California Cajun

I think more run support will make these pitchers better. I also wish Scioscia would stick with relievers longer when they're pitching well.

You had me fooled there. I could picture Josh playing for the Rangers in a park that disallows tobacco products, and losing concentration because of a nicotine fit.

+1 on backloading Skaggs' innings.

The Angels have a good pitching staff. That's the #1 determining factor. Other than that we need some surprise performances. I think we can win from 75 to 90 games depending on variables. Let's hope for 90. The Angels needed to address at least LF in a meaningful way and didn't. But a pitching-based team gives us a shot.

I think the Angels can have a great season because of their pitching staff. But they need some pleasant surprises in the field, at bat, and on the base paths.

The Yankees retired #8 twice, for Bill Dickey and Yogi Berra. If Vladimir goes into the Hall as an Angel (I think MLB will force him to go in as an Expo if elected), the Angels can do the same thing.

I've heard fans talk about Escobar at 2b. Is management even thinking about it or is it Johnny G or Pennington? I'm really ready for in-house solutions for 3b and LF. Cowart and Kubitza?

Celestial Teachers, LOL. Maybe they can get some looks in LF during the early Spring games.

I was a big Rams fan during the Roman Gabriel/Fearsome Foursome years. Loved the blue and white unis of the time bit anything's better than what they've worn in recent years. I was really mad when they moved and have tried to be a Saints fan the last 20 years. Really excited the Rams are back.

Cuidado? I remember you posting that you live in Mexico. Come back before Trump builds the wall and sends you the bill.

That was an outstanding article, Ellen. It appears that Eppler is the right guy to work with Arte and Scioscia. The Angel organization was dysfunctional in recent years and some bad decisions were made in that environment. I give Eppler the benefit of the doubt on the Simmons trade even though I'm concerned about it. I didn't like the Gott for Escobar trade because I've read negative reviews about Escobar at 3b. Eppler is clearly hamstrung by Arte's hangover from the Hamilton experience. They really needed an impact player in LF. Maybe Eppler's rapport with Arte and Scioscia will eventually allow him more payroll flexibility.

This is what it said when I logged into the MLB forum: "Message Boards The Angels Message Boards are no longer available." Lifetime hasn't been on the board for years. Lee, the guy that was so controversial, died some years ago. I would imagine some more homeless members who still want to talk Angels BB will come by.

California Cajun (John Ayers) Refugee from MLB's jettisoned forums 2002-2016 Serious Angel fan since 1967. SoCal resident 1955-72 (L.A, Anaheim, Bakersfield, Garden Grove) LaQuinta H.S. in Westminster 1969-72 Lafayette, LA since 1972 Acadiana High School in Lafayette 1972-73 University of Louisiana (University of Southwestern Louisiana when attended) 1973-77 My first baseball season: (PCL) L.A. Angels at Wrigley Field in 1956 My first Angels game: 1965 at Chavez Ravine

Arte absolutely hates Bora$. Unless it's a situation like Weaver, who specifically wants to play for the Angels, Arte will never deal with him. I also think he's reeling from the Hamilton deal and isn't very anxious to spend money. Eppler probably wasn't allowed to do more than he did this offseason.

I think MLB has given us our unconditional release. I received answers to several posts and the email linked to a blank page that said "Angels Message Boards no longer available." Guess they wanted to surprise us.