Dave Saltzer

Not to be an ass, and not to purely pick a fight, but Scioscia has said all along that they will work in conjunction with Ohtani to develop how to use him. So, let's say that Scioscia or a coach asked Ohtani how his arm is feeling today, and Ohtani said "a bit sore". Or what if Ohtani woke up with a bit of the flu? Scioscia then takes Ohtani out of the lineup, and he would never reveal that potential soreness or illness to anyone. I'm clearly NOT in Texas and have no way of knowing if this is or is not true, but it is possible. I don't want anyone claiming that I've said that Ohtani is sore or injured or anything. I'm just pointing out as fans, we are only able to see such a tiny amount of the information that goes into a manager's decisions. Things like this do happen (I've been aware of reasons why a player wasn't in the lineup that I couldn't reveal), and fans were going nuts about the decision. I'm just pointing out before the board flips out and goes crazy over this decision that it is possible that other factors could have weighed in on the decision.

When we get a bit closer to 3,000, maybe say at 1995, I'll do a predict the pitcher thread to see who will give up the milestone hit!

For the record, only 4 players hit HRs as their 3,000th hit. I don't know how many got triples, but I would love to see what the odds would be for Pujols to do it!

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Again, lost. In yesterday's win was Pujols passing Jimmie Foxx to take sole possession of 9thbplace all time for RBI. Pretty classy that it's about the team and the wins, not about him.

That's what AAA is for--guys who can immediately come up and support the parent club. The top prospects tend to stay longer in AA and then get a little refining in AAA before coming up to the Majors. But long term, the guys in AAA should be role players for the Majors and just keeping their skills fresh playing everyday. It's good that we actually have guys with experience and are quality who can come fill in as needed, especially with the pitchers. We will need the depth.

There's a lot of good reasons to head out to see the IE66ers this year, especially when the Angels aren't in town.

What an incredibly cool story and love of baseball. Just like when a pro knows when he is done, and needs to walk away from the game, Phil did the same thing. I hope I can make it that long and can still go to games.

Thanks Blarg!

Thanks for the updates.

Same here! What's really nice is that this year we have way more pkayers to track and discuss who can make a real. Impact. That's so. Much more fun!

My bet is that they try to develop these three as an OF unit together and that they will all promote at similar times as long as it is moderately warranted. It will be fun for us to watch!

In honor of the new Minor League season starting today, let's make a new thread to discuss anything and everything related to the Minor Leagues and the prospects in here. It's time to let go of last year's thread and get on to the new. Here's the link to 2017 minor league coverage. Some 100 pages of solid reports on our top prospects and minor leaguers.

Agreed. Jones just loves baseball, yet came from a family of football players (his dad and 2 brothers played pro). I love his desire to win and help his team. Canning also just seems to love the game, and also just wants to win. It is a bit different, though, as a pitcher. Still, similar love for the game. I agree that it could help separate them. I also am pleased how both seem to have more of a growth mindset. If you haven't read that book, I highly recommend it.

Folks, you will definitely want to get to know him. Watch his interview and stuff. He is one that AW will be keeping up to date on.

Send out updates, or if you could, please write up something and add it to this thread when you get back. It looks like it's close to a sellout for tonight's home opener.

I've thought quite a bit about this, and could see us resigning Kinsler on a 2 year deal. Jones could be ready by the end of next season if he gets the defense back quickly. But, to be safe, if Kinsler holds up well this year, I could see us keeping him for 2 years to help smooth over the transition.

With him at 2B, an OF of Marsh, Trout, Adell, at 3B Maitan, at 1B Thaiss, and homegrown pitchers in Ohtani, Barria, Canning, Rodriguez, etc., this team is becoming set for quite a while!

The wisdom is seeing it as an opportunity, not a challenge. There's a big difference in the mindset of both words. He has a growth mindset, like Michael Jordan, and I respect him a lot for that.

Thanks! I think that was his first serious interview since signing ING with us. Good to get to know him. I have high hopes for him.

I will!

So, does all of this count for Ohtani making the biggest buzz out of the gate for the Angels?

Blair, I get it. But, you can still tell us what you saw. I don't think they raised the prices, and, as you pointed out $12 gets you the best seats in the house--equal to the Diamond Club in Angels Stadium (minus the perks). One player who really impressed me with his interview, and whom I'd recommend keeping an eye on is Kevin Williams. The Angels jumped him over Burlington, so they are pretty high on him, and I hope he continues the good offense he put up last season in Orem. Another pitcher to watch is lefty Suarez.

I interviewed both Jones and Canning. Here's a little taste: Jones and I talked for several minutes about his transition to 2B. He is scheduled to only play that position all of this season. And @Blarg you will see Canning pitch the home opener on Thursday. Be sure to give us a scouting report.

So, what you are saying is that Richards is a spinner?