howie

I still have concerns about pitching overall, but I think having added Keuchel or Ryu along with Bundy and Ohtani coming back dramatically improves pitching and gets us into the playoffs.  We can look at adding more pitching at the deadline instead of playing chicken with other teams. 
What it really allows the team to do keep our trade chips until the Bryant grievance  is resolved and we see if he has one or 2 years left- either way we go get him.  The Cubs will want MLB ready players as they are still in contention and the Angels seem to be a good match.  It would require them or someone to take on Upton as KB would be in LF.  He is one of the few players I’d trade Brandon Marsh for and we could include players such as Rengifo and possibly one of Sandoval, Barria or Suarez. Obviously it won’t be as much returning if Bryant only ends up with a year left.  I think Bryant would have a good chance to re-sign, but even if he doesn’t, this is the type of move you make if you are going for championships.  
Look at this lineup 
1. Fletcher 2B
2.  Rendon 3B
3. Trout CF
4. Bryant LF
5. Ohtani DH
6. Adell RF
7. Pujols 1B
8. Simmons SS
9. Stassi C

I still have concerns about pitching overall, but I think having added Keuchel or Ryu along with Bundy and Ohtani coming back dramatically improves pitching and gets us into the playoffs.  We can look at adding more pitching at the deadline instead of playing chicken with other teams. 
What it really allows the team to do keep our trade chips until the Bryant grievance  is resolved and we see if he has one or 2 years left- either way we go get him.  The Cubs will want MLB ready players as they are still in contention and the Angels seem to be a good match.  It would require them or someone to take on Upton as KB would be in LF.  He is one of the few players I’d trade Brandon Marsh for and we could include players such as Rengifo and possibly one of Sandoval, Barria or Suarez. Obviously it won’t be as much returning if Bryant only ends up with a year left.  I think Bryant would have a good chance to re-sign, but even if he doesn’t, this is the type of move you make if you are going for championships.  
Look at this lineup 
1. Fletcher 2B
2.  Rendon 3B
3. Trout CF
4. Bryant LF
5. Ohtani DH
6. Adell RF
7. Pujols 1B
8. Simmons SS
9. Stassi C

I still have concerns about pitching overall, but I think having added Keuchel or Ryu along with Bundy and Ohtani coming back dramatically improves pitching and gets us into the playoffs.  We can look at adding more pitching at the deadline instead of playing chicken with other teams. 
What it really allows the team to do keep our trade chips until the Bryant grievance  is resolved and we see if he has one or 2 years left- either way we go get him.  The Cubs will want MLB ready players as they are still in contention and the Angels seem to be a good match.  It would require them or someone to take on Upton as KB would be in LF.  He is one of the few players I’d trade Brandon Marsh for and we could include players such as Rengifo and possibly one of Sandoval, Barria or Suarez. Obviously it won’t be as much returning if Bryant only ends up with a year left.  I think Bryant would have a good chance to re-sign, but even if he doesn’t, this is the type of move you make if you are going for championships.  
Look at this lineup 
1. Fletcher 2B
2.  Rendon 3B
3. Trout CF
4. Bryant LF
5. Ohtani DH
6. Adell RF
7. Pujols 1B
8. Simmons SS
9. Stassi C

It wasnt that long ago Cole was an average pitcher. In 2016/2017, he combined for a 4.12 ERA and 102 ERA+. He has admittedly been amazing the last two years, but this is an incredibly risky contract.

Nice article about Wilson- kid just wants to win
https://amp.newsobserver.com/sports/article230978473.html

Nice article about Wilson- kid just wants to win
https://amp.newsobserver.com/sports/article230978473.html

This may be old news, but I hadn’t seen it yet-  according to MLB The Show simulations, we’re the only team that Harper wins WS with in  2019
https://www.mlb.com/cut4/bryce-harper-mlb-the-show-simulations/c-302869584

We need this guy-  a true #1 pitcher.  There’s no one on the pitching staff that I would trust in a 1 game playoff.  That may be happening in 2018.  
Yes, he’s older, but we don’t have any playoff proven veterans on the staff.  In fact, the staff really lacks any veteran.  Arrieta can show what it takes to get there.   
As far as the money- yes-  he will be a big purchase, but in reality, Eppler hasn’t spent much this offseason despite all the moves that have been made.  You not only have the savings from the Hamilton contract, but Arte will be getting the $50 million or so from the sale of the MLB media thing to Disney.  It makes sense as we wouldn’t be giving up any prospects either.  
This is our window- 2018-2020.  As much as we all want Mike Trout to stay, he’s earned his right to be a free agent and it’s possible he may leave.  If we can win a WS before his contract is up, I believe that could be the most convincing way to keep him.  
At this point, pitching is our biggest question mark.  If Arrieta is willing to do a 3 or 4 year deal, we have to take that chance to win now

I’m trying to figure out how Cozart is that much better than Cowart.  Just wondering what Cowarts stats look like if he’s given 500 ABs.  Maybe we don’t have the luxury of giving Cowart the ABs, but it seems that he could provide elite defense at 3rd.  If we’re not going to play him much, maybe Ohtani can give him some tips on going 2 ways also-  he has a great arm- maybe he can be a reliever/utility man.  

I’m trying to figure out how Cozart is that much better than Cowart.  Just wondering what Cowarts stats look like if he’s given 500 ABs.  Maybe we don’t have the luxury of giving Cowart the ABs, but it seems that he could provide elite defense at 3rd.  If we’re not going to play him much, maybe Ohtani can give him some tips on going 2 ways also-  he has a great arm- maybe he can be a reliever/utility man.  

As risky as it is, i’m leaning toward getting Arrieta.  Yes, he’s 32-  but he wasn’t just very good in 2015-  he had one of the most dominant stretches in the history of baseball.  
He’s coming into the market at a good time for the Angels-  he’s coming off a less dominant year, so there may be a slight discount over what he would have asked for if he were a free agent the past couple years.  
The main thing I like with him is the intangibles-  experienced veteran that has overcome obstacles to have success and he sets a tone for the other pitchers.  None of our current cast of pitchers has had sustained success or can really be considered a veteran.  Arrieta has won a World Series and knows what it takes and will set the right tone for the rest of the staff.  We need someone like that on the pitching staff.  
Even though it may take 5 years to get it done- it’s worth it-  pay the man and get him here.  

I wonder if his name is pronounced Blaaayyke or Buh-la-kay 

Couldn't help but notice that the Twins lost 19-0-  I had a sneaky suspicion that Hector Santiago might be involved.  Sure enough, he started the game and gave up 5 runs in 1 inning of work.  

It's officially time to get excited for what all this losing does for us.  If I'm correct, there are only 5 teams with worse records than the Angels and we're only 3 games out of having the second worse record in the majors.  That would give us the 2nd pick in the draft.  
As far as I'm concerned, not getting a top 10 pick next year would be utter failure for this team.  There's a real possibility of getting a top 5 pick, with an outside chance of top 3.  
In this day and age, young, cost-controlled players is what it's all about.  Not only would we get a higher pick in the first round, but every round thereafter.  That can make a real difference.  
From what I've been reading, the 2017 draft appears to be better than 2016, and it's possible to pick up a stud college pitcher in the top 3 picks that may be ready in 2018. Couple that with top 10 picks being protected and it gives lots of flexibility if Eppler decides to go after a free agent.  
All is not lost friends- Just this season.  So let's keep losing a lot and embrace the losing.  

The 2017 draft has some real potential-  in the article I linked to-  they say that the top 5 college pitchers available in 2017 would have been drafted ahead of any of the college pitchers picked in 2016.  It may not look like any amazing, once in a generation type players are there, but you never know-  while the draft is a crapshoot, at the very least, I'd hope we can get a Troy Glaus or Jered Weaver (when he had a fastball) with our first pick.  It would be awesome if we can get a difference maker.  
http://www.si.com/mlb/2016/06/13/2017-mlb-draft-tanner-houck-jaren-kendall

The 2017 draft has some real potential-  in the article I linked to-  they say that the top 5 college pitchers available in 2017 would have been drafted ahead of any of the college pitchers picked in 2016.  It may not look like any amazing, once in a generation type players are there, but you never know-  while the draft is a crapshoot, at the very least, I'd hope we can get a Troy Glaus or Jered Weaver (when he had a fastball) with our first pick.  It would be awesome if we can get a difference maker.  
http://www.si.com/mlb/2016/06/13/2017-mlb-draft-tanner-houck-jaren-kendall

The 2017 draft has some real potential-  in the article I linked to-  they say that the top 5 college pitchers available in 2017 would have been drafted ahead of any of the college pitchers picked in 2016.  It may not look like any amazing, once in a generation type players are there, but you never know-  while the draft is a crapshoot, at the very least, I'd hope we can get a Troy Glaus or Jered Weaver (when he had a fastball) with our first pick.  It would be awesome if we can get a difference maker.  
http://www.si.com/mlb/2016/06/13/2017-mlb-draft-tanner-houck-jaren-kendall

Angels were 75-87 in 2001- no huge rebuild and some pretty nice things happened the next year

Angels were 75-87 in 2001- no huge rebuild and some pretty nice things happened the next year

Angels were 75-87 in 2001- no huge rebuild and some pretty nice things happened the next year

While this offseason may seem like a disappointment on the surface, I think 2016 can be a surprisingly good season and I believe even the long term future is a bit more rosy than some think. Here's why:
1. Andrelton Simmons makes the pitching staff better and if he improved his hitting just a bit higher will add to the lineup too. He puts the ball in play and who knows how much Trout and Pujols will help with his hitting- there were no future HOF hitters on the Braves last year that I can see- I think it's hard to quantify how much Pujols may have helped Trout with the mental and emotional part of hitting. Also- maybe Simmons helps other players have more desire to improve defensively.
2. Pitching Depth- look at the 2002 Angels staff- Washburn, Ortiz, Appier, Lackey- none of them were really an ace- there were no 20 game winners and only Washburn, Ortiz and Appier won more than 10. I think Richards is better than all of them, Heaney improves, and if either Weaver or Wilson return to just their average seasons- then we mix and match the rest and have a healthy competition for the remaining slots on the staff. There's good reason to believe the rotation will be better than last year and you add Simmons defense to the equation and I think the pitching and defense will keep us in many more games.
3. The bullpen- I like the pickups this offseason. Assuming Street is healthy, there can be some real gems here- 2002 saw some trash heap pickups like Weber and Donnelly have career years- I think between Albuquerque, Friedrich, and both Guerras that one of them will be solid in 2016. Again, I think Simmons influence will be a big lift to the bullpen.
4. I believe in Eppler. It's hard not to be a bit jaded about the front office and Arte after the fiasco last year. But even though they didn't sign a big name- I don't see any area of the team that got worse over the offseason- the pitching staff should be healthier and deeper. The bench has been improved. The infield defense has improved overall and I believe infield hitting shouldn't be any worse than last year and has a good chance of being better. Trout and Calhoun should be just as good as last year and even though I'm not thrilled with Nava/Gentry, it will be better than last year as it can't get any worse than one of the worst LF performances ever. Catching will be improved with Perez and Soto and there's a possibility the hitting there may improve over last year. I understand not wanting to pay superstar $ for merely good players. They've made many low risk moves that may pay off in small dividends, but in areas that will solidify areas of weakness last year.
5. The farm system- ok- it's not great- but big deal- the purpose of the farm system is to make the big league club better. I believe it did that in the offseason with the Simmons trade. It would have been unlikely that either Newcomb or Ellis would contribute in 2016 with the starting pitching being such a strength. As far as the future- there are 3 players I'm keeping an eye on- Taylor Ward, Jahmai Jones and Michael Pierson. If you followed the draft last year, you probably know all about Ward and Jones, but who the heck is Michael Pierson? Well- I didn't know either until last night when I realized he led all the minors with a .395 BA. Granted it was rookie league in Orem with only 195 AB, but still- .395 is impressive. Oh, did I mention he plays 3B? I don't believe I've heard anything about him before yesterday, so it was a very nice surprise. All of these 3 are likely a couple years away, but Ward and Pierson were both college players, so maybe they'll contribute sooner than later.
I may get ripped for some of the points here, but as I've thought about the offseason, I'm excited about 2016

While this offseason may seem like a disappointment on the surface, I think 2016 can be a surprisingly good season and I believe even the long term future is a bit more rosy than some think. Here's why:
1. Andrelton Simmons makes the pitching staff better and if he improved his hitting just a bit higher will add to the lineup too. He puts the ball in play and who knows how much Trout and Pujols will help with his hitting- there were no future HOF hitters on the Braves last year that I can see- I think it's hard to quantify how much Pujols may have helped Trout with the mental and emotional part of hitting. Also- maybe Simmons helps other players have more desire to improve defensively.
2. Pitching Depth- look at the 2002 Angels staff- Washburn, Ortiz, Appier, Lackey- none of them were really an ace- there were no 20 game winners and only Washburn, Ortiz and Appier won more than 10. I think Richards is better than all of them, Heaney improves, and if either Weaver or Wilson return to just their average seasons- then we mix and match the rest and have a healthy competition for the remaining slots on the staff. There's good reason to believe the rotation will be better than last year and you add Simmons defense to the equation and I think the pitching and defense will keep us in many more games.
3. The bullpen- I like the pickups this offseason. Assuming Street is healthy, there can be some real gems here- 2002 saw some trash heap pickups like Weber and Donnelly have career years- I think between Albuquerque, Friedrich, and both Guerras that one of them will be solid in 2016. Again, I think Simmons influence will be a big lift to the bullpen.
4. I believe in Eppler. It's hard not to be a bit jaded about the front office and Arte after the fiasco last year. But even though they didn't sign a big name- I don't see any area of the team that got worse over the offseason- the pitching staff should be healthier and deeper. The bench has been improved. The infield defense has improved overall and I believe infield hitting shouldn't be any worse than last year and has a good chance of being better. Trout and Calhoun should be just as good as last year and even though I'm not thrilled with Nava/Gentry, it will be better than last year as it can't get any worse than one of the worst LF performances ever. Catching will be improved with Perez and Soto and there's a possibility the hitting there may improve over last year. I understand not wanting to pay superstar $ for merely good players. They've made many low risk moves that may pay off in small dividends, but in areas that will solidify areas of weakness last year.
5. The farm system- ok- it's not great- but big deal- the purpose of the farm system is to make the big league club better. I believe it did that in the offseason with the Simmons trade. It would have been unlikely that either Newcomb or Ellis would contribute in 2016 with the starting pitching being such a strength. As far as the future- there are 3 players I'm keeping an eye on- Taylor Ward, Jahmai Jones and Michael Pierson. If you followed the draft last year, you probably know all about Ward and Jones, but who the heck is Michael Pierson? Well- I didn't know either until last night when I realized he led all the minors with a .395 BA. Granted it was rookie league in Orem with only 195 AB, but still- .395 is impressive. Oh, did I mention he plays 3B? I don't believe I've heard anything about him before yesterday, so it was a very nice surprise. All of these 3 are likely a couple years away, but Ward and Pierson were both college players, so maybe they'll contribute sooner than later.
I may get ripped for some of the points here, but as I've thought about the offseason, I'm excited about 2016

While this offseason may seem like a disappointment on the surface, I think 2016 can be a surprisingly good season and I believe even the long term future is a bit more rosy than some think. Here's why:
1. Andrelton Simmons makes the pitching staff better and if he improved his hitting just a bit higher will add to the lineup too. He puts the ball in play and who knows how much Trout and Pujols will help with his hitting- there were no future HOF hitters on the Braves last year that I can see- I think it's hard to quantify how much Pujols may have helped Trout with the mental and emotional part of hitting. Also- maybe Simmons helps other players have more desire to improve defensively.
2. Pitching Depth- look at the 2002 Angels staff- Washburn, Ortiz, Appier, Lackey- none of them were really an ace- there were no 20 game winners and only Washburn, Ortiz and Appier won more than 10. I think Richards is better than all of them, Heaney improves, and if either Weaver or Wilson return to just their average seasons- then we mix and match the rest and have a healthy competition for the remaining slots on the staff. There's good reason to believe the rotation will be better than last year and you add Simmons defense to the equation and I think the pitching and defense will keep us in many more games.
3. The bullpen- I like the pickups this offseason. Assuming Street is healthy, there can be some real gems here- 2002 saw some trash heap pickups like Weber and Donnelly have career years- I think between Albuquerque, Friedrich, and both Guerras that one of them will be solid in 2016. Again, I think Simmons influence will be a big lift to the bullpen.
4. I believe in Eppler. It's hard not to be a bit jaded about the front office and Arte after the fiasco last year. But even though they didn't sign a big name- I don't see any area of the team that got worse over the offseason- the pitching staff should be healthier and deeper. The bench has been improved. The infield defense has improved overall and I believe infield hitting shouldn't be any worse than last year and has a good chance of being better. Trout and Calhoun should be just as good as last year and even though I'm not thrilled with Nava/Gentry, it will be better than last year as it can't get any worse than one of the worst LF performances ever. Catching will be improved with Perez and Soto and there's a possibility the hitting there may improve over last year. I understand not wanting to pay superstar $ for merely good players. They've made many low risk moves that may pay off in small dividends, but in areas that will solidify areas of weakness last year.
5. The farm system- ok- it's not great- but big deal- the purpose of the farm system is to make the big league club better. I believe it did that in the offseason with the Simmons trade. It would have been unlikely that either Newcomb or Ellis would contribute in 2016 with the starting pitching being such a strength. As far as the future- there are 3 players I'm keeping an eye on- Taylor Ward, Jahmai Jones and Michael Pierson. If you followed the draft last year, you probably know all about Ward and Jones, but who the heck is Michael Pierson? Well- I didn't know either until last night when I realized he led all the minors with a .395 BA. Granted it was rookie league in Orem with only 195 AB, but still- .395 is impressive. Oh, did I mention he plays 3B? I don't believe I've heard anything about him before yesterday, so it was a very nice surprise. All of these 3 are likely a couple years away, but Ward and Pierson were both college players, so maybe they'll contribute sooner than later.
I may get ripped for some of the points here, but as I've thought about the offseason, I'm excited about 2016

While this offseason may seem like a disappointment on the surface, I think 2016 can be a surprisingly good season and I believe even the long term future is a bit more rosy than some think. Here's why:
1. Andrelton Simmons makes the pitching staff better and if he improved his hitting just a bit higher will add to the lineup too. He puts the ball in play and who knows how much Trout and Pujols will help with his hitting- there were no future HOF hitters on the Braves last year that I can see- I think it's hard to quantify how much Pujols may have helped Trout with the mental and emotional part of hitting. Also- maybe Simmons helps other players have more desire to improve defensively.
2. Pitching Depth- look at the 2002 Angels staff- Washburn, Ortiz, Appier, Lackey- none of them were really an ace- there were no 20 game winners and only Washburn, Ortiz and Appier won more than 10. I think Richards is better than all of them, Heaney improves, and if either Weaver or Wilson return to just their average seasons- then we mix and match the rest and have a healthy competition for the remaining slots on the staff. There's good reason to believe the rotation will be better than last year and you add Simmons defense to the equation and I think the pitching and defense will keep us in many more games.
3. The bullpen- I like the pickups this offseason. Assuming Street is healthy, there can be some real gems here- 2002 saw some trash heap pickups like Weber and Donnelly have career years- I think between Albuquerque, Friedrich, and both Guerras that one of them will be solid in 2016. Again, I think Simmons influence will be a big lift to the bullpen.
4. I believe in Eppler. It's hard not to be a bit jaded about the front office and Arte after the fiasco last year. But even though they didn't sign a big name- I don't see any area of the team that got worse over the offseason- the pitching staff should be healthier and deeper. The bench has been improved. The infield defense has improved overall and I believe infield hitting shouldn't be any worse than last year and has a good chance of being better. Trout and Calhoun should be just as good as last year and even though I'm not thrilled with Nava/Gentry, it will be better than last year as it can't get any worse than one of the worst LF performances ever. Catching will be improved with Perez and Soto and there's a possibility the hitting there may improve over last year. I understand not wanting to pay superstar $ for merely good players. They've made many low risk moves that may pay off in small dividends, but in areas that will solidify areas of weakness last year.
5. The farm system- ok- it's not great- but big deal- the purpose of the farm system is to make the big league club better. I believe it did that in the offseason with the Simmons trade. It would have been unlikely that either Newcomb or Ellis would contribute in 2016 with the starting pitching being such a strength. As far as the future- there are 3 players I'm keeping an eye on- Taylor Ward, Jahmai Jones and Michael Pierson. If you followed the draft last year, you probably know all about Ward and Jones, but who the heck is Michael Pierson? Well- I didn't know either until last night when I realized he led all the minors with a .395 BA. Granted it was rookie league in Orem with only 195 AB, but still- .395 is impressive. Oh, did I mention he plays 3B? I don't believe I've heard anything about him before yesterday, so it was a very nice surprise. All of these 3 are likely a couple years away, but Ward and Pierson were both college players, so maybe they'll contribute sooner than later.
I may get ripped for some of the points here, but as I've thought about the offseason, I'm excited about 2016

While this offseason may seem like a disappointment on the surface, I think 2016 can be a surprisingly good season and I believe even the long term future is a bit more rosy than some think. Here's why:
1. Andrelton Simmons makes the pitching staff better and if he improved his hitting just a bit higher will add to the lineup too. He puts the ball in play and who knows how much Trout and Pujols will help with his hitting- there were no future HOF hitters on the Braves last year that I can see- I think it's hard to quantify how much Pujols may have helped Trout with the mental and emotional part of hitting. Also- maybe Simmons helps other players have more desire to improve defensively.
2. Pitching Depth- look at the 2002 Angels staff- Washburn, Ortiz, Appier, Lackey- none of them were really an ace- there were no 20 game winners and only Washburn, Ortiz and Appier won more than 10. I think Richards is better than all of them, Heaney improves, and if either Weaver or Wilson return to just their average seasons- then we mix and match the rest and have a healthy competition for the remaining slots on the staff. There's good reason to believe the rotation will be better than last year and you add Simmons defense to the equation and I think the pitching and defense will keep us in many more games.
3. The bullpen- I like the pickups this offseason. Assuming Street is healthy, there can be some real gems here- 2002 saw some trash heap pickups like Weber and Donnelly have career years- I think between Albuquerque, Friedrich, and both Guerras that one of them will be solid in 2016. Again, I think Simmons influence will be a big lift to the bullpen.
4. I believe in Eppler. It's hard not to be a bit jaded about the front office and Arte after the fiasco last year. But even though they didn't sign a big name- I don't see any area of the team that got worse over the offseason- the pitching staff should be healthier and deeper. The bench has been improved. The infield defense has improved overall and I believe infield hitting shouldn't be any worse than last year and has a good chance of being better. Trout and Calhoun should be just as good as last year and even though I'm not thrilled with Nava/Gentry, it will be better than last year as it can't get any worse than one of the worst LF performances ever. Catching will be improved with Perez and Soto and there's a possibility the hitting there may improve over last year. I understand not wanting to pay superstar $ for merely good players. They've made many low risk moves that may pay off in small dividends, but in areas that will solidify areas of weakness last year.
5. The farm system- ok- it's not great- but big deal- the purpose of the farm system is to make the big league club better. I believe it did that in the offseason with the Simmons trade. It would have been unlikely that either Newcomb or Ellis would contribute in 2016 with the starting pitching being such a strength. As far as the future- there are 3 players I'm keeping an eye on- Taylor Ward, Jahmai Jones and Michael Pierson. If you followed the draft last year, you probably know all about Ward and Jones, but who the heck is Michael Pierson? Well- I didn't know either until last night when I realized he led all the minors with a .395 BA. Granted it was rookie league in Orem with only 195 AB, but still- .395 is impressive. Oh, did I mention he plays 3B? I don't believe I've heard anything about him before yesterday, so it was a very nice surprise. All of these 3 are likely a couple years away, but Ward and Pierson were both college players, so maybe they'll contribute sooner than later.
I may get ripped for some of the points here, but as I've thought about the offseason, I'm excited about 2016