sammyscioscia

Right, but the upside of having him hit and pitch in the same game outweighs that possibility no? You can't hinge a must win game on the pessimistic outlook that will happen very often. Besides, Ohtani doesn't have the kind of stuff where you take him out of the game after 3 innings even if he gives up 5 runs unless his pitch count is really high or his command is way off. The pitch count should be all that matters, or if he is very erratic. It's definitely something to ponder.

L Walker and C Blackmon's freak child, I see it too man.

This Marsh guy can really fly!

Homeplate umpire probably a Mariners fan with anger issues, lol

How do you mean?

Quintana getting that clutch experience in, gets out of bases loaded 1 out jam nice!

In order to win it all though, we will need 2 guys in the rotation that are much more than reliable, and at least 2 guys in the bullpen as well. Just like the 2002 Angels. Bundy/Ohtani, Slegers/C Rod anyone? I feel like Ohtani will need to become an anime god, because we will need that lockdown starting pitcher to ensure we make it that far. My expectations aren't THAT high, but it is a possibility.

To be honest, I am a lot more optimistic this Spring, haven't been this excited since 2014 at the least. And strangely I feel like it will be the year we didn't make any 'big splash' off-season signings or trades that we will make the post season. Maddon had a good look at this team and what needed to change, our rotation looks like it should be able to keep our offense in many ballgames, we really don't need a flashy rotation or bullpen, just reliability. Even if it's sub-par reliability, might even be enough to keep us in WC contention. Our lineup really is nightmare fuel. I'll say if we remain mostly healthy without season ending injury to our core lineup, we will win 88-94 games. We could be even better than that if Ohtani provides 8+ wins and .850+ OPS and Trout has a better season offensively and defensively.

I'm talking about the regular season. But his bat could be key for a playoff series as well, who do we have that is a justifiably better hitter on the bench?

I still think Ohtani should hit on the same day he pitches every once in a while in the AL, since his body rotation cancels out. What do you guys think about that? It'll keep him prepared for the days he pitches/hits NL away games. And gives him more ABs overall.

Funny how Kyle goes from a SP to a CF... like Ohtani can't become a spot starter, reliever or even a closer before being banished by the pitching gods? He just admitted he has top of the line stuff but he might not be effective beyond 4 innings or so... so he belongs in CF now?

East coast timezone

Happy bday!

Last thing Adell needs is to feel good about his defense... lol.

haha yeah, Indians do lead ST in hitting though

I think we can more appreciate Canning's start after seeing how the Indians are hitting

Can you guys recall any Angels team since 2009 being this exciting?

I think that's the first time I've seen a ball hit to dead center that was no doubter off the bat... insane

Once again, Trout is definitely improved on defense, what a run for that ball.

Not trying to get your hopes too high but, Canning is looking like a top of the rotation starter today guys. Edit: Maybe I spoke too soon or cursed him, a triple by Gamel and a sac fly.

Canning nice clutch pitching, K's his way outta trouble!

Right on Chuck! I saw a lot of hope today as well, we are not the 50/50 Angels anymore, I don't believe it.

Well, there is the argument that you want the guys that WILL get on base at a higher clip right before the guys who are MORE LIKELY to drive them in. But I see what you mean, as a Saber head would likely put the hitters from best to worst, obviously regarding on base ability/speed/power. There is also the argument that the 7 guy has opportunities to drive in the meat of the order, why waste that spot with arguably your worst or least consistent hitter(s). It kind of depends on the players you have, and I agree with you that we should not 'waste' the 7 slot. I personally find the 8 slot in the lineup better for your worst hitter and the 9 guy can be a scrappy speedster/obp guy, as a kind of alternative lead-off hitter. The lineup should never be completely static, everything Maddon does should be situational, tailored to the guys that are playing THAT day and who's hot and who's not. But there is also great value in consistency, it'll be about finding that sweet spot.

So do we shrug off Spring Ohtani? Or do we take this with a bucket of salt?

Trout must be focusing on defense, nice play!