stanick88

Its crazy how Albert, being the oldest, is never hurt.

I many long discussions with Huston Street about this. 
 
The problem with that is it’s not a computer game where you just push a button and the reliever you want comes in. They have a lot of prep they need to do to get ready, beyond simply warming up. If your closer basically has to be gassed up to go from the 7th inning on he’s going to burn out quickly. 
 
Let’s say you’re up by 2 and the No 8 hitter leads off the 7th with a single. You’re basically one baserunner away from the game being “on the line,” so do you start warming your closer up now? And what if the next three guys make outs. So he sits down and then has to warm up again in the 8th if someone gets on? How many times do you think you’d go through that in a season?

Regardless. This is my take on this entire situation. Raisel needs to be better in those non-save situations rather than bitch about it. But more importantly, Maddon also needs to acknowledge that putting in a guy who has been extremely vocal against being used in this manner (and the numbers back it up) is pretty damn bonehead as well.

The Angels not only need to make the playoffs, they need to win games in the playoffs.  
 
I’m so tired of the “Trout hasn’t won a playoff game” narrative.  So just getting to the playoffs isn’t enough for me.  The Angels need to get there, and win.  Plain and simple.

What has to happen, in this 2021 season, for you to consider it a success?  My poll is based on the team's overall performance, but if there's other things you want to touch on, such as specific performances for certain players and prospects, feel free to touch on that in your replies.  Basically, I'm just trying to get a sense of what everyone expects from the team, as well as what they would consider a disappointment.

Well that's a shocker

Winning cures a lot of ailments. 
 
Just win, baby

When you consider Maddon's preaching of culture, the addition of clubhouse-friendly vets, and the likely additions of Rojas and Rodriguez, I think you see the direction the Angels are headed becoming more clear. 
They're going to aggressively promote and push their internal options and try to build a team heavy on chemistry. 
Rojas is a prime example. He's risky. Could be a 4A player, could be a real liability defensively, could strain the team's needs at SS/CF...but if he hits and plays well, you have a really, really bug feel-good story. Hometown late-rounder debuting at 28. It doesn't show up in box scores or BBREF, but if your clubhouse is as chemistry/camaderie-based as we're being led to believe, this type of success can really galvanize a team. That seems to be their approach, or at least a big part of it. It's why encouraging Rodriguez, Ward, Detmers, Rengifo has been such a big part of this spring as well. They're pushing these guys, talking them up, putting confidence in them publicly. There seems to be a strategy to re-make the attitude of the team and give even the bit players more confidence. 
If it all coalesces and these guys gain confidence and suddenly perform to an average or above-average rate, even role-players like Ward or Suarez or Thaiss, this team could become immensely dangerous, a la 2002. 
All of this also sounds right in the Maddon-type of approach to winning.

I agree @PattyD22. Going into that season we had a bunch of unknowns and K-Rod didn't come upon the scene until Sept of 2002, being converted to a reliever after starting in the minor leagues. 
Basically the Angels had Scot Shields and Troy Percival going into that season. That's it. Mayers and Iglesias could be every bit of good as those two, so you're right. Hopefully we'll get a Brendon Donnelly, Ben Weber type performance from two other guys and Chris Rodriguez could give us an entire season worth of K-Rod results. 

Not gonna lie, I kinda hope Rojas somehow edges out Rengifo. And I really like Rengifo
Maybe the Halos will think Rengifo is better off with regular playing time and Rojas can better handle a bench role. 
Starting to believe in Taylor Ward as well! Good stuff.

A late inning rally of 3 or 4 runs to win the game.
listening to an announcer or announcing team tell great stories. My favorite tv moments were listening to Vinny and Joe Garagiola tell stories during the WS and relate it to the situation on the field, especially during critical moments. The entire call of Gibsons homer in game 1 in the 88 WS is a perfect moment.

There is no feeling like waliking out of the stadium after the team has pulled off a come back win in the 9th inning.  This is especially sweet if you have traveled to see the Angels on the road.
Watching players doing the little things, like backing up throws to third, home or the pitcher.
The sweep tag to nip a runner at the bag.
The 5-4-3, 3-6-3, or 4-6-3 Double play. 
Seeing the Angels play at other stadiums, especially Seattle.

In case y'all forgot what a privilege it was to have Vlad on the team. 
 

Better still.
 

I'm more optimistic than in years past, at least since 2015. A few reasons:
- Ohtani seems healthy.
- The team is solid throughout: very good hitting, the rotation looks at least average and possibly better, bullpen is a bit iffy but has some promise, overall pretty good depth, especially if you consider the minor league talent in the pipeline.
- The farm system is stock-full of talent and we'll see a bunch of it this year: Adell, Marsh, maybe Detmers and Rodriguez.
- Maddon is a nice guy.
- New GM, seems to know what he's doing.
- Well, its spring and hope springs eternal.

Chris Rodriguez is our SECOND best pitching prospect?  After seeing him pitch to two hitters, I now declare him the BEST pitcher we've had in 3 years!

Sweet! I'm excited to pay $225 to sit in section 513.

Exactly, minus the wild card

Angels 99-63.

Angels win American League West.
Angels win their division series.
Angels win ALCS.
Angels win WS.
 
Keep it simple. 

Angels 99-63.

Angels win American League West.
Angels win their division series.
Angels win ALCS.
Angels win WS.
 
Keep it simple. 

19 years in the making. 

I will vote yes every single year. Forever.

penny wise pound foolish.  I've always been concerned that they squeeze every last drop of budget from other places in order to fund the major league roster.  Save a couple mil on scouting and development to afford Alex Cobb.  Would be so curious as to what the Angels budget is for that relative to other teams.  I'm making a lot of assumptions but we've gotten the sense on several occasions that they skimp in some of the most important areas in order to say that they've got a high payroll.  Perhaps it is a bit of a marketing ploy knowing that no one is privy to what is spend in other areas and the only number that's made public is payroll.  

Weaver during his prime > Lackey during his prime > Lackey during his later years >>> Weaver during his later years