TroutAdell

The problem with signing Cole is Boras’ tendency to stretch out the process. It is hard to wait that long when the team needs multiple arms.

It has to be mutual to be a rivalry. The Angels don’t have a true rival and neither do most teams in baseball. There is the Giants and Dogs, Yanks and Sox and Cubs-Cards, that’s about it.

For 2020 to not end the sane way it is vital that the core players remain healthy. Losing Upton, Ohtani and Simmons for several weeks hurt the club tremendously. Secondly, of course, is acquiring pitching that can matchup with the A’s, Astros and other top teams. One big negative is a 40+ Pujols playing 1B/DH with his huge salary and declining production. If only the Halos could use his 30 mil. On pitching.

Late season collapses two years in a row has pretty much sealed his fate. It won’t cost the Cubs anything since his contract is up. If the Angels are to make a change then I would prefer someone like Torey Luvello, if they can pry him away from Arizona.

I think you have to be worried about any pitcher who the Angels have or acquire. This is the reason you need playable depth in the minors.

I think that Upton has had a big enough of a career to get a pass on this season. He missed most of Spring training and then the first two months of the season. Granted, his defense is quite poor but you can’t hide him at 1B. The biggest problem this season was his almost 30% K rate. I think that Upton will have a good 2020.

Baseball is a hard game to play with foot pain. Trout is a gamer so if he says that the pain is too much to bear then I believe him. No Trout, Ohtani and probably Upton, at least there is a top ten pick in the future. Fletcher seems to be the only healthy player left.

Here we go again. It will be interesting to see how he is used next season.

The Angels definitely need a solid catcher who can be counted on for more than one season. Eppler should be on the phone to the Cubs and workout a trade for Caratini. Grandal will be too expensive. The Blue Jays are also deep in catching. Stability behind the plate can do wonders for a pitching staff.

I gave him an F. This has been the most uninspiring team I can remember. He is horrible at handling the pitching staff and seems disengaged at times. Frankly, I blame Eppler for making a lazy hire. I blame Eppler for his inability to put a decent staff together in his tenure. Eppler should be the head of player personnel for the minors. I have no faith in him to sign the needed pitching this offseason. I don’t look forward to Ausmus mishandling another season of pitching.

I went to the makeup game at Wrigley in June. Obviously the Angels were terrible that day but the atmosphere was incredible. It is still hard to believe that the Cubs can fill the stands. The fans are so into the game, they cheer every play and are very friendly. I recommend that Wrigley should be on every baseball fans bucket list.

The Yankees and Astros will be fighting for the best record in the league so they won’t be letting up.

How has he worked out so far? Granted the organization has some talent scattered around the lower minors but the Major League team has sucked. The Angels still don’t have a catcher and there isn’t any on the way. The lack of useful starting pitching is staggering. I, for one, am not as optimistic as most that Eppler can put together a winning team. I am rooting for him though.

Don’t discount Oakland, they have a solid club and Beane knows talent. Houston’s core is in its prime. That aren’t going to lose Cole and possibly Miley and McHugh and not add pitching. This is a hugely important off season for Eppler and his team. I feel this is their last chance to prove themselves. Based on past performances I am not as optimistic as most here.

These are definitely quality FA. The problems that the Angels face are do they wait for Cole, who is a Boras client, to sign before approaching other FA pitchers or do they try to sign two starters earlier and pass on Cole. What happens if the rest of the FA pitchers wait for Cole to set the market? I think this is Eppler’s last chance to get it right. I wish him good luck.