Duren, Duren

Upton and Pujols can realistically provide enough of an internal upgrade. Addition without subtraction from the same players. Playing hurt is a major handicap. No matter how game a guy is he won't be at his best. Some handle it better than others, but you still aren't going to get their best over a long stretch of games. If Pujols is as healthy as Maddon thinks he is he could modestly increase his production. With roughly the same number of plate appearances he could raise his average about five to ten points and still hit 20 plus homeruns and 90 plus RBIs. And more walks, less k's. He was clearly uncomfortable at the plate in recent years, and his swing was compromised to compensate for lack of flexibility and reach. His lower body was was just an anchor and he depended on upper body and arm strength. He also chased pitches he would have laid off because they were closer to his limited comfort zone. Even assuming he is even just slightly more mobile, it may be more important if he feels pain free. Without compensating for physical discomfort he can be more selective and less self conscious of his limitations. He is 40, so no miracles expected, but with this lineup he plays more of a supportive role. And likely more men on base to drive in. His strength. Upton hasn't shown serious decline yet, and should have a bounce back year around his career norm. Last year was one of those random seasons that happen to athletes. Not a chronic long term problem. Rendon really is the master key to having a serious slugger's row kind of offense. With power and on base ability he will either drive in runs or set the table for the bats behind him. Both ways he will be a second engine along with Trout. Often on base, often clearing the bases. Fletcher will get on base one way or another. Trout will be Trout. Ohtani as a hitter should hit 15 - 20 homers and hit 275 plus. Maybe better, depending on overall workload. And if he takes on a bigger pitching role there is plenty of depth. Simmons should be improved in a contract year. Right field should combine for 20 plus homers between Goodwin, La Stella, Adell. Catcher has been upgraded by default somewhat. Rengilfo will have his opportunities. Pujols and Upton are veteran big bats with great past production. Both have been hurt. Both seem healthy. No reason to think negatively. Together they are experienced enough to handle important situational at bats. Maddon should also give them a sense of renewal. He knows their past, has confidence in them and will devise his lineups accordingly. I can't wait to see the regular season lineup in action. Pitching has to be better by default. The manager is better. The hitters are healthy and Rendon is an enormous addition. And if Adell eventually thrives, no reason this team is not in the playoffs.

A manager has to be ruthlessly pragmatic. Every player who makes the team has a role. The manager tries to put them in position to be able to perform as well as possible. He has to be encouraging and yet realistic. Very smart to think of Albert positively and spread the word. No one takes what he says as a reference to Albert's speed. That's obvious. It's about flexibility, defensive agility, joint lithness, overall mobility. And it's all relative to where he has been in recent years. Not absolute measures. I think it means that Albert will be improved and not favoring recent injuries. He will be a healthier forty year old than he was as a handicapped 35 - 39 year old. What that translates to is probably a slight upgrade at the plate and in the field when at first. Not a fountain of youth reversal, but a little better production. Maddon is really shrewd bringing this up now. It generates positive reinforcement and sets a higher bar for Albert. A message that if health isn't a detriment then more is expected. Delivered professionally and forward looking. That's how you manage a long time great veteran with intense pride. Especially as a new manager dealing with a declining former great who still has a fairly important role on the team.

The more I think about it, the worse it seems. There have been some commissioners and league presidents who made various blunders. Bud Selig the worst to date. Bowie Kuhn had his issues. But this really could be something that creates major ongoing damage. The players are pissed big time. They bust their butts assuming the playing field is equal. Even accounting for savvy individuals who use their wits to personally study opposing patterns and giveaway tips. But this Astro cheating is a team conspiracy, and relied on sophisticated technology outside the game. USC was stripped of a championship fairly won on the field for an administrative red tape process rule. Seems the punishment was disproportionately vindictive too, extending into multiple penalties and essentially ruining an entire program for years. The 1994 World Series was abandoned without any winner being named. The 1919 Series title stayed with the Reds because they weren't the cheaters, but it forever was recognized as tainted. But this time the cheaters won and remain recognized as the winners. The fact that championships have been vacated in other sports (Many times in the Olympics, NCAA, European soccer etc.) should be instructive. Guilt has been confessed. It's not the issue. The cheating players have not been punished at all and have their rings and money. And still keep playing and make more money. This lack of integrity tarnished the image and mythology of the sport.

Everything is ass backward. Guilt has been established. No uncertainties. The problem is the nature of the punishment. So hypocritical. The steroid cheaters were identified, punished as individuals and had their stats and reputations forever qualified as compromised. A big factor is that those players were on different teams, and therefore weren't acting together in a conspiratorial way for a common goal. Each player was focussed on enhancing their personal performance. This Astro stuff was very different. It was a conspiracy by a large segment of the team to mutually benefit each player for a collective goal. Winning games as long as they were still competing. And it took them right to the championship. MLB is afraid of actually dealing with the corruption by meting out just punishment to the actual participants. Minor organizational penalties and suspensions to management avoid the real issue. Study how Judge Landis dealt with the Black Sox scandal. Also leading to a fake World Series winner. The key players were given the ultimate punishments possible. Even though individuals had different degrees of participation. Baseball immediately entered it"s 'Golden' Age' the next season with the Ruth phenomenon. These days there are many more factors involved. Player unions, collective agreements, TV money and much more. But the integrity of the game is compromised and can't be easily glossed over. The anger coming from other players is the tip of the iceberg. This ought not to go away with the usual vague promises to do better in the future. A World Series has been forever tainted.

A more detailed story. https://www.tsn.ca/mike-trout-speaks-about-houston-astros-scandal-1.1444081 In the end all this probably fades away and the Astros still have their series winning money, rings and title. Hopefully their reputations become tainted at least. And rivals like Trout just don't resume their friendships with the cheaters. Letting bygones be bygones just legitimizes it.

Looks like Tampa and Montreal may share the team. https://www.tsn.ca/report-montreal-businessman-stephen-bronfman-to-become-shareholder-of-tampa-rays-in-a-few-months-1.1443351

My contribution to the quest for a hundred pages! Just a quick look at my 'L.A. Jersey wall.' Always been A fan of these teams even though not living there. I have family there though and visit every year. USC running back Heisman winners, 80s Showtime Lakers, Trout. Also stuff from other teams I follow or used to. I try to get authentic seats from stadiums and signed jerseys. Only a Yankee fan as a small kid, when Mantle was in his last year, but worth memorializing. Forty Niners, Montreal Canadiens, Expos. Also a signed picture of Mays, Mantle, Snider from the golden age of New York baseball.

This is a pretty good look at Maddon and his thinking right now. Seems he, Eppler and Arte are on the same page and in sync about how the team conducts itself and baseball philosophy. Lots of interesting personal stuff about his life and current motivation. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/28670937/joe-maddon-opens-leaving-chicago-cubs-returning-la-angels

Is Rengifo more valuable as an asset for a trade or as a utility infielder? Remember, Simmons is a question mark after this season. If Rengifo plays enough this year and shows clear improvement that could factor into how Simmons is dealt with. Fletcher's versatility also is an important variable for the infield equation next year. Pederson will probably be traded at some point this year. Maybe at the deadline, to maximize his value. If the Angels are deep in contention by the trade deadline would they try to get him as a rental then? Puig would add drama to the team and more media attention. Not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes complacency needs to be shaken. Maybe he would be a spark that ignites the team. Too volatile to depend on, but when he's on a hot streak he can be really dominant. I wouldn't go after him aggressively, but if he can be acquired cheaply it may be worth a risk. Maddon has experience blending different personalities into an effective unit. At this point I would let the season begin and see how the internal competition between starters works out. There is enough potential to think someone on the back burner has a break through season and does at least what Stripling is projected to do. Canning and/or Heany would be my guess. Young enough, some experience and good enough raw talent. Confidence, managerial trust, better coaching could make the difference.

In business you have to curb your ego sometimes and think of the greater good. You may hate the other person, but if the deal is to your advantage you swallow your pride temporarily. This holds true in sports management. On one level it's an exclusive old boys club, of high level competitive members. But they know they will have to deal with each other over time and try not to burn bridges. And doing a favor will buy good will for a reciprocal favor down the road. When ownership overides management it creates internal tension that is not good for an organization going forward. It raises questions for other teams, unsure if any potential deal will be vetoed by a higher power. For the ultra elite players and their contracts it is understandable. But not for the normal transactions. Initially the Dodger/Angel side of the equation seemed structured as a normal baseball trade. Each side gaining what they wanted for their own different reasons. Now either Arte or the Dodgers broke off that fragile bond of trust. No doubt, both sides could give a rational justification. But ethically it was an act of bad faith if the original deal had progressed to being a firm agreement. Despite changes with the other teams, a verbal promise should imply commitment to the agreement. If it was more a hypothetical arrangement than a solid promise then it's contingent on other variables. Ironic that the alleged arm issues of one of the more secondary players changed everything. This fiasco really makes Angels/Dodgers co-operation highly problematic going forward. It could get petty on lots of local levels too. Especially with their inter league games. But that does in fact intensify the rivalry. But it seems every ounce of angst is coming from Angel fans. To Dodger fans this is a minor blip on their radar. They have their shiny new big name acquisitions and Pederson and Stripling are merely secondary roster players who will be moved elsewhere or slotted into depth roles. A week or two from now when spring training gets underway this aborted deal won't even be remembered on their side. The Angels lost who they never had, but how it happened will linger for a long time. Especially if Stripling and Pederson do well wherever they play.

It's bad karma dealing with a same city rival. Too much emotion and baggage that can endure a long time. This botched deal just intensifies the rivalry, and actually brings the front office personnel into the forefront. And all the angst seems to be one hundred percent from Angel fans. I haven't found any Dodger regret at not snaring Rengilfo and whoever. It was not necessarily a move the Dodgers needed the way it was structured. At the time it was a logistical convenience more than a lineup upgrade for them. And think about it for the Angels. It would have solidified their 2020 lineup. But not to a major degree. Stripling is an average pitcher on an excellent team. Not the kind of pitcher unavailable elsewhere in a lower profile trade. The current pitching rotation has been upgraded from last year, and He would have blended in with them, not suddenly emerging as an ace. I think it reasonable to think that internal competition and possibly another acquisition could deliver what he would have. Right field isn't a position of weakness. Goodwin, Adell, LaStella should make a productive mix. Pederson likely was a one season rental and strictly a platoon player. Not that he couldn't help for one year, but other options will appear if the position become a a problem. The deal looked good because it was perceived as a steal. Gain more than giving up. It would have been great to outfox the Dodgers, but they obviously are always thinking outside all the boxes.

Any chance of MLB investigating this? Looks like bush league business practice. Or Eppler filing a complaint? Dodgers and Sox are the power franchises and always seem to get what they want by whatever means necessary..

This sums up things so far. Notice absolutely no reference to the Angels/Dodgers deal? Just the 'three team' situation. https://www.tsn.ca/report-minnesota-twins-still-involved-in-mookie-betts-trade-1.1440152

If they can keep all four teams from leaking this long, they never should have revealed anything till it was finalized. And passing the physicals is still part of the due diligence before a deal is official. But it seems that the other deals in whatever form now have to come first and then maybe the Dodgers will go through with Angels deal. If Pederson was a right handed batter he might have been tempting to the Red Sox.

If the trade doesn't go through will the Angels just reinstate Rengilfo at second and act like nothing happened? Try to trade him elsewhere? Or do they still pursue Pederson and/or Stripling through other offers? Maybe the same combo, maybe something completely different. I really think it will fall apart between the Angels and Dodgers because Betts was they key for them. Without him the Dodger outfield reverts to something like last year. And Pederson lost in arbitration and won't get a big raise. Maybe they move him at the deadline, but by then he wouldn't factor into the Angels plans.

You would think this will be wrapped up pretty soon. One way or the other. I can't see this going deep into next week. Spring training is star getting close. Players have to know where they will be moving to and contact their new teams. Not to mention the roster ramifications for each team. I wonder if any other than those four teams have entered the equation. Possibly offering more tempting deals for any of the players identified in this stalled situation? That could be reason enough for a team to try and pull out of this and work on a completely different deal.

If any of the players the Angels send to the Dodgers (still a hypothetical trade) develop and progress above expectations you'll have to feel good for them. Player development is a Dodger strength. If they can turn lesser prospects into decent major leaguers it will illustrate how important that phase of the sport is. Nothing wrong with seeing trades that work for both teams. Of course it's easy to be magnanimous if your team also prospers in the deal. But trades that work for each team are often interpreted differently according to team needs. The Angels need immediate major league improvement. The Dodgers can think longer term and take more risks. If the trade goes through as it stands the Angels should benefit first, but the Dodgers can be patient.

I think there is too much momentum for all the teams in this trade for it to just fall apart. By the time the deals are agreed on, a lot of intensive work went on within each organization. Scouts, coaches, analytic experts, finance people and the GM and his inner circle. Possibly ownership reps as well. When the minutiae of all the moving parts were finally agreed to it must have felt like closure for all four teams.A big relief to get it done. Decisions were made, comfort levels with the exchanges was reached. Plans for integrating the new additions during spring training were under way. Doubtful any of them want to go back to the drawing board. But if one of the original dominos falls, we could see some repercussions. One loose thread could lead to the unraveling of the nice, neat package. Still, I think all the GMs will want to keep the key players in place. It's easier to tinker with prospects than established veterans. I still wonder why Renfigo seems to be the key return from the Angels. Not a position of need for the Dodgers. Not an elite prospect. Some tantalizing potential if everything works out perfectly for him. You would have to think that Friedman would try to squeeze out a hidden gem from deeper in the Angels system. Not even the obvious top guys, but someone who their scouts are willing to gamble on. The Dodgers always pride themselves on scouting and development. I bet they would love to poach someone under The radar. If everything does fall apart there probably will be some deals just between two teams. Dodgers and Angels may put together something else with fewer players.

The pressure is on the teams to move those players somewhere. Once the names became public it will be awkward putting the toothpaste back in the tube. Fans have already adjusted to seeing their guys gone. Happy or not. Having them reappear like nothing happened is deceptive. The teams made the decision they didn't want them and were pursuing different paths. And if the players stay with their original teams they will be analyzed and judged very differently. Questions will be asked about their loyalty and commitment.

This is a crazy little soap opera. An interlude before the final pieces of the deal are locked in. Adds some suspense and drama that could have long term major influence on the futures of four teams. Suspended animation for fans of each, afraid to pencil in the new names, thinking of all possible alternative options. Imagine what's going on behind the scenes with all the teams. Front offices working around the clock, checking and rechecking with coaches and scouts, thinking inside and outside their respective boxes. It would be great if cameras were in the rooms, watching the wheeling and dealing. As it stands, the original deal is a win for the Angel's. Starting outfielder and pitcher with a legitimate prospect. At a reasonable cost. I would hope it stands without any revisions or substitutions.

Will Fletcher have a better year/contribute more at second than Renfigo likely would have with the Angels this season? If so, then that's a positive and makes the team better right now. If Renfigo adapts really well to a new team and league and manages enough playing time then good for him. But it doesn't matter what he does with the Dodgers. What counts is putting the best possible team on the field now. I think Fletcher settling into one position as an everyday second baseman will be an immediate benefit. Long term I would think of trying to keep Pederson while moving Upton. Obviously there are so many complications and factors involved. And how they perform before the trade deadline will be critical. But even assuming Pederson will get a big long term contract it still will probably be less per season than Upton will make his remaining couple of years. Say it's for five years. Pederson will still have potentially another five plus seasons beyond that and a chance for a second big multi year deal. Pederson and Adell adjusting to left and right field depending on their adaptability in the outfield, surrounding Trout for at least five plus years. Should be better and more dynamic than the Upton and Calhoun set up of recent years. If Pederson adapts to the new league and park well he could be a good investment at this early stage of his prime years. He also will be living in the same place, have a comfort zone and be close to family. Positive intangibles short and long term. If Upton has a good season underway his value to playoff contenders will be higher. Even if the Angels have to eat salary the transition to a younger, more versatile power hitter will have long term value. If Pederson doesn't do well by the deadline, he can be traded or given till the end of the season to prove himself. If he walks after the season it still will have been a very good risk. He has enough experience and been in big game situations to take a chance with.

I love multi player trades. You hardly ever see them in any sports these days. That said, I just want to focus Pederson till everything else falls in place. Years money and term? That's for the future. At least till the trade deadline. More will be known by then. But purely based on the start of the season, this is a great addition. A high energy, enthusiastic, good locker room guy. Should bond well with Trout. Tremendous power. Especially when he pulls the ball. Remember the home run derby? A solid outfielder with some first base experience. Not a great experiment last year, but with work and experience he may be adequate for short term spot starts at first. Really a good right fielder who isn't afraid to bang into walls if necessary. If anything happens to Trout he is an experienced, decent center fielder. Hope this never has to happen. He is a young emerging veteran entering his prime. He has been improving. Making better contact. Obviously better against righties but raw power to all fields. Great to see the Angels being aggressive and loading up on hitting. That's how they will have to win. If you can acquire a proven major league talent at a good price you have to do it. Rengifo is not as much an asset as Pederson is and allows Fletcher to specialize in one position. He will get in sync quickly with Simmons and do a good job. The longer term ramifications get so complicated these days. Lots of big name stars in their prime seem to move around more than ever. But longer term, Pederson is younger than Upton, and even his first long term contract will be cheaper than what Upton costs. The Dodgers made another big deal with the Reds last year that was largely based on contractual/financial considerations. The big name outfielder Puig was one and done. Maybe Pederson will end up the same way. Regardless, Maddon has a nice tool box to draw from and mix and match a potentially devastating lineup every day. Pitching is already somewhat improved with more time for other changes. Adell will find his role in due course. Quite a risk to pencil him in as a starter before having any experience at all. No rush now, but let him get used to the major leagues with less pressure. Now that football is over the smell of spring training is around the corner. Should be fun to get this team assembled and into action.

Painful but pretty accurate recap. Not fun reading. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/28577463/ten-reasons-mike-trout-mlb-best-player-2010s-won-playoff-game

Short term gain, long term pain. Unless... This would be part of a different philosophy two years from now. Pujols will be off the books. Simmons may or may not be signed. If not, it would mean finding a younger cost effective shortstop from somewhere. Upton eats up a ton of money. If he could somehow be moved (even if the Angels have to eat a portion). Without Pujols, Simmons, Upton in two years the budget resets differently. Dealing with shortstop will be the biggest issue, but with a deeper hitting line up you would just need a good defensive shortstop. And if La Stella and Goodwin play up to recent standards they can be shuffled around as needed. Losing a key young prospect may or may not be tough, depending on how major league progress takes but you have to take risks. Pitching still is the big problem, but opportunities will still come along. Like acquiring Rendon, there is immediate value in loading a lineup with proven stars.

This is long before the lifetimes of everyone now, but a huge icon of the hockey world in it's early days also died tragically. Injured during a game Morenz died from complications a few weeks later. His funeral was held in the Montreal Forum, his home arena. Still an active player, the legends grew around him that he lost the will to live, realizing he would never play again. https://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/death-of-howie-morenz