ksangel

He did.... Infielder Zack Cozart was diagnosed with a Grade 1 left calf strain and will be out for a few weeks, which could put his Opening Day status in jeopardy, manager Brad Ausmus said on Tuesday.

So you're ok with La Stella and Fletcher as starting 2B/3B, since Asmus has said Cozart probably would not be ready for opening day, and who as utility infielder?

Todays line up looks like starting line up and even batting order except Parker for injured Upton. So why the heck is La Stella at 3rd and not Ward? Ward's not even on the card.

Would enjoy hearing Trout's opinion of Adell...anyone hear of Trout talking about Adell? Adell sure appears to be doing ok even though it is early in spring training

For Heaney to have a similar year to 2018. A #3+ starter and go +/- 200 innings. No expectations for Skaggs to be anything but what he has been...great, bad or hurt. See 2019 as the end of the road with Angels for him. Just doesn't seem to be built to take the wear and tear and never has developed the brass balls it takes to be a stud pitcher...only has glass ones. Would like to see Felix Pena and Barria be given the chance to further develop and then see Canning and Suarez come up later in the year to see if they really are possible rotation pieces going towards 2020 to go with Heaney and Ohtani. If not then pitching critical next off season.

Time for "Angels in on Machado" rumors again from news media

Skaggs reported with dehydration after 1st bullpen session...

Just a flesh wound...I've had worse...

Good fix

"Injury Free for XXX (to be filled in as season progresses) Days"

Angels could have drafted Whitley in 2016 but took Thaiss with 16th pick. Houston took Whitley with 17th pick.

Ward hit 20 HR' s last yr in 500 AB's. His OBP was at or over .400 in college, .457 1st yr of pro ball, .323 in his 2nd yr @ A+, .348 at A+ and .400 at AA the next yr and .446 at Salt Lake last year. His average has also been over .300 in college and pro ball except for the two years behind the plate in pro ball. Don't see his bat, average, obp or power, as the question but watching him at 3B in the majors last year seems he needs more time at Salt Lake honing his defensive skills.

Rather stay patient with Skaggs and Heaney and use the $'s on a 3B, 4th OF and RP. If Keuchel was worth the $'s Houston would resign him.

How quickly Eppler / Moreno handle Pujol's inability to produce...it will happen. Third base hole. OK with Cozart / Fletcher as 2B / utility. Ward needs another year at AAA. Not worried about pitching especially with Middleton and JC returning and good chance Canning will advance to majors by ASG. 4th outfielder. Borjous not the answer. Need righty to platoon with Calhoun.

Glad to have Ohtani vs Kikuchi...plus Angels already have two 27 year old lefties with just as much upside. Go get a closer Eppler!

WOW what a fascinating article. The replies after the article are also worth reading especially the Rangers fan who had observation on Lucroy and possible wrist injury. Before anyone criticizes Lucroy's pitch framing skills they need to read this article and replies. Thanks so much Doc. This is the sort of analysis I enjoy for it goes beyond the surface level of stats.

Regarding pitch framing Doc...would rating have much to do with type or quality of pitchers Lacroy had in Milwaukee vs Oakland? I ask this because I agree with you that his age probably isn't related to pitch framing rating.

This! Harvey $11M, Cahill $9M, Lucroy $3.35M leaves about $6.65M+ for Robertson or another closer type in 2019. Eppler has filled 3 of 4 positions he said he would fill this off season.

Hoping Shoe has a bounce back season but why would he choose an AL East team with 54 games against NY, Boston & Tampa?

Agree because if OBP is the main factor for lead off, Albert's career # is .382. Possibly will flip flop between Fletcher against lefties and Calhoun against righties.

Rather than spend $'s on 3B am leaning towards putting those $'s towards a catcher (Grandal specifically) where the Angels don't have obvious candidate and let Ward and Fletcher play 3rd. Nice analysis btw...enjoyed reading it

What happens to Upton when Marsh is ready? 1B seemed logical place for him. Or if Thaiss pans out? 4 years seem too long for Grandal but offensive upgrade at catcher is needed in 2019.

That answers Saurez but why isn't Canning a for sure invite since he seems close to being a part of the Angels? Seems odd they wouldn't want him there for the experience

Not doubting Canning's future but why would Angels invite Saurez to 2019 major league spring training but have not decided yet whether Canning would be. Eppler was quoted stating this recently in mlb trade rumors article (about Bourjos & 7 others signed minor league contracts).

Played some CF for Giants but was 2nd team all-american for UVA and only played CF...though CF in college isn't CF in MLB