Second Base

The thing about relievers, and pitching prospects in general, is that they're so inconsistent, that you just go with "stuff" and forget the numbers. 
Espinosa throws mid to upper 90's. He's a lotto ticket. I don't really agree with DFAing Cabbage, but if you're going to trade him, yeah, Espinosa is what you target. 

If the plan is to trade an OF (and mlb trade rumors says it would be Ward or Adell), then I really hope they trade the 30 year old Ward rather than the 25 year old Adell.
I give Ward lots of credit for figuring out a way over many years to be productive in the majors.
But Adell has so much more athleticism and raw skills and is so much younger, and he “finally” is showing some evidence that he is turning the corner.
I put “finally” in quotes because it is notable that to some Adell has had his chance and is a bust at 25 when Ward had no productivity in the majors to speak of until he was 28.
I’ll hold on to the guy that has far more years ahead of him.
 

Logan's exit velos don't suggest that 40 HR is in his future. But he does have the bat speed and physique to justify an optimistic view on his power outcome. 
If he stays healthy, and gets 120 starts behind the plate, I think he could crank out 20-25 HR's.
And keep in mind, before Thaiss wore down, he was getting on base at a .364 clip too. I think the Angels are going to have one of the best offensive catching tandems in baseball. Having a guy like Mejia on hand in AAA is a huge benefit. 

Logan's exit velos don't suggest that 40 HR is in his future. But he does have the bat speed and physique to justify an optimistic view on his power outcome. 
If he stays healthy, and gets 120 starts behind the plate, I think he could crank out 20-25 HR's.
And keep in mind, before Thaiss wore down, he was getting on base at a .364 clip too. I think the Angels are going to have one of the best offensive catching tandems in baseball. Having a guy like Mejia on hand in AAA is a huge benefit. 

Twins made out like bandits there. 

Exactly. When they sign someone of actual value, like Moore or Stephenson, it's a two-fold move made with the distinct probability that they'll be dealt at the trade deadline in return for a prospect package AND that they'll help the team while they're here. 
And that's what Hicks is, on a smaller scale. He's filler, meant to kick the can down the road until the Angels youngsters mature and they can contend. Literally, the best possible outcome for the Angels and Hicks is that he's solid in his time here and when the deadline comes, they flip him for a fireballing reliever prospect or a prospect in need of a change of scenery. Similar to when the Angels flipped Syndergaard and got Moniak. 

I think Hicks is a case of the Angels covering their bases. They have no idea if Ward is going to come back and be the same guy. Ward probably doesn't even know that. And if he does, great, Hicks is a platoon RF. And if he doesn't, the Hicks is locked into a positional battle with Adell and even Adams, which isn't a bad thing given their inconsistencies. 
Basically, I see this deal as no different than a minor league deal with a ST invite and an April 15th opt out date. They'll both cost relatively the same, and they both have minimal risk involved with the team. 

Twins made out like bandits there. 

No, I don't believe they'll contend in 2023. But I do think they'll be equally as good as they were with Ohtani. I think Trout will be healthier and more productive, as will Neto, O'Hoppe and Schanuel. And the bullpen will be better. 
All of that combined will offset the singular loss of Ohtani and result in a 75-ish win team. 

Logan's exit velos don't suggest that 40 HR is in his future. But he does have the bat speed and physique to justify an optimistic view on his power outcome. 
If he stays healthy, and gets 120 starts behind the plate, I think he could crank out 20-25 HR's.
And keep in mind, before Thaiss wore down, he was getting on base at a .364 clip too. I think the Angels are going to have one of the best offensive catching tandems in baseball. Having a guy like Mejia on hand in AAA is a huge benefit. 

Gentlemen, this team is not being assembled to win a division. It is to develop the core of younger players. There is no Moreno big splash in any of the off season moves, this is Minasian playing the long game with a short contract. 

I think Hicks is a case of the Angels covering their bases. They have no idea if Ward is going to come back and be the same guy. Ward probably doesn't even know that. And if he does, great, Hicks is a platoon RF. And if he doesn't, the Hicks is locked into a positional battle with Adell and even Adams, which isn't a bad thing given their inconsistencies. 
Basically, I see this deal as no different than a minor league deal with a ST invite and an April 15th opt out date. They'll both cost relatively the same, and they both have minimal risk involved with the team. 

I think Hicks is a case of the Angels covering their bases. They have no idea if Ward is going to come back and be the same guy. Ward probably doesn't even know that. And if he does, great, Hicks is a platoon RF. And if he doesn't, the Hicks is locked into a positional battle with Adell and even Adams, which isn't a bad thing given their inconsistencies. 
Basically, I see this deal as no different than a minor league deal with a ST invite and an April 15th opt out date. They'll both cost relatively the same, and they both have minimal risk involved with the team. 

I think Hicks is a case of the Angels covering their bases. They have no idea if Ward is going to come back and be the same guy. Ward probably doesn't even know that. And if he does, great, Hicks is a platoon RF. And if he doesn't, the Hicks is locked into a positional battle with Adell and even Adams, which isn't a bad thing given their inconsistencies. 
Basically, I see this deal as no different than a minor league deal with a ST invite and an April 15th opt out date. They'll both cost relatively the same, and they both have minimal risk involved with the team. 

I think Hicks is a case of the Angels covering their bases. They have no idea if Ward is going to come back and be the same guy. Ward probably doesn't even know that. And if he does, great, Hicks is a platoon RF. And if he doesn't, the Hicks is locked into a positional battle with Adell and even Adams, which isn't a bad thing given their inconsistencies. 
Basically, I see this deal as no different than a minor league deal with a ST invite and an April 15th opt out date. They'll both cost relatively the same, and they both have minimal risk involved with the team. 

I think Hicks is a case of the Angels covering their bases. They have no idea if Ward is going to come back and be the same guy. Ward probably doesn't even know that. And if he does, great, Hicks is a platoon RF. And if he doesn't, the Hicks is locked into a positional battle with Adell and even Adams, which isn't a bad thing given their inconsistencies. 
Basically, I see this deal as no different than a minor league deal with a ST invite and an April 15th opt out date. They'll both cost relatively the same, and they both have minimal risk involved with the team. 

You will likely get a kick out of this.  A die-hard Twins fan friend of mine famously said he was elated the Twins moved Hicks to make room for Byron Buxton ... because he was sick of Hicks always being hurt.
Dude created his own prison
 
 

Relievers are unpredictable. But if the relievers pitched as predicted, the Angels would have possibly the strongest bullpen in the league. 

Shades of Mang

Relievers are unpredictable. But if the relievers pitched as predicted, the Angels would have possibly the strongest bullpen in the league. 

No, I promise. I don't know, it's not like that at all. I'm just explaining that if this signing happens, there's enough playing time for both Votto and Schanuel. 

Angels will be exploring the possibility of Schanuel playing OF. Currently, they'll be using a Moniak/Adell platoon in RF, with both of them functioning in the 4th OF/backup CF role. Ward is in left. 
Both situations are not a sure thing. 
They'll use Votto at 1B/DH, Rendon at 3B/DH, Drury at 3B/2B/1B and Schanuel at 1B/LF. 
Yes, there are lots of moving parts, but there's plenty of playing time to go around. 

Definitely didn't forget about Rengifo. On any given day...
1B - Votto, 2B - Rengifo, 3B - Drury, SS - Neto, DH - Rendon, LF - Schanuel
1B - Schanuel, 2B - Drury, 3B - Rendon, SS- Neto/Rengifo, DH - Votto, LF Ward/Adell
So many options, but plenty of playing time. 

Angels will be exploring the possibility of Schanuel playing OF. Currently, they'll be using a Moniak/Adell platoon in RF, with both of them functioning in the 4th OF/backup CF role. Ward is in left. 
Both situations are not a sure thing. 
They'll use Votto at 1B/DH, Rendon at 3B/DH, Drury at 3B/2B/1B and Schanuel at 1B/LF. 
Yes, there are lots of moving parts, but there's plenty of playing time to go around. 

Angels will be exploring the possibility of Schanuel playing OF. Currently, they'll be using a Moniak/Adell platoon in RF, with both of them functioning in the 4th OF/backup CF role. Ward is in left. 
Both situations are not a sure thing. 
They'll use Votto at 1B/DH, Rendon at 3B/DH, Drury at 3B/2B/1B and Schanuel at 1B/LF. 
Yes, there are lots of moving parts, but there's plenty of playing time to go around.