BTH

He didn’t speak to Bollinger either, who by all accounts seems to be professional.

My bad. You did say that. Not sure how I missed that.

If they want him to be a long relief option out of the pen, they need to stretch him out. Also, he’s a more attractive trade piece if he’s starting.

That would also necessitate bringing in another SP. Bieber is more of a risk, but he fills a bigger position of need.

@Jeff Fletcher The Angels team website lists Dylan Cintula as the head strength and conditioning coach, so does that mean Alejo is the assistant? Or is the website wrong?

The Angels shouldn’t be trading for players with 1 year left on their deal. Only player it’d make sense for is Bieber, since he would likely sign an extension.

I don’t think signing a Ryu/Clev/Lorenzen type improves the contention chances that much, if at all. I think the Angels best chance of contention involves guys like Silseth/Bachman/Daniel stepping up and exceeding expectations.

Yeah, I’m not sure the Lorenzen/Clevinger/Ryu types are much of an upgrade over what they currently have. If you sign one of them, then Anderson or Silseth gets bumped out. Like I’d rather see if Anderson (who you’re already paying) can be better, and give Silseth a legit opportunity.

I’d rather see Davis Daniel than give Odorizzi innings.

I would be surprised if they didn’t. That’s literally part of their job.

I think it’s gonna be difficult for the Angels to sign any of the remaining top free agents. It seems like they may be waiting for prices to fall, but: 1) that may not happen. 2) even if it does happen, then other teams are gonna jump in the mix. Particularly ones that are more desirable to play for. So the needle they’re trying to thread is waiting for prices to drop some, but not to the point where other teams jump in or the player decides to take even less just to play for a better team.

Clevinger: 0/$0M Lorenzen: 1/$5M Anderson: 1/$5M Votto: milb deal Martinez: 1/$20M

Rosenthal mentioned that MLB “acted on a detailed anonymous tip.” I’m not sure who it is, but there are multiple candidates. Another possibility is Tim Locastro, who got placed on the phantom IL and then tore his thumb while on a rehab assignment.

Eppler was definitely guilty, but so are pretty much all teams. Most likely, MLB is trying to set an example out of him.

part of me wonders if this is MLB's payback for Eppler getting them sued by Bubba Harkins when Eppler fired him.

Roger did a great job promoting this… not providing a time or any other info about when this interview is taking place.

I don’t think you can say that for the Cubs and Giants. So long as they’re acting rationally, I agree. But I don’t see a big move.

No.

I think the bigger holdup is the Angels may not want Snell, at least at his asking price.

Pretty sure you’re not allowed to revoke a DFA

That’s not until 2/14, when they open camp. The Dodgers date is tomorrow because they open camp early. Also, you can only put a player on the 60-day IL when you’re adding someone else to the 40-man.

I don’t hate any of those moves. Not exciting, but improves the team. But I’m not sure if Pham and Trout get along after the Fantasy Football debacle.

Yes. He had a .602 OPS (73 wRC+) in AA last year and a .736 OPS(81 wRC+) in AAA last year. He was a way below average hitter in AA/AAA.

I know. That’s why I didn’t look it up.

Ray Davis, Liberty Media, and Ken Kendrick. Not sure what your point is?