KevinStockerIsGod

Pedro Moura ‏@pedromoura 15s15 seconds ago
Matt Joyce, Angels' new DH, has posted a great 130 wRC+ against RHP over the last 5 seasons, the same mark as Sandoval, Beltran, Chris Davis

Pedro Moura ‏@pedromoura 15s15 seconds ago
Matt Joyce, Angels' new DH, has posted a great 130 wRC+ against RHP over the last 5 seasons, the same mark as Sandoval, Beltran, Chris Davis

Pedro Moura ‏@pedromoura 15s15 seconds ago
Matt Joyce, Angels' new DH, has posted a great 130 wRC+ against RHP over the last 5 seasons, the same mark as Sandoval, Beltran, Chris Davis

Pedro Moura ‏@pedromoura 15s15 seconds ago
Matt Joyce, Angels' new DH, has posted a great 130 wRC+ against RHP over the last 5 seasons, the same mark as Sandoval, Beltran, Chris Davis

Pedro Moura ‏@pedromoura 15s15 seconds ago
Matt Joyce, Angels' new DH, has posted a great 130 wRC+ against RHP over the last 5 seasons, the same mark as Sandoval, Beltran, Chris Davis

Pedro Moura ‏@pedromoura 15s15 seconds ago
Matt Joyce, Angels' new DH, has posted a great 130 wRC+ against RHP over the last 5 seasons, the same mark as Sandoval, Beltran, Chris Davis

I think this Joyce is platoon at DH and backup outfielder.  Left handed power bat.

I think this Joyce is platoon at DH and backup outfielder.  Left handed power bat.

I think this Joyce is platoon at DH and backup outfielder.  Left handed power bat.

I'm sure you were saying the same thing last year with the 2 unproven arms they got back for Trumbo. How would they replace his 34 hr's and 100 RBI
 
....and then the team won 20 more games than last season.
 
Here's some ways they can improve(though kind of hard to improve from having the best record in MLB)
 
- Full season of Street as the closer + a deep pen. Should hold leads at a much better clip than they did to start the year last season with Frieri stinking it up
- Continued growth from Shoemaker and Calhoun. 2 players who finished up their first full seasons. Could see uptick in production from both
- Hamilton being useful.
- Cron/Krauss/??? taking reps at DH. I'll just say that they'll outproduce what Ibanez gave them for the first few months
- Heaney, a top prospect who is MLB ready, providing stability at the backend of the rotation in case CJ/Santiago falters
 
 
You can honestly go on and on. What if CJ Wilson rebounds? Quit focusing on 1 aspect of the team. 2B probably got worse, though who knows how much. I'd say that they don't have anybody on the roster who will provide the type of defense Howie brought at the 2B position, but their collection of bats could provide similar value with the bat that Howie did last year

Would anyone have a problem sending Kendrick and any of our BP arms for Zimmermann?  The depth we created certainly allows that conversation, if the Nats were so inclined.

Jeff Fletcher ‏@JeffFletcherOCR 1m
#Angels Mike Trout, on competing with A's now: "When we're going good, we can beat anybody."

Jeff Fletcher ‏@JeffFletcherOCR 1m
#Angels Mike Trout, on competing with A's now: "When we're going good, we can beat anybody."

Here's why the trade is beneficial, for both sides...
 
For the Angels, they get a veteran pitcher who has closed for a playoff team and only on the payroll this season.  If he doesn't bounce back, then he's off the books next season and the Angels have an extra $4.25 mil.  If he does, maybe you bring him back for another season.  They lose a "cost controlled" guy, but are they gonna spend $4.5mil (or more depending on arbitration raise) on a guy they can't trust to hold a lead?  The cost control doesn't matter at this point if you option him or cut him loose.
 
For the Pirates and Frieri, he goes back to the NL in a division that's easier to play in and has a fresh start.  Frieri seems like a good guy and I wish him the best.  It was clear in his body language and results that this wasn't a blip in the radar this year for him and the Angels. 

Salas looked good.

Moreno offered Garza a contract that would have taken us over the luxury tax...he didn't accept, it was pulled.  Santana and Jimenez would cost draft picks, so I agree they aren't a fit, plus who knows if they'd be worth it.  Tanaka spending went too crazy for an unknown. 
 
Dipoto got creative with trades to fill needs, it was a pretty good offseason. 

I know I haven't said to many positive comments regarding Arroyo, but if trading for a pitcher is no longer an option, I would most certainly take him over the list of characters being thrown around. 

After watching him pitch last year, I think he would be a horrible acquisition. Exactly what we don't need.  

Wow, not getting Matt Garza shouldn't cause a panic.  We traded Trumbo for 2 young assets, one with positive major league experience.  The other has the potential to be really good.  Garrett Richards is more than capable.  I don't see a huge panic here. Everytime we sign a veteran, people are upset the kids don't play.  Let them play.  Now you have money to make a trade in season, if needed.  
 
Now, if we do add someone else, would Capuano or Maholm be an upgrade?  They are career 1.40+ WHIP guys.  If we went after someone else, I would go Arroyo.  I know Arroyo has the tendency to give up homers, but playing in Cincinnati, that can be expected.  He has sub 4 ERAs the last 4 of 5 years, with a career WHIP of 1.29.  If you can get him for a year or 2, he'd be better IMO then Capuano or Malholm.

Nothing to get worked up about yet, we've added plenty of LH pitching depth, and if we do get another SP, I'm sure they would use Santiago out of the bullpen initially.  If Burnett comes back and is a useful piece, that's great. 

I've seen you raise this issue in other topics, and I understand what you're saying, but again, it's not like the Angels are being cheap and not giving him a raise, it's the system that was agreed to by players and owners.  Trout deserves a whole lot more than what his salary is, but the system dictates the scale.  He should know that, his agent should know that.  I'm sure everyone involved is well aware he will be paid soon and the Angels most likely will do so after Opening Day or later this season when they can extend him without the luxury tax ramifications. 

I've seen you raise this issue in other topics, and I understand what you're saying, but again, it's not like the Angels are being cheap and not giving him a raise, it's the system that was agreed to by players and owners.  Trout deserves a whole lot more than what his salary is, but the system dictates the scale.  He should know that, his agent should know that.  I'm sure everyone involved is well aware he will be paid soon and the Angels most likely will do so after Opening Day or later this season when they can extend him without the luxury tax ramifications. 

Blanton is by far Dipoto's worst move.

Jeff Fletcher ‏@JeffFletcherOCR 19s
Ibanez deal leaves #Angels about $15M under the CBT. Definitely still in play for Garza or Tanaka. Willing to go over by a little if necc.