AngelsWin.com

May 13, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after scoring off a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
By David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
If the rumors are true, and at this point they appear to be so, Mike Trout has agreed in principal to a deal that will make him an Angel for life.
Wow.
What a way to turn around the offseason. Prior to today, I would have given the Angels a “B-” for their efforts during the offseason, but all that changed today. This deal changes all that because the biggest potential issue for the next two years has been settled. Mike Trout will be here for another 12 years.
If the proposed numbers hold true, Mike Trout will sign the largest sports contract in history. And well he should. No other player in the history of the game has been as good and productive as Mike Trout at a similar age.
If I could start a baseball team with any single current player in baseball, by far my first choice would be Mike Trout. Not only is he an incredible talent on the field, he is a an incredible asset off the field. His interactions with fans are not forced or reluctant. He genuinely engages with fans before the games. His love for baseball and enthusiasm to play is infectious. He reminds people of all that is good and right in sports, He is humble and honest. He lets his actions speak for themselves and doesn’t seek the limelight. He brings us back to a time when we played baseball and demonstrates our love for the game.
When Mike Trout signs this contract, he will do the one last thing that separated him from the pantheon of baseball greats: he will create a specific time and place for his legacy. Just as Cobb, DiMaggio, Koufax, Ruth, Williams, etc. are all associated with one team and one time, Trout will be forever remember for the time he played and the Angels. Fifty years from now, whether they are Angels fans or not, baseball fans will tell their grandchildren how they saw Mike Trout play for the Angels, just as our grandparents told us about seeing their greats play.
In 2014, When Mike Trout signed his first contract extension, I asked him at the press conference what it meant to him that an entire generation of Angels fans would grow up seeing him play. I compared it to Trout’s hero Derek Jeter, a lifelong Yankee. With this contract extension, multiple generations of Angels fans will grow up seeing him play. And like his hero, it will all be for one team. That’s something special.
But, even more special, is that Angels fans will get to see him evolve. When Mike Trout first broke into the Major Leagues, Torii Hunter took him under his wings and helped show him the ropes. After Torii left, Albert Pujols helped to mentor him.
But, in an interesting story written by Bob Nightengale for USA Today, Mike Trout watched video of the Angels’ top prospect Jo Adell, and even gave Adell his phone number to help him. Mike Trout made an integral part of the Angels’ presentation to Shohei Ohtani by calling and speaking with him, and has since done a lot to help Shohei adapt to life playing baseball in America. That’s the evolution of Mike Trout–from a rookie to a face of a franchise to a mentor to his teammates. This is the Mike Trout team. This is the Mike Trout era.
After the Angels won the World Series in 2002, my favorite moment was seeing Tim Salmon–Mr. Angel–hoist the trophy. Knowing that there were several points where Tim could have left for more money to play for other teams, watching him hold that trophy was magical. Everyone could see that his loyalty and dedication to the team had been rewarded, and the fans loved him for it.
When Mike Trout hoists the World Series trophy–which he will do as an Angel–it will be something even more magical. Just as Salmon was rewarded and loved, so will Trout be. We, the fans, know how much he did (and will do) to earn that moment, and we will thank him for it. There will be a bonding between us and him that will forever connect us in that moment.
An Angel for life. Not many players can say that. But that’s what Trout chose to be, and we are so lucky that he did.
View the full article

May 13, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after scoring off a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
By David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
If the rumors are true, and at this point they appear to be so, Mike Trout has agreed in principal to a deal that will make him an Angel for life.
Wow.
What a way to turn around the offseason. Prior to today, I would have given the Angels a “B-” for their efforts during the offseason, but all that changed today. This deal changes all that because the biggest potential issue for the next two years has been settled. Mike Trout will be here for another 12 years.
If the proposed numbers hold true, Mike Trout will sign the largest sports contract in history. And well he should. No other player in the history of the game has been as good and productive as Mike Trout at a similar age.
If I could start a baseball team with any single current player in baseball, by far my first choice would be Mike Trout. Not only is he an incredible talent on the field, he is a an incredible asset off the field. His interactions with fans are not forced or reluctant. He genuinely engages with fans before the games. His love for baseball and enthusiasm to play is infectious. He reminds people of all that is good and right in sports, He is humble and honest. He lets his actions speak for themselves and doesn’t seek the limelight. He brings us back to a time when we played baseball and demonstrates our love for the game.
When Mike Trout signs this contract, he will do the one last thing that separated him from the pantheon of baseball greats: he will create a specific time and place for his legacy. Just as Cobb, DiMaggio, Koufax, Ruth, Williams, etc. are all associated with one team and one time, Trout will be forever remember for the time he played and the Angels. Fifty years from now, whether they are Angels fans or not, baseball fans will tell their grandchildren how they saw Mike Trout play for the Angels, just as our grandparents told us about seeing their greats play.
In 2014, When Mike Trout signed his first contract extension, I asked him at the press conference what it meant to him that an entire generation of Angels fans would grow up seeing him play. I compared it to Trout’s hero Derek Jeter, a lifelong Yankee. With this contract extension, multiple generations of Angels fans will grow up seeing him play. And like his hero, it will all be for one team. That’s something special.
But, even more special, is that Angels fans will get to see him evolve. When Mike Trout first broke into the Major Leagues, Torii Hunter took him under his wings and helped show him the ropes. After Torii left, Albert Pujols helped to mentor him.
But, in an interesting story written by Bob Nightengale for USA Today, Mike Trout watched video of the Angels’ top prospect Jo Adell, and even gave Adell his phone number to help him. Mike Trout made an integral part of the Angels’ presentation to Shohei Ohtani by calling and speaking with him, and has since done a lot to help Shohei adapt to life playing baseball in America. That’s the evolution of Mike Trout–from a rookie to a face of a franchise to a mentor to his teammates. This is the Mike Trout team. This is the Mike Trout era.
After the Angels won the World Series in 2002, my favorite moment was seeing Tim Salmon–Mr. Angel–hoist the trophy. Knowing that there were several points where Tim could have left for more money to play for other teams, watching him hold that trophy was magical. Everyone could see that his loyalty and dedication to the team had been rewarded, and the fans loved him for it.
When Mike Trout hoists the World Series trophy–which he will do as an Angel–it will be something even more magical. Just as Salmon was rewarded and loved, so will Trout be. We, the fans, know how much he did (and will do) to earn that moment, and we will thank him for it. There will be a bonding between us and him that will forever connect us in that moment.
An Angel for life. Not many players can say that. But that’s what Trout chose to be, and we are so lucky that he did.
View the full article

May 13, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after scoring off a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
By David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
If the rumors are true, and at this point they appear to be so, Mike Trout has agreed in principal to a deal that will make him an Angel for life.
Wow.
What a way to turn around the offseason. Prior to today, I would have given the Angels a “B-” for their efforts during the offseason, but all that changed today. This deal changes all that because the biggest potential issue for the next two years has been settled. Mike Trout will be here for another 12 years.
If the proposed numbers hold true, Mike Trout will sign the largest sports contract in history. And well he should. No other player in the history of the game has been as good and productive as Mike Trout at a similar age.
If I could start a baseball team with any single current player in baseball, by far my first choice would be Mike Trout. Not only is he an incredible talent on the field, he is a an incredible asset off the field. His interactions with fans are not forced or reluctant. He genuinely engages with fans before the games. His love for baseball and enthusiasm to play is infectious. He reminds people of all that is good and right in sports, He is humble and honest. He lets his actions speak for themselves and doesn’t seek the limelight. He brings us back to a time when we played baseball and demonstrates our love for the game.
When Mike Trout signs this contract, he will do the one last thing that separated him from the pantheon of baseball greats: he will create a specific time and place for his legacy. Just as Cobb, DiMaggio, Koufax, Ruth, Williams, etc. are all associated with one team and one time, Trout will be forever remember for the time he played and the Angels. Fifty years from now, whether they are Angels fans or not, baseball fans will tell their grandchildren how they saw Mike Trout play for the Angels, just as our grandparents told us about seeing their greats play.
In 2014, When Mike Trout signed his first contract extension, I asked him at the press conference what it meant to him that an entire generation of Angels fans would grow up seeing him play. I compared it to Trout’s hero Derek Jeter, a lifelong Yankee. With this contract extension, multiple generations of Angels fans will grow up seeing him play. And like his hero, it will all be for one team. That’s something special.
But, even more special, is that Angels fans will get to see him evolve. When Mike Trout first broke into the Major Leagues, Torii Hunter took him under his wings and helped show him the ropes. After Torii left, Albert Pujols helped to mentor him.
But, in an interesting story written by Bob Nightengale for USA Today, Mike Trout watched video of the Angels’ top prospect Jo Adell, and even gave Adell his phone number to help him. Mike Trout made an integral part of the Angels’ presentation to Shohei Ohtani by calling and speaking with him, and has since done a lot to help Shohei adapt to life playing baseball in America. That’s the evolution of Mike Trout–from a rookie to a face of a franchise to a mentor to his teammates. This is the Mike Trout team. This is the Mike Trout era.
After the Angels won the World Series in 2002, my favorite moment was seeing Tim Salmon–Mr. Angel–hoist the trophy. Knowing that there were several points where Tim could have left for more money to play for other teams, watching him hold that trophy was magical. Everyone could see that his loyalty and dedication to the team had been rewarded, and the fans loved him for it.
When Mike Trout hoists the World Series trophy–which he will do as an Angel–it will be something even more magical. Just as Salmon was rewarded and loved, so will Trout be. We, the fans, know how much he did (and will do) to earn that moment, and we will thank him for it. There will be a bonding between us and him that will forever connect us in that moment.
An Angel for life. Not many players can say that. But that’s what Trout chose to be, and we are so lucky that he did.
View the full article

May 13, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after scoring off a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
By David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
If the rumors are true, and at this point they appear to be so, Mike Trout has agreed in principal to a deal that will make him an Angel for life.
Wow.
What a way to turn around the offseason. Prior to today, I would have given the Angels a “B-” for their efforts during the offseason, but all that changed today. This deal changes all that because the biggest potential issue for the next two years has been settled. Mike Trout will be here for another 12 years.
If the proposed numbers hold true, Mike Trout will sign the largest sports contract in history. And well he should. No other player in the history of the game has been as good and productive as Mike Trout at a similar age.
If I could start a baseball team with any single current player in baseball, by far my first choice would be Mike Trout. Not only is he an incredible talent on the field, he is a an incredible asset off the field. His interactions with fans are not forced or reluctant. He genuinely engages with fans before the games. His love for baseball and enthusiasm to play is infectious. He reminds people of all that is good and right in sports, He is humble and honest. He lets his actions speak for themselves and doesn’t seek the limelight. He brings us back to a time when we played baseball and demonstrates our love for the game.
When Mike Trout signs this contract, he will do the one last thing that separated him from the pantheon of baseball greats: he will create a specific time and place for his legacy. Just as Cobb, DiMaggio, Koufax, Ruth, Williams, etc. are all associated with one team and one time, Trout will be forever remember for the time he played and the Angels. Fifty years from now, whether they are Angels fans or not, baseball fans will tell their grandchildren how they saw Mike Trout play for the Angels, just as our grandparents told us about seeing their greats play.
In 2014, When Mike Trout signed his first contract extension, I asked him at the press conference what it meant to him that an entire generation of Angels fans would grow up seeing him play. I compared it to Trout’s hero Derek Jeter, a lifelong Yankee. With this contract extension, multiple generations of Angels fans will grow up seeing him play. And like his hero, it will all be for one team. That’s something special.
But, even more special, is that Angels fans will get to see him evolve. When Mike Trout first broke into the Major Leagues, Torii Hunter took him under his wings and helped show him the ropes. After Torii left, Albert Pujols helped to mentor him.
But, in an interesting story written by Bob Nightengale for USA Today, Mike Trout watched video of the Angels’ top prospect Jo Adell, and even gave Adell his phone number to help him. Mike Trout made an integral part of the Angels’ presentation to Shohei Ohtani by calling and speaking with him, and has since done a lot to help Shohei adapt to life playing baseball in America. That’s the evolution of Mike Trout–from a rookie to a face of a franchise to a mentor to his teammates. This is the Mike Trout team. This is the Mike Trout era.
After the Angels won the World Series in 2002, my favorite moment was seeing Tim Salmon–Mr. Angel–hoist the trophy. Knowing that there were several points where Tim could have left for more money to play for other teams, watching him hold that trophy was magical. Everyone could see that his loyalty and dedication to the team had been rewarded, and the fans loved him for it.
When Mike Trout hoists the World Series trophy–which he will do as an Angel–it will be something even more magical. Just as Salmon was rewarded and loved, so will Trout be. We, the fans, know how much he did (and will do) to earn that moment, and we will thank him for it. There will be a bonding between us and him that will forever connect us in that moment.
An Angel for life. Not many players can say that. But that’s what Trout chose to be, and we are so lucky that he did.
View the full article

May 13, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after scoring off a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
By David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
If the rumors are true, and at this point they appear to be so, Mike Trout has agreed in principal to a deal that will make him an Angel for life.
Wow.
What a way to turn around the offseason. Prior to today, I would have given the Angels a “B-” for their efforts during the offseason, but all that changed today. This deal changes all that because the biggest potential issue for the next two years has been settled. Mike Trout will be here for another 12 years.
If the proposed numbers hold true, Mike Trout will sign the largest sports contract in history. And well he should. No other player in the history of the game has been as good and productive as Mike Trout at a similar age.
If I could start a baseball team with any single current player in baseball, by far my first choice would be Mike Trout. Not only is he an incredible talent on the field, he is a an incredible asset off the field. His interactions with fans are not forced or reluctant. He genuinely engages with fans before the games. His love for baseball and enthusiasm to play is infectious. He reminds people of all that is good and right in sports, He is humble and honest. He lets his actions speak for themselves and doesn’t seek the limelight. He brings us back to a time when we played baseball and demonstrates our love for the game.
When Mike Trout signs this contract, he will do the one last thing that separated him from the pantheon of baseball greats: he will create a specific time and place for his legacy. Just as Cobb, DiMaggio, Koufax, Ruth, Williams, etc. are all associated with one team and one time, Trout will be forever remember for the time he played and the Angels. Fifty years from now, whether they are Angels fans or not, baseball fans will tell their grandchildren how they saw Mike Trout play for the Angels, just as our grandparents told us about seeing their greats play.
In 2014, When Mike Trout signed his first contract extension, I asked him at the press conference what it meant to him that an entire generation of Angels fans would grow up seeing him play. I compared it to Trout’s hero Derek Jeter, a lifelong Yankee. With this contract extension, multiple generations of Angels fans will grow up seeing him play. And like his hero, it will all be for one team. That’s something special.
But, even more special, is that Angels fans will get to see him evolve. When Mike Trout first broke into the Major Leagues, Torii Hunter took him under his wings and helped show him the ropes. After Torii left, Albert Pujols helped to mentor him.
But, in an interesting story written by Bob Nightengale for USA Today, Mike Trout watched video of the Angels’ top prospect Jo Adell, and even gave Adell his phone number to help him. Mike Trout made an integral part of the Angels’ presentation to Shohei Ohtani by calling and speaking with him, and has since done a lot to help Shohei adapt to life playing baseball in America. That’s the evolution of Mike Trout–from a rookie to a face of a franchise to a mentor to his teammates. This is the Mike Trout team. This is the Mike Trout era.
After the Angels won the World Series in 2002, my favorite moment was seeing Tim Salmon–Mr. Angel–hoist the trophy. Knowing that there were several points where Tim could have left for more money to play for other teams, watching him hold that trophy was magical. Everyone could see that his loyalty and dedication to the team had been rewarded, and the fans loved him for it.
When Mike Trout hoists the World Series trophy–which he will do as an Angel–it will be something even more magical. Just as Salmon was rewarded and loved, so will Trout be. We, the fans, know how much he did (and will do) to earn that moment, and we will thank him for it. There will be a bonding between us and him that will forever connect us in that moment.
An Angel for life. Not many players can say that. But that’s what Trout chose to be, and we are so lucky that he did.
View the full article

May 13, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after scoring off a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
By David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
If the rumors are true, and at this point they appear to be so, Mike Trout has agreed in principal to a deal that will make him an Angel for life.
Wow.
What a way to turn around the offseason. Prior to today, I would have given the Angels a “B-” for their efforts during the offseason, but all that changed today. This deal changes all that because the biggest potential issue for the next two years has been settled. Mike Trout will be here for another 12 years.
If the proposed numbers hold true, Mike Trout will sign the largest sports contract in history. And well he should. No other player in the history of the game has been as good and productive as Mike Trout at a similar age.
If I could start a baseball team with any single current player in baseball, by far my first choice would be Mike Trout. Not only is he an incredible talent on the field, he is a an incredible asset off the field. His interactions with fans are not forced or reluctant. He genuinely engages with fans before the games. His love for baseball and enthusiasm to play is infectious. He reminds people of all that is good and right in sports, He is humble and honest. He lets his actions speak for themselves and doesn’t seek the limelight. He brings us back to a time when we played baseball and demonstrates our love for the game.
When Mike Trout signs this contract, he will do the one last thing that separated him from the pantheon of baseball greats: he will create a specific time and place for his legacy. Just as Cobb, DiMaggio, Koufax, Ruth, Williams, etc. are all associated with one team and one time, Trout will be forever remember for the time he played and the Angels. Fifty years from now, whether they are Angels fans or not, baseball fans will tell their grandchildren how they saw Mike Trout play for the Angels, just as our grandparents told us about seeing their greats play.
In 2014, When Mike Trout signed his first contract extension, I asked him at the press conference what it meant to him that an entire generation of Angels fans would grow up seeing him play. I compared it to Trout’s hero Derek Jeter, a lifelong Yankee. With this contract extension, multiple generations of Angels fans will grow up seeing him play. And like his hero, it will all be for one team. That’s something special.
But, even more special, is that Angels fans will get to see him evolve. When Mike Trout first broke into the Major Leagues, Torii Hunter took him under his wings and helped show him the ropes. After Torii left, Albert Pujols helped to mentor him.
But, in an interesting story written by Bob Nightengale for USA Today, Mike Trout watched video of the Angels’ top prospect Jo Adell, and even gave Adell his phone number to help him. Mike Trout made an integral part of the Angels’ presentation to Shohei Ohtani by calling and speaking with him, and has since done a lot to help Shohei adapt to life playing baseball in America. That’s the evolution of Mike Trout–from a rookie to a face of a franchise to a mentor to his teammates. This is the Mike Trout team. This is the Mike Trout era.
After the Angels won the World Series in 2002, my favorite moment was seeing Tim Salmon–Mr. Angel–hoist the trophy. Knowing that there were several points where Tim could have left for more money to play for other teams, watching him hold that trophy was magical. Everyone could see that his loyalty and dedication to the team had been rewarded, and the fans loved him for it.
When Mike Trout hoists the World Series trophy–which he will do as an Angel–it will be something even more magical. Just as Salmon was rewarded and loved, so will Trout be. We, the fans, know how much he did (and will do) to earn that moment, and we will thank him for it. There will be a bonding between us and him that will forever connect us in that moment.
An Angel for life. Not many players can say that. But that’s what Trout chose to be, and we are so lucky that he did.
View the full article

May 13, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after scoring off a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
By David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
If the rumors are true, and at this point they appear to be so, Mike Trout has agreed in principal to a deal that will make him an Angel for life.
Wow.
What a way to turn around the offseason. Prior to today, I would have given the Angels a “B-” for their efforts during the offseason, but all that changed today. This deal changes all that because the biggest potential issue for the next two years has been settled. Mike Trout will be here for another 12 years.
If the proposed numbers hold true, Mike Trout will sign the largest sports contract in history. And well he should. No other player in the history of the game has been as good and productive as Mike Trout at a similar age.
If I could start a baseball team with any single current player in baseball, by far my first choice would be Mike Trout. Not only is he an incredible talent on the field, he is a an incredible asset off the field. His interactions with fans are not forced or reluctant. He genuinely engages with fans before the games. His love for baseball and enthusiasm to play is infectious. He reminds people of all that is good and right in sports, He is humble and honest. He lets his actions speak for themselves and doesn’t seek the limelight. He brings us back to a time when we played baseball and demonstrates our love for the game.
When Mike Trout signs this contract, he will do the one last thing that separated him from the pantheon of baseball greats: he will create a specific time and place for his legacy. Just as Cobb, DiMaggio, Koufax, Ruth, Williams, etc. are all associated with one team and one time, Trout will be forever remember for the time he played and the Angels. Fifty years from now, whether they are Angels fans or not, baseball fans will tell their grandchildren how they saw Mike Trout play for the Angels, just as our grandparents told us about seeing their greats play.
In 2014, When Mike Trout signed his first contract extension, I asked him at the press conference what it meant to him that an entire generation of Angels fans would grow up seeing him play. I compared it to Trout’s hero Derek Jeter, a lifelong Yankee. With this contract extension, multiple generations of Angels fans will grow up seeing him play. And like his hero, it will all be for one team. That’s something special.
But, even more special, is that Angels fans will get to see him evolve. When Mike Trout first broke into the Major Leagues, Torii Hunter took him under his wings and helped show him the ropes. After Torii left, Albert Pujols helped to mentor him.
But, in an interesting story written by Bob Nightengale for USA Today, Mike Trout watched video of the Angels’ top prospect Jo Adell, and even gave Adell his phone number to help him. Mike Trout made an integral part of the Angels’ presentation to Shohei Ohtani by calling and speaking with him, and has since done a lot to help Shohei adapt to life playing baseball in America. That’s the evolution of Mike Trout–from a rookie to a face of a franchise to a mentor to his teammates. This is the Mike Trout team. This is the Mike Trout era.
After the Angels won the World Series in 2002, my favorite moment was seeing Tim Salmon–Mr. Angel–hoist the trophy. Knowing that there were several points where Tim could have left for more money to play for other teams, watching him hold that trophy was magical. Everyone could see that his loyalty and dedication to the team had been rewarded, and the fans loved him for it.
When Mike Trout hoists the World Series trophy–which he will do as an Angel–it will be something even more magical. Just as Salmon was rewarded and loved, so will Trout be. We, the fans, know how much he did (and will do) to earn that moment, and we will thank him for it. There will be a bonding between us and him that will forever connect us in that moment.
An Angel for life. Not many players can say that. But that’s what Trout chose to be, and we are so lucky that he did.
View the full article

May 13, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after scoring off a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
By David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
If the rumors are true, and at this point they appear to be so, Mike Trout has agreed in principal to a deal that will make him an Angel for life.
Wow.
What a way to turn around the offseason. Prior to today, I would have given the Angels a “B-” for their efforts during the offseason, but all that changed today. This deal changes all that because the biggest potential issue for the next two years has been settled. Mike Trout will be here for another 12 years.
If the proposed numbers hold true, Mike Trout will sign the largest sports contract in history. And well he should. No other player in the history of the game has been as good and productive as Mike Trout at a similar age.
If I could start a baseball team with any single current player in baseball, by far my first choice would be Mike Trout. Not only is he an incredible talent on the field, he is a an incredible asset off the field. His interactions with fans are not forced or reluctant. He genuinely engages with fans before the games. His love for baseball and enthusiasm to play is infectious. He reminds people of all that is good and right in sports, He is humble and honest. He lets his actions speak for themselves and doesn’t seek the limelight. He brings us back to a time when we played baseball and demonstrates our love for the game.
When Mike Trout signs this contract, he will do the one last thing that separated him from the pantheon of baseball greats: he will create a specific time and place for his legacy. Just as Cobb, DiMaggio, Koufax, Ruth, Williams, etc. are all associated with one team and one time, Trout will be forever remember for the time he played and the Angels. Fifty years from now, whether they are Angels fans or not, baseball fans will tell their grandchildren how they saw Mike Trout play for the Angels, just as our grandparents told us about seeing their greats play.
In 2014, When Mike Trout signed his first contract extension, I asked him at the press conference what it meant to him that an entire generation of Angels fans would grow up seeing him play. I compared it to Trout’s hero Derek Jeter, a lifelong Yankee. With this contract extension, multiple generations of Angels fans will grow up seeing him play. And like his hero, it will all be for one team. That’s something special.
But, even more special, is that Angels fans will get to see him evolve. When Mike Trout first broke into the Major Leagues, Torii Hunter took him under his wings and helped show him the ropes. After Torii left, Albert Pujols helped to mentor him.
But, in an interesting story written by Bob Nightengale for USA Today, Mike Trout watched video of the Angels’ top prospect Jo Adell, and even gave Adell his phone number to help him. Mike Trout made an integral part of the Angels’ presentation to Shohei Ohtani by calling and speaking with him, and has since done a lot to help Shohei adapt to life playing baseball in America. That’s the evolution of Mike Trout–from a rookie to a face of a franchise to a mentor to his teammates. This is the Mike Trout team. This is the Mike Trout era.
After the Angels won the World Series in 2002, my favorite moment was seeing Tim Salmon–Mr. Angel–hoist the trophy. Knowing that there were several points where Tim could have left for more money to play for other teams, watching him hold that trophy was magical. Everyone could see that his loyalty and dedication to the team had been rewarded, and the fans loved him for it.
When Mike Trout hoists the World Series trophy–which he will do as an Angel–it will be something even more magical. Just as Salmon was rewarded and loved, so will Trout be. We, the fans, know how much he did (and will do) to earn that moment, and we will thank him for it. There will be a bonding between us and him that will forever connect us in that moment.
An Angel for life. Not many players can say that. But that’s what Trout chose to be, and we are so lucky that he did.
View the full article

May 13, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after scoring off a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
By David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
If the rumors are true, and at this point they appear to be so, Mike Trout has agreed in principal to a deal that will make him an Angel for life.
Wow.
What a way to turn around the offseason. Prior to today, I would have given the Angels a “B-” for their efforts during the offseason, but all that changed today. This deal changes all that because the biggest potential issue for the next two years has been settled. Mike Trout will be here for another 12 years.
If the proposed numbers hold true, Mike Trout will sign the largest sports contract in history. And well he should. No other player in the history of the game has been as good and productive as Mike Trout at a similar age.
If I could start a baseball team with any single current player in baseball, by far my first choice would be Mike Trout. Not only is he an incredible talent on the field, he is a an incredible asset off the field. His interactions with fans are not forced or reluctant. He genuinely engages with fans before the games. His love for baseball and enthusiasm to play is infectious. He reminds people of all that is good and right in sports, He is humble and honest. He lets his actions speak for themselves and doesn’t seek the limelight. He brings us back to a time when we played baseball and demonstrates our love for the game.
When Mike Trout signs this contract, he will do the one last thing that separated him from the pantheon of baseball greats: he will create a specific time and place for his legacy. Just as Cobb, DiMaggio, Koufax, Ruth, Williams, etc. are all associated with one team and one time, Trout will be forever remember for the time he played and the Angels. Fifty years from now, whether they are Angels fans or not, baseball fans will tell their grandchildren how they saw Mike Trout play for the Angels, just as our grandparents told us about seeing their greats play.
In 2014, When Mike Trout signed his first contract extension, I asked him at the press conference what it meant to him that an entire generation of Angels fans would grow up seeing him play. I compared it to Trout’s hero Derek Jeter, a lifelong Yankee. With this contract extension, multiple generations of Angels fans will grow up seeing him play. And like his hero, it will all be for one team. That’s something special.
But, even more special, is that Angels fans will get to see him evolve. When Mike Trout first broke into the Major Leagues, Torii Hunter took him under his wings and helped show him the ropes. After Torii left, Albert Pujols helped to mentor him.
But, in an interesting story written by Bob Nightengale for USA Today, Mike Trout watched video of the Angels’ top prospect Jo Adell, and even gave Adell his phone number to help him. Mike Trout made an integral part of the Angels’ presentation to Shohei Ohtani by calling and speaking with him, and has since done a lot to help Shohei adapt to life playing baseball in America. That’s the evolution of Mike Trout–from a rookie to a face of a franchise to a mentor to his teammates. This is the Mike Trout team. This is the Mike Trout era.
After the Angels won the World Series in 2002, my favorite moment was seeing Tim Salmon–Mr. Angel–hoist the trophy. Knowing that there were several points where Tim could have left for more money to play for other teams, watching him hold that trophy was magical. Everyone could see that his loyalty and dedication to the team had been rewarded, and the fans loved him for it.
When Mike Trout hoists the World Series trophy–which he will do as an Angel–it will be something even more magical. Just as Salmon was rewarded and loved, so will Trout be. We, the fans, know how much he did (and will do) to earn that moment, and we will thank him for it. There will be a bonding between us and him that will forever connect us in that moment.
An Angel for life. Not many players can say that. But that’s what Trout chose to be, and we are so lucky that he did.
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May 13, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after scoring off a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
By David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
If the rumors are true, and at this point they appear to be so, Mike Trout has agreed in principal to a deal that will make him an Angel for life.
Wow.
What a way to turn around the offseason. Prior to today, I would have given the Angels a “B-” for their efforts during the offseason, but all that changed today. This deal changes all that because the biggest potential issue for the next two years has been settled. Mike Trout will be here for another 12 years.
If the proposed numbers hold true, Mike Trout will sign the largest sports contract in history. And well he should. No other player in the history of the game has been as good and productive as Mike Trout at a similar age.
If I could start a baseball team with any single current player in baseball, by far my first choice would be Mike Trout. Not only is he an incredible talent on the field, he is a an incredible asset off the field. His interactions with fans are not forced or reluctant. He genuinely engages with fans before the games. His love for baseball and enthusiasm to play is infectious. He reminds people of all that is good and right in sports, He is humble and honest. He lets his actions speak for themselves and doesn’t seek the limelight. He brings us back to a time when we played baseball and demonstrates our love for the game.
When Mike Trout signs this contract, he will do the one last thing that separated him from the pantheon of baseball greats: he will create a specific time and place for his legacy. Just as Cobb, DiMaggio, Koufax, Ruth, Williams, etc. are all associated with one team and one time, Trout will be forever remember for the time he played and the Angels. Fifty years from now, whether they are Angels fans or not, baseball fans will tell their grandchildren how they saw Mike Trout play for the Angels, just as our grandparents told us about seeing their greats play.
In 2014, When Mike Trout signed his first contract extension, I asked him at the press conference what it meant to him that an entire generation of Angels fans would grow up seeing him play. I compared it to Trout’s hero Derek Jeter, a lifelong Yankee. With this contract extension, multiple generations of Angels fans will grow up seeing him play. And like his hero, it will all be for one team. That’s something special.
But, even more special, is that Angels fans will get to see him evolve. When Mike Trout first broke into the Major Leagues, Torii Hunter took him under his wings and helped show him the ropes. After Torii left, Albert Pujols helped to mentor him.
But, in an interesting story written by Bob Nightengale for USA Today, Mike Trout watched video of the Angels’ top prospect Jo Adell, and even gave Adell his phone number to help him. Mike Trout made an integral part of the Angels’ presentation to Shohei Ohtani by calling and speaking with him, and has since done a lot to help Shohei adapt to life playing baseball in America. That’s the evolution of Mike Trout–from a rookie to a face of a franchise to a mentor to his teammates. This is the Mike Trout team. This is the Mike Trout era.
After the Angels won the World Series in 2002, my favorite moment was seeing Tim Salmon–Mr. Angel–hoist the trophy. Knowing that there were several points where Tim could have left for more money to play for other teams, watching him hold that trophy was magical. Everyone could see that his loyalty and dedication to the team had been rewarded, and the fans loved him for it.
When Mike Trout hoists the World Series trophy–which he will do as an Angel–it will be something even more magical. Just as Salmon was rewarded and loved, so will Trout be. We, the fans, know how much he did (and will do) to earn that moment, and we will thank him for it. There will be a bonding between us and him that will forever connect us in that moment.
An Angel for life. Not many players can say that. But that’s what Trout chose to be, and we are so lucky that he did.
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The biggest takeaway from the news of Mike Trout’s impending mega-contract: Humility pays.
And maybe there’s a certain amount of karma involved in the idea that the guy who doesn’t try to sell himself, doesn’t make headlines off the field, and doesn’t try to get managers fired or set himself above his teammates just got the richest current contract in pro sports.
Those commentators along the Eastern Seaboard who salivated over the idea of Trout becoming a Phillie or a Yankee after his contract ran out in 2020 can now see themselves out. The 10-year extension that was first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan Tuesday morning will turn Trout’s deal into a 12-year, $426.5 million commitment that has no opt-out and a full no-trade clause and will keep Trout in Orange County through 2030. He’ll turn 39 that August.
There is justice because the best player in baseball should also be the highest paid. Nolan Arenado’s extension (eight years, $260 million) with Colorado, Manny Machado’s deal (10 years, $300 million) with the Padres and Bryce Harper’s contract in Philadelphia (13 years, $330 million) set the bar. Trout soared over it like an Olympic pole vaulter, as should be the case when you consider his 64.3 WAR is higher than Machado’s (33.4) and Harper’s (27.4) combined.
This is, incidentally, a metaphorical bat flip in the direction of Scott Boras, Harper’s agent, whose offices are in Newport Beach and whose corporation’s dugout suite at Angel Stadium is right behind home plate. If contract length and worth are ballplayers’ ways of keeping score, as we have stated before, Trout wins from every conceivable angle. Boras will be reminded of such every night he shows up.
It’s a win-win-win for Trout. He gets the money. He gets the security. And he gets to stay in Anaheim, where he doesn’t have to please a skeptical public, become an endorsement machine or turn himself into something he’s not. Trout has succeeded as a low-key player in a low-key market, and he obviously has decided the stability and the lifestyle were worth taking the deal now and staying in Orange County, rather than waiting for 2020 and shooting for $500 million-plus.
Not everyone is on board. Those who criticize Trout’s popularity and marketability found their spokesman Tuesday morning in Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd, who made this observation about Trout in an otherwise reasonable comparison between baseball players with their mega-contracts and NBA players who take a few million less to chase a ring:
“Nothing against Mike, he’s a nice kid. He could be in a mall in Los Angeles, though, and nobody would know, because when you’re not in the playoffs in baseball nobody knows who you are.”
Cowherd got some snark for that, deservedly so. After all, who goes into a mall these days? Ever hear of Amazon? And are you aware Trout represents Orange County and not L.A., regardless of what Arte Moreno’s marketing materials might say?
But Cowherd did make a salient point in his monologue. Baseball remains the one sport where the decade-long (or more) guaranteed contract still exists, and teams that offer them open themselves to immense risk.
Right now the numbers say Trout is absolutely worth it. Machado could be worth his $300 million as long as you ignore his leisurely jogs to first base and occasional extra-legal contact with fielders. Harper, through his career, had one MVP season and otherwise is the baseball version of famous for being famous.
But when each is in his late 30s and still drawing a healthy chunk of his team’s payroll, will we still be talking about those deals positively? Exhibit A for long, unwieldy deals remains Albert Pujols, who turned 39 in January and still has three years left on his 10-year, $240 million deal. His WAR in 2018: 0.5.
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Still, consider: Trout will have Shohei Ohtani in his lineup sometime in May, and likely as a two-way player in the years to come. He will at some point have Jo Adell alongside him in the outfield, the brightest prodigy to this date of a rejuvenated Angels farm system. And, surely, there will come a year when the Angels have truly healthy arms in their rotation and not just a bunch of 8-7 pitchers, right?
(If you got that last reference, congratulations. If you didn’t, feel free to Google “Nolan Ryan” and “Buzzie Bavasi.”)
Anyway, there is this triumph as well, as one commenter on a discussion board posted by The Athletic noted:
“Glad to have Mike as a life long Angel!!  Where’s all the Philly fans today??”
Scoreboard. For now.
jalexander@scng.com
@Jim_Alexander on Twitter
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How exactly do you compensate someone who has already outproduced more than half of current National Baseball Hall of Fame members despite being just 27 years old? Handsomely, as we found out Tuesday when news of Mike Trout‘s agreement on a contract extension with the Los Angeles Angels broke.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan was first to report the record-setting agreement, which comes out to a 12-year, $430 million contract for the two-time American League MVP. Further reports have mentioned Trout will play out the final two years of his current six-year, $144.5 million contract before this new deal takes effect. So, this essentially means the Angels are agreeing to pay their outfielder $363.5 million in new money.
This comes not even three weeks after Bryce Harper‘s $330 million payday with the Philadelphia Phillies, which ended up being a short-lived record.
Any way you slice it, $430 million is an incredible amount of money. Could it still be a bargain by the time his age-38 season rolls around in 2029, though? The answer to that question is yes.
Thanks to the projection models over at FanGraphs, there’s also proof to back up that claim, as Ben Gellman-Chomsky pointed out on Twitter. FanGraphs has three different scenarios with which we can project a player’s future performance: aging well, aging normally, and aging poorly.
You can see how each of these scenarios would play out in Ben’s tweet, but here are the pictures so you can see them side by side.
First, if Trout ages well:

Next is Trout aging normally (well, for Mike Trout, at least):

Lastly, here’s what it’d look like if Trout ages poorly and the end of his contract isn’t nearly as enjoyable as the first portion of his career:

Let’s not forget that each of these fWAR totals is on top of what he’s already produced since debuting in 2011. If he beats the normal aging curve, Trout could finish his age-38 campaign with 173.2 career fWAR. That number would drop to 164.2 if he ages normally, and it “plummets” to 147.7 if he ages poorly.
Things can obviously go haywire compared to these projections (after all, they’re called projections for a reason). But still, using this as a guide makes for an eye-popping observation. Below is a table of the top five players in baseball history when using fWAR as the benchmark:

Basically, FanGraphs is projecting Trout to finish this contract as the fifth-best player in baseball history when accounting for their worst-case scenario. The Angels would also almost double their money in that scenario when looking at the value of Trout’s performance.
If there’s any player in baseball that deserves this huge payday, it’s Trout. By the way he’s been producing, though, this could end up being viewed as a steal for Los Angeles. And that’s even more crazy to think about.
About Matt Musico

Matt Musico currently manages Chin Music Baseball and contributes to The Sports Daily. His past work has been featured at numberFire, Yahoo! Sports and Bleacher Report. He’s also written a book and created an online class about how to get started as a sports blogger. You can sign up for his email newsletter here.
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TEMPE, Ariz. — This time the Angels avoided the brief controversy they faced the last time they had the reigning rookie of the year.
The Angels on Monday announced that they had signed all of their pre-arbitration eligible players, including Shohei Ohtani. The Angels signed Ohtani for $650,000, which is $95,000 above the major league minimum of $555,000.
In 2013, the Angels renewed Mike Trout’s salary for just $20,000 over the major league minimum, prompting Trout’s agent to issue a statement saying he believed the team had not treated Trout fairly.
Teams have the right to unilaterally assign a salary to all players who are not yet arbitration-eligible. Almost all players agree to their salaries, as a formality, but those that don’t have their salaries renewed.
Former Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto said the team used an objective formula, based more on service time than performance, to assign salaries to pre-arbitration players.
Under general manager Billy Eppler, the Angels still use a formula to determine the salaries, but it apparently weighs things differently. Eppler would not discuss the details of the system.
For comparison, last year the Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger made $585,000 and the Yankees’ Aaron Judge made $622,000 in the season following their rookie of the year awards. The major league minimum last year was $545,000. Judge came into 2018 with more than a year of service time, because he spent some time in the majors in 2016.
COZART RECOVERING QUICKLY
Zack Cozart, who is out with a Grade 1 calf strain, has progressed so quickly that he now believes he will be ready by opening day.
“I would say 100 percent I will make opening day, in my mind,” Cozart said Monday. “I feel way better. We’re going slow with it, but I don’t see (opening day) being an issue.”
Cozart said he resumed hitting and throwing within the past couple days, and on Monday he was scheduled to try to run. He said he figures he’d soon be ready to start facing some live pitching.
“I hit two days ago for the first time and my timing and everything felt the same,” Cozart said. “Once you start creeping to two or three weeks (missed), then you almost have to start over to get the timing that I was trying to get.”
The Angels had planned on Cozart being a starter, but they didn’t know if he’d play third base or second. It depended on which player won the other starting spot among a group including David Fletcher, Taylor Ward, Luis Rengifo and Tommy La Stella.
Cozart said so far he’s spent almost all of his time at third.
PROGRESS FOR JONES
A day after the Angels sent Jahmai Jones down to minor league camp, Manager Brad Ausmus said he was impressed with the transition Jones had made from outfield to second base. The Angels moved him just after he was sent out of big league camp last spring.
“I saw him in (Double-A) Mobile last year and I saw him in the Arizona Fall League and saw him this spring, and he looks a lot more comfortable,” Ausmus said. “His actions are a lot smoother now than they were even in the Fall League in November. He’s making progress. And I know talking to him that he’s a lot more comfortable, mentally, if not physically.”
Jones agreed that he’s made significant progress at his new position, which he’d played in high school before moving to the outfield.
“I’m feeling good where to where I have more confidence than I did during the season last year, just out of the sheer reps,” he said. “I went through an entire season of being put at second base.
“It was kind of up and down trying to feel it out, feel myself, feel how to play it at an elite level. I don’t want to be an average second baseman. I don’t want to be a below average second baseman. I want to be an above average second baseman, if not even better than that.”
ALSO
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A day after Ausmus moved Jared Walsh from the pitcher’s mound to first base in the middle of an inning, he said he may try to go the other way around later in the spring. He also said he may try moving Walsh from the mound to first and then back to the mound. Ausmus said he’s using the spring to make sure he understands the rules as they apply to moving players to and from the mound. When a pitcher moves to a position, or vice versa, the team loses its DH. The manager has his choice of which spot the pitcher goes into, though. …
Ohtani continued his throwing program with a similar routine to what he did on Friday, the first day of throwing. He made 55 tosses, mostly from 30 to 40 feet. Ohtani also continued hitting off the tee and soft toss, although taking slightly fewer swings than he took on the days he didn’t throw. …
Justin Bour returned to the Angels lineup a day after being scratched because of right knee soreness.
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Jo Adell #59 of the Los Angeles Angels against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning during a MLB spring training baseball game at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Jo Adell #59 of the Los Angeles Angels against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning during a MLB spring training baseball game at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Sound The gallery will resume inseconds
Jo Adell #59 of the Los Angeles Angels against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning during a MLB spring training baseball game at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Jo Adell #59 of the Los Angeles Angels during a MLB spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Angels outfield prospect Jo Adell catches a fly ball hit by the Royals’ Kevin Gutierrez during a Cactus League game on Thursday, March 7, 2019, in Surprise, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Jo Adell #59 of the Los Angeles Angels during a MLB spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Jo Adell #59 of the Los Angeles Angels during a MLB spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Jo Adell #59 of the Los Angeles Angels during a MLB spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Angels outfield prospect Jo Adell stays ready on defense during a Cactus League game against the Giants last month in Tempe, Ariz. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Angels outfield prospect Jo Adell ascended through three levels of the team’s minor league system in 2018 and is considered one of the most promising all-around talents in the sport. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Show Caption of
Expand TEMPE, Ariz. — Peter Bourjos answered a question about Jo Adell with another question.
“He’s 19?” the Angels veteran asked. “That’s crazy.”
In his first big league camp, Adell has shown everyone what has made him one of baseball’s best prospects and the most promising player to come through the Angels’ system since Mike Trout.
Bourjos, a 31-year-old who was playing with the Angels when Trout debuted at age 19, said they share some traits.
“The tool set is very similar,” Bourjos said. “It’s very impressive at a young age just how strong he is, and the way he looks like a man. That was the same when Trout came up. He was 19 and he looked like he was 30.”
Certainly, no one is expecting Adell to perform at the Hall of Fame level Trout has. But they do expect him to reach the majors quickly and be an impact player.
The 10th overall pick in the 2017 draft, Adell was invited to big league camp after just one full season as a professional. In 2018, he rose through three levels of the farm system. Adell started at low Class-A Burlington, Iowa, and finished at Double-A Mobile.
He hit .290 with 20 home runs and an .897 OPS over 99 games, helping him to be a consensus top 20 prospect in baseball. Baseball Prospectus has him ranked No. 2, behind only Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Adell has the speed to play center field and the power to blast balls over the fence from pole to pole.
It reminds Bourjos of another former Angels teammate.
“The ball jumps off his bat,” Bourjos said. “I would put it up there with (Mark) Trumbo, the way it comes off his bat. It’s stupid.”
Beyond the physical tools Adell has shown, he’s made an impression with the way he’s handled himself.
“He seems at ease with the big league clubhouse,” Manager Brad Ausmus said. “I think a lot of the guys, even with big league experience, they know the name. They know who he is. You still have to earn your stripes so to speak. He carries himself well. He’s certainly getting his work done.”
So far Adell has played nine Cactus League games, including starting in center field and batting cleanup in a split-squad game Thursday. He has seven hits in 19 at-bats, including two doubles.
One of the doubles was against the Cincinnati Reds, a team Adell cheered for while growing up nearby in Louisville, Ky. As Adell pulled into second, Reds star first baseman Joey Votto, trailing him to the bag, patted him on the behind and said: “Attaboy, Jo-Jo.”
“I thought it was the coolest thing ever,” Adell recalled. “I grew up watching this guy play. Just that slight bit of encouragement was really cool. In the moment, I didn’t really think about it, then later I got on the bus and thought, ‘Joey Votto thought it was a good hit.’ That experience was pretty awesome.”
Adell said he’s also received plenty of support from within the Angels’ clubhouse.
“Everybody in this clubhouse has been hands-on trying to help,” he said.
Working with the other outfielders every day, Adell has especially taken some lessons from Trout.
“Outside of the skills in center field and watching him at the plate and during BP, just looking at him made me understand how to go hard every time,” Adell said. “There is no other way for him. The guy is going hard every pitch.”
Trout came to the big leagues as an exceptional outfielder, but as he matured he learned ways he could improve on his natural athletic ability in the outfield. For Trout, that meant putting intense focus on getting good jumps on balls.
Adell is now doing the same thing.
“In the past, I had been able to get away with not having the best jumps off the bat, but having the speed and ability to cover ground,” he said. “But at the big-league level, the balls are hit a lot harder. There is more ground to cover.”
Adell said his offensive focus has been on his body position, which he said helps him to see pitches and know which ones to attack. Simply swinging at strikes and taking balls is not enough. He’s also looking to swing at the right strikes.
Last year, Adell struck out 111 times and walked just 32 times, leaving plate discipline as one of the remaining pieces to get him to the big leagues.
“As with all our hitters, we don’t want guys chasing out of the zone very often,” Ausmus said. “We want them attacking balls in the zone, especially in areas they hit the ball hard. He’s still fine-tuning that.”
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Those improvements on the fringes, Adell believes, turn a prospect into a big leaguer.
Adell could make that transition sometime this year, or next year at the latest.
“I trust Billy (Eppler) and the staff,” Adell said. “When they decide I’m ready to come up, that’s going to be what it is. I have a list of things I keep working on, little stuff. Fine-tuning. That’s all I can control. I can’t control anything outside of that. When they’re ready to pull the trigger, it’s on me.”
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Jo Adell #59 of the Los Angeles Angels against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning during a MLB spring training baseball game at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Jo Adell #59 of the Los Angeles Angels against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning during a MLB spring training baseball game at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Sound The gallery will resume inseconds
Jo Adell #59 of the Los Angeles Angels against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning during a MLB spring training baseball game at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Jo Adell #59 of the Los Angeles Angels during a MLB spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Angels outfield prospect Jo Adell catches a fly ball hit by the Royals’ Kevin Gutierrez during a Cactus League game on Thursday, March 7, 2019, in Surprise, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Jo Adell #59 of the Los Angeles Angels during a MLB spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Jo Adell #59 of the Los Angeles Angels during a MLB spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Jo Adell #59 of the Los Angeles Angels during a MLB spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Angels outfield prospect Jo Adell stays ready on defense during a Cactus League game against the Giants last month in Tempe, Ariz. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Angels outfield prospect Jo Adell ascended through three levels of the team’s minor league system in 2018 and is considered one of the most promising all-around talents in the sport. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Show Caption of
Expand TEMPE, Ariz. — Peter Bourjos answered a question about Jo Adell with another question.
“He’s 19?” the Angels veteran asked. “That’s crazy.”
In his first big league camp, Adell has shown everyone what has made him one of baseball’s best prospects and the most promising player to come through the Angels’ system since Mike Trout.
Bourjos, a 31-year-old who was playing with the Angels when Trout debuted at age 19, said they share some traits.
“The tool set is very similar,” Bourjos said. “It’s very impressive at a young age just how strong he is, and the way he looks like a man. That was the same when Trout came up. He was 19 and he looked like he was 30.”
Certainly, no one is expecting Adell to perform at the Hall of Fame level Trout has. But they do expect him to reach the majors quickly and be an impact player.
The 10th overall pick in the 2017 draft, Adell was invited to big league camp after just one full season as a professional. In 2018, he rose through three levels of the farm system. Adell started at low Class-A Burlington, Iowa, and finished at Double-A Mobile.
He hit .290 with 20 home runs and an .897 OPS over 99 games, helping him to be a consensus top 20 prospect in baseball. Baseball Prospectus has him ranked No. 2, behind only Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Adell has the speed to play center field and the power to blast balls over the fence from pole to pole.
It reminds Bourjos of another former Angels teammate.
“The ball jumps off his bat,” Bourjos said. “I would put it up there with (Mark) Trumbo, the way it comes off his bat. It’s stupid.”
Beyond the physical tools Adell has shown, he’s made an impression with the way he’s handled himself.
“He seems at ease with the big league clubhouse,” Manager Brad Ausmus said. “I think a lot of the guys, even with big league experience, they know the name. They know who he is. You still have to earn your stripes so to speak. He carries himself well. He’s certainly getting his work done.”
So far Adell has played nine Cactus League games, including starting in center field and batting cleanup in a split-squad game Thursday. He has seven hits in 19 at-bats, including two doubles.
One of the doubles was against the Cincinnati Reds, a team Adell cheered for while growing up nearby in Louisville, Ky. As Adell pulled into second, Reds star first baseman Joey Votto, trailing him to the bag, patted him on the behind and said: “Attaboy, Jo-Jo.”
“I thought it was the coolest thing ever,” Adell recalled. “I grew up watching this guy play. Just that slight bit of encouragement was really cool. In the moment, I didn’t really think about it, then later I got on the bus and thought, ‘Joey Votto thought it was a good hit.’ That experience was pretty awesome.”
Adell said he’s also received plenty of support from within the Angels’ clubhouse.
“Everybody in this clubhouse has been hands-on trying to help,” he said.
Working with the other outfielders every day, Adell has especially taken some lessons from Trout.
“Outside of the skills in center field and watching him at the plate and during BP, just looking at him made me understand how to go hard every time,” Adell said. “There is no other way for him. The guy is going hard every pitch.”
Trout came to the big leagues as an exceptional outfielder, but as he matured he learned ways he could improve on his natural athletic ability in the outfield. For Trout, that meant putting intense focus on getting good jumps on balls.
Adell is now doing the same thing.
“In the past, I had been able to get away with not having the best jumps off the bat, but having the speed and ability to cover ground,” he said. “But at the big-league level, the balls are hit a lot harder. There is more ground to cover.”
Adell said his offensive focus has been on his body position, which he said helps him to see pitches and know which ones to attack. Simply swinging at strikes and taking balls is not enough. He’s also looking to swing at the right strikes.
Last year, Adell struck out 111 times and walked just 32 times, leaving plate discipline as one of the remaining pieces to get him to the big leagues.
“As with all our hitters, we don’t want guys chasing out of the zone very often,” Ausmus said. “We want them attacking balls in the zone, especially in areas they hit the ball hard. He’s still fine-tuning that.”
Related Articles
Angels drop a pair of games to Dodgers, Royals Angels’ Shohei Ohtani could start throwing soon Mike Trout rookie card sells for $186,000 at auction For the MLB Players’ Association, a more unified front isn’t just for show Matt Harvey comes out firing in his Angels spring training debut Adell also said he’s fine-tuning little things that don’t show up in the stats, like getting a good jump to take an extra base on a hit, or cutting a ball off quickly enough to hold a runner.
Those improvements on the fringes, Adell believes, turn a prospect into a big leaguer.
Adell could make that transition sometime this year, or next year at the latest.
“I trust Billy (Eppler) and the staff,” Adell said. “When they decide I’m ready to come up, that’s going to be what it is. I have a list of things I keep working on, little stuff. Fine-tuning. That’s all I can control. I can’t control anything outside of that. When they’re ready to pull the trigger, it’s on me.”
View the full article

TEMPE, Ariz. >> Kole Calhoun approached the batting cage with caution this winter.
He went in only when supervised.
“I didn’t hit by myself and screw myself up,” the Angels right fielder said. “So that’s good…. I made sure I had eyes on me when I was working.”
Calhoun said that in past winters he’s hit without a coach and ended up making changes to his swing.
“That’s led me to some not so good things.”
Like, the worst start of his career, a miserable two-month start to 2018 in which Calhoun thoroughly lost himself on the way to a .145 average.
Calhoun rediscovered himself after a trip to disabled list and some time with hitting coaches Jeremy Reed and Shawn Wooten, who were working in the minor leagues at the time.
So it makes sense that Calhoun was reluctant to get too much time in the cage this winter without either Reed or Wooten, who are now on the Angels major league coaching staff.
“I didn’t want to take a step back,” Calhoun said. “I worked so hard to get where I was toward the second half of last year that I have the dark days of my career hopefully behind me. I don’t want to get into any bad habits that I created last year.”
Calhoun said last winter he tried to rework his swing to become more consistent and hit the ball in the air more. But, without the proper instruction, what Calhoun actually did was hit more balls on the ground. For a pull hitter like him, who often faces a shift, ground balls are outs, and Calhoun’s numbers plummeted.
A strained oblique — probably the result of too many swings in the cage to try to get right — sent Calhoun to the disabled list in early June. He returned to his offseason home in Arizona. That’s when he started working with Reed and Wooten.
When Calhoun returned, he had a new stance, and he proceeded to have one of the best extended streaks of his career. For the next two months, he hit .291 with a .926 OPS. Although he slumped again in September, he still finished with an .800 OPS over the season’s final 87 games.
With the good and bad combined, Calhoun hit .208 with a .652 OPS.
“I probably learned more about myself and hitting last year than I ever have,” he said, “and it was my worst year.”
For that, Calhoun can largely thank Reed and Wooten.
Now that both have been promoted to the major league staff, they’ll be around every day of the season.
“That’s awesome,” Calhoun said. “I couldn’t be more excited to have those guys and be with them day in and day out. There are so many things that change, day to day, just not repeating the same routine. There are very little mechanical things that to the naked eye most people wouldn’t see, and to them they are very magnified. It was awesome to find out they were going to be here.”
Asked about some of the details of what happened last year, Calhoun said “I don’t even think I fully understand it. That’s the mastermind that is Shawn Wooten and Jeremy Reed.”
Reed, who will be on a big league coaching staff for the first time after spending five years working with minor leaguers, said that they’ve been working for months with Calhoun to try to rediscover what he found last summer.
“We’re collectively bouncing ideas off each other to get the best version of Kole that we can get,” Reed said.
Manager Brad Ausmus said he believes the version who returned after the trip to the disabled list is the real Calhoun.
“I don’t think the first two months of Kole Calhoun was Kole Calhoun, so I don’t even factor that into the equation, really,” Ausmus said. “I think when he came off the DL, that’s more the guy we’re going to get.”
Ausmus is also happy to have the Calhoun who is more of a clubhouse presence that he imagined before joining the Angels.
“He has a great energy,” Ausmus said. “He’s a hard worker. He is a very good influence.”
The Angels have Calhoun penciled in again as their everyday right fielder, despite the inconsistency of last year. This is the final guaranteed year of his contract, with an option for $14 million for 2020.
Related Articles
Angels’ Shohei Ohtani hits off a tee for the first time since surgery Angels’ Tyler Skaggs looks to erase a forgettable finish after a great start last year Angels players ‘engaged’ in meeting with union head after frustrating winter for players Thirty major league teams, one algorithm? Not so fast, say executives Angels’ Andrelton Simmons feels stronger, hoping to increase power this season Jo Adell, one of the top prospects in baseball, is looming, likely to take over for Calhoun in right field eventually. Whether that happens this year or next year or in 2021 remains to be seen.
Calhoun, 31, brings the normal sense of urgency to prove himself.
“I’ve had a chip on a my shoulder since I got into this game,” said Calhoun, a former eighth-round draft pick who long ago exceeded the expectations many had for his big league career.
He is quick to point out, however, that he’s not going to worry about his numbers this year.
He’s already been through that.
“It’s very nice to put 2018 behind me and be batting .000 again,” he said. “That was a grind of a season. It really really was. I was probably as bad as I’ve ever been and as good as I’ve ever been in the same year. It’s a crazy game. I’m definitely not going to take anything for granted. I’m going to work and keep getting better and help this team win, instead of worrying so much about myself.”
View the full article

TEMPE, Ariz. >> Kole Calhoun approached the batting cage with caution this winter.
He went in only when supervised.
“I didn’t hit by myself and screw myself up,” the Angels right fielder said. “So that’s good…. I made sure I had eyes on me when I was working.”
Calhoun said that in past winters he’s hit without a coach and ended up making changes to his swing.
“That’s led me to some not so good things.”
Like, the worst start of his career, a miserable two-month start to 2018 in which Calhoun thoroughly lost himself on the way to a .145 average.
Calhoun rediscovered himself after a trip to disabled list and some time with hitting coaches Jeremy Reed and Shawn Wooten, who were working in the minor leagues at the time.
So it makes sense that Calhoun was reluctant to get too much time in the cage this winter without either Reed or Wooten, who are now on the Angels major league coaching staff.
“I didn’t want to take a step back,” Calhoun said. “I worked so hard to get where I was toward the second half of last year that I have the dark days of my career hopefully behind me. I don’t want to get into any bad habits that I created last year.”
Calhoun said last winter he tried to rework his swing to become more consistent and hit the ball in the air more. But, without the proper instruction, what Calhoun actually did was hit more balls on the ground. For a pull hitter like him, who often faces a shift, ground balls are outs, and Calhoun’s numbers plummeted.
A strained oblique — probably the result of too many swings in the cage to try to get right — sent Calhoun to the disabled list in early June. He returned to his offseason home in Arizona. That’s when he started working with Reed and Wooten.
When Calhoun returned, he had a new stance, and he proceeded to have one of the best extended streaks of his career. For the next two months, he hit .291 with a .926 OPS. Although he slumped again in September, he still finished with an .800 OPS over the season’s final 87 games.
With the good and bad combined, Calhoun hit .208 with a .652 OPS.
“I probably learned more about myself and hitting last year than I ever have,” he said, “and it was my worst year.”
For that, Calhoun can largely thank Reed and Wooten.
Now that both have been promoted to the major league staff, they’ll be around every day of the season.
“That’s awesome,” Calhoun said. “I couldn’t be more excited to have those guys and be with them day in and day out. There are so many things that change, day to day, just not repeating the same routine. There are very little mechanical things that to the naked eye most people wouldn’t see, and to them they are very magnified. It was awesome to find out they were going to be here.”
Asked about some of the details of what happened last year, Calhoun said “I don’t even think I fully understand it. That’s the mastermind that is Shawn Wooten and Jeremy Reed.”
Reed, who will be on a big league coaching staff for the first time after spending five years working with minor leaguers, said that they’ve been working for months with Calhoun to try to rediscover what he found last summer.
“We’re collectively bouncing ideas off each other to get the best version of Kole that we can get,” Reed said.
Manager Brad Ausmus said he believes the version who returned after the trip to the disabled list is the real Calhoun.
“I don’t think the first two months of Kole Calhoun was Kole Calhoun, so I don’t even factor that into the equation, really,” Ausmus said. “I think when he came off the DL, that’s more the guy we’re going to get.”
Ausmus is also happy to have the Calhoun who is more of a clubhouse presence that he imagined before joining the Angels.
“He has a great energy,” Ausmus said. “He’s a hard worker. He is a very good influence.”
The Angels have Calhoun penciled in again as their everyday right fielder, despite the inconsistency of last year. This is the final guaranteed year of his contract, with an option for $14 million for 2020.
Related Articles
Angels’ Shohei Ohtani hits off a tee for the first time since surgery Angels’ Tyler Skaggs looks to erase a forgettable finish after a great start last year Angels players ‘engaged’ in meeting with union head after frustrating winter for players Thirty major league teams, one algorithm? Not so fast, say executives Angels’ Andrelton Simmons feels stronger, hoping to increase power this season Jo Adell, one of the top prospects in baseball, is looming, likely to take over for Calhoun in right field eventually. Whether that happens this year or next year or in 2021 remains to be seen.
Calhoun, 31, brings the normal sense of urgency to prove himself.
“I’ve had a chip on a my shoulder since I got into this game,” said Calhoun, a former eighth-round draft pick who long ago exceeded the expectations many had for his big league career.
He is quick to point out, however, that he’s not going to worry about his numbers this year.
He’s already been through that.
“It’s very nice to put 2018 behind me and be batting .000 again,” he said. “That was a grind of a season. It really really was. I was probably as bad as I’ve ever been and as good as I’ve ever been in the same year. It’s a crazy game. I’m definitely not going to take anything for granted. I’m going to work and keep getting better and help this team win, instead of worrying so much about myself.”
View the full article

Angels pitcher Jake Jewell throws to the plate during a spring training workout on Tuesday in Tempe, Ariz. The Angels are using the Edgertronic high-speed camera system to evaluate their pitchers. The cameras record pitchers in real time, with the ability to give highly detailed looks at the way they hold the ball, the way it comes off their fingers and the way it spins and moves toward the plate. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

The Angels are using Rapsodo tracking devices, like the one seen here, to collect data on their pitchers during spring training workouts in Tempe, Ariz. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Sound The gallery will resume inseconds
Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs throws in the bullpen as pitching coach Doug White, left, looks on during spring training on Tuesday at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Angels pitcher Williams Jerez throws in the bullpen on Tuesday at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. The Angels are using the Edgertronic high-speed camera system to evaluate their pitchers. The cameras record pitchers in real time, with the ability to give highly detailed looks at the way they hold the ball, the way it comes off their fingers and the way it spins and moves toward the plate. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Show Caption of
Expand TEMPE, Ariz. — Tyler Skaggs unleashed the pitch and then turned to pitching coach Doug White.
“Dougie,” he said. “What was the spin on that curve?”
Welcome to Major League Baseball, circa 2019.
The Angels, like almost all big league teams, have taken their workouts to a new level technologically this year, with the installation of several digital devices that assist in their evaluations, specifically with pitchers.
“It’s cool,” Skaggs said. “It’s definitely a lot of new information that we haven’t had in the past. I think a lot of teams are going in that direction. I think it’s great. Instead of going off the eye test on every pitch, you can get the actual numbers.”
The two main devices the Angels have added to the pitching mix this year are Edgertronic high-speed cameras and Rapsodo tracking devices.
The cameras are set up on tripods right behind the pitcher. The Angels also have an overhead camera attached to an awning above one of the bullpen mounds on their practice field. They record pitchers in real time, with the ability to give highly detailed looks at the way they hold the ball, the way it comes off their fingers and the way it spins and moves toward the plate.
The Rapsodo trackers essentially replicate what the Trackman systems do in ballparks, but on a portable scale. They measure velocity, spin and break. The trackers sit on the ground between the plate and the mound, rising no more than about six inches off the grass.
“I love it,” Andrew Heaney said. “I’m excited. Any time you can have a new tool to help give you real solid data, I don’t think there’s any reason we would turn that down.”
Much of the data produced by these units was available previously, but not as easily accessible in real time.
Now, a pitcher can throw a pitch and then turn to one of the assistants holding a laptop behind the mound to find out the exact parameters of the pitch he just threw. Or he can see the video of the way the ball came off his fingers.
“Old school, a coach would stand back and say ‘That looked good, how did it feel?’ ” Heaney said. “Saying something looked good doesn’t make it any better or make it any less hittable. If you have a machine that can tell you the spin efficiency and the (revolutions per minute) and depth on a breaking ball when you hold it with two fingers, now you actually have data that tells you what makes it a better breaking ball.”
The new tools allow pitchers to also see the axis of their spin on their pitches, which can make a difference. Two pitches with the exact same spin rate can react differently depending on the angle of the spin, and the angle of the spin in relation to the seams.
“I’ve been here for three weeks and I’ve only scratched the surface,” Heaney sad. “I’ve barely gotten to the smallest level of what we are able to do with the equipment and technology now.”
Translating the technology into information that pitchers can implement is going to be where teams can find a competitive advantage because almost all of the teams now use the technology.
The Angels are one of 28 teams now using the Rapsodo devices, according to the company. They are also used by many top college baseball programs.
Related Articles
Inside the Dodgers: A closer look at a key detail of Manny Machado’s move to San Diego Angels’ Justin Upton aims to be ready for Opening Day, not early spring training games Angels owner Arte Moreno addresses team’s payroll, stadium and GM Billy Eppler Mike Trout sidesteps questions about his future as he opens spring training with the Angels Angels’ Shohei Ohtani says rehab going smoothly so far “What it does is give you instant feedback on what you’re trying to correct,” Manager Brad Ausmus said. “If you’re a pitcher, it tracks your hand. You feel what you threw or how it felt when you threw, and you can look at the Edgertronic and see what it looks like. Is that what you want? Not quite. Do it again. Basically, eventually you get to the point where you feel it and look at it, and that’s right. Now you try to repeat that. It’s instant feedback. That’s what a lot of the guys like.”
Because the devices are so portable, the Angels will continue to use them for bullpen sessions during the season, at home and on the road.
Exactly how they use it will continue to evolve, though.
“We need to throw more bullpens so we can kind of get a feel for what kind of numbers work for you and what doesn’t,” Skaggs said. “I think we’re in that process of deciding what to use and what not to use. We’re going to use everything and kind of narrow it down to what you feel is necessary.”
View the full article

Angels pitcher Jake Jewell throws to the plate during a spring training workout on Tuesday in Tempe, Ariz. The Angels are using the Edgertronic high-speed camera system to evaluate their pitchers. The cameras record pitchers in real time, with the ability to give highly detailed looks at the way they hold the ball, the way it comes off their fingers and the way it spins and moves toward the plate. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

The Angels are using Rapsodo tracking devices, like the one seen here, to collect data on their pitchers during spring training workouts in Tempe, Ariz. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Sound The gallery will resume inseconds
Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs throws in the bullpen as pitching coach Doug White, left, looks on during spring training on Tuesday at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Angels pitcher Williams Jerez throws in the bullpen on Tuesday at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. The Angels are using the Edgertronic high-speed camera system to evaluate their pitchers. The cameras record pitchers in real time, with the ability to give highly detailed looks at the way they hold the ball, the way it comes off their fingers and the way it spins and moves toward the plate. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Show Caption of
Expand TEMPE, Ariz. — Tyler Skaggs unleashed the pitch and then turned to pitching coach Doug White.
“Dougie,” he said. “What was the spin on that curve?”
Welcome to Major League Baseball, circa 2019.
The Angels, like almost all big league teams, have taken their workouts to a new level technologically this year, with the installation of several digital devices that assist in their evaluations, specifically with pitchers.
“It’s cool,” Skaggs said. “It’s definitely a lot of new information that we haven’t had in the past. I think a lot of teams are going in that direction. I think it’s great. Instead of going off the eye test on every pitch, you can get the actual numbers.”
The two main devices the Angels have added to the pitching mix this year are Edgertronic high-speed cameras and Rapsodo tracking devices.
The cameras are set up on tripods right behind the pitcher. The Angels also have an overhead camera attached to an awning above one of the bullpen mounds on their practice field. They record pitchers in real time, with the ability to give highly detailed looks at the way they hold the ball, the way it comes off their fingers and the way it spins and moves toward the plate.
The Rapsodo trackers essentially replicate what the Trackman systems do in ballparks, but on a portable scale. They measure velocity, spin and break. The trackers sit on the ground between the plate and the mound, rising no more than about six inches off the grass.
“I love it,” Andrew Heaney said. “I’m excited. Any time you can have a new tool to help give you real solid data, I don’t think there’s any reason we would turn that down.”
Much of the data produced by these units was available previously, but not as easily accessible in real time.
Now, a pitcher can throw a pitch and then turn to one of the assistants holding a laptop behind the mound to find out the exact parameters of the pitch he just threw. Or he can see the video of the way the ball came off his fingers.
“Old school, a coach would stand back and say ‘That looked good, how did it feel?’ ” Heaney said. “Saying something looked good doesn’t make it any better or make it any less hittable. If you have a machine that can tell you the spin efficiency and the (revolutions per minute) and depth on a breaking ball when you hold it with two fingers, now you actually have data that tells you what makes it a better breaking ball.”
The new tools allow pitchers to also see the axis of their spin on their pitches, which can make a difference. Two pitches with the exact same spin rate can react differently depending on the angle of the spin, and the angle of the spin in relation to the seams.
“I’ve been here for three weeks and I’ve only scratched the surface,” Heaney sad. “I’ve barely gotten to the smallest level of what we are able to do with the equipment and technology now.”
Translating the technology into information that pitchers can implement is going to be where teams can find a competitive advantage because almost all of the teams now use the technology.
The Angels are one of 28 teams now using the Rapsodo devices, according to the company. They are also used by many top college baseball programs.
Related Articles
Inside the Dodgers: A closer look at a key detail of Manny Machado’s move to San Diego Angels’ Justin Upton aims to be ready for Opening Day, not early spring training games Angels owner Arte Moreno addresses team’s payroll, stadium and GM Billy Eppler Mike Trout sidesteps questions about his future as he opens spring training with the Angels Angels’ Shohei Ohtani says rehab going smoothly so far “What it does is give you instant feedback on what you’re trying to correct,” Manager Brad Ausmus said. “If you’re a pitcher, it tracks your hand. You feel what you threw or how it felt when you threw, and you can look at the Edgertronic and see what it looks like. Is that what you want? Not quite. Do it again. Basically, eventually you get to the point where you feel it and look at it, and that’s right. Now you try to repeat that. It’s instant feedback. That’s what a lot of the guys like.”
Because the devices are so portable, the Angels will continue to use them for bullpen sessions during the season, at home and on the road.
Exactly how they use it will continue to evolve, though.
“We need to throw more bullpens so we can kind of get a feel for what kind of numbers work for you and what doesn’t,” Skaggs said. “I think we’re in that process of deciding what to use and what not to use. We’re going to use everything and kind of narrow it down to what you feel is necessary.”
View the full article

By Geoff Stoddart, Director of Social Media
Before there was Facebook.  Before there was Twitter.  Before there was SnapChat or Instagram, there was AngelsWin.com.
In February of 2004, Charles Richter launched the website as a way for Angels fans around the country and around the world to stay connected to the team they loved and discuss topics that impacted them.
What started out as a simple message board & blog grew into a news and reporting outlet, also being rewarded with a Major League Baseball media credential by the Angels.  Correspondence from AngelsWin have participated in such team events and press conferences as the introduction for Albert Pujols, the contract extension for Mike Trout and the welcome Shohei Ohtani, to name just a few.  Over the years, the site has been recognized by Forbes, Fox Sports, ESPN, MLB Network, Japan Times, Washington Post, MLB Trade Rumors, local media outlets in the Orange County Register and LA Times and Angels Broadcast crews over the air for their reporting and insights.
The site has also hosted many fan events, including Spring and Summer Fanfests where they’ve had such guests as Arte Moreno, Tim Salmon, Don Baylor, Kole Calhoun, ex-GM Jerry Dipoto, Victor Rojas, Jose Mota, Terry Smith, Rex Hudler, Steve Physioc and Tim Mead.
As AngelsWin looks to the future, they will continue to provide the news, the stats, information and fan events.  But at its core, AngelsWin will always continue to be an online community forum that launched the site and as a result has forged many lifelong friendships & memories.
AngelsWin.com: The internet home for Angels fans – where fans can cheer, argue, laugh, complain and discuss the team they love.
So a toast to 15 great years and another toast to 15 more.  Go Angels!


 
View the full article

By Geoff Stoddart, Director of Social Media
Before there was Facebook.  Before there was Twitter.  Before there was SnapChat or Instagram, there was AngelsWin.com.
In February of 2004, Charles Richter launched the website as a way for Angels fans around the country and around the world to stay connected to the team they loved and discuss topics that impacted them.
What started out as a simple message board & blog grew into a news and reporting outlet, also being rewarded with a Major League Baseball media credential by the Angels.  Correspondence from AngelsWin have participated in such team events and press conferences as the introduction for Albert Pujols, the contract extension for Mike Trout and the welcome Shohei Ohtani, to name just a few.  Over the years, the site has been recognized by Forbes, Fox Sports, ESPN, MLB Network, Japan Times, Washington Post, MLB Trade Rumors, local media outlets in the Orange County Register and LA Times and Angels Broadcast crews over the air for their reporting and insights.
The site has also hosted many fan events, including Spring and Summer Fanfests where they’ve had such guests as Arte Moreno, Tim Salmon, Don Baylor, Kole Calhoun, ex-GM Jerry Dipoto, Victor Rojas, Jose Mota, Terry Smith, Rex Hudler, Steve Physioc and Tim Mead.
As AngelsWin looks to the future, they will continue to provide the news, the stats, information and fan events.  But at its core, AngelsWin will always continue to be an online community forum that launched the site and as a result has forged many lifelong friendships & memories.
AngelsWin.com: The internet home for Angels fans – where fans can cheer, argue, laugh, complain and discuss the team they love.
So a toast to 15 great years and another toast to 15 more.  Go Angels!


 
View the full article

By Geoff Stoddart, Director of Social Media
Before there was Facebook.  Before there was Twitter.  Before there was SnapChat or Instagram, there was AngelsWin.com.
In February of 2004, Charles Richter launched the website as a way for Angels fans around the country and around the world to stay connected to the team they loved and discuss topics that impacted them.
What started out as a simple message board & blog grew into a news and reporting outlet, also being rewarded with a Major League Baseball media credential by the Angels.  Correspondence from AngelsWin have participated in such team events and press conferences as the introduction for Albert Pujols, the contract extension for Mike Trout and the welcome Shohei Ohtani, to name just a few.  Over the years, the site has been recognized by Forbes, Fox Sports, ESPN, MLB Network, Japan Times, Washington Post, MLB Trade Rumors, local media outlets in the Orange County Register and LA Times and Angels Broadcast crews over the air for their reporting and insights.
The site has also hosted many fan events, including Spring and Summer Fanfests where they’ve had such guests as Arte Moreno, Tim Salmon, Don Baylor, Kole Calhoun, ex-GM Jerry Dipoto, Victor Rojas, Jose Mota, Terry Smith, Rex Hudler, Steve Physioc and Tim Mead.
As AngelsWin looks to the future, they will continue to provide the news, the stats, information and fan events.  But at its core, AngelsWin will always continue to be an online community forum that launched the site and as a result has forged many lifelong friendships & memories.
AngelsWin.com: The internet home for Angels fans – where fans can cheer, argue, laugh, complain and discuss the team they love.
So a toast to 15 great years and another toast to 15 more.  Go Angels!


 
View the full article

By Geoff Stoddart, Director of Social Media
Before there was Facebook.  Before there was Twitter.  Before there was SnapChat or Instagram, there was AngelsWin.com.
In February of 2004, Charles Richter launched the website as a way for Angels fans around the country and around the world to stay connected to the team they loved and discuss topics that impacted them.
What started out as a simple message board & blog grew into a news and reporting outlet, also being rewarded with a Major League Baseball media credential by the Angels.  Correspondence from AngelsWin have participated in such team events and press conferences as the introduction for Albert Pujols, the contract extension for Mike Trout and the welcome Shohei Ohtani, to name just a few.  Over the years, the site has been recognized by Forbes, Fox Sports, ESPN, MLB Network, Japan Times, Washington Post, MLB Trade Rumors, local media outlets in the Orange County Register and LA Times and Angels Broadcast crews over the air for their reporting and insights.
The site has also hosted many fan events, including Spring and Summer Fanfests where they’ve had such guests as Arte Moreno, Tim Salmon, Don Baylor, Kole Calhoun, ex-GM Jerry Dipoto, Victor Rojas, Jose Mota, Terry Smith, Rex Hudler, Steve Physioc and Tim Mead.
As AngelsWin looks to the future, they will continue to provide the news, the stats, information and fan events.  But at its core, AngelsWin will always continue to be an online community forum that launched the site and as a result has forged many lifelong friendships & memories.
AngelsWin.com: The internet home for Angels fans – where fans can cheer, argue, laugh, complain and discuss the team they love.
So a toast to 15 great years and another toast to 15 more.  Go Angels!


 
View the full article

By Geoff Stoddart, Director of Social Media
Before there was Facebook.  Before there was Twitter.  Before there was SnapChat or Instagram, there was AngelsWin.com.
In February of 2004, Charles Richter launched the website as a way for Angels fans around the country and around the world to stay connected to the team they loved and discuss topics that impacted them.
What started out as a simple message board & blog grew into a news and reporting outlet, also being rewarded with a Major League Baseball media credential by the Angels.  Correspondence from AngelsWin have participated in such team events and press conferences as the introduction for Albert Pujols, the contract extension for Mike Trout and the welcome Shohei Ohtani, to name just a few.  Over the years, the site has been recognized by Forbes, Fox Sports, ESPN, MLB Network, Japan Times, Washington Post, MLB Trade Rumors, local media outlets in the Orange County Register and LA Times and Angels Broadcast crews over the air for their reporting and insights.
The site has also hosted many fan events, including Spring and Summer Fanfests where they’ve had such guests as Arte Moreno, Tim Salmon, Don Baylor, Kole Calhoun, ex-GM Jerry Dipoto, Victor Rojas, Jose Mota, Terry Smith, Rex Hudler, Steve Physioc and Tim Mead.
As AngelsWin looks to the future, they will continue to provide the news, the stats, information and fan events.  But at its core, AngelsWin will always continue to be an online community forum that launched the site and as a result has forged many lifelong friendships & memories.
AngelsWin.com: The internet home for Angels fans – where fans can cheer, argue, laugh, complain and discuss the team they love.
So a toast to 15 great years and another toast to 15 more.  Go Angels!


 
View the full article

By Geoff Stoddart, Director of Social Media
Before there was Facebook.  Before there was Twitter.  Before there was SnapChat or Instagram, there was AngelsWin.com.
In February of 2004, Charles Richter launched the website as a way for Angels fans around the country and around the world to stay connected to the team they loved and discuss topics that impacted them.
What started out as a simple message board & blog grew into a news and reporting outlet, also being rewarded with a Major League Baseball media credential by the Angels.  Correspondence from AngelsWin have participated in such team events and press conferences as the introduction for Albert Pujols, the contract extension for Mike Trout and the welcome Shohei Ohtani, to name just a few.  Over the years, the site has been recognized by Forbes, Fox Sports, ESPN, MLB Network, Japan Times, Washington Post, MLB Trade Rumors, local media outlets in the Orange County Register and LA Times and Angels Broadcast crews over the air for their reporting and insights.
The site has also hosted many fan events, including Spring and Summer Fanfests where they’ve had such guests as Arte Moreno, Tim Salmon, Don Baylor, Kole Calhoun, ex-GM Jerry Dipoto, Victor Rojas, Jose Mota, Terry Smith, Rex Hudler, Steve Physioc and Tim Mead.
As AngelsWin looks to the future, they will continue to provide the news, the stats, information and fan events.  But at its core, AngelsWin will always continue to be an online community forum that launched the site and as a result has forged many lifelong friendships & memories.
AngelsWin.com: The internet home for Angels fans – where fans can cheer, argue, laugh, complain and discuss the team they love.
So a toast to 15 great years and another toast to 15 more.  Go Angels!


 
View the full article