Duren, Duren

Depends on how Washington wants to construct the lineup. And where in the batting order he wants the DH. Will he prioritize power at the DH spot or someone who can set the table and get on base more via hits and walks. Ohtani at the two spot drove in runs, but also had the speed to get infield hits. The next DH won't necessarily hit second. The Angel roster currently can mix and match, rotate and platoon. But. Ideally you want a regular starter who gets used to the routine of not playing in the field very often and can focus on preparing for his plate appearances. I know it's not likely, but I still think that Votto would fill the role for a year or two. Only at the right price. He is old, had a poor year coming off injuries. But if healthy and energized he could be a good veteran presence. He is elite knowing the strike zone and working walks. He still has solid power and can be expected to deliver double digit homers. And not a bad backup at first. But obviously there are others out there as well. And it may depend on Washington's knowledge and familiarity with any potential candidate. He's not the GM, but presumably he will have a big role in how he wants the team to play. And you figure that he and Perry will be in ongoing discussions about roster options.

I saw many HOF players in person in the seventies and eighties. Including the 1982 all star game. Retrospect adds additional respect. But at the time many were 'enemies' hurting your favorite team. I especially think of the seventies Reds, late seventies/early eighties Pirates, Phillies, Dodgers. In retrospect you look back comparatively and recognize how good those teams and players were. With multi HOF players. The Expos team that I saw hundreds of times in person had HOF players Carter, Dawson, Raines in their prime on the same team for multiple years. Plus under rated ace Steve Rogers, closer Jeff Reardon, Batting champion Al Oliver, amongst others over about a five year span. And Dick Williams managing some of those seasons. But like the Angels with Pujols, Trout, Ohtani couldn't translate it into post season success. The wild card would have been huge multiple times, but wasn't around. Sadly, Ohtani is now reluctantly in the rear view mirror for me. I was glad that I saw him in person a few times. Along with Trout and Pujols. In time they will stand out historically as the individual stars they were career wise. . Pujols has his championships pre Angels. Ohtani possibly post Angels. Trout? Another Ernie Banks type storyline? Or vindication in his later years? We shall see.

They were the Philadelphia A's for decades. Some great teams and players. Al Simmons, Jimmy Foxx, Lefty Grove, etc. an early thirties powerhouse rivalling the Yankees. Connie Mack's prime, though he was around forever. Then the Kansas City Athletics from the fifties to late sixties. In the fifties a virtual farm team for the Yankees. Roger Maris trade anyone? Then Charles O Finley took over. Quite a colorful team when he moved them to Oakland. And under Dick Williams, a winner with top talent. And since then, a few reconstructed quality phases between low periods. But time marches on. And it's a matter of adaptation or being left behind. But with this franchise things spiralled out of control for the obvious off the field reasons. So Oakland turns out to have been just another temporary pause in the the ongoing relocation journey of the franchise. Philadelphia, Kansas City, Oakland, Las Vegas. Historians will have fun compiling cumulative and location based stats records.

Great collection. He put his money where his passion was. Penny Marshall also had a humongous baseball (and more) collection. All or some of it was auctioned off after her passing. Here's an older story. There are more stories and videos around. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.foxnews.com/entertainment/penny-marshall-was-avid-sports-collector-lifelong-baseball-fan-reports.amp It's tough when one gets to a certain age or time when they think of liquidating or donating. Best to do it personally though letting go can be hard. And the interest can't be transmitted to others if it isn't there. Celebrity status helps the value though. From what I've seen almost all the time families inheriting valuable collections sell most things. Usually with the use of a high end auction house. For us mere mortals it's more of a scramble, and full value is rarely realized. But best to enjoy your hobbies as long as possible and leave notes about value for your family.

The Angels have had some terrible results taking chances on recently injured pitchers supposedly recovered. But due diligence is important. Any proven veteran is worth at least checking out medically and otherwise.

Ridiculous to have a team philosophy for an entire pitching staff. Each pitcher is unique with different strengths and weaknesses. What works better for one won't necessarily work for another. Strategy is better focussed on refining each as an individual. That means trying to improve with the skills they already have. Rarely do major league pitchers change their repertoire dramatically with success. Some older pitchers like Kershaw did,but they are forced to by loss of velocity. Younger pitchers should work with the tools they have until forced to change. As well, it isn't easy and takes time to master a new pitch or prioritize a different pattern of using pitches. Control,sequencing, velocity can always be worked on without being forced to adapt to a theory generated from generic data. Hands on,experienced coaching can be supplemented by 'analytics' on a pitcher by pitcher basis. Not imposed on the entire staff.

Velazquez doesn't fit on the type of team the Angels will be in 2024. A defensive specialist with literally no offensive talent. Unless you consider bunting on every at bat. He's a luxury for a good team that wants a late inning defensive sub. I'd go after Anderson one a one year deal or maybe a bit longer with a team option. If the price is reasonable. He'll be motivated to jump start his career, and Washington will be a good influence. And would add versatility to the infield. Rengifo and Drury haven't proven to be everyday starters, but do well enough in limited time and as depth players. And I expect that there will be time enough at third base when Rendon starts missing games. And with the DH spot open we still don't know how it will be filled. Drury and Rengifo could be solid enough platooning there with whoever else is added. I doubt the team signs a high end everyday starter for that role.

All things considered, the best choice. He will have the motivation to make an impact and show the baseball world that he shouldn't have been overlooked for so long. Age? A non factor. If relatively healthy and goal focussed he should be fine. Also, I doubt expectations are for a long term. If he can add stability, give the team structure and turn them around he'll be doing his job. It buys the Angels time to think longer term as well. That's why his assistants will be watched carefully too. A potential grooming situation. As well as scouting other options for down the road. Game management should be improved. Once he gets up to speed with the roster and sees them in spring training I'm sure he will have some creative tweaks we haven't seen before. He's more experienced in the dugout than just about anyone and should be a good strategist. A smart pick. Better than just getting another retread going through the revolving door and changing teams every few years.

Washington would be a good place holder for a short transition period. Not a longer rebuild. Stability, knowledge, day to day lineup management and strategy. Integrate the younger guys with the veterans and show them the right way to approach games and deal with frustrations. But he would also need solid coaches for teaching and making adjustments as the season goes on. Ideally, he could groom one of these coaches as his successor. Not sure about his inner circle, but he must have extensive contacts.

Management can invent reasons to can a manager for any reason they concoct. Casey Stengel was fired because of some invented reason about age. The Yankees were fine with him in the fifties when he was in his sixties, winning loads of pennants and series. Then they were upset by Pittsburgh in seven games and suddenly at age seventy he gets the boot. Management needed an excuse to place their favorite, Ralph Houk,in the job. Houk had only been the bullpen coach, but was a decorated war hero who Yankee managed was infatuated with. Ironically, a few years later the Topping/Webb ownership and George Weis managership was changed when CBS bought the team. And they entered their darkest period.

I enjoy old film of earlier eras. It gives you a picture of how the game was played and the athletic (or lack of) abilities of the time. Bo Belinsky was the first Angel I heard of as a small kid. I wasn't old enough to understand all the extra curricular things going on. But he, Dean Chance, Leon Wagner and the original halo hat drew me to them. Reading about them later on filled in the gaps. I traded a bunch of Topps baseball cards for that hat with a friend. Those cards are probably worth thousands today if they were kept in nice condition. The hat disappeared during a move when all my 'kid things' were thrown out. Geez. I wish I had them back. Full Topps sets, hockey and football cards, Beatles merchandise, in person autographs at wrestling matches and hockey games and more. I was pretty active and bold as a pre-teen.

Losing Ohtani totally forces the franchise into a new phase. Both on the field and for fan perception. He was the face of the franchise and the biggest contributor at bat and on the mound the last few years. With this new phase (not necessarily a total rebuild) they need a different manager not connected to the Angels recent past. Someone who can bring a fresh approach and set the tone for 2024. The major candidate list is shrinking by the day. So I expect Showalter or a surprise pick from another organization. I doubt it will be a familiar Angel of the past. That would add pressure and expectations.

Ron Washington anyone? https://clutchpoints.com/angels-news-ron-washington-buck-showalter-candidates-la-manager Intriguing. A lifetime of experience. But as manager of this team? He'd have to deal with Arte.

I'd take a long shot chance with Votto for DH. Obviously old, past his prime, but smart, disciplined, knows the strike zone as well as anyone. And decent power. Also ok as a backup first baseman. This past season wasn't a full reflection because he came back from injury and didn't find his form. But if healthy he should be better. On a one year deal he could stabilize the lineup and bring enthusiasm and leadership. It buys time till a better long term solution comes along. It also gives Arte a big name signing even if it's only short term and with modest expectations.

A veteran bullpen closer like Hader Or Kimbrel would be nice for a couple of years. Give the young flame throwers time to adjust and mature without a lot of pressure to save games. But not more than a three year contract. Health and upgraded depth will make a big difference. A healthy Trout and Rendon alone boosts everyday production. Not to mention others too who were hurt last season. And better depth protects against future injuries. Replacing Ohtani probably is the biggest issue. But the money available now should be spread out rather than largely focussed on a big name. There are solid, if not spectacular, options out there.

For management, scouts and executives, this is the real season. Team building and rebuilding. From the grass roots to the accounting department, all the pieces have to be put together. Later, hopefully shaped and defined with coaching and game management. So much responsibility really goes back to Arte. He sets the macro vision and his employees have to implement it accordingly. Win or lose, it would be more satisfying knowing that competent baseball people were given autonomy in important decision making without fear of Arte meddling or setting agendas. Anyways, it is what it is at this point. And the 2024:team needs to be assembled regardless of internal flux. I've converted my sceptical mindset to neutral for now. No point in being trapped in the same loop unless facts force it. Let things play out and maybe the final product will be surprisingly good. I've already deleted thoughts of Ohtani from the Angel equation. That way when he signs elsewhere it will already be taken for granted. In the mean time, the roster isn't all that bad if healthy and the young players keep progressing. Another starter, solid bullpen acquisition and a couple of dependable hitters can integrate with the core roster. And hopefully with a good manager. Wild card contention can still be a realistic objective if this off-season goes well and the current roster play up to expectations.

Best to have this over with as soon as possible. He goes in a new direction. And the Angels have closure with this and start their next chapter. All the attention of the media will be with his new team and the Angels left in relative anonymity to do whatever they do.

Started out like a close, interesting series. But form prevailed. Texas was the best team for some months. Arizona a fringe playoff team that over achieved. Amazing Texas road playoff record.

So much for any bottom of the ninth drama. Late inning pitching and defense implode for Arizona.

Hard to pull a pitcher on a no hitter. But after the first hit it could have been an option. Location was slipping and they had seen him long enough. Tough call though. And Seager got lucky hitting it off the end of his bat.

Free agency starts five days after the series ends and the Angels as usual are dependent on whatever whims the inscrutable Arte is governed by at any given moment. Hardly an attractive environment for managers or players. https://www.si.com/mlb/angels/news/angels-owner-keeping-managerial-decision-and-front-office-future-close-to-the-vest-according-to-reporter-pw2001

Like in a lot of sports, the earlier playoff rounds are often a lot more exciting than the championship series. Anyways, looks like the A.L. west will have another World Series winner.

You have to have some sort of ball/strike challenge or other way of dealing with terrible, game changing bad calls. Enough with protecting the umps where it really matters. Challenges elsewhere on the field often prove them wrong. Really regressive and ridiculous.

Contrasting styles in action. Arizona screwed up on the base paths, Texas scores with power. Poor home plate ump tonight was a factor too with pitch selection.

Contrasting styles. Each team has won 'their way.' Tonight, pitching, speed, small ball. Yesterday, the big blast. Looks like Arizona has the momentum and are heading home after that necessary split on the road . But I think it will be at least a six game series.