T.G.

I heard Dipoto yesterday on mlbnetworkadio and he also talked about the release point.  Dipoto is obviously a big fan - going back to when Skaggs was in HS.  He talked about his work ethic and his desire to be "great" and that being average won't do for Skaggs.  He talked about his feel for pitching and that he's a good athlete.  The change in the release point was to make his change up better, which it did.  Doesn't have to throw hard to be effective....

I know his OBP sucked... but I sure loved watching those prodigious bombs.  I always appreciated his effort on the field.  Seems like a perfect fit for Kirk Gibson's style of basebll.  I do like the trade, but I will really miss Trumbo.

Keith Law likes the deal a lot for the Angels... http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/keith-law/post?id=1695&refresh=true (Insiders only).

Explains his loss in velocity this way... 

Skaggs took a step back in 2013 as the Diamondbacks shortened his stride, resulting in a higher release point that cost him several miles per hour on his fastball and depth on his breaking ball. Lengthen him out so he finishes out over his front side again and he should be back to 90-94 mph again with the hammer he had as recently as 2012, when he projected as a potential No. 2 starter and was the best left-handed starter prospect in the game.

No one else is saying this, so I will... 

I don't think other teams view Trumbo as an everyday outfielder... so, there's no real spot for him in AZ, IMO

Unless Blanton pitches on Friday.

WIN!

Co-sign.

Here you go:  https://twitter.com/truegrich/status/408000287664664576

Meanwhile, word is Dipoto overdosed on turkey and is still sleeping Thanksgiving off.

The Angels need five guys who are ambidextrous.  That will make them ten deep.

Pierzynski... and if he ever has a son who makes it to the major leagues, I'll boo him too.

Thanks for the memories.. including this one:  http://truegrich.blogspot.com/2011/03/walk-this-way.html

I'm sorry if you think it's poor form, it may be, but I stand by my successes and failures.

Fair enough.

David Freese: "To be honest, I have a huge chip on my shoulder, whether I was with #Cardinals or #Angels. I'm extremely focused, ready. "

For the most part, I'd rather have a guy who has something to build on rather than someone with something to prove.  Just saying.

Industry people didn't like the Wells trade.... They didn't like the length of Albert's contract. 

My thoughts...

Gold Glove caliber CF'ers don't grow on trees.

Not addressing the pitching feels like... Hey, I'm about to lose my arm due to it nearly being cut off, but I'll address the scratch on my toe with a band-aid first.

I'm not on the "Fire Dipoto" wagon, but I'm not happy so far.

or as Bryce Harper would say... that's a clown vote, bro.

We have a replacement for the phase... B.S. - that's a bunch of Ballou.

My favorite writer.. Joe Posnanski voted Trout #1.

The Angels will sign him next time he hits free agency when he turns 40. 

Just kidding.

Visionary!

Eckstein, who was fired by the Nationals in July, is expected to fill a new hybrid position, serving as a pregame coach, advance scout and liaison to the minor leagues.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-newswire-20131106,0,880495.story#axzz2jta4RBNo

Ubaldo is intriguing, but like the others - I'd rather not give up a draft pick for him.  As for McCann, I predict he stays closer to home and signs with a team that has their spring training in Florida.  I'm betting Boston.  The Angels best bet is Tanaka and I know most people automatically assume that the Yankees or Dodgers will win that bid, but I wouldn't bet against Arte here.  I'm also for trading for David Price.

Finally!  It couldn't get here soon enough.

Keith Law posted this about Lindsey at the AFL...

Taylor Lindsey | 2B | Los Angeles Angels
Lindsey has outstanding feel for hitting, with consistently high contact rates thanks to quick hands and a direct path to the ball, but other aspects of his game were lacking in Arizona last week.

At the plate, he's gone from a very short stride to no stride at all, so his swing is all hands and arms and he's cutting off any chance to hit for power. At second base he showed below-average hands and range in either direction, and he's a fringy runner even at full speed. He's just 21 years old and his stats to date are solid for a player his age, but I see a lot of untapped potential here, especially on offense.

That's just disturbing.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/mlb--red-sox-s-jon-lester-is-the-latest-pitcher-who-has-been-dragged-into-a-non-controversy-163709343.html