tchula

1 hour ago, Lou said:

It's difficult to have a conversation about a point if it isn't clear.

Welcome to the board. Knowledgeable posters are always appreciated. Just a bit of advice - please don't play the victim. it doesn't play well here. 

Oh, I acknowledge that, which is why I clarified myself.  My usage of the word "obviously" was nothing more than a colloquium.  And the immediate response was snarky.  It annoyed the hell out of me, and I probably should have just let it go, which is my bad. For me playing the victim is when posters threaten to leave the board and stuff like that, which I didn't do.  But, I appreciate the salutations 

26 minutes ago, Stradling said:

Come on dude, you want to talk baseball, but when we disagree that Keuchel is a “steal” at $13 million for what might amount to possibly 15 starts, you want to call that splitting hairs?  You seem to know the sport, why not support why you feel it is a steal instead of pretending we post wrong.  

My objection was splitting hairs over my usage of the word "obviously" ... which again, was never a reference to my point in the original post.  I already acknowledge it wasn't clear when I corrected myself in my original post.  Now, my views on Keuchel are in part of us as Angel fans being burned over and over again with one year deals (like Harvey, Cahill, etc.) who can barely get through 4 innings a start.  As a result, over the past two seasons we have had one of the more over-worked bullpens in baseball.  I also believe that because Kuechel hasn't pitch this year that he'll probably be relied on a bit more heavily by the Braves.  So, a 13 million dollar deal for a half of a season, especially considering the stability I feel he would bring to our rotation is a steal.  But again, perhaps I am wrong.  Also keep in mind, if the Braves rely heavily on Kuechel during post season (again, he'll be in mid season form by post season), and the fact I still haven't given up on that 2nd WC spot (which granted may make me a bit delusional) I think 13 million could be a very good investment for what he brings.  But, again, I could be wrong. 

When I said obviously, I wasn't making a reference to my original post.  There mere fact I corrected myself was an acknowledgement that my original point wasn't clear. God bless, does everyone around split hairs when it comes to posting.  I joined because this is the best board to discuss a team and game I am passionate and knowledgeable about.   But I am starting to see people around care more about getting into pissing contest than discussing baseball. 

18 minutes ago, stormngt said:

I believe Barria was moved up to majors most of the year.

He was jumping back and forth for a while if I recall correctly, and then he eventually settled.  Perhaps I am thinking of someone else.  Nevertheless, I've seen minor league pitchers yanked in the 1st inning or below because they would have to pitch in the majors 2-3 days later. 

7 minutes ago, Lou said:

How will playing in the NL inflate his numbers when he gets to face a pitcher?

Also, I wouldn't consider $13M for a 1/2 season for a #5 a steal. 

I meant inflate (or in this case deflate).  His number will be a tad better than if he was in the AL obviously. 

On 6/6/2019 at 1:06 PM, Dochalo said:

If we have any chance a making a run, these guys need to step up their game and pitch like solid mid rotation guys and maybe even a bit better.  

Not expecting ace level production, but an era in the mid to high 3's with some actual innings.  They've gotta start being guys who can give you 7 innings and save the pen but without that extra couple of runs that brings them down.  

Heaney had a run of 17 starts with a 3.11 era in 107 ip last year

Skaggs had a run of 15 starts with a 2.31 era in 89 ip last year until he got injured.  

Something similar to that would be outstanding and it's clear they are capable of it.  

I am not worried about Heaney at this point.  This is the beginning of the season for him, and aside from a just a couple of bad pitches he's been very good.  If he's giving up this many homers after another 2-3 games I'll begin to worry.  Skaggs on the other hand is a different animal.  Going into the season, all I hoped for was some longevity.  Even if his ERA will be in the low fours by years end, as long as he gives us 160+ inning I'll be happy.  He needs to get over the hurdle of not having pitched a complete season.  But, with that said, I think the injuries over time has effected his ability to get stronger and physically develop.  I think he could settle into a solid #4 guy (who may have the occasional great year), but before he does that he needs to pitch the entire year without missing any significant time. 

LaStella is the obvious choice, but did anyone expect that Fletcher would be have one of the top ten batting averages in the American League by this point?

Kuechel is not what he used to be, but he still delivers 200+ innings in a given year.  Imagine having the prior knowledge that every fifth day you'll practically not have to use your bullpen.  And although his Whip, ERA, etc. are not nearly what it used to be it is still pretty damn good for a #5.  When have the Angels gotten that type of production from any pitcher let alone a #5?  I believe in only pitching half a season Kuechel will have 110 Innings and an ERA of around 3.7-3.8.  Now, playing in the national league will inflate his numbers a bit, but he was an absolute steal for 13 millions a year.

Mine is I believe Simba is overrated.  He's a good player (primarily because of his defense), but not the great player everyone makes him out to be. 

On 6/8/2019 at 2:02 AM, Angel Oracle said:

What else besides injury would force people to come to the mound?????

Sounds like a he's about to get called up.  If I recall, a couple times last year Barria was immediately pulled early in the game for the same reason.  Or perhaps, he was showing flu-like symptoms?

12 hours ago, Second Base said:

Cron and Thaiss is an interesting case study.  Both catchers in college, drafted as 1B. 

If I'm guessing, yeah, someone might've said that about Cron.  I mean he hit over .400 with power for two years in a row at Utah before being drafted, the last of which he has more BB than K's.  That's still a great mystery where that plate discipline went.  I suppose we all should've seen the learning curve coming, I mean it's Utah, higher elevation and Cron's BABIP in college was over .400.  No way that's sustainable.  But I guess if I'm being fair, Cron was major league ready three years after being drafted and has gone on to be a productive starting 1B in the major leagues, just like we all thought when he was picked.  It just took longer than expected, though I suppose the Angels have no one to blame but themselves on that one.  They forced him to platoon and ride the Salt Lake to Anaheim express for FOUR years.  It's no coincidence that as soon as he left the Angels he turned into a 30 HR hitter.  

Sometimes major league front offices and managers just need to get out of their own way and play a guy to find out if he's got what it takes.  The Angels never gave him that shot. 

As for Matt Thaiss, I don't think anyone was saying that.  His numbers for Virginia were good, but because he was being moved away from catcher, the big question was if he'd hit enough to warrant being a major league first baseman like the Angels were exploring.  Folks were split on that outcome.  It was either a wasted pick or a savvy pick depending on who you asked.  But the motivation behind the two picks was different.  Cron was looked at as a quick rising franchise cornerstone, which he never became (again, probably not his fault).   Thaiss though, he was an over-draft who signed for an under-slot bonus so that the Angels could pick someone with higher upside in the second and third rounds.  This is Matt's third year since being drafted, so he appears to be on the same timeline as Cron was.  Thaiss has shown much better plate discipline than Cron ever did, but not the power, same contact ability though.  I think the difference here is that Cron's power was enough to keep him at 1b long term, whereas Thaiss has shown the athleticism to be able to shift across the diamond to third base. 

Cron has ended up being what I'd consider a .260/.320 30 HR hitting 1B.  Not an all-star or anything, but good enough to carve out a starting role.  Thaiss will end up being more of a .270/.340 15 HR hitting 1B/3B.  Probably not enough to carve out a permanent role at either position, but enough to carve out a role as a major leaguer.  Production wise, he's probably similar to Tommy La Stella (before this year) but with more power.   

Now how this directs our view of Wilson, I can't answer.  I think if you were to take a consensus, we'd probably all agree that Wilson has as much, if not more power than Thaiss, and likely similar contact ability and plate discipline.  The difference here would be that Wilson will either end up being an average shortstop or a very good defensive second baseman.  Those numbers at SS/2B are solid.  At 1B/3B, understandably, not so much. 

That's a well thought out post Scotty.  I really thought Thaiss was going to explode after this Spring.  I thought it was a big mistake to sign Justin Bour.  I thought Thaiss should have been given that opportunity to platoon with Albert and play the occasional DH.  Thaiss though has regressed at Salt Lake.  I haven't quite given up on him yet ... there is no telling why his average has dropped.  I am concerned pitchers know how to work him better, and if that is the case, it will only get much worse in the majors.   Nevertheless, Thaiss is one good streak away from being called back up.  So, although I am concerned and a bit disappointed, my level of disappointment isn't as near as it is for Jahmai Jones.

By the time Upton returns, the picture will be much clearer.  If Puello is still playing at the level he is now by the end of June I do not think there is any chance they demote him.  But, even though Goodwin has fallen back down to earth, his numbers aren't that bad (especially in the age of the shift) for a bench guy who is a fourth outfielder and who can play all three outfield positions.  

By and Large I am happy with this draft.  Earlier, I expressed concern about our second round pick.  I feel much better about him now (I never doubted his value) knowing that we went all pitching from rounds 3-10.  And, I absolutely love our third round choice.  I posted we need a high projectable arm, and they picked one.  I also believe our system lacks projectable starters, and we do not have the pitching depth many on here claim.  In addition, our most projectable pitcher (Rodriguez) will have missed two season with back injuries.  I am afraid he could go the way of Hunter Green.  But, we certainly went heavy again on pitching and chose some guys who I think could develop into solid pitchers.  Here are some guys I like ... 

Jack Kochenwicz (sp?) and Rivera have huge upside.  If Rivera can learn two more pitches he could be special. 

Stallings and Peek can be very solid pitchers.  The biggest knock on Stallings is his fastball, but it is not uncommon for a college guy to add 2-4 more mph to his fastball as his body matures.  He also has plus potential on a couple other pitches and great control.  Peek in some ways is more advanced than Stallings IMHO but needs one more quality pitch.  If he can get that I see a mid-rotation type of a guy.  

Brnovich and Zach Linginfelter I feel can be solid bullpen pieces.  Brnovich has the best curveball in the draft, but his mechanics hurt my eyes just to look at.  How has this guy not damaged his knee already?  If they let him be, I can see another Scot Shields.  If they complete change his mechanics (which could take a couple of years) he may be a starter down the road.  But I think his curveball alone will get him to the majors assuming he doesn't tear up his knee.  

I know no-one is taking about him, but keep an eye on Davis Daniel.  He has a great fastball and two very good secondary pitches.  He has some control issues, college pitchers often do and that gets better over time.  I really couldn't care less about the Tommy John surgery at this point.  Hell, it seems every pitcher gets Tommy John now-a-days and the Angels are going to shut down most of these pitchers (except for the high school guys) this year anyways.  But the guy has some quality stuff for sure.  

Finally, I want to make one more point on Spencer Jones.  I think there is a chance he could sign.  If the Angels give him a nice bonus and guarantee not to trade him, maybe the lure of playing in the majors in his own back yard make convince him to stay.  It is not unprecedented.  

7 hours ago, Dochalo said:

good question.  

if we ultimately graduate Canning, Suarez, Rengifo, Walsh

then Adell, Marsh, Sandoval?, Thaiss, Adams, Soriano are the top 6.  Rodriguez would be 3 if he were healthy.  too bad.  

There's a lot of season left and Adams could move up pretty quick.  Soriano probably moves into the top 5.  

Will be interesting to see how some of the young guys move once rookie starts.  

Right now I'd put Wilson in the 5ish range and Paris at 10-12ish.  

 

I believe its shit or get off the pot time for Thaiss, unfortunately and I think Jones is going to fall a lot.  I see our adjusted rankings as Adell, Marsh, Wilson, Soriano, and maybe Knowles/Sandavol.   I also anticipate Madero and Bradish to make a big jump.  Does anyone know if Aquino is ready yet to pitch again?  I think he has as much upside as anyone in our system. 

9 hours ago, Dochalo said:

Guys.  Kyren Paris is 5 years away.  It doesn't matter who we've got at 2b right now or even the next 2-3 years.  The kid turns 18 in November.  

I am lost with the Paris pick also.  I mean, he was good value at 50, and has a lot of upside.  But it seems like the Angels over the last two years have been loading up on SS.  Between Jackson, Wilson (may move to 2nd), Soto, Rivas, and according to MLB.com the Angels are expected to sign two top SS international prospects this year (Arol Vera and Adrian Placenia).  So I am a bit lost. I hope this means they haven't given up on Jackson or some of the others. 

And even though we went pitcher heavy last year, none of those guys projects to be a starter outside of Bradish (who looks like a future #4) and Hernandez (who has really struggled).  I just do not see any pitchers in our system outside of Soriano and maybe Rodridguez (back surgery) that have the upside of Canning.  I hope to hell we pick someone like Bryce Osmond, Spencer Jones, or Evan Fitterer.  I do not believe our starting pitching depth is nearly as good as some on this board claim.