70runner

Richards may join Ohtani on the TJ watch, but Pujols remains healthy. Ugh.

I get the statistical argument (more ABs) for Trout hitting 2nd, however, Kinsler and his .281 OBP is worst on the team with 3 or more AB/games. So even though he gets more ABs at #2, 70% of the time the bases are empty during Trout's first AB. I'd hit Simmons (and his .399 OBP) 2nd, then Trout, to increase the probability of base runners during Trout's first AB. This would slide Pujols to #5. If Ohtani returns, his pitching may be limited for awhile, he can slot in at #5 and move Pujols to #6.

From one who suffered through Winkles, Williams, basically until Fregosi in 79 the Angels were remarkably bad. 80s weren't much better though Mauch was pretty solid. Winkles was personally disappointing as I had played for him one year at ASU (non-scholarship scrub team), just before he got the Angels job. At the college level he was a class person and excellent manager, just didn't translate to MLB though could be argued he had more talent at ASU (Reggie and company) than with the Angels in those days. Pretty much more of the same in the 90s, then Scioscia arrived, the stars aligned, and they broke the perpetual losing mold. There is no question of Scioscia's stabilizing value to the Angels franchise, particularly during the first decade. Having said that, he (and his teams) have been unremarkable during the past several years, with only one (brief) playoff appearance since 2011. The injury-GM-personnel explanations all merit consideration, however, it seems time for a change, fresh ideas, new strategies.

Perhaps payback for the years of devotion to Pujol's career stats

As bad as they are, they supply a needed respite from Goober's monotone verbal analysis of nearly every pitch. Fortunately (like today) Extra Innings sometimes selects the opponents feed where the color guy doesn't psychoanalyze every pitch...although the Detroit threesome was pretty chatty today.

He's swinging (and missing) at more #1 pitches of late. Perhaps realizing he can't afford to take a strike anymore.

It does change the game. We went through same in 2012. Wanted to get out of the Inland Empire smog/congestion, move closer to daughter (San Diego), plus mom was getting up there, 87 and living alone in AZ. So we looked for a place that would accommodate wife & I, two Boxers, and mom. Found it in No San Diego County. Moved her in in 2013. She had her own wing of the house, private but I could keep an eye on her and help as needed. She eventually developed COPD, had a minor heart attack, and was tethered to a 24/7 portable oxygenator, but still happy as long as the TV was working (so she could watch her beloved Diamondbacks) and dogs were around. We were approaching the at home hospice stage, but she passed quietly a few months ago. Not before telling me how much it meant to her to be near us during her final chapter.

Bring back Oakland and Texas...they'll get the WS train back on the tracks.

Debbie downer warning...most of the games have been against the AAA A's. Not exactly a serious test of MLB capability and their defense is second to everyone. As noted, Ohtani and Kinsler have injected some welcome enthusiasm. When Kinsler returns, lead him off, then Cozart, Trout, Upton, Ohtani, Calhoun, etc. Put some OBP guys in front of Trout.

Since I'm apparently in a forbidden zone (N San Diego county) I watch the Angels on MLB extra innings. Over the course of a season get a sampling of nearly every AL home broadcast and several NL crews. They ALL have passion (love?) for their teams. Rojas and Goober are not remarkable in this regard. Rojas is as good as any play-by-play guy in MLB. He's steady, articulate, doesn't take himself or the game too seriously, and is a refreshing balance to Goober's droning homerism. Goober talks too much. If you can tolerate the monotone delivery, he provides reasonable value added in his pitching commentary. His commentary on hitting/running and such is often contrived and it shows. I ugh mute the TV when he launches into "drive the ball...", Pujol's career stats against pitcher A, or reads the on screen prompts verbatim. The wife, who speaks Californian, agrees with the previous poster. Mota's native language beisbol is much more effective. Just the same, 3 guys in the booth is 1 too many.

He went from 1st to 3rd on the same day? Encouraging indeed.

Counting on a better season for Pujols...fools gold. I hope the Pujols decline accelerates, to the point where Scioscia will move him down or off the lineup card. Hard to picture a team having post season success with the worst player in MLB hitting cleanup. Angels are simply a better team without The GIDP Machine.

Given that he is reportedly injury free this off season, a key indicator will be ST groundhog day#1. If his shadow is easy to see, the full figured 2017 version, it will suggest his excuse of not being able to properly train in the off season because of injury was BS. The Angels will once again be encumbered with The old, fat, GIDP Machine who will continue his reign as MLB's worst MOTO player. If his shadow is harder to see, reflects a downsize of 30-40lbs, it will suggest he is at least invested in improving his performance, although at his age (whatever it is) an extended pause in his steady decline may be the most realistic expectation.

Pujols will show up at the Buttes for ST with his usual big Butte. He was fat, slow, and once again a double play machine in 2017. Was there a team directive during the season that he remain overweight? His motivation is questionable...and not helped much by his manager's guarantee of a key MOTO spot despite his ranking among the worst players in MLB and pursuit of the record for being thrown out at 1st from the outfield.

Dump him or don't dump him, doubt it will effect much except more room around the after game spread and Pujols position in batting order. Either way, the Angels will basically remain Trout, now Upton, and a mediocre supporting cast. He's entering his 19th season as Angels manager, last year of the stupid 10yr contract, longest tenured manager in MLB. An argument to dump him could hardly be labeled a "rush".

How to Lose with Dignity -- Hillary Clinton Job Requirements for White House Interns -- Bill Clinton The Art of Concise Baseball Commentary -- Mark Gubicza Fitness Management During Baseball Season -- Albert Pujols Mensa Test Preparation Techniques -- Maxine Waters

I cringe when I read this "healthier Pujols" dialog. Of course Eppler is gonna peddle this nonsense, what other option does he have? Was there some clubhouse rule that he couldn't lose weight, get in better shape during this season? The chances of this "38" yr old showing up at ST 40lbs lighter, well, winning the CA lottery is more likely. Whatever version of healthier Pujols appears, Scioscia will continue his OBP challenged role in the MOTO.

https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/the-angels-have-an-albert-pujols-problem-heading-into-the-2018-season/?ref=yfp Interesting synopsis of Pujols issues that have been tossed about AW for awhile. If Pujols is still weighing down the MOTO on opening day 2018, realistically the best case is a WC.

Who's older, Hef or Albert?

Agree, not happening. Both 10yr contracts are set in concrete.

Angels pitching ranks a respectable 8th in WHIP and OBP, but 20th in ERA. High inning contributors to the ERA are Nolasco and Chavez who I hope will be pitching somewhere else next year. Bullpen looks as solid as it has in several years going into 2018. No compelling reason to keep Street and his Weaver fastball. Everyone wants more pitching, but the Angels pitching looks pretty decent overall especially if Richards finds his groove. Offense will hinge greatly on Upton's decision. If Upton bolts, Scioscia will undoubtably return Pujols to his station behind Trout, virtually assuring Trout will lead MLB in walks. The folks hoping Scioscia will move Pujols down the lineup should join the Dreamers protests. Best hope, that others have noted, is he becomes so bad at the plate he retires as a hitting instructor or base running coach . With Pujols and his -1.6 WAR, best case for the Angels is a 2018 WC spot.

Also have Extra Innings package, so sometimes get home/away broadcast options. Will generally select the non-Angels broadcast, mostly because of Goober. Just can't cope with his incessant rambling, Pujols career stats, and "drive the ball". I enjoy Victor's crisp and candid PBP delivery, but not enough to tolerate Goober. Best overall pair IMO is Berthiaume and Brenly (Dbacks).