angelsnationtalk

Sure. All we need is health and I really do believe we have a shot at the WC. Maybe an extra piece in the bullpen could solidify it even more, but with health we could have a small shot. When we started the season last year our players were showing their best. With health, we could have more of an extended time with those moments.

I do think the Angels were smart in some players they didn’t get like Evoldi and Corbin.... way too much money

Agree with this completely. If the pitching staff can remain healthy then I think we easily have a better year than last year. I don’t think Ohtani will have much of a hit on his outcome like we all think. Keep in mind that last year he came to a brand new country, new league and basically was improvising and learning as he went. Not to mention he dealt with TJ news and still hit just fine. Compare that to this season and I’d imagine him to do the same if not better since he knows what to expect and only needs to focus on one thing. Plus he’s a kid and he’ll adjust way quicker than someone older. I wouldn’t worry too much about Ohtani this year.

Worst off-season move would be the Nationals re-signing Bryce Harper for more than the 10 year 300M contract they offered. If they end up offering more than that then boy are they a little desperate....

Damn inflation.... just kidding

I’ve heard a lot of people believe 2020 could be that year but I’m in the same boat as you. With the Angels slated to play in St. Louis, I think this should be it as well. The ultimate answer depends on his production and if he stays healthy. If he’s given another injury requiring surgery, I’m sure he might decide to hang up the cleats. Either way, I just hope he does the right thing and respectfully retires if he realizes it’s about time. It’s a polite way to end his career and financially nice for the Angels to use that money elsewhere. Although, if he’s gunna hit .270 with 25-30hrs and near 100RBIs then 2019 is yours. *knocks on wood*

Great article. The best bet we have is for Albert to retire on his own so the money won’t go against the payroll.

Weather we are about ready to pop with young talent and become a top 5 farm or are on the back burner till 2022, we are all guessing. But signs do suggest we are closer rather to some major changes specially with contracts winding down.

I’m not sure they’d wait till next year. If Cozart has a solid season and there are some teams that were in on Machado that missed it but are in the playoff hunt looking for an infield solution, Cozart could become an option. Could be a small chance that happens. There could be a few select teams that would call Eppler about him. The Reds got Kemp and Puig who are free agents after 2019 so I think anything is possible at this point....

That’d be awesome. Arenado would bring in a contract between 28-38million so the Angels would need those prospects to be ready to go. I’d imagine Cole could be 25-35million.

Gerrit Cole and Nolan Arenado are both Newport Beach residents... cough cough

I agree cuz I was one of those people saying that... but.... The Angels finally have prospects about ready to blossom so either 2019-2020 offseason or 2020-2021 will they finally be heavily active. Those are also the years when some big contracts start to either expire or enter their final year so having that paired with prospects should offset the price as well as allow the Angels to use their “financial might”.

Exactly. A mediocre lineup like we have is cute to watch but a very strong lineup with Trout added into it is potential to be the deadliest lineup in baseball.

My money is on Lucroy since his past stats have been consistently higher as opposed to Calhoun and Cozart having one good year and the rest mediocre at best. Although I pray it’s Cozart that has the best year cuz then his value shoots up and teams start calling at the deadline. Fletcher, Rengifo, Jones are waiting to make a permanent push so it’s time for us to start moving players. We could be big sellers come deadline time.

I really think it’s between Skaggs and Heaney who could be the ones delt. Specially with Canning and Suarez getting ready to make an impact. Could take an extra $6M off the books if one is moved.

I think it’s possible if Eppler can get creative. At some point I’d imagine Skaggs or Heaney is the odd man out and can be used in a trade. Specially with Canning and Suarez at the door. Bedrosian seems like someone who needs a change in scenery as well. Moving some players around that aren’t key assets could make it happen. Would have the Angels sitting at around $185-$195M total which is about similar to this year.

I’d leave Cozart to possibly fill 3B and platoon with Ward when he’s up and let Fletcher take 2B to start and then compete with Rengifo when he’s up. Is wait till the deadline to try and deal Cozart to unload some salary and then take a run at Arenado next offseason.

I’d go with Harper in terms of worst value and Machado if I want the worst attitude in baseball. Obviously Harper has upside to regain his MVP year, but that’s one hell of a bet with him and all that money. If it doesn’t work at all, then that’s one bad contract haha

Hey all this is Angels Nation Talk. Used to be our own blog on twitter with tailgate parties, giveaways, player/media interviews, but now I'm just here to talk some Angels baseball and give insight for anyone who needs it. Go Angels!

1. Jo Adell - Starts the season strong in AA then gets the call up to AAA, remains with solid numbers. Potential end of the year call-up if he stays consistent and improves strikeout rate. 2. Griffin Canning - He will figure it out with a sub 4.00era in AAA. Will get the mid-season call to MLB. 3. Brandon Marsh - Will go to AA early in season, if not start there. Much better at the dish, defensive monster in the outfield. 4. Jose Suarez - First to be called up to MLB. Likely on roster for good by August. 5. Jahmai Jones - HR and BA numbers in AA will stay high, quick call up to AAA and remains a solid player. Figures it out at 2B, Hits around .260 -.280 in AAA. If he has an amazing season, we could see a September call-up to MLB, but not likely. 6. Luis Rengifo - BA stays high in AAA and will be a September call-up. Will battle Fletcher/Ward for IF spot. 7. Jordyn Adams - Starts showing some Jo Adell Stats in low ball as he found his groove before injury. 8. Taylor Ward - Split time in Majors/AAA. Will hit around .230-.250 in mlb and considers move to 1B towards end of season. Battle it out with Thaiss. 9. Pat Sandoval - Stats remain insane in AA then gets a decently timed call-up to AAA. Stats flatten to normal. 10. Matt Thaiss - Becomes a solid consistent hitter, September call-up. Chance for battle with Bour and Ward at 1B for 2020. Odd man out becomes trade bait. 11. Jeremiah Jackson - Starts in Orem. Average hitter but with chance to flash good numbers. 12. D'Shawn Knowles - Starts the season where he left off last season, will be in high A ball by end of year. Chance to fly through the minors. 13. Kevin Maitan - I really think he figures it out this year and starts playing the way scouts thought. 14. Jose Soriano - Effectively wild. Very young has height and will need to fill into his own body. Possibly shows flashes of dominance.

Agreed. I think he starts his career as a 3-4 guy then obviously moves up

I think Canning fits in well as a the number 3 starter behind Ohtani, Heaney. Pending skaggs is traded or we sign another number 1 or 2 starter.

Depends what typeface you’re using

Yeah but his release is like a foot closer to home plate so that 90mph fastball probably looks like 95 haha

I don’t think Trout is the kind of player that wants the opt out. He probably wants a contract that will last him till retirement and given a chance to win and that’s it. Don’t get me wrong, he’ll get payed big bucks, but I think he just wants to play baseball. After Harper and Machado sign, the Angels will get to work in the FO about presenting numbers to Trout. Either during ST or towards the end of the season they will sit him down and say we want you an Angel for life, and here’s how we do that. They’ll give him a massive number and show him their future plans for winning and he’ll simply sign his name. We’re talking about the most humble player in the game who wants to play baseball and that’s it. He doesn’t want to flash his name around and be a cocky player that thinks he’s top dog. He knows he’s top dog but he acts like a regular player that loves his teammates and fans. Make him feel special and he’ll easily sign. Period.