
Coming into the week, Thaiss was mired in a 3-35 slump (.086 BA), but the BAbip gods smiled upon thee.  Thaiss went 10-17 (.588) to go with 7 BB against 1 K over his last 25 PA, with a double and HR leading to his .588/.680/.824/1.504 slash on the week – boosted by a .563 BAbip. Thaiss also continued to see time at 3B, playing twice more at the hot corner vs. Albuquerque.
2019: .289/.406/.434/.840 with 4 doubles,1 triple, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 16 BB, 12 K in 22 G/101 PA
3) Taylor Ward – IF/OF, AAA: 
Ward added LF to his pro resume this week, making a nice sliding catch vs. Albuquerque, while also adding two more appearances at 1B. The increased versatility should boost his odds and value to the Angels as the season goes on, as could his offense, if he maintains it. Ward added 3 doubles and 2 homers to his season over the week, slashing .429/.478/.857/1.335 across five games.
2019: .305/.408/.559/.968 with 6 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 9 BB, 16 K in 16 G/72 PA
4) Torii Hunter, Jr. –  OF, A+: 
2019 is a key year for Hunter, still acclimating to the life of pro baseball, and the Angels pinned high expectations on the 24-year old OF by counting on him to help lead the offense at Inland Empire. While Torii Jr. might never have the game-changing power, defense, or baserunning his father possessed, he’s continued to make improvements to his offensive profile suggesting he might yet have a future as a 4th OF. Hunter slashed .333/.467/.542/1.008 over the week, adding a triple, a home run, 6 RBI, and 2 more SB to his season totals. Since the first week of the season, Torii Jr. has 12 BB to 14 K and a .413 OBP and his 15 walks rank third on the Angels farm.
2019: .250/.384/.338/.721 with 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 15 BB, 21 K in 23 G/99 PA
5) Cesar Puello –  OF, AAA:
While he may be walking along the precipice of being no more than a career 4A journeyman, Puello undoubtedly continues to produce. Seeing time at all three positions in the outfield, the 28-year old Puello continues to demonstrate advanced plate discipline to go with good contact and good power, drawing 4 BB, hitting three doubles, and adding one HR to give him a slash of .429/.571/.714/1.286 for the week. While he may not see time outside of SLC, he offers some intriguing depth for the Angels if he continues to post hefty OBP results.
2019: .303/.465/.455/.920 with 4 doubles, 2 HR, 12 BB, 14 K in 20 G/86 PA
Honorable mention, hitters:
Gleyvin Pineda (IF, A): .357/.500/.500/1.000 with triple, 4 BB, 5 K
Connor Justus (IF, AA): .294/.400/.529/.929 with one walk-off HR
Jarrett Parker (OF, AAA): .333/.481/.524/1.005 with 2B, HR, 6 BB, 5 K
5) Kyle Bradish – RHP, A+: 
The 2018 4th Rounder has looked like a strong pick all season, and the past week only added to that excitement. The 6’4″ righty provided 4 innings of a 9-inning ‘no-hitter’; between starter Aaron Hernandez (4 IP) and Austin Warren (1 IP) on April 23rd vs. Rancho Cucamonga, and followed that up by allowing only one hit across 5.1 IP days later against Lake Elsinore. Over the week, Bradish held hitters to a .033 BAA, allowing 4 BB, 1 ER, and striking out 13 in 9.1 IP, and might find himself in AA Mobile before long.
2019: 1.80 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, .159 BAA, 10 BB, 22 K across 20 IP in 5 G/3 GS
6) Hector Yan – LHP, A: 
One of the Angels’ more intriguing pitching prospects, the 20-year old, 5’11” lefty flashed some of that brilliance this past week across two appearances, reining in some early control issues and striking out 15 hitters across 9 IP, while only allowing 6 hits, one run, and four walks. The Angels continue to piggyback their young starters, as Yan closed out the game on 4/22 with four scoreless innings before a more traditional start later in the week on 4/28.
2019: 4.82 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .242 BAA ,12 BB, 26 K across 18.2 IP in 5 G/3 GS
7) Jeremy Beasley – RHP, AA: 
Never considered a top prospect, Beasley continues to will his way into the discussion and might find himself entering the fray for the SLC-Anaheim shuttlebefore long. Like Yan, Beasley appeared in two games this week, starting one and closing out another, striking out 13 across 10 IP, only allowing 1 run, 5 hits, and 2 walks along the way. Only 23, the 30th round draft pick out of Clemson back in 2017 continues to prove his mettle.
2019: 3.48 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .197 BAA, 9 BB, 26 K across 20.2 IP in 5 G/4 GS
8 ) Cole Duensing – RHP, A:  
While he flashed some potential in 2016 after being selected by the Angels in the 6th round, the 6’4″ RHP had a future in doubt following 9.74 ERA over 28 games and 93.2 IP in 2017-2018, a stretch where he allowed a staggering 136 hits, 21 HR, 102 runs, 58 walks, and only 64 strikeouts. 2019 has been entirely different, as the 21-year old Duensing continued to add to a solid turnaround year by posting a 1.86 ERA, .176 BAA over 9.2 IP, allowing only 6 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 11.
2019: 2.11 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .240 BAA ,14 BB, 20 K across 21.1 IP in 5 G/4 GS
9) Jorge Tavarez – RHP, A+: 
The diminutive (5’10”, 150) reliever was lights-out last season, and it’s continued into 2019. Over the last week, Tavarez made three appearances, all for multi-innings, and delivered 7 innings of spectacular relief, allowing one run, zero walks, only three hits, and striking out 12. Blessed with an above-average 12-6 curveball with elite spin rate, the 23-year Tavarez might be pitching his way into the Angels depth charts before long.
2019: 1.29 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, .196 BAA, 4 BB, 21 K across 14 IP in 9 G
10) Adrian De Horta – RHP, AA: 
Signed as a minor league free agent in March 2018, De Horta didn’t show much last year, but opened eyes with a gutsy appearance in this year’s ST exhibition series against the Dodgers, and he’s followed up on that with a strong April, capped by a solid start on 4/24 vs. Pensacola, allowing one hit and striking out 7 across five innings. As the Angels continue to promote arms, De Horta could be in AAA Salt Lake before long.
2019: 2.03 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .156 BAA, 8 BB, 23 K across 13.1 IP in 3 G/2 GS
Honorable mention, hitters:
Oliver Ortega (RHP, A+) 4 IP, 2 H, ER, 3 BB, 9 K
Aaron Hernandez (RHP, A+): 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K
Luis Madero, RHP, A+/AA): 9 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 12 K, and a promotion to AA Mobile
Cristopher Molina, RHP, A): 4.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
View the full article

By Tres Heftner, AngelsWin.com Columnist
Here are Top-10 Minor League Performers in the Angels Farm System
4/22/19 – 4/28/19
1) Jose Rojas – IF, AAA: 
The 26-year old infielder continued to build upon his hot spring with an even hotter April, slashing a firm .407/.429/.889/1.317 over the past week, driving in 13 runs in only 6 games, including a 2 HR, 6 RBI performance on 4/22 against Sacramento. Playing 3B primarily, Rojas also made two appearances at LF and one at 2B this week.
2019: .333/.388/.603/.991 with 3 doubles, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 7 BB, 12 K in 20 G/85 PA
2) Matt Thaiss – IF, AAA: 
Coming into the week, Thaiss was mired in a 3-35 slump (.086 BA), but the BAbip gods smiled upon thee.  Thaiss went 10-17 (.588) to go with 7 BB against 1 K over his last 25 PA, with a double and HR leading to his .588/.680/.824/1.504 slash on the week – boosted by a .563 BAbip. Thaiss also continued to see time at 3B, playing twice more at the hot corner vs. Albuquerque.
2019: .289/.406/.434/.840 with 4 doubles,1 triple, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 16 BB, 12 K in 22 G/101 PA
3) Taylor Ward – IF/OF, AAA: 
Ward added LF to his pro resume this week, making a nice sliding catch vs. Albuquerque, while also adding two more appearances at 1B. The increased versatility should boost his odds and value to the Angels as the season goes on, as could his offense, if he maintains it. Ward added 3 doubles and 2 homers to his season over the week, slashing .429/.478/.857/1.335 across five games.
2019: .305/.408/.559/.968 with 6 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 9 BB, 16 K in 16 G/72 PA
4) Torii Hunter, Jr. –  OF, A+: 
2019 is a key year for Hunter, still acclimating to the life of pro baseball, and the Angels pinned high expectations on the 24-year old OF by counting on him to help lead the offense at Inland Empire. While Torii Jr. might never have the game-changing power, defense, or baserunning his father possessed, he’s continued to make improvements to his offensive profile suggesting he might yet have a future as a 4th OF. Hunter slashed .333/.467/.542/1.008 over the week, adding a triple, a home run, 6 RBI, and 2 more SB to his season totals. Since the first week of the season, Torii Jr. has 12 BB to 14 K and a .413 OBP and his 15 walks rank third on the Angels farm.
2019: .250/.384/.338/.721 with 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 15 BB, 21 K in 23 G/99 PA
5) Cesar Puello –  OF, AAA:
While he may be walking along the precipice of being no more than a career 4A journeyman, Puello undoubtedly continues to produce. Seeing time at all three positions in the outfield, the 28-year old Puello continues to demonstrate advanced plate discipline to go with good contact and good power, drawing 4 BB, hitting three doubles, and adding one HR to give him a slash of .429/.571/.714/1.286 for the week. While he may not see time outside of SLC, he offers some intriguing depth for the Angels if he continues to post hefty OBP results.
2019: .303/.465/.455/.920 with 4 doubles, 2 HR, 12 BB, 14 K in 20 G/86 PA
Honorable mention, hitters:
Gleyvin Pineda (IF, A): .357/.500/.500/1.000 with triple, 4 BB, 5 K
Connor Justus (IF, AA): .294/.400/.529/.929 with one walk-off HR
Jarrett Parker (OF, AAA): .333/.481/.524/1.005 with 2B, HR, 6 BB, 5 K
5) Kyle Bradish – RHP, A+: 
The 2018 4th Rounder has looked like a strong pick all season, and the past week only added to that excitement. The 6’4″ righty provided 4 innings of a 9-inning ‘no-hitter’; between starter Aaron Hernandez (4 IP) and Austin Warren (1 IP) on April 23rd vs. Rancho Cucamonga, and followed that up by allowing only one hit across 5.1 IP days later against Lake Elsinore. Over the week, Bradish held hitters to a .033 BAA, allowing 4 BB, 1 ER, and striking out 13 in 9.1 IP, and might find himself in AA Mobile before long.
2019: 1.80 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, .159 BAA, 10 BB, 22 K across 20 IP in 5 G/3 GS
6) Hector Yan – LHP, A: 
One of the Angels’ more intriguing pitching prospects, the 20-year old, 5’11” lefty flashed some of that brilliance this past week across two appearances, reining in some early control issues and striking out 15 hitters across 9 IP, while only allowing 6 hits, one run, and four walks. The Angels continue to piggyback their young starters, as Yan closed out the game on 4/22 with four scoreless innings before a more traditional start later in the week on 4/28.
2019: 4.82 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .242 BAA ,12 BB, 26 K across 18.2 IP in 5 G/3 GS
7) Jeremy Beasley – RHP, AA: 
Never considered a top prospect, Beasley continues to will his way into the discussion and might find himself entering the fray for the SLC-Anaheim shuttlebefore long. Like Yan, Beasley appeared in two games this week, starting one and closing out another, striking out 13 across 10 IP, only allowing 1 run, 5 hits, and 2 walks along the way. Only 23, the 30th round draft pick out of Clemson back in 2017 continues to prove his mettle.
2019: 3.48 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .197 BAA, 9 BB, 26 K across 20.2 IP in 5 G/4 GS
8 ) Cole Duensing – RHP, A:  
While he flashed some potential in 2016 after being selected by the Angels in the 6th round, the 6’4″ RHP had a future in doubt following 9.74 ERA over 28 games and 93.2 IP in 2017-2018, a stretch where he allowed a staggering 136 hits, 21 HR, 102 runs, 58 walks, and only 64 strikeouts. 2019 has been entirely different, as the 21-year old Duensing continued to add to a solid turnaround year by posting a 1.86 ERA, .176 BAA over 9.2 IP, allowing only 6 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 11.
2019: 2.11 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .240 BAA ,14 BB, 20 K across 21.1 IP in 5 G/4 GS
9) Jorge Tavarez – RHP, A+: 
The diminutive (5’10”, 150) reliever was lights-out last season, and it’s continued into 2019. Over the last week, Tavarez made three appearances, all for multi-innings, and delivered 7 innings of spectacular relief, allowing one run, zero walks, only three hits, and striking out 12. Blessed with an above-average 12-6 curveball with elite spin rate, the 23-year Tavarez might be pitching his way into the Angels depth charts before long.
2019: 1.29 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, .196 BAA, 4 BB, 21 K across 14 IP in 9 G
10) Adrian De Horta – RHP, AA: 
Signed as a minor league free agent in March 2018, De Horta didn’t show much last year, but opened eyes with a gutsy appearance in this year’s ST exhibition series against the Dodgers, and he’s followed up on that with a strong April, capped by a solid start on 4/24 vs. Pensacola, allowing one hit and striking out 7 across five innings. As the Angels continue to promote arms, De Horta could be in AAA Salt Lake before long.
2019: 2.03 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .156 BAA, 8 BB, 23 K across 13.1 IP in 3 G/2 GS
Honorable mention, hitters:
Oliver Ortega (RHP, A+) 4 IP, 2 H, ER, 3 BB, 9 K
Aaron Hernandez (RHP, A+): 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K
Luis Madero, RHP, A+/AA): 9 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 12 K, and a promotion to AA Mobile
Cristopher Molina, RHP, A): 4.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
View the full article

By Tres Heftner, AngelsWin.com Columnist
Here are Top-10 Minor League Performers in the Angels Farm System
4/22/19 – 4/28/19
1) Jose Rojas – IF, AAA: 
The 26-year old infielder continued to build upon his hot spring with an even hotter April, slashing a firm .407/.429/.889/1.317 over the past week, driving in 13 runs in only 6 games, including a 2 HR, 6 RBI performance on 4/22 against Sacramento. Playing 3B primarily, Rojas also made two appearances at LF and one at 2B this week.
2019: .333/.388/.603/.991 with 3 doubles, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 7 BB, 12 K in 20 G/85 PA
2) Matt Thaiss – IF, AAA: 
Coming into the week, Thaiss was mired in a 3-35 slump (.086 BA), but the BAbip gods smiled upon thee.  Thaiss went 10-17 (.588) to go with 7 BB against 1 K over his last 25 PA, with a double and HR leading to his .588/.680/.824/1.504 slash on the week – boosted by a .563 BAbip. Thaiss also continued to see time at 3B, playing twice more at the hot corner vs. Albuquerque.
2019: .289/.406/.434/.840 with 4 doubles,1 triple, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 16 BB, 12 K in 22 G/101 PA
3) Taylor Ward – IF/OF, AAA: 
Ward added LF to his pro resume this week, making a nice sliding catch vs. Albuquerque, while also adding two more appearances at 1B. The increased versatility should boost his odds and value to the Angels as the season goes on, as could his offense, if he maintains it. Ward added 3 doubles and 2 homers to his season over the week, slashing .429/.478/.857/1.335 across five games.
2019: .305/.408/.559/.968 with 6 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 9 BB, 16 K in 16 G/72 PA
4) Torii Hunter, Jr. –  OF, A+: 
2019 is a key year for Hunter, still acclimating to the life of pro baseball, and the Angels pinned high expectations on the 24-year old OF by counting on him to help lead the offense at Inland Empire. While Torii Jr. might never have the game-changing power, defense, or baserunning his father possessed, he’s continued to make improvements to his offensive profile suggesting he might yet have a future as a 4th OF. Hunter slashed .333/.467/.542/1.008 over the week, adding a triple, a home run, 6 RBI, and 2 more SB to his season totals. Since the first week of the season, Torii Jr. has 12 BB to 14 K and a .413 OBP and his 15 walks rank third on the Angels farm.
2019: .250/.384/.338/.721 with 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 15 BB, 21 K in 23 G/99 PA
5) Cesar Puello –  OF, AAA:
While he may be walking along the precipice of being no more than a career 4A journeyman, Puello undoubtedly continues to produce. Seeing time at all three positions in the outfield, the 28-year old Puello continues to demonstrate advanced plate discipline to go with good contact and good power, drawing 4 BB, hitting three doubles, and adding one HR to give him a slash of .429/.571/.714/1.286 for the week. While he may not see time outside of SLC, he offers some intriguing depth for the Angels if he continues to post hefty OBP results.
2019: .303/.465/.455/.920 with 4 doubles, 2 HR, 12 BB, 14 K in 20 G/86 PA
Honorable mention, hitters:
Gleyvin Pineda (IF, A): .357/.500/.500/1.000 with triple, 4 BB, 5 K
Connor Justus (IF, AA): .294/.400/.529/.929 with one walk-off HR
Jarrett Parker (OF, AAA): .333/.481/.524/1.005 with 2B, HR, 6 BB, 5 K
5) Kyle Bradish – RHP, A+: 
The 2018 4th Rounder has looked like a strong pick all season, and the past week only added to that excitement. The 6’4″ righty provided 4 innings of a 9-inning ‘no-hitter’; between starter Aaron Hernandez (4 IP) and Austin Warren (1 IP) on April 23rd vs. Rancho Cucamonga, and followed that up by allowing only one hit across 5.1 IP days later against Lake Elsinore. Over the week, Bradish held hitters to a .033 BAA, allowing 4 BB, 1 ER, and striking out 13 in 9.1 IP, and might find himself in AA Mobile before long.
2019: 1.80 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, .159 BAA, 10 BB, 22 K across 20 IP in 5 G/3 GS
6) Hector Yan – LHP, A: 
One of the Angels’ more intriguing pitching prospects, the 20-year old, 5’11” lefty flashed some of that brilliance this past week across two appearances, reining in some early control issues and striking out 15 hitters across 9 IP, while only allowing 6 hits, one run, and four walks. The Angels continue to piggyback their young starters, as Yan closed out the game on 4/22 with four scoreless innings before a more traditional start later in the week on 4/28.
2019: 4.82 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .242 BAA ,12 BB, 26 K across 18.2 IP in 5 G/3 GS
7) Jeremy Beasley – RHP, AA: 
Never considered a top prospect, Beasley continues to will his way into the discussion and might find himself entering the fray for the SLC-Anaheim shuttlebefore long. Like Yan, Beasley appeared in two games this week, starting one and closing out another, striking out 13 across 10 IP, only allowing 1 run, 5 hits, and 2 walks along the way. Only 23, the 30th round draft pick out of Clemson back in 2017 continues to prove his mettle.
2019: 3.48 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .197 BAA, 9 BB, 26 K across 20.2 IP in 5 G/4 GS
8 ) Cole Duensing – RHP, A:  
While he flashed some potential in 2016 after being selected by the Angels in the 6th round, the 6’4″ RHP had a future in doubt following 9.74 ERA over 28 games and 93.2 IP in 2017-2018, a stretch where he allowed a staggering 136 hits, 21 HR, 102 runs, 58 walks, and only 64 strikeouts. 2019 has been entirely different, as the 21-year old Duensing continued to add to a solid turnaround year by posting a 1.86 ERA, .176 BAA over 9.2 IP, allowing only 6 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 11.
2019: 2.11 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .240 BAA ,14 BB, 20 K across 21.1 IP in 5 G/4 GS
9) Jorge Tavarez – RHP, A+: 
The diminutive (5’10”, 150) reliever was lights-out last season, and it’s continued into 2019. Over the last week, Tavarez made three appearances, all for multi-innings, and delivered 7 innings of spectacular relief, allowing one run, zero walks, only three hits, and striking out 12. Blessed with an above-average 12-6 curveball with elite spin rate, the 23-year Tavarez might be pitching his way into the Angels depth charts before long.
2019: 1.29 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, .196 BAA, 4 BB, 21 K across 14 IP in 9 G
10) Adrian De Horta – RHP, AA: 
Signed as a minor league free agent in March 2018, De Horta didn’t show much last year, but opened eyes with a gutsy appearance in this year’s ST exhibition series against the Dodgers, and he’s followed up on that with a strong April, capped by a solid start on 4/24 vs. Pensacola, allowing one hit and striking out 7 across five innings. As the Angels continue to promote arms, De Horta could be in AAA Salt Lake before long.
2019: 2.03 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .156 BAA, 8 BB, 23 K across 13.1 IP in 3 G/2 GS
Honorable mention, hitters:
Oliver Ortega (RHP, A+) 4 IP, 2 H, ER, 3 BB, 9 K
Aaron Hernandez (RHP, A+): 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K
Luis Madero, RHP, A+/AA): 9 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 12 K, and a promotion to AA Mobile
Cristopher Molina, RHP, A): 4.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
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Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout slides into third base during the third inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, April 28, 2019. Trout was safe at third with a stolen base. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Kansas City Royals’ Alex Gordon slides into third base during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, April 28, 2019. Gordon advanced to third base on a sacrifice fly by teammate Ryan O’Hearn. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
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Los Angeles Angels’ Andrelton Simmons, left,is tagged out by Kansas City Royals’ Kelvin Gutierrez (47) during the third inning of a baseball game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, April 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Angels starting pitcher Matt Harvey delivers to a Kansas City Royals batter during the first inning of a game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, April 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Homer Bailey delivers to a Los Angeles Angels batter during the first inning of a baseball game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, April 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Los Angeles Angels’ Albert Pujols hits a two-run double off Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Homer Bailey during the first inning of a baseball game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, April 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
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Expand KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Matt Harvey may have turned the corner.
Harvey tossed seven strong innings in the Angels’ 7-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday, his second consecutive quality start after a rough three-start stretch.
Harvey gave up one run on one hit on his way to the first seven-inning outing for an Angels starter this season.
A free agent acquisition, Harvey had not begun his Angels career in encouraging fashion. After a strong debut outing, he allowed 19 runs in 12-2/3 innings in his next three starts.
But last week against the New York Yankees, Harvey gave up just two runs in six innings. He wasn’t sharp initially, but still weaved his way out of trouble — which he hadn’t been able to do during the previous three starts — and seemed to figure something out toward the end of his outing.
In his final inning against the Yankees, Harvey decided to worry less about mechanics and just focus on competing. He pitched a perfect inning, which Manager Brad Ausmus said was his best inning of the season.
He picked up where he left off on Sunday afternoon.
Staked to a three-run lead before he threw his first pitch, Harvey breezed through the Royals lineup. He allowed an Alex Gordon double in the first and then no other hits until the seventh.
He walked one in the third. In the fourth, he struck out Gordon, who reached first when the ball got past catcher Jonathan Lucroy. That led to the Royals only run against Harvey. Gordon went to second on a walk and then came around on two fly balls.
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Thanks to the pitching, the Angels didn’t need any more runs than the three they scored in the first inning.
Mike Trout, Brian Goodwin and Andrelton Simmons had three consecutive singles to load the bases, and then Albert Pujols drove in two with a double. Pujols now has 1,997 RBIs, passing Barry Bonds to move into third on the all-time list, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, which counts only RBIs since the stat became official in 1920.
The Royals had cut the lead to 4-2 in the eighth, but Justin Bour provided some insurance with a three-run homer in the top of the ninth. Bour had just been dropped to the No. 8 spot because of his recent struggles.
More to come on this story.

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