angelsnationtalk

We can give them Bed Rock Bedrosian for free

Which could lead to more trades.... but also adds $ to the payroll

Really like the move of Upton going to 1B/DH at some point. That's why for some time I though adding Harper and moving Adell to LF would have worked but that's too much $. My one thing I'd mention is at some point we will have a log jam in the infield. If Ward remains at 3B or competes at 1B with Thaiss then we still have Fletcher, Rengifo, and Jones for 3B/2B. Someone would have to be moved. Specially if Hermosillo and Marsh will be competing in the OF to push Upton to 1B. That also pushes the time against Thaiss. Would you be open to pairing Skaggs or Heaney with one of them (Fletcher, Regifo, Hermosillo, etc.) and a lower end prospect to flip for a starting catcher? Lucroy is, at best, a backup by then.

Yes, you're right, but I'm looking at actual payroll which is around $185 currently. Which includes Arb and 0-3's. I like the Gerrit Cole addition. And you're right, hopefully Ward can prove he can play 3B. However, it's looking more like an option to move to 1B. Unless you want to move Fletcher to 3B. Good defensively and arm could work. I do believe if Pujols retires on his own then the money is off the books.

Or you could not start an argument and just say what you think about the next offseason and write what you'd like to see.

Arenado and Realmuto are definitely possible..... Pujols is a maybe..... Upton not yet

But then you realize that 2020 is likely the year things look brighter. Had to make something we can all look forward too.

This is exactly what Eppler is doing. The only current holes we will have in terms of depth will be 3B, and Catcher. That's where the Angels could fill the holes in free agency in the future.

You lost me at all-stars hahahaa I see what you did there

Obviously 4/60 works better in the books per year. Specially if they can work a way to front or backload it.

Actual payroll is about $183M right now. AAV is around $165M. Realistically, the Angels can spend another $41M without having to pay the 20% tax, but based on previous years they'd likely stay where they are.

I'd respect that too and I think he isn't ego based so we could see him gracefully retire the right way. Angels play St. Louis this year so it could be his farewell tour...

Disclaimer: It's still way to early but let's have some fun. The Angels' payroll is currently around $185M for 2019 and when everything is said and done probably around $190M-$200M this season. Assuming that price, write down some dream/realistic predictions that you'd like to see happen for the Angels after the 2019 season. Try and keep it around $190M-$200M of actual payroll NOT AAV. (This is assuming we don't make the playoffs) I'll start it off with an offensive/defensive 2020 roster.... Cuz we know Eppler loves defense and Arte loves offense. Before 2019 season ends... 1: Harvey and or Cahill and or Lucroy traded at the 2019 deadline for controllable pitchers like Buttrey/Sandoval or others... 2: Trade Cozart and or Calhoun before the 2019 deadline for prospects/salary relief. Possibly saves $26M. 2019 offseason.... 3: Sign starting pitcher. 4yr/$52M. ($10M, $12M, $15M, $15M) 4: Ward moves to 1B to battle Thaiss for the spot for 2020. 5: Loser of the battle for 1B could be used in a packaged trade including Skaggs (or Heaney) and a lower tier prospect for a catcher. Realmuto (if he isn't traded and value drops) (Then gets contract extension that kicks in 2021) 6: Arenado signed to play 3B. $25M-$32M for 2020. (backloaded contract) 7: Trout/Simmons extensions. 8: Sign bullpen arm ($4M) By trading Cozart, Calhoun, Skaggs and Ward or Thaiss it saves the Angels about $33M. Adding Arenado, Realmuto, starting pitcher and a bullpen arm it adds around $51M for 2020 The different is $18M being added to the payroll. Total payroll would be around $203M in actual payroll. If Pujols retires after 2019, total payroll would be around $173M. What's on your list??

Exactly. Either he backs up his words or the fans back up his words in the stands haha. I'm not trying to bag on Pujols, but it's about time to transition.

Spot on.... except for #5 haha.

What scares me is Eppler relying on guys who only throw hard. Yes, a fastball is swing and miss, but even with Ohtani throwing 100mph.... it's still hittable and it goes a long way when it is. I liked Alvarez because it brought a different style to the pen. If everyone throws 95mph+ then the opposing team won't have to make big adjustments. 2020 our SP depth will be good so I totally agree. I'm tired of never having a solid hitter in front of Trout. Ohtani has the speed to be that guy, but he's a true #3-#4 hitter.

I really do enjoy the fact that we won't have Sosh playing the contract game. Mad respect to Ausmus stating it's "performance based". If he backs his words up and Pujols runs into issues this year then he might realize it might be time to retire from being a player. He'd make a great mentor/coach at this point.

But would you be aware of that if you like $80M left on the table? He's probably laughing to the bank at this point enjoying all his injuries.

Agreed. With Cahill and Harvey I think Eppler is done with signing starters, although I wish he did more instead of one year deals. I think our needs are: Bullpen arm True hitter to hit in front of Trout Expanded budget

Personally, i'm baffled how we could have been finalists for players like Corbin. Eppler said he wants to be a top 5 farm and we would have lost a pick for some of these signings. This leads me to believe that the Angels really aren't as hard pushed for those guys and that's why they aren't going to overpay. With that said.... I don't even think we are considering Keuchel. They reported last year that we offered Moose a contract then there were reports we never even talked to him. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind signing Keuchel. They have him projected that $20M/year could be possible and I'm not sure at all about that. But it seems like we need a solid starter. Personally, I'd wait till net offseason and start making good moves again. I think that's why we've done all these 1 year contracts. Low risk-medium upside with a shot at WC if all goes well. Next year could be the start of consistent runs for the division.

Agree 10000.1% If the Angels didn’t have an internal budget and only cared about not going over the $206M marker to avoid the tax, then they’ve got about $40M to spend based on AAV. Get Keuchel and a bullpen arm and then trade some guys at the deadline for a hitter. 2020-2025 here we come...

To be honest, my biggest concern is the offense as well. I think the pitching staff does decent IF and I mean a BIG IF they stay healthy. Aside from that, the bullpen does need a bonafide arm. Closer or setup man. We need a guy that can get on base for Trout. We’ve been complaining about this for years now and Eppler hasn’t addressed it. I’m guessing he’s betting on Fletcher to be that guy. One thing for sure is I’ll have a heart attack if he thinks Cozart is a leadoff hitter again. He should be hitting 6 or 7. If only we can find a guy that walks like Harper, gets on base like Harper, bats better than Harper, better defense than Harper and gets payed wayyyyyy less.... than Harper. And... isn’t... Harper....

Arenado next year. Book it.

I like Eppler a lot, I just worry that he or Arte is saying “I’m going to find a project and hope they have a career year.” The only established players that we’ve got that are good are Simmons and Ohtani... maybe Upton. Everyone else has had one or two decent years like a Cozart and that’s about it...

If Adell somehow becomes a magician and debuts this year and Fletcher, Ward and Rengifo can have strong showings in the majors, then I'd bet money that the Angels trade one if not both by the deadline. I doubt the Angels want to pay Calhoun $14M next season.