nmh

Some context people might not remember. Angels drafted Skaggs with the 40th pick the in 2009 draft (Trout's draft). Diamondbacks had the 41st pick and apparently really liked him. Local kid from Santa Monica who dominated in high school. 6'5" lefty now.

I believe the Haren for Saunders, Skaggs, Corbin and Rodriguez was Dipoto's first deal almost immediately after he took over as GM. It came out how much the DBacks loved Skaggs and how he was a key to the deal. Corbin becoming a stud was not really expected.

So don't be surprised if Skaggs is a big component of a Trumbo deal. Both Dipoto and the Angels organization loved this kid at one point, we just fooled ourselves into thinking we were so close to competing and gave up three decent pitchers under control for years for a market rate pitcher.

The sad part is if the current Angels state of the union was made public, we wouldn't be much different. Between Reagins being way way over his head, giving Scoscia too much control and tenure, Arte being empowered by the drastic rise in club valuation, Dipoto making some choices which went bad quickly.

http://seattletimes.com/html/mariners/2022420240_mariners08xml.html

Quite the article about dysfunction in the Mariners front office.

Isn't the 40 man full?

37 after the recent non-tenders

Anybody else thinking the Angels will claim a pitcher or two in the rule 5 draft on Thursday, even if it's only in the minor league portion where they can take a AA guy and put him in AAA and see if he can make it.

Always thought that Baker was the wrong manager for that club when they were filled with a bunch of young and upcoming players.  Huge opportunity lost with that core a of team the last few years. 

Congrats Howie.

Howie has limited no trade protection. 12 teams he cant be traded to. I would be okay with trading him considering he is due about 10m per each of next two years if we get a good enough return. Hopefully we can wait for him to pick up 3 more hits to get to 1000 as an angel.

Physioc was around way too long and his style got boring. "Angels sure could use a hit right now" was brutal to listen to. I like Victor, but sure I will get tired in a few more years. Only Vin stands the test of time.

When Scioscia accept the Dodgers job after Mattingly is fired.

Have long thought this is the best solution. Dodgers would love to have him I would think.

Worth mentioning that the new Rangers TV contract starts with the 2015 season. I see the Rangers perspective that they might as well lock up their guy who is a fan favorite with some of that money. Just really tough to think of a career .275 with no pop making 15 milion per.

Was shocked when Aybar signed an extension pre free agency.

2015 Free Agent Shortstops from mlbtraderumors

Elvis Andrus (26)

Mike Aviles (34) - club option

Asdrubal Cabrera (29)

J.J. Hardy (32)

Jed Lowrie (31)

Hiroyuki Nakajima (32) - $5.5MM club option with a $500K buyout

Hanley Ramirez (31)

Cody Ransom (39)

Jimmy Rollins (36) - vesting/club/player option

Wilson Valdez (37)

There's a decent chance the Angels, Kings and Clippers (David's 3 teams) will all be playing at home on the April 21st if the Clips get homecourt advantage in the first round.  Would be classy if those teams somehow acknowledge him on that day.  Still find it bizarre when I hear "Los Angeles Goal" during Kings games and its not David.