Dave Saltzer

I've seen us linked to him as well, but I'd be a lot happier with him in the second round rather than the first.

Here's a thought. Not that I think it is likely, but, an interesting thought. What if Nick Madrigal falls from the top-3 (for those who don't know him, he's the top-rated college hitter, plays 2B/SS, great fielder, runner, but limited power and only 5'7"). It's possible because teams put such a premium on power that he could fall, even though his hit tool is considered far and away the best. Now I've been mostly about the pitching in this year's draft, but, what if he fell down to us? It is possible (but again, not likely) that he could drop due to the small stature and lack of power (so many teams and scouts are married to traditional views, especially in the 1st round). If that happened, I think we would have to draft him as the BPA. What do you think?

Most of the IE66ers are like this: But Brandon Marsh is like this: Whatever you do, though, don't call him Shirley.

Latest from the Bleacherreport: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2778655-2018-mlb-mock-draft-breaking-down-top-prospects-and-predictions 17. Los Angeles Angels: Ryan Rolison, LHP, Ole Miss

No way in hell would I recommend doing this. Even if he truly is innocent of this, and did this due to bad legal advice, do you really want the distraction at every level as he moves through the system? Every time he moves up, there'd be an outcry, you'd have to assuage the community, etc. Not worth it. You don't draft or sign problems into the organization, especially on that level. The big question is how did this information get out? No matter what, his life has been heavily affected by it, and if it was revealed illegally, could result in some interesting litigation.

Does anyone have Insider to see what Keith Law has us projected to take in his latest mock draft?

Latest from Jonathan Mayo is out. Interesting thing is he still has McClanahan available if we wanted him. I had a discussion the other day with someone, and it comes down to risk and reward. McClanahan is the much higher risk (his command isn't as good), but, if harnassed would be quite lethal. Not to say that Gilbert isn't a very good pitcher, but his floor is probably higher than McClanahan's and his ceiling is a bit lower. However, he is more likely to hit his ceiling than McClanahan. From: https://www.mlb.com/news/mock-draft-jonathan-mayo-predicts-1st-round/c-279050910 17. Angels: Logan Gilbert, RHP, Stetson After a sluggish start to his spring, Gilbert's stuff has been steadily ticking upward and has more closely resembled the guy who dominated in the Cape last summer. The Angels were at his Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament start, and he pitched well.

With Adell hitting another dinger in IE last night, it's becoming easier and easier to envision an OF of Adell, Trout, and Marsh in Anaheim for years and years. That would be something special and fun to watch.

Another day, more predictions . . . This one at least has good video for each of the projections, so, if you want to see all of the players projected in the 1st round, it's a convenient site. From: https://thebiglead.com/2018/05/30/2018-mlb-mock-draft-college-players-fly-off-the-board-early/4/ 17. Los Angeles Angels: Jackson Kowar, RHP, Florida The Los Angeles Angels are looking at college and prep arms and will likely select whoever they deem to be the best available. Jackson Kowar is the No. 2 pitcher on his college staff, but he has plenty of upside himself. At 6’5″ and 180 pounds, there’s a ton of projection left in his frame. His fastball easily sits in the mid-90s and he’s already got an excellent changeup. If his curve develops he could develop into a frontline starter.

There's actually a good reason for why catchers are becoming more problematic for everyone these days, and I may write a piece about it at some point.

I'm just not hearing that this year's draft is as deep in hitters like last year's was. And, it is a lot deeper and better in pitchers. So, it makes sensethat the BPA will be a pitcher. Last year, I was all stoked and hopeful that we would get Adell, and frankly, couldn't believe that we did. I could see us going after several HS bat's in rounds 2-5,going with more of a higher risk/reward gamble there.

Just got this from the Angels: “Blake Wood will undergo surgery with Dr. Neal ElAttrache tomorrow in Los Angeles to address the damage to his UCL. Additional information will be provided following the procedure.” “Matt Shoemaker underwent forearm surgery (nerve decompression and pronator teres tendon repair) with Dr. Steve Shin this morning in Los Angeles. Additional information will be provided when appropriate.”

Agreed. I'm hoping we get a lefty. I'd like it if McClanahan fell to us, but I'm not sure he will. Lots of good arms to choose from this year.

With 1 week to go, lots of updated mock drafts out. Griffin Canning and Jaime Barria might have something to say about this . . . From: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2778250-2018-mlb-mock-draft-update-with-1-week-remaining 17. Los Angeles Angels: Ryan Rolison, LHP, Ole Miss The Angels will likely select a pitcher here, with Ryan Weathers, Logan Gilbert and Jackson Kowar among the other options as some of the second-tier pitching dominos start to fall. Rolison is still improving his pitchability, but he possesses a mid-90s fastball and one of the best curveballs in this year's draft among a developing four-pitch mix. He would immediately become the top pitching prospect in the Angels system.

I can easily see Jo Adell becoming not only a great player, but a great guy in the clubhouse, and a great person for reporters. Most players his age have a hard time with interviews and don't give as long and polished interviews. He's as mature as Jones is, and really impressed me for his poise.

From: https://www.mlbdailydish.com/2018/5/27/17398330/2018-mlb-draft-who-will-al-west-draft Los Angeles Angels Even with having arguably the best player in the game in Mike Trout, competing in the AL West has been quite difficult for the Angels over the last few seasons. A big reason for that has been that they haven’t had a great farm system, which has forced them to sign veteran free agents to try to compete on a year-to-year basis. But, the Angels landed the game’s biggest prospect last winter in two-way star Shohei Ohtani, who has been an immediate sensation in the majors. In addition, their top four prospects — all position players — they either drafted or signed since 2015 have now become Top 100 prospects. So, with the 17th overall pick, they should go after a pitcher, given their history of arm injuries at the major-league level that has prevented them from competing in the postseason for the last three years. Our composite mock has the Halos taking Ryan Weathers in that slot. Other pitchers such as Ryan Rolison and Jackson Kowar have also been mentioned here.

More predictions are out . . . From: https://calltothepen.com/2018/05/28/mlb-draft-mock-draft-monday-version-5-1/ 17. Los Angeles Angels 17 LOGAN GILBERT RHP, Stetson The Angels are looking hard after arms, and with the way Gilbert finished his season, he could have moved himself back into the conversation for this pick over some of the HS arms still on the board.

Tim Mead said emphatically at Spring Training that the rumored offer never happened.

With all these aggressive pushes for prospects, I wonder if this indicates something about the draft. By clearing out plenty of space in Burlington, they could aggressively push some of their top picks in the draft or some of their top players coming over from the DSL who are presently on the AZL roster. Let's say they draft a college pitcher or two in the 1st and 2nd round, they could easily move that player onto Burlington after a few starts in Orem so that next year they would be set to get to IE and maybe even up to AA. It all depends on who falls to us at 17, but there are several college arms projected to still be available who could move through a system quickly available to us at our 17th pick. And, we have some other guys who could move quickly through Orem like J. Rivera or C. Rodriguez (if they get healthy).

McClanahan is a big risk/reward type with a special arm (can run it up to 100 as a lefty). Has a 4-pitch mix with a plus change. Down side is he has had TJ surgery already, but is back. If he drops to us, he could be well worth it. I'm hoping that we're focusing more on the pitching early on as there are some really good choices there.

I'd be happy with any of the lefty college pitchers, although, I'm also partial to Orange Lutheran's Winn, a righty pitcher. If we could somehow snag him in the second round . . .

My boys are getting old enough that we are starting to talk about going to see other stadiums, and I'm always interested in different insights as to which I should (or should) not start off with them. Seattle would be fun, and would make for a good trip. We could add in a road trip around the Olympic Peninsula, which is gorgeous or head out towards the Cascades.

Not even if you had to for work? That brings up an interesting question, since you have to watch so many games in so many stadiums for your job... Where would you want to watch a game as a fan?

DAVID ECKSTEIN RETURNS TO ANGEL STADIUM WITH WIFE ASHLEY ECKSTEIN FOR BOOK SIGNING WHO: Former Angel, two-time World Series Champion and World Series MVP David Eckstein will return to Angel Stadium with his wife Ashley Eckstein, who is best known as the voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars™ and founder of Her Universe. WHAT: Ashley Eckstein wrote a new advice book about how to make your dreams come true called, It’s Your Universe, You Have The Power To Make It Happen. In the book, Ashley shares how she met David when he played for the Angels. Ashley and David will be signing the book during the game and Ashley will throw out the honorary first pitch to David. WHERE: Angel Stadium, Hall of Fame Team Store, Terrace Level (near Sec. 213) WHEN: May 17 at 7:07 pm MORE: Find out how the Angels helped play matchmaker to David and Ashley Eckstein in Ashley’s new book. Get your copy of Ashley’s book during the Angels vs. Rays game on May 17 and get it autographed by both Ashley and David. ABOUT: Ashley Eckstein is a leading actress, businesswoman, author of the upcoming book, It’s Your Universe (May 8, 2018, Disney Editions) and ultimate Disney and Star Wars fangirl. With a passionate fan base of over 350,000 followers, Eckstein is on a mission to encourage everyone to “Dream It and Do It,” a Disney motto that successfully led to her being recognized and honored as a businesswoman and fangirl trendsetter by Time, The New York Times, Fortune, CNBC, Entertainment Weekly and various other media and news outlets. She was also recognized by Good Housekeeping as one of their Most Awesome Women (2016). Raised in Orlando, FL, where her father worked for Walt Disney World, Eckstein practically grew up on the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street, U.S.A., and she truly believes that “when you wish upon a star, your dreams can and do come true.” An actress from an early age, Eckstein’s list of credits includesBlue Collar TV and That’s So Raven among others. She is also an in-demand host for various networks and studios such as Disney and HSN. Perhaps best known as the voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Warssince 2008, this role led to her eventual entrepreneurial success in creating Her Universe - the ultimate fashion and lifestyle brand for fangirls. A decade later the multimillion-dollar fashion empire, recently acquired by Hot Topic, Inc., Family of Brands, offers licensed products from Disney, Marvel, BBC, DC Comics, Studio Ghibli and produces a highly-anticipated and acclaimed “geek couture” fashion show each year at San Diego Comic-Con. Since the acquisition, Eckstein continues to run Her Universe as the General Manager. Furthering her mission to empower, Eckstein’s new book, It’s Your Universe, is an inspirational guide for all ages, featuring her personal journey from a little girl who dreamed of being on a Disney stage to her role as the voice of Star Wars’ Ahsoka Tano, and the path she took to create Her Universe. Throughout the book, Eckstein shares her own life experiences as well as lessons from iconic Disney characters as a roadmap to “Dream It and Do It!” Eckstein’s personal journey speaks to an entire generation of women who strive to break down stereotypes and believe in their own power to make their dreams come true. Eckstein is married to former Major League Baseball infielder and 2006 World Series MVP David Eckstein. Together they share a passion for traveling, pizza and inspiring young people to imagine and believe in their life goals.

I understand what you are saying, but I do think that the out of town fans would give any team in Las Vegas a very strong draw most nights. And, if I'm an owner looking to make money, I'm fairly certain that it would be rather profitable--enough to afford their best players long-term. Whether they actually would or would not do so, is a different story. But, when looking for a market to expand/relocate a team, all of them start getting rather small, making it a difficult proposition. It's better to get a location that would have the chance at a decent draw than where it would not. I just don't see Portland, based on its history with minor league baseball, being that likely to support a team.