angelsnationtalk

This information comes from a member of an organization that has chosen not to be involved in the Kikuchi bidding. He's just relaying what their front office believes. The bidding isn't as aggressive as some other international free agents, and they think if anyone has the inside track at signing him, circumstantially, it's the Angels. And there are a lot of reasons for this. They know the two sides have been in contact at least once, and while they've made it clear all teams are welcome to bid, there's still a belief that Kikuchi would prefer to stay out West. Then there's need, money and Japanese rapport to consider, all of which the Angels have.
In fact, I'll even go one further and say that many in the business believe Billy Eppler had more to do with the Ohtani signing than anything. There was a solid 5+ year period from about 2008 and beyond when Billy Eppler spent more time in Japan than any front office executive. The teams out there are well aware of who he is and he's built and fostered great connections and relationships. After signing Ohtani, Eppler didn't have to go to Japan. He's a major league executive, this all could have been done over the phone. But one of the things that's so special about Eppler (according to other sources) is how humble he is. You'd think as a member of the Yankees, he would've come in all high and mighty, but instead, when he spoke with Japanese teams, he asked questions and wanted to learn what they did and why. 
His willingnes to move to a six man rotation is no coincidence. His understanding of Japanese team building and preparation has been integrated into the Angels system. His hiring of Doug White and promoting Jeremy Reed all fit into what he saw in Japan. 
And there's a lot more back story here that I won't get into it, and a lot of it, I still don't know or understand. But there's every reason for other teams to believe the Angels may be favored in the Kikuchi negotiations. 

There's some skepticism within at least one front office that Kikuchi has actually received competitive offers. It's known that the Angels have spoken with Boras and Kikuchi at least once, and there's some belief they've had several discussions, though that isn't grounded in anything but Kikuchi's schedule. 
Again, at least one front office believes that Kikuchi won't get as high of an offer as expected, and that the Angels are the front-runners. 

Kicking it off with a new post. Kikuchi has a few more days until he has to sign so let’s post all the rumors we know about him here. 
Eppler has yet to throw a “touchdown” and this could be it. Angels have about 11million left to spend (if we’re being cheap). 
If anyone sees the latest rumors on him then let’s post it here so we’re all in the loop! 

Exactly. If I wanted to sign Trout long term then I’d do everything in my power to sign extreme talent around him to make a serious push for 2019 and 2020 which will convince Trout the team is in it to win it. No more filling potholes.
To me, a Dipoto signing is a 10 year contract to someone at the end of their prime (Pujols). Or a contract of someone older like Wilson and Hamilton were. Dishing out money for someone entering their prime is a better risk than someone exiting it. What I’m asking for is a solid starter as well as a mid rotation arm like a Kikuchi. Then a solid bat to fill RF/1B that will be on base for Trout to bat in. For the last few seasons we’ve all complained about pitching and no one ever being on base for Trout. If we don’t want to thin out our system then free agency and spending money is what you do. And when you’re in a market like the Angels are, it’s doable. You can only get so many rule 5 players and betting luck that a cheap arm turns out to be solid so many times....

I wouldn’t worry about the lefty/lefty problem. Here’s what I think....
Fletcher, Harper, Trout, Ohtani, Upton. 
Mr. small ball leads off since he’s got speed and bunting ability and he’s a contact hitter. Then the big boys come in who also all have speed. Not to mention it goes lefty, righty, left, righty (2-4). Plus they all hit for power and Trout FINALLY has people on base ahead of him. 
So yes, my Christmas list is Harper with 2 opt outs so all the “omg it’s too expensive” people can shut it. Like I’ve said... there’s a big difference with giving someone a massive contract entering their prime (Harper, 26), as opposed to giving someone a massive contract exiting their prime (Pujols, 32). That’s 5 or 6 years of a prime Harper which by then the contract is  on its back end.
 It’s a lot of money, but a way better risk. Plus Trout will look at it and go ooooooo I want to re-sign! 

I wouldn’t expect it either. But its fun to dream.

Does anyone else think that diving TOO deep into the analytical side can hurt the team? (Circa 2017 and 2018 Dodgers World Series over coaching). The only benefit Luis Garcia has is a hard fastball....

Might be time we create "Go big or go home" posters and stand in front of the Angels' front office so Eppler and Moreno get the message. Forbes estimates we revenue over $330million per season. That's before we got Ohtani who is now marketing us in Japan. if we work a few trades to clear a little more salary room we can afford Harper and a Yusei Kikuchi and a lower end starter and still have money left over.