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Around 10 PM on December 30th, Robert Murray broke the Angels 4th MLB roster transaction of the offseason, 28 year old right hander Zach Plesac.  Plesac wasn't a player very high on many people's radars - a large amount of his 2023 season was spent in AAA - which makes giving him a Major League contract even more perplexing.  Clearly, though, the Angels see something in him. Any baseball fan could look at his 7.59 ERA and label him as a lost cause, but the Angels saw something that they think could provide value in 2024.  Let's take a deeper look into who Plesac is and what they could have seen.
First off, the exact contract details haven't been revealed yet, but we can make a pretty educated guess based on Plesac's recent transaction history.  He was DFA'd on June 11th and cleared waivers, meaning no team wanted him for his $2.95M salary.  We can assume if the Angels wouldn't take that chance in June, they wouldn't give him that (or more), now. The minimum is $720K, meaning that Plesac's deal is more than likely between $720K and $2.95M a year.  If I was personally guessing, I would assume it's a 1 year deal worth something like $1.5 million.  Also, the term Major League deal doesn't mean he's tied to the bigs - he has 2 option years left so if he doesn't make a strong impression I would guess he starts in Salt Lake.
Diving into Plesac's stats, he hasn't been the worst pitcher in baseball over his career, far from it.  Since 2018, he has an above average ERA+, higher than that of former Angels Lucas Giolito, Andrew Heaney, and Alex Cobb. His 2020, although it was shortened, was exceptional, putting up a 196 ERA+ and 3.39 FIP across 55.1 innings. His 2019 was more complete and still respectable, with a 124 ERA+ over 115.2 innings.
His peripherals show both positives and negatives in his profile. He does a great job controlling the walk (terrible 2023 included), and he gets lots of swings on pitches outside of the zone.  The problem areas are, well, everywhere else. His best pitches are his off speed and breaking stuff, but his fastball - which he throws 40% of the time - isn't effective at all in terms of velocity or spin.  This leads to 1) lots of hard contact, 2) difficulty finishing off batters, and 3) Zach getting frustrated.  
Starting with contact, even at his best in 2020 Plesac's fastball was below average, leading to a 17th percentile finish in Barrel%. In his worse years, 2021-2023, he consistently finished at the bottom of the league in both Barrel% and Hard Hit%.  This has translated to 45 home runs allowed over the last 3 seasons,  in the top third of the league despite only throwing 21 innings in 2023. 
The biggest missing piece for Plesac seems to be his lack of K's. As stated before, he gets lots of chases out of the zone because of his solid breaking stuff. However, his fastball holds him back from becoming a high-volume strikeout pitcher. He's been near the bottom of the league in K% and Whiff% every year of his career except one - 2020.  It was the best year for his fastball (still not great), and his only above average year in getting strikeouts, which I don't think is a coincidence.  If I had to guess this is the key the Angels think they see - if they can get him to even a league average fastball he could be a solid rotation piece. 
Finally, his off the field stuff. Plesac's stellar 2020 was cut short because he was optioned by the Guardians after breaking curfew and violating Covid-19 regulations. In 2022 he broke his thumb punching the pitching mound, perhaps only surpassable in stupidity by when he broke his thumb in 2021 by "aggressively ripping off his shirt."  It seems like mostly short outbursts and a stupid decision during quarantine, but it's something to watch.
I think for the financial risk, this deal is nothing to worry about. I've seen people upset that it was a Major League deal, but I assume his role will be Triple-A depth starter and the type of contract was more of a tactic to get him to sign. The Angels process of  "low risk, high reward" applies here, but I'll add that given the track record of Angels pitching development, and Plesac's recent performance, I'll tamper my expectations on seeing that reward come to fruition. We'll see what Barry Enright and the new staff have in store for him come springtime.
 
 
 
 
View the full article

Around 10 PM on December 30th, Robert Murray broke the Angels 4th MLB roster transaction of the offseason, 28 year old right hander Zach Plesac.  Plesac wasn't a player very high on many people's radars - a large amount of his 2023 season was spent in AAA - which makes giving him a Major League contract even more perplexing.  Clearly, though, the Angels see something in him. Any baseball fan could look at his 7.59 ERA and label him as a lost cause, but the Angels saw something that they think could provide value in 2024.  Let's take a deeper look into who Plesac is and what they could have seen.
First off, the exact contract details haven't been revealed yet, but we can make a pretty educated guess based on Plesac's recent transaction history.  He was DFA'd on June 11th and cleared waivers, meaning no team wanted him for his $2.95M salary.  We can assume if the Angels wouldn't take that chance in June, they wouldn't give him that (or more), now. The minimum is $720K, meaning that Plesac's deal is more than likely between $720K and $2.95M a year.  If I was personally guessing, I would assume it's a 1 year deal worth something like $1.5 million.  Also, the term Major League deal doesn't mean he's tied to the bigs - he has 2 option years left so if he doesn't make a strong impression I would guess he starts in Salt Lake.
Diving into Plesac's stats, he hasn't been the worst pitcher in baseball over his career, far from it.  Since 2018, he has an above average ERA+, higher than that of former Angels Lucas Giolito, Andrew Heaney, and Alex Cobb. His 2020, although it was shortened, was exceptional, putting up a 196 ERA+ and 3.39 FIP across 55.1 innings. His 2019 was more complete and still respectable, with a 124 ERA+ over 115.2 innings.
His peripherals show both positives and negatives in his profile. He does a great job controlling the walk (terrible 2023 included), and he gets lots of swings on pitches outside of the zone.  The problem areas are, well, everywhere else. His best pitches are his off speed and breaking stuff, but his fastball - which he throws 40% of the time - isn't effective at all in terms of velocity or spin.  This leads to 1) lots of hard contact, 2) difficulty finishing off batters, and 3) Zach getting frustrated.  
Starting with contact, even at his best in 2020 Plesac's fastball was below average, leading to a 17th percentile finish in Barrel%. In his worse years, 2021-2023, he consistently finished at the bottom of the league in both Barrel% and Hard Hit%.  This has translated to 45 home runs allowed over the last 3 seasons,  in the top third of the league despite only throwing 21 innings in 2023. 
The biggest missing piece for Plesac seems to be his lack of K's. As stated before, he gets lots of chases out of the zone because of his solid breaking stuff. However, his fastball holds him back from becoming a high-volume strikeout pitcher. He's been near the bottom of the league in K% and Whiff% every year of his career except one - 2020.  It was the best year for his fastball (still not great), and his only above average year in getting strikeouts, which I don't think is a coincidence.  If I had to guess this is the key the Angels think they see - if they can get him to even a league average fastball he could be a solid rotation piece. 
Finally, his off the field stuff. Plesac's stellar 2020 was cut short because he was optioned by the Guardians after breaking curfew and violating Covid-19 regulations. In 2022 he broke his thumb punching the pitching mound, perhaps only surpassable in stupidity by when he broke his thumb in 2021 by "aggressively ripping off his shirt."  It seems like mostly short outbursts and a stupid decision during quarantine, but it's something to watch.
I think for the financial risk, this deal is nothing to worry about. I've seen people upset that it was a Major League deal, but I assume his role will be Triple-A depth starter and the type of contract was more of a tactic to get him to sign. The Angels process of  "low risk, high reward" applies here, but I'll add that given the track record of Angels pitching development, and Plesac's recent performance, I'll tamper my expectations on seeing that reward come to fruition. We'll see what Barry Enright and the new staff have in store for him come springtime.
 
 
 
 
View the full article

Around 10 PM on December 30th, Robert Murray broke the Angels 4th MLB roster transaction of the offseason, 28 year old right hander Zach Plesac.  Plesac wasn't a player very high on many people's radars - a large amount of his 2023 season was spent in AAA - which makes giving him a Major League contract even more perplexing.  Clearly, though, the Angels see something in him. Any baseball fan could look at his 7.59 ERA and label him as a lost cause, but the Angels saw something that they think could provide value in 2024.  Let's take a deeper look into who Plesac is and what they could have seen.
First off, the exact contract details haven't been revealed yet, but we can make a pretty educated guess based on Plesac's recent transaction history.  He was DFA'd on June 11th and cleared waivers, meaning no team wanted him for his $2.95M salary.  We can assume if the Angels wouldn't take that chance in June, they wouldn't give him that (or more), now. The minimum is $720K, meaning that Plesac's deal is more than likely between $720K and $2.95M a year.  If I was personally guessing, I would assume it's a 1 year deal worth something like $1.5 million.  Also, the term Major League deal doesn't mean he's tied to the bigs - he has 2 option years left so if he doesn't make a strong impression I would guess he starts in Salt Lake.
Diving into Plesac's stats, he hasn't been the worst pitcher in baseball over his career, far from it.  Since 2018, he has an above average ERA+, higher than that of former Angels Lucas Giolito, Andrew Heaney, and Alex Cobb. His 2020, although it was shortened, was exceptional, putting up a 196 ERA+ and 3.39 FIP across 55.1 innings. His 2019 was more complete and still respectable, with a 124 ERA+ over 115.2 innings.
His peripherals show both positives and negatives in his profile. He does a great job controlling the walk (terrible 2023 included), and he gets lots of swings on pitches outside of the zone.  The problem areas are, well, everywhere else. His best pitches are his off speed and breaking stuff, but his fastball - which he throws 40% of the time - isn't effective at all in terms of velocity or spin.  This leads to 1) lots of hard contact, 2) difficulty finishing off batters, and 3) Zach getting frustrated.  
Starting with contact, even at his best in 2020 Plesac's fastball was below average, leading to a 17th percentile finish in Barrel%. In his worse years, 2021-2023, he consistently finished at the bottom of the league in both Barrel% and Hard Hit%.  This has translated to 45 home runs allowed over the last 3 seasons,  in the top third of the league despite only throwing 21 innings in 2023. 
The biggest missing piece for Plesac seems to be his lack of K's. As stated before, he gets lots of chases out of the zone because of his solid breaking stuff. However, his fastball holds him back from becoming a high-volume strikeout pitcher. He's been near the bottom of the league in K% and Whiff% every year of his career except one - 2020.  It was the best year for his fastball (still not great), and his only above average year in getting strikeouts, which I don't think is a coincidence.  If I had to guess this is the key the Angels think they see - if they can get him to even a league average fastball he could be a solid rotation piece. 
Finally, his off the field stuff. Plesac's stellar 2020 was cut short because he was optioned by the Guardians after breaking curfew and violating Covid-19 regulations. In 2022 he broke his thumb punching the pitching mound, perhaps only surpassable in stupidity by when he broke his thumb in 2021 by "aggressively ripping off his shirt."  It seems like mostly short outbursts and a stupid decision during quarantine, but it's something to watch.
I think for the financial risk, this deal is nothing to worry about. I've seen people upset that it was a Major League deal, but I assume his role will be Triple-A depth starter and the type of contract was more of a tactic to get him to sign. The Angels process of  "low risk, high reward" applies here, but I'll add that given the track record of Angels pitching development, and Plesac's recent performance, I'll tamper my expectations on seeing that reward come to fruition. We'll see what Barry Enright and the new staff have in store for him come springtime.
 
 
 
 
View the full article

The Angels have spent the majority of this off-season shoring up depth behind the incumbent MLB starters after experiencing a 2023 which saw the team fall apart in the stretch due to a number of factors, including lack of top end depth at the Minor League level. Though these may not be the flashy moves we need to wash away the taste of losing Shohei Ohtani they are more than integral in the season long health of a club needing to compete through an entire season. The recent signing of such depth provides a much needed pool of talent to call upon should disaster strike (as it usually does for the Angels), and with a fresh new coaching staff in place there is a legitimate chance these minor league signings can find themselves producing big league outs at some point through 2024. One such signing would be 2023 American Association All-Star RHP Christian Young, a 27 year old RHP coming out of indyball and into the Angels off the hottest stretch of his career. For fans the signing of Christian Young may come across as simple minor league depth, but for Christian Young, this is a dream ready to come true. Coming into the organization at 27, Young now stands with a clear path towards his long dreamt of Major League debut after an arduous journey that included multiple seasons of junior college ball, two unsigned trips through the MLB draft, and three years in indyball. There are few clubs that can offer as clear a path to the Major Leagues as the Angels, and though this comes at great pain to the fanbase it creates excellent opportunities for those on the fringes looking for a way into the game. It may be a long path to the Majors, but for Christian Young, that path becomes far shorter with his foot now firmly in the Angels doorway. Some fans would hope the durability of our Major League bullpen would keep the team from dipping into minor league depth, but for others such as Christian Young and myself, there is little else more exciting than seeing the long awaited dream come true for someone who refused to give up.
“I really enjoyed my time in Indie Ball with Milwaukee, it's such a great place. I think it’s a good place to really figure out who you are as a player. Being in Milwaukee the last few seasons really helped develop me into the pitcher that I am today. I'd like to continue starting, but I'm gonna try and help whatever team I'm on, in any role they decide is best for me. If I can keep a strong head on my shoulders, go out there and compete every pitch, everything will stay good and locked into place.”
Young has spent the last three seasons of his professional career as a member of the Milwaukee Milkmen, an independent baseball team out of the American Association, as they amassed an overall 168-150 record during his time with the team. His professional baseball journey began in 2021 as he joined the Milwaukee Milkmen out of Mercyhurst University, initially working as a reliever through his first year before the Padres signing of Milkmen starter Jose Espada opened a spot in the rotation. This would prove massively beneficial to the upward trajectory of Youngs career as his strikeout rate rose from a 9.5 K/9 over 17 IP in 2021 to 11.3 as a starter in 2022 (76 IP). His 2023 season would see his positive growth trend towards a career high 94.1 IP, striking out 110 through this span. This Major League quality workload would see Young earn himself a much deserved All-Star selection within the American Association. His 170.1 innings of work over the last two years is certainly enough to ensure he will hit the ground running when it comes to the mental and physical load of tackling a Major League level workload.
“I was down in Puerto Rico for the last two months playing for the Cangrejeros de Santurce. We got a lot of coaches there with connections, a lot of good big name players on that team. Before one of my starts one of our coaches [Joel Jobel] told me ‘Hey man, I just wanna make sure it's ok that I gave your name to the Angels.’ He told me to keep doing my thing and good things will come. Two starts later he let me know  the Angels would be in contact pretty soon. Sure enough ..like a week later they ended up calling me and offering me a contract. It's a very thrilling feeling because I was drafted twice six and seven years ago and I never took it.
In the past 6-7 years it's been tough mentally wondering if I'll ever get that opportunity back. I'm very grateful for everybody this last year that's helped me get this opportunity.”
If Youngs time with the Milkmen was an indicator of his potential, his most recent winter ball season with the Cangrejeros de Santurce was the stamp on his budding stock. Young dominated the competition this past winter with 30 strikeouts across 23.2 IP of 2.28 ERA baseball while walking just three hitters. There are few indicators of big league potential that are as trustworthy as the ability to control the strike zone, a talent Young possesses in spades. His repertoire comes ready for the Major League call with a mid 90’s fastball (topped out at 97mph) backed by a secondary featuring a curve/slider/change-up, all of which Young employs with command and effectiveness. His ability to back up his fastball with general above-average control will bring Young to a running start as he heads towards Minor League competition.
"I throw a four seam fastball, a curveball, a change-up, and a slider. I've been using the curveball more than the slider lately and I've been able to develop that pitch a lot more. I'm definitely a fastball dominant pitcher, pitching off the fastball is a very effective way to go deep into games. If you can go out there and dominate with just a fastball it opens up so much more opportunity for your off speed pitches later in the game.
Young was undeniably one of the best pitchers in the Puerto Rican Winter League this past season across multiple categories. Only three pitchers across the six team league featured higher strikeout rates than Young with at least 20IP [Ricardo Velez (12 K/9 21.2 IP), Brent Teller (12.6 K/9 20IP), Endrys Briceno (13.9 K/9 20.2IP)] and of those three with higher K/9s, Christian Young had the best walk rate with a 1.1 BB/9. By all accounts Christian Young was one of the most effective pitchers in the PRWL through his time with Santurce. His present command ability should allow for the Angels to produce a pitcher capable of getting Major League outs, at this point it appears the onus is on the Angels to bring the proper developmental guidance needed to bring Young closer to a vaunted Major League debut.
I have seen an increase in velocity this last year, I think that stems from not just this past summer, but two summers ago. In Milwaukee they decided to use me as a one inning guy. Go out there and throw the ball as hard as you can, compete and attack batters. That year we ended up having a starting pitcher get signed to the Padres [Jose Spada]. I was the next guy in line to take a starting role. Going right into a starting role from that one inning role helps me keep that mindset of going out there and taking one inning at a time, just leaving it all out there. I think the increase in velocity with that mindset has really helped me not be afraid of any hitters, just go out there and attack and compete.”
Whether the Angels will have any real impact on his growth is yet to be seen, but as is there is a very real, raw quality pitcher waiting to be tapped into. It will be up to the organization to show their developmental teeth and refine his best qualities into a form that is capable of fulfilling a “next man up” role should it come to pass. It may not be the most glamorous role in sports, but there are few roles as necessary as such. This may not be apparent on Opening Day, but come the dog days of August we will again see the importance of talent on call to soak up big league innings.
They always say the sky is the limit for those who believe, but with Christian Young’s effectiveness backing up his aspirations there is more to his journey than just belief.
View the full article

The Angels have spent the majority of this off-season shoring up depth behind the incumbent MLB starters after experiencing a 2023 which saw the team fall apart in the stretch due to a number of factors, including lack of top end depth at the Minor League level. Though these may not be the flashy moves we need to wash away the taste of losing Shohei Ohtani they are more than integral in the season long health of a club needing to compete through an entire season. The recent signing of such depth provides a much needed pool of talent to call upon should disaster strike (as it usually does for the Angels), and with a fresh new coaching staff in place there is a legitimate chance these minor league signings can find themselves producing big league outs at some point through 2024. One such signing would be 2023 American Association All-Star RHP Christian Young, a 27 year old RHP coming out of indyball and into the Angels off the hottest stretch of his career. For fans the signing of Christian Young may come across as simple minor league depth, but for Christian Young, this is a dream ready to come true. Coming into the organization at 27, Young now stands with a clear path towards his long dreamt of Major League debut after an arduous journey that included multiple seasons of junior college ball, two unsigned trips through the MLB draft, and three years in indyball. There are few clubs that can offer as clear a path to the Major Leagues as the Angels, and though this comes at great pain to the fanbase it creates excellent opportunities for those on the fringes looking for a way into the game. It may be a long path to the Majors, but for Christian Young, that path becomes far shorter with his foot now firmly in the Angels doorway. Some fans would hope the durability of our Major League bullpen would keep the team from dipping into minor league depth, but for others such as Christian Young and myself, there is little else more exciting than seeing the long awaited dream come true for someone who refused to give up.
“I really enjoyed my time in Indie Ball with Milwaukee, it's such a great place. I think it’s a good place to really figure out who you are as a player. Being in Milwaukee the last few seasons really helped develop me into the pitcher that I am today. I'd like to continue starting, but I'm gonna try and help whatever team I'm on, in any role they decide is best for me. If I can keep a strong head on my shoulders, go out there and compete every pitch, everything will stay good and locked into place.”
Young has spent the last three seasons of his professional career as a member of the Milwaukee Milkmen, an independent baseball team out of the American Association, as they amassed an overall 168-150 record during his time with the team. His professional baseball journey began in 2021 as he joined the Milwaukee Milkmen out of Mercyhurst University, initially working as a reliever through his first year before the Padres signing of Milkmen starter Jose Espada opened a spot in the rotation. This would prove massively beneficial to the upward trajectory of Youngs career as his strikeout rate rose from a 9.5 K/9 over 17 IP in 2021 to 11.3 as a starter in 2022 (76 IP). His 2023 season would see his positive growth trend towards a career high 94.1 IP, striking out 110 through this span. This Major League quality workload would see Young earn himself a much deserved All-Star selection within the American Association. His 170.1 innings of work over the last two years is certainly enough to ensure he will hit the ground running when it comes to the mental and physical load of tackling a Major League level workload.
“I was down in Puerto Rico for the last two months playing for the Cangrejeros de Santurce. We got a lot of coaches there with connections, a lot of good big name players on that team. Before one of my starts one of our coaches [Joel Jobel] told me ‘Hey man, I just wanna make sure it's ok that I gave your name to the Angels.’ He told me to keep doing my thing and good things will come. Two starts later he let me know  the Angels would be in contact pretty soon. Sure enough ..like a week later they ended up calling me and offering me a contract. It's a very thrilling feeling because I was drafted twice six and seven years ago and I never took it.
In the past 6-7 years it's been tough mentally wondering if I'll ever get that opportunity back. I'm very grateful for everybody this last year that's helped me get this opportunity.”
If Youngs time with the Milkmen was an indicator of his potential, his most recent winter ball season with the Cangrejeros de Santurce was the stamp on his budding stock. Young dominated the competition this past winter with 30 strikeouts across 23.2 IP of 2.28 ERA baseball while walking just three hitters. There are few indicators of big league potential that are as trustworthy as the ability to control the strike zone, a talent Young possesses in spades. His repertoire comes ready for the Major League call with a mid 90’s fastball (topped out at 97mph) backed by a secondary featuring a curve/slider/change-up, all of which Young employs with command and effectiveness. His ability to back up his fastball with general above-average control will bring Young to a running start as he heads towards Minor League competition.
"I throw a four seam fastball, a curveball, a change-up, and a slider. I've been using the curveball more than the slider lately and I've been able to develop that pitch a lot more. I'm definitely a fastball dominant pitcher, pitching off the fastball is a very effective way to go deep into games. If you can go out there and dominate with just a fastball it opens up so much more opportunity for your off speed pitches later in the game.
Young was undeniably one of the best pitchers in the Puerto Rican Winter League this past season across multiple categories. Only three pitchers across the six team league featured higher strikeout rates than Young with at least 20IP [Ricardo Velez (12 K/9 21.2 IP), Brent Teller (12.6 K/9 20IP), Endrys Briceno (13.9 K/9 20.2IP)] and of those three with higher K/9s, Christian Young had the best walk rate with a 1.1 BB/9. By all accounts Christian Young was one of the most effective pitchers in the PRWL through his time with Santurce. His present command ability should allow for the Angels to produce a pitcher capable of getting Major League outs, at this point it appears the onus is on the Angels to bring the proper developmental guidance needed to bring Young closer to a vaunted Major League debut.
I have seen an increase in velocity this last year, I think that stems from not just this past summer, but two summers ago. In Milwaukee they decided to use me as a one inning guy. Go out there and throw the ball as hard as you can, compete and attack batters. That year we ended up having a starting pitcher get signed to the Padres [Jose Spada]. I was the next guy in line to take a starting role. Going right into a starting role from that one inning role helps me keep that mindset of going out there and taking one inning at a time, just leaving it all out there. I think the increase in velocity with that mindset has really helped me not be afraid of any hitters, just go out there and attack and compete.”
Whether the Angels will have any real impact on his growth is yet to be seen, but as is there is a very real, raw quality pitcher waiting to be tapped into. It will be up to the organization to show their developmental teeth and refine his best qualities into a form that is capable of fulfilling a “next man up” role should it come to pass. It may not be the most glamorous role in sports, but there are few roles as necessary as such. This may not be apparent on Opening Day, but come the dog days of August we will again see the importance of talent on call to soak up big league innings.
They always say the sky is the limit for those who believe, but with Christian Young’s effectiveness backing up his aspirations there is more to his journey than just belief.
View the full article

The Angels have spent the majority of this off-season shoring up depth behind the incumbent MLB starters after experiencing a 2023 which saw the team fall apart in the stretch due to a number of factors, including lack of top end depth at the Minor League level. Though these may not be the flashy moves we need to wash away the taste of losing Shohei Ohtani they are more than integral in the season long health of a club needing to compete through an entire season. The recent signing of such depth provides a much needed pool of talent to call upon should disaster strike (as it usually does for the Angels), and with a fresh new coaching staff in place there is a legitimate chance these minor league signings can find themselves producing big league outs at some point through 2024. One such signing would be 2023 American Association All-Star RHP Christian Young, a 27 year old RHP coming out of indyball and into the Angels off the hottest stretch of his career. For fans the signing of Christian Young may come across as simple minor league depth, but for Christian Young, this is a dream ready to come true. Coming into the organization at 27, Young now stands with a clear path towards his long dreamt of Major League debut after an arduous journey that included multiple seasons of junior college ball, two unsigned trips through the MLB draft, and three years in indyball. There are few clubs that can offer as clear a path to the Major Leagues as the Angels, and though this comes at great pain to the fanbase it creates excellent opportunities for those on the fringes looking for a way into the game. It may be a long path to the Majors, but for Christian Young, that path becomes far shorter with his foot now firmly in the Angels doorway. Some fans would hope the durability of our Major League bullpen would keep the team from dipping into minor league depth, but for others such as Christian Young and myself, there is little else more exciting than seeing the long awaited dream come true for someone who refused to give up.
“I really enjoyed my time in Indie Ball with Milwaukee, it's such a great place. I think it’s a good place to really figure out who you are as a player. Being in Milwaukee the last few seasons really helped develop me into the pitcher that I am today. I'd like to continue starting, but I'm gonna try and help whatever team I'm on, in any role they decide is best for me. If I can keep a strong head on my shoulders, go out there and compete every pitch, everything will stay good and locked into place.”
Young has spent the last three seasons of his professional career as a member of the Milwaukee Milkmen, an independent baseball team out of the American Association, as they amassed an overall 168-150 record during his time with the team. His professional baseball journey began in 2021 as he joined the Milwaukee Milkmen out of Mercyhurst University, initially working as a reliever through his first year before the Padres signing of Milkmen starter Jose Espada opened a spot in the rotation. This would prove massively beneficial to the upward trajectory of Youngs career as his strikeout rate rose from a 9.5 K/9 over 17 IP in 2021 to 11.3 as a starter in 2022 (76 IP). His 2023 season would see his positive growth trend towards a career high 94.1 IP, striking out 110 through this span. This Major League quality workload would see Young earn himself a much deserved All-Star selection within the American Association. His 170.1 innings of work over the last two years is certainly enough to ensure he will hit the ground running when it comes to the mental and physical load of tackling a Major League level workload.
“I was down in Puerto Rico for the last two months playing for the Cangrejeros de Santurce. We got a lot of coaches there with connections, a lot of good big name players on that team. Before one of my starts one of our coaches [Joel Jobel] told me ‘Hey man, I just wanna make sure it's ok that I gave your name to the Angels.’ He told me to keep doing my thing and good things will come. Two starts later he let me know  the Angels would be in contact pretty soon. Sure enough ..like a week later they ended up calling me and offering me a contract. It's a very thrilling feeling because I was drafted twice six and seven years ago and I never took it.
In the past 6-7 years it's been tough mentally wondering if I'll ever get that opportunity back. I'm very grateful for everybody this last year that's helped me get this opportunity.”
If Youngs time with the Milkmen was an indicator of his potential, his most recent winter ball season with the Cangrejeros de Santurce was the stamp on his budding stock. Young dominated the competition this past winter with 30 strikeouts across 23.2 IP of 2.28 ERA baseball while walking just three hitters. There are few indicators of big league potential that are as trustworthy as the ability to control the strike zone, a talent Young possesses in spades. His repertoire comes ready for the Major League call with a mid 90’s fastball (topped out at 97mph) backed by a secondary featuring a curve/slider/change-up, all of which Young employs with command and effectiveness. His ability to back up his fastball with general above-average control will bring Young to a running start as he heads towards Minor League competition.
"I throw a four seam fastball, a curveball, a change-up, and a slider. I've been using the curveball more than the slider lately and I've been able to develop that pitch a lot more. I'm definitely a fastball dominant pitcher, pitching off the fastball is a very effective way to go deep into games. If you can go out there and dominate with just a fastball it opens up so much more opportunity for your off speed pitches later in the game.
Young was undeniably one of the best pitchers in the Puerto Rican Winter League this past season across multiple categories. Only three pitchers across the six team league featured higher strikeout rates than Young with at least 20IP [Ricardo Velez (12 K/9 21.2 IP), Brent Teller (12.6 K/9 20IP), Endrys Briceno (13.9 K/9 20.2IP)] and of those three with higher K/9s, Christian Young had the best walk rate with a 1.1 BB/9. By all accounts Christian Young was one of the most effective pitchers in the PRWL through his time with Santurce. His present command ability should allow for the Angels to produce a pitcher capable of getting Major League outs, at this point it appears the onus is on the Angels to bring the proper developmental guidance needed to bring Young closer to a vaunted Major League debut.
I have seen an increase in velocity this last year, I think that stems from not just this past summer, but two summers ago. In Milwaukee they decided to use me as a one inning guy. Go out there and throw the ball as hard as you can, compete and attack batters. That year we ended up having a starting pitcher get signed to the Padres [Jose Spada]. I was the next guy in line to take a starting role. Going right into a starting role from that one inning role helps me keep that mindset of going out there and taking one inning at a time, just leaving it all out there. I think the increase in velocity with that mindset has really helped me not be afraid of any hitters, just go out there and attack and compete.”
Whether the Angels will have any real impact on his growth is yet to be seen, but as is there is a very real, raw quality pitcher waiting to be tapped into. It will be up to the organization to show their developmental teeth and refine his best qualities into a form that is capable of fulfilling a “next man up” role should it come to pass. It may not be the most glamorous role in sports, but there are few roles as necessary as such. This may not be apparent on Opening Day, but come the dog days of August we will again see the importance of talent on call to soak up big league innings.
They always say the sky is the limit for those who believe, but with Christian Young’s effectiveness backing up his aspirations there is more to his journey than just belief.
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There are 28 Major League organizations that never had Shohei Ohtani, but only one that will have lost him forever, leaving the Angels in a unique position as they forge a vulnerable path towards their new future. The road to recovery will be a difficult one, lined with more challenges than necessary thanks to ownership, but as is the Angels on-field issues have always greater than having or not having a single Shohei Ohtani. A lack of true position players across the board has been this team’s Achilles heel in many seasons past, yet the presence of emerging young stars in Zach Neto, Logan O’Hoppe, Nolan Schanuel and Mickey Moniak has provided the genuine foundation for a legitimate turnaround post-Ohtani. There are many paths forward that can keep the Angels playing with a pulse in 2024, and though it will take some creativity to build a realistic winner for the coming years there is more than enough opportunity available to hasten the bounce back. 
It's time to think ahead, beyond what we have lost and what we have endured, and into the future of 2024 and beyond.
Emphasis on the beyond. 
LOSE THE FEAR OF TRADING VALUE, RELOAD IN FREE AGENCY
The Angels have a golden opportunity to cash in on value at the big league level while keeping themselves within the realms of competitive baseball. There needs to be an honesty regarding the teams ability to truly compete next season as well as an understanding that big contracts will not save this team from themselves. The Angels have gone down this path many times, pearl clutching talent that brings fans to the seats while desperately jingling whatever shiny free agent signings may keep fans attention. The only viable large contract in this current free agent class that may keep this team building future success would be a Yamamoto contract given his age and upside, though that level of acquisition is far beyond a long shot with the current state of the franchise. The Angels need to stick to short term deals this winter and see where the chips fall in 2024 before committing to more big contracts that will remain present for the better part of a decade. Swinging one to three year commitments on types such as Clayton Kershaw, Marcus Stroman, or Frankie Montas will allow the team to field professional innings with sustainable upside while giving them what should be valuable outs at the trade deadline should fortunes fall next season. This would offer the best of both worlds in which the team is given the opportunity to play legitimate baseball without hamstringing the teams future on albatross contracts (8 years for Snell, anyone?). 
Aside from poor impulse control on the free agent market the largest burden on this franchise has been an inability to sell value when competition is not promised. The first step towards shedding that insecurity would come this immediate winter with high value targets such as Brandon Drury and Carlos Estevez ready to return legitimate youth value on the trade market. Drury’s value as a top power hitting second baseman in the league (3rd in SLG% across MLB second basemen) would play well on the Angels next year, but as is the team’s biggest needs exist far beyond maintaining a 31 year old second baseman on an expiring contract. Unless the Angels want to continue playing from behind come 2025 steps must be taken to reverse the lack of observable talent flow into this organization. The Angels would not find themselves hard up going into 2024 with players such Tim Anderson available on the market, or Luis Rengifo internally, ready to professional innings at second base. The replacement will not come as 1:1 to Drury, but the true value comes through the youth brought into the organization as a return for Drury. Carlos Estevez exists in the same realm as contending teams are always chomping at the bits for high leverage relievers, though it would be harder to replace his potential production unless you foresee this club swinging a contract for Josh Hader/Jordan Hicks (they won't). Once this young core proves themselves further it will be more palatable to consider big contracts with the free agent class in 2025, but until then this team needs to show there is life to be fostered with the current home grown talent before deciding on any more decade long commitments. 

MORE DH AB’S, LESS IR VISITS
The now vacant DH spot is a near blessing in disguise for this often injured major league roster. The Angels would benefit greatly from prioritizing the DH hole in rotation for vets such as Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon, who often missed the lineup were they not playing the field due to Ohtani’s ever-presence as DH. You would love to see Trout make as many starts in CF as humanly possible, though given the state of his health it would be prudent to see him take more than a couple DH shots a week. Replacing Ohtani's production by shifting Trout into the DH hole would make the transition into an Ohtani-less offense far more palatable. Trout's defensive production in center field would be an easier task to replace on the free agent market with Cody Bellinger being the most favorable candidate, but with his price tag likely to exceed $250 million it is doubtful owner Arte Moreno will swing his contract. Internally you have Mickey Moniak as the best full time defensive replacement, though his future is still a bit hazy given his need to prove last seasons breakout was not a fluke. It’s hard to fathom this organization seeing Trout as anything other than a full time center fielder, but with the future of his health questionable it would be wise to consider transitioning Mike Trout into the load management phase of his career. More availability for rotation through the DH spot should prove favorable for the teams long standing health all around, and if the bats of Trout and Rendon can survive the entire 2024 campaign the Angels may find themselves closer to competing than current appearance's would show.
COACHING THAT COUNTS
There has been an incredible fanfare surrounding the fresh coaching staff headed by new manager Ron Washington by both Angel fans and the league in general, and for good reason. The Angels biggest on field issues in recent seasons have stemmed from coaching and player utilization more than the actual talent on this team. Poor third base coaching ran this team out of runs and into injury, horrendous pitching coach efforts dragged this young staff into an identity crisis, and godawful offensive guidance saw this team hit their way out of favorable situations time and time again (.385 SLG with 38 GIDPs in 1270 RISP ABs). The Angels were able to muster up a fair bit of production from most of their lineup as seven of their current hitters registered an OPS+ over 100 in 2023 (Logan O’Hoppe, Mickey Moniak, Luis Rengifo, Brandon Drury, Mike Trout, Nolan Schanuel, Taylor Ward), so the question of competitiveness exists outside of actual ability. A mastery of basic fundamentals, most notably situational hitting, infield defense, and mental fortitude, will guide this offense beyond the situational production of last year as they look to make up for Ohtani's raw production. The ultimate test for this coaching staff will stand on whether they can limit regression and raise the fundamental floor of this roster, both with incumbents as well as incoming offseason acquisitions. A massive sticking point in the Angels 2023 failures was the regression of rising stars Reid Detmers and Patrick Sandoval, who after appearing to find form as staff leaders in 2022 (Detmers: 3.77 ERA 129 IP, Sandoval: 2.91 ERA 148.2 IP), fell flat as they both posted ERAs north of 4 last season. Competitive hope will not come from big free agent swings, but from Angel mainstays maintaining their Major League legs throughout an entire season. There are always roster improvements that could be made (extra OF bat/undisputed frontline starter), but as is the Angels are in position to reclaim a semblance of their top 10 starting staff form from 2022, and top 10 offense in 2023. The assistance of Dan Haren understudy Barry Enright as pitching coach bodes well regarding this staffs reclamation of form, and with Ron Washington's focus on fundamental baseball there is hope that the Angels can raise the limits of their floor heading into 2024.

ROTATE ARMS THROUGH THE NINTH
The Angels bullpen was a major factor in their failures in 2023, a key figure being the late season collapse of All-Star closer Carlos Estevez. Despite a first half that saw Estevez cruise through 35 innings of 1.80 ERA baseball the second half was not too kind. Estevez managed a brutal 6.59 ERA through his last 27 innings of work on the year as the Angels fell from a 45-46 first half to a paltry 28-43 second half. Early callups of hard throwing relievers Ben Joyce and Jose Soriano helped mitigate the Angels lack of late inning punch as the season wore on, and though they were far from perfect there was enough upside on eithers behalf to offer the promise of high leverage value. Putting together a bullpen may often feel like reading tea leaves, though with the Angels current standing there is far more high leverage upside present than there was entering last season. A free agent addition of a Josh Hader/Jordan Hicks type can complete the puzzle and take this bullpen over the top, though the Angels have never been one to spend big on free agent relievers. There is enough current high-velocity depth and upside to carry the late innings more efficiently than last year with the real question being whether or not the bottom end of the bullpen will maintain quality form. The return of multi-inning relief in Sam Bachman will certainly buff this teams floor going forward, and internal bullpen additions such as Tyler Anderson (another bounce back candidate) will look to provide enough bottom end innings to prevent overuse on higher value arms. The return of World Baseball Classic hero Jose Quijada from Tommy John should provide a further boon towards high leverage value as well. It may not be a galactic leap away from their positioning in 2023, but the springboard for efficient relief is coming into competitive form. Any improvement, no matter how small, will be monumental in this teams efforts towards bouncing back.
SELL THE TEAM
Last but not least we have the harbinger of our sorrows, the lynchpin of our torment, the crux of our suffering; team owner Arte Moreno. The pathways towards continued success remain choked under Moreno's historically poor management and will continue to be so as long as he remains in the fold. Refusals to invest in infrastructure, coaching, analytics, international presence, and scouting has left the Angels playing from behind the rest of the baseball world both on and off the field. The Angels will continue to find themselves bogged in stagnation until someone with modern sensibilities can pull this team forward. It is not enough to have GM Perry Minasian single-handedly drag Moreno kicking and screaming towards success, despite his best efforts. Even if the Angels accidentally fall into success in 2024/2025 there is little to suggest sustainability without major overhauls that would see this team invest in the organization from the bottom up. Ohtani may receive flak from certain Angel fans for leaving the team, but he has done nothing but what fans wish they themselves could do in creating separation between ourselves and the worst owner in the sport. Current outlook may appear bleak with Ohtani's departure, but if there was ever a coaching staff, and collection of core talent, to shift the karma back in the Angels favor, it would be this current staff. All is easier said than done when it comes to reversing fortunes of this magnitude, but when it comes time the baseball being played will speak for itself, you can only hope Ron Washington will teach this Angels team to play baseball that speaks for itself. 
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Dodgers manager Dave Roberts abandoned the evasive maneuvers teams have adopted when asked about Shohei Ohtani’s free agency.
The Dodgers met with Ohtani and made their pitch “a couple days” ago at Dodger Stadium, Roberts said Tuesday afternoon at the Winter Meetings. That meeting lasted two or three hours, he said.
Roberts made no bones about the Dodgers’ No. 1 offseason target.
“Clearly, Shohei is our top priority,” he said.
Ohtani’s free agency has been among the most secretive in MLB history to the point that his agent, Nez Balelo, reportedly let it be known that any leaks about meetings would be held against that team. Roberts said he respected Ohtani’s desire for privacy but he was not going to pretend the meeting didn’t happen.
“I don’t feel like lying is something I do,” Roberts said. “I was asked a question … It’s going to come out at some point.”
There have also been reports that Ohtani has made in-person visits to the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park and the Toronto Blue Jays’ training complex in Dunedin, Fla. One Blue Jays fan on X (formerly called Twitter) went so far as to use flight tracking information to find a private plane that flew from Anaheim to Clearwater, Fla. (the closest airport to Dunedin) on Sunday night and then returned Monday.
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More to come on this story.
View the full article

When the Oakland A’s were trying to turn Scott Hatteberg from a catcher into a first baseman in the spring of 2002, Hatteberg’s lack of confidence in himself was balanced by the team’s confidence in Ron Washington.
Washington, the Angels’ new manager, was the A’s infield coach when they embarked upon the Hatteberg project.
“All he did was work and work and build me,” Hatteberg recalled last week. “Not only with the physical part, but he made me feel like I was really good.”
Washington’s work with Hatteberg was famously depicted in the film “Moneyball”. Unable to find an affordable first baseman who could get on base as effectively as the departed Jason Giambi, the A’s asked Washington to turn a catcher into a first baseman, and he did so in part with his attitude.
“If I just approached a backhand right or moved my feet right, he’d come out of his shorts, pumped up with that million-dollar smile,” Hatteberg said. “He was just so energized. I was excited that I didn’t tackle another one, and he seemed even more excited. He builds you up that way.”
Hatteberg turned into a first baseman good enough to start 622 games at the position after that career-changing spring training.
“It was because of him,” said Hatteberg, who added that Washington is so good as an instructor that he hoped that part of his skillset would not be lost when he is managing.
Washington, speaking at his introduction last week, assured that it won’t. Although Washington said he wouldn’t interfere with infield coach Ryan Goins, he nonetheless said that he’s “the best in the business” when it comes to defense.
“That’s my expertise,” he said. “Just because I become a manager, I would do my team an injustice if I don’t give them the value of what I have to offer.”
The Angels could certainly benefit from defensive upgrades as they do all they can to try to improve their run-prevention from the disappointment of 2023.
On the heels of an eighth consecutive losing season, the Angels hired Washington to give the organization a jolt. The 71-year-old baseball lifer brings a reputation throughout the game as a brilliant instructor and inspirational leader.
After coaching with the A’s, Washington spent eight seasons managing the Texas Rangers, then two more years back as a coach with the A’s, followed by seven as the Atlanta Braves’ third base coach.
“He was revered in Oakland,” former Rangers infielder Michael Young said. “He was revered here. Same in Atlanta. After a while, it’s not just reputation or hearsay. It’s now objective fact. The guy makes people better.”
How, exactly, does he do that?
To Young, who is now a special assistant with the Rangers, it starts with what he calls the “give-a-(bleep) factor.”
“The guy really does care about his players improving,” Young said. “You know he’s in it with you.”
That’s not just because Washington would often end up drenched in just as much sweat as his players following an infield workout. It goes back to the way Washington interacts with people. Everyone.
Angels general manager Perry Minasian was working in baseball operations for the Rangers when Washington took over as manager in 2007. During that first spring training, Minasian was out running sprints on the field long after the players were done working.
“Hey,” Washington interjected. “Your form is terrible.”
Washington then proceeded to give Minasian some pointers about how to improve his technique.
“He definitely did not need to do that,” Minasian recalled last week. “I was not playing. I was not running the 100 in the Olympics. But that just goes to show you what type of human being he is. He’ll help anyone he can at any point. He’s somebody I think is going to have a huge impact on this organization.”
Minasian worked with Washington again with the Braves, which made him a natural choice when the Angels began looking for a new manager. Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos granted the Angels permission to interview Washington even though he knew what it might cost his team.
“He deserves the opportunity,” Anthopoulos said. “Obviously, I’m excited for him. It’s a huge loss for us. And I emphasize that in caps, bold, italics. All of it. It’s a huge, huge void.”
Washington’s two previous bosses – A’s president David Forst and former Rangers general manager Jon Daniels – echoed Anthopoulos’ praise.
“I haven’t been around a coach in the big leagues who loves teaching as much as Wash,” Forst said. “He really just thrives on the energy he gets from young players and seeing their progress.”
In Washington’s first tenure with the A’s, he not only helped turn Hatteberg into a first baseman, but he worked wonders with third baseman Eric Chavez. Chavez had been error-prone as a minor leaguer and as a young big leaguer, but he went on to win six straight Gold Gloves. He gave one of them to Washington.
The A’s rehired Washington after his stint in Texas, largely because they had another young infielder who needed his help: Marcus Semien.
Semien made 35 errors in his first year with the A’s, in 2015. He’s since won three Gold Gloves at second base.
“I think he made Marcus believe he was good enough to be there,” Forst said. “He also gave us the confidence to give Marcus time. If Wash thought Marcus was going to be a major league shortstop, then what right did we have to doubt it?”
In between the stints with the A’s, Washington got his first shot to manage, taking over a rebuilding Rangers team.
“In 2007, we weren’t a very good team,” Daniels said. “He still communicated in such a way that he passed on this belief to the players that we can compete with anybody. … As the talent level grew and the organization built up, and we actually had a team, it had this multiplier effect. We had this unbelievably confident group of talented guys. They prepared their (tails) off and cared about each other. You saw how quickly it took off.”
Ian Kinsler, who was one of those players who came into his prime under Washington’s tutelage, said the Rangers took on their manager’s personality.
“He comes to work on baseball and getting better everyday, with a competitive, energetic attitude,” Kinsler said via text. “It never changes. He expects his players to show up the same way. There isn’t a lazy bone in his body. His attitude is infectious.”
The relationship that Washington developed with his players was demonstrated one spring day in 2010.
Washington had tested positive for cocaine during the 2009 season, and it became public the following spring. Washington held a meeting and admitted to what he said was an isolated mistake.
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That year the Rangers went to the World Series for the first time in franchise history, losing to the San Francisco Giants. The Rangers went back again in 2011, losing to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Young, a fixture on both of those teams, said Washington deserves credit for the way those teams played.
“The hardest-working teams are typically the most successful,” Young said. “Washington is neck-deep in it with you. It’s refreshing. It really is, man. He’s an old schooler. It’s a blue-collar work ethic. Pack your lunch. Get to work. Outwork the other guy and good things are going to happen.”
The Oakland Athletics’ Scott Hatteberg, right, celebrates with third base coach Ron Washington after hitting a game-winning home run during the ninth inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals on Sept. 4, 2002, in Oakland. Hatteberg, a former catcher, credits Washington’s patience and instruction for helping him become a respectable first baseman and extending his career. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) View the full article

When the Oakland A’s were trying to turn Scott Hatteberg from a catcher into a first baseman in the spring of 2002, Hatteberg’s lack of confidence in himself was balanced by the team’s confidence in Ron Washington.
Washington, the Angels’ new manager, was the A’s infield coach when they embarked upon the Hatteberg project.
“All he did was work and work and build me,” Hatteberg recalled last week. “Not only with the physical part, but he made me feel like I was really good.”
Washington’s work with Hatteberg was famously depicted in the film “Moneyball”. Unable to find an affordable first baseman who could get on base as effectively as the departed Jason Giambi, the A’s asked Washington to turn a catcher into a first baseman, and he did so in part with his attitude.
“If I just approached a backhand right or moved my feet right, he’d come out of his shorts, pumped up with that million-dollar smile,” Hatteberg said. “He was just so energized. I was excited that I didn’t tackle another one, and he seemed even more excited. He builds you up that way.”
Hatteberg turned into a first baseman good enough to start 622 games at the position after that career-changing spring training.
“It was because of him,” said Hatteberg, who added that Washington is so good as an instructor that he hoped that part of his skillset would not be lost when he is managing.
Washington, speaking at his introduction last week, assured that it won’t. Although Washington said he wouldn’t interfere with infield coach Ryan Goins, he nonetheless said that he’s “the best in the business” when it comes to defense.
“That’s my expertise,” he said. “Just because I become a manager, I would do my team an injustice if I don’t give them the value of what I have to offer.”
The Angels could certainly benefit from defensive upgrades as they do all they can to try to improve their run-prevention from the disappointment of 2023.
On the heels of an eighth consecutive losing season, the Angels hired Washington to give the organization a jolt. The 71-year-old baseball lifer brings a reputation throughout the game as a brilliant instructor and inspirational leader.
After coaching with the A’s, Washington spent eight seasons managing the Texas Rangers, then two more years back as a coach with the A’s, followed by seven as the Atlanta Braves’ third base coach.
“He was revered in Oakland,” former Rangers infielder Michael Young said. “He was revered here. Same in Atlanta. After a while, it’s not just reputation or hearsay. It’s now objective fact. The guy makes people better.”
How, exactly, does he do that?
To Young, who is now a special assistant with the Rangers, it starts with what he calls the “give-a-(bleep) factor.”
“The guy really does care about his players improving,” Young said. “You know he’s in it with you.”
That’s not just because Washington would often end up drenched in just as much sweat as his players following an infield workout. It goes back to the way Washington interacts with people. Everyone.
Angels general manager Perry Minasian was working in baseball operations for the Rangers when Washington took over as manager in 2007. During that first spring training, Minasian was out running sprints on the field long after the players were done working.
“Hey,” Washington interjected. “Your form is terrible.”
Washington then proceeded to give Minasian some pointers about how to improve his technique.
“He definitely did not need to do that,” Minasian recalled last week. “I was not playing. I was not running the 100 in the Olympics. But that just goes to show you what type of human being he is. He’ll help anyone he can at any point. He’s somebody I think is going to have a huge impact on this organization.”
Minasian worked with Washington again with the Braves, which made him a natural choice when the Angels began looking for a new manager. Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos granted the Angels permission to interview Washington even though he knew what it might cost his team.
“He deserves the opportunity,” Anthopoulos said. “Obviously, I’m excited for him. It’s a huge loss for us. And I emphasize that in caps, bold, italics. All of it. It’s a huge, huge void.”
Washington’s two previous bosses – A’s president David Forst and former Rangers general manager Jon Daniels – echoed Anthopoulos’ praise.
“I haven’t been around a coach in the big leagues who loves teaching as much as Wash,” Forst said. “He really just thrives on the energy he gets from young players and seeing their progress.”
In Washington’s first tenure with the A’s, he not only helped turn Hatteberg into a first baseman, but he worked wonders with third baseman Eric Chavez. Chavez had been error-prone as a minor leaguer and as a young big leaguer, but he went on to win six straight Gold Gloves. He gave one of them to Washington.
The A’s rehired Washington after his stint in Texas, largely because they had another young infielder who needed his help: Marcus Semien.
Semien made 35 errors in his first year with the A’s, in 2015. He’s since won three Gold Gloves at second base.
“I think he made Marcus believe he was good enough to be there,” Forst said. “He also gave us the confidence to give Marcus time. If Wash thought Marcus was going to be a major league shortstop, then what right did we have to doubt it?”
In between the stints with the A’s, Washington got his first shot to manage, taking over a rebuilding Rangers team.
“In 2007, we weren’t a very good team,” Daniels said. “He still communicated in such a way that he passed on this belief to the players that we can compete with anybody. … As the talent level grew and the organization built up, and we actually had a team, it had this multiplier effect. We had this unbelievably confident group of talented guys. They prepared their (tails) off and cared about each other. You saw how quickly it took off.”
Ian Kinsler, who was one of those players who came into his prime under Washington’s tutelage, said the Rangers took on their manager’s personality.
“He comes to work on baseball and getting better everyday, with a competitive, energetic attitude,” Kinsler said via text. “It never changes. He expects his players to show up the same way. There isn’t a lazy bone in his body. His attitude is infectious.”
The relationship that Washington developed with his players was demonstrated one spring day in 2010.
Washington had tested positive for cocaine during the 2009 season, and it became public the following spring. Washington held a meeting and admitted to what he said was an isolated mistake.
Related Articles
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That year the Rangers went to the World Series for the first time in franchise history, losing to the San Francisco Giants. The Rangers went back again in 2011, losing to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Young, a fixture on both of those teams, said Washington deserves credit for the way those teams played.
“The hardest-working teams are typically the most successful,” Young said. “Washington is neck-deep in it with you. It’s refreshing. It really is, man. He’s an old schooler. It’s a blue-collar work ethic. Pack your lunch. Get to work. Outwork the other guy and good things are going to happen.”
The Oakland Athletics’ Scott Hatteberg, right, celebrates with third base coach Ron Washington after hitting a game-winning home run during the ninth inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals on Sept. 4, 2002, in Oakland. Hatteberg, a former catcher, credits Washington’s patience and instruction for helping him become a respectable first baseman and extending his career. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) View the full article

That must mean Giolitto is signing there in 3...2....1...

ANAHEIM – RHP/DH Shohei Ohtani today was named the 2023 American League Most Valuable Player
in an announcement made by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA). It marks the second
A.L. MVP award for Ohtani, who joins Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera as the only foreign-born players to
win multiple MVP Awards. Ohtani was also the 2016 Most Valuable Player in Nippon Professional Baseball’s
Pacific League.
Ohtani earned all 30 first place votes for a total of 420 points in the balloting process, 156 points
ahead of second place finisher Corey Seager of the Texas Rangers (264 points). Ohtani, who also won the
2021 A.L. MVP Award in unanimous fashion, is the 20th unanimous BBWAA MVP Award winner and the first
to do so multiple times. The Angels are the first team to have three unanimous MVP Awards (Mike Trout was
a unanimous winner in 2014).
As a hitter, Ohtani led the American League in home runs (44), on-base percentage (.412), slugging
percentage (.654), OPS (1.066), extra-base hits (78) and total bases (325) in 2023. He became the second
player in Angels history to lead the league in home runs, joining Troy Glaus (led A.L. with 47 HR in 2000), and
was the only player in the Majors with 5+ triples and 35+ home runs. Ohtani also ranked among A.L. leaders
in intentional walks (21; 2nd), triples (8; 3rd), batting average (.304; 4th), runs (102; T-4th), and walks (91;
5th).
As a pitcher, he led the A.L. (min. 130 IP) with a .184 (85/463) opponent batting average and finished
the year with a 10-5 record, a 3.14 ERA (132 IP – 46 ER) and 167 strikeouts across 23 starts. Ohtani allowed
one-or-fewer earned runs in 13 of 23 starts, pitched his first career shutout on July 27 at Detroit and finished
the year with an active streak of 20.2 consecutive innings pitched without allowing an earned run.
For a third consecutive season, Ohtani was selected to the All-Star Game as both a pitcher and position
player and was the American League’s leading vote-getter in Phase 1 of fan voting. He joined David Ortiz
(2011-13) as the only players to receive three straight All-Star fan elections at designated hitter.
The 29-year-old captures the Angels seventh MVP award in franchise history, following Don Baylor
(1979), Vladimir Guerrero (2004), Mike Trout (2014, 2016 & 2019) and Ohtani’s first award in 2021. The
Angels are the first team to win five MVP awards in a 10-year span since San Francisco won five straight with
Jeff Kent (2000) and Barry Bonds (2001-04) and the first A.L. team since the Yankees won eight from 1954-
63 with Yogi Berra (1954-55), Mickey Mantle (1956-57, ’62), Roger Maris (1960-61) and Elston Howard
(1963).
View the full article

ANAHEIM – RHP/DH Shohei Ohtani today was named the 2023 American League Most Valuable Player
in an announcement made by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA). It marks the second
A.L. MVP award for Ohtani, who joins Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera as the only foreign-born players to
win multiple MVP Awards. Ohtani was also the 2016 Most Valuable Player in Nippon Professional Baseball’s
Pacific League.
Ohtani earned all 30 first place votes for a total of 420 points in the balloting process, 156 points
ahead of second place finisher Corey Seager of the Texas Rangers (264 points). Ohtani, who also won the
2021 A.L. MVP Award in unanimous fashion, is the 20th unanimous BBWAA MVP Award winner and the first
to do so multiple times. The Angels are the first team to have three unanimous MVP Awards (Mike Trout was
a unanimous winner in 2014).
As a hitter, Ohtani led the American League in home runs (44), on-base percentage (.412), slugging
percentage (.654), OPS (1.066), extra-base hits (78) and total bases (325) in 2023. He became the second
player in Angels history to lead the league in home runs, joining Troy Glaus (led A.L. with 47 HR in 2000), and
was the only player in the Majors with 5+ triples and 35+ home runs. Ohtani also ranked among A.L. leaders
in intentional walks (21; 2nd), triples (8; 3rd), batting average (.304; 4th), runs (102; T-4th), and walks (91;
5th).
As a pitcher, he led the A.L. (min. 130 IP) with a .184 (85/463) opponent batting average and finished
the year with a 10-5 record, a 3.14 ERA (132 IP – 46 ER) and 167 strikeouts across 23 starts. Ohtani allowed
one-or-fewer earned runs in 13 of 23 starts, pitched his first career shutout on July 27 at Detroit and finished
the year with an active streak of 20.2 consecutive innings pitched without allowing an earned run.
For a third consecutive season, Ohtani was selected to the All-Star Game as both a pitcher and position
player and was the American League’s leading vote-getter in Phase 1 of fan voting. He joined David Ortiz
(2011-13) as the only players to receive three straight All-Star fan elections at designated hitter.
The 29-year-old captures the Angels seventh MVP award in franchise history, following Don Baylor
(1979), Vladimir Guerrero (2004), Mike Trout (2014, 2016 & 2019) and Ohtani’s first award in 2021. The
Angels are the first team to win five MVP awards in a 10-year span since San Francisco won five straight with
Jeff Kent (2000) and Barry Bonds (2001-04) and the first A.L. team since the Yankees won eight from 1954-
63 with Yogi Berra (1954-55), Mickey Mantle (1956-57, ’62), Roger Maris (1960-61) and Elston Howard
(1963).
View the full article

ANAHEIM – RHP/DH Shohei Ohtani today was named the 2023 American League Most Valuable Player
in an announcement made by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA). It marks the second
A.L. MVP award for Ohtani, who joins Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera as the only foreign-born players to
win multiple MVP Awards. Ohtani was also the 2016 Most Valuable Player in Nippon Professional Baseball’s
Pacific League.
Ohtani earned all 30 first place votes for a total of 420 points in the balloting process, 156 points
ahead of second place finisher Corey Seager of the Texas Rangers (264 points). Ohtani, who also won the
2021 A.L. MVP Award in unanimous fashion, is the 20th unanimous BBWAA MVP Award winner and the first
to do so multiple times. The Angels are the first team to have three unanimous MVP Awards (Mike Trout was
a unanimous winner in 2014).
As a hitter, Ohtani led the American League in home runs (44), on-base percentage (.412), slugging
percentage (.654), OPS (1.066), extra-base hits (78) and total bases (325) in 2023. He became the second
player in Angels history to lead the league in home runs, joining Troy Glaus (led A.L. with 47 HR in 2000), and
was the only player in the Majors with 5+ triples and 35+ home runs. Ohtani also ranked among A.L. leaders
in intentional walks (21; 2nd), triples (8; 3rd), batting average (.304; 4th), runs (102; T-4th), and walks (91;
5th).
As a pitcher, he led the A.L. (min. 130 IP) with a .184 (85/463) opponent batting average and finished
the year with a 10-5 record, a 3.14 ERA (132 IP – 46 ER) and 167 strikeouts across 23 starts. Ohtani allowed
one-or-fewer earned runs in 13 of 23 starts, pitched his first career shutout on July 27 at Detroit and finished
the year with an active streak of 20.2 consecutive innings pitched without allowing an earned run.
For a third consecutive season, Ohtani was selected to the All-Star Game as both a pitcher and position
player and was the American League’s leading vote-getter in Phase 1 of fan voting. He joined David Ortiz
(2011-13) as the only players to receive three straight All-Star fan elections at designated hitter.
The 29-year-old captures the Angels seventh MVP award in franchise history, following Don Baylor
(1979), Vladimir Guerrero (2004), Mike Trout (2014, 2016 & 2019) and Ohtani’s first award in 2021. The
Angels are the first team to win five MVP awards in a 10-year span since San Francisco won five straight with
Jeff Kent (2000) and Barry Bonds (2001-04) and the first A.L. team since the Yankees won eight from 1954-
63 with Yogi Berra (1954-55), Mickey Mantle (1956-57, ’62), Roger Maris (1960-61) and Elston Howard
(1963).
View the full article

Shohei Ohtani didn’t even need to play a full season to achieve another piece of history.
Ohtani, who missed the last month of the Angels’ season because of injuries, was unanimously selected as the American League MVP on Thursday.
Ohtani became the first player in major league history to win the MVP unanimously twice. He also did it in 2021.
With a second-place finish in between those years, Ohtani just completed a three-year run that stands alone in the history of the sport.
Now, the two-way star is in the midst of a free agent process that could end with a record-breaking deal.
The baseball world has been guessing about which team will sign Ohtani. The Dodgers are a popular pick, but the Angels are also trying to keep him.
There was much more certainty with the MVP race.
Ohtani seemingly locked up the award over the summer, when he was American League Player of the Month in June and July. He then tore his ulnar collateral ligament in late August, ending his season as a pitcher. In early September he suffered a strained oblique that prevented him from hitting.
Still, Ohtani led the league with 44 home runs and a .412 on-base percentage. He led the majors with a .654 slugging percentage and an OPS of 1.066.
On the mound, he posted a 3.14 ERA in 132 innings over 23 starts, with 167 strikeouts.
Related Articles
Los Angeles Angels | Hoornstra: In hiring Ron Washington, Angels demonstrate what’s old is new Los Angeles Angels | New manager Ron Washington promises Angels’ focus will be to ‘run the West down’ Los Angeles Angels | Angels make two coaching staff moves official Los Angeles Angels | Shohei Ohtani wins Silver Slugger at DH again Los Angeles Angels | The Audible: Ron Washington, USC’s hoops prodigies and if Chip Kelly’s on the hot seat All the numbers were similar to his MVP season in 2021, when he hit 46 homers with a .965 OPS and a 3.18 ERA in 130⅓ innings.
Ohtani received all 30 votes, cast by two baseball writers representing each city in the American League. Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager finished second, while Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien was third.
Ohtani is one of 18 players to win the MVP unanimously, including teammate Mike Trout (in 2014) and one of 29 players to win multiple MVP awards, including Trout, a three-time winner.
The Angels have had seven MVP winners, with Don Baylor (1979) and Vladimir Guerrero (2004) joining Ohtani and Trout.
More to come on this story.
View the full article

Shohei Ohtani didn’t even need to play a full season to achieve another piece of history.
Ohtani, who missed the last month of the Angels’ season because of injuries, was unanimously selected as the American League MVP on Thursday.
Ohtani became the first player in major league history to win the MVP unanimously twice. He also did it in 2021.
With a second-place finish in between those years, Ohtani just completed a three-year run that stands alone in the history of the sport.
Now, the two-way star is in the midst of a free agent process that could end with a record-breaking deal.
The baseball world has been guessing about which team will sign Ohtani. The Dodgers are a popular pick, but the Angels are also trying to keep him.
There was much more certainty with the MVP race.
Ohtani seemingly locked up the award over the summer, when he was American League Player of the Month in June and July. He then tore his ulnar collateral ligament in late August, ending his season as a pitcher. In early September he suffered a strained oblique that prevented him from hitting.
Still, Ohtani led the league with 44 home runs and a .412 on-base percentage. He led the majors with a .654 slugging percentage and an OPS of 1.066.
On the mound, he posted a 3.14 ERA in 132 innings over 23 starts, with 167 strikeouts.
Related Articles
Los Angeles Angels | Hoornstra: In hiring Ron Washington, Angels demonstrate what’s old is new Los Angeles Angels | New manager Ron Washington promises Angels’ focus will be to ‘run the West down’ Los Angeles Angels | Angels make two coaching staff moves official Los Angeles Angels | Shohei Ohtani wins Silver Slugger at DH again Los Angeles Angels | The Audible: Ron Washington, USC’s hoops prodigies and if Chip Kelly’s on the hot seat All the numbers were similar to his MVP season in 2021, when he hit 46 homers with a .965 OPS and a 3.18 ERA in 130⅓ innings.
Ohtani received all 30 votes, cast by two baseball writers representing each city in the American League. Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager finished second, while Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien was third.
Ohtani is one of 18 players to win the MVP unanimously, including teammate Mike Trout (in 2014) and one of 29 players to win multiple MVP awards, including Trout, a three-time winner.
The Angels have had seven MVP winners, with Don Baylor (1979) and Vladimir Guerrero (2004) joining Ohtani and Trout.
More to come on this story.
View the full article

New Angels manager Ron Washington, left, puts on his jersey as Angels general manager Perry Minasian congratulates him during a press conference on Wednesday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

New Angels manager Ron Washington answers questions from reporters during his introductory press conference on Wednesday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

New Angels manager Ron Washington, left, and General Manager Perry Minasian pose for a photo following Washington’s introductory press conference on Wednesday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

New Angels manager Ron Washington, right, answers questions from reporters during his introductory press conference on Wednesday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

New Angels manager Ron Washington, left, shares a laugh with General Manager Perry Minasian during a press conference on Wednesday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Members of the media, guests and others gather in the Home Plate Club at Angel Stadium on Wednesday for a press conference introducing Ron Washington, center, as the team’s new manager. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

New Angels manager Ron Washington, left, and General Manager Perry Minasian take their seats during a press conference on Wednesday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

New Angels manager Ron Washington claps at the conclusion of his introductory press conference on Wednesday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

New Angels manager Ron Washington, right, does an interview with Bally Sports West broadcasters following his introductory press conference on Wednesday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

New Angels manager Ron Washington answers questions from reporters during his introductory press conference on Wednesday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Show Caption of
Expand ANAHEIM — On the day when he was introduced as a major league manager for the second time, Ron Washington referred back to the situation he inherited the first time.
When the Texas Rangers hired Washington before the 2007 season, the Angels were, in Washington’s words, “the big dog” in the American League West, coming off a World Series title in 2002 and division titles in 2004 and 2005.
“And what happened?” Washington said with a grin. “We ran them down.”
Washington’s Rangers won the division in 2010 and 2011, each time going to the World Series. Now, his mission is to take the Angels on a similar path, overcoming the teams that won the last two World Series, the Rangers and the Houston Astros.
“Once we get things together and we get these guys together in spring training and start to work, our whole focus is going to be to run the West down,” said Washington, who replaces Phil Nevin, who wasn’t re-signed after the Angels completed their eighth consecutive losing year and their ninth straight non-playoff season. “And you can take that to the bank and deposit it.”
That drew rousing applause from the Angels employees in the room and certainly from many fans watching the televised introduction.
It had been a week since the Angels announced that they hired the 71-year-old Washington to be their next manager, but Wednesday was the first day for Washington to talk publicly about the job or for General Manager Perry Minasian to explain why he made the choice he did.
One of the reasons, Minasian said, was just the sort of energy and enthusiasm that Washington demonstrated with his “take that to the bank” proclamation.
Minasian has known Washington since the Rangers hired him in 2007, when Minasian was working as an advance scout and manager assistant. They were together again from 2018-20 with the Atlanta Braves, with Minasian working as an assistant GM and Washington as the third base coach.
Minasian said he was comfortable with the due diligence the Angels performed on Washington’s background. Washington admitted in 2010 that he failed a 2009 drug test for cocaine, and he resigned from the Rangers to address an “off-the-field personal matter” in September 2014.
Those issues aside, Washington is widely respected throughout the game.
“I’ve gotten numerous calls already from people that have played for him or people that know him, not only excited for him and his opportunity but wouldn’t mind joining the party over here,” Minasian said.
Minasian, who inked Washington to a two-year contract with an option, has compared the manager/GM relationship to a marriage, requiring constant communication and collaboration. He said Washington was the right man to deal with those above him and the players below him.
“Nobody has more respect from players than Ron Washington, and I think you’ve just experienced it,” Minasian said after Washington got the crowd worked up during his introductory remarks. “When he talks, people listen. He’s got a way of connecting and giving people confidence. And I think he’s gonna get the most out of our group. I’m really excited to work with him and somebody I’m going to learn from.”
Washington is inheriting an Angels team that has had a losing record for each of the last eight years, including a 73-89 record in 2023.
“I see potential, but I also see guys that have to make certain that baseball is their priority,” Washington said.
Asked to elaborate on that point, he said he wasn’t suggesting “that guys are not doing what they’re supposed to do,” but that he simply wanted to make sure everyone’s “commitment, attitude and effort” are positive.
“We’re not going to talk about it,” Washington said. “It’s nothing we’re going to be preaching for the outside world to hear. We’re gonna be preaching it for the guys inside the clubhouse to hear. Then we’re going to go out there in a belief that we’re going to create, and we’re going to turn it into action. There’s no doubt about that. I’ve always been a part of winning. I don’t know anything else but winning. And we just got to get the attitude and the commitment and the effort going in the right direction.”
Washington also said he plans to talk to center fielder Mike Trout and third baseman Anthony Rendon immediately. The two star players have each endured disappointing seasons lately, mostly because of injuries.
“Those are the two huge leaders here,” Washington said. “And I do want them to lead. They won’t be able to lead by themselves but I want them to take the lead because all the younger players we’ve got around here look up to those guys. I want them to lead.”
As for those young players, Washington said in his initial assessment of the team he’s mostly focused on the pitchers.
“I’m watching the pitching right now,” Washington said, “trying to get a pitching coach in here that I think can escalate these guys’ growth.”
The pitchers figure to benefit from improved defense, and Washington called himself “the best in the business” when it comes to defense.
“That’s not patting myself on the back,” he said. “That’s a fact.”
Washington said he would continue to get involved with instructing players, which is necessary because players reach the big leagues so quickly these days. He said he would not interfere with new infield coach Ryan Goins, who will be in his first coaching job after spending parts of eight seasons as a big league player.
The only other coaching position that’s settled is third base coach Eric Young Jr. Washington confirmed that he’s selected Bo Porter as his first base coach, but the Angels haven’t made that hiring official yet.
Washington also said that he doesn’t foresee any issues in working with the front office. It’s well established that all major league teams now have analytics groups that provide daily guidance for how to run the team.
Related Articles
Los Angeles Angels | Angels make two coaching staff moves official Los Angeles Angels | Shohei Ohtani wins Silver Slugger at DH again Los Angeles Angels | The Audible: Ron Washington, USC’s hoops prodigies and if Chip Kelly’s on the hot seat Los Angeles Angels | Will pursuit of Shohei Ohtani lead Dodgers to get ‘irrational?’ Los Angeles Angels | Hoornstra: MLB’s Top 10 free agents fill a variety of needs Although Washington definitively said “I am writing the lineup, I can tell you that right now,” he said he would welcome input from the front office.
“We’re not going to have an antagonistic relationship,” Washington said. “I believe in conversations. I have no problem with any information that they bring down to us. And if I do have a problem with it, we’re gonna close the door and we’re gonna talk about it. We’re not going to have an antagonistic relationship. I guarantee you that.”
Relief pitcher usage is one of the most common ways in which front offices typically come up with a pregame plan.
“I’ve seen out there, a lot of managers and their organizations have already scripted how the game is going to go and don’t seem to get off that script,” Washington said. “I’m just gonna watch the game, from the first pitch. And me and my bench coach and my pitching coach, we’re gonna put our experience together, and from watching the game from the first pitch, we’re going to take the information that we have, and we’re gonna apply it that way.”







View the full article

New Angels manager Ron Washington, left, puts on his jersey as Angels general manager Perry Minasian congratulates him during a press conference on Wednesday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

New Angels manager Ron Washington answers questions from reporters during his introductory press conference on Wednesday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

New Angels manager Ron Washington, left, and General Manager Perry Minasian pose for a photo following Washington’s introductory press conference on Wednesday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

New Angels manager Ron Washington, right, answers questions from reporters during his introductory press conference on Wednesday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

New Angels manager Ron Washington, left, shares a laugh with General Manager Perry Minasian during a press conference on Wednesday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Members of the media, guests and others gather in the Home Plate Club at Angel Stadium on Wednesday for a press conference introducing Ron Washington, center, as the team’s new manager. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

New Angels manager Ron Washington, left, and General Manager Perry Minasian take their seats during a press conference on Wednesday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

New Angels manager Ron Washington claps at the conclusion of his introductory press conference on Wednesday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

New Angels manager Ron Washington, right, does an interview with Bally Sports West broadcasters following his introductory press conference on Wednesday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

New Angels manager Ron Washington answers questions from reporters during his introductory press conference on Wednesday at Angel Stadium. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Show Caption of
Expand ANAHEIM — On the day when he was introduced as a major league manager for the second time, Ron Washington referred back to the situation he inherited the first time.
When the Texas Rangers hired Washington before the 2007 season, the Angels were, in Washington’s words, “the big dog” in the American League West, coming off a World Series title in 2002 and division titles in 2004 and 2005.
“And what happened?” Washington said with a grin. “We ran them down.”
Washington’s Rangers won the division in 2010 and 2011, each time going to the World Series. Now, his mission is to take the Angels on a similar path, overcoming the teams that won the last two World Series, the Rangers and the Houston Astros.
“Once we get things together and we get these guys together in spring training and start to work, our whole focus is going to be to run the West down,” said Washington, who replaces Phil Nevin, who wasn’t re-signed after the Angels completed their eighth consecutive losing year and their ninth straight non-playoff season. “And you can take that to the bank and deposit it.”
That drew rousing applause from the Angels employees in the room and certainly from many fans watching the televised introduction.
It had been a week since the Angels announced that they hired the 71-year-old Washington to be their next manager, but Wednesday was the first day for Washington to talk publicly about the job or for General Manager Perry Minasian to explain why he made the choice he did.
One of the reasons, Minasian said, was just the sort of energy and enthusiasm that Washington demonstrated with his “take that to the bank” proclamation.
Minasian has known Washington since the Rangers hired him in 2007, when Minasian was working as an advance scout and manager assistant. They were together again from 2018-20 with the Atlanta Braves, with Minasian working as an assistant GM and Washington as the third base coach.
Minasian said he was comfortable with the due diligence the Angels performed on Washington’s background. Washington admitted in 2010 that he failed a 2009 drug test for cocaine, and he resigned from the Rangers to address an “off-the-field personal matter” in September 2014.
Those issues aside, Washington is widely respected throughout the game.
“I’ve gotten numerous calls already from people that have played for him or people that know him, not only excited for him and his opportunity but wouldn’t mind joining the party over here,” Minasian said.
Minasian, who inked Washington to a two-year contract with an option, has compared the manager/GM relationship to a marriage, requiring constant communication and collaboration. He said Washington was the right man to deal with those above him and the players below him.
“Nobody has more respect from players than Ron Washington, and I think you’ve just experienced it,” Minasian said after Washington got the crowd worked up during his introductory remarks. “When he talks, people listen. He’s got a way of connecting and giving people confidence. And I think he’s gonna get the most out of our group. I’m really excited to work with him and somebody I’m going to learn from.”
Washington is inheriting an Angels team that has had a losing record for each of the last eight years, including a 73-89 record in 2023.
“I see potential, but I also see guys that have to make certain that baseball is their priority,” Washington said.
Asked to elaborate on that point, he said he wasn’t suggesting “that guys are not doing what they’re supposed to do,” but that he simply wanted to make sure everyone’s “commitment, attitude and effort” are positive.
“We’re not going to talk about it,” Washington said. “It’s nothing we’re going to be preaching for the outside world to hear. We’re gonna be preaching it for the guys inside the clubhouse to hear. Then we’re going to go out there in a belief that we’re going to create, and we’re going to turn it into action. There’s no doubt about that. I’ve always been a part of winning. I don’t know anything else but winning. And we just got to get the attitude and the commitment and the effort going in the right direction.”
Washington also said he plans to talk to center fielder Mike Trout and third baseman Anthony Rendon immediately. The two star players have each endured disappointing seasons lately, mostly because of injuries.
“Those are the two huge leaders here,” Washington said. “And I do want them to lead. They won’t be able to lead by themselves but I want them to take the lead because all the younger players we’ve got around here look up to those guys. I want them to lead.”
As for those young players, Washington said in his initial assessment of the team he’s mostly focused on the pitchers.
“I’m watching the pitching right now,” Washington said, “trying to get a pitching coach in here that I think can escalate these guys’ growth.”
The pitchers figure to benefit from improved defense, and Washington called himself “the best in the business” when it comes to defense.
“That’s not patting myself on the back,” he said. “That’s a fact.”
Washington said he would continue to get involved with instructing players, which is necessary because players reach the big leagues so quickly these days. He said he would not interfere with new infield coach Ryan Goins, who will be in his first coaching job after spending parts of eight seasons as a big league player.
The only other coaching position that’s settled is third base coach Eric Young Jr. Washington confirmed that he’s selected Bo Porter as his first base coach, but the Angels haven’t made that hiring official yet.
Washington also said that he doesn’t foresee any issues in working with the front office. It’s well established that all major league teams now have analytics groups that provide daily guidance for how to run the team.
Related Articles
Los Angeles Angels | Angels make two coaching staff moves official Los Angeles Angels | Shohei Ohtani wins Silver Slugger at DH again Los Angeles Angels | The Audible: Ron Washington, USC’s hoops prodigies and if Chip Kelly’s on the hot seat Los Angeles Angels | Will pursuit of Shohei Ohtani lead Dodgers to get ‘irrational?’ Los Angeles Angels | Hoornstra: MLB’s Top 10 free agents fill a variety of needs Although Washington definitively said “I am writing the lineup, I can tell you that right now,” he said he would welcome input from the front office.
“We’re not going to have an antagonistic relationship,” Washington said. “I believe in conversations. I have no problem with any information that they bring down to us. And if I do have a problem with it, we’re gonna close the door and we’re gonna talk about it. We’re not going to have an antagonistic relationship. I guarantee you that.”
Relief pitcher usage is one of the most common ways in which front offices typically come up with a pregame plan.
“I’ve seen out there, a lot of managers and their organizations have already scripted how the game is going to go and don’t seem to get off that script,” Washington said. “I’m just gonna watch the game, from the first pitch. And me and my bench coach and my pitching coach, we’re gonna put our experience together, and from watching the game from the first pitch, we’re going to take the information that we have, and we’re gonna apply it that way.”







View the full article

One of the Angels biggest needs this offseason, aside from a few pitching stars up top, always seems to revolve around a lack of strong talent behind the incumbent starters and superstars. It’s hard to sustain any type of run towards success when the supporting cast behind our frontlines is more often than not “less than replacement level”. Last year saw a slight change of pace as a support squad of O'Hoppe/Neto/Schanuel grew as frontline leaders, yet now behind them appears yet another thin picking of questionable prospects. Competing in 2024 would be nice and I’m sure fans would love to see an immediate run towards success, yet without truly accepting the lack of roster wide depth and firmly addressing it next year will be nothing but a repeat of the last season, and the season before, and so on. We all agree the Angels need to do something different, something more than the cycle of free agent signings and trade packages leaving Anaheim in order to roll the dice on the productivity of inconsistent veterans. Too long have the Angels shyed away from trading their own big league pieces for prospect packages and develop their own cycle of youth infusion. The lack of initiative in taking advantage of trade values over the last few years is one of the biggest culprits in this perpetuating cycle of failure, but with the Angels roster already so paper thin how exactly can they open up their trade options without tearing it all down?
Recent hot stove news has the Marlins leaving prospective first baseman and corner outfielder Troy Johnston unprotected for the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. They 26 year old lefty swinger profiles as a talented power hitter who just finished his 2023 season at Triple A with a 51 game stint that saw him collect 22 XBH's on a .923 OPS. Much like Mickey Moniak, though with a game that is naturally more level spread and consistent, Johnston’s potential puts himself in line for a possible breakout season should he get claimed and featured in a Major League outfield. Overall his 600 PAs across both Double A and Triple A in 2023 amounted to a season total 26 HRs with 116 RBIs, 62 BBs/108Ks with an OPS of .948 while scoring 102 runs and stealing 24 bases (2 caught stealing). It doesn't take much to see the value in a hitter who can bring runs around while also putting himself in position to score at a high clip. A deeper dive into his peripherals takes us into some mind blowing territory; his 125 PA’s in 2 Out RISP situations has him mashing an 1.022 OPS. His splits are as even as it gets as RHP have him at .314/.406/.557 on 17 HRs (432 PAs) while LHP see him swing .288/.381/.527 with 9 HR in 168 PAs. His ability to see either handed pitchers on a relatively even basis can bring a much needed consistency to a roster that struggles to employ such qualities across the roster. One of the Angels biggest offensive struggles stemmed from an inability to make meaningful contact in high leverage situations, yet Johnston has the apparent ability to step up in hot situation. Could that simply be a fluke minor league run, or perhaps the indication of a gritty, hard nosed man in the box? There are few guys better for injecting culture into a clubhouse than the ones who step up in the grittiest of moments and often they make the best role models for those who struggle to do the same. Of course this is prefaced with a lot of "what-ifs", yet the potential ceiling Johnston has is enough to make one seriously ponder. 

Just off of these stats it seems like a no brainer claim on the Angels end given the lack of outfield depth behind Moniak, unless you count Rengifo. Defensively Johnston has not played the corner outfield since 2022, yet his 93.2 innings in LF that season saw him manage a perfect fielding percentage alongside enough positive peripherals to encourage a potential transition of said skills to the Majors. Especially when you consider the outfield specialties of Angels new 3B coach Eric Young Sr and the support he will bring to developing athletes. It seems like a lot of work to transition a 1B/DH guy a year removed from slight Minor League outfield reps into MLB form, and while it is quite the task this does not come without reward for the effort. The Angels biggest hump that keeps them from truly progressing into sustained competency is the lack of initiative in occasionally offloading big league talent for prospect packages. The Angels cannot continue to clutch their pearls over their own valuable players until said player loses all value and sees release (for nothing) either through Free Agency or waivers. All good clubs utilize every avenue of improvement regardless if it means trading a big league piece or two to ensure youth is constantly cycled into the organization. The Angels do not do that, only within the last couple of seasons have the Angels prioritized infusing youth talent across the roster and we've quickly seen the effects it can have on a roster. That lackadaisical, no initiative attitude has to end now if the Angels are going to compete in the near future, this penultimate first step requiring the trades of at least one of Ward, Drury, or Estevez. You don't have to trade all three, but even just two of them (Ward/Estevez) would bring a worthwhile haul back to Anaheim. This is not an opportunity to be scoffed at, again especially for a franchise hard up on avenues towards improvement. A Troy Johnston claim would more than free up Ward for trade consideration, but at the end of the day it doesn't have to be Johnston. It can very much be a Bellinger on a big time contract or any other free agent outfielder, but if the Angels are looking to do it cheap while maximizing ceiling potential this would be the way.
Troy Johnston can give the Angels what they need most and provide options where little to none exist. Much of this conjecture relies on the Angels missing out on Ohtani and committing to a reload (we all know Moreno doesn’t rebuild), but should the Angels take the path of the reload a Ward trade would be the easiest to stomach. It would probably be more feasible to sign Bellinger and go with a more proven starting commodity in event you ship off Ward, but if the Angels want to allocate those dollars towards young pitching talent on the market (Yamamoto) they'll have to go cheaper than Bellinger. Johnston could potentially be a massive pickup for a team looking to take a chance on high ceiling prospect talent and with the luck the Angels have had flipping other teams top prospects into MLB talent (Moniak/O'Hoppe) perhaps it would be advisable to continue the trends that have brought the few bright spots the Angels currently have. Rather than build from the top down through expensive contracts the Angels should continue to build from the bottom up by taking furthered chances on top ranked prospects. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it as they say, and though much of Anaheim is in tatters the one quality that worked in their favor was their trust in young prospect talent and should they continue to trust the highly talented baby boom coming into the modern baseball landscape they will find suitable reward awaiting at the end of a long season.
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One of the Angels biggest needs this offseason, aside from a few pitching stars up top, always seems to revolve around a lack of strong talent behind the incumbent starters and superstars. It’s hard to sustain any type of run towards success when the supporting cast behind our frontlines is more often than not “less than replacement level”. Last year saw a slight change of pace as a support squad of O'Hoppe/Neto/Schanuel grew as frontline leaders, yet now behind them appears yet another thin picking of questionable prospects. Competing in 2024 would be nice and I’m sure fans would love to see an immediate run towards success, yet without truly accepting the lack of roster wide depth and firmly addressing it next year will be nothing but a repeat of the last season, and the season before, and so on. We all agree the Angels need to do something different, something more than the cycle of free agent signings and trade packages leaving Anaheim in order to roll the dice on the productivity of inconsistent veterans. Too long have the Angels shyed away from trading their own big league pieces for prospect packages and develop their own cycle of youth infusion. The lack of initiative in taking advantage of trade values over the last few years is one of the biggest culprits in this perpetuating cycle of failure, but with the Angels roster already so paper thin how exactly can they open up their trade options without tearing it all down?
Recent hot stove news has the Marlins leaving prospective first baseman and corner outfielder Troy Johnston unprotected for the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. They 26 year old lefty swinger profiles as a talented power hitter who just finished his 2023 season at Triple A with a 51 game stint that saw him collect 22 XBH's on a .923 OPS. Much like Mickey Moniak, though with a game that is naturally more level spread and consistent, Johnston’s potential puts himself in line for a possible breakout season should he get claimed and featured in a Major League outfield. Overall his 600 PAs across both Double A and Triple A in 2023 amounted to a season total 26 HRs with 116 RBIs, 62 BBs/108Ks with an OPS of .948 while scoring 102 runs and stealing 24 bases (2 caught stealing). It doesn't take much to see the value in a hitter who can bring runs around while also putting himself in position to score at a high clip. A deeper dive into his peripherals takes us into some mind blowing territory; his 125 PA’s in 2 Out RISP situations has him mashing an 1.022 OPS. His splits are as even as it gets as RHP have him at .314/.406/.557 on 17 HRs (432 PAs) while LHP see him swing .288/.381/.527 with 9 HR in 168 PAs. His ability to see either handed pitchers on a relatively even basis can bring a much needed consistency to a roster that struggles to employ such qualities across the roster. One of the Angels biggest offensive struggles stemmed from an inability to make meaningful contact in high leverage situations, yet Johnston has the apparent ability to step up in hot situation. Could that simply be a fluke minor league run, or perhaps the indication of a gritty, hard nosed man in the box? There are few guys better for injecting culture into a clubhouse than the ones who step up in the grittiest of moments and often they make the best role models for those who struggle to do the same. Of course this is prefaced with a lot of "what-ifs", yet the potential ceiling Johnston has is enough to make one seriously ponder. 

Just off of these stats it seems like a no brainer claim on the Angels end given the lack of outfield depth behind Moniak, unless you count Rengifo. Defensively Johnston has not played the corner outfield since 2022, yet his 93.2 innings in LF that season saw him manage a perfect fielding percentage alongside enough positive peripherals to encourage a potential transition of said skills to the Majors. Especially when you consider the outfield specialties of Angels new 3B coach Eric Young Sr and the support he will bring to developing athletes. It seems like a lot of work to transition a 1B/DH guy a year removed from slight Minor League outfield reps into MLB form, and while it is quite the task this does not come without reward for the effort. The Angels biggest hump that keeps them from truly progressing into sustained competency is the lack of initiative in occasionally offloading big league talent for prospect packages. The Angels cannot continue to clutch their pearls over their own valuable players until said player loses all value and sees release (for nothing) either through Free Agency or waivers. All good clubs utilize every avenue of improvement regardless if it means trading a big league piece or two to ensure youth is constantly cycled into the organization. The Angels do not do that, only within the last couple of seasons have the Angels prioritized infusing youth talent across the roster and we've quickly seen the effects it can have on a roster. That lackadaisical, no initiative attitude has to end now if the Angels are going to compete in the near future, this penultimate first step requiring the trades of at least one of Ward, Drury, or Estevez. You don't have to trade all three, but even just two of them (Ward/Estevez) would bring a worthwhile haul back to Anaheim. This is not an opportunity to be scoffed at, again especially for a franchise hard up on avenues towards improvement. A Troy Johnston claim would more than free up Ward for trade consideration, but at the end of the day it doesn't have to be Johnston. It can very much be a Bellinger on a big time contract or any other free agent outfielder, but if the Angels are looking to do it cheap while maximizing ceiling potential this would be the way.
Troy Johnston can give the Angels what they need most and provide options where little to none exist. Much of this conjecture relies on the Angels missing out on Ohtani and committing to a reload (we all know Moreno doesn’t rebuild), but should the Angels take the path of the reload a Ward trade would be the easiest to stomach. It would probably be more feasible to sign Bellinger and go with a more proven starting commodity in event you ship off Ward, but if the Angels want to allocate those dollars towards young pitching talent on the market (Yamamoto) they'll have to go cheaper than Bellinger. Johnston could potentially be a massive pickup for a team looking to take a chance on high ceiling prospect talent and with the luck the Angels have had flipping other teams top prospects into MLB talent (Moniak/O'Hoppe) perhaps it would be advisable to continue the trends that have brought the few bright spots the Angels currently have. Rather than build from the top down through expensive contracts the Angels should continue to build from the bottom up by taking furthered chances on top ranked prospects. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it as they say, and though much of Anaheim is in tatters the one quality that worked in their favor was their trust in young prospect talent and should they continue to trust the highly talented baby boom coming into the modern baseball landscape they will find suitable reward awaiting at the end of a long season.
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By Ryan Falla, AngelsWin.com Contributor
The Angels are currently hard up for quality talent in many spots across the roster heading into 2024, yet one place that needs little reinforcement is their current infield situation. With a talent stream featuring the likes of Nolan Schanuel, Brandon Drury, Zach Neto, Anthony Rendon, and Luis Rengifo there is clearly little room for addition in this tightly packed, talented infield. Yet recent offseason stove burnings have the Angels smouldering with interest in former White Sox infielder Tim Anderson, an athlete once known for his league best contact abilities who now stands at the crossroads as the light begins to dim on his career. His beleaguered bat, coupled with known character issues, and a league worst glove at shortstop, make a Tim Anderson partnership seem rather questionable for the Halos.
However, when you break down the minutiae of the Angels present paths going forward there is little to indicate the organization has many, if any options at all, in improving current roster conditions. Digging deeper into the potential benefits and consequences of a Tim Anderson signing points towards the Angels potentially receiving the greatest asset in which they currently have little of, that asset being versatility in roster construction opportunities as they plunge headfirst into the long winter off-season.
First we must evaluate the strength of an Anderson signing on it’s own accord. The former All Star once swung a league best bat back in 2019 as he produced an MLB best batting average of .335 with flashes of power promise that saw the young star collect 32 doubles with 81 runs scored, though his 18 HR’s would be an underachievement as he hit 20 the year before while swinging just .240. Tim Anderson, at his best, showcased a world of promise, though even then the cracks were already present in the league leading 26 year old. Though he managed a .335 average his OBP sat at .357, which to be fair is a nice OBP for most athletes, though when you’re swinging .335 to begin with it becomes clear there is something there that is not quite sustainable. Aside from his contact prowess Tim Anderson was not getting on base in any significant manner. You don’t have to look far to make sense of this aberration, through 518 PAs in 2019 Anderson managed just 15 walks, a mark so overwhelming egregious it is almost commendable in its absurdity. This of course was paired with 109 strikeouts on the year, setting the tone for unsustainability going forward. Though Anderson would maintain his productivity the next few seasons (hitting over .300 from 2020-2022) this all came crashing down come in 2023. Last year saw Anderson struggle immensely as he lost every conceivable offensive tool in his belt; his slash of .245/.286/.296 paints the entire picture clearly enough without need for advanced peripherals or linguistic athletics. Though he would state injury as a factor in his lost season (a torn hand ligament limited his 2022 to 79 games while an MCL injury stole time in 2023) this was only the tip of the iceberg in burgeoning concerns.

"I had an MCL injury[...] that kind of messed with me hitting. I kind of was not really hitting up against anything on the front side. I'm really not trying to make that excuse. This year has been a lot of searching. The body is working a lot differently, especially coming off injury. I could never grab hold to what I was searching for." -Tim Anderson (quote by Scott Merkin @ MLB.com)   

There are a few factors regarding the massive drop off in 2023, injury being a large one, yet even outside of his IL woes Anderson's BB/K rate alongside certain batted ball factors had his production primed for a leveling off. Aside from having the 4th worst walk rate in the Majors at 3.7% (through 2019-2022) Tim Anderson also ranked in the bottom of the league with the 10th worst GB% as 53% of his batted balls registered as ground balls. It’s hard to say Tim Anderson benefitted from luck through an entire four year span, though a hitter who profiles as a high groundball, low walk, high strikeout type would not be due for as much offensive success as Anderson saw were it not due to outlying factors such as luck.
Defensively Tim Anderson was one of the worst shortstops across the Majors through this span; overall he ranked 4th in errors among qualified shortstops (54 errors), was bottom 4 in assists (906), bottom 10 in putouts (498), while ultimately registering the 6th worst Defensive Runs Saved total of -8 DRS. Speaking on peripherals there is little to love about Anderson; can’t walk, strikes out far too often, doesn’t lift the ball, has no range, no arm, and generally no defensive touch. So what exactly is there to gain from a Tim Anderson signing for the Angels?
The true quality of such a move comes through opening up the Angels ability to sell either Brandon Drury or Luis Rengifo on the trade market without facing massive consequence (i.e fielding less than replacement level Minor Leaguers all year). Brandon Drury was one of the MLBs best offensive second baseman as noted by his 7th best wRC+ of 114 thanks to a consistent, hard hitting approach at the plate. Drury ranked as the MLBs best 2nd baseman when it came to HR/FB ratio as 19.1% of his flyballs went yard in 2023, a value that would be rather easy to play up on trade market. Overall Drury's .262/.306/.497 slash with 26 HRs and 83 RBIs would mesh well on any contender light on consistent and quality 2B AB's (Los Angeles Dodgers?). On the other hand you have Luis Rengifo, who may not command as much up front value as Drury, though his years of team control (under team control through 2026) alongside his super-super-utility ability to play six positions across the outfield and infield combined would mesh well on a contending team looking for quality support behind their starters. Rengifo’s offensive ability carries a surprising ceiling as the last three months of the 2023 season saw him bat well over .300 each month as he finished the year slashing .262/.339/.444 with 16 HRs and 51 RBIs alongside 41 BBs to 82 Ks. Of course there is an inconsistency to consider with his bat as his first three months saw him hit .200, .197, .209 respectively, though with 12 of his 16 HRs coming in the final three months there is plenty of room to negotiate his offensive value in trade talks. The real question to consider is not who would get the most value back, but which trade would put the Angels in the least vulnerable position in 2024?
Tim Anderson cannot play defense whatsoever and should not be expected too, making it difficult to see the team sending off a glove who can play all across the infield and outfield in favor of fielding two incumbent second baseman. Zach Neto covers shortstop with exceptional ability, meaning Anderson would only see SS AB's on Neto’s days off or in emergency situations. Realistically you cannot account for many outings at shortstop for Anderson, and if Rengifo is traded over Drury then you really are selling Anderson short because he will get almost zero time at 2B with Drury and Neto healthy. Drury can work some days at 1B when Schanuel needs time off, though it would not be nearly enough time to open the AB's needed at 2B to justify Tim Anderson. This leaves Anderson playing as utility man behind Drury and Neto, yet with defense so egregiously awful and a bat no better than Rengifo's there is less than no benefit to utilizing Anderson as a utility option. Especially considering Anderson would likely make more money than Rengifo, who made 2 million through 2023 and is currently set for arbitration this offseason. At what point can you truly justify signing Anderson as a utility option? The only reasonable solution would be to trade Drury and employ Anderson as an everyday 2B, leaving Rengifo to do what he does best and cover whatever is most in need on any given day, which is an incredibly valuable asset that Angel fans should not discount. There is also argument that Anderson could be signed without a trade as a stash in case of injury, but this in itself would require either an option on Neto or Schanuel or a DFA of Rendon or Rengifo, and with Tim Andersons inability to play third there is little logic in DFA'ing Rendon or Rengifo. There is no logical path towards an Anderson signing without a following trade.
There is some chance he could bounce back and achieve a glimmer of his former star under Ron Washington, though that is not to be heavily considered when you evaluate the true value of an Anderson signing. Acquiring the former favorite son of the White Sox would signal a new era in Anaheim, not one where the team excels under the power of his revived productivity, but one where the organization takes a realistic stance on their internal ability and values going forward and subsequently engage in the unglamourous decision making process that ensures long term success. Is this the longwinded way of saying a Tim Anderson signing signals a rebuild in Anaheim? Somewhat. A Tim Anderson acquisition gives the Angels options where they had little before, and for this beleaguered organization any step forward, no matter how insignificant, brings fans closer to seeing the favorable days shine down on Anaheim once more.
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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Angels have hired Atlanta Braves third-base coach Ron Washington as their new manager, giving a second opportunity for the former Texas Rangers manager.
Washington, 71, becomes the 20th manager in Angels history. He replaces Phil Nevin, whose option was declined last month.
Washington managed the Rangers from 2007-14, which overlapped with Angels general manager Perry Minasian’s final years working in the Rangers baseball operations department.
The Rangers were 664-611 in Washington’s years, including World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011. The Rangers lost both times.
Washington resigned in September 2014, saying in a statement that he wanted to devote his attention to addressing an “off-the-field personal matter.” Washington subsequently said he had been unfaithful to his wife of 42 years.
Washington also failed a test for cocaine while he was managing the Rangers in 2009, subjecting him to more stringent testing thereafter.
News of his failed test broke during spring training in 2010, and Washington admitted making what he said was an isolated mistake.
“Any attempt to try to explain it is going to sound like excuses,” Washington said in 2010. “There is no right way to explain something wrong, and I did wrong. Was it tension? Maybe. Anxiety?’’
After leaving the Rangers, Washington returned the Oakland A’s, who had employed him as a coach prior to his time managing the Rangers. Washington was the A’s third-base coach, and he was widely credited for helping Marcus Semien make dramatic defensive improvement.
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Before beginning his coaching career, Washington spent parts of 10 years as a major-league infielder, mostly with the Minnesota Twins. He last played in 1989 with the Houston Astros.
More to come on this story.
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PHOENIX — The Angels’ offseason is about to shift into high gear.
The Angels have been quietly working behind the scenes while the playoffs were underway for the past month, but with the start of the GM Meetings this week, they can begin more actively tackling a long list of to-do items.
The most important issues, of course, are hiring a manager and beginning the process of trying to retain Shohei Ohtani.
Since the Angels declined the option for Phil Nevin to return as manager, there have been plenty of rumored candidates but the Angels have not confirmed anyone who has been interviewed.
Buck Showalter, who worked with General Manager Perry Minasian when he began his baseball career with the Texas Rangers, has been widely assumed to be one of the top candidates. However, the Angels could have hired him already if he was their No. 1 choice.
Once the Angels have a manager, they’ll have to fill out the coaching staff. Matt Wise has already reportedly left his job as Angels pitching coach to become the bullpen coach for the Chicago White Sox.
As for Ohtani, the Angels will make him a qualifying offer of $20.325 million, and Ohtani will reject it. All of that is a formality, having no bearing on the Angels’ chances of signing him.
The Angels have been able to negotiate with Ohtani throughout the season, but beginning Monday at 2 p.m. PT, Ohtani can negotiate with the other 29 teams.
If Ohtani’s history is any guide, he could make a relatively quick decision in free agency. When he first came to the major leagues in 2017, he began meeting with teams on a Monday and he picked the Angels on Friday.
He agreed to a $30 million arbitration deal in October 2022, about four months before a typical arbitration deal would be reached.
Certainly, the Angels and the other teams that are pursuing Ohtani would love to have his answer as soon as possible because a salary of $40 million to $50 million per year will have an impact on the rest of the roster.
Beyond the Ohtani question, the Angels need a little of everything.
Their current rotation includes Patrick Sandoval, Reid Detmers, Griffin Canning, Chase Silseth and Tyler Anderson. Without Ohtani in the rotation – even if he re-signs, he can’t pitch until 2025 because he had elbow surgery – the Angels could go with a five-man rotation.
Although each of the five has shown promise in the past couple of years, the Angels could use more depth to cover themselves in case of injuries or poor performance.
The top free agent starters are Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, right-handers Aaron Nola, Jordan Montgomery, Marcus Stroman and Sonny Gray and left-hander Blake Snell.
The Angels also need help for a bullpen that is currently just Carlos Estevez, who had a terrible second half, and a cast of unproven young pitchers. Left-hander Josh Hader and right-hander Jordan Hicks are the best relievers available. Typically the free agent reliever market is a crapshoot, with a team just as likely to find quality for $3 million as $10 million.
Among position players, the Angels have a reasonable answer at every position on the field. Like last year, though, they could use some versatility to provide depth wherever they spring a leak. Last year they picked up Brandon Drury and Gio Urshela because both could play multiple positions. This time around, a player like Cody Bellinger or Justin Turner could fit that bill.
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Shohei Ohtani was voted the American League Outstanding Player in the Players’ Choice Awards, which are determined by a vote of major league players.
Ohtani, who officially became a free agent on Thursday morning, completed his third straight historic season with the Angels in 2023, hitting a league-leading 44 home runs while batting .304 with a 1.066 OPS. He also compiled a 3.14 ERA in 132 innings as a pitcher.
Ohtani is the favorite to win his second American League MVP award in three years. That award will be announced on Nov. 16. The three finalists will be announced on Monday.
Ohtani was also named a finalist for the American League Silver Slugger at designated hitter on Thursday.

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Shohei Ohtani was voted the American League Outstanding Player in the Players’ Choice Awards, which are determined by a vote of major league players.
Ohtani, who officially became a free agent on Thursday morning, completed his third straight historic season with the Angels in 2023, hitting a league-leading 44 home runs while batting .304 with a 1.066 OPS. He also compiled a 3.14 ERA in 132 innings as a pitcher.
Ohtani is the favorite to win his second American League MVP award in three years. That award will be announced on Nov. 16. The three finalists will be announced on Monday.
Ohtani was also named a finalist for the American League Silver Slugger at designated hitter on Thursday.

Related Articles
Los Angeles Angels | Dodgers figure to be at center of things during ‘Winter of Ohtani’ Los Angeles Angels | Alexander: Here’s what the Dodgers should do to prepare for 2024 Los Angeles Angels | Angels seek answers to significant injury issues View the full article