instant karma

yes, there are positives to doing poorly that can help the team make decisions going forward.  Given losing our top two pitchers within the first month of the season, we do have an opportunity to have a high draft pick.  We made the correct decision to fire our scouting director.  Lets be optomistic that Billy will make a good call on who will replace Rick Wilson.
 

As everyone knows, we missed the playoffs by one game last year. 
 
We had a terrible offense, the Josh Hamilton fiasco, we got ZERO production from anyone playing left field, we got zero offense for Iannetta , our projected ace (Jared Weaver) had a bad year, and Garret Richards was at less than full strength, one year post his leg injury.  
 
Going into this year, no one is picking us to win.  The Astros and Rangers are projected to win.  Of course, the Astros were projected to finish last in 2015, so that gives you some insight into the people who make these predictions.
 
I enter the season totally believing the Angels will surprise EVERYONE.  Our starting pitching will be deeper,better, and one of the better overall staffs in the American League.  Having another off-season to rehab, Richards will be a stud.  I like our over starting depth and ability with Heaney as our number 2 and Santiago who will show continued growth as our number 3.  Scaggs will contribute as our number 4.  That makes 4 young pitchers with Weaver as an excellent number 5 and the Shoe to fill in as needed.  A much better starting rotation than 2015.
 
Our bullpen, which was outstanding in 2015 will be deeper and stronger.  
 
We have significantly more team speed than in 2015.
 
We have much better team defense in 2016 with Gentry, Nava, Simmons, and Escobar.  We have 3 gold glove candidates in Simmons, Calhoun and trout.
 
Albert, being an exclusive DH will be healthier, providing even better offensive numbers than in 2015,
 
Cron will extend the lineup hitting at least 25 homers and driving in at least 75 runs over the season.  Moving Calhoun down in the order only extends our lineup more.
 
We have more depth in Triple A when injuries pop up and our back ups on the major league roster are significantly better than in 2015.
 
Lastly, I sense a hunger and intensity from this team.  A take no prisoners attitude.
 
I think we are going to be an elite team in 2016.  One of the best in baseball.  Surprise.
 
 

As everyone knows, we missed the playoffs by one game last year. 
 
We had a terrible offense, the Josh Hamilton fiasco, we got ZERO production from anyone playing left field, we got zero offense for Iannetta , our projected ace (Jared Weaver) had a bad year, and Garret Richards was at less than full strength, one year post his leg injury.  
 
Going into this year, no one is picking us to win.  The Astros and Rangers are projected to win.  Of course, the Astros were projected to finish last in 2015, so that gives you some insight into the people who make these predictions.
 
I enter the season totally believing the Angels will surprise EVERYONE.  Our starting pitching will be deeper,better, and one of the better overall staffs in the American League.  Having another off-season to rehab, Richards will be a stud.  I like our over starting depth and ability with Heaney as our number 2 and Santiago who will show continued growth as our number 3.  Scaggs will contribute as our number 4.  That makes 4 young pitchers with Weaver as an excellent number 5 and the Shoe to fill in as needed.  A much better starting rotation than 2015.
 
Our bullpen, which was outstanding in 2015 will be deeper and stronger.  
 
We have significantly more team speed than in 2015.
 
We have much better team defense in 2016 with Gentry, Nava, Simmons, and Escobar.  We have 3 gold glove candidates in Simmons, Calhoun and trout.
 
Albert, being an exclusive DH will be healthier, providing even better offensive numbers than in 2015,
 
Cron will extend the lineup hitting at least 25 homers and driving in at least 75 runs over the season.  Moving Calhoun down in the order only extends our lineup more.
 
We have more depth in Triple A when injuries pop up and our back ups on the major league roster are significantly better than in 2015.
 
Lastly, I sense a hunger and intensity from this team.  A take no prisoners attitude.
 
I think we are going to be an elite team in 2016.  One of the best in baseball.  Surprise.
 
 

Like 99 percent of you, I love our Angels and I enjoy reading the takes you have (whether or not I agree with them).
 
I believe we are fortunate to have Billy Eppler as our GM. I think over time, we'll see him as an upgrade over Dipoto--who also did good things like upgrade our bullpen really fast.
 
I like the Simmons deal.  I recognize it was a risk.  If Newcombe becomes a top of the rotation starter, we may regret the deal.  That said, he must of believed we would lose Aybar after the season and that no good replacement was available in the minors.  We saved money on Simmons, we have him under a reasonable contract for years to come, he is younger than Aybar, he is seen as the best defensive shortstop in the majors and his offense is okay and may improve over time.  
 
I like getting rid of Ramos.  Yes, he was good last year.  That said, I don"t believe he was worth what he would probably get via arbitration.  He had, what I see view a career season and I don't want to pay overpay.
 
I always liked Cowgill, but boy did he miss a golden opportunity this past year.  With Hamilton gone, if he had produced any reasonable offensive numbers he might have secured the left filed job.  Regrettbly, he didn't.  He's a good clubhouse guy, but I applaud trading him given his overall, production to the club.
 
I really liked what Eppler said in his press conference.  He said he looks to bring in players that will reduce runs being scored against us and players that produce runs for us.  That makes sense to me.  He is making us younger at the sane time.   
 
I think too many of us are too easy to criticize .  I know this forum has plenty of Mike Scoiscia haters.  To me, he did an amazing job having us one game out of the playoffs given Weaver (our ace) had an off year and we lost our left fielder (Hamilton for the year) giving us zero production from  that position. I think it says something that his players love the guy and play hard for him.  If you have a crappy manager, the players typically go south.
 
My hunch is we will pick up an upgrade for left field during the meetings.  If that happens, I like our chances to compete.
 
Again, I apprecaiate all the points of view from Angel fans.

Like 99 percent of you, I love our Angels and I enjoy reading the takes you have (whether or not I agree with them).
 
I believe we are fortunate to have Billy Eppler as our GM. I think over time, we'll see him as an upgrade over Dipoto--who also did good things like upgrade our bullpen really fast.
 
I like the Simmons deal.  I recognize it was a risk.  If Newcombe becomes a top of the rotation starter, we may regret the deal.  That said, he must of believed we would lose Aybar after the season and that no good replacement was available in the minors.  We saved money on Simmons, we have him under a reasonable contract for years to come, he is younger than Aybar, he is seen as the best defensive shortstop in the majors and his offense is okay and may improve over time.  
 
I like getting rid of Ramos.  Yes, he was good last year.  That said, I don"t believe he was worth what he would probably get via arbitration.  He had, what I see view a career season and I don't want to pay overpay.
 
I always liked Cowgill, but boy did he miss a golden opportunity this past year.  With Hamilton gone, if he had produced any reasonable offensive numbers he might have secured the left filed job.  Regrettbly, he didn't.  He's a good clubhouse guy, but I applaud trading him given his overall, production to the club.
 
I really liked what Eppler said in his press conference.  He said he looks to bring in players that will reduce runs being scored against us and players that produce runs for us.  That makes sense to me.  He is making us younger at the sane time.   
 
I think too many of us are too easy to criticize .  I know this forum has plenty of Mike Scoiscia haters.  To me, he did an amazing job having us one game out of the playoffs given Weaver (our ace) had an off year and we lost our left fielder (Hamilton for the year) giving us zero production from  that position. I think it says something that his players love the guy and play hard for him.  If you have a crappy manager, the players typically go south.
 
My hunch is we will pick up an upgrade for left field during the meetings.  If that happens, I like our chances to compete.
 
Again, I apprecaiate all the points of view from Angel fans.

Like 99 percent of you, I love our Angels and I enjoy reading the takes you have (whether or not I agree with them).
 
I believe we are fortunate to have Billy Eppler as our GM. I think over time, we'll see him as an upgrade over Dipoto--who also did good things like upgrade our bullpen really fast.
 
I like the Simmons deal.  I recognize it was a risk.  If Newcombe becomes a top of the rotation starter, we may regret the deal.  That said, he must of believed we would lose Aybar after the season and that no good replacement was available in the minors.  We saved money on Simmons, we have him under a reasonable contract for years to come, he is younger than Aybar, he is seen as the best defensive shortstop in the majors and his offense is okay and may improve over time.  
 
I like getting rid of Ramos.  Yes, he was good last year.  That said, I don"t believe he was worth what he would probably get via arbitration.  He had, what I see view a career season and I don't want to pay overpay.
 
I always liked Cowgill, but boy did he miss a golden opportunity this past year.  With Hamilton gone, if he had produced any reasonable offensive numbers he might have secured the left filed job.  Regrettbly, he didn't.  He's a good clubhouse guy, but I applaud trading him given his overall, production to the club.
 
I really liked what Eppler said in his press conference.  He said he looks to bring in players that will reduce runs being scored against us and players that produce runs for us.  That makes sense to me.  He is making us younger at the sane time.   
 
I think too many of us are too easy to criticize .  I know this forum has plenty of Mike Scoiscia haters.  To me, he did an amazing job having us one game out of the playoffs given Weaver (our ace) had an off year and we lost our left fielder (Hamilton for the year) giving us zero production from  that position. I think it says something that his players love the guy and play hard for him.  If you have a crappy manager, the players typically go south.
 
My hunch is we will pick up an upgrade for left field during the meetings.  If that happens, I like our chances to compete.
 
Again, I apprecaiate all the points of view from Angel fans.

Like 99 percent of you, I love our Angels and I enjoy reading the takes you have (whether or not I agree with them).
 
I believe we are fortunate to have Billy Eppler as our GM. I think over time, we'll see him as an upgrade over Dipoto--who also did good things like upgrade our bullpen really fast.
 
I like the Simmons deal.  I recognize it was a risk.  If Newcombe becomes a top of the rotation starter, we may regret the deal.  That said, he must of believed we would lose Aybar after the season and that no good replacement was available in the minors.  We saved money on Simmons, we have him under a reasonable contract for years to come, he is younger than Aybar, he is seen as the best defensive shortstop in the majors and his offense is okay and may improve over time.  
 
I like getting rid of Ramos.  Yes, he was good last year.  That said, I don"t believe he was worth what he would probably get via arbitration.  He had, what I see view a career season and I don't want to pay overpay.
 
I always liked Cowgill, but boy did he miss a golden opportunity this past year.  With Hamilton gone, if he had produced any reasonable offensive numbers he might have secured the left filed job.  Regrettbly, he didn't.  He's a good clubhouse guy, but I applaud trading him given his overall, production to the club.
 
I really liked what Eppler said in his press conference.  He said he looks to bring in players that will reduce runs being scored against us and players that produce runs for us.  That makes sense to me.  He is making us younger at the sane time.   
 
I think too many of us are too easy to criticize .  I know this forum has plenty of Mike Scoiscia haters.  To me, he did an amazing job having us one game out of the playoffs given Weaver (our ace) had an off year and we lost our left fielder (Hamilton for the year) giving us zero production from  that position. I think it says something that his players love the guy and play hard for him.  If you have a crappy manager, the players typically go south.
 
My hunch is we will pick up an upgrade for left field during the meetings.  If that happens, I like our chances to compete.
 
Again, I apprecaiate all the points of view from Angel fans.

Like 99 percent of you, I love our Angels and I enjoy reading the takes you have (whether or not I agree with them).
 
I believe we are fortunate to have Billy Eppler as our GM. I think over time, we'll see him as an upgrade over Dipoto--who also did good things like upgrade our bullpen really fast.
 
I like the Simmons deal.  I recognize it was a risk.  If Newcombe becomes a top of the rotation starter, we may regret the deal.  That said, he must of believed we would lose Aybar after the season and that no good replacement was available in the minors.  We saved money on Simmons, we have him under a reasonable contract for years to come, he is younger than Aybar, he is seen as the best defensive shortstop in the majors and his offense is okay and may improve over time.  
 
I like getting rid of Ramos.  Yes, he was good last year.  That said, I don"t believe he was worth what he would probably get via arbitration.  He had, what I see view a career season and I don't want to pay overpay.
 
I always liked Cowgill, but boy did he miss a golden opportunity this past year.  With Hamilton gone, if he had produced any reasonable offensive numbers he might have secured the left filed job.  Regrettbly, he didn't.  He's a good clubhouse guy, but I applaud trading him given his overall, production to the club.
 
I really liked what Eppler said in his press conference.  He said he looks to bring in players that will reduce runs being scored against us and players that produce runs for us.  That makes sense to me.  He is making us younger at the sane time.   
 
I think too many of us are too easy to criticize .  I know this forum has plenty of Mike Scoiscia haters.  To me, he did an amazing job having us one game out of the playoffs given Weaver (our ace) had an off year and we lost our left fielder (Hamilton for the year) giving us zero production from  that position. I think it says something that his players love the guy and play hard for him.  If you have a crappy manager, the players typically go south.
 
My hunch is we will pick up an upgrade for left field during the meetings.  If that happens, I like our chances to compete.
 
Again, I apprecaiate all the points of view from Angel fans.

Like 99 percent of you, I love our Angels and I enjoy reading the takes you have (whether or not I agree with them).
 
I believe we are fortunate to have Billy Eppler as our GM. I think over time, we'll see him as an upgrade over Dipoto--who also did good things like upgrade our bullpen really fast.
 
I like the Simmons deal.  I recognize it was a risk.  If Newcombe becomes a top of the rotation starter, we may regret the deal.  That said, he must of believed we would lose Aybar after the season and that no good replacement was available in the minors.  We saved money on Simmons, we have him under a reasonable contract for years to come, he is younger than Aybar, he is seen as the best defensive shortstop in the majors and his offense is okay and may improve over time.  
 
I like getting rid of Ramos.  Yes, he was good last year.  That said, I don"t believe he was worth what he would probably get via arbitration.  He had, what I see view a career season and I don't want to pay overpay.
 
I always liked Cowgill, but boy did he miss a golden opportunity this past year.  With Hamilton gone, if he had produced any reasonable offensive numbers he might have secured the left filed job.  Regrettbly, he didn't.  He's a good clubhouse guy, but I applaud trading him given his overall, production to the club.
 
I really liked what Eppler said in his press conference.  He said he looks to bring in players that will reduce runs being scored against us and players that produce runs for us.  That makes sense to me.  He is making us younger at the sane time.   
 
I think too many of us are too easy to criticize .  I know this forum has plenty of Mike Scoiscia haters.  To me, he did an amazing job having us one game out of the playoffs given Weaver (our ace) had an off year and we lost our left fielder (Hamilton for the year) giving us zero production from  that position. I think it says something that his players love the guy and play hard for him.  If you have a crappy manager, the players typically go south.
 
My hunch is we will pick up an upgrade for left field during the meetings.  If that happens, I like our chances to compete.
 
Again, I apprecaiate all the points of view from Angel fans.

Like 99 percent of you, I love our Angels and I enjoy reading the takes you have (whether or not I agree with them).
 
I believe we are fortunate to have Billy Eppler as our GM. I think over time, we'll see him as an upgrade over Dipoto--who also did good things like upgrade our bullpen really fast.
 
I like the Simmons deal.  I recognize it was a risk.  If Newcombe becomes a top of the rotation starter, we may regret the deal.  That said, he must of believed we would lose Aybar after the season and that no good replacement was available in the minors.  We saved money on Simmons, we have him under a reasonable contract for years to come, he is younger than Aybar, he is seen as the best defensive shortstop in the majors and his offense is okay and may improve over time.  
 
I like getting rid of Ramos.  Yes, he was good last year.  That said, I don"t believe he was worth what he would probably get via arbitration.  He had, what I see view a career season and I don't want to pay overpay.
 
I always liked Cowgill, but boy did he miss a golden opportunity this past year.  With Hamilton gone, if he had produced any reasonable offensive numbers he might have secured the left filed job.  Regrettbly, he didn't.  He's a good clubhouse guy, but I applaud trading him given his overall, production to the club.
 
I really liked what Eppler said in his press conference.  He said he looks to bring in players that will reduce runs being scored against us and players that produce runs for us.  That makes sense to me.  He is making us younger at the sane time.   
 
I think too many of us are too easy to criticize .  I know this forum has plenty of Mike Scoiscia haters.  To me, he did an amazing job having us one game out of the playoffs given Weaver (our ace) had an off year and we lost our left fielder (Hamilton for the year) giving us zero production from  that position. I think it says something that his players love the guy and play hard for him.  If you have a crappy manager, the players typically go south.
 
My hunch is we will pick up an upgrade for left field during the meetings.  If that happens, I like our chances to compete.
 
Again, I apprecaiate all the points of view from Angel fans.

I think Chuck is right on.
 
The following is a part of post I left in November:
 
Going into spring training/the 2015 season the questions I believe the organization will wrestle with include the following:  
 
CJ Wilson:  CJ is entering the 4th year of his 5 year contract.  I've never been a fan of CJ pitching-wise.  That's documented in my prior posts.  He can't consistently throw strikes and he taxes the bullpen.  Barring injury, we know that our 2015 starting staff will probably consist of Weaver, Richards, Shoemaker, and maybe Santiago who had a better year than his won loss record would suggest.  Rasmus is also in contention.  Jerry has added some starting depth with the Conger trade and I suspect more starting depth will be coming from subsequent trades.  We also may have a pitcher in the minor league pipeline who may earn a spot in Spring Training.  CJ can be dealt a lot easier than Hamilton and we can get a return on CJ.  I don't see CJ being on the team or if on the team, I don't see him in the rotation in 2015.  Waht do you think?
 
At the time, most that relied felt that was little to no chance of CJ being moved.
 
Dec 16 addendum
 
With the additional starting pitching depth Jerry has acquired, I'm more convinced that CJ will traded either prior to spring training or sometime during spring training. 
 
I believe the Angels can build on what they accomplished  last year and will be stronger in 2015.