IowaAngels27

Sounds like both are quality clubhouse guys too. I like it.

Still the best option.

Just curious, but what is everyone looking for in Spring Training to determine the success of the regular season? I'm anxious to see how the back end of the rotation plays out and am looking for quality outings from the rotation in the spring. We are three weeks away from pitchers and catchers reporting, time to gear up!

You obviously haven't been reading all the quality things happening this offseason. Just remember, when things are going well, stay off the bandwagon.

If Jerry goes out and looks for anything it will be a lefty who dominates LH Hitters. Unless Spring Training results become important all of a sudden there is no need to worry.

Does that mean Weav is the Wild Thing?

Maybe Blanton won't make Arte pay him the rest of his contract either.

I'm not sure how you can suggest a players ability to perform in big time situations when he's never made a playoff appearance. That's where it matters.

I hear him and Weav will be in a battle for the #1 spot

Why don't we just bank on Mulder regaining his form and rewind back to 2005? Seems like the logical thing to do.

Might be a little too much in my opinion, but if any pitcher deserves a big contract, it's him. I'm just glad he's staying in the NL:, even if it's with the Dodgers.

No hate on Garza Chuck. But Arroyo is just the better deal and fit IMO

2/18 is exactly what I was thinking. Very fair price.

In my opinion this is who we should be going after. Let me offer you many reasons why. This is a short term solution. If he says a 2-3 year contract, by the time he is done we should have much more depth as far as Starting Pitching. The guy is durable. He has pitched 200 innings every year since 2005 and I don't expect that to change. He hasn't pitched in the AL since 2005. Seems like this favors him more than opposing hitters. His ERA over the last two seasons is about 3.75 and his K/BB rate has either increased or stay constant since 2010. In his two postseason starts with the Reds, he has allowed 1 earned run in 12 1/3 innings pitched. He would end up being our #3 so lets look at playoff match-ups with other #3 guy. I would say he's better than all except Sanzhez. -vs Texas: Matchup vs Matt Harrison -vs Oakland: Matchup vs Scott Kazmir -vs Boston: Matchup vs John Lackey - vs New York Matchup vs Ivan Nova or Hiroki Kuroda - vs Tampa Bay Matchup vs Alex Cobb - vs Detroit Matchup vs Anibal Sanchez Like I've said before, we're not looking for an Ace, we're looking for a solid #3 guy and Bronson is that guy IMO.

Dave- You'd be surprised to know that I'm actually 20 years old and will be at the SABR Analytics Conference the week after Fanfest. Very disappointed I can't attend, but I'm hoping to catch a Spring Training game while I'm in Arizona and Jerry also told me that he will be at the Conference. Chuck- Not a problem, it was $65 for one person and I believe $500 for a table of 8.

I attended the Burlington Bees Winter Banquet the other night and listened to Jerry Dipoto, as he was the Keynote Speaker. Just some of the thoughts I took away from listening to him. He openly admitted that pitching was terrible last weekend and he has done everything to correct the problem. Seemed very excited about the improved bullpen. Talked a lot about all of the star power, but the lack of results with them. He said Josh has gained about 20 pounds this off season and is back to what he weighed in his MVP season, and Albert is healthy. Seemed very optimistic. Said one reason he signed Ibanez was to preserve the first round pick. He stated a lot that he is trying to build the organization from the ground up and improve the farm system. Talked very highly of both Skaggs and Santiago, but was especially complimentary of Santiago's fastball. Spoke very highly of Hunter Green and his off speed pitches. He is hoping to see him gain a good amount of weight and keep building a more bulky frame. He said he believes the minor league coaches and hard working players are the reason for the success in A+, AA and AAA last year. Now he is looking for talent to match that hard work and coaching. Overall, he seemed like this is going to be a great year. I asked him about what else he is looking to add and he wouldn't give any names, but just said a veteran starting pitcher. So seems to me that Tanaka is out for now. Listening to him got me even more excited for pitchers and catchers to report. Counting down the days!

Listened to Jerry talk the other night at the Burlington Bees Winter Banquet and he actually mentioned Weav and CJ more than Trout. Talked a lot about pitching, and wouldn't name any names when I asked about who he was going after.

Whether or not Albert is still planning to sue Jack Clark on the allegations of PED use? Haven't heard much about it in a while. Just curious.

With the quality coaching in the Angels system, I see no reason for all 15 to develop into quality Big League players.

I love the quote "It's hard to be terrible with a healthy Mike Trout." The guy loves to put the team on his back.

Very optimistic, but really hoping this is the case!

If anyone on this board wants to trade Weav, than by all means please move to Arlington.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It's always a late night because of the time difference. Games usually get over around midnight. It makes for a long day, but completely worth it. I love being around so many minor league teams, especially in the Angels organization. I'm headed to the Burlington Bees Winter Banquet on the 10th where Jerry will be speaking.

Trolling the Over the Monster site and found some articles you all might want to read. I don't think much of them, but they are an interesting read. Mike Trout, future Red Sox, book it http://www.overthemonster.com/2013/12/24/5237450/mike-trout-future-red-sox-trade Bring me Mike Trout http://www.overthemonster.com/2013/12/24/5238518/mike-trout-trade-red-sox How the Red Sox can lure Mike Trout http://www.overthemonster.com/2013/12/24/5239648/red-sox-mike-trout-trade-fish-pun The night before Troutmas http://www.overthemonster.com/2013/12/24/5240516/mike-trout-red-sox-trade Sounds like someone is in love. Heil Mike Trout and Go Angels!

Would love to get him, but he's no Weav in my mind.