Dave Saltzer

This is good news. More money to use on later picks so we can go over slot. I didn't think that Neto would go that far under slot. Now let's just get him going and developed. A future MIF defense of Neto and Jackson would be quite a potent offense and a decent defense for us.

Thank you for this analysis and work. I knew we were a younger system overall, but thank you for providing the evidence.

Stats can only tell you so much. As I have always said, not only is it important to know what goes into a stat, it's more important to know what does NOT go into the stat. With baseball, so much of it is mental. Sure, you can project a player. Hell, with enough AI, projection will become more and more likely. But, it will never, ever, ever tell you what's going on between a player's ears. And with baseball, so much of it is mental that you absolutely NEED true scouting in addition to numerical analysis. Stats can't tell you if a player is unhappy with a team, dealing with a tough issue at home, doesn't have the discipline to do all the workouts, is only going through the motions and no longer has his heart in it, etc. So many teams cut back or eliminated advance scouting thinking that they can "save" money by just doing it online and through TV. Except of course, they lose all the information above. And, no matter how much TV one watches of a team, it won't show the OF defense to see if a hit was more a result of a shift. It won't show you if a player ran through a stop sign by a coach, etc. If you look at the teams doing really well right now (not that this is the only reason why they are doing well), most of them have brought back more advance scouting and boosted their scouting departments. Those that have not are generally not doing as well. A team needs a good blend of analytics and scouting. Spending money on one area doesn't mean spending less in the other. In fact, a well run team should be spending a lot more on both areas.,

Thank you for a good Writeup on the draft. Really liked the additional comments.

I don't know what the restrictions are on him pitching this year, as he's still recovering from TJ, but I am guessing there are limits that will slow his development a bit. With that in mind, I'd guess 2nd half of next year at the earliest.

Super excited about this pick. He's one of the players I really wanted us to draft, and he could become a great piece in our bullpen. We can teach him some command and control to make him a dominant closer. But, one cannot teach 105 mph! He will be fun to watch.

I agree that Jackson could hold down SS if that is the path of least resistance to get his bat in the lineup. If there are other easier ways, that's what will happen. He has defensive fluidity and hopefully a powerful batto put in the lineup. Neto is more of a true SS from what I've seen. While he has some power, his defense and OB skills are better than Jackson's.

I would say Jackson has substantially more HR power, a lower BA and OBP, and slightly less defensive ability. Jackson will play based on his bat. I think that ultimately he moves off of SS and Neto sticks there. Neto should have higher BA, OBP, and defense.

As always @taylorblakeward it's a pleasure to read your analysis. I agree that we are most likely taking a pitcher unlass Collier, Parada, or Susac fall to us. I don't see that happening, but one never knows. As we discussed, I do think our farm is at a place where we could take a risk on a HS arm. My sense is that Perry will take a more secure bet on a college arm, but I'm glad to see your projection. It is interesting to note that I haven't heard anything about Hjeroe with us in the last two weeks.

Question for those willing to trade Walsh and are down on Marsh: Next year, it is very likely that they will ban the shift. So, how much more valuable would that make any lefty in the lineup? Lefties should all see a spike in BA and righties might see a slight drop with the ideas on the shift that have been discussed. Eo shouldn't we hold onto lefties who might benefit quite a bit next year? I get the need and desire to get all the bat's in the lineup and giving dedicated time to Adell. But, I'm a bit more hesitant to trade away more lefties right now because they will probably benefit a lot more next year.

No. I checked tonight and was told that they were entirely sold out and won't get anymore in until the end of July. I looked online and there appear to be some youth and toddler sized items available if that is what you are looking for, but was also told that those supplies are very limited. Good luck trying to get some.

It's good to see Jackson getting back to it. I'm sure that there may be a bit of adjustment for him, since he was off for so long, but I'm excited to see what he can produce this season.

This is a great get Chuck. Very happy to have him here and am looking forward to reading his posts. Welcome aboard officially Taylor!

As you try new things at the stsdium, please add your pictures and reviews. And, please post which meechandise you like most.

Agreed on Maitan and Soto. This is a big year for them on whether or not they can adjust and produce or are washing out of the system. I still think that putting Maitan at 1B and simplifying his game would go a tremendous way to making him a better player all around.

Yes, they really seem to be pushing some guys, both to High-A and Double-A.

As well you should be. There is a lot of good food to try and enjoy at the stadium. This is especially nice for season ticket holders so we don't get burned out during a homestand. The most challenging part of attending the preview was limiting the samples so that I didn't get stuffed. There were so many items to sample. There are plenty of returning items that are incredible as well, such as the Chorizo nachos in the Diamond Club and the Peruvian Chicken that are incredible! Let's just say no one left the presentation hungry....

By David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer Baseball is back! Nothing is like going to the ballpark to see a baseball game. Baseball has its sights, its sounds, its smells, and its foods. It is a true experience for all of the senses. For older fans, a trip to the ballpark meant getting beer, hot dogs, frozen chocolate malts, and nachos. Now, under the direction of Executive Chef Hugo Miranda (pictured above, left), Legends Hospitality has taken the ballpark menu to a whole new level. The Basics Throughout the ballpark, fans can find all of the staple fares. Hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, candy, etc. are all available throughout the stadium. Fans will notice a couple of changes. First, all transactions are still cashless as a safety precaution. When I attended the preseason Dodgers game, which was sold out, this did not seem to create a problem or a delay. Second, for fans sitting in the Diamond Club, Club level, or other locations with In-Seat Service, they will notice that there will be a card looking like this with a QR code for an app to order their food. Using the app, fans can order food directly to their seats. Again, during the sold out Dodgers game, the orders were getting delivered within 10-20 minutes. This feature was very useful when wanting a drink right before Ohtani, Trout, Rendon and the top of the order came up to bat. There will still be attendants to help with the In-Seat service, but the goal will be to help people use the app. Payment and tipping will also be done through credit cards on the app. Brewery X—The new Gastropub in Right Field All fans at Angels Stadium are invited to go to Brewery X, the new gastropub in right field (formerly St. Archer’s). Brewery X is a partnership with a local brewery by the same name, and will feature a staple of their regular beers as well as rotating seasonal beers. Some of my most favorite items that I tasted came from Brewery X. First, the House Made Jumbo Pretzel (pictured above) was absolutely delicious. I could see getting to the stadium early or going later in the game to enjoy a pretzel and some beer with my wife and friends. The Beef Birria Tacos (pictured) were also delicious and filling. And, the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich (pictured) had a tang and latent heat that was very surprising and delicious. They come three to a serving, and the mix of flavors between the sweet, savory, and acidic combinations really hit all the right notes. Tables at Brewery X can be reserved through Open Table. There are hopes that Brewery X could open a take-out window. I hope that this happens, as I would definitely enjoy many of their items throughout the season. Upgraded Hot Dogs The hot dogs at Angels Stadium are getting an upgrade as well. Fans will notice that Legends has partnered with Hoffy for their hot dogs. Fans looking for a more elevated experience should head out to Crafty Dogs in section 130 for rotating gourmet hot dogs. Pictured here are Lizeth Barrera and Rodrigo Gomez showing off two of the many varieties of hot dogs that fans can get throughout the year. These are definitely a handful and delicious! There were so many good choices at Crafty Dogs that I couldn't pick a single favorite. Strike Zone Chicken In elevating the Angels Stadium experience, Legends Hospitality looked to what was trending and on point in the food scene. And, to that point, they added the Strike Zone Chicken in section 223 which will feature a Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich and a Buttermilk Fried Chicken sandwich. Pictured here is Elizabeth Morales holding a plate with each. Both sandwiches are delicious. The chicken was fried well and the slaw on the Buttermilk has a sweetness to it and the heat on the Nashville Hot was good but not overpowering. Both would make for a great ballpark experience, especially for anyone going to multiple games on a homestand and looking for a variety in the stadium food. Deserts What would a trip to the ballpark be without a desert? This is especially true for parents. Fans can find all of the regular sweets such as Icees, candy, etc. throughout the stadium. But, there are some special treats available, especially in some of the specialty restaurants. Pictured here are Luz Santacruz and Christy Petro holding some of the sweet apples available. And here are Maria Velez and Jasmin Velasquez holding some cakes and other available treats. Food in the Suites and Diamond Club Fans attending the game in a Suite or Diamond Club can get quite a variety of upgraded food for their gameday experience. There is a wide range of items for the suites, but one of my favorites was the Smoked Brisket pictured here. Some other new items that fans can enjoy include the Terriyaki Chicken Bowl (pictured); the Carne Asada Fries (pictured); and the Iceberg Steak Salad (pictured). My favorite from all of these was the Empanadas (pictured). The pastry is light and flaky, the filling is generous and tasty, and the dipping sauces goes perfectly with them. Merchandise After last year’s historic MVP season by Shohei Ohtani, fans will be thrilled with a lot of the merchandise featuring him. Pictured here are several of the new items that fans can buy featuring Shohei. Additionally, there are plenty of new and returning items. Hats, t-shirts, socks, toys, etc. will all be available in the Team Store. My son is already looking forward to a game this weekend as his grandmother promised him a new Angels hat for his birthday. With all of this, a trip to Angels Stadium is more than just a ballgame. It’s an entire experience, and one that can fit any range of taste. For fans going to a single game or season ticket holders, there are plenty of options to entertain and satisfy all palates.

AJ, some really good thoughts here. In response, I see Daniel as being far better off in relief than as a starter. We might as well keep him as a starter for now, but he could become a very good part of a bullpen if we moved him there. Agree about Davis and Detmers. Davis could become a late blooming super utility player. And, even though they ended the season in Anaheim, Warren and Wantz will probably start the season on the SLK shuttle bus. In AA, I'd also keep an eye on Zach Linginfelter, Jack Dashwood, and Brent Killam in terms of pitchers. Again, all could be serviceable bullpen arms. Offensively, I'm still watching Orlando Martinez. Braxton Martinez will be 28 at the start of next season. An impressive late showing, but probably not enough to get too long a look. A+ Agreed Adams has to really make a big step here to retain his status. Agree on most everything else you said, although Jeremiah Jackson is one where I'd add that they will find a spot for him if his bat pans out (which I'm still hearing good things about from sources). He could stay at SS, move to 3B, 2B or even move to the outfield. Just some thoughts for discussion.

It's a new year, and time for a new thread. And, more importantly, we might as well start compiling our Top Prospect List because who knows will the CBA will be renewed and then how insane it will be once it is renewed. Let's have at it, and more importantly, let's have a good season for all of our prospects, where they get in a full season's worth of work and development. I'm looking forward to several taking big steps forward and others making a bit of a bounce back.

RIP Jim Fregosi, Jr. It was a pleasure getting to know you and learning from you as a scout. You were as kind to my sons as your father, taking the time to teach them the finer points of the game. I enjoyed all the stories you shared with me. This was one of your favorite pieces. Although it's about your dad, I would write many of the same compliments about you. https://angelswinblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/please-call-me-jim.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+Angelswin+(AngelsWin.com+Today)&m=1

Thank you for sharing this.

Thanks for writing this. I always enjoy reading the summaries.

Thank you for doing such a great job on the interview! It was a very compelling and fun story to write! I hope you have the opportunity someday to meet Ohtani and continue to support him as a fan for many, many years. We are all so lucky to be witnessing such a spectacular performance from him this year.

That would be very cool. Baseball would do well by expanding the global market, and what better way to do that than with someone with such international appeal.