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Chuck

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  1. Chuck
    By The AngelsWin.com Prospect Posse
    Welcome to our updated 2021 prospects list. After the tragedy that was a lost minor league season in 2020, we were very excited to see our minor leaguers in action. The big surprise this year is the veritable explosion of pitching, from strong performances by top prospects Reid Detmers and Chris Rodriguez, to the emergence of lesser-known guys like Davis Daniel and Robinson Pina, as well as many fringe guys all of a sudden becoming legitimate major league depth in the near future.
    The Prospect Posse: Who Are We?
    We are a group of nine regular contributors to this website, all of whom consider eyewitness accounts, scouting reports, statistical analysis, and just gut feeling in our assessment. We feel that our list is stronger for the fact that it includes nine contributors, all with slightly different emphases, both in terms of how we consider prospects, and what sort of guys stand out to us. As one can see with the “ranking ranges,” there is often wide disagreement, but it all evens out to provide what we feel is a very strong list.
    One thing to note is that the lower in the rankings one gets, the more interchangeable the ordering. In terms of the methodology used to compile this list, some of the prospects are grouped in clusters. For instance, while there’s a gap between #10 and #11, the next three guys (#11-13) are all very close, as are #14-15, and #19-21. There is a large gap between #21 and #22, as well as after #25. In our methodology, there is a similar gap between #17 and #26 as there is between #26 and #50.
    To put that another way, we—as a group—are rather clear on who our top 25 are, and how they are tiered in their relative rankings, but after that it is less clear.
    Without further ado, here are our updated rankings:
    1. REID DETMERS (21, LHP)

     
    Ranking Range: 1-4 Change: +3
    Stats: 3.15 ERA, 13, GS, 60 IP, 18 BB, 106 SO in AA/AAA; 10.61 ERA in 2 GS in majors
    Detmers has been all that we hoped for and more, largely due to his increased fastball velocity. Despite early struggles in his first two Major League starts, he has shown the flashes of excellence that led him to be our Top Prospect on this list. The floor for Detmers is very high—that of a good mid-rotation starter—but he could be better than that.
    2. BRANDON MARSH (23, OF)

    Ranking Range: 1-4 Change: Same
    Stats: 28 games, .287/.398/.528, 4 HR, in 28 Rk/AAA | 19 games, .154/.257/.215 in 21 major league games
    Marsh missed much of the first half due to injury, but when he returned, he completely destroyed AAA pitchers (.382/.417/.735 in 8 games), before being called up. He’s struggled in his first exposure to major league pitching but shows flashes of a well-rounded game. In some ways he’s the hitting version of Detmers: very high floor, with a good ceiling, that of an All-Star who is plus in just about every facet of the game.
    3. JO ADELL (22, OF)

    Ranking Range: 1-4 Change: -2
    Stats: 73 games, .289/.342/.592, 23 HR in 73 AAA games | .304/.360/.478 in 6 major league games
    Adell started the year with 7 walks and 57 strikeouts in his first 37 AAA games, but in the next 36 games he doubled his walk rate (15) and cut his strikeouts (42). In his first week in the majors, he’s looked like a completely different player than last year. Jo will require patience, but his ceiling is still very high and his ability to translate his power into the game is improving.
    4. CHRIS RODRIGUEZ (23, RHP)

    Ranking Range: 2-6 Change: -1
    Stats: 3.64 ERA, 29.2 IP, 15 BB, 29 SO in 15 games and 2 starts in the majors
    Rodriguez has had an interesting path this year, starting in the major league bullpen after only 78.2 professional innings, and none above A+. He held his own and, after an injury layoff, was sent to AA to be stretched out as a starter. The future still looks bright, and like Detmers he has the potential to be a TOR arm.
    5. SAM BACHMAN (21, RHP)

    Ranking Range: 4-10 Change: New
    Stats: 0.00 in 1 GS, 2 IP, 0 BB, 2 SO in A+ ball
    The Angels surprised everyone when they picked Bachman ahead of Kumar Rocker, although that seems less controversial now that Rocker and the Mets failed to reach an agreement. The big question is whether Bachman can stick as a starter, with some concerned about his violent delivery. But the stuff is immense, including a fastball that reaches triple digits and a slider to die for. Even if the Angels convert him to relief, he could be an elite closer.
    6. KYREN PARIS (19, 2B)

    Ranking Range: 5-8 Change: +1
    Stats: .310/.437/.548, 2 HR, 13 SB, and 18 BB in 23 games in A/Rookie ball
    Paris started the season hot, but then went down with a fractured fibula for a couple months. He just got back to A ball and is continuing where he left off, displaying speed, defense, contact ability, discipline, and even a touch of power.
    7. AROL VERA (18, SS)

    Ranking Range: 5-9 Change: +3
    Stats: .307/.374/.446 in 26 Rookie ball games
    Vera started the year scalding hot, hitting over .400 for his first week or so, but has cooled off, in a 1-15 funk as of this writing; still, a very promising start to his professional career.
    8. JORDYN ADAMS (21, OF)

    Ranking Range: 5-11 Change: -3
    Stats: .207/.278/.341 in 46 games in A+
    The luster has dimmed somewhat as Adams has struggled this year, although some of that may be due to an injury that kept him out for six weeks. The talent is there, but it remains to be seen whether he can convert it to baseball skills.
    9. JEREMIAH JACKSON (21, IF)

     
    Ranking Range: 6-11 Change: -1
    Stats: .248/.322/.510 in 39 games in A ball Jackson continued where he left off in 2019, but at a level higher: lots of HR and strikeouts, although there are signs of slight improvement in BB%. He’s been out with quad strain for the last month and a half.
    10. ALEXANDER RAMIREZ (18, OF)

    Ranking Range: 8-14 Change: +3
    Stats: .290/.380/.548 in 23 Rookie games
    With Adell and Marsh in the majors, Ramirez is arguably the highest upside bat in the Angels system.
    (11-30 rankings)
    11. JACK KOCHANOWICZ (20, RHP)
    Ranking Range: 11-17 Change: -6
    Stats: 6.75 ERA in 14 GS, 57.1 IP, 26 BB, 50 SO in A ball
    Kochanowicz is a work in progress, but the Angels are focusing in on developing his individual pitches, so don’t worry too much about that ERA. He'll require patience, but remains one of the higher upside pitchers in the organization.
    12. ADRIAN PLACENCIA (18, 2B)
    Ranking Range: 8-24 Change: +16
    Stats: .226/.407/.484 in 19 Rookie games
    Placencia was noted for his sweet swing and, so far, the results are promising, displaying advanced plate discipline in his first professional season.
    13. KY BUSH (21, LHP)
    Ranking Range: 9-18 Change: New
    Stats: NA
    The Angels 2nd round pick in the 2021 Amateur Draft, Bush improved over his college career and could end up being a steal in the second round.
    14. DAVIS DANIEL (24, RHP)
    Ranking Range: 14-22 Change: +17
    Stats: 2.47 ERA in 14 GS, 73 IP, 25 BB, 100 SO in A+/AA ball
    While the focus has been on Detmers and Rodriguez, Daniel has not-so-quietly made a huge impression in his first full professional season, dominating A+ and adjusting quickly to AA. On the depth chart for the major league club next year, as either a starter or reliever.
    15. EDGAR QUERO (18, C)
    Ranking Range: 12-27 Change: New
    Stats: .304/.513/.679 in 20 games in Rookie ball
    Quero is one to dream on: an international signing who has utterly dominated Rookie ball. While it is very, very early, it is hard not to be excited about a hard-hitting catching prospect.
    16. ROBINSON PINA (22, RHP)
    Ranking Range: 13-33 Change: +10
    Stats: 3.48 ERA in 16 GS, 75 IP, 46 BB, 107 SO in A/A+ ball
    After a rough beginning to the season and a demotion to A ball, Pina has been impressive in his return to A+. Like Daniel, if he doesn’t stick in the rotation he could end up as a high leverage major league reliever.
    17. ALEJANDRO HIDALGO (18, RHP)
    Ranking Range: 13-32 Change: New
    Stats: 3.55 ERA IN 4 GS, 25.1 IP, 8 BB, 30 SO In Rookie ball
    An international signing, Hidalgo has impressed with his first exposure state-side.
    18. DENZER GUZMAN (17, SS)
    Ranking Range: 14-Not Ranked  Change: New
    Stats: .296/.333/.333 in 8 games in the Dominican Rookie league.
    Not much to go on yet, but Guzman’s scouting profile and chatter shows a lot of promise. 
    19. WERNER BLAKELY (18, IF)
    Ranking Range: 14-NR Change: Same
    Stats: .214/.385/.314 in 21 games in Rookie ball
    Another raw but talented young middle infielder, Blakely has displayed excellent plate discipline in his first season.
    20. D’SHAWN KNOWLES (20, OF)
    Ranking Range: 14-NR Change: -4
    Stats: .225/.284/.355 in 62 games in A ball (23 of 24 in stolen bases)
    It is hard not to be disappointed with Knowles’ performance this year, as his numbers have trended down over the last few seasons. Of interest, he's played a few games at shortstop, implying that the Angels want to diversify his skill-set.
    21. JANSON JUNK (25, RHP)
    Ranking Range: 16-NR Change: New
    Stats: 2.14 ERA in 15 games, 13 starts; 21 BB and 72 SO in 71.1 IP in AA 
    A new arrival from the Andrew Heaney trade, Junk has dominated AA this year, and joins the Angels’ increasingly deep pool of second tier minor league starters who provide a bit of insurance in the coming years.
    22. ERIK RIVERA (20, LHP/OF)
    Ranking Range: 20-NR Change: New
    Stats: 1 GS, 3.1 IP, 1 BB, 6 SO
    After a promising first game, Rivera was shut down. His return time is unknown.
    23. MICHAEL STEFANIC (25, IF)
    Ranking Range: 10-NR Change: New
    Stats: .334/.405/.487 in 79 AA/AAA games
    Angels fans hope they have another in the tradition of Walsh, Fletcher and Calhoun: a late-round draftee who sneaks up on you. While he probably ends up as a major league utility infielder, it is hard to argue with his numbers this year, which are similar at both levels.
    24. HECTOR YAN (22, LHP)
    Ranking Range: 17-NR Change: -13
    Stats: 5.80 ERA in 16 GS, 68.1 IP, 44 BB and 73 SO in A+ ball
    An overall disappointing year for Yan so far, largely due to control issues. A move to relief is probably inevitable and might benefit him.
    25. WILLIAM HOLMES (20, RHP/OF)
    Ranking Range: 15-NR Change: -9
    Stats: NA
    Holmes hasn’t played a pro game this year, remaining in the Arizona complex.
    26. ORLANDO MARTINEZ (23, OF)
    Ranking Range: 14-NR Change: +3
    Stats: .247/.299/.441 in 74 games in AA
    Some still like his bat skills, but the results aren’t there yet. Could carve out a career as a platoon/bench outfielder.
    27. BRENDON DAVIS (24, IF/OF)
    Ranking Range: 15-NR Change: New
    Stats: .285/.350/.554, 20 HR and 10 SB in 79 games in A+/AA
    One of the biggest surprises on the farm this year, former Rangers farmhand Davis has crushed the ball, his numbers even better in 16 AA games (.306/.403/.629). At the least, he’s a real sleeper.
    28. JHONATHAN DIAZ (24, LHP)
    Ranking Range: 10-NR Change: New
    Stats: 2.22 ERA, 10 G/6 GS; 9 BB and 65 SO in 48.2 IP in AA
    Diaz has been very impressive, although has lost a lot of time to injury. Another on the second-tier depth chart for next year.
    29. LANDON MARCEAUX (21, RHP)
    Ranking Range: 18-NR Change: New
    Stats: NA
    The Angels third-round pick in the draft, Marceaux could rise quickly, although has a limited ceiling.
    30. DAVID CALABRESE (18, OF)
    Ranking Range: 23-NR Change: -18
    Stats: .136/.240/.152 in 19 games in Rookie ball
    While Calabrese has been completely over-matched in his first taste of pro ball, he’s still very young. 
    The Next Twenty (#31-50): Oliver Ortega, Aaron Herandez, Mason Albright, Ryan Smith, Jose Bonilla, Stiward Aquino, Jose Marte, Edwin Yon, Kevin Maitan, Luke Murphy, Packy Naughton, Livan Soto, Kyle Tyler, Adam Seminaris, Coleman Crow, Cooper Criswell, David MacKinnon, Edwin Hidalgo, Sam Peguero, Jose Salvador.
    If you'd like to see our more in depth Top-30 Prospects entering the 2021 season with more scouting reports, you can check that out here.
  2. Chuck
    By Taylor Blake Ward, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
    Spring Training is done, and the real thing all starts now – or technically, earlier before the weekend. Taking a look back at the spring though, we focused on more than a handful of Angels prospects and how different perspectives can come out of spring from a performance standpoint and the trained eye of experts. We asked three different people from three different fields about their opinions of specific players during the spring.
    We asked our experts – who consist of an Angels Front Office Executive, a former player who was in Angels camp regularly, and a prospect analyst – about their opinions on some of the Angels top prospects through the spring, as well as some non-Major League standouts from the World Baseball Classic and Angels camp in general.
    Our experts were asked to give their opinions anonymously for two reasons. One is that their opinion and work is for their primary employers, and not for this affiliate, and discretion is asked of their employers. Secondly, we do not want their opinions to dictate the opinion of the reader based on who they are and their merit.
    With that, let’s jump into this.
     
    LOGAN O'HOPPE:
    Executive: “Excited for what he brings to the table on both sides of the ball. The aptitude is advanced for his age. He’s gonna turn 23 this year and obviously bringing in a rookie catcher when you’re plans are absolutely to contend, you know, it’s not the easiest thing in the world this day in age but we think he has the capability and aptitude and all the ingredients on the mental side to handle it. We’re excited for the future with him and excited to see what he can do.”
    Former Player: “Wow. For me, ‘leader’ would be the one word you can already describe him as. There’s a presence about him. Just the way he walks around the field and his communication and relationship with his pitching staff is amazing for a kid. Also, I love how quiet he is behind the plate. His hands are great. Sets targets. Judging from his swing I think there’s a lot of upside in his offense too. I’m always defense first as far as catcher and as far as you handle your staff and I know for a fact Shohei Ohtani loves throwing to him and for me that’s good enough. When you hear that, that’s good.”
    Prospect Analyst: "Impressive behind the dish. Impressive leadership skills as well. All around looked really, really good."
     
    JO ADELL AND MICKEY MONIAK:
    Executive: “Jo worked really hard this off-season. He spent a lot of time in Tempe over the winter and honing his game defensively. We saw market improvement this spring. I think offensively – progress – maybe not quite to the extent we saw defensively but certainly progress and obviously the tools are obvious. Mickey, same thing. In terms of the at bat quality, he improved in Spring Training. A few subtle things swing-wise that he was working on seemed to translate into games. I think just sending him down to get regular at bats, and obviously we had a full outfield when we’re healthy and really happy with where we’re at at the big league level. Just sending him down to get the opportunity for everyday at bats and continue to develop and I think there’s still more left in the tank there.”
    Former Player: “Mickey – we’ll start with him first. First of all, great kid. He wants to learn and I finally saw a confident hitter there and the ball was jumping off his bat. Better coverage of the plate. Exceptional speed I think and good defender too so he could be a really, really good player. I saw him in a high school game when he played against one of my kids (I was coaching) and they were both first round picks. I was impressed then and I am even more now than I was last year. I like what I saw last year, but even more now because I think he’s figured it out with getting his hands through the baseball. Now Jo – I’ve been pulling for Jo since day one. And the power, I mean his body right now is unreal. Strong as can be. I just feel that he needs to just get on a roll where he doesn’t have to answer questions about ‘why is this? Why is that?’ And there were some signs he’s gotten way better defensively and we know all the other skillsets he has, but just letting his hands get through the baseball and not trying to overthink things at the plate. Because he’s got incredible athleticism and he’s got good baseball instincts that I think he still has a chance. I’m not giving up on him because I think he’s still there. He’s still young but I think it’s there where he could be a star.”
    Prospect Analyst: "Adell is learning. Ability is there. He needs to keep his emotions in check though. Moniak – Give him a chance at the Major League level at some point and see what he can do. Super impressive this spring but something he's done in the past."
     
    JORDYN ADAMS:
    Executive: “Jordyn obviously ended Spring Training with the Major League team. Went to Los Angeles to partake in the Freeway Series and that should probably speak for itself in terms of the trend for him. For him, came in physically certainly more developed. I think the mental side of things too. I know our group was pleased with the development there as well. Had a nice camp. Had nice at bats on the Major League side and felt like – obviously brought him to LA, not necessarily a reward but to some extent showed us that maybe he’s not that far away. I’ll be excited to see what he can do, and he’ll be in Triple-A. Brief stint in Double-A last year, but he’ll start in Triple-A and you’re only one step away there.”
    Former Player: “Love him. When I talked to Torii Hunter the first thing I said was, ‘Dude, I like this kid.’ I like the way he’s at the plate right now. His hands. They can pitch him inside and he’s able to go inside out on it. He also has tremendous power too. From the kid I saw last year to this year, man, you’re talking about gigantic strides, I mean, gigantic. That I went from, ‘I hope he turns into a pretty good player’ to thinking, ‘alright, this kid could turn into a really, really, really good player.’ I can see it in his eyes. I can see it in his demeanor. He believes in himself now, which is tough in this game. I’ve seen a lot of great players, even when I was in the game, that you could have all the skills in the world but if you don’t have the confidence you’re not going to be around this game long. But now I’m seeing a kid that has some high upside.”
    Prospect Analyst: "Very impressive. Took big steps forward this spring on all sides of the game. He's quick, played well defensively at all three outfield spots. I think you're seeing the bat come around and you'll see an uptick in power, especially in Salt Lake."
     
    JEREMIAH JACKSON:
    Executive: “J.J., kind of like Mickey. I don’t know if it’s noticeable to the untrained eye but knowing the player as well there was some subtle adjustments this year to last year. Offensively, similar in terms of thought there were better at bats. Played some outfield, played some infield in Major League camp. Certainly someone that has all the physical tools. I think his momentum is like Jordyn, similar in the second half last year. Just excited to see continued development. That was something certainly we saw from Jeremiah in 2021, and Jordyn as well. Both those guys, I think the arrow is up.”
    Former Player: “Again, watching the game last night and watching a number of Spring Training games down there with him – the smile I see on my face when I see the player he is now from where he was last year and the year before – yeah. The glove plays. The baserunning skills play. He hit a home run to right-center field way out. Granted, the baseball does carry for the most part in Arizona, but when he hit that it was cold and the baseball wasn’t carrying. To hit a home run the opposite way like that – granted, it’s a walkoff in a Spring Training game so I guess it doesn’t matter to most people, but for me when you see a young person do that – because that Spring Training game is a regular season game for these kids because they’re trying to prove something. He’s got a chance of helping us out for a number of years.”
    Prospect Analyst: "Another one that was really impressive. He got a lot of opportunities this spring. I don't know where he plays, and I think the Angels are still trying to figure that out too. I think he ends up being a 20-home run, 30 percent strikeout guy."
     
    KYREN PARIS:
    Executive: “Really, really good Major League camp. Slowed the game down. Thought it was really impressive for a kid his age. His at bats – he’s always controlled the strike zone but showed a good eye at the plate, so that wasn’t all that surprising I guess. Just defensively, made several nice plays on balls in the air, several nice plays on balls on the ground. Having the range either direction. I thought that was the most impressive thing from him this spring was the ability to slow the game down. Sometimes with a lot of young players who get into that environment and the game kind of speeds up on them, and that was the exact opposite for Kyren. He was wired the right way. Physically, he’s developing really well. The ball is coming off hot. I think it’s sneaky power for when you look at him, maybe not the most imposing guy, but certainly there are tools there, no question. Just very young. Another guy who went to Double-A and had some success, so arrow up for him as well. I think what he showed – the slow heartbeat in Spring Training was impressive.”
    Former Player: “Again, Glove is outstanding. He hit the ball hard every at bat. At one point he was leading the team in RBI and everything else down there in Spring Training. I was trying to pick out guys who really could help this team, especially in the infield where we do have depth at the Major League level, but guys who are playing in-and-out of their normal playing position per se, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the not-too-distant future because I think he does everything really well. Barrels up the baseball exceptionally well at the plate. I know I’m sounding like I’m loving all these kids but I really am. I haven’t been able to say that in years, but these kids are all legit. I think Paris has a chance to be really special.”
    Prospect Analyst: "Sky is the limit at the moment with him. It's a beautiful swing. Defensively very good. He has the makings of being a very good second baseman in the future. That's probably the only negative is that he's probably a second baseman."
     
    ZACH NETO:
    Executive: “(Laughs) His Major League camp was – came in late to games, got some starts towards the end, he was kind of as advertised in terms of at bat quality. Certainly, made good decisions. Showed the ability to drive the ball to all fields. Showed some athleticism on the bases. He came in stronger, especially in the lower half, and I think it showed in his batted ball quality as well. The impact he’s displaying in games, and showed the same thing on the backfields. When he was sent down I saw him in a couple backfield games and it was impressive how he was able to get to velocity (with power). Defensively too, instinctually made a couple of really nice plays. Showed arm strength from deep in the hole. Showed the arm for short certainly. Really excited for his potential and think we got a good one there.”
    Former Player: “Okay, that’s my top dog right there (laughs). Exit velocity over 100 miles per hour every at bat. Unbelievable arm at shortstop. Great range. The one thing I love about him and just talking to him – he feels he already belongs, which doesn’t happen often. It’s not just a fake bravado. This kid believes he belongs here right now, and I believe he’s almost there right now that quickly. I know the whole thing about wanting to see kids get – especially hitters – get at bats in the minors, and a number of at bats per se, but he’s knocking on stardom right now. Real close. Real, real close. Love his arm, love his attitude, love his confidence. And boy, he makes the approach at the plate where he has that high leg kick, put him against two strikes and it’s a different swing and different path and still the ball is jumping off the bat so well. He’s legit. He’s totally legit.”
    Prospect Analyst: "Neto was impressive. He's gonna stick at shortstop defensively. He's gonna hit well. I like the two-strike approach as well, which is nice to see. The only thing that might lack is power in my opinion but if everything else pans out and he's a 10-home run guy it's not a horrible thing."
     
    CHASE SILSETH:
    Executive: “I think the biggest thing with Chase is the development of his slider. He calls it a cutter. It’s arguably his best pitch in my mind. Was a consistent plus pitch, swing-and-miss offering. It acts more like a slider with sharp tilt in the upper 80’s. He calls it a cutter. I remember C.C. Sabathia would call his sweeper a cutter so it just kind of how guys do that as a cue for themselves to make sure they’re throwing it the right way but that was the most encouraging thing with him. Something consistent that’s harder versus his two-plane curveball and the split where at times the command can waver. So that was, to me, the most encouraging thing for him. He’ll go to Triple-A. There was some debate about that but I think a new environment for him. He spent the year last year at Double-A when he wasn’t in the big leagues so certainly still high on him.”
    Former Player: “I always say, I call him a miniature version of Alek Manoah from the Jays. I know that’s pretty tough to make any comparison because I know that guy is already one of the best pitchers in the game and still a young kid himself, but Chase has that stuff. Great attitude, fearless, tough as nails. I went through the same process myself – he’ll have a lot of games where he’ll go seven innings and no runs and then other games where it gets by him too quick. Once he figures out how to slow down the process when you give up a couple hits or a couple flares or something goes against you, he’s a top of the rotation guy. He throws that hard. The splitter, the sweeper-slider is gonna work and play. Same thing with his curveball. His upside is right there, and I think he’s gonna be a help this year.”
    Prospect Analyst: "He needs to work on command which I'm assuming he'll do in Salt Lake this year. He probably shouldn't be up this year but if he is he's not a bad option for the Angels. He needs a fourth pitch – something that is hard and isn't straight. Just a better fastball."
     
    BEN JOYCE:
    Executive: “As good an arm as there is maybe in the world. He’s now throwing a sweeper and harder slider, almost like a cutter. Just refining those secondary pitches. We saw in Major League games too the fastball command can get away from him a little bit. But man, when he’s right, it’s obviously closer stuff. A guy who has thrown strikes adequately enough in the past. Just refining the secondary stuff, I think – even one of those two pitches, whenever that happens, I think you could certainly see him the big leagues soon after.”
    Former Player: “(Laughs) Oh man. He’s one of those kids you can’t help but just go ‘wow.’ When you’re throwing 104, he’s wild enough where no one is going to be comfortable in the batter’s box and I don’t think that’s a bad thing. It reminds me of (Andre Munoz) in Seattle, that kind of stuff. His slider and his cutter – or sweeper and his cutter, that’s the terminology now – he can throw those for strikes and there’s enough movement. If I’m a right-handed batter, I don’t think I’ll ever get close to being comfortable in the batter’s box. He’s got that kind of movement and when you throw that hard with movement like that – and his body, and I kind of joked around and told some people he kind of reminds me of just a little smaller version of Noah Syndergaard. His body has a chance to be strong for a long period of time and that role he would be in. I would not be surprised if he’s pitching in some big moments this year that quickly even though he has very limited professional innings, but with an arm like that you ride him because he’s that good. He can dominate out of the bullpen.”
    Prospect Analyst: "They'll see him up this year at some point. Took huge steps forward, especially from where he was at Rocket City last year. The hard slider/cutter – whatever you want to call that – is really good. When he's on, it's unhittable. When he's slightly off, it's unhittable. When he's bad, he's bad."
     
    RANDOM WBC PROSPECT/PLAYER WHO STOOD OUT:
    Executive: “Roki Sasaki (laughs). I mean, the arm, the age. Kind of what he did last year – it’s top of the rotation stuff. I know he’s several years away but certainly one to monitor.”
    Former Player: “The one kid I really liked was Joey Meseses. Munetaka Murakami from Japan, not that he’s hidden because everyone knows all about him after he broke Sadaharo Oh’s single-season home run record. Especially when you saw him struggle, I mean, he struggled, and he had that big game-winning double that scored Ohtani and other runner to win that game against Mexico. Then he homered against Team USA. That kid, I can’t wait for him to come over to the states as some point, so he’d be my guy right now but it’s not like he’s a hidden jewel. I think a lot of people know enough about him and I’m pretty impressed. Same thing with the pitcher, Roki Sasaki. Pitching against Team USA bringing it, touching 100 with that splitter too.”
    Prospect Analyst: "I think the easy answer is Roki Sasaki. That's unbelievable. I want to see him at the Major League level really soon. Beside him, any name from Team Japan. That is a fun team. Also, it was the first time I got to see him play live is Tetsuto Yamada. I think he's really impressive."
     
    ANGELS PROSPECT WHO STOOD OUT:
    Executive: “I don’t know if Sam Bachman is too easy but kind of just where he ended last year and where he is now. Upper 90’s with two plus secondary pitches. For him he’s right where we want him to be. Coming off last year and seeing the stuff back to where we saw in college, that’s as much as any that stuck out in terms of bouncing back so to speak. Edgar Quero’s bat is for real. He’s gonna get pushed to Double-A. (Our staff) wants to challenge guys and we certainly feel he’s up for it. 20-years-old in that league is not easy so we’ll see there. I think we had several guys who had shown more velocity – Landon Marceaux has shown more velocity. Coleman Crow, same thing. Just improvements there. Intrigued to see what those guys do.”
    Former Player: “Two guys. Sam Bachman, I finally got a chance to see him. Again, we know a lot about him but finally seeing him pitch. I’d heard we might see him last year but obviously some injuries slowed him down. He’s a hidden jewel that we might see coming at some point. But Osmy Gregorio, the kid, my God, he can fly. His throw across the diamond with the broken bat, he didn’t even flinch. The barrel of the broken bat went flying by him and he threw the ball to first like 83 miles per hour. Off balance throw. And the way he runs and good enough approach at the plate. I like that kid a lot – I mean, a ton. Watching him run, I haven’t seen – especially with the game now where you might see the stolen base become a legit threat – that kid, I like a lot, a ton. Just seeing him walking around the field at Angel Stadium the last couple of days, I’m like, ‘Yeah, he’s not overwhelmed.’ You could tell he likes his big moments so Gregorio would be my guy out of nowhere. Even seeing him in Spring Training and then seeing him on the big stage going against the Dodgers. I know it’s a Spring Training game but still, that speed plays. He went from first-to-third in 7.4 seconds. That’s unreal. Also, Victor Mederos is going to be a beast on the mound. He’s going to be real good. Watched his bullpens. He has some serious upside.”
    Prospect Analyst: "Mickey Moniak was a standout for sure. Very impressive but again, he's done it in the past. Osmy Gregorio, actually. I've seen him in the minors before. Someone to keep an eye on. All the tools are there. Interested as to why he hasn't gotten an opportunity in other places before. Just someone I'll keep an eye on."
  3. Chuck
    Photo by: Cristina Byrne-Sternberg/Rocket City Trash Pandas
    By Chuck Richter, AngelsWin.com
    October 20th, 2022
    We spoke with Sam Bachman on the final weekend of the regular season about his first full year of professional ball with the Trash Pandas, how he had to deal with injuries, what were his finest moments over the past couple years, what draft day was like and much more, including learning a little bit about Bachman's personal life and hobbies. 
    Bachman is the first player out of Miami University to be selected in the first round of the draft. He was a top ten pitcher in NCAA Division I and has a fastball that reached 100 mph. Make sure to check out Draftkings Ohio and follow this Miami of Ohio standout as he looks promising as he works toward his rookie season in the MLB.
    Sam talked about what draft day was like for him in our interview, here's Bally Sports West capturing the moment for Sam with his family and friends. 
    Here's Bachman's cleanest outing of the 2022 season over four scoreless innings. 
    Click on the video below to see our interview with the Angels 2021 first round pick, Sam Bachman.
    Interview Transcript
    AngelsWin.com: Chuck Richter, AngelsWin.com. I’m here with Sam Bachman. How’re you doing, Sam?
    Sam Bachman: Good. How are you?
    AngelsWin.com: Good. Hey, so first off, what’s it been like to be a part of this Trash Panda playoff run that you guys on this year?
    Sam Bachman: Yeah, it’s been super fun. You know, a lot of new guys; a lot of new faces. And, you know, it’s just awesome to compete with these guys, and, you know, it’s taken us so far. And we should keep doing it through the playoffs.
    AngelsWin.com: Nice. So, I know this goes back a year, but what was draft day like for you?
    Sam Bachman: It was a very special moment, very surreal. It happened so fast; it still really hasn’t set in. You know, you get drafted; it’s just back to square one. So, you just try to keep on the ladder and keep doing my thing.
    AngelsWin.com: Did you know the Angels were interested in you?
    Sam Bachman: I had a Zoom call with them, like, a week before the draft, but that was their only point of contact with that point that year.
    AngelsWin.com: What will Angels’ fans come to learn about you the player and the person?
    Sam Bachman: Yeah. I’m a competitor; I like to think I have a really good work ethic, and do everything I can in my control. And then, as a person, you know, I’m a very giving person; I like to be a good teammate, yeah.
    AngelsWin.com: Okay. Tell us a little bit about your repertoire: your pitches, fastball velo.
    Sam Bachman: Two-seam, it’s, like, 92-95. Changeups, mid to upper 80’s as well as a slider.
    AngelsWin.com: Okay. I know you battled some injuries this year. Do you feel like any of those injuries have hampered anything, you know, with your—
    Sam Bachman:  Definitely. You know, when you got the workload built up, and you’re throwing year-round, the stuff picks up. And it’s, kind of, been really spotty this year as far as being out there consistently. You know, I get three weeks, four weeks, and then lower back spasms and upper back spasms and some stuff like that. So, it’s been really difficult. But, you know, I think I’m in a good spot right now where we’re moving forward. I think we got everything taken care of. It’s just, kind of, growing pains, your first year of pro ball.
    AngelsWin.com: Yeah. Yeah. What do you feel like you need to work on to make it to the big leagues?
    Sam Bachman: Just stay healthy—
    AngelsWin.com: Yeah.
    Sam Bachman: Keep competing; doing what I was drafted for, and, you know, the rest will take care of itself. It’s about being healthy and stuff.
    AngelsWin.com: Yeah. Are you left to your own devices in terms of workout, diet, things you need to work on, pitching mechanics, all that? Or do the Angels have a plan for you?
    Sam Bachman: The Angels have a plan for everything. So, it’s really nice to talk to dietician, you know, pitching coordinators, pitching coaches, the whole staff. You know, everyone’s got really good stuff; they’re knowledgeable. And, you know, it’s easy to, kind of, lean on them for that.
    AngelsWin.com: Who’s impressed you the most as far as your teammates, and an opposing player that you’ve had to face in this league?
    Sam Bachman: It’s really fun watching Chase Silseth. I mean, every time he’s on the mound, it seems unfair for the other opposing team—
    AngelsWin.com: [laugh]
    Sam Bachman: —Watching players, I think Elly De La Cruz, pretty talented player. It would be cool to see him. So, yeah.
    AngelsWin.com: Yeah, I hear that a lot about De La Cruz. So, what has been your best game, most memorable game to date, college or professional ball?
    Sam Bachman: I’d say my second start in college ball was pretty good. It was the first time I hit a milestone, 100 miles an hour. I think this last start that I had was very eye-opening for me. I learned a lot about myself, you know, going through, kind of, some aches and pains and stuff. And that was, like, kind of, my first outing where I felt very in control. So, that was awesome.
    AngelsWin.com: Awesome. So, talk to us a little bit about that outing. What was it about it that—was it the fact that you went longer? You went six innings that start, right? Did you feel like you had more left in the tank going into the sixth inning, or were your pitches just working for you better that day?
    Sam Bachman: Just command of all pitches; I limited a lot of damage. So—I don’t know—I gave up eight or nine hits and only gave up three or four earned. So, I was happy that I was able to keep my team in the game, and, you know, keep us in the win column is all.
    AngelsWin.com: Absolutely. When did you first commit to playing baseball?
    Sam Bachman: What do you mean?
    AngelsWin.com: When you first started playing ball, how old were you?
    Sam Bachman: Oh, like, three or four, at a church Tee-ball league.
    AngelsWin.com: [laugh] Oh, there you go. [Laugh] 
    Sam Bachman: Yeah, Dad was a coach. You know, you go to church. After, you get to play some Tee-ball; play some games with some other guys. So, it was fun.
    AngelsWin.com: Oh, that’s cool. Who do you model your game after when you’re on the mound?
    Sam Bachman: Nobody really. I like to just bring my own energy, you know? I learn a lot of different stuff from as far as mentally goes from a lot of different players. You know, everyone wants to be Max Scherzer intensity. Sometimes, I like to, you know, keep the energy a little, like, mellow out a little bit; sometimes, you get too hyped up. Yeah, I watch, as far as the physical stuff, I like to watch Luis Castillo, the two seamer-changeup-slider combo. I think it’s very similar. So, I like to, kind of, see how he pitches against guys at the big-league level.
    AngelsWin.com: Nice. Growing up, did you have a favorite baseball team, a major league baseball—
    Sam Bachman: The Reds.
    AngelsWin.com: The Reds, okay. Favorite player?
    Sam Bachman:  Not really. Maybe Pete Rose.
    AngelsWin.com: There you go. Okay.
    Sam Bachman: Yeah.
    AngelsWin.com: Okay, real quick; lightning round. Favorite movie?
    Sam Bachman: Pass on that one.
    AngelsWin.com: [laugh] Okay. Favorite song or artist?
    Sam Bachman: Mostly, a lot of rap; some country.
    AngelsWin.com: So, just, kind of, whoever’s on. Huh?
    Sam Bachman: Whoever’s on, yeah. There’s so much music right now in my head, that, like—
    AngelsWin.com: [laugh] 
    Sam Bachman:  —I don’t know which one to go with.
    AngelsWin.com:  [laugh] Fair enough. Favorite video game?
    Sam Bachman: The new Call of Duty is coming out—
    AngelsWin.com: Call of Duty?
    Sam Bachman:  It’s going to be a big one. Playing Invader right now.
    AngelsWin.com: That was Silseth’s favorite game.
    Sam Bachman: Yeah.
    AngelsWin.com: What’s a perfect day look like for you away from baseball?
    Sam Bachman: A lot of fishing, hunting, just downtime with family, good food—
    AngelsWin.com: There you go.
    Sam Bachman:  —Can’t complain.
    AngelsWin.com:  When you’re done playing baseball, have you thought about what your next career will look like?
    Sam Bachman: Skiing, professional skiing.
    AngelsWin.com: There you go; [laugh] nice.
    Sam Bachman: Yep.
    AngelsWin.com: Downhill skiing? There you go.
    Sam Bachman: Yeah.
    AngelsWin.com: Yeah, awesome. Well, Sam, thank you so much for your time today.
    Sam Bachman: No problem. 
    AngelsWin.com: Best of luck.
    Sam Bachman: Thank you—
    AngelsWin.com: Yep.    
    Sam Bachman: Appreciate it.
  4. Chuck
    Photo by: Cristina Byrne-Sternberg/Rocket City Trash Pandas
    By Chuck Richter, AngelsWin.com
    October 26th, 2022
    The Angels 2019 second round 2B/SS was coming off a promising 2021 season in Low-A ball where he hit .267/.388/.459, with 4 HR and swiped 22 bases across 47 games. The plate discipline which led to a .388 OBP combined with speed on the bases excited the Angels and their fans with the hope of solidifying a void at the leadoff spot with the big league club. The showing skyrocketed Paris to the Angels top-5 prospects range heading into the 2022 season. 
    While Paris figured things out and went on an incredible run to end the season demonstrating 5-tools over the final 8-weeks of the season, it didn't start off well for the talented middle infielder. Paris hit .182 in April, .175 in May and .193 in June. Something changed in July as Paris showed the same type of output he demonstrated in a shortened 2021 campaign and then went on fire in August, slashing .345/.472/.672 with 12 RBI in 16 games. 
    Kyren Paris finished off the season in fine fashion, slashing .354/.475/.677 with six homers and seven steals over the final 30 days of the season. 
    In our interview Paris (below) we talked about his season, the type of player he is, who he models his game after and what were some of his finest memories in his professional career... among many other questions, both baseball and non-baseball related.
    Before we get to the interview here's a look back at draft day and some of Paris' finest moments in his professional career. 
    The once all-star Angels broadcasting crew of @VictorRojas & Mark Gubicza had Kyren Paris in the booth following signing with the Angels in 2019. Here's that interaction! Have we mentioned we miss Victor Rojas yet? 
    As you can tell, Paris shows a ton of humility and reminds me a lot of a young Garret Anderson in how he carries himself. 
    When Paris was promoted to Double-A to be a part of the Trash Pandas playoff stretch he started off with a bang. In his first game he went 2-3 with a walk, three RBI and stolen base. He also made a nice play ranging to his right to steal a would be hit. Paris did it all with the Trash Pandas offensively and defensively. He slashed .359/.510/.641 with 3 HR and stole 5 bases over 14 games in Double-A.
    So with all of that out of the way, without further ado here is our interview with Kyren Paris. We believe he's going to force his way onto MLB's top 100 prospects list at some point in 2023. If the Angels let him cook in the minors until he's ready, he's going to have a bright future in the big leagues. 
    Interview Transcript
    AngelsWin.com: It’s Chuck Richter, with AngelsWin.com. I'm here with Kyren Paris. Kyren, how’re you doing?
    Kyren Paris: I’m doing great. How about yourself?
    AngelsWin.com: Good. Real quick. What’s it been like to get promoted late in the season to this Trash Panda team that’s now going to the playoffs?
    Kyren Paris: Oh, man. It was a true blessing just to be here around the guys. Like, the chemistry here and the coaches, to the fans, to the players, it’s been unreal.
    AngelsWin.com: That’s awesome. Has anybody, kind of, taken you under their wing since you’re, kind of, the new guy on the team? Or…
    Kyren Paris: I’ve known a lot of the guys throughout the years. So, Jeremiah Jackson, Adams, Maitan, Soto, I've played with a lot of these guys, and then, yeah. So, just coming in; we already have that chemistry; I know a lot of the guys, and we just gel together really well.
    AngelsWin.com: Yeah. What will Angel fans come to know about you, the player and the person?
    Kyren Paris: Just a hard worker, humble, just love to have fun, lots of fun.
    AngelsWin.com: Awesome. Hey, so, I noticed, like, the first three months of the season for you in Tri-Cities were a little rough. But something clicked in July, and you’ve just been on fire ever since. What changed, or what happened?
    Kyren Paris: Really just sticking to my process and sticking to my plan every day. I want to give a huge thanks to Jack Howell, our manager. He talked about just going out every day, and despite how well you do or how bad you do, just show up the next day and keep going. And really, that’s what I did, and eventually, started having success and never looked back.
    AngelsWin.com: That’s great. What do you take most pride in your game: hitting, defense, baserunning?
    Kyren Paris: I feel like to win, it takes all-around. So, if one aspect of your game is lacking—I mean, I try to work on it every day just to make sure everything’s up to par. Because, as a collective group, you’ve got to be there every day on both sides of the ball.
    AngelsWin.com: Yeah. Are you left to, like, your own devices in terms of workout, diet, things you need to work on offensively, defensively? Or does the organization, kind of, have a plan for you?
    Kyren Paris: The organization definitely has a plan. They focus a lot on the process, and they talk to us a lot. And wherever we go, we need to improve; we’re not here for ourself. And it helps a lot.
    AngelsWin.com: Who’s impressed the most so far, either a teammate here, in High-A, with Tri-Cities, just in your journey here this season?
    Kyren Paris: Man—
    AngelsWin.com: And it could be a teammate or an opposing player?
    Kyren Paris: That’s a tough question.
    AngelsWin.com: You got a loaded clubhouse—
    Kyren Paris: Yeah, we have a—
    AngelsWin.com: —so that’s a tough question. [laugh] 
    Kyren Paris: —we have loaded clubhouse, man. But, I mean, I just look around and see these guys, the way they go about it. I can’t specifically say one person; just the whole team. The way everyone is professional and goes about it is truly unbelievable.
    AngelsWin.com: Yeah. What do you think your best game was to date? And you can go back to high school, professional ball, to this point.
    Kyren Paris: I would probably say the one I had the most fun was my debut here. Being able to hit the three-run homerun and tie the game, and we came back and won. That was something special, and I’ll truly remember that for a long time.
    AngelsWin.com: That’s great. Who were some of your favorite players growing up, and what was your favorite team?
    Kyren Paris: I would say my favorite team was the Oakland A’s. I grew up in the Bay Area, upper Bay Area, so grew up watching the Oakland A’s. But my favorite players—I want to say—Rickey Henderson—definitely one of my favorites; I love stealing bases. Jeter, just all-around, just—he’s the captain. So, I would say those are my top two.
    AngelsWin.com: Speaking of stealing bases, you and Jordyn Adams—who I spoke with last time—you guys are tied for the most stolen bases [laugh] on the team—
    Kyren Paris: Yes, we are. We are.
    AngelsWin.com: —33. That’s awesome. You guys talking to each either, like, “Hey, I’m going to finish this season with more stolen bases than you.”? 
    Kyren Paris: Not really. We actually team up together—
    AngelsWin.com: [laugh] There you go.
    Kyren Paris: —We have a few double steals this season. So—
    AngelsWin.com: That’s awesome.
    Kyren Paris: —whenever we’re both on base, we’re looking at taking extra bases for sure.
    AngelsWin.com: There you go. Rickey Henderson was my favorite player growing up, too. Let me ask you this: when you make it to the big leagues, what’s going to be your walk-up music?
    Kyren Paris: I’ve been using Gunna, who’s a rapper that I like. I’ve been using him the whole season. So—
    AngelsWin.com: There you go; stick with it.
    Kyren Paris: —it’s been going well, so I’m going to stick with that.
    AngelsWin.com: There you go; there you go. Okay, I know you’ve got to get. Lighter side, favorite movie?
    Kyren Paris: Favorite movie. Rookie of the Year.
    AngelsWin.com: Rookie of the Year, awesome. Favorite song or artist?
    Kyren Paris: Favorite song or artist. I’ll say, Travis Scott.
    AngelsWin.com: Okay. Okay. Favorite video game?
    Kyren Paris: Video game, Fortnite, for sure.
    AngelsWin.com: Okay. [laugh] What’s a perfect day look like for you away from baseball?
    Kyren Paris: I would say just relaxing; maybe, going to the beach. Being from California, I love the beach. So, a beach day, you can never go wrong with that.
    AngelsWin.com: You’re going to be in southern California; make the big leagues; that’s nice.
    Kyren Paris: That’ll be nice for sure.
    AngelsWin.com: I don’t know if you’ve thought this far ahead, but when you’re done playing baseball, what do you envision as your next career?
    Kyren Paris: Maybe being on MLB Network—
    AngelsWin.com: There you go.
    Kyren Paris: —I like looking at those guys and being an analyst, maybe. I like talking in front of the camera and just analyzing and learning more about the game. So, that might be a new adventure for me after baseball.
    AngelsWin.com: Awesome. Kyren, thank you so much for your time today—
    Kyren Paris: No problem.
    AngelsWin.com: —Best of luck this year.
  5. Chuck
    Photo by: Cristina Byrne-Sternberg/Rocket City Trash Pandas
    By Chuck Richter, AngelsWin.com
    Torres spent three seasons pitching at Kansas State and was named to the Big 12 Championship All-Tournament Team in 2021. He made 49 relief appearances there as a junior before the Los Angeles Angels selected him in the 14th-round in the 2021 draft.
    Last summer after he signed, Torres went straight to Tri-Cities, the Angels High-A affiliate where he had eight appearances that included four holds and six scoreless outings. The Angels started him in Double-A with the Trash Pandas this season and he took the ball late and never looked back as their closer. Torres currently leads the Southern League in Double-A with 18 saves and sparkling 1.76 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and .156 BAA. Torres has also fanned 70 batters over 46 innings this season, boasting a 13.70 SO/9. Even more impressive, over his 46 innings of work he's only given up three long balls. 
    The six-foot southpaw goes after the opposition from a lower-slot sidearm look. He attacks the strikezone with a low 90's fastball that touches 95 mph, generating a bunch of whiffs due to the ride and run. Torres also throws a 80-84 mph slider that flashes above-average. He’s working on improving his changeup which should help him keep hitters off balance and make his out pitch (fastball) even tougher to hit.
    We sat down with Torres on a recent homestand and talked baseball, the Trash Panda's club and playoff run they're on, in addition to some lighter side content where you'll come to learn a little bit about Torres' personal side. 
    Check out our interview with Eric Torres below.

  6. Chuck
    First off let's just get right to the point. Mike Trout while he's older and will never be the player he was in his younger 20's and prime years, he is not someone that is in steep decline as some have suggest on social media and our community forum, he's just off at this time.
    Let's take a closer look. 
    As you can see below, Trout has been missing, as his exit velocities have been down the last three weeks, but the underlying data is still really strong.

    People have been saying that Mike Trout can no longer hit the fastball, but here's what you need to look at.

    As you can see his xSLG (expected SLG% of 541 on fastballs is a lot better than his actual SLG, and his exit velocities have been pretty much in line with his career numbers off fastballs --  as is his hard hit% as you will see here.
    Year Pitch Type Team RV/100 Run Value Pitches % PA BA SLG wOBA Whiff% K% PutAway % xBA xSLG xwOBA Hard Hit % 2023 4-Seamer   0.6 2 350 46.1 68 .220 .458 .352 31.2 30.9 20.0 .263 .558 .390 52.6 2023 Sinker   -2.3 -2 108 14.2 27 .227 .227 .296 24.0 22.2 27.3 .246 .323 .330 18.8 2023 Slider   5.7 5 90 11.9 26 .417 .708 .498 35.3 34.6 28.1 .269 .499 .352 46.7 2023 Curveball   2.3 1 51 6.7 9 .167 .667 .456 50.0 22.2 20.0 .239 .661 .479 100.0 2023 Sweeper   -2.8 -1 44 5.8 15 .200 .267 .203 23.8 26.7 25.0 .221 .284 .218 36.4 2023 Cutter   3.5 2 43 5.7 13 .417 1.083 .569 22.2 23.1 37.5 .348 .857 .489 80.0 2023 Changeup   3.8 2 41 5.4 11 .500 .600 .505 19.0 9.1 6.3 .544 .791 .581 55.6 2023 Splitter   -1.6 0 23 3.0 7 .167 .167 .229 30.0 28.6 16.7 .200 .225 .260 25.0 2023 Slurve   -11.1 -1 9 1.2 3 .000 .000 .000 25.0 0.0 0.0 .237 .256 .216 33.3 2022 4-Seamer   1.8 16 903 42.9 190 .265 .560 .396 31.0 32.1 20.4 .237 .545 .375 52.8 2022 Slider   1.9 7 355 16.9 78 .292 .694 .431 36.0 26.9 17.6 .253 .573 .376 43.1 2022 Sinker   2.4 8 337 16.0 97 .311 .600 .445 16.7 19.6 27.5 .315 .576 .405 47.9 2022 Cutter   4.2 6 146 6.9 37 .321 .893 .546 24.6 16.2 15.8 .365 .817 .552 59.1 2022 Changeup   3.1 4 143 6.8 41 .324 .757 .473 33.3 24.4 15.2 .298 .659 .437 51.9 2022 Curveball   -0.6 -1 139 6.6 28 .200 .560 .354 41.0 42.9 33.3 .187 .526 .342 53.8 2022 Sweeper   1.6 1 64 3.0 16 .250 .500 .316 45.2 50.0 38.1 .221 .491 .302 75.0 2022 Splitter   -2.6 0 15 0.7 3 .000 .000 .000 44.4 66.7 22.2 .002 .002 .002 0.0 2022 Slurve   -0.5 0 2 0.1   -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 2021 4-Seamer   3.3 9 271 44.4 57 .419 .744 .546 21.7 22.8 16.7 .328 .703 .497 50.0 2021 Slider   2.5 3 117 19.2 22 .350 .900 .532 46.9 40.9 28.1 .336 .786 .488 45.5 2021 Sinker   -0.4 0 87 14.3 29 .292 .333 .350 8.6 10.3 15.8 .359 .436 .405 61.9 2021 Cutter   1.6 1 53 8.7 11 .333 .556 .480 23.8 18.2 11.8 .336 .450 .408 57.1 2021 Changeup   6.7 2 34 5.6 9 .333 .889 .500 27.8 55.6 26.3 .190 .542 .305 25.0 2021 Curveball   -2.1 -1 28 4.6 6 .167 .333 .208 60.0 66.7 57.1 .194 .291 .204 100.0 2021 Sweeper   -4.4 -1 13 2.1 4 .000 .000 .175 33.3 50.0 50.0 .026 .030 .194 0.0 2021 Splitter   -6.9 0 5 0.8 3 .000 .000 .000 100.0 100.0 60.0 -- -- .000 -- 2021 Slurve   0.0 0 2 0.3   -- -- -- -- -- 0.0 -- -- -- -- 2020 4-Seamer   1.6 7 424 41.4 89 .292 .542 .424 14.8 20.2 12.7 .296 .594 .439 58.9 2020 Sinker   2.1 4 173 16.9 45 .325 .600 .457 13.2 13.3 14.6 .387 .711 .489 50.0 2020 Slider   0.6 1 165 16.1 43 .211 .579 .350 27.9 32.6 21.9 .174 .389 .289 36.0 2020 Curveball   4.8 5 98 9.6 26 .300 .900 .512 34.6 34.6 27.3 .305 .951 .530 58.3 2020 Cutter   1.0 1 91 8.9 17 .250 .500 .391 12.1 29.4 20.8 .240 .502 .335 72.7 2020 Changeup   1.1 1 48 4.7 14 .273 .727 .471 34.8 21.4 15.0 .353 .721 .498 75.0 2020 Splitter   2.7 0 18 1.8 3 .500 .500 .533 25.0 33.3 9.1 .387 .451 .475 100.0 2020 Sweeper   4.3 0 6 0.6   -- -- -- 100.0 -- 0.0 -- -- -- -- Looking at the data it appears it's been sinkers that have been hurting him and looking at his LD and FB rates overall it may be he's simply topping some pitches as his FB rate is a bit down from where it's been in recent years while his LD rate is the highest it's been since 2019.  Normally a strong LD rate is a good thing but in Mike's case it may be a sign of his being just a tad off and not getting his usual lift.
    Mike Trout through the first 40 games played over his career:
    2012: .354/.412/.565
    2013: .293/.364/.549
    2014: .269/.357/.531
    2015: .288/.386/.555
    2016: .320/.408/.567
    2017: .350/.466/.757
    2018: .315/.450/.650
    2019: .278/.449/.541
    2020: .303/.400/.665
    2021: .333/.466/.624 (36 games)
    2022: .319/.425/.674
    2023: .275/.364/.506 (coming into today's May 18th, 2023 game)
    Basically it's a spotty 40-game stretch and he's done this before, only it's happening at the start of the year instead of 40 games in.
    In conclusion we need about 60-70 games of data to see what's noise and what's an actual development.  People tend to be very reactive to traditional stats but it's the predictive stuff we need to focus on that I highlighted above.  We made these arguments regarding Anthony Rendon before he started mashing, pointing to the same exact data.  
    Mike Trout has too much talent, physical ability and an incredible work ethic in a constant effort to improve his game on a daily basis, but like with the best of them, Hall of Famers of yesteryear, they've all gone through tough stretches.
    The GOAT went yard off a 96 MPH four seamer last night up in the zone. Stop worrying and let the man cook. 
    EDIT: As I was publishing this Blog, Mike Trout just went deep again (May 18th, 2023)
    LET TROUT COOK. 
  7. Chuck
    By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist
    A slew of late-season promotions continue to shuffle the Angels' minor league deck, but strong performances remain!
    --Pitchers--

    1) Davis Daniel – RHP, Rocket City AA:

    You can sort of Davis Daniel is becoming the Angels’ pitching equivalent of Michael Stefanic; both came into 2021 without much hype, both have performed not only extremely well, but extremely well consistently throughout the season, and both arguably are MLB-ready, even with Daniel yet to appear in AAA. Daniel’s strike-throwing tendencies were on full display over the last week, as the 24-year-old made two starts for Rocket City, striking out 18 in 11 innings while allowing just one walk, three earned runs (2.45 ERA), and seven hits (.175 BAA). Daniel has allowed two or fewer earned runs in 14 of his 18 appearances this year and with 9 starts in each A+ and AA, has essentially matched his production across two leagues – trading a few more walks from A+ for a few more hits in AA. If not for the surplus of R5 eligible arms that were added to the MLB team ahead of him these last few weeks, he’d likely already be in Anaheim.
    2021 (TRI A+/RCT AA): 2.59 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, .193 BAA, with 28 BB, 130 K, 8 HR allowed across 93.2 IP in 18 GS
    2) Ryan Smith – LHP, Rocket City AA:

    Following a couple months in Tri-City, Smith, a 5’11” 23-year-old lefty out of Princeton, was moved up to AA Rocket City and has yet to really be slowed much by much of anything. While his stellar Inland Empire line has dulled a bit as he’s advanced, Smith has still delivered quality innings in all three of his stops this season, and the last two weeks have indeed put an exclamation point on that narrative, as Smith sparkled in two starts, allowing only one ER (0.69 ERA) in 13 innings, with one walk to sixteen strikeouts. Like Daniel, Smith won’t be R5 eligible until the winter following the 2022 season, but his performance might force the Angels to consider the lefty for their major league staff sometime in ’22.
    2021 (IE A/TRI A+/RCT AA): 4.28 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, .222 BAA, with 22 BB, 132 K, 14 HR allowed across 107 IP in 19 G/18 GS

    3) John Swanda – RHP, Inland Empire, A:

    Many have likely forgotten John Swanda, the Angels 4th round selection back in the 2017 draft. In his first three seasons, Swanda, now 22, rarely demonstrated any dominant stuff or positive results, but never really faltered either. At first glance, Swanda’s 2021 season looks pedestrian as well; no gaudy strikeout numbers, middling earned runs allowed, average HR and BB rates, but a closer look would reveal that Swanda’s season echoes perhaps what Cooper Criswell did in 2019; steady, consistent innings that were quietly dominant, punctuated by an occasional poor start. Swanda’s last two starts have been his best, as he limited opponents to just four hits (.089 BAA) and three walks in 13.1 scoreless innings while striking out 16. In his last four games now, he’s earned three wins, allowed a 1.48 ERA and .170 BAA in 24.1 IP with 25 K. Swanda will be Rule 5 eligible this winter, but lacking any high-octane stuff or shiny results should keep him safe from selection, which could work to the Angels’ benefit.
    2021 (IE A): 4.14 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, .250 BAA, with 33 BB, 92 K, 13 HR allowed across 104.1 IP in 20 G/15 GS

    4) Thomas Pannone – LHP, Salt Lake City AAA:

    The Angels had probably hoped for a little more from lefty Thomas Pannone when they signed him to a minor league deal this past winter. Originally drafted by Cleveland in the 9th round and a decent prospect when acquired in trade by Toronto, Pannone had glimpses of promise in two MLB stints in the bigs but has yet to see that continue into his ’21 season with the Bees, a campaign which has been nothing short of a disaster. But Pannone might be showing signs of ending the year on a high note, as he has now strung together four straight decent appearances, including his three most recent starts, two of which were 7 IP efforts. Pannone posted a 2.95 ERA in that time, allowing two walks, 16 hits, and 2 HR while striking out 14. Likely ticketed for minor league free agency this winter, he won’t factor into the Angels future plans much, but could still see himself in the bigs this year should the Halos need a spot starter.
    2021 (SLC AAA): 7.21 ERA, 1.71 WHIP, .196 BAA, with 32 BB, 67 K, 20 HR allowed across 97.1 IP in 20 G/17 GS

    5) Fernando Guanare – RHP, Dominican Rk.:

    Anytime a teenage arm can string up a couple of starts like Fernando Guanare has of late, it will catch some eyes. Posting 12 IP, 11 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 15 K in his last two starts, Guanare has continued to flash some strong strikeout stuff all season while, perhaps most impressively walking only one to date in his first pro season. Only 18 and listed at 6’1” 140 Guanare is still obviously a ways off, but strong performances tend to earn stateside rookie ball promotions no matter how young the arm. Could be an interesting one to watch in 2022.
    2021 (Dominican Rk.): 2.31 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, .268 BAA, with 1 BB, 38 K, 0 HR allowed across 39 IP in 8 GS

    Honorable mention, pitchers:
    Adam Seminaris (LHP Tri-City A+): 1.74 ERA, .216 BAA with 4 BB, 11 K across 10.1 IP in 2 GS – now sporting a 3.33 ERA in last ten starts, 69 K in 51.1 IP
    Mason Erla (RHP RCT AA): 0.00 ERA, .125 BAA with 0 BB, 9 K across 5 IP in 2 GS –nearly perfect start to pro career. 24 years old, could move fast.
    Janson Junk (RHP RCT AA): 3.12 ERA, .071 BAA with 1 BB, 8 K across 8.2 IP in 1 GS – just missed a perfect game, but got an MLB debut instead
    Luke Murphy (RHP TRI A+): 4.76 ERA, .227 BAA with 1 BB, 10 K across 5.2 IP in 4 G – virtually all damage against came in last appearance, nearly perfect before
    Braden Olthoff (RHP Arizona Rk.): 1.29 ERA, .179 BAA with BB, 14 K across 7 IP in 2 GS – extremely strong start could garner promotion soon
    Tyler Danish (RHP SLC AAA): 1.69 ERA, .220 BAA with 2 BB, 13 K across 10.2 IP in 4 G/1 GS – freshly baked success for @Angels1961 fav
    Dylan King (RHP TRI A+): 4.50 ERA, .200 BAA with 0 BB, 14 K across 8 IP in 2 G – sleeper reliever prospect to watch, 67 K in 42.1 IP.
    Hector Yan (LHP TRI A+): 1.35 ERA, .136 BAA with 8 BB, 14 K across 6.2 IP in 2 G – struck out 21 of 49 hitters since moving to relief – and walked 15.
    Leonard Garcia (LHP Arizona Rk.): 1.04 ERA, .188 BAA with 6 BB, 15 K across 8.2 IP in 2 GS – only 17 and already stateside, arguably could have beat Guanare for #5 on this list
    Brandon Dufault (RHP IE A): 0.00 ERA, .200 BAA with 3 BB, 7 K across 5 IP in 3 G – control issues, but all signs point to solid relief arm in the making
     
    --Position Players--

    1) Michael Stefanic – 2B/DH, Salt Lake City AAA:

    ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
    You can make an argument that with a .340 BA in 101 games, Michael Stefanic leads all minor league baseball in batting average – some lower-level players with fewer PA/G have higher BA are ahead – and he has maintained that .340 BA over the last two weeks, with 16 more hits in 47 AB. Not a true power threat, Stefanic’s SLG did drop slightly as he added only three extra-base hits (all doubles) in the last two weeks, but he maintained his excellent contact/discipline skills, posting 7 BB (one IBB) to 7 K in that time. While a call-up to Anaheim has yet to materialize (to the chagrin of many) it is probably safe to assume Stefanic will find himself placed on the 40-man this offseason given his R5 eligibility, and it could be Minasian is using the majors to determine which of the Mayfield, Rengifo, Wong contingent he wants to keep with Stefanic, and not in place of.
    2021 (RCT AA/SLC AAA): .340/.410/.494/.904 with 18 doubles, 14 home runs, 56 RBI, and 40 BB, 64 K, 5/8 SB attempts in 101 G/441 PA
    2) Orlando Martinez – OF/DH, Rocket City AA:

    It’s been an uneven, but still encouraging, season for the 23-year-old Cuban outfielder, whose strong rebound in August from a brutal July (.606 OPS) continued over the last two weeks, slashing .355/.412/.548/.960 in 8 G/34 PA, adding a double, triple, and a homer to his ledger, drawing 3 BB to 5 K, and swiping three bags in three attempts. Had it not been for his July slide, Martinez would have a very solid .283/.340/.502/.842 slash. The lack of discipline remains Martinez’ biggest obstacle, but his sustained success with strong contact and at least average (if not slightly better) power still hints at an outfielder who has at least platoon-potential in the bigs as a ceiling. Martinez will be R5 eligible this winter, and while outfielders with his skill set typically are not protected as they are common across orgs, he’s also the type of player often selected in R5 to round out a rebuilding club’s bench. As such, there’s a strong chance he’s discussed in trades.
    2021 (RCT AA): .265/.318/.468/.785 with 23 doubles, 2 triples, 16 home runs, 51 RBI, 26 BB, 110, 5/7 SB attempts in 94 G/401 PA
    3) Braxton Martinez – 1B/DH, Tri-City A+:

    The Angels finally promoted the 27-year-old signee out of Indy ball on August 25th, and so far, so good, as Martinez has responded to the next level with little issue, continuing right where he left off by slashing .308/.367/.692/1.059 in his first 7 games at A+, clubbing three homers, a double, and drawing three walks to 10 strikeouts. It remains incredibly unlikely that Martinez ascends in a way that impacts the major league team, but he’s certainly filled a role for the organization’s lower levels this year by posting an MVP-quality season.
    2021 (IE A/TRI A+): .331/.439/.588/1.027 with 28 doubles, 3 triples, 15 home runs, 64 RBI, 59 BB, 62 K in 86 G/378 PA
    4) David MacKinnon – 1B/DH, Rocket City AA:

    MacKinnon suffered a rare cold snap over his last month or so, mustering only a .211 BA from July 23rd to August 22nd, but the disciplined, high-contact first baseman has returned to form over the last two weeks, slashing .310/.382/.621/1.003 over 8 games, tallying three more doubles and two more HR, giving him a new career-high in doubles with 30 and adding to his career-high HR total of 13. Rule 5 eligible this winter, the Angels, like with Stefanic and Martinez, will have some interesting decisions to make, as MacKinnon has proven himself to be a consistent offensive presence across his career. While his power and position might limit his paths to the majors, his contact, discipline, and defense parallel someone like Yandy Diaz, and a team with similar first-base depth issues and budget concerns could have interest in MacKinnon either by way of draft or trade.
    2021 (Rocket City AA): .292/.388/.497/.885 with 30 doubles, 13 home runs, 63 RBI, 48 BB, 75 K in 91 G/392 PA
    5) Adrian Placencia – 2B/SS, Arizona Rk.:

    With Vera advancing to Inland Empire, Adrian Placencia and Werner Blakely will now draw more attention in Arizona, and over the last two weeks, Placencia has done just that. While Placencia’s batting average has yet to shine in any way (he’s hitting only .193 on the season, though a .247 BAbip is partly to blame), he has demonstrated maybe the most balanced offensive approach of any of the Angels young mid-infield prospects, slashing .250/.357/.583/.940 over the last two weeks, adding all sorts of extra-base hits (one double, two triples, one homer) in that time, while also maintaining good plate discipline (4 BB to 8 K) and a bit of speed, with two stolen bases in two attempts.
    2021 (Arizona RK.): .193/.356/.395/.751 with 3 doubles, 3 triples, 5 home runs, 18 RBI, 27 BB, 41 K in 35 G/149 PA
    Honorable mentions, position players:
    Adrian Rondon (2B/SS TRI A+): .321/.387/.464/.851 with 2B, HR, 3 BB, 10 K in 8 G/31 PA
    Jose Rojas (1B/3B/LF SLC AAA): .239/.340/.457/.796 with 2 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 7 BB, 10 K in 13 G/53 PA
    Mitch Nay (1B/3B RCT AA): .259/.394/.444/.838 with 2 2B, HR, 6 BB, 6 K in 8 G/33 PA
    Kyle Kasser (LF/RF/1B TRI A+): .303/.395/.303/.698 with 4 BB, 8 K, 2 SB in 10 G/38 PA
  8. Chuck
    Photo by: Cristina Byrne-Sternberg/Rocket City Trash Pandas
    By Chuck Richter, AngelsWin.com
    October 13th, 2022
    What a season it has been for the Angels 2021 second-round pick. Bush was selected to the Futures Games and was selected to pitch Game One of the Southern League playoffs against the Tennessee Smokies and blanked the opposition over five scoreless innings and earned the win. 
    The 6-foot-6 Bush saw his fastball tick up from 88-90 mph in junior college to topping out at 96 mph when he was with St. Mary’s which caught the eye of the Angels scouting department. Bush throws his heater with deception and sink, but at times he can struggle with his fastball command. He also flashes a plus slider flash that he throws in the low-80s. The slider gets some ugly swings on balls out of the zone as it has hard late break to it. Bush also offers mid-70s curve and a changeup that is coming along nicely, a pitch that has pleased the Angels developmental department. 
    MLB Pipeline recognized what arguably was Ky Bush's most dominant game of the 2022 minor league season. You can see his full repertoire on full display below. 
    In our interview with Bush he also talked about his experience at the Futures Game. Bush threw a scoreless inning, gave up a hit, walk and fanned St. Louis Cardinals prospect Masyn Winn.
    The Trash Pandas turned to Ky Bush in Game One of the Southern League playoffs against the Tennessee Smokies and the southpaw spun 5 scoreless innings, giving up 4 hits, a walk and fanned 7, notching the victory. 
    We covered many topics with Ky Bush while at Toyota Field, so check out our interview below with the Angels top LHP prospect. 

    Here's the complete interview transcript below.
    AngelsWin.com: Chuck Richter here from AngelsWin.com. We’re here with Ky Bush. Ky, how’re you doing?
    Ky Bush: Good. How are you?
    AngelsWin.com: Good. First off, what has it been like to be a part of this exciting playoff run that you guys are on in this team?
    Ky Bush: Yeah. I mean, it’s been a great experience. They brought in, like, most of our guys. So, it’s, kind of, been great to build back relationships after all of us grew up together and just keep doing our thing.
    AngelsWin.com: It always goes back last year, but was Draft Day like for you?
    Ky Bush: It was exciting. There was maybe talk of the first day, first round. So, we set up our family; watched that, but once Day 2 came, we knew it was going to happen. So, Day 2 was really exciting. It was just with my grandparents, parents, fiancé and her family, just, kind of, close-knit people, and it was a good day.
    AngelsWin.com: That’s cool. This year, you got to be a part of something exciting. Tell us a little bit about the Futures game.
    Ky Bush: It was an honor to experience; it was an honor to represent the Angels and be a bunch of great guys and just go play at Dodger’s Stadium. It was a really cool experience. Glad I got to do it.
    AngelsWin.com: That’s great. What will Angels fans come to learn about you, the player and the person?
    Ky Bush: I’m a competitor. I like to just go right at guys. I like to win. I like to just do everything I can to put our team in a good spot to win. So, whatever I can do to help the team is what I’m all about.
    AngelsWin.com: Tell us a little bit about your repertoire, your pitches and fastball velo?
    Ky Bush: Yeah. I got a fastball, a slider, curveball, changeup. A basic pitch, I just throw the four-seam fastball. Velo’s been tuned down a little bit, but for the most part, it’s pretty heavy, good, live fastball. But yeah, it’s pretty good.
    AngelsWin.com: Anything that you’re working on of any of those pitches that you’re trying to maybe improve upon or…
    Ky Bush: Yeah. I mean, you can always work on stuff. I think it’s fine tuning; I mean, a leap to command all four. I mean, you never have all four pitches in a start. So, velo, or the slider’s not there, the curveball is there, is being able to have all four pitches available.
    AngelsWin.com: So, Major League Baseball and Baseball America have you ranked as the Angels top pitching prospect. What does that mean to you, and do you and your teammates actually follow those prospect rankings?
    Ky Bush: We notice them. It’s not really something we, like, talk about or anything. Seeing your name is pretty cool. It, kind of, just shows the work you’re putting in as being noticed. I mean, you got to, like, see it and recognize it, but you also can’t, like, focus on it. That’d be your worry as being a top prospect, but at the same time, just do your thing.
    AngelsWin.com: Yeah. Are you left to your own devices in terms of, you know, workout, diet, baseball activities, or does the organization have, like, a plan for you that they’ve put together?
    Ky Bush: They have a plan for us. I think, Coach Henry Alleck here, he does a great job of getting our workouts, conditioning, all that kind of stuff. And we have a Dr. [Shabekian 00:02:41], does a great—she comes into town every month or so. She checks in and makes sure we have the stuff we need. So, they got a great plan downloaded for us.
    AngelsWin.com: What has impressed you the most this season in terms of maybe a teammate or, maybe, even an opposing player?
    Ky Bush: I think just this group in general. I mean, I’m hoping to have all of us here, but keep winning and do what we’ve been doing. It’s pretty impressive. So, I think just everyone as a whole. As an individual player, I’d have to Chase Silseth. I mean, what he’s done this year, again, getting called up—doing what he did up there, I mean, he’s had an amazing year. It’s fun being close to him and also to see his success.
    AngelsWin.com: Toughest out?
    Ky Bush: Toughest out this year? I would say Curtis Mead is a good one.
    Ky Bush: Yeah, he’s pretty good. I met him in the Futures game. So, he’s a good kid.
    AngelsWin.com: Oh, yeah. That’s right. Yeah. What do you think has been your best professional game to date or, maybe, even going back to college?
    Ky Bush: This year? I mean, it’s hard to say which one. I mean, I’d say it just been, kind of, steady attack. Not one outing is really, I guess, shone out. But I’ve been just, kind of, been grinding it out, get it done and rest. In college, kind of, the same thing. Just did my thing; not really one outing stands out.
    AngelsWin.com: Steady.
    Ky Bush: Yeah.
    AngelsWin.com: Consistent. Nice. When did you first commit to playing baseball?
    Ky Bush: I committed summer going into my junior year at Washington State.
    AngelsWin.com: Oh, wow. Okay. Wow. Okay. Favorite team and/or players growing up?
    Ky Bush: I was a Red Sox fan growing up. I’m from Utah, so I get to pick whatever team—
    AngelsWin.com: [laugh] Yeah, exactly, right?
    Ky Bush: —I want. So, I went to the Red Sox, fell in love with Big Papi. My favorite, I mean, David Ortiz. Pitching-wise, I follow Clayton Kershaw a lot as a kid. So, yeah.
    AngelsWin.com: There you go. Okay, lighter side—I know we got to get—favorite movie?
    Ky Bush: Favorite movie? I’m going to go with Step Brothers.
    AngelsWin.com: Step Brothers. Okay. Favorite song and/or artist?
    Ky Bush: Anything by Kanye West I like. I also like country music. Yeah, probably Kanye West is up there.
    AngelsWin.com: Okay. Favorite video game?
    Ky Bush: [laugh] I don’t play video games much.
    AngelsWin.com: I don’t either. [laugh]
    Ky Bush: I’d probably just go, I’ll be, The Show. If I ever get on, it’s I’m playing The Show or something.
    AngelsWin.com: Okay. What’s a perfect day look like for you away from baseball?
    Ky Bush: Somewhere on the golf course.
    AngelsWin.com: Okay.
    Ky Bush: Yeah. I think I’ve golfed in the las year. So, I’m not great at it, but I just love being out there. The green outside is the best. So, I love nature. So, yeah.
    AngelsWin.com: Good. Last question. When you’re done playing baseball, what do you see your next career as?
    Ky Bush: I’m hoping the career’s long enough to where [laugh] I don’t have to worry about that.
    AngelsWin.com: [laugh] Fair enough.
    Ky Bush: I haven’t really thought about it. Baseball’s the plan right now. So, hopefully, it goes long enough to where I can retire, hang out with my family, and golf a lot. So, that’s the goal.
    AngelsWin.com: There you go. Hey, give the best of luck to you, Ky.
    Ky Bush: Thank you. I appreciate it.
    AngelsWin.com: Thank you.
  9. Chuck
    Photo: Los Angeles Angels prospect Kyren Paris
    By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist
    With all this great SS discussion going on and the first two weeks of the minor league season officially in the books it's time for the first prospect hotlist. A reminder - the names listed here aren't always necessarily the Angels top prospects, but rather simply a look at who has been among the best on the farm over the last two weeks, in this case, 5/4 - 5/16, in an effort to help identify some of the guys who might not always get the notice or attention they'd typically receive.
    -- Position Players --
    1) Kyren Paris - 2B/SS, Inland Empire, A:
    In a system starved for high-contact, high-speed, high-on base guys, Paris' first two weeks provided an immense injection of excitement as to what could come. Following an 0-4 debut with 4 strikeouts, Paris would go on to hit .297 the next ten games, punching eleven hits (including a double and two triples) and drawing twelve walks - good for a .480 OBP in that span - against ten strikeouts. He also added ten stolen bases in that span, getting caught twice, proving to be an absolute force on the base paths and setting the table for Inland Empire. Splitting time almost evenly between 2B and SS, Paris, only 19, has picked up right where he left off after a similar brief Rookie Ball debut in 2019. 
    2021 (IE, A): .268/.444/.390/.835 with 1 double, two triples, 10-12 in SB attempts, 12 BB, 10 K in 11 G/54 PA
     
     
    2) Michael Stefanic - 2B/3B, Rocket City, AA:
    Had the 2020 minor league season had not been lost to the coronavirus pandemic, there's a chance Michael Stefanic could have already made his major league debut this season, seeing time as an Angels utility infielder. Opening the year with AA Rocket City, Stefanic has done nothing but hit, slashing .375/.444/.479/.924 through his first 11 G/54 PA, including two doubles, a home run, and a steady 4 walks to 7 strikeouts. Stefanic's consistency at the plate over his pro career and high contact makes it easy to draw comparisons to another California product that flew under the radar in David Fletcher.
    Fletcher, minor leagues (age 21-24): .294/.345/.398/.743 96 BB, 154 K in 1517 PA with 105 XBH Stefanic, minor leagues (age 22-25): .297/.373/.380/.752, 38 BB, 59K in 519 PA with 27 XBH - eerily similar trends to that of Fletcher If there's one caveat on Stefanic to date in his pro career, it's that he's typically played against younger competition and that he isn't coming from high draft or college pedigree - indeed, he was signed as an undrafted free agent - but of late, one aspect where the Angels farm has found success is producing late-round/undrafted talent, as seen in successes such as Jared Walsh, Jose Rojas, and Matt Shoemaker. If Stefanic can continue hitting as he has and perhaps find a little more versatility and refinement in his already solid defensive game, he could be in the mix for a utility role as soon as 2022.
    2021 (RC, AA): .375/.444/.479/.924 with 2 doubles, one HR, 7 RBI, 4 BB, 7 K in 11 G/54 PA
     
    3) Orlando Martinez - OF, Rocket City, AA:
    Often overlooked in a system rife with toolsy, flashy outfielders such as Jo Adell, Brandon Marsh, Jordyn Adams, and D'Shawn Knowles, 23-year old Cuban signee Orlando Martinez tends to often fall into a second-tier of outfielders with higher floors and lower ceilings. That might be starting to change. Following a 2019 season that saw Martinez swat 37 extra base hits in 88 games, Martinez' newfound power has emerged in 2021, highlighted by a May 7th game in which he slugged three home runs while playing CF for Rocket City. After starting the season 1 for 11 (including a tough 0-8 performance in the first game of an extra-innings double-header), Martinez has done nothing but hit - slashing .325/.364/.728/1.089 across 44 PA. Down the line, Martinez likely doesn't have the speed or range to cover CF comfortably in the bigs, nor does an increasing divide between his walks and strikeouts lend one to think he'd flourish as a bench player, but his pure ability as a hitter and increasing power could make him a fantastic platoon partner in a future MLB corner. If the Angels refuse to engage in trade talks with premium prospects, a strong season from Martinez could make him a likely prospect dealt down the line.
    2021 (RC, AA): .275/.321/.588/.910 with 4 doubles, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 4 BB, 18 K in 12 G/56 PA
     
     
    4) Braxton Martinez - 1B/DH, Inland Empire, A:
    27-year old Braxton Martinez had spent the last few years toiling away in Independent Ball and a brief appearance in the Mexican leagues following a rather unremarkable career at St. Louis University. As such, his pro debut in coming against players several years his junior and he's performing exactly as he and the Angels hoped he would. Martinez has opened his pro career hitting .306/.435/.611/1.046 in his first ten games, popping three doubles, a triple, and two home runs, serving as a run producing 1B/DH for Inland Empire. While it's hard to get too excited about production from someone just a couple hundred days younger than Jared Walsh, it's still good to see production on a typically thin Angels farm. It's extremely likely Martinez will serve as just organizational depth, but any quick promotions amidst continued success could be something to keep an eye on as the year moves along.
    2021 (IE, A): .306/.435/.611/1.046 with 3 doubles, one triple, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 7 BB, 10 K in 10 G/46 PA
    5) Kean Wong - 2B, Salt Lake City, AAA:
    All AAA numbers come with a grain of salt these days, but it's hard to ignore what Kean Wong has done in his first ten games. Opening the season with a ten-game hitting streak, Wong is hitting .404/.417/.596/1.012 with nineteen hits in 48 plate appearances, including three doubles and two home runs. A lack of walks (only one so far) can be forgiven when you're getting a hit every other at-bat, as well as limiting your strikeouts - only five. This is nothing new for the younger brother of Kolton, who sports a .289 batting average across his minor league career, and at 26 years old, could still find some utility for a big league ball club, perhaps even the Angels, this season. 
    2021 (SLC, AAA): .404/.417/.596/1.012 with 3 doubles, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 1 BB, 15 K in 10 G/48 PA
    Honorable mention, hitters:
    Anthony Mulrine (C, RC AA): .350/.409/.400/.809 and a 71% CS% - solid offense, very strong defense, could be a quick riser into MLB depth charts
    Livan Soto (SS, TC A+): .234/.333/.489/.823 with 6 XBH – surprising increase in power for a potentially elite glove gives Soto a possible new ceiling
    Scott Schebler (OF, SLC AAA): .296/.457/.815/1.272 with 2 2B, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 5 BB, 9 K – absolute expected AAAA-type dominance, but only through 8 G/35 PA
    David MacKinnon (1B, RC AA): .286/.397/.449/.846 with 2 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 7 BB, 9 K – typical MacKinnon-esque production, solid contact, power, discipline
    Anthony Bemboom (C, SLC AAA): .400/.438/1.133/1.571 with 1 3B, 3 HR, 7 RBI, BB, 3 K - absolutely torched the Tacoma Rainiers in his first minor league series (4 G/16 PA)
    Izzy Wilson (RF/LF,  RC AA): .167/.300/.452/.752 with 4 HR, 8 BB, 15 K - unimpressive slash, but 4 HR and a decent BB:K ratio will get you a mention, only 23, former ATL/TBR farmhand
    Francisco Del Valle (RF/LF, TC A+): .263/.408/.447/.856 with 4 2B, 1 HR, 10 BB, 13 K - Del Valle has long had solid discipline, can he add some contact and power? Only 22.
    Matt Thaiss (C/1B/3B, SLC AAA): .280/.438/.440/.838 with 2B, 3B, 6 BB, 10 K – don't forget about Thaiss, splitting time evenly at three positions, making contact, drawing walks
    Jo Adell (LF/RF, SLC AAA):.214/.298/.571/.869 with 3 2B, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 5 BB, 19 K 
    Brandon Marsh (CF/DH), SLC AAA): .308/.526/.692/1.219 with 3B, HR, 6 BB, 6 K - if healthy, he might be a regular on this list, if not in Anaheim
    -- Pitching --
    1) Brent Killam - LHP, Inland Empire, A:
    Just as all AAA numbers should be taken with a grain of salt, so should be many of the early season pitching performances. With many minor leaguers having not faced true competition in almost two years, and pitchers such as Brent Killam here making his pro debut, there could be some lopsided lines as the year starts out as guys get settled and properly assigned to certain affiliates. Despite all of this, the pro debut of Killam, the Angels 11th round choice in the 2019 draft, was nothing short of impressive. Two games, two starts, two hits across 8.2 innings, matched with four walks and sixteen strikeouts - half of the batters he faced. Killam had no issues striking out hitters in his college career and it's continued here, but his 5'11" height might put some limitations on his ability to stick as a starter in the big picture. A promotion to A+ could come sooner rather than later if dominance continues as the org works to stabilize pitching.
    2021 (IE, A): 1.04 ERA, .069 WHIP, .074 BAA, 4 BB, 16 K across 8.2 IP in 2 G/2 GS
    2) Jack Dashwood - LHP, Inland Empire, A:
    Keeping with the theme of 2019 draftees making their pro debuts, 23-year old southpaw Jack Dashwood has also dominated in his first two appearances. Standing 6'6" and listed at 240, the Angels drafted Dashwood in the 12th round back in 2019 out of UC Santa Barbara. Through Dashwood's first two games, both in multiple inning relief appearances, he has limited opponents to four hits and one run across 7.2 IP while striking out ten and walking zero. 
    2021 (IE, A): 1.17 ERA, .052 WHIP, .143 BAA, 0 BB, 10 K across 7.2 IP in 2 G
    3) Julio Goff - RHP, Inland Empire, A:
    Working in relief following starts by both Brent Killam and Jack Kochanowicz in his first two appearances before drawing a start of his own, 21-year old Julio Goff has kicked off his first full season stateside with an effective 1.46 ERA across 12.1 IP, striking out 17. The 5'10" Panamanian likely profiles as a reliever in the future and might not be seen as much more than an organizational arm with a hint of MLB upside, perhaps comparable to Oliver Ortega, but his early performance out of the gate indicates his utility could make him a valuable arm in the lower minors as the Angels stretch out their more prized starting pitcher prospects. Anytime a young international signee can make the jump stateside as a teenager from Dominican ball, it comes with some degree of intrigue.
    2021 (IE, A): 1.46 ERA, .097 WHIP, .156 BAA, 5 BB, 17 K across 12.1 IP in 3 G/ 1 GS
    4) Jhonathan Diaz - LHP, Rocket City, AA:
    Plucked as a minor league free agent following a few unremarkable years in Boston's system, 24-year old Jhonathan Diaz vaulted himself into this hotlist with a masterful start on May 13th against Tennessee, striking out 11 in 5.2 IP, allowing one hit and two walks without any scoring. While Diaz might not be on the major league radar anytime soon, he's still young enough and left-handed enough that any strong performance in AA could elevate him into the fringes of MLB depth such as we saw in recent years with Jose Rodriguez as an option for multiple inning relief or a spot start.
    2021 (RC, AA): 2.53 ERA, .094 WHIP, .179 BAA, 2 BB, 15 K across 10.2 IP in 3 G/ 1 GS
    5) Jose Salvador - LHP, Inland Empire, A:
    Continuing with the theme of lefty's dominating Low A in their Angel debut is Jose Salvador, acquired along with Packy Naughton from Cincinnati for Brian Goodwin. It's very rare that a player makes this list based off the performance of just one game, but Salvador's May 5th showing was simply too strong to ignore. Facing 16 batters, Salvador struck out 12 in 4.1 IP, allowing only one walk, one hit, and one run otherwise. If there was one downside to this performance, it's that it perhaps took a bit out of him, as it remains his lone appearance to date. Salvador has a history of missing bats in his short pro career prior with Cincy affiliates while showing strong control for a pitcher so young. He could move quickly - if healthy. 
    2021 (RC, AA): 2.08 ERA, .046 WHIP, .067 BAA, 1 BB, 12 K across 4.1 IP in 1 G
    Honorable mention, pitchers:
    Dakota Donovan (RHP, IE A):  8 IP, 4 H, BB, 12 K, 3.38 ERA in 4 games – 6'6" reliever showing strong command and swing-and-miss in pro debut, 16th Rd. 2019 draftee
    Cooper Criswell (RHP, RC AA): 11 IP, 12 H, BB, 11 K, 4.09 ERA in 2 starts – 24 year old, 6'6" righty had a quietly solid '19, continuing this year in AA so far
    Erik Rivera (LHP, IE A): 3.1 IP, H, 0 R, BB, 6 K in pro pitching debut - will the two-way experiment continue?
    Ryan Smith (LHP, IE A): 9.1 IP, 4 H, 5 BB, 16 K, 2.89 ERA in 2 G/1 GS - the gaudy strikeout numbers continue for Inland Empire lefties
    Reid Detmers (LHP, RC AA): 6.1 IP, 7H, 3 BB, 11 K, 7.11 ERA in 2 GS - uptick in velocity and strikeout numbers cancels out early season shakiness
    Cristopher Molina (RHP, TC A+): 9 IP, 9 H, 3 BB, 14 K, 3.00 ERA in 4 G - an apparent conversion on relief could allow this dependable longtime Angel farmhand an opportunity to advance
  10. Chuck
    Davis Daniel out of Auburn was selected in the 7th round of the 2019 amateur draft by the Los Angeles Angels
    By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist
    As with the position player version posted on Monday, I decided to expand the pitchers up to ten this week as well, in honor of the amateur draft, the Arizona League beginning play, and the rampant trade speculation that will exist over the next two weeks. With a whole bevy of newly drafted pitchers joining the ranks soon, it's time for another look at some of the Angels' top performing minor league arms over the last two weeks...
    1) Reid Detmers – LHP, Rocket City, AA:
    Continuing his dominance over AA hitters, Reid Detmers’ story added a new chapter this past weekend, impressing at the Future’s Game at All-Star weekend where he predictably struck out both hitters he faced. Aside from that, Detmers tallied two more starts over the last two weeks, totaling 9 IP, allowing four hits, three walks, and striking out 15, giving him 45 strikeouts against the last 82 batters faced dating back to his last handful of starts. There really is not much left to say that has not been said prior. Detmers is arguably ready to face big league hitters and figures to have a solid shot at doing so, perhaps within a couple weeks, be it in the Angels rotation or bullpen. 
     
    2021 (RCT AA): 3.60 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .220 BAA, 17 BB, 91 K, 10 HR across 50 IP in 11 GS
    2) Ryan Smith – LHP, Tri-City, A+:
    Count Ryan Smith as another Angels arm that has had a consistently strong season. Yet to allow more than 2 ER across any of his eleven games this season, Smith has had no problem since earning a promotion to Tri-City. Posting three starts over the last two weeks, the Princeton grad limited opposing hitters to a .169 BAA and 2.84 ERA in 19 IP, while only walking two against 17 strikeouts. Smith has particularly dominated lefties, who have only mustered 6 hits in 62 PA (.107 BAA) while only walking three and striking out 27. At 5’11” and without any clear-cut dominating stuff, Smith will draw some valid questions about whether he has the stature to remain a starter, but he has the savvy to keep hitters off-balance and could open some eyes should he continue his successes when he makes it to AA.
    2021 (RCT AA): 2.12 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, .162 BAA, 12 BB, 85 K, 7 HR across 63.2 IP in 11 G/10 GS
    3) Coleman Crow – RHP, Inland Empire, A:
    One of the Angels’ biggest gets of the 2019 draft was selecting and signing Coleman Crow, a prep arm from Georgia who was seen as a tough sign. Crow, now 20, has started his pro debut sharply, punctuated by two starts in the last two weeks, tallying 11 IP, striking out 13, walking 6, and allowing a 2.45 ERA and .189 BAA. Significantly younger than his competition in Low-A West, Crow will likely wrap the season with the 66ers and depending on his performance, could find himself among the Angels better pitching prospects. 
    2021 (IE A): 3.86 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, .188 BAA, 7 BB, 18 K, 2 HR across 14 IP in 3 G/2 GS
    4) Adam Seminaris  – LHP, Inland Empire, A:
    The 5th round selection for the Angels in last year’s COVID-shortened draft, Seminaris’ pro debut season has been a mixed bag of results to date, but the lefty from Long Beach might have taken a developmental step forward over the last two weeks, posting two of his most impressive starts to date, striking out 18 against 2 walks in 11.1 IP. While he did allow 6 ER, a .464 BAbip against indicates his defense might have let him down a bit. Also of note, after averaging 58 pitches per appearance in June, Seminaris’ last two pitch counts were 86 and 97, a good sign as he works to establish himself as a legitimate SP prospect in the Angels’ thin ranks.
    2021 (IE A): 6.11 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .307 BAA, 7 BB, 48 K, 5 HR across 35.1 IP in 10 G/8 GS
    5) Davis Daniel – RHP, Rocket City, AA:
    Daniel finished his first (and hopefully only) stint at Tri-City with a flourish, dominating Spokane with a 7 IP, 3 ER, 0 BB, 13 K performance, finally earning him the promotion to AA Rocket City that many Angel fans had been calling for. While Daniel’s Rocket City debut didn’t land with quite the impact as many of his Tri-City performances – 3.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 BB – he is one step closer to factoring into the Angels pitching depth charts – be it bullpen or otherwise. 
    2021 (TRI A+/RCT AA): 2.52 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, .177 BAA, 22 BB, 67 K, 5 HR across 50 IP in 10 G/10 GS
    6) Jack Kochanowicz – RHP, Inland Empire, A:
    Here we go. One of the most talented Angels pitching prospects, Jack Kochanowicz’ first pro season started rather poorly, with an ERA of 18.47 after his first three starts and 6 BB to 5 K. Since then, he’s started to right the ship, throwing 32 IP of 4.22 ball, punching out 29, and limiting opponents to a .190 BAA. Over the last two weeks, Kochanowicz earned consecutive wins for the first time and turned in his finest pro start to date, a 7 IP outing against Visalia which saw the 6’6” 20-year-old strike out a career high 8, while only allowing three hits and two walks. The Angels have no need to rush Kochanowicz and now that he’s found a groove over his last seven starts, he could begin to assert his place among the Angels top prospects as the year continues.
    2021 (IE A): 6.57 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, .236 BAA, 22 BB, 34 K, 4 HR across 38.1 IP in 10 GS
    7) Kolton Ingram – LHP, Tri-City, A+:
    Making five appearances in relief and earning himself High-A West Pitcher of the Week is Kolton Ingram, a 5’9” lefty signed last summer following a release from the Tigers organization. After allowing 2 ER on July 2nd, Ingram went on to dominate over his next four outings, throwing 7.2 IP of one-hit, scoreless ball, striking out eleven and walking three. Ingram is now sporting a SO/9 near 14 on the season with time spent at both Inland Empire and now Tri-City. At 24, Ingram is a little advanced for his competition, but strikeouts count just the same in every league, and as one of the true relievers in the Angels lower-levels, Ingram could have ample opportunity to impress in high-leverage situations.
    2021 (IE A/TRI A+): 3.86 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, .194 BAA, 7 BB, 46 K, 2 HR across 30.1 IP in 21 G
     8.) Jack Dashwood – LHP, Inland Empire, A:
    Continuing a strong debut pro season is Jack Dashwood, who added 11 IP in 3 multi-inning appearances closing out games for Inland Empire, striking out 11, walking two and allowing a 2.45 ERA with a .175 BAA. The two walks Dashwood allowed in this span are the most he'd allowed, well, all season, as he had walked only one batter prior. It's too soon to tell what the Angels might have with Dashwood, but the performance has been consistently strong all season, the control has been other-wordly, and a 6'6" lefty will always draw some attention.
    2021 (IE A): 3.15 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, .232 BAA, 3 BB, 56 K, 3 HR across 45.2 IP in 12 G/3 GS
    9) Cooper Criswell - RHP, Rocket City, AA:
    Paired up with two of the Angels most heralded starting pitcher prospects, Detmers and Rodriguez, in the Rocket City rotation, 24-year-old Cooper Criswell continues to be one of the Angels more durable and consistent starters. The 6'6" workhorse of the Rocket City rotation hit the 100 pitch mark for the second time this season and added 12.2 IP of 4.26 ERA ball to his ledger, showing again his strong command of the zone by striking out 15 and limiting opponents to one walk. Criswell might not have the dominating arsenal needed to guarantee a future in the bigs, but the righty has had no issue keeping some of the better AA teams in check at the plate. For teams scouting the Angels as a destination for rentals, Criswell's name could be one that comes up, as he is the perfect lottery ticket-type arm often found involved in such deals.
    2021 (RCT AA): 3.72 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, .236 BAA, 7 BB, 78 K, 8 HR across 65.1 IP in 11 GS 
    10) Alejandro Hidalgo - RHP, Arizona, Rk.:
    Signed at the start of the 2019 international amatuer signing period, 18-year-old Alejandro Hidalgo kicked off his pro career with a couple eyebrow-raising appearances with the Angels' Arizona League team, striking out 8 in his first game across 4.1 IP. Hidalgo did allow a trio of home runs over his first 9.1 IP, as well as 6 ER, but his eleven combined strikeouts and firm fastball were enough to see why some see him as a potential Top 30 prospect in the Halos system already.
    2021 (RCT AA): 5.79 ERA, .282 BAA, 3 BB, 11 K, 3 HR across 9.1 IP in 2 GS
    Honorable mention, pitchers:
    Dakota Donovan (RHP, IE A): 0.00 ERA, .160 BAA, 5 K across 7 IP in 3 G - another 6'6" arm in the lower levels
    Robinson Pina (RHP, TRI A+): 4.50 ERA, .200 BAA, 6 BB, 15 K across 10 IP in 2 GS - showing improved command after being promoted back to Tri-City
    Jaime Barria (RHP, SLC AAA): 3.38 ERA, .268 BAA, BB, 8 K across 10.2 IP in 2 GS - continues to pitch effectively in a strong offensive league. Trade bait?
    Packy Naughton (LHP, SLC AAA): 1.50 ERA, .233 BAA, 5 BB, 11 K across 12 IP in 2 GS - also performing very well in a hitters' league. Trade bait?
    Tyler Danish (RHP, SLC AAA): 1.29 ERA, .208 BAA, 5 K across 7 IP in 5 G - reliever with some MLB experience pitching well in SLC 
  11. Chuck
    By Scott Allen, AngelsWin.com Columnist
    My family and I are blessed to live in an area with the ideal climate, extremely fertile soil, and plentiful clean, fresh water.  And we can be divided into two distinct groups, the men and their orchard, and the women and their garden.  For us men, the best time to plant is a tree is ten years ago.  The second best time is today.  These trees require a great deal of time and nurturing, but the end result is that after a few years, we have a plentiful, sustainable yield.  But I do envy my wife and daughter.  They plant seeds, some of which sprout in only a few days.  And the crop their work yields is diverse, abundant and more immediate.  And at the end of the growing season, they harvest the seeds in preparation for next year.
    Most major league teams operate like an orchard.  Invest now, and yield large, sustainable dividends later.  It makes sense.  All the best players in the world were brought up in this system.  The best teams with the best players have been "orcharding" for years.  And then there's Perry Minasian and the Angels.  They're gardening. They don't plant an apple seed expecting the tree to mature and bear fruit any time soon.  Perry and the Angels are sprouting corn and beans and seeing the fruits of their labor immediately while the rest of the baseball world sits and waits for their trees to mature. 
    Chase Silseth, Zach Neto, Ben Joyce, Sam Bachman, Nolan Schanuel, Kelvin Cacares, Victor Mederos. Corn and beans.  Most of the players these guys were drafted alongside, are still toiling in A Ball.  Yet here they are, in Anaheim, looking to carve out their space and be part of a winner. Most didn't appear in any top prospect lists, but that's by design.  A tomato plant doesn't appear in any lists of the greatest looking apple trees.  
    So when assessing the relative strength or weakness of the Angels farm system, we should stop viewing these prospects by industry standards, and instead look at that which could immediately produce a crop.  The Top 10 prospects in the system for the most part are in a position to impact the Angels in 2024, or shortly thereafter.  Here are some names to look out for in late 2024 or 2025, that you won't find among the Angels top prospects. 
    Joe Redfield - A tall, athletic, left handed outfielder from Sam Houston that comes with plate discipline and a quiet, sturdy foundation to which he hits from.  He has a whole field approach, but has the requisite tools to turn on pitches and post some decent exit velocities.  Yes, he'll need to quiet his hands and strengthen his legs, but there's a platform for something more here. 
    Camden Minacci - Likely the best closer in college baseball last season, coming out of Wake Forest, which is the premier collegiate pitching factory for the last five or so years.  He's a standard rock and fire reliever who sits in the mid-90's and get's his breaking ball over for strikes.  He needs to add either more tunneling or movement to his fastball in order to make it more effective at the highest levels, but all the pieces are there for a major league reliever.  He's a small adjustment away from the show. 
    Now, let's dig into this year's crop of top-10 prospects the way we at AngelsWin.com see them ranked as of today. We'll provide an update article by mid-season where you may see guys like Juan Flores, Cam Minacci, Victor Mederos, Walbert Urena, Randy DeJesus, Joel Hurtado, Logan Britt, Anthony Scull and perhaps Joe Redfield leapfrog others currently in our top-10 should they have productive 2024 campaigns down on the farm. 
    1. Nelson Rada – OF – AA Rocket City - Age 18 Season
    Height/Weight: 5'8″, 160 | Bat/Throw: L/L | International Signing | ETA: 2025


    Nelson Rada would carry significantly more hype as a prospect if he weren’t part of the Angels minor league system, and that’s simply the truth of the matter.  The Angels are known for being extremely aggressive in their prospect placement and that minimizes the wow factor of Rada’s quick progression.  However, it is up to the prospect himself to perform at the aggressive placement level, and Rada did just that last season.  As a 17 year old (for those keeping score at home, a high school junior), Nelson was one of the top performers in A Ball, combining an advanced approach at the plate, enough pop to keep outfielders honest, easily plus speed on the base paths and fringe plus defense in centerfield.  
    The Angels have decided to move him to AA Rocket City for his age 18 season, but I wouldn’t necessarily read too much into this.  The organization will typically have their top offensive prospects skip a Tri-City (Advanced A Ball) assignment because of the cold weather and unfavorable hitting conditions.  Still, the bottom line is the Angels have this high school senior playing in AA that already outperformed the competition in the lower levels, and he isn’t garnering much national attention at all.  That’s unfortunate because baseball is missing out on getting excited over a kid that has a unique set of skills.  Generally speaking, the prospects/young players that are in his class are Esteury Ruiz, Victor Scott II, and Enrique Bradfield Jr., all generally top 100 prospects in their own right, all expected to compete for a stolen base crown at the top level and provide elite level defense. 
    If Nelson reaches his potential, the Angels could have a generational leadoff hitter like Kenny Loftin on their hands.  If he never progresses further, the Angels still likely have a major leaguer on their hands, just more of a fourth outfielder type.  That’s a huge range of outcomes.  The most likely result is a light hitting outfielder that gets on base and runs enough to hold onto a starting role, and that could manifest by Rada’s 20th birthday.  Even if Rada “merely” develops into a Chone Figgins type of spark plug, that’s still a three-win player on average, which may not make him an all-star, but could make him valuable to a major league organization for a very long time. 
     
    2. Caden Dana – RHP – AA Rocket City - Age 20 Season
     Height/Weight: 6’5″, 220 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 11th Round (2022)| ETA: 2025


    Don’t let the late round selection fool you, Caden Dana was one of the best prep pitchers in the nation following his senior year.  Bosco Prep, where Dana is from, in New Jersey is the East Coast equivalent of a Harvard Westlake or Bishop Gorman out West.  It’s a private school where players are recruited from a very young age and typically go on to play after high school. Dana had a strong college commitment to Kentucky and wasn’t expected to sign unless he was selected in the first couple rounds.  As day three of the draft came around and Dana was undrafted, the Angels came calling, offering him a record setting deal outside of the first ten rounds of the draft, which was on par with an early second round selection.  Not only that, the Angels mentioned that they’d like to draft his older brother Casey as well, which seemed to seal the deal for the Dana family. 
    Since being drafted, Caden has continued to open eyes in and out of the organization and is beginning to garner some fringe Top 100 consideration.  
    Already solidly built for an 18 year old, since signing his contract Dana’s frame has continued to fill out in muscle.  With that physique and his long blonde flowing locks, Dana is getting lazy comps to Noah Syndergaard.  Dana’s fastball, which comfortably sat 92 mph in high school has steadily climbed and is now frequently 94-95.  The slider, which was fringe average before now flashes solidly fringe plus.  While his change piece and curve lack consistency in command, he’s usually able to keep them in the strike zone, though I’m skeptical either pitch will ever be more than average.  Still, having three average or better offerings is the starter kit for a successful major league starting pitcher.  As much as anything else, it seems to be Dana’s delivery and disposition that have helped set him apart.  His motion was clean looking two or three years ago and has remained so as a professional.  And Caden’s demeanor runs in pretty stark contrast to many young pitchers, or even current starters on the Angels pitching staff.  By watching his mannerisms, you’d be hard-pressed to find the difference between him throwing a perfect game or getting shelled. 
    Dana cruised comfortably through the lower levels in his first full season as a professional and now finds himself in AA.  While Dana may flash his potential, there seems to be little reason for the Angels to challenge him beyond that level this season, but stranger things have occurred.  If Dana reaches his ceiling, he could be one of the best starters in baseball, not only offering clean mechanics and great extension toward the plate, but a solid arsenal and plus command.  At minimum, Dana appears to have two offerings that could grade out as plus if he assumed a relief role.  While I understand that’s a pretty wide range of outcomes, the likely outcome here is that of a solid mid or backend starting pitcher.  It’s likely that his fastball and slider will both be good pitches with good command of both.  It’s also likely that Dana lacks an effective third pitch which limits his ceiling.  However, he should be able to compensate for this by working deeper into games and logging high inning totals. 
     
    3. Sam Bachman – RHP – LA Angels - Age 24 Season
     Height/Weight: 6’1″, 235 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 1st Round (2021)| ETA: 2023


    There was a lot of uncertainty heading into the 2021 MLB Draft. For starters, there wasn’t a lot to go off of, as there was no 2020 collegiate season and the 2021 collegiate season had been heavily limited by the COVID scare.  Teams drafted players based off of information that was nearly two years dated.  It’s understandable the Angels chose not to go that route, instead drafting Sam Bachman from Miami of Ohio.  Bachman lacked a track record due to injuries and COVID, but the information the Angels did have was more recent than anything else on the board.  It was known that despite playing in a weak conference and having an unconventional short-armed delivery, Bachman had high velocity readings, elite movement on all his pitches and two pitches that were graded “plus” if not “plus-plus.”  
    Was there risk involved?  Absolutely.  Many experts believed Bachman would not remain a starter as a professional, and he’d had a variety of knee problems which can derail a pitcher’s career. Still there were several details that pointed toward a potential career as a starter.  To begin, Bachman had low mileage, and had never experienced a serious arm injury, which is the most common among pitchers.  Second, despite the short-armed delivery, he seemed to only tire in the sixth frame or later in games.  And third, once receiving professional instruction, Bachman quickly developed a changeup that was fringing on “plus.”  
    So in summation, the Angels had drafted a collegiate starter with three “plus” pitches with the ninth overall pick of the draft.  Not bad.  Unfortunately for the Angels and Bachman, that’s about as rosy as the outlook would get.  Sam would suffer a variety of ailments across the next two seasons, and when he was healthy, Bachman’s once triple digit velocity seemed to fluctuate between outings where he’d top out at 93 mph or in better appearances 97.  Still, he eventually made his way to the Angels last season, and in relief, one could plainly see the potential, mixed in between lots of walks. 
    The plan going forward is for Bachman to return to a starting role, but he’ll need to get healthy first, and even then, there’s a great deal of skepticism he could remain healthy and cover many innings on a yearly basis.  Still, we’re living in an era where tons of relievers are making a successful transition into a starting role.  While the success of Jose Soriano, Andrew Wantz, Garrett Crochet, Reynaldo Lopez and others remains to be seen, you can comfortably place Sam Bachman into that class of pitchers based on stuff. 
    If Bachman reaches his ceiling, you’re looking at a low innings, but highly effective starting pitcher.  At minimum, you’re looking at an oft-injured reliever.  The most likely outcome here is that Bachman finds a routine and lifestyle that keeps him on the field more often that has previously been the case, but he likely isn’t going to be a starting pitcher.  
     
    4. Kyren Paris – IF – AA Rocket City - Age 22 Season
    Height/Weight: 6’0″, 180 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 2nd Round (2019) | ETA: 2023

     
    Kyren Paris is a high probability major leaguer (technically, he already made his debut), with the chance to become an impact player.  But his path to get there will be an uphill one given some deficits within his skill set.  First, the positives.  Paris was an ultra-young and athletic second round selection by the Angels in 2019.  Most of the players in his draft class are a year older, and the COVID shutdown caused most of those prep prospects to lose a year and not log a single competitive at bat until age 20 or 21.  Paris however, is still only now entering his age 22 season.  So he’s got time on his side.  Kyren also does three things particularly well that make him an asset.  He gets on base, as evidenced by his career .379 OBP in the minors.  He’s fast, he stole 44 bags last season and was only caught five times.  And third, Paris is a strong defender at second base and profiles solidly at both shortstop and even third base if necessary.  He’s even logged a few innings in centerfield. 
    Given all that, it’s pretty much a guarantee that Kyren Paris will be a major leaguer in some capacity. But ultimately it will be Paris’ bat which will dictate his career path.  When he was first developed, there was physical maturing that needed to take place.  Coming back from the COVID shutdown, we saw a more athletic, muscular Kyren Paris emerge, but still, he only hit .267 in the low minors. In his first taste of AA as a 20 year old, Paris hit .359 in a 14 game stint.  Small sample size, but enough to offer a potential glimpse into a high average future.  This last season was really the first time we’d be able to get a long sustained look at Kyren Paris versus advanced pitching.  And the results were mixed.  .255 batting average, and a decent amount of pop with 23 doubles and 14 home runs.  What really stood out was the OBP, which was .393. All of this was enough for the Angels to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft and give him a September cup of coffee with the big league squad, where he hit .100 over sporadic at bats, but flashed excellent speed and defense. 
    So now the question becomes, is Paris a finished product and this is who he will be going forward?  Or will his bat continue to progress further to the point where he can become an impact bat?
    Rather than sending him to the hitters paradise in AAA Salt Lake, the Angels have opted for a repeat in the Southern League (AA) for Paris, and this seems justifiable on the surface.  For starters, last year the Southern League was experimenting with pre-tacked balls, which caused offensive numbers in the league to nose-dive amidst greater velocity, break and command of all pitches.  The pre-tacked balls were used in April, May and June of last season before switching back over to standard balls used in the major leagues.  Kyren Paris’ stateline in each of those months?  In April, he hit .222/.357.  May, he hit .244/.375 and in June he hit .227/.330.  For July and August, when facing normal balls?  Paris hit .306/.446 in July and .284/.432 in August.
    While his power showed more in the first half versus the sticky baseball, it was evident that Paris, like the rest of the league, struggled offensively.  Against normal balls, Kyren Paris was one of the best hitters in the league.
    All of this seems to point toward a future where Kyren Paris isn’t yet a finished product and could still very much be a force at the plate.  At minimum, we’re looking at a utility infielder that can be used as a pinch runner and defensive replacement.  If he and the Angels hit the lottery, we could be looking at a perennial all-star that could be a gold glover at the keystone and hit for average and power.  It seems evident based on his post tacky-baseball performance last seasons that Paris is likely going to hit for a high enough batting average and enough pop that he could emerge as a major league regular.  With health and consistent playing time, it seems possible that Paris should develop into an infielder that gets on base 35% of the time and could hit double digit home runs and swipe 20+ bases.
     
    5. Dario Laverde – C – (A) Inland Empire - Age 19 Season
    Height/Weight: 5’10″, 160 | Bat/Throw: L/R | International Signing | ETA: 2026

     
    There’s still a lot that’s unknown about Dario Laverde, but from what we do know, everything seems to be pointing in the “up” direction.  The Angels signed him for 350k when he was 16, and considering the Angels relative lack of international presence, that’s actually a lot of money to invest in a prospect.  He was originally an athletic outfielder but he’s since taken to catching.  While he’s understandably raw behind the plate, he has the athleticism and tools to someday become a good defensive catcher at the big league level.  While the height and weight reading are likely inaccurate by now, it’s pretty clear that he’s young and needs to add more strength to his frame.  But if and when he does, he could eventually develop average in game power, which for a catcher is pretty solid.  He’s done nothing but hit and get on base at every level so far slashing .306/.419/.455 in the Arizona Complex League with 28 walks to 31 strikeouts stateside, with his first full-season coming this year at Inland Empire. We should get a decent glimpse into Laverde's game this year and could report back with more information. So far he's looked a lot like former Angels farmhand, Edgar Quero. 
    But as of right now, Laverde could develop into a good hitting, good fielding catcher at the major league level.  But it’s a very long road before he gets there, so fans should remain patient.  Consider Dario Laverde one of those names we log away for later, that way when he emerges over the next couple season, we’ll all be able to say we saw this coming. Another catcher to keep an eye on this season is Juan Flores, currently splitting time at C/DH with Laverde with the Inland Empire 66ers.
     
    6. Jack Kochanowicz – RHP – AA Rocket City - Age 23 Season
     Height/Weight: 6’7″, 228 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 3rd Round (2019)| ETA: 2024


    Kochanowicz has one of the more interesting career arcs of any Angels prospect so far, and is likely also the most underrated prospect in the system, and has been for some time.  When the Angels drafted him in the third round in 2019, it wasn’t expected that they would be able to sign him.  He had a strong commitment to collegiate powerhouse Vanderbilt at the time, and was all projection.  Those guys tend to require first round selections in order to forego college.  The Angels offered him significantly above slot and in a surprising turn of events, he actually signed, leaving the Angels with a first round talent at a reduced price.  Before the draft, Kochanowicz had a typical big bodied profile.  Low-90’s fastball, good extension, some inconsistency hitting his spots.  Shortly after the draft at Fall instructs, Kochanowicz’ stock began to rise as he was reportedly hitting 97 on the radar gun and was repeating his delivery with ease.  
    The 2020 minor league season being canceled definitely hurt some prospects more than others and it seems that Kochanowicz was one that was particularly affected by it as it robbed him of a full year of valuable instruction that he needed.  By the time 2021 rolled around, Kochanowicz had to be built back up and there were definitely some bumps in the road.  His previously stellar command had begun to elude him, and his fastball and slider simply weren’t moving enough for him to generate the type of results he was hoping for.  
    So the Angels and Kochanowicz ended up lowering his arm slot in an attempt to fix this issue.  And while it did to an extent, the fastball and slider both improved, it seemed that Jack’s curveball was no longer the same weapon it once was with an over-the-top delivery and there seemed to be no development of a change up.  Jack’s fastball started to develop some late cut or fade depending on the grip and started becoming “heavy” which means it was a pitch that batters had a hard time barrelling.
    In 2022, we saw a return trip back to A Ball and some appearances in the Arizona Fall League in more of a relief capacity, and while the overall numbers weren’t great, he definitely took a step forward in terms of pitch quality and location.  Kochanowicz started shifting more toward the profile of a pitch-to-contact pitcher with strikeout potential and in 2023, it started to come together for him. A five start stint in the pitcher friendly Northwest League yielded an ERA of 1.52, but upon being promoted to AA Rocket City, Kochanowicz had trouble finding success with an ERA over six, despite further reducing his walk rate. 
    So with Jack Kochanowicz, we’ve reached the point in 2024 where something has to give.  On the one hand, here we have a starter that can now reach back and fire 99 mph, with a long frame and great extension toward the plate and fringe plus command of two better than average pitches in his fastball and slider and the potential for two more pitches being fringe average.  Really, all the makings of a potential all-star.  On the other hand, we have results, and they simply haven’t been there for Kochanowicz and at the end of the day, this is a results driven business.  So what gives?
    2024 is going to be the proverbial “show me” season for Kochanowicz.  Either he starts producing the necessary results in AA and makes his way up to the show, or perhaps his career will need to go in a different direction with a possible move to the bullpen in hopes of generating the necessary success he should be having.  He’s another prospect with a tremendously wide range of results, on the one hand being a potential inning eating consistent mid-rotation starter in the big leagues, and on the other hand, the potential being that he’s topped out in AA.  As always, the likeliest result is somewhere in the middle, being that of a swing starter in the major leagues. 
     
    7. Ben Joyce – RHP – AA Rocket City - Age 23 Season
     Height/Weight: 6’5″, 225 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 3rd Round (2022)| ETA: 2023


    Ben Joyce is one of my favorite prospects simply because of the simplicity of him and his success in his big leagues.  The beauty of his career arc is found in its simplicity.  Either he figures out where the ball is going and he succeeds in the majors, or he doesn’t.  It’s that straightforward.  
    Joyce is a big, physical specimen and is the hardest thrower on the planet.  Notice I didn’t say hardest pitcher.  Pitching is a more nuanced game than throwing, it’s chess versus checkers.  Ben Joyce is capable of being a dominant pitcher in the late innings at the major league level.  He has the tools and the mentality to do it.  Now he just needs to get there.
    And I’m not just talking about finding the strike zone, though that’s the most important.  I’m talking about commanding his pitches in the strike zone itself, like painting the corners, elevating or tunneling it knee high, pitch sequencing, etc…  Because if he develops even average command, his 80-grade 102-105 mph fastball and exploding slider will not be touched and he will be a dominant force as long as he’s healthy. 
    And that in and of itself lends to Joyce really not fitting any mold of the other prospects on this list because there is no middle ground.  There’s no world in which he develops command and isn’t successful and there’s no world in which he doesn’t develop as a pitcher and is successful in the majors.  
    And the likelihood of that development and subsequent success is anyone’s guess.  Clearly the Angels think it’s possible.  Despite Joyce reaching the majors last season, he’s back in AA this season for further refinement.  He isn’t in AAA simply because organizationally it’s been determined that Salt Lake isn’t the best developmental environment.  Some experts don’t see it happening unless Joyce sacrifices some of that speed and starts living in the 90’s where he’d be able to spot his pitches better.  Some experts don’t see it happening at all.  Some experts see him being capable of the necessary development while still living that triple digit life. 
    I’m curious, what do you think?
     
    8. Barrett Kent – RHP – AA Rocket City - Age 20 Season
     Height/Weight: 6’4″, 215 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 8th Round (2023)| ETA: 2026


    Sometimes, there are simply prospects that can stump us, no matter how we view them.  Barrett Kent comes across as a bit of an enigma because there are so many different directions he can go and a lack of understanding on my part as to why he was only an 8th round selection in the 2023 draft.  Bid bodied pitcher, clean mechanics, solid arsenal, clean injury history, success on the showcase circuit, coming from a big-time baseball state (TX), far better than average athleticism (just before the draft there was still discussion about him being a two-way player).  I just don’t get it.  Guys like that are usually off the board before the third round.  It wasn’t as if he was some sort of hidden secret coming into the draft the way Trout was years ago.  So whatever the case is, the Angels managed to draft Kent in the 8th round, and I think we’re all very glad for it.  But that’s not the only source of confusion here. 
    Kent’s fastball sits 93-94 with some arm-side fade to it.  It’s a decent foundational pitch.  And while he’s still young, 19, he appears to have a pretty mature physique, so I’m not entirely certain there is physical projection here.  Maybe he’s done getting stronger and that’s what his fastball is, and if so, that’s fine, he can definitely work with that.  But maybe he’s going to fill out the same way Caden Dana has, or he becomes just a physical freak like Paul Skenes of the Pirates and he starts touching triple digits.  And if that’s the case, is he bound for the pen?  Does his fastball retain it’s shape or does it straighten out?  There’s some uncertainty in who exactly he is as a pitcher.  
    What we do know is that as of right now, Kent has at least three average offerings with potentially plus command of all of them.  If he doesn’t develop any further, that’s the starter kit for a major league starting pitcher, and he’s only 19 years old. So is he someone that simply developed quickly in high school and is pretty much ready to deploy as a professional, or is he still going to develop and all of these average offerings he currently has will eventually be plus offerings?  Because if that’s the case, he’s an ace in waiting. 
    If you aren’t sure what his ceiling is, you aren’t alone.  But we know that his current floor is probably that of a major league swing starter.  So Barrett Kent’s ranking could change a lot in the next year as more information comes in.  For what it’s worth, at the time of writing this, in his first start of the season in A-Ball, Kent went 5 innings with no walks and 8 strikeouts. 
     
    9. Denzer Guzman – SS – (A) Inland Empire - Age 19 Season
    Height/Weight: 5’10″, 160 | Bat/Throw: L/R | International Signing | ETA: 2026

     
    For the most part, fans and critics alike have to admit that the Angels affinity for aggressive promotions hasn’t hampered the organization or prospects at all.  It’s been a net positive, from Zach Neto, to Nolan Schanuel, to Caden Dana. But as with any outside the norm movement or philosophy, there will be drawbacks.  Sometimes, players won't be ready for their aggressive promotion, as has been the case for Denzer Guzman and the Angels. 
    Guzman was the Angels big international signing of the 2021 period, inking for a bonus over 2 million dollars. That’s a lot of money to spend on a 16 year old ballplayer.  But at the time, it was projected that his hit tool and power both had a chance to be plus, and he’d have the ability to stick at shortstop.  That still may be the case, but we haven’t seen that player emerge yet as Guzman floundered in his first full-season at Class A Inland Empire.  Yes, he was one of the younger players in the league at age 19, but not so young that this was an egregious mistake.  Yet Guzman was overmatched, particularly to begin the season.  But if there’s a ray of hope here, it would be that Guzman clearly made the adjustments and was catching up to everyone else in the second half of the season.  
    Coming into his age 20 season, I think there was a clear case for optimism, particularly if they allowed him the opportunity to repeat Inland Empire.  But this is not the Angels MO.  They’ve yet again promoted Guzman, this time to Advanced A Tri-Cities.  It will likely be his first time playing in the cold, and will be a developmental level that’s unlike anything he’s ever seen.  If Guzman makes the adjustments, it would be a huge boon for his stock.  
    At this point, we could say that if Guzman hits the lottery, and maxes out on all the potential he carries, we’re looking at a solid hitting, solid defending shortstop with power.  Those are immensely valuable on the open market, as evidenced by the contracts we’ve seen guys like Carlos Correa get.  The downside to Guzman would be that he never quite makes good on the potential the Angels thought he had at age 16, that he’s periodically flashed, and that Guzman is a depth piece.  The likeliest outcome is that some adjustments are made but Guzman develops into more of a utility player that we see bounce around the upper minors with some cups of coffee in the majors. 
     
    10. Cole Fontenelle – 3B/LF – AA Rocket City - Age 19 Season
    Height/Weight: 6’3″, 205 | Bat/Throw: S/R | 7th Round (2023) | ETA: 2025

     
    If there’s a candidate for “where did this guy come from?” on the Angels farm, it would certainly be Cole Fontenelle.  He may have been more affected by the COVID shutdown than anyone.  Or at the very least, he’s got one heck of a background story. 
    While Fontenelle was highly regarded in high school and almost certainly would’ve been drafted, the shutdown and subsequent shortening of the draft left his name uncalled in 2020 which resulted in him honoring his commitment to nearby University of Washington.  
    While at Washington, Cole got sporadic at best playing time and couldn’t find his rhythm.  During that Summer, he went to the Northwoods League, which is one of a couple collegiate leagues that offer West Coast players an alternative to the Cape Cod League on the East Coast.  Fontenelle flashed all the tools that generated buzz after his junior year of high school.  Rather than return to Washington, where because of COVID rules, he would’ve been buried on the depth chart behind fifth year seniors, Fontenelle went the JC route.  
    The only alternative would’ve been entering the transfer portal and losing a season of eligibility.  While at McLennen Junior College, he must’ve caught the eye of larger program scouts because he only spent a year there before transferring to Texas Christian University. However, before arriving on campus at TCU, Cole made yet another stop in one of the West Coast’s acclaimed Summer Leagues and this time played in Alaska, where he did a little bit of everything, putting up very solid numbers along the way. 
    So here we are at Cole’s junior year of college.  Four years prior, teams were talking about drafting him.  Yet here he was, after two years of college, one year where he rode the bench, and another at a program so small we don’t have any official numbers that reflect his performance.  Things didn’t go according to plan, at least not yet.  Things actually couldn’t have gone any better while playing for the Horned Frogs.  In Fontenelle’s junior season with TCU, he not only made it to the College World Series, he hit .352 with a .473 OBP, with 14 HR and 20 SB while playing the corner infield and outfield spots.  He was one of the best players on one of the best teams in the country.  He would enter the draft portal after his junior year and his name was called in the 7th Round by the Angels. 
    What he did prior to signing made for an interesting story, but it is what he’s done since signing that has opened eyes in the organization.  As it turns out, Fontenelle doesn’t appear to simply be a depth piece.  He’s a legitimately solid hitter who has more power than expected, is faster than expected, shows greater pitch discernment than expected and has the tools to be a better defender than expected.  The major league staff was so impressed by the work Cole showed, that they carried him with the major league team for the entirety of Spring Training so they could get a better look at him.  The Angels feel confident enough in what they saw that Cole was assigned to AA Rocket City, and is expected to potentially impact the big league roster later this season or next year. 
    If everything clicks, Fontanelle could be a Kole Calhoun type of corner infielder and outfielder that doesn’t have one standout tool, but tends to do a little bit of everything right.  Think of a switch-hitting JD Davis.  If not, at the very least the Angels appear to have a pretty solid depth piece to fill out their upper minors roster.  It’ll be interesting to see what comes of this journey. 
    Angels Guide to FV Explanation
    40 - The “AAAA” player, one that spends his career bouncing between the minors and majors.  A Livan Soto or Adam Kolarek type.
    45 - A low-end major league starter or typical backup in the major leagues.  A Jake Marisnick or Jose Suarez type.
    50 - An average major leaguer, either as a starter or reserve.  As of right now, a Luis Rengifo or Luis Gacia type.
    55 - A starter in the major leagues.  A Brandon Drury or Griffin Canning type. 
    60 - A good starter in the majors that should carve out at least a few years at the top level.  A Taylor Ward or Reid Detmers type.  
    65 - A major league all-star that could have a long career and make hundreds of millions.  A George Springer or Logan Webb type. 
    70 - An MVP caliber player.  Potential future Hall of Famer with longevity.  A Christian Yelich or a Corbin Burnes type.  
    75 - An actual MVP and future Hall of Famer.  A Mookie Betts or Gerrit Cole type. 
    80 - GOAT conversation.  Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout type. 
    Make sure to check out our feature (below) by Taylor Blake Ward on the Angels prospects who have graduated from our past prospect lists, as well as some of the top Angels farmhands from spring camp.. 
     
     
  12. Chuck

    Los Angeles Angels 2023 Primer

    By Chuck,


    Blog
    By Jonathan Northrop, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
    Introduction: It Can't Be Worse
    While we just tipped over into the second half of January, which means we're still several weeks away from pitchers and catchers reporting (February 14) and two and a half months from Opening Day (March 30), it is still the new year, and it seems that the Angels are--barring a surprise move--mostly done in assembling their 2023 team.
    How does the team look? What can we expect and reasonably hope for? One thing this post will not be is a Debby Downer rant about worst-case scenarios and the poor moves of past and present management. I will try to be as objective as possible, but err towards the side of how good the team can reasonably be, if more things go right than wrong.
    Injuries happen. Players have bad years. But players also have good years, and it is unusual that a team suffers the almost uncanny combination of bad luck and injury that the 2022 team experienced, essentialized in their 14-game losing streak. Chances are, no matter how bad it gets in 2023, it won't get that bad. And GM Perry Minasian has put a lot of work--and fair amount of money--into preventing a repeat of that debacle.
     
    1. The Angels vs. the World Champions
    What has Minasian done this offseason? Well, he's lifted the floor on the team substantially. The Angels poor performance in 2022 can be visually expressed like so:


    Now it might not be fair to compare the Angels to the World Champions, but on the other hand, if you're trying to build a contender, one important tactic is to look at successful teams and, most importantly, how they succeeded and, if possible, trying to emulate that. 
    What are you looking at? The two charts compare the Angels and Astros, first in hitting as represented through wRC+, secondly in pitching as represented by FIP. The striking difference between the two teams in both charts is perhaps best characterized not by the best players, but by the worst - namely, the number of poor performers on the Angels, and the visual "real estate" they take up on the charts.
    Perhaps the most glaring problem the Angels had is the huge number of plate appearances given to bad hitters: Their first four hitters by plate appearance were all plus performers, but the next seven were negative; and after the first four, only one out of the next seventeen was average or above.
    Compare that to the Astros: six out of their first seven were average or above, and seven out of their first ten. The mass of below average performers on the ride side of the first graph make up a fraction of the Angels' comparable section.
    We see a similar phenomena with the pitchers, although in some ways it is even more striking in that the Astros only had two pitchers with below average FIP that were given substantial playing time, and one of them--Jose Urquidy--still managed about a league average ERA of 3.94.
    Meaning, the Astros weren't sending (almost) any poor pitchers to the mound, while the Angels were shuffling through a bunch of them.
    If you're the GM of a baseball team, you look at ways to improve controllable outcomes, of which injuries are (for the most part) not. Meaning, Minasian has very little say in whether or not Anthony Rendon gets hurt or how Mike Trout ages, or even whether Taylor Ward decides to crash into a wall. But what he does have some control over, is how the roster is configured.
    So Minasian's big task this offseason was to turn as much of the "purple" into "green." There are specific needs to be addressed, but in its most simply--yet still comprehensive form--that's what was required.
    The big question, of course, is how successful was he? In mid January, we cannot know. We might now come May, but even then it might not be until about mid-season that we have a sense of whether the "Minasian Plan" (Or Minasian Gambit?) worked. What did he do?
    2. Minasian's Moves
    First, let's talk about what he did not do: He didn't sign any big free agents or make any huge trades. Everything he did was minor to moderate, in terms of resources. The total result was the equivalent of signing a big free agent and some scraps, but no single move did any of the following:
    Give a player $20M+ per year* Sign a player for more than three years Give up any top 10 (or even top 20) prospects I asterisked the first, because he did give Ohtani a one-year deal worth $30M. Ohtani was due for a big arbitration pay day that would probably have earned him a bit less, but we can consider this as a bit of a good-will deed. 
    What did Minasian do? Well, here's a list:
    Signed Shohei Ohtani for 1/$30M Signed SP Tyler Anderson for 3/$39M Traded Janson Junk, Elvis Peguero, and Adam Seminaris to the Brewers for OF Hunter Renfroe Signed IF Brandon Drury for 2/$17M Traded Alejandro Hidalgo to the Twins for IF Gio Urshela Signed RP Carlos Estevez for 2/$13.5M Signed OF Brett Phillips for 1/$1.2M Plus a bunch of minor league acquisitions As you can see, other than Ohtani, there is not a true star in sight. What the above list includes are a handful of quality, major league regulars and solid bench/platoon players.
    The Angels Opening Day 26-man payroll is estimated at $188M, $7M higher than last year; similarly, the CB Tax 40-man payroll is $207M, $8M higher than 2022.
    3. 2022 vs. 2023: What Will Be Different?
    A lot remains the same, but some significant factors have changed. Essentially what has happened is:
    The Angels have swapped out Brandon Marsh and Jo Adell (608 PA, 0.7 WAR) for Hunter Renfroe (522 PA, 2.5 WAR) Swapped Andrew Velazquez, Matt Duffy, Tyler Wade, Jack Mayfield, Michael Stefanic, Jose Rojas, Jonathan Villar, Phil Gosselin and David MacKinnon (1099 PA, -3.3 WAR) for Gio Urshela and Brandon Drury (1119 PA, 5.4 WAR) Tyler Anderson (178.2 IP, 4.0 WAR in 2022) has replaced Noah Syndergaard/Michael Lorenzen (177.2 IP, 2.2 WAR). Carlos Estevez (57 IP, 0.4 WAR) is replacing a variety of pitchers, including half a year of Raisel Iglesias (35.2 IP, 0.7 WAR) Replaced Magneuris Sierra, Juan Lagares, and Mickey Moniak (220 PA, -0.9 WAR) with Brett Phillips (225 PA, 0.1 WAR) OK, before you protest, note that I am not saying that we can simply take last year's numbers and switch them out like that. But I am saying that this is essentially what is happening in terms of playing time, without even looking at injuries; I included some stats to give. For instance, we don't know how much players like Rendon, Trout, Ward, and Fletcher will play in 2023, or at what level. Catcher is also a big question mark: which version of Max Stassi will show up, and who will share catching duties with him?
    But....if you do swap out those players, you get a +12.8 WAR swing, about two-thirds of which (+8.7 WAR) is coming from the infield. 
    What does a +12.8 WAR swing look like for the Angels? Well, if we just take the raw numbers, that adds about 13 wins and the Angels go from 73-89 to 86-76.
    Again, it isn't so simple as that - and things always turn out differently than planned. But that is still the basic idea behind these moves: replace sub-par performance with--at least--solid, league average performance.
    Minasian's moves this offseason could pay huge dividends, especially in the infield, where the Angels gave about two full season's worth of playing time to -3.3 WAR performance, most of which was due to poor hitting. Even if the Angels can replace that -3.3 WAR with slightly above replacement level play, they add four or more wins.
    4. Two (or Three) Factors for Success in 2023
    The Angels 2023 season is mostly banking on two factors:
    One, the above mentioned changes work out mostly as hoped. They don't have to work out completely, but just for the most part. 
    Two, better health - and not just Trout and Rendon, but Fletcher, Ward, Canning, Rodriguez, etc. Last year the Angels got only 166 games from their two highest paid players, Trout and Rendon. In 2021, it was 94 games - so if we want to find a silver lining, at least we're trending in the right direction. But they really need more from these two, and while the farm system is on a positive trajectory, there simply isn't the offensive talent waiting in the wings to make up the difference.
    I would add a third that is less necessary but could swing the team significantly:
    Three, positive minor league developments, namely players graduating and performing in the majors. This could include better health and performance from guys like Canning and Rodriguez, a breakout performance from Logan O'Hoppe, some of the plethora of pitching prospects in the high minors graduating and performing well. Meaning, something, someone...anything!
    Summing Up
    The Angels team has a lot of talent. While it may be unlikely given recent track records, there's a scenario in which the very similar Renfroe (124 wRC+, 29 HR) and Drury (123 wRC+, 28 HR) aren't, even repeating last year's performances, among the top four or five hitters on the team. It requires Trout and Rendon to be healthy, Ohtani to stay healthy, and Ward to at least repeat something similar to last year's performance (137 wRC+). Add in a potential bounce back from Jared Walsh, and the Angels could have a lineup that features seven players hitting 20+ HR, with 120 wRC+ or better...and that isn't even considering continued improvement from Luis Rengifo (103 wRC+, 17 HR), a bounce-back from Stassi or breakout from O'Hoppe.
    The rotation looks, at the very least, quite solid, with the potential to be very good. There are a wide range of outcomes for the bullpen, so it bears watching. But the Angels have a lot of minor league arms to draw from, as well as (hopefully) a healthy Chris Rodriguez and Griffin Canning.
    There are no certainties in major league baseball (or life), but we can at least look at the Angels and say that this team has a chance to be very good - and maybe even better. But the risk is there; they're as likely to win 80 games as they are 90 but, I would say, more likely to win 95 than 75. The talent is there.
  13. Chuck
    By @taylorblakeward, AngelsWin.com Staff Writer
    With just under a month before the first name is called in the 2022 Major League Baseball amateur Draft, we take a look at some of the potential candidates for the Angels first selection at pick No. 13, as well as some personal favorites who may be options with their second pick, which comes in the third round at No. 89.
    With a prep and bat-heavy class at the top, it is safe to rule out some names no matter how unorthodox the draft may pan out over the first 12 picks. At the top, prepsters Druw Jones (Wesleyan - GA), Termarr Johnson (Mays - GA), Jackson Holliday (Stillwater, OK), and Elijah Green (IMG Academy - FL) are safe bets to be off the board. Brooks Lee (Cal Poly), Kevin Parada (Georgia Tech), and Cam Collier (Chipola JC) are also viewed heavily as top 10 selections who are unlikely to reach the Angels. As you'll note, all of these players are position players which will come at an unprecedented number early due to the lack of high-scale pitching and injuries to the top arms in the class.
    Since entering into executive powers, clubs Perry Minasian has been affiliated with -- albeit roles altered some (or most) of his decision-making powers -- have taken pitchers with a first-round pick 18-of-26 times. It's enough of a sample and a school of training (i.e. Alex Anthopolous) to see a potential early common thread of Minasian's view to the draft and building from the ground up: Pitching. It is no anomaly that the majority of names attached to the Angels early in the draft are all mound dwellers.
    There is an outside chance the Angels are the first team to take a pitcher in this class, and if they aren't the first, they could be one of the first which permits them a bit of favoritism towards the arms in this class.
    Looking at the college arms, who are seen as a general weakness at the top of the draft, the Angels have been attached to RHP Gabriel Hughes of Gonzaga, LHP Cooper Hjerpe of Oregon State, and RHP Justin Campbell of Oklahoma State.
    Gabriel Hughes, who has been seen in person by Minasian, is an easy operator with size and athleticism on the mound. Standing tall and broad at six-foot-four and 220 pounds, Hughes does offer the ideal frame for a starting pitcher mold. Blending a new-school arsenal with a throwback east-to-west approach with an up-tempo pace, Hughes throws a high amount of strikes, starting with his mid 90's fastball that can track up to 96-97. His slider is his best out pitch and he's shown a knack for working it into any count. Though he shows feel for his changeup, it is a distant third pitch to his primary pairing. Hughes won't turn 21 until late August which will bode well for draft models.
    Cooper Hjerpe doesn't have the power arsenal that you see most commonly suited for first-round picks, but his consistent attack of hitters, ability to attain outs, and advanced pitch data have been a calling card for him this season. Another tall and lean-framed on-mound athlete, Hjerpe comes at hitters from a shoulder-height low three-quarter release that makes him challenging against hitters on both sides of the plate. His fastball will sit in the low 90's, touching 95, while his secondaries have improved his stock towards first-round chatter. Hjerpe's ability to manipulate his breaking ball has made both his curve and slider a weapon as he'll alter speed and angle giving them different looks from a similar plane. His changeup has worked fine against right-handers, particularly when away. He is a low variance arm who should see the Majors quickly but offers back-end rotation upside at his peak.
    Justin Campbell is a near blend of Hughes and Hjerpe, though with a more pro-ready arsenal. Already tall at six-foot-seven and athletic like his counterparts (former two-way player like Hughes), Campbell has a loose and easy-to-repeat high-slot delivery which has helped him throw high-quality strikes throughout his college career. He'll work in the low 90's mostly with some mids hovering in the bag, but the high spin and run in the lower quadrants of the zone make him a potential high groundout pitcher. Equipped with one of the best changeups in the draft, Campbell sells it well and allows its late downward break to be swung over. He has confidence in throwing his curveball at any time with some downer action. His upside will be as a mid-rotation starter with some low variance towards being a back-end rotation member.
    Though with their window to compete coming in the next few years with Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani right at their prime, don't rule the Angels out on taking a prep arm early, such as RHP Brock Porter (Orchard St. Mary's - MI), LHP Brandon Barriera (American Heritage - FL), and LHP Robby Snelling (McQueen - NV).
    Following the arm injury to Dylan Lesko (Buford HS - GA), RHP Brock Porter (Orchard St. Mary's - MI) is now seen as the best pitcher in the class and has a strong chance of not making it to the Angels pick at 13. With the best fastball and arguably best changeup in the class, Porter has a chance at two 70-grade pitches, not dissimilar to Sam Bachman of yesteryear. Porter has all the makings of a mass-upside arm who could be a front-line starter with some distance to his Major League potential. An easy operator on the mound, Porter's fastball will sit in the mid-to-high 90's and can touch triple digits, showing run to his arm side. His changeup, thrown with the same vengeance and intent as his fastball, has some 15-20 miles per hour of separation and works well to both sides of the plate with similar traits to his fastball making it even more deceptive. Porter's breaking pitches do show upside but lag behind his fastball-changeup combo. He'll incorporate both a downer curve and hard slider with the slide-piece being the better of the two, though he struggles to sell it well in his delivery making it predictable for more advanced hitters. Porter's frame, arsenal, and delivery make him a project to dream on with enough present to feel comfort in knowing he'll become an asset down the road -- as whichever team that takes him will look to improve his in-zone command as opposed to just letting him throw strikes which has yet to be a problem.
    Coming from the Florida prep powerhouse of American Heritage, Brandon Barriera is one of the more electric arms in the class. With one of the quickest arms in the class, Barriera works primarily in the low 90's with some mid and sneaky uppers in short stints. His low 80's two-plane slider is a real swing-and-miss weapon, as he whips it through and out of the zone with ease. There's much to like about Barriera's changeup, as he sells it well with the same quick arm as his fastball but also comes in firm in the mid 80's. Barriera is an outstanding athlete who will have to show he can work deep into games to remain a starter as he comes in undersized and has quick-tempo aggression on the mound, coming direct at hitters with a ton of strikes, already giving him some relief vibes. Barriera did shut down his season in early April as a precaution to the draft.
    A two-sport talent, Robby Snelling is a big and physical kid, built like a Division-1 quarterback, even though his gridiron calling card is as a hard-hitting outside linebacker. On the diamond, Snelling is a strong and athletic pitcher who has a solid two-pitch mix that is making him one of the more desired arms in the class. Snelling will work mostly 91-94 with his fastball that has touched 97, giving him plenty of velocity to dream on from the left side. His curveball is the calling card and it's a sweeping breaker that alters in speed with late break. Snelling's ability to locate his curveball gives it regular plus grades. A changeup is there for Snelling, but will be the focal point of development. There is a lot of upside to Snelling as he shows all the traits of a mid-rotation arm, and it may take a high bonus to keep him away from Louisiana State where he's expected to play both baseball and football.
    The aforementioned pitchers have all been attached to the Angels in some way or another over the last two months which is the time to begin taking notice of who is where and why they are there. It doesn't rule out some other arms at the top of the class though as we'll breeze through some quick hits on other potential picks.
    RHP Dylan Lesko (Buford - HS) was seen as the best pitcher in the class until he required Tommy John surgery in April, which altered his draft stock with plenty of questions as to where he will go. Advanced beyond his years, Lesko is a pro-ready arm when healthy with three plus pitches in a mid 90's sinker, high-spinning curve, and 70-grade changeup with all kinds of break, all of which come with ease and are commanded well.
    Not long after Elijah Green's name is called, LHP Jackson Ferris (IMG Academy - FL) will follow suit likely in the first round. Ferris is an ideal project arm with three pitches that flash plus starting with a data-driven mid 90's fastball, and a swing-and-miss 12-to-6 curve and changeup. Ferris will have to clean up his mechanics as he has all kinds of moving parts from a funky herky-jerky catapult motion but his upside is enough to see him go early.
    One of the more polished prep arms in the class comes in RHP Andrew Dutkanych IV (Brebeuf Jesuit - IN). Tall and lean on the mound with an easy delivery, Dutkanych has been seen this spring by some of the higher-ups in the Angels Front Office. His fastball sits 93-94 and comes from a high three-quarter slot giving it a good angle to the plate working north-to-south, and is his primary attack pitch. Dutkanych's power slider has swing-and-miss potential giving him two true out pitches. His curveball has progressed and there's enough feel for a changeup to believe in some mid-rotation projection.
    The crop of top college arms took a big hit over the calendar year with most of the best arms going down with elbow injuries that required Tommy John surgery, with others receiving a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs, and another who did not sign the year prior.
    Of those that had Tommy John surgery in the last year, LHP Connor Prielipp (Alabama), Landon Sims (Mississippi State), and Peyton Pallette (Arkansas) all have reasonable questions about their draft stock this July. Prielipp and Sims were both seen as potential top-10 picks around a year ago due to two potential 70-grade pitches, with Prielipp leading the way a bit more as a potential first-overall candidate. Prielipp, who had Tommy John in May of 2021, threw a showcase a year after his surgery where his two-pitch mix was prevalent and have him moving up boards quickly. Sims had arguably the best two-pitch mix not in amateur baseball but across all of baseball, though with questions about command and the ability to maintain his stuff deep into outings gave him relief questions. Prior to blowing out his elbow in March, Sims showed the ability to work deep in games with improved command and progressive signs of a third pitch. Pallette has electric stuff on the mound highlighted by a mid 90's fastball and high-spin plus curve, but missed the end of 2021 and had Tommy John before this spring.
    After being suspended for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug, RHP Carson Whisenhunt (East Carolina) missed the spring until playing in the Cape Cod League just over the last two weeks. Whisenhunt's changeup alone will make him an enticing bet in the first round as it makes him a safe bet for the back end of a rotation, and his fastball has enough velocity to set it up and play at the upper levels. Some teams who have looked into the suspension believe Whisenhunt's note of purchasing a non-PED over-the-counter drug.
    One of the biggest questions in this draft comes with some of the biggest questions from the last draft. RHP Kumar Rocker was seen as one of the top prospects in the 2021 Draft and landed himself as the 10th pick with an agreed-upon $6 million bonus before post-draft physicals turned the agreement sour on the Mets end, and he ended up unsigned. Instead of returning to Vanderbilt, Rocker instead opted to go to Indy Ball and is pitching for the Tri-City ValleyCats of the Frontier League. He has been sitting in the mid 90's this spring with Tri-City with his signature mid 80's power slider in full effect and missing bats and a cleaner delivery though still with effort. Teams are still leaning on some 2021 data which knocked Rocker's draft stock down a bit when inconsistent fastball velocity and movement, where his fastball ranged from the low 90's up to 99 sporadically. The big and physical right-hander has frontline starter upside, though whichever team takes him is likely to get him to the Majors in a hurry to mix him into their playoff chase (potentially September).
    After gandering at the potential first pick, here's a trio of pitchers that are among my personal favorites for the 89th overall selection:
    Trystan Vrieling is a rotation mate with Gabriel Hughes at Gonzaga and offers similarities to his counterpart. Though his secondary command is well below-average, the raw repertoire and projectable frame of the right-hander leave some excitement. He can locate his fastball which is one of my primary drawing cards and he can work it in the low-to-mid 90's. Arm strength-based, his curve and changeup flash above-average and could make him a dually effective reliever.
    I'd be remiss if I didn't include a local kid as a personal favorite and despite a down year in Southern California, Kassius Thomas was a standout. Sierra Canyon (CA) has the best draft-eligible duo at the top of their rotation in the region with Thomas and Jaden Noot but I couldn't stop coming back to Thomas here. He's a solid athlete on the mound with three pitches that will work at the next level, giving him some starter upside. Working with 16-year MLB veteran, Dave Stewart, over the lockdown, experienced coaching from a premier prep program give me confidence in him taking the next step. He's also committed to Duke, and I like smart kids. He has all the tools on and off the mound to be a successful pro.
    There's being remissed and there's being flat-out stupid, which is what I would be if I didn't mention Ben Joyce. There have been less than 100 players in the Statcast era who have touched 101 with their fastball, and probably less than a handful who have spent an extended period of time averaging that velocity. Joyce has an average fastball velocity of 101 miles-per-hour -- yes, one, zero, one. He also hit 104 on the radar gun multiple times this spring which has only been done multiple times in the Statcast era by some dudes names Aroldis Chapman and Jordan Hicks. You can't just randomly fall upon velocity like this. His slider is fine and will work, but his command (or lack of) leaves him as a one-pitch reliever who is seen by scouts to go in the third round or so, but you know someone will take a flyer on him earlier than that just on velocity alone. Everyone wants this kid and it's obvious why.
    Stepping away from the pitchers, there is a glaring hole in the Angels minor league depth and the pitchers are staring right at it. Edgar Quero is an exciting prospect in the Angels organization, but beyond him, there is little depth at the catching position despite an influx of new backstops from last year's undrafted free agent crop.
    In the draft, you never draft for need at the Major League level and rarely do so for the minor league level as well, but as we saw last year with 20 pitchers in 20 picks, Perry Minasian and staff aren't afraid to fill gaps from the amateur ranks. The amateur catching crop this year has some talent, particularly with two at the very top, but there's a chance to address some depth needs in the draft.
    Kevin Parada of Georgia Tech would be an ideal scenario for the Angels as they need impact bats and catchers, but the likelihood of him lasting to the 13th pick doesn't seem realistic at this point. Following Parada in the ranks is Daniel Susac of Arizona. A former quarterback, Susac is a solid athlete behind the plate who has good side-to-side movement and a strong arm supported by 1.8 pop times. His receiving needs work and he's not the best framer but we don't know how long that will matter once MLB goes to automated balls and strikes. Of note, he was the primary catcher for USA Baseball's Collegiate club which showed his ability to catch some upper-tier arms. At the plate, Susac trusts in making hard contact and allows his natural strength to produce over-the-fence power. He has a fine idea of what's doing at the plate, which gives him above-average offensive potential and makes him a potential two-way catcher ala Travis d'Arnaud.
    Not dissimilar to Shea Langeliers, drafted in the first round by Minasian's Braves in 2019, Logan Tanner (Mississippi State) is a defense-first catcher who should be able to hit enough and with power to stay a daily catcher at the highest level, a specific item that is hard to come by in MLB. Tanner's ability to control a game from behind the dish is special as his arm (potentially 80-grade) and ability to throw from difficult angles will keep runners quiet and his game-calling with some of the best amateur arms in the nation already make him an advanced asset. Tanner is a prototypical offensive backstop with power and discipline with little menace on the basepaths, though his ability to hit for average will consistently be questioned. Starting a bit slow offensively, Tanner's draft stock did fall a bit which may make him a stretch at No. 13, but as mentioned, he is not dissimilar to Langeliers who went ninth overall.
    Along with catching depth, one lost item in the Angels depth charts is impact bats who could profile as middle-of-the-order sluggers.
    Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas has produced its fair share of Major Leaguers, and Justin Crawford could be one of the next in line. Son of former Major Leaguer, Carl, Crawford is one of the best athletes in this class and is currently heavily attached to the New York Mets who have the pick ahead of the Angels at No. 12 (Billy Eppler loves athletes). The player present is not the player projected, as Crawford is currently a barrel control hitter at the moment with modest strength to all fields. As he fills into his lean six-foot-three frame, there is average power projection expected. Crawford's top-of-the-charts speed make him a threat both offensively and defensively as he is quick to the ball in center field and can cause havoc on the base paths.
    Jordan Beck and Drew Gilbert shared outfield duties for one of the best regular-season teams in recent memory at Tennessee, a regular stop for decision-making scouts and executives due to the surplus of talent. Similar beyond the plate, Beck, who played in right field, and Gilbert, who manned center, are both gifted defenders at their positions and will be capable at the next level to play all three outfield spots, backed with strong and accurate arms. There is more upside to Beck offensively due to his power potential as he has good bat speed and strength. Gilbert also has solid bat speed but is more contact-oriented where his strength should play easily to produce power. Both are aggressive hitters at the plate with Gilbert being an ambush hitter and Beck struggling at times with pitch recognition, though steadily improved. If either or both Beck and Gilbert can limit themselves to expanding the zone and prove they can handle a wood bat, they have middle-of-the-order upside.
    Leaning back to some personal favorites for the 89th selection, two Vanderbilt hitters stood out to me not only during the season but particularly, during the Draft Combine. Spencer Jones is a familiar name as he's a local product and was already selected by the Angels in past draft (31st round, 2019). Jones has missed time with arm injuries (was a two-way player in high school and drafted as such), but he came into his own offensively this year with Vandy, posting an OPS above 1.1. There are questions about his pitch recognition but the size and power upside is too much to ignore. He could be a high strikeout and high ISO kind of hitter, but his defensive traits at first base and upside give me little pause to his potential. Dominic Keegan caught for Vandy this year and at the draft combine he showed regular 100+ mile-per-hour exit velocities with a very simple and low-effort swing that produces hard-contact to the gaps and up-the-middle with clear home run projection. His catching is still a work in progress but I'm dreaming more on the bat and backup catcher/versatile corner man down the road.
    Anyone who has spoken to me over the last year knows I'm kind of obsessed with Jacob Reimer, an infielder from Yucaipa High School (CA). The balance at the plate and ability to drive the ball with ease made him alluring to me and I think he'll hit plenty in pro ball with power even as physically capped as he is. He won't be a shortstop in pro ball long, though he was better this year at the position, and is athletic enough to handle third base.
    I love shortstops almost as much as I love catchers (I was a catcher, err, glutton for punishment, and still do so in my "old pals games"). I'm sticking local here with Jordan Sprinkle of UC Santa Barbara who has the tools to make an impact at the Major League level. He has range to both sides at shortstop with light feet that make him quick to the ball and has the ability to throw from multiple angles with plenty of arm strength to make tough plays. His quick feet work on the base paths and he'll be a base-stealing threat. The bat is light and will be a hindrance in him getting to the upper levels but with the right development, I think there's a reliable bench option in Sprinkle.
    The 2022 Major League Baseball Draft will take place in Los Angeles on July 17-19, beginning at 4 pm PT. The Angels first selection will come approximately between 5:45 to 6:15 pm PT.
  14. Chuck
    By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist
    An infusion of pitching talent from the 2021 draft began their pro careers over the last two weeks, and a number of familiar names continued to make an impact at the higher levels on the offensive side of things. As the minor league season draws close to its final month, more attention will turn towards which prospects earn promotions to the next level, including some to the major leagues, with the Angels bolstering their youth movement and looking more towards 2022. 


    --Position Players--

    1) Michael Stefanic – 2B/SS, Salt Lake City AAA:

    In perhaps the strongest indication that a Stefanic promotion to the bigs is imminent is his recent playing time (five games) at SS – his first at the position since one start back on May 18th , because aside from his relative defensive limitations and lack of position, there is nothing else keeping him in AAA at this point. Over the last two weeks, Stefanic posted an OPS of 1.106, adding 16 more hits in 41 at-bats (.390), four more home runs (giving him 14 on the season, his prior career high was 3), and walking three times to six strikeouts, giving him 34 BB to 57 K on the year. He is tied for 4th in all of minor league baseball in hits (117) and 5th in batting average (.340) and since July 1st, he is hitting .370 with a BAbip of .377, indicating that no, this isn’t pure luck or hitting-friendly park inflation - well, maybe some of the power. At this point, I believe it’s fair to say it’s simply a matter of time before Stefanic gets a chance at some playing time, perhaps even as soon as next homestand.

    2021 (RCT AA/SLC AAA): .340/.408/.506/.914 with 15 doubles, 14 home runs, 49 RBI, and 34 BB, 57 K in 88 G/387 PA
    2) Mitch Nay – 3B/1B, Rocket City AA:

    A one-time supplemental first round choice by the Blue Jays (back when Minasian was with the org), corner infielder Mitch Nay has continued a solid – though streaky – season for AA serving as one of the team’s primary run producers on an offense that has featured strong production all year-round. Slashing .333/.404/.667/1.070 in his last two weeks, boosted by five home runs and two doubles, giving him 38 extra-base hits on the season. A month from turning 28, time is starting to run against Nay, but his steady production should earn him time in AAA for some club next season, or perhaps later this year should the Angels add Thaiss, Rengifo, or Stefanic to the big-league club. Nay has the skillset to serve as a big bat 4A-type player, but could perhaps be a serviceable big-league sub.

    2021 (RCT AA): .235/.345/.500/.835 with 16 doubles, 22 home runs, 48 RBI, 49 BB, 98 K in 91 G/362 PA
    3) Ray-Patrick Didder – SS/CF/2B, Rocket City AA:

    A former farmhand in the Braves’ system, Didder has spent most of the season serving as the primary starting shortstop for Rocket City posting fairly pedestrian numbers in his first 37 games, but has shown life since, posting an .805 OPS since June 20th (coupled with a good .278 BA and .385 OBP) and in particular, the last two weeks, as the 26-year old Aruban native slashed a strong .388/.466/.653/1.119 in his last 58 plate appearances, swatting seven doubles, two homers, walking six times, striking out ten, and stealing three bases in four attempts, all while seeing regular time up in the middle at SS, CF, and 2B. Didder’s primary weapons – versatility, above-average speed and defense, and solid contact and discipline skills – give him a strong chance at seeing major league utility work someday, at least as a AAA reserve.

    2021 (RCT AA): .238/.335/.371/.706 with 20 doubles, 4 triples, 4 home runs, 35 RBI, 37 BB, 79 K, 14 SB in 22 attempts in 90 G/349 PA
    4) Arol Vera – SS/2B, Arizona Rk.:

    Days away from turning 19, Arol Vera has continued to consistently impress at the Arizona Complex League since Game One, and that continued over the last two weeks as well, as he slashed .366/.422/.561/.983, albeit slightly boosted by a BABip of .455. Still, Vera continues to show strong power (even if he’s yet to hit his first pro HR) as he added six doubles and a triple to his season, above-average contact (15 for 41), and acceptable discipline with three walks against eight strikeouts. Vera has settled in as the everyday shortstop for the Arizona team, who have also seen top prospects Adrian Placencia, Werney Blakely, and Kyren Paris all see time at the position as well, but Vera seems to be staking some claim for now, taking a lions-share of playing time in the past two weeks.

    2021 (Arizona Rk.): .333/.397/.493/.890 with 16 doubles, 3 triples, 17 RBI, 11 BB, 36 K in 36 G/156 PA
    5) Orlando Martinez – OF, Rocket City AA:

    Martinez has impressed in different ways throughout this season, but his performance over the last two weeks has been some of his most balanced yet. In the last two weeks, Martinez logged twelve games and 48 plate appearances, tallying 14 hits, seven extra base hits, including four doubles and two more homers, and three walks to nine strikeouts, giving him a .318/.375/.591/.966 slash in that time, playing left field primarily. Martinez seems primed for a call-up to AAA with Marsh and Adell now seemingly locked in to MLB play for the remainder of the year, but the org might be waiting to see if Trout’s return could shuffle AAA playing time. Martinez will be R5 eligible this winter and an interesting name to watch. Outfielders with his skillset tend to be unprotected more often than not, but also are one of the more common types of players claimed in R5 to serve as 4th outfielders on developing clubs.  

    2021 (RCT AA): .257/.311/.460/.771 with 22 doubles, 1 triple, 15 home runs, 47 RBI, 24 BB, 105 K in 87 G/368 PA

    Honorable mentions, position players:
    David Calabrese (OF Arizona Rk.): .296/.367/.519/.885 with 2 2B, 2 3B, 3 BB, 8 K, 2 for 2 in SB attempts in 8 G/30 PA – best two weeks yet for the ’20 3rd rounder
    Kyren Paris (SS/2B TRI A+): .250/.462/.357/.819 with 2B, 3B, 10 BB, 14 K, 5 for 5 in SB attempts in 9 G/39 PA - .500 BAbip, but excellent plate discipline and SB %
    Chad Wallach (C/1B SLC AAA): .370/.471/.704/1.174 with 3 2B, 2 HR, 6 BB, 8 K in 8 G/34 PA– could see him in September as clubs often carry 3 catchers
    Luis Rengifo (2B/SS SLC AAA): .344/.405/.656/1.062 with 2 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 4 BB, 5 K, 2 SB in 9 G/37 PA – continues to play very well in AAA, just hasn’t translated to bigs since ‘19
    Carlos Herrera (2B/SS TRI A+/RCT AA): .333/.419/.593/1.012 with 2B, 2 HR, 2 BB, 5 K, 3 for 3 in SB attempts in 9 G/31 PA – promoted to AA and performing well in age 24 season, former COL farmhand
    Jeremy Arocho (2B/SS/3B/CF IE A/TRI A+): .429/.529.429/.958 with 0 XBH, 9 BB, 8 K, 6 for 7 in SB attempts in 11 G/51 PA – promoted to AA, draws tons of walks and slaps plenty of singles with good SB speed
    Braxton Martinez (1B/DH IE A): .357/.404/.571/.976 with 2 2B, 2 3B, HR, 13 RBI, 3 BB, 10 K in 11 G/47 PA – promote the dude already, he’s 27
    Kenyon Yovan (1B/3B/DH TRI A+): .297/.395/.568/.963 with 2B, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 3 BB, 18 K in 11 G/43 PA– UDFA clubbing the ball well
    Jose Rojas (1B/3B/LF SLC AAA): .372/.378/.581/.959 with 3 2B, 2 HR, 11 RBI in 10 G/45 PA – could see Anaheim again before ’21 is out
    Kean Wong (3B SLC AAA): .333/.407/.542/.949 with 2B, 2 3B, 3 BB, 3 K, 3 for 4 in SB attempts in 6 G/27 PA – could see time in Anaheim again soon, at expense of a callup for Stefanic
    Cade Cabiness (OF IE A): .273/.415/.515/.930 with 2B, 2 3B, HR, 7 BB, 19 K in 11 G/41 PA – UDFA playing well in first pro homestand
    Paxton Wallace (3B/1B IE A): .281/.395/.531/.926 with 3B, 2 HR, 6 BB, 7 K in 10 G/38 PA – solid contact, discipline, and power from another UDFA
    Michael Cruz (C RCT AA): .280/.357/.560/.917 with 2B, 2 HR, 3 BB, 7 K – solid production from AA backstop, only 25


    --Pitchers--

    1) Adam Seminaris – LHP, Tri-City A+:

    Fresh off his first start for High-A West Tri-City, lefty Adam Seminaris, selected in the 5th round of last year’s draft, has seen his season turn around rapidly of late. While the 22-year-old lefty never really struggled, his performance in the first half of the year was mixed at best before taking a step forward in early July. In his last two weeks, again including his first start for Tri-City, Seminaris threw 16 IP over 3 GS, striking out 17, walking 5, and limiting opponents to a .224 BAA and 3.38 ERA. Since July 3rd, Seminaris has posted a K/9 rate of 13, a nice step-up from the 11.3 K/9 he posted in his first 8 GS. Seminaris has the seasoning to move fairly quickly through the system, but he also poses a wide variety of potential outcomes for his career – could be a starter, could be a strong high-lev reliever, could be a solid multi-inning swingman – so the Angels might take it fairly slow with him, especially as they have numerous intriguing arms ahead in the pipeline to weed through first. Still, Seminaris could move fast.

    2021 (IE A/TRI A+): 5.12 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, .269 BAA, with 20 BB, 97 K, 9 HR allowed across 70.1 IP in 17 G/15 GS
    2) Cristopher Molina – RHP, Rocket City AA:

    Molina, typically a starter in throughout his pro career, converted to multi-inning relief this season for Tri-City, pitching almost exclusively from the pen in the first two months of the season to the tune of a 2.70 ERA and .215 BAA in his first 40 IP, striking out 47, walking 14, and allowing only one HR. This was apparently enough to earn a promotion not only to AA Rocket City in late July, but also back into the rotation, as the 24-year-old RHP has thrown in at least 5 innings in four of his first five AA games. In the last two weeks, Molina made two appearances, one starting, one in relief, tallying a line of 10.1 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, and 11 K, good for a 0.87 ERA and .167 BAA. Molina is a sleeper prospect in the truest sense as his career performance has consistently exceeded expectations, and now that he’s in AA, could start to raise some eyebrows as a potential MLB arm.

    2021 (TRI A+/RCT AA): 2.88 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, .234 BAA, with 28 BB, 78 K, 4 HR allowed across 75 IP in 24 G/5 GS

    3) Connor Von Scoyoc – RHP, Inland Empire, A:

    A 6’6” power arm taken in the 11th round of the 2018 draft, 21-year-old Von Scoyoc battled control issues in his initial pro debut back in 2019, and while he seems to have addressed some of that wildness so far in ’21, it has not come at the expense of his swing-and-miss stuff. In his last two appearances, Von Scoyoc has dominated, striking out 18 in 8.2 IP and allowing only 3 BB. He’s become slightly more hittable in his efforts to reduce walks, but the ability to miss bats remains evident. His 104 pitch, 12 strikeout effort on August 14th demonstrates the Angels have faith in his ability to work as a starter, and should he stick in that role, could find himself one of the Angels’ better pitching prospects in a hurry. A fallback to the bullpen could make sense if walks remain an issue.
    2021 (Arizona Rk./IE A): 4.36 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, .276 BAA, with 16 BB, 46 K, 2 HR allowed across 33 IP in 9 G/5 GS

    4) Davis Daniel – RHP, Rocket City AA:

    Yeah, Davis Daniel is here again. More of the same from the steady 24-year-old righty from Auburn, as he’s continued to have no issue facing AA hitters. Two more starts, 9.2 IP, 12 K, 2 BB, one HR 6 hits (.167 BAA), and a 2.79 ERA. Davis has allowed no more than four runs in any game this year (only twice) and routinely keeps opponents to even less than that, allowing one or fewer in 10 of his 16 games so far this year. The only thing that might keep Davis from seeing Anaheim this season or next is the fact that he’s still ineligible from R5 selection until winter ’22 and the Angels have nearly a dozen R5 eligible arms “ahead” of him on the depth chart to sift through first, but Davis’ consistent production might queue him up sooner rather than later.
    2021 (TRI A+/RCT AA): 2.50 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, .196 BAA, with 27 BB, 112 K, 7 HR allowed across 82.2 IP in 16 GS

    5) Kyle Tyler – RHP, Salt Lake City:

    Prior to his early August promotion to AAA, Tyler was moved to relief in an attempt to coax a little more velocity out of his fastball and fast-track his surprising success into a role that helped him reinforce the Angels’ MLB bullpen. Tyler was hit hard in his AAA debut, allowing 7 ER in 2 IP, but in three appearances since (two of which were 4 IP, one as a SP), he has been spectacular. Tyler’s three appearances have combined for 9 IP, 6 H, ER, BB, 13 K – certainly moving him into the periphery of seeing MLB innings, with a call-up perhaps even imminent depending on the severity of Jose Marte’s recent injury and Alex Cobb’s setback. Tyler figures to compare favorably around the likes of Andrew Wantz and Austin Warren.
    2021 (RCT AA/SLC AAA): 3.80 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, .248 BAA, with 25 BB, 88 K, 9 HR allowed across 83 IP in 19 G/14 GS


    Honorable mention, pitchers:
    Nathan Burns (RHP Arizona Rk./IE A): 0.00 ERA, .050 BAA with H, BB, 12 K in 6 IP/4 G – near perfect start from 2021 19th rounder
    Ryan Smith (LHP RCT AA): 3.27 ERA, .238 BAA with 4 BB, 14 K in 11 IP/2 GS – two solid rebound starts for the Princeton lefty as he adjusts to AA
    Dylan King (RHP TRI A+): 3.52 ERA, .233 BAA with 1 BB, 16 K in 7.2 IP/3 G – now has 53 K in 34.1 IP
    Glenn Albanese (RHP TRI A+): 0.00 ERA, .222 BAA with 2 BB, 9 K in 6.2 IP/3 GS – great pro start for ’21 15th rounder
    Brett Kerry (RHP IE A): 0.00 ERA, .154 BAA with BB, 8 K in 4 IP/2 GS – another strong pro debut, 5th rounder
    Alex Martinez (RHP Arizona Rk.): 0.00 ERA, .118 BAA with 2 H, 2 BB, 10 K in 5 IP/4 G – excellent debut for teenage righty reliever
    Keith Rogalla (RHP RCT AA): 2.84 ERA, .269 BAA with BB, 7 K in 6.1 IP/4 G – quietly having a solid relief season for AA
    Cooper Criswell (RHP SLC AAA): 4.82 ERA, .235 BAA with 4 BB, 13 K in 9.1 IP/2 GS – fearless and extremely consistent, willing himself into MLB consideration
    John Swanda (RHP IE A): 3.27 ERA, .256 BAA with 3 BB, 9 K in 11 IP/2 G/1 GS
    Ky Bush (LHP TRI A+): 2.70 ERA, .333 BAA with 2 BB, 8 K in 3.1 IP/2 GS – solid pro debut from 2nd rounder
    Brandon Dufault (RHP IE A): 1.50 ERA, .143 BAA with 3 H, 2 BB, 11 K in 6 IP/3 G – keeping trend going with strong pro debuts
    Ryan Costeiu (RHP IE A): 0.00 ERA, .000 BAA with BB, 6 K in 4 IP/2 G – one more, why not?
     
  15. Chuck
    In his sixth Major League season with the Angels, the 29-year-old has compiled a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA (132 IP – 46 ER) and 167 strikeouts in 23 pitching starts, while holding opponents to a .184 average (85/463). As a hitter, he had 102 runs scored, 26 doubles, eight triples, 44 home runs, 95 RBI, 91 walks, 20 stolen bases and a 1.066 OPS.
    Below are some additional accomplishments this season:
    THE HITTER
    Ranks in Top Four in the American League in home runs (44; 1st), total bases (325; 1st), extra-base hits (78; 1st), slugging (.654; 1st), OBP (.412; 1st), OPS (1.066; 1st), intentional walks (21; 2nd), triples (8; 3rd), runs (102; T-3rd), walks (91; T-4th), and batting average (.304; 4th). Recorded second career 40+ HR season (hit 46 HR in 2021) and was the first player in the Majors to reach the 40 HR mark in 2023. Third player in Angels history with multiple 40+ HR seasons, joining Troy Glaus (2000 & 2001) and Mike Trout (2015, 2019 & 2022). Third player all-time to record an extra-base hit, walk and run scored in six straight games (June 12-17)...The only other players to do so are Babe Ruth (7 straight games in 1921) and Barry Bonds (6 straight games in 1997). Only player in the Majors to tally 6+ triples and 34+ HR this season (third consecutive year as the only player to do so). THE PITCHER
    Leads the A.L. (min. 130 IP) with a .184 (85/463) opponent batting average. Finished year with an active streak of 20.2 consecutive innings pitched without allowing an earned run. Allowed one-or-fewer earned runs in 13 of 23 starts. Pitched first career complete game and first shutout on July 27 at Detroit in Game 1 of a doubleheader…Held Tigers to one hit and three walks with eight strikeouts. In addition to leading the league in opponent batting average, ranked among American League leaders at the time of his final start in strikeouts per 9.0 innings (11.39; 2nd), whiff rate (30.9%; 2nd), ERA (3.14; 3rd), WHIP (1.06; 4th), strikeouts (167; 5th), winning percentage (.667; T5th) and wins (10; T8th). TWO-WAY
    Recorded 10+ pitching wins and 30+ HR for a second consecutive season. Babe Ruth (1918) is the only other player with 10+ wins and 10+ HR. In 23 games as the Angels starting pitcher, batted .372 (29/78) with three doubles, two triples, seven home runs and 15 RBI. Seven HR in games pitched tied for the second-most in a season all-time (Wes Ferrell – 9 HR in games pitched for Cleveland in 1931). Made nine pitching starts while also leading the Majors in home runs as a batter. Finished one hit shy of hitting for the cycle in three different pitching starts. Served as the Angels starting designated hitter in all of his pitching starts. ALL-STAR
    Selected to the All-Star Game as both a pitcher and position player for a third consecutive season. Only player in MLB history to be selected as an All-Star as both a position player and a pitcher. Was the American League’s leading vote-getter in Phase 1 of fan voting and joined Rod Carew (1979) and Trout (2019) as Angels players to lead the A.L. in fan voting. Joined Hall of Famer David Ortiz (2011-13) as the only players to receive three straight fan elections at designated hitter. AWARDS AND HONORS
    2023 Angels MVP Award (third straight year voted by teammates as Angels MVP). Two-time American League Player of the Month (June & July). Three-time American League Player of the Week (June 12-18, June 26-July 2 & July 24-30). SHO OFF
    Would join Troy Glaus (2000) as the only Angels players to finish a season as the American League home run leader Finished the season with the most popular player jersey in MLB based on sales from MLBShop.com On June 27 vs. White Sox, became the first A.L. player to hit multiple home runs and have 10+ pitching strikeouts in the same game since Cleveland’s Pedro Ramos on July 31, 1963 (Game 2) vs. Angels First player in MLB history with 15+ SB & 40+ HR through his team’s first 114 games On July 27 at Detroit, became first player ever to pitch a complete game shutout in one game of a doubleheader and hit a home run in the other (hit two homers in the nightcap after tossing a shutout in Game 1) Leads the Major Leagues with a 10.1 bWAR this season (the next highest A.L. total belongs to Gerrit Cole – 7.4) From June 12-15 at Texas, became the third player since 1901 with 4+ home runs and 7+ walks in a four-game series, joining Detroit’s Hank Greenberg (Sept. 18-19, 1940 vs. Philadelphia A’s) and Pittsburgh’s Ralph Kiner (Aug. 3-5, 1951 vs. Phillies)  
    **Research provided by Elias Sports Bureau, STATS, ESPN Stats & Info, Baseball Reference, Sportradar, Fangraphs and MLB**
  16. Chuck
    By Jonathon Northrop, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
    So its February 5th and pitchers and catchers report in less than two weeks. Let's take stock of Perry's moves and where the Angels might go from here.
    Perry's made no major acquisitions - no starting pitchers, no positions players, only bench and bullpen guys. The team as it stands looks to be something like this (with likely 26-man roster in bold and potential first call-ups in parentheses):
    C - O'Hoppe, Thaiss (Mejia, Wallach)
    IF - Schanuel, Drury, Neto, Rendon, Rengifo, Sano (White, Stefanic, Soto, Lopez, Martin)
    OF - Trout, Ward, Moniak, Adell, Hicks (Dozier, Calhoun)
    SP - Detmers, Sandoval, Canning, Anderson, Silseth (Plesac, Rosenberg, Bachman, Daniel, Mederos)
    RP - Estevez, Stephenson, Moore, Soriano, Cimber, Garcia, Joyce, Ciserno (Suarez, Quijada, Warren, Wantz, Herget, Caceres)
    We can quibble with my choices for the 26-man -- maybe Sano doesn't make the cut and they insert White, or maybe Plesac starts the year in the rotation instead of Silseth, or Dozier as a starting OF with Moniak as 4OF, or the bullpen is slightly different. We enter spring training with some interesting roster battles. But including the guys in parentheses, I think I've included all the players who are candidates to start the year on the big league club.
    So again, there are no big splashes, just some solid bench and bullpen acquisitions. Given that, it seems we're seeing one of two scenarios:
    1) He went "secondary" first and is still going to sign a couple bigger free agents (e.g. Snell, Bellinger, etc) to try to at least give the appearance of contention.
    2) What you see is what you get, aside from another possible small clean peanutty move or three. He plugged some holes, but is really just going the budget route for 2024, presumably with the idea being that realistically they can't compete and it is better to think long-term, or at least beyond "win now," regardless of the cost.
    The first really seems unlikely at this point. I only really mention it because his moves so far kind of look like the type of secondary moves you make in addition to a couple big ones, and we all know Arte doesn't like to throw in the towel of playoff aspirations. But not only are we late in the game, but it is just hard to imagine the Angels getting some big names because they'd really have to get several to justify it as a win-now strategy. Meaning, not Snell or Bellinger but both...and I don't see that happening. And frankly, I'm not sure how much these guys want to wear Angels uniforms.
    Either way, Perry seems to realize that no matter who they acquire, the biggest factor for 2024 success is the players they already have staying healthy and playing better. They could sign Bellinger and/or Snell and others and still go nowhere if Trout/Rendon/Ward can't stay healthy, or if the young guys don't develop.
    So in a way, 2024 looks like a "taking stock" year. We've heard that before, but it hasn't really happened. With Trout and Ohtani, they've always at least "kind of" gone for it. But it looks like they want to answer two big questions before determining the plan for 2025 and beyond:
    How good are the young guys? Can Trout and Rendon reverse the downward spiral? A best-case reasonable scenario and the Angels are pretty good, maybe winning 85 games and staying competitive into the second half but not reaching the playoffs. I suppose there's a tiny thread-the-needle possibility that they're good enough in July to make some moves at the deadline. But...
    But if they show overall improvement to the 82-87 win range, this would enable Perry to augment for 2025 and make a run at it. But if it turns out that lots of young guys disappoint and Trout and Rendon continue to struggle with injury and decline, we might see an actual full-out rebuild, and some kind of fire-sale in July (e.g. Rengifo, Ward, Anderson, Stephenson, Moore, etc).
    I know, the Arte Factor. Maybe he'll jump ship and sell after 2024, if the franchise doesn't turn the corner. It won't be as sexy a purchase for potential buyers without Ohtani and with Trout entering his age 33 season, but it also won't be as burdened with long-term contracts. After 2024, Rendon will only have two years left and Trout the only long-term big contract. The team will still have a core of young talent, even if it isn't awe-inspiring. Not taking on any big contracts this year only furthers this. And regardless of the dubious Angels tradition, they're still an LA team and potential buyers will look to 2002-09 as a case of what the Angels could be, if run well.
    Discussion on the forum
  17. Chuck
    ANAHEIM – RHP/DH Shohei Ohtani today was named the 2023 American League Most Valuable Player
    in an announcement made by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA). It marks the second
    A.L. MVP award for Ohtani, who joins Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera as the only foreign-born players to
    win multiple MVP Awards. Ohtani was also the 2016 Most Valuable Player in Nippon Professional Baseball’s
    Pacific League.
    Ohtani earned all 30 first place votes for a total of 420 points in the balloting process, 156 points
    ahead of second place finisher Corey Seager of the Texas Rangers (264 points). Ohtani, who also won the
    2021 A.L. MVP Award in unanimous fashion, is the 20th unanimous BBWAA MVP Award winner and the first
    to do so multiple times. The Angels are the first team to have three unanimous MVP Awards (Mike Trout was
    a unanimous winner in 2014).
    As a hitter, Ohtani led the American League in home runs (44), on-base percentage (.412), slugging
    percentage (.654), OPS (1.066), extra-base hits (78) and total bases (325) in 2023. He became the second
    player in Angels history to lead the league in home runs, joining Troy Glaus (led A.L. with 47 HR in 2000), and
    was the only player in the Majors with 5+ triples and 35+ home runs. Ohtani also ranked among A.L. leaders
    in intentional walks (21; 2nd), triples (8; 3rd), batting average (.304; 4th), runs (102; T-4th), and walks (91;
    5th).
    As a pitcher, he led the A.L. (min. 130 IP) with a .184 (85/463) opponent batting average and finished
    the year with a 10-5 record, a 3.14 ERA (132 IP – 46 ER) and 167 strikeouts across 23 starts. Ohtani allowed
    one-or-fewer earned runs in 13 of 23 starts, pitched his first career shutout on July 27 at Detroit and finished
    the year with an active streak of 20.2 consecutive innings pitched without allowing an earned run.
    For a third consecutive season, Ohtani was selected to the All-Star Game as both a pitcher and position
    player and was the American League’s leading vote-getter in Phase 1 of fan voting. He joined David Ortiz
    (2011-13) as the only players to receive three straight All-Star fan elections at designated hitter.
    The 29-year-old captures the Angels seventh MVP award in franchise history, following Don Baylor
    (1979), Vladimir Guerrero (2004), Mike Trout (2014, 2016 & 2019) and Ohtani’s first award in 2021. The
    Angels are the first team to win five MVP awards in a 10-year span since San Francisco won five straight with
    Jeff Kent (2000) and Barry Bonds (2001-04) and the first A.L. team since the Yankees won eight from 1954-
    63 with Yogi Berra (1954-55), Mickey Mantle (1956-57, ’62), Roger Maris (1960-61) and Elston Howard
    (1963).
  18. Chuck
    Photo by: Cristina Byrne-Sternberg/Rocket City Trash Pandas
    By Chuck Richter, AngelsWin.com
    When it comes to knowing Jordyn Adams, there are a lot of numbers to know. The most important number to know, though, is the number 22.
    Why that number? It's not the number of times Jordyn has stolen a base for the Trash Pandas without getting caught. That number is 15. 
    It's also not the total number of bases that Jordyn has stolen on the season. That number is 33, and he's only been caught 3 times this whole year.
    The number 22 is not the rating for his ability to run. That number is a pure 80 on the 20-80 grade scale--more than elite. 
    So why the number 22? That's because that's how old Jordyn is. And, if you slide the decimal point over one to the right, you have 2.2. or the difference between Jordyn's age and the average age of the players in the league. At 22, Jordyn is on average 2.2 years younger than everyone else in his AA league.
    It may seem like an eternity since the Angels selected Jordyn as a toolsy and raw outfielder in the 1st round of the 2018 draft (17th overall) with the insane vertical leap.
    When the Angels drafted him, though, they knew he would require a lot of time and effort to get the most out of him. And the results of that work are starting to payoff. Adams has game altering speed on the basepaths and in the outfield where he can play all three positions. And, he has plenty of raw power to tap into as he develops. 
    Chuck Richter, our Founder and Executive Director, recently caught up with Jordyn Adams to find out more about his time with the Angels and as a person. Please click below to watch our interview with Angels Outfield prospect Jordyn Adams. 

  19. Chuck
    By Taylor Blake Ward, AngelsWin.com Columnist
    GENERAL THOUGHTS
    Perspective only comes with a full view. I write this as a caveat, as most will make an initial knee-jerk reaction to any club's first-round selection and make that the brash opinion of the entire draft for the club as it has the most value and is the one with the most accessible perceptions as to the player taken. For example, speaking to a Texas Rangers fanatic on Sunday night, he was distraught that Texas spent their first-round pick on Kumar Rocker much earlier than anticipated he would go and could not surrender the thought of losing value with the pick, and later altered his opinion when the team took Brock Porter in the fourth round. It's easy to make a reaction, but a full view can give you proper perception to how any given team did with their draft on paper.
    In the case of the Angels, their first-round selection gives them upside at a premium position. With position players suddenly being the lack of depth of the organization, the Angels went against what the industry felt would be one of the first landing spots for a pitcher and selected Zach Neto, the second-best college shortstop in the nation behind only Brooks Lee. With a firm belief he will stay at shortstop, a challenging position to fill organizationally that has long-lasting effects, there is an opportunity for not only a premium position player but also one that has everyday upside due to his hit and power balance.
    As the Angels went into day two and three of the draft, there was some repetition to what they did in 2021, altering from taking 20 pitchers in 20 picks to taking seven college power hitters with their final 16 selections.
    "Things just fell that way," said Tim McIlvaine, Angels Amateur Scouting Director, following day three of the draft. "We talked about a lot of different types of players on day one, and then day two as well, and then it gets tough to sign some of the high school kids. They end up going down the college road. We talked to a lot of high school kids for day three as well. Ended up taking one with our first pick (of the third day). It's kind of how it shakes out. You go down all the avenues you can, you talk to all the players you can, you try and get as much information on them as you can, then you try and make the best decision."
    As a general proviso among the industry, if two or three players make it to the big leagues with some form of Major League success (three-or-more years of average value), you can call the draft a success. In this scenario and with last year included, if two pitchers from the 20 taken in 2021, and one of the power hitters taken in 2022, have moderate success at the Major League level in the coming years, you can call these drafts successful. As opposed to altering options across 20 rounds, the Angels have set themselves up well to have hopes of one of their power bats finding success and being successful in the draft room for 2022. Of course, more could find success and make it even more beneficial to the club. The same can be said of the pitchers taken, hoping that one or more will find a relief role or be even more successful finding a true rotation option which is near as rare as finding an everyday shortstop. Notably, four of the Angels draft picks were among the top nine in college baseball in 2022 in both OPS and SLG% (Zach Neto, Sonny DiChiara, Matt Coutney, Luke Franzoni).
    "It's something we certainly look at," McIlvaine said. "We looked at a lot of different avenues of players. We looked at some guys that are huge speed guys, we looked at some that are big hit guys that didn't have a ton of power and ended up being able to take guys with a lot of power. It's something in our system that we wanted to improve a little bit and I think a lot of these guys are gonna help do that. We got some big boys with some big power that like to hit homers. Hopefully, it gets into the system and translates for us, but you know, it's something we want. OPS has been shown to be a good determining factor of moving forward, what guys are gonna be able to do. I wouldn't say it's just what we were targeting or what we were looking for. It kind of fell that way but we're excited to have it. Power is fun to watch. I think there's going to be some fun batting practice at a few of the affiliates this year. I can't wait to go see it."
    Every year the question will always arise: will the [insert team] sign all of their draft picks? Just as a generality, there are usually one or two total players taken in the first two days of the draft, combined, that do not sign, so it's fair to just believe anyone taken in rounds 1-10 will sign with ease. Day three is where the questions will arise, and once again as a generality, high schoolers, college juniors, and JUCO players will be the ones with the biggest question mark attached to their name. In the case of the Angels, there was one high schooler taken on the third day (though we will touch on that later and the likelihood he will sign); with four juniors in Jared Southard (a re-draft for the Angels), Bryce Osmond (the biggest question mark due to his day two opportunities), Sammy Natera Jr., and Max Gieg; and two JC players in Tucker Flint and Sabin Cabellos. Any questions about signability with this group will not come with answers until the end of the signing period, though as a reminder, most will sign and have already spoken to the club about what is expected for their signing bonus and future with the organization.
    "Some of these kids are in great situations with where they are," said McIlvaine. "Some of them have expressed to us that they're ready to get started with their careers even though they have other opportunities still. I'm sure there's other colleges or schools - other opportunities that will be tugging on them, but a lot of these kids are ready and wanna get going. It's part of what we try and talk to them about before the draft. Make sure pro ball is the avenue they're looking to go down at this point. With that you take a risk every once in awhile that a kid is ready to go, and this is what they want to do, and you put that opportunity in front of them and if they're ready to go now then we're happy to make that a reality."
    I don't give out grades for drafts as it takes at minimum four to five years to really see how successful a draft was when players are reaching their Major League potential, and another four or five years beyond that to see how productive each pick has become. On paper, I like what the Angels did. They addressed organizational needs, though I would have liked to have seen more outfielders taken but sticking to the best player available with each pick, there is a lot to like in the upside of this class for the Angels.
    PICK ANALYSIS
    1st Round: Zach Neto, SS, Campbell
    - I think everyone and their brother expected the Angels to select a pitcher in the first round, but it was nice to see them pivot to a position player with some premium position value. Zach Neto is two-way player in the traditional sense (non-Ohtani version) of being solid at the plate and in the field. Neto is a solid hitter who has a wood-bat track record - hitting for average and power in the Cape Cod League - who has plenty of power potential at the plate. His setup and load are quite unorthodox as he starts with a big inwards leg kick while his hands move all around but it doesn't keep him from getting direct to his separation and in a good position to cover the zone with strength - not dissimilar to Bo Bichette or Javy Baez though I wouldn't compare him to either as he doesn't have the immense bat wrap of Bichette or elite bat speed of Baez. Though unorthodox, Neto syncs everything together and is able to be a rhythmic hitter who utilizes his hand-eye coordination and above-average bat speed to drive the ball with authority and with his natural loft that bat-speed and raw power should be able to produce some easy double-digit home run production. With the load being complex, there may be some offensive inconsistencies and streakiness that are timing based for Neto, which shouldn't deter from the overall full-season offensive production. He's an aggressive baserunner who has average speed and pending the Angels approach to stealing could be an easy double-digit stolen base threat.
    Possibly the most important part of Neto's game, and in particular to the Angels, is the belief he can stay at shortstop long-term. I've mentioned it many times over but finding an everyday shortstop - i.e., one who can hit and play solid defense at the position - is hard to come by and even looking at each Major League club in 2022, only about two-thirds of the league have a player of this caliber (same can be said about catcher). Neto's primary value will be in staying at the premium position of shortstop. He's a solid athlete who has soft hands and makes the transfer with ease. He has more than enough arm strength for the position - he's pitched in the past and been up to 93 on the mound though the Angels will not try to utilize him in a two-way role - but the use of that arm will draw questions as he has shown tendencies to try and throw runners out by a mile whether the runner is close or far and will lose some accuracy, which may lead to having to tone down some of his throwing decisions. Neto is light footed with good-but-not-great lateral movement, which could be the only hinderance to his long-term ability at the position. He's shown versatility playing all over the dirt, but there's little question to him staying on the left side of the diamond, and a strong enough chance to stay at shortstop for a lengthy period of time.
    Comments from Tim McIlvaine: "First of all, he's athletic. He moves really well. He's got great body control. He goes well laterally, in, out, to his left, to his right. Then when you get to the box, he's got a nice big swing. He's got big bat speed and he'll show you surprising power for his size. He can really get into the ball. What we really like too is how well he knows the strike zone. He doesn't get himself out. He doesn't chase. He makes pitchers throw pitches in the zone and then he hits them hard. There's a lot to like with him. We really hang our head on the athleticism up-the-middle. That was a big focus for us."
    Zach Neto 2022 college stats: 256 PA, .407/.514/.769, 65 R, 50 RBI, 15 HR, 19 SB
     
    3rd Round: Ben Joyce, RHP, Tennessee
    No arm in the 2022 draft class had as much attraction or as much anxiety as Ben Joyce. A true unicorn, Joyce is the owner of the third hardest pitch ever thrown in baseball's metrically recorded history at 105.5 miles-per-hour, only topped by Aroldis Chapman. With the only challengers to his premier velocity being Chapman and Jordan Hicks, Joyce saw his average fastball sit at 101 miles-per-hour and peak at over 105 multiple times, which again is only challenged in metric history by Chapman and Hicks who have reached the feat a combined 10 times (Chapman, 8; Hicks, 2). A transfer from Walters State, Joyce did not pitch in 2021 after having Tommy John surgery in October of 2020, and returned with fire in 2022, hitting 103 in his second outing which sparked attention from Rob Friedman (a.k.a. Pitching Ninja) which led to attention from the masses. Joyce will use his fastball over three-quarters of the time and can disappear on hitters not only with its velocity but it's angle, coming in from a lower three-quarter arm slot with some inversion to his arm action. It has minimal movement which can make it easier to square up, and also among the reasons he was expected to go in the third or fourth round as opposed to first or second. As much of a rarity it is to have Joyce's velocity, there is some alternate weapons in his arsenal. Grades on his slider will range from "meh" to "plus" pending who you ask, but it is a pitch separated by some 15 miles-per-hour to his fastball and sweeps through the zone. The knock here is that Joyce has little command for the pitch, and it is predictable with advanced hitters who aren't automatically setup for the fastball. There is a changeup with some progressive signs, but it is a distant third pitch at the moment. His frame may indicate a starter profile, and the Angels haven't ruled out using him as a starter in development somewhere down the road (not this year), but his limited health track record, violent velocity, and irregularity to sync up his body should keep him in the bullpen. I believe that if the Angels were in the playoff race, he could be an arm you throw out at any given time during the 2022 campaign as a velocity-only weapon that Major Leaguers haven't seen, but with the Angels timeline and current state this year, he should be destined for development with a potential shutdown for 2022. In recap, you can't just find velocity like this, and it will always be worth the gamble to take something no one else has or may ever have.
    Comments from Tim McIlvaine: "He's probably one of the more famous amateur players. His fastball touching 105 and just all the hoopla that has come with him. It's fun to watch. I live in Nashville, Tennessee myself so I've seen him a good bit when he was in Junior College, and then as he went to University of Tennessee seeing him there, so kind of seen him grow into this a little bit and grow up. It's really fun to watch. It's a big arm and he has stuff and I think we feel like there are a few things that we can work on with him to make him even more effective instead of just having him throw as hard as he can all the time. He's got a nice breaking ball in there too that he doesn't always get to because he doesn't need it a lot of times but it's a big fastball and he's a good kid. He's got a good head on his shoulders - very disciplined. We met with him at the Major League Baseball Combine all together and we were very impressed coming out of that as well. For us it's not just how hard you can throw or how hard you can hit it but also in between the ears and what's inside. He checks that box for us as well.
    "We may explore (the opportunity to let him start). We're gonna see how Ben feels and walk him through that. We're not going to close the door to that. We're going to leave that possibility open but for now as he goes out, we're going to run him out of the bullpen and see where it goes. He had a few extended outings this year out of Tennessee and making one start so it's not out of the realm possibility but we're going to take it slow and see where it goes."
    Ben Joyce 2022 college stats: 32.1 IP, 2-1, 2.23 ERA, 14 BB, 53 K, 0.990 WHIP, 14.8 K/9
     
    4th Round: Jack Madden, RHP, Northwest Florida State
    A standout for Florida scouts in the spring coming off Tommy John in 2020, Jake Madden is a tall and lean on-mound athlete at six-foot-six with a loose and free arm with electric stuff. He works primarily off of his fastball which has boring action when thrown down and can run away like a two-seamer when up. It simmers around 93-96 but can get as high as 97 early in outings. Madden's slider is a real weapon as it has power in the mid-to-upper 80's and shows sweeping action against right-handed hitters and he can bury it to the back foot on lefties. His firm changeup has inconsistencies but can be a solid pitch against lefties as he'll throw it to the outer part of the plate and let it drop and fade out of the zone, while it has only worked against righties when located down. Madden is athletic on the mound and has a free-and-easy arm and room for physical development that could aid in power and durability, but his inability to throw regular strikes and below-average fastball command will leave lingering questions to his long-term ability to start. He has the looks of an electric two or three-pitch power reliever.
    Jack Madden 2022 junior college stats: 47.2 IP, 4-4, 4.53 ERA, 24 BB, 76 K, 1.34 WHIP, 14.4 K/9
     
    5th Round: Sonny DiChiara, 1B, Auburn
    They call him Thicc King in Auburn, and there's not much debate once laying your eyes on Sonny DiChiara. Listed at six-foot-one and 263 pounds, DiChiara is a big boy who is known solely for his prowess at the plate. He has a simple power load and gets to his big boy strength with relative ease. There is no doubt about DiChiara's raw and in-game power. An ambush hitter who feasts of fastballs, even those with high velocity, there is discipline in the approach (led D1 in on-base percentage in 2022) to find his pitch to drive, which will be vital to his ability to hit for any average as he'll have to continually line the ball. Though more athletic than expected for someone his size, he is a well below-average runner and has little-to-no defensive value even at first base. The comparisons may be unfair and solely based on his size, but a hopeful outcome would be that DiChiara becomes a similar player to Billy Butler or Dan Vogelbach.
    Sonny DiChiara 2022 college stats: 286 PA, .383/.549/.777, 59 R, 59 RBI, 22 HR, 0 SB
     
    6th Round: Victor Mederos, RHP, Oklahoma State
    Once seen as a projectable power arm in high school, the projection hasn't disappeared, but the performance has faltered Victor Mederos some into mid-day-two territory. Strong with a starter's kit physical profile, strike-throwing ability - or the lack thereof - has altered Mederos' projection and may land him in a relief role down the road. The inability to find the zone cost him a weekend rotation spot with Miami his freshman year and he transferred to Oklahoma State as a draft-eligible sophomore where he was able to start but with lackluster performance. His fastball can be explosive in the mid 90's, sitting 93-96 while touching 98-99 at times, though it is solely arm-speed based and is a dart that has been hit. The slider is Mederos' best weapon as he can alter its shape while getting whiffs in different forms, whether it be a tight two-plane offering playing off his fastball, or sweepy breaker that can force chases out of the zone. Mederos will throw a spike curve and changeup that both show promise, but he struggles to locate either making them purely raw average-or-better offerings at present. Mederos will get a look as a starter in development but with his high-effort delivery, irregular strike-throwing, and high-tempo on the mound, he seems like a reliever with some high-leverage upside.
    Victor Mederos 2022 college stats: 66.0 IP, 4-4, 5.59 ERA, 21 BB, 62 K, 1.36 WHIP, 8.5 K/9
     
    7th Round: Roman Phansalker, RHP, Oklahoma State
    Going back-to-back on Oklahoma State arms, Roman Phansalker differed from his counterpart as a solid mid-relief arm. Scrapping his traditional four-seam for a two-seam fastball, Phansalker has impressive arm-side run upwards of two feet that will sit 91-95 that plays well from a lot three-fifths slot. He compliments this with a changeup that is mostly slot-and-separation based but will fade similar to his two-seam. Altering paths and crossing over, Phansalker can miss bats with his tight slider. He has enough fastball command to focus on the secondaries in hopes of a weak contact mid-relief profile.
    Roman Phansalker 2022 college stats: 54.2 IP, 6-3, 3.46 ERA, 22 BB, 45 K, 1.23 WHIP, 7.4 K/9
     
    8th Round: Dylan Phillips, TWP, Kansas State
    Taken as a two-way player by some surprise, Dylan Phillips will enter pro ball as a DH/reliever with intrigue to follow on his two-way progression. At the plate, Phillips has a swing meant for damage while throwing the barrel through the zone and lift with an uppercut finish. His defensive profile will be held to corner outfield or first base. On the mound, he has been up to 95 from the left-side and the Angels had interest in him as a pitching prospect, as well as at the plate, though most believe his value is on offense.
    Comments from Tim McIlvaine: "We do want him to pitch so we're gonna be careful with that. Right now, we're probably going to DH him and let him pitch out of the bullpen until he can kind of get it going a little bit and get a little more comfortable in that role and figure out how much he's able to do. He will be doing both. We like him both ways. We had him as a prospect as a hitter and we had him as a prospect as a pitcher as well. He wants to do both. We talked to him about it and he's all good for it."
    Dylan Phillips 2022 college stats: 257 PA, .283/.362/.513, 40 R, 44 RBI, 13 HR, 8 SB / 20.1 IP, 0-1, 2.66 ERA, 3 BB, 26 K, 0.79 WHIP, 11.5 K/9, 8 SV
     
    9th Round: Joe Stewart, OF, Michigan
    Joe Stewart is one of the eldest players for the class as a senior at Michigan, who put together two strong performance seasons for the Wolverines. A solid athlete, Stewart has the defensive traits and above-average speed (used on the basepaths as well) to chance him staying in center field long term. The athleticism plays at the plate as he can make adjustments quickly and has some natural strength and power in his lofty swing.
    Joe Stewart 2022 college stats: 303 PA, .349/.409/.572, 73 R, 56 RBI, 13 HR, 23 SB
     
    10th Round: Matt Coutney, 1B, Old Dominion
    Finishing their second day of the draft, the Angels day two tone didn't alter when taking another big-bodied masher in Matt Coutney. A fifth-year senior, Coutney was among the eldest statesmen for the class who punished younger talent throughout two years at Old Dominion. The left-handed hitter has excellent barrel control that helps gives him plenty of zone coverage. His swing has some natural loft and will put the ball in the air with normality. Among the college leaders in home runs, OPS, and slugging, Coutney’s calling card is his all-fields power that should translate into pro ball, and he has more value than a standard fifth-year senior sign with upper-level and Major League platoon upside. His defensive value is limited to first base.
    Matt Coutney 2022 college stats: 275 PA, .376/.473/.808, 66 R, 70 RBI, 27 HR, 3 SB
     
    11th Round: Caden Dana, RHP, Don Bosco HS (NJ)
    Kicking off the third day with a big projection arm, Caden Dana is a New Jersey prep whose data-based pitches were a drawing tool upwards of the third round and will be an over slot sign for the Angels. Dana's projection starts with his frame, standing tall at six-foot-four and physically stout at 215 pounds, he has the present body of a workhorse starter already as a high school senior. With a clean and easily repeatable delivery, Dana is an arm-strength based pitcher, Dana will work his high-spin fastball 92-95 and has touched higher in shorter stints, and let's it play all over the zone with feel for command. Dana's curveball is the calling card as another high spin offering with some power. It's a big-breaking pitch that arcs high with a late vertical drop. In its raw present state, it's a plus offering, but he'll have to locate it better through development to make best use of it becoming a premier swing-and-miss option against more advanced hitters, but it should serve well through the low minors. There will be focus on his other breaking ball, a sweepy mid 80's slider, and changeup, as he shows some feel for both but are below-average offerings currently. Although a big kid, there is room to fill in the frame to leave little doubt about his durability and chance to remain a starter, and potentially see some velocity jumps. Everything in the package has the makings of a workhorse starter.
    Caden Dana 2022 high school stats: 47.1 IP, 1.33 ERA, 70 K
     
    12th Round: Jared Southard, RHP, Texas
    A re-draft from 2019, the Angels took Jared Southard eight rounds earlier than when they did in 2019 out of high school in Leander, Texas, just north of Austin. Southard has filled out well into his physical frame and has a power relief arm. His two-pitch arsenal is pro ready, starting with his fastball that sits 92-96. His fastball has life and ride up in the zone but is best suited blending and tunneling with his slider, as the two alternate breaks across the zone. He'll work his fastball running away to his arm-side and counter it with a mid-to-upper 80's slider with a tight and late vertical break to his glove side. He comes at hitters with a low three-quarter slot that gives deception and allows the two pitches to work off of each other. There's some low-risk relief ceiling here.
    Jared Southard 2022 college stats: 29.1 IP, 4-1, 2.76 ERA, 19 BB, 46 K, 1.159 WHIP, 14.1 K/9
     
    13th Round: Tucker Flint, OF, Chipola College (FL)
    Starting a back-to-back on junior college standouts, Tucker Flint went from a contact-first athlete in high school to a more power-toned hitter at the plate that was an offensive leader for one of the top JUCO's in baseball. There's some balance at the plate to believe in him getting to his power and potential for hard contact to the gaps. He can work counts and put together competitive at bats leading to some hopeful on-base potential. He is likely destined for a non-premier corner position.
    Tucker Flint 2022 junior college stats: 242 PA, .370/.496/.708, 71 R, 41 RBI, 14 HR, 12 SB
     
    14th Round: Sabin Ceballos, C, San Jacinto College (TX)
    Sabin Ceballos is a converted catcher from the infield with twitchy athleticism to move around the field, anywhere from behind the plate, to the dirt, to the grass. He comes equipped with a plus-plus arm registered at 99 from shortstop. An MLB Draft League standout, coaches liked his potential behind the plate, and he shows good lateral movement. He has a physical and athletic build so there's hope of offensive upside, though it will likely come with some swing-and-miss.
    Sabin Ceballos 2022 junior college stats: 281 PA, .338/.470/.530, 54 R, 46 RBI, 8 HR, 7 SB
     
    15th Round: Bryce Osmond, RHP, Oklahoma State
    Among all the Angels draftees, Bryce Osmond may have the biggest signability question and a return to Oklahoma State wouldn't be out of the realm of realities. Viewed as a day one pick as a high-schooler, Osmond still has top five rounds kind of stuff and upside in the bag. An athlete on the mound who was a shortstop prospect in high school, Osmond has a tall and lean build at six-foot-three and 185 pounds, giving indications of a lengthy workload. He works from a high arm slot with present arm speed and strength with some effort. Osmond is at his best when he can command his fastball to all quadrants of the zone and let's it play and ride up in-and-above the zone, sitting 91-95 with some mid's at its peak, though it is hittable due to its minimal movement. His slider is a true out pitch, with a sharp and late vertical break that he can locate well to the bottom of the zone and get under swings. He'll work in an occasional curve and changeup with the curve being the better of the pair, though they are distant to his fastball and slider. With his athleticism and size there is rotation upside but to reach that he'll have to develop his curve and/or changeup, and throw better strikes as his control is fine but command will come-and-go
    Bryce Osmond 2022 college stats: 60.2 IP, 4-2, 4.75 ERA, 31 BB, 77 K, 1.37 WHIP, 11.4 K/9
     
    16th Round: Casey Dana, OF, Connecticut
    Going to another fifth-year senior, Casey Dana is the older brother of Caden Dana who the Angels took the 11th round. The organization's original interest came in the elder of the Dana's due to his grit and toughness, as well as his offensive toolset. Spending most of his time in the corners, Dana profiles as a hit-first left fielder or first baseman.
    Comments from Tim McIlvaine: “We were talking about the older brother, Casey, who goes to UConn. We were talking about him the other day as just a guy we were targeting to begin with. Our scout up there has seen him at UConn. He's a tough kid. He got 28 stitches and missed like two days and then the next series went 8-for-13 in the series. He had a .926 OPS, 12 homers this year, hit a few really long home runs while we had guys in attendance there so he's actually a guy we were targeting as a draft pick to begin with and then once it kind of came together that we took his brother with our first pick on day three, that's when we said, 'We gotta get this guy. It'll be such a great story and what a neat thing for two brothers to play pro baseball together.' We were really excited about it. We're glad it came together, and we can't wait to see where that story goes. I think it'll be really fun.”
    Casey Dana 2022 college stats: 310 PA, .313/.381/.546, 57 R, 61 RBI, 12 HR, 4 SB
     
    17th Round: Sammy Natera Jr., LHP, New Mexico State
    Pitching at a launching pad, you can toss any of Sammy Natera Jr.'s pitching performance numbers out the window as is the case with most New Mexico State arms. Natera has plenty of projection in a solid physical starter's kit frame at six-foot-four and 195 pounds. Natera will work his fastball in the low 90's and has been up to 95 from the left side. His breaking ball has plenty of growth remaining and there will be some questions answered quickly once he gets into pro ball as the thin air of Las Cruces made it challenging to project the future of the pitch with irregularities to its break, though it has bat-missing potential. Natera will have to improve his strike-throwing ability and find some more consistent command to have further success.
    Sammy Natera Jr. 2022 college stats: 26.0 IP, 2-1, 6.92 ERA, 20 BB, 44 K, 1.65 WHIP, 15.2 K/9
     
    18th Round: Max Gieg, RHP, Boston College
    Seen more as a thrower than a pitcher, Max Gieg was a swing type for Boston College. A fastball dominant pitcher, he'll work in the mid 90's with some considerable run to his arm-side and ride up in the zone that plays best inside to right-handers and away from lefties. His slider has some sweeping action in the mid 80's. He'll have to throw more strikes. Gieg has a limited track record, but the frame (6'5, 200) and green arm suggests he could have some excess power in the arm.
    Max Gieg 2022 college stats: 22.2 IP, 4-2, 2.78 ERA, 19 BB, 26 K, 1.46 WHIP, 10.3 K/9
     
    19th Round: Luke Franzoni, OF, Xavier
    After focusing on physical strength, Luke Franzoni had a power surge this spring, hitting 29 home runs which landed him second across Divison-1 baseball. Though it's a brief history of power output, scouts have faith that it will play in pro ball as his bat speed and physicality improved. Franzoni is a passive hitter who steadily awaits his pitch and will work counts and draw his fair share of walks. Despite a quiet setup that gets him to separation with ease there is some swing-and-miss in the game. He fits solely in a non-premier corner profile.
    Luke Franzoni 2022 college stats: 270 PA, .358/.489/.825, 64 R, 78 RBI, 29 HR, 1 SB
     
    20th Round: Brendan Tinsman, C, Wake Forest
    Working as one of the primary catchers over his four years at an elite program, Brandon Tinsman brings an advanced backstop skillset to the Angels. Catching some premier arms and high-end velocity, which includes two first-round picks in Jared Schuster and Ryan Cusick (both first-round picks for Atlanta in 2020 and 2021), Tinsman has some fine qualities behind the plate, supported by a strong and accurate arm that will keep runners honest. Steadily becoming more aggressive at the plate over his time with the Deacons, Tinsman is an ambush hitter who found some success in driving the ball this spring, leading to a school single-season record, 24 home runs. There is a blend of enough offense and defense in the profile to feel comfortable in a long-term depth catcher with some backup hopes.
    Comments from Tom Walter, Head Coach at Wake Forest: “Tinny (Tinsman) had one of the greatest seasons in school history. Throwing out nearly 40 percent of would-be base stealers and leading a really good offense in home runs and second in RBIs while catching 59 games in 15 weeks is beyond impressive. He is going to be a steal of the draft for the Angels.”
    Brendan Tinsman 2022 college stats: 268 PA, .355/.397/.710, 63 R, 69 RBI, 24 HR, 1 SB
  20. Chuck
    Last year I was playing with the idea of an article series that collected 27 amazing Trout stats that I was going to publish on the blog throughout the offseason. Obviously that didn't happen, but I started it and thought I'd share them over the next month or two, as we face a delayed season of indeterminate length.
    I will release at least two per day, each in its own blog post. 
    Finally, there is no rhyme or reason. I have a list of 17 or 18 of them so far, and will have to scramble for more. There is also some overlap, especially as--I'm sure you'll guess--a lot of this is focused on WAR and related supernerd stats.
    That says, here goes 1 & 2. 
    #1: CENTER FIELD JAWS LEADERS
    JAWS (or Jaffe WAR Score system) is a nifty stat designed by Jay Jaffe that averages out a players career rWAR (Baseball Reference version) with the total of their seven best seasons, and is used primarily as a predictor of whether that player will reach the Hall of Fame. What is nice about it is that it balances career and peak numbers, thus avoiding the often deceiving cumulative-heavy nature of straight-up WAR.
    Through 2019, Trout is now, just turned 28-years old, 5th all-time among center fielders, having just passed Ken Griffey Jr. Let me put that another way: Mike Trout has, through his age 27 season, the 5th best Hall of Fame resume among all center fielders in major league history. The impressive nature of that feat is when you look at who is on the list, centerfield being perhaps the most hallowed position on the baseball field, at least in terms of "Hall of Fame density."
    The average of 19 Hall of Fame center fielders is 58.0 JAWS; Trout is at 69.2. Here are the above average center fielders, with their number of years played:
    Willie Mays 114.9 (22  years) Ty Cobb 110.0 (24 years) Tris Speaker 98.4 (22  years) Mickey Mantle 87.4 (18 years) MIKE TROUT 69.2 (9 years) Ken Griffey Jr 68.9 (22 years) Joe DiMaggio 65.7 (13 years) Duke Snider, Carlos Beltran, Kenny Lofton, Andruw Jones, Richie Ashburn, Andre Dawson, Billy Hamilton and Jim Edmonds round out CFers with 50+ JAWs.
    As you can see, there is a big gap between Trout and those above him, all of whom are all inner circle greats who at least twice as many years. If he maintains a modest (for him) 8 WAR pace, his JAWS should go up by about 4 per year, so he should be passing Mantle by the end of 2024, his age 32 season. If he averages 6 WAR over the course of his 11-year contract, he'll join Mays and Cobb in the 100+ JAWS club.
    #2. POSITION PLAYER JAWS LEADERS
    So the above compared Trout to center fielders. How does he match up against all position players? Here is where Trout currently resides on the JAWS list for all position players:
    Babe Ruth 123.5 (22 years) Barry Bonds 117.7 (22 years) Willie Mays 114.9 (22  years) Ty Cobb 110.0 (24 years) Hank Aaron 101.7 (23 years) Rogers Hornsby 100.4 (23 years) Tris Speaker 98.4 (22  years) Honus Wagner 98.1 (21 years) Stan Musial 96.3 (22 years) Ted Williams 94.9 (19 years) Eddie Collins 94.1 (25 years) Lou Gehrig 91.1 (17 years) Alex Rodriguez 90.9 (22 years) Mickey Mantle 87.4 (18 years) Rickey Henderson 84.4 (25 years) Nap Lajoie 83.8 (21 years) Mike Schmidt 82.8 (18 years) Mel Ott 82.4 (22 years) Albert Pujols 81.0 (19 years) Frank Robinson 80.1 (21 years) Joe Morgan 79.9 (22 years) Cal Ripken Jr 76.1 (21 years) Carl Yastrzemski 76.0 (23 years) Jimmie Foxx 75.8 (20 years) Eddie Mathews 75.1 (17 years) Roberto Clemente 74.6 (18 years) Wade Boggs 73.9 (18 years) Adrian Beltre 71.2 (21 years) George Brett 71.0 (21 years) Al Kaline 70.8 (22 years) MIKE TROUT 69.2 (9 years) On first blush you might think that any list that Trout is #31 on isn’t that impressive. But the thing I like about this list is that it is comprised of the very best players in baseball history: this is the 70 JAWS club (which Trout will officially join a month or two into the season), and there are only 30 position players on it (and 23 pitchers). Note, again, that he’s only played in 9 seasons, 8 of them as a full-time player. The next fewer seasons on this list are Gehrig and Mathews at 17. 
    Mike Trout will probably be in the top 20 by the end of the 2022 season. Barring something catastrophic,  he'll be in the top 10 by the end of his career, with a good chance of nudging past Hank Aaron and Rogers Hornsby to be in the hallowed top 5.
  21. Chuck
    By Taylor Blake Ward, AngelsWin.com Columnist
    As we near the 72-hour mark for the 2023 MLB Draft, Taylor Blake Ward of AngelsWin gives you his draft preview for the Angels.
    The MLB Draft is always filled with obscurity, but just for the sake of sanity and assumption, there is a top five group that has become the first-tier of talent in the draft and even with how arbitrary the draft can be there is a safe assumption that group of five will not be available by the time the Angels select at pick No. 11. For that reason, Dylan Crews (LSU), Paul Skenes (LSU), Wyatt Langford (Florida), Max Clark (Franklin HS (IN)), and Walker Jenkins (South Brunswick HS (NC)) will not appear in this preview.
    That does not take away from the talent that will be taken in the first round of this draft which is seen as one of the strongest drafts based on talent and depth in recent years. The quantity of quality talent is larger than usual, and there are over 20 names that the Angels could look at for their pick with only five going before them after the aforementioned top five leaving a multitude of outcomes. We'll take a look at 22 names that could range near the Angels pick, including three sleepers who have started to float towards the top 15 selections for differing reasons.
    *NOTE: Players have been placed in alphabetical order by last name and position so as not to place any form of ranking on any given player. All reports are from Taylor Blake Ward who serves as a Draft Analyst/Columnist for AngelsWin. *
     
    CATCHERS:
    Blake Mitchell, C, Sinton HS (TX): There isn't a riskier demographic in the draft than prep catchers, but not many come with a pro-ready toolset quite like Mitchell. Mitchell is athletic behind the plate with one of the strongest arms in the class, giving confidence to his long-term ability as a backstop. At the plate, Mitchell is known for his ability to find the barrel and swing with intent letting his bat speed produce power from the left side. He's shown an advanced/patient prep approach only building confidence in the offensive profile. It will take a big bonus to lure Mitchell away from his LSU commitment, but his talent and early-to-mid first-round outlook will land him in pro ball as opposed to Baton Rouge.
    Kyle Teel, C, Virginia: Teel separated himself not only from the top catchers, but also the majority of the second tier of talent in this draft. He's getting some attention in the top five picks and common belief would be that he won't be around when the Angels pick comes. Left-handed hitting catchers who are projected to not only hit near the middle or top of an order and stick behind the plate long term are scarce and come at a premium in the draft. Teel provides that making him a top end amateur who could be among the best at his position once all is said and done. Teel has a violent and controlled swing with minimal swing-and-miss making him a well-rounded offensive catcher who could produce average or better contact and power. Teel is praised for his leadership and ability to work with pitchers while also being one of the better athletes behind the plate with a plus arm and surefire actions making him a long-term catching solution.
    FIRST BASEMEN:
    Nolan Schanuel, 1B/OF, Florida Atlantic: No one across Division-1 ball had an offensive year quite like Schanuel who led the nation in on-base percentage (.615) and walks (71) while finishing second in batting average by .002 (.447) and second in slugging (.868). Some questions arise about Schanuel's overall hit tool after a lackluster performance in the Cape Cod, but he's always shown patience and an ability to reach base. It may be approach-over-hit but there's enough confidence in Schanuel's offensive upside for an analytically minded club to take him upwards of the teen picks this year. Schanuel has a clean left-handed swing with strength behind the ball to have enough power to profile as a corner hitter, whether it be first base or the outfield. He's athletic enough to try left or right field with first base, looking like the ultimate outcome.
    THIRD BASEMEN:
    Aidan Miller, 3B, Mitchell HS (FL): Miller is a pro-ready corner infielder with plenty of power to dream on star upside. Physically advanced for prep, Miller has strength all over his frame and uses it to punish baseballs and regularly tap into his plus raw power from the right side with ease. Miller has a whippy swing meant for damage, but it doesn't diminish from his ability to hit which he has proven against tough prep talent on the summer circuit and Tampa prep region. Miller has twitchy dirt actions and though he won't be able to play much up-the-middle he has plenty of value at third base with a plus arm and shortstop actions which could make him a solid defender at the hot corner. Missing most of his senior year with a broken hamate, Miller has impressed in workouts and is still a first-round talent. Miller's brother, Jackson, is a prospect in the Cincinnati Reds organization, and his range tends to start with Cincinnati at seven all the way to the 20's. Miller is committed to Arkansas, but his draft status should keep him from Fayetteville.
    Yohandy Morales, 3B, Miami: Morales is an aggressive, power-driven third baseman who has been in prospect circles since his prep days. Morales is a physical presence at the plate who utilizes his natural strength to whip his barrel through the zone and drive the ball with authority to all fields with 25+ home run potential. There may be development focus on toning down his highly aggressive approach to tap more into his offensive profile. Morales has twitchy dirt actions that will play well at third base along with his strong arm. Morales is seen more as a mid/late teen pick who could land in the 20's.
    Brayden Taylor, 3B, TCU: Among the biggest risers late in the spring, Taylor is getting attention all over the first round upwards of the top ten after a solid showing at the Big-12 Tournament and NCAA Regionals going a combined 16-for-30 with five home runs and hitting the ball hard during the College World Series despite a lesser on-paper performance. Taylor constantly grinds out at bats with a good eye for the zone and good bat-to-ball skills and ability to drive the ball to all parts of the field with intent. With a well-rounded offensive profile, Taylor rounds out his toolset with solid dirt actions that have played up the middle at the college level but are more suited for third base with less than moderate middle infield versatility. Taylor is a grinder who is model-friendly and could go anywhere in the first round.
    Brock Wilken, 3B, Wake Forest: Gaining more traction towards the middle of the first round, Wilken has been a long-time power production third baseman, including a wood bat track record. Big bodied at 6'4/220, Wilken has an uphill with good loft and extension mixed with explosive bat speed producing immense raw power from the right side. There's swing-and-miss in the power profile, but he's improved in his swing decisions and been more disciplined, while still needing some refinements to tap into his hitability. Wilken's arm should keep him at third base, while he may never be a Gold Glove winner but has enough natural actions to be fair at the position.
    SHORTSTOPS:
    Jacob Gonzalez, SS, Ole Miss: Potentially one of the quickest-moving bats in the class, Gonzalez has taken a lengthy track record of hitting at Ole Miss to seeing his name range from the top six picks to the late teens due to his offensive upside with potential at a premium defensive position. Gonzalez has excellent bat-to-ball skills and creates torque utilizing his strength and bat speed to frequently drive the ball with above-average power potential making him a dual offensive threat from the left side. He's always been a selective hitter, giving more confidence to his offensive profile. Defensively, Gonzalez has the actions, athleticism, and arm for shortstop, but his range can be limited due to his below-average raw speed and a move to second or third base is likely. With a high-ceiling offensive profile and some dirt versatility, Gonzalez could be a long-term middle of the order bat who hits his way to an eventual All-Star selection.
    Colin Houck, SS, Parkview HS (GA): Arguably the best prep shortstop in the class, Houck is a two-sport stud with potential impact tools. Houck has a compact swing from the right side and takes physical and aggressive swings that allow his natural strength and plus bat speed turn into above-average over-the-fence production. There are some chase concerns but it's not alarming enough to take away from the belief he could hit for average and power. Houck's athleticism and ability to throw on the run was on full display on the gridiron as a three-star recruit and shows on the infield dirt where he plays a physical shortstop with a strong and accurate arm from different angles. If he can't find the range at short, he could be an outstanding defender at the hot corner.
    Arjun Nimmala, SS, Strawberry Crest HS (FL): There was some early spring arguments that Nimmala could be a top five pick with his power upside at a premium position and his age (he doesn't turn 18 until mid-October) making him a dream for model-based clubs. He had a solid spring and still has the toolsy projection, but the top five noise is now more of top ten onward noise. Nimmala regularly takes daddy hacks with an explosive loose uphill swing that lets him drive the ball all over the field and get to his plus raw power stemming from a strong and athletic frame. Nimmala is aggressive in the box and can get out of sync and chase which will be a focus in development to tap into his immense offensive upside. Nimmala is a twitchy athlete with plenty of actions and a strong arm that should keep him at shortstop long term. There's a lot of development needed to tap into the projection, but Nimmala has All-Star upside with power at a premium position which is a commodity early in the draft.
    Matt Shaw, SS, Maryland: There may not be as well-rounded a player in the draft class as Shaw, who was an impressive three-year performer for Maryland while also showcasing a lengthy wood bat track record (2022 Cape Cod League MVP) giving confidence to his ability to hit in pro ball and potentially be a quick-mover. Shaw has a whippy right-handed swing with excellent feel for the barrel and quick hands/strong wrists to spray the ball with strength to all fields. Shaw has a pro-ready approach with balanced discipline and a keen eye for the zone with rare swing-and-miss in and out of the zone. Defensively, Shaw has moved all around the infield with a focus on his shortstop future where his plus speed makes him a rangy defender, though his fringe arm may move him around the dirt when all is said and done. Shaw uses his plus speed well on the base paths and is an aggressive baserunner. Shaw isn't as flashy as his counterparts that fit his draft range from the top ten to teens, but his tools give confidence to have an impact future in all facets of the game.
    Tommy Troy, SS, Stanford: Not dissimilar to Shaw, Troy has been a steady three-year performer with a wood bat track record and well-rounded toolset to have confidence in his impact future. Troy has a compact right-handed swing with good bat-to-ball skills that allow him to drive the ball with strength to all fields. His ability to regularly barrel the ball with bat speed to get to his power giving him plenty of middle of the order offensive balance, only aided by his excellent pitch selection and eye for the zone. Troy is an above-average runner with rangy shortstop actions but is more sound than exceedingly athletic and a move around the dirt is expected.
    Jacob Wilson, SS, Grand Canyon: In prospect circles for a long time not only for his pure talent but also his Major League lineage, Wilson has done nothing but hit, and hit, and hit his way into the first round with ease. Wilson has a short, contact-driven swing from the right side with elite bat-to-ball skills and elite swing data with just 31 strikeouts in 697 college plate appearances (4.4 K%) though that does come with some aggression that take away from his leadoff profile and lean more to a two-hitter role. There's some extension-driven power in Wilson's swing where his focus on contact should allow him to get to some double-digit home run potential, but he'll always be contact-over-power. Wilson has a high baseball IQ and is a tough player who is more of an instinctual defender at shortstop though he has shown the actions and arm to stick at the position. Wilson is the son of 12-year Major Leaguer, Jack, who coached him throughout his prep and collegiate career and though they share a last name and similar grinding traits, the comparisons should end there with the younger Wilson being a better hitter with the same chance of being a long term table setter in the Majors. Wilson has the offensive potential to hit .300 at the highest level while also being a serviceable defender at a premium position.
    OUTFIELDERS:
    Enrique Bradfield Jr., OF, Vanderbilt: With baseball adapting more to speed, Bradfield's profile fits today's game better than yesteryears. He's a real 80-runner who uses that speed well at the plate, on the basepaths, and in the field. More of a flat-planed swinger, Bradfield has the ability to drive the ball and produce high exit velocities but is more focused on making consistent contact and putting the ball on the ground and beating out infield throws with easy sub 4 home-to-first times. There's raw power in the tank but it's unlikely he'll ever be a power threat with his speed/contact focus with a highly disciplined approach where he should get on base frequently enough to be a stolen base threat every time he's on base. His speed plays in center field where he has a quick first step, efficient routes, and elite closing speed giving him Gold Glove potential at a premium position. Whichever team takes him may want to get him to focus on driving the ball more, but he's a high-floor player with his speed and discipline alone.
    Chase Davis, OF, Arizona: Davis has seen a late rise this spring with a flurry of teams looking at him in the teens. Always known for physicality and power, Davis has explosive whip and bat speed that allow him to hit for power to all fields from the left side. There are swing-and-miss refinements needed during development, but the power is too much to ignore, and he'll land in the first round with ease because of it. Davis has fine actions in the outfield and a strong and accurate arm that will play well in right field. For the comparison crowd, Carlos Gonzalez is a common comp when it comes to Davis.
    RIGHT-HANDED PITCHERS:
    Chase Dollander, RHP, Tennessee: Dollander entered the spring as a potential 1-1 candidate due to his bat-missing arsenal and front of the rotation upside, but his stuff and command took a step back leading to inconsistent performances and now has him ranging from the top ten to teen picks. Dollander has a full arsenal of bat missers starting with a power fastball that sits in the mid-to-upper 90's with significant carry. Dollander's power slider in the mid-to-upper 80's has velocity and sweeping action that give him two potential plus to plus-plus offerings. Dollander has enough feel for a loopy curve and changeup with fade to round out a four-pitch arsenal with all showing average-or-better potential. Dollander works around the zone and has shown solid fastball command in the past with athletic and delivery markers of getting back to his plus control/command and return to his front of the rotation projection with plenty of mid-rotation and power relief fallback upside.
    Ty Floyd, RHP, LSU: Taking a backseat to Paul Skenes in the Tigers rotation, Floyd took a massive step forward in the college pitching market following incredible back-to-back performances in the College World Series where he struck out 27 of 51 batters faced against Wake Forest and Florida. Floyd lets his plus slider play well off a high-spin low/mid 90's fastball that he's shown better ability to command over the spring. Despite being more of a control-over-command arm there's starter upside in Floyd's profile. It may be a bit rich to see Floyd taken with the 11th pick of even in the teens but with a bridge between the top college pitchers to the second or third tier he's is steadily moving up draft boards and may be a surprise bat-missing upside arm.
    Rhett Lowder, RHP, Wake Forest: The headline of a loaded Wake Forest pitching staff, Lowder separated himself from the rest of the college pitching crowd over the spring and highlighted it with one of the most hyped pitching matchups in recent history where he went seven scoreless innings against Paul Skenes and LSU in the College World Series. Lowder doesn't have the bat-missing arsenal you see from most top-tier arms but has the pitchability and high floor rotation confidence team’s desire. Lowder works in the low-to-mid 90's with a power sinker that helps induce a high amount of groundballs. His sinker sets up a pair of off-speed offerings that both flash plus or better in a slider with depth that has bat-missing potential and a plus-plus power changeup with fade that he'll work in any count. Lowder has the current strike-throwing and arsenal to be a quick-mover and potential first player from this class to reach the Majors with confidence in a rotation floor and mid-rotation upside.
    Noble Meyer, RHP, Jesuit HS (OR): The consensus top prep arm in the class by a fair margin, Meyer has the rare velocity and physicality you like to see in the risky demographic. Meyer sits in the mid-to-upper 90’s, touching 100, with significant running action to his arm side, and as he continues filling out his large frame you could see that be more consistent in the upper 90’s. Meyer will flash plus with both of his off-speed offerings in a power sweeping slider that tunnels well with his fastball, and a fading changeup which he sells well for a prep arm. Meyer works around the zone with advanced command which will only continue to come closer to average-or-better in time with his athleticism and easy delivery. It will take a big bonus to keep him from going two hours south for college in Eugene, but his high starter upside and draft status should keep him from campus.
    Hurston Waldrep, RHP, Florida: One of the bigger upside college arms in the class, Waldrep is a step behind Dollander and Lowder but is the clear "next in line" arm and teams looking to take advantage of the market inefficiency have Waldrep's name floating into the teens. Waldrep operates in the mid-to-upper 90's with his fastball but his command of the pitch *** -- or lack of --- *** has led to inconsistencies in performance and had it hit more often than the usual power fastball. Waldrep has a tight power slider that he gets regular swing-and-misses on to his glove side. Waldrep's primary out pitch is a splitter with late deadening and elite swing-and-miss rates. There are command concerns with Waldrep but he's around the zone often enough to let his power arsenal play in the bullpen if needed and a lengthy development focus on getting him to throw better strikes even if the command is only moderate. With a full swing-and-miss arsenal and immense upside, a team who covet power arms have Waldrep's name landing anywhere from the early teens to 20's.
    LEFT-HANDED PITCHERS:
    Thomas White, LHP, Phillips Academy (MA): It's not secret the weak point of the 2023 draft class is left-handed pitching to the point where White may be the only one to see the first round, though fellow southpaws Joe Whitman (Kent State) and Cam Johnson (IMG Academy (FL)) are moving up boards due to the market inefficiency, as has White, who is mentioned in the teens and upwards of the top ten. White leaves teams dreaming on his future with velocity, size, and projectability. White comes at hitters with a lively mid 90's fastball and backs it up with a signature lefty high spin sweepy curve that misses bats at a high clip. White has shown enough feel and arm action to dream on his changeup more than just a usable third offering. There is some fastball command refinements needed for White to tap into his full upside but he has the current strike-throwing ability and feel to locate to dream on being a mid-rotation arm or better when all is said and done. White will go in the first round whether it be in the top ten or in the 20’s and will come with a hefty bonus to keep him from Vanderbilt despite the high draft range.
    TWO-WAY PLAYERS:
    Bryce Eldridge, 1B/RHP, Madison HS (VA): Ever since the emergence of Shohei Ohtani as a two-way player, the question has been, "Who's next?" Teams have attempted to draft and develop players as two-ways in the likes of Brendan McKay by Tampa in 2017, but players tend to only have one turn into a Major League skillset while just being more talented than their counterparts in the other category. Eldridge may be the next one to actually have a skillset on both sides of the ball and carry it to the Major League level, though not to the ability Ohtani has (we may never see that/this again). As a pitcher, Eldridge has good body control for 6'7 prep with some ability to command his arsenal. He has a lively mid 90's fastball, power curve with depth, and advanced feel for his changeup. As a hitter, Eldridge uses his big frame to swing with strength and intent and drive the ball with authority regularly tapping into his plus raw power. He has a compact swing and enough bat-to-ball skills to hit enough to get to his power, though his long levers do come with some swing-and-miss which isn't overly alarming. He's athletic enough with the obvious arm for right field but his size and dirt actions may be better suited for first base where he could be a very good defender. It takes an off-the-charts athlete to succeed as a two-way player, and Eldridge has some potential to do both with incredible makeup to understand the struggles that could come with it. His general tools on both sides of the ball could carry him to two-way Major League potential, but if he were to focus on one or the other he could be a middle of the lineup power threat or mid-rotation starter, but the likelihood of both is challenging to project without a track record of success beyond Ohtani. His range is all over the first round with most teams believing they can develop him both ways and keep him away from an Alabama commitment.
  22. Chuck
    By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist
    The past two weeks have seen some big moments from Angels top prospects with Jo Adell climbing to the top of the minor league HR leaders and Reid Detmers posting three starts, and sure enough, this edition of the Angels Prospect Hotlist features a Salt Lake City outfielders and first-rounders, but maybe with a few unexpected names. Aside from the red-hot Salt Lake offense, the other side of the ball has seen the Angels lower-level pitching continuing to dominate with big strikeout numbers across the board.
    --Pitchers--
    1) Reid Detmers - LHP, Rocket City, AA:
    Detmers delivered his best professional start on May 25th, throwing 6 IP against Birmingham while allowing only one hit, two walks, and one unearned run while striking out 10, bookended with a strong start vs. Pensacola (5 IP, ER, BB, 6 K) and a not-so-strong rematch with Birmingham (2.2 IP, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K), giving the Angels top pitching prospect a respectable 2.63 ERA, .220 BAA, and 1.24 WHIP over his last three starts. While the strikeouts and increased velocity have been promising (19 over his last 13.1 IP) the number of hits (11) and walks (6) still show Detmers has some work to do in harnessing his rapidly improving repertoire. Given the Angels struggles on the mound, there's still a chance we see Detmers in Anaheim before the year is out.
    2021 (RCT, AA): 4.05 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, .240 BAA, 18 H, 4 HR allowed, 9 BB, 30 K across 20 IP in 5 G/5 GS
    2) Kyle Tyler - RHP, Rocket City, AA:
    Detmers wasn't the only Trash Panda to turn in a couple strong weeks on the mound. 2018 20th Rounder Kyle Tyler arguably might have been even better. Tyler won his last two starts without allowing a single run - earned or unearned - and didn't allow, well, much of anything, walking four and allowing five hits over 13 IP, while also striking out 14. As a result Kyle Tyler was named the Double-A South Pitcher of the Week for May 24-30 after tossing 6.0 scoreless innings with nine strikeouts for Rocket City. Tyler's shiny 0.00 ERA, .122 BAA, and 0.69 WHIP at the AA level places him firmly in the mix of Angels pitching prospects to keep an eye on, as his now consistent strong professional performance (2.95 ERA in 44 G/22 GS, with 52 BB, 151 K in 167 IP) have to be opening some eyes. Tyler doesn't throw very hard, but if he continues his ability to limit baserunners and damage as he ascends, he'll see MLB innings.
    2021 (RCT, AA): 2.53 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, .228 BAA, 18 H, 3 HR allowed, 7 BB, 23 K across 21.1 IP in 4 G/4 GS
    3) Ryan Smith - LHP, Inland Empire, A:
    Eventually the Angels will have to start promoting some of their dominant Inland Empire lefties up to Tri-City, perhaps even Rocket City, and start exploring what gems they might be uncovering. Lefty Ryan Smith, winner of the Low-A West's Pitcher of the Week, continued the 66er's rampant dominant pitching over the last two weeks, delivering 12.1 innings of one-run ball, all while striking out 21 - and allowing only one walk. Smith's dominance was highlighted by a May 21st start included 13 strikeouts over 6 shutout innings. Smith, 23, is a tad old for the competition he's facing, but he's essentially halved his BB% while dramatically increasing his K%, giving him some shine to build on. At the very least, Smith could start to join the Angels bullpen depth as soon as 2022.
    2021 (IE, A): 1.66 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, .160 BAA, 12 H, 2 HR allowed, 6 BB, 37 K across 21.2 IP in 4 G/3 GS
    4) Davis Daniel - RHP, Tri-City, A+:
    Speaking of MLB bullpen depth, Davis Daniel could be a name to watch as soon as this year. Daniel's ST invite, strong college performance at Auburn, and promising results to start his pro career in 2021 likely give the 24-year old righty a legitimate shot at seeing September innings, depending on how the Angels and Daniel both fare over the summer months. Daniel, currently working in the Dust Devils rotation, delivered two quality starts over the last two weeks, highlighted by strong control and strikeout numbers - 2 walks to 17 strikeouts in 12 innings, while limiting opponents to 4 earned runs (3.00 ERA) and 8 hits (.186 BAA). 
    2021 (TRI, A+):  3.86 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .239 BAA, 16 H, 1 HR allowed, 12 BB, 25 K across 18.2 IP in 4 G/4 GS
    5) Packy Naughton - LHP, Salt Lake City, AAA:
    With AAA offense out of control league-wide, anytime a Bees pitcher posts a strong start will garner some attention. Packy Naughton's near no-hitter on May 23rd, when he went 7.2 IP allowing one hit and one walk while striking out 8, followed a mixed showing against Seattle's AAA affiliate (4.2 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, BB, 4 K). Packy surprisingly has yet to allow a HR in his first 16 innings at the level and is posting strong groundball rates (63%) offering some hope that the funky lefty might have more AAA success ahead of him. Naughton has several names ahead of him on the MLB depth chart, but figures to have a shot at joining the 40-man should the Angels move on from someone like Dillon Peters in the near-future, occupying a spot similarly, providing spot starts or mop-up duty from the left-side when a fresh arm is needed. Still, don't sleep on crafty lefties.
    2021 (RCT AA/SLC AAA): 3.98 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, .250 BAA, 21 H, 2 HR allowed, 3 BB, 19 K across 20.1 UP in 4 G/3 GS
    Honorable mention, pitchers:
    Brent Killam (LHP, IE A):  10.1 IP, 6 H, 3 BB, 18 K, 1.74 ERA in 2 starts  – one brief stumble cost him a spot in the Top 5, but strong stuff continues
    John Swanda (RHP, IE A): 15 IP, 11 H, 6 BB, 9 K, 0.00 ERA in 3 G/1 GS – remember him? Former 4th rounder hasn't allowed a run in 18 innings despite mixed peripherals
    Cooper Criswell (RHP, RCT AA):  10.1 IP, 7 H, 2 BB, 15 K, 1.74 ERA, .189 BAA in 2 GS - tall righty continues to produce without dominant stuff
    Zach Linginfelter (RHP, TRI A+): 11.1 IP, 13 H, 7 BB, 15 K, 4.76 ERA in 3 starts - mixed results but lots of promise from the 6'5" righty
    Jack Dashwood (RHP, IE A): 7 IP, 9 H, 0 BB, 10 K, 7.71 ERA in 2 games - yet to allow a walk in first 14.2 IP while striking out 20
    Greg Veliz (RHP, TRI A+): 8.1 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 14 K, 2.16 ERA, .143 BAA in 4 games - emerging as a dominant lower-level relief prospect
    Andrew Wantz (RHP, SLC AAA) 8.1 IP, 9 H, 1 BB, 10 K, 4.32 ERA in 2 starts - solid numbers this season in second AAA stint, could be in bullpen mix soon
    Aaron Hernandez (RHP, TRI A+): 8 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 10 K, 1.13 ERA, .120 BAA in 2 starts - 3rd round pick is putting together his best season
    Jake Faria (RHP, SLC AAA): 15.2 IP, 21 H, 5 BB, 19 K, 6.89 ERA, .313 BAA in 2 starts - poor ERA and lots of hits, but strong BB:K ratio and length could earn a promotion
    Justin Courtney (RHP, IE A): 4.2 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 5 K, 1.93 ERA, .125 BAA in 3 games - undrafted free agent performing well in first taste of pro ball, a little old vs. league
     
    --Position Players--
    1) Jake Gatewood - 3B/SS, Salt Lake City, AAA:
    Leading all Angels' minor leaguers over the last two weeks is former first-rounder Jake Gatewood, a 25-year old who the Angels signed as a minor league free agent this past winter. Salt Lake's offense has been red-hot of late, and Gatewood played a part in it, slashing .302/.400/.767/1.167 with a double, two triples, and five home runs in this span. While AAA is a hitter's paradise, with nearly everyone posting big offensive numbers, Gatewood's recent breakout could be the start of a former top talent finally putting things together, as his current .839 OPS in AAA - his first time at this level - is a good step above his career .691 minor league OPS and his career best .775 posted in '17 at A+/AA. Could be the start of something exciting. 
    2021 (SLC, AAA): .222/.308/.531/.839 with 3 doubles, two triples, 6 HR, 12 RBI, 9 BB, 134 K in 22 G/91 PA
    2) Brendon Davis - 3B, Tri-City, A+:
    Following the footsteps of Jake Gatewood is another recent minor league acquisition, that of former Dodgers/Rangers farmhand Brendon Davis, selected in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft. Originally picked in the 5th Round out of Lakewood HS in the 2015 draft by the Dodgers, Davis was dealt in 2017 in the midst of his best season (a .720 OPS as a 19-year old in A/A+) to the Rangers in the Yu Darvsh deal, but faltered with Texas, hitting only .226 in nearly 1000 PA with the org. Still only 23, Davis has now settled in as perhaps the Dust Devils' biggest offensive threat, especially with Jordyn Adams shelved due to a leg injury. Brendon Davis was named the High-A West Player of the Week after batting .375 (9/24) with four HR & 5 RBI. Over the last two weeks, Davis has hit .292/.333/.708/1.042 across his last 12 games and 51 plate appearances, swatting five doubles, five home runs, and driving in ten - along with a couple stolen bases. Davis might be starting to realize some of the potential that led the Dodgers to pay him 2nd Round money back in '15. 
    2021 (TRI, A+): .247/.305/.536/.841 with 8 doubles, one triple, 6 HR, 13 RBI, 8 BB, 26 K in 24 G/105 PA
    3) Matt Thaiss - C/1B, Salt Lake City, AAA:
    Flying under the radar of it all has been Matt Thaiss, whose recent .357/.438/.595/1.033 slash, while no doubt boosted by a .480 BAbip, has one again demonstrated the offensive skillset Thaiss possesses. Mixing power (one double, 3 HR), contact (15 hits in 42 at-bats), and discipline (5 walks to 14 strikeouts) in this span, Thaiss has again shown offensive growth at the AAA level. Now that he's adding catching into his repertoire, it'll be interesting to see how Thaiss balances the new defensive workload with the necessary offensive developments he's had to maintain in recent years. 
    2021 (SLC, AAA): .328/.438/.522/.960 with 8 doubles, one triple, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 11 BB, 24 K in 19 G/80 PA
    4) Jo Adell - LF/RF, Salt Lake City, AAA:
    Despite continuing to post concerning walk-to-strikeout numbers (1 walk to 15 strikeouts in his last 11 games), Adell's recent display of power certainly earned him a place on this list. Adell launched seven home runs over the last week, including six while visiting Las Vegas, putting him in atop the minor league HR leaderboard with 11, tied with Boston's Johan Mieses. Unfortunately for Adell, his .255 BA and .283 OBP over the last two weeks dinged his placing here, but part of it might have been a factor of bad luck; Adell was limited to a .207 BAbip in this span. With this, and the fact that Adell has slightly trimmed his K rate in recent weeks and started to show improving defense, there does stand some reason to believe Adell is beginning to address some of the holes in his game.
    2021 (SLC, AAA): .237/.290/.634/.924 with 4 doubles, 11 HR, 6 BB, 34 K in 21 G/100 PA
    5) Brennon Lund - CF, Salt Lake City, AAA:
    While Jo Adell made most of the headlines, it was Brennon Lund who led Salt Lake's outfielders in slugging percentage over the last two weeks, with a .703 slugging since May 17th. In fact, Lund was one of the Angels' best minor league hitters over the last two weeks; his slash of .378/.425/1.128 was second only to Gatewood. What limited Lund was the fact he was kept to only 40 plate appearances in ten games, as finding at-bats in an outfield that includes top prospects in Adell and Marsh (and a productive Scott Schebler) has led Lund to settle into something of a platoon role - he's 1-for-15 against lefties in the season, including 9 strikeouts. Lund has however settled into CF defensively, being the only position he's seen on the field this year, perhaps indicating the Angels are starting to view him as a true 4th OF candidate here in the near future. 
    2021 (SLC, AAA): .288/.373/.576/.949 with 4 doubles, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 6 BB, 23 K in 18 G/75 PA
    Honorable mention, hitters:
    Kyren Paris (SS/2B, IE A): .348/.375/.739/1.114 with 3 doubles, 3 triples, BB, 7 K - only thing able to stop Kyren of late has been the IL
    Elijah Greene (OF, IE A): .303/.531/.333/.864 with 10 H, 16 BB, 9 K – led all of baseball, major and minor, with 16 walks in last two weeks
    Michael Stefanic (2B/3B/SS/LF, RCT AA/SLC AAA): .310/.370/.381/.751 with 3 2B, 4 BB, 8 K – continued strong hitting and versatility earns first promotion to AAA
  23. Chuck
    Interview Conducted by David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
    In 2019, UC Santa Barbara tied a school record with 10 players taken in a single draft. The Angels were the first team to select one of the Gauchos when they picked the Saturday Night starter, left-handed pitcher Jack Dashwood in the 12th round (361st overall).
    Between the lost year to Covid, and some injuries, 2021 has been the first year where we have been able to see Dashwood on the mound. And, from what we saw, we were very impressed! Dashwood sat 92-94, attacked the hitters, worked inside and out, and kept the hitters off balance with his breaking pitches. We were not surprised that shortly after this interview that Dashwood was promoted up a level to the Tri-City Dust Devils.
    So far on the season, Dashwood is a combined 3-1 with a 3.77 ERA. He’s posted 70 Ks and only allowed 8 BBs in 62.0 IP. His WHIP is 1.08 and has held opposing batters to a .245 BA. Dashwood is excelling in his command and control, and that could help him be a fast-rising prospect in our organization.
    Please click below to watch our interview with Angels Pitcher Jack Dashwood.

  24. Chuck

    The Power of Shohei Ohtani

    By Chuck,


    Blog
    By AngelsWin.com's Chuck Richter, David Saltzer
    When the Angels signed Shohei Ohtani in December, 2017, they knew that they were getting a special player. How special, though, remained to be seen. They knew he had a power arm and a power bat, but no one in a century had combined both in a full season of baseball. 
    This year, Ohtani is having an unprecedented year. Fans are literally seeing history made every night, whether it’s through his hitting or his pitching. Sometimes it’s with both.
    But the power of Ohtani extends far beyond the field. Not only does he have a massive American following, he has the power to draw fans from all over the world.
    One of those fans is gal from Japan that we had the privilege of talking to. She goes by the handle Pikichin on Twitter. She was traveling throughout Africa at the time when she decided to come to see Ohtani play in the states.
    When she first came to see Ohtani, she had heard about his successes, but “I was just rooting for him and didn't have the passion to call myself a fan.”
    All that changed on July 26, the first time she saw Ohtani play. “I was waiting for him to appear at the front of the bullpen, so the first time I saw him was about 3 meters away. I knew he was a great player, so I left it at that. I was amazed at his height, style, small face, and long legs. I was also surprised to see the cheers from the local fans when he appeared in the bullpen.”
    During the game, Ohtani pitched 7 strong innings, striking out 5, and only allowing 5 hits and one earned run. More importantly, he went 1 for 4 at the plate, hitting a homerun. And that got Pikichin hooked! “I was able to see him hit a home run, and I became more and more of a fan when I saw him being cheered on by not only the Angels fans, but also by the fans of the opposing team.”
    So she stayed for another game. And another. Ultimately staying for 19 games, including a doubleheader.
    Throughout her time watching Ohtani, Pikichin brought a sign to every game. It’s been featured during broadcasts and on the Jumbotrons in multiple stadiums and fans have asked her what it means. Since the Olympics were held in Japan, and Ohtani wasn’t on the Japanese National Team, her sign reads “Ohtani san, I'll give you a gold medal.” She wrote that because she said “he had done much better than winning a gold medal at the Olympics in MLB.”
    The response from the fans to her signs has been tremendous. Fans will tell her "Cool! I love it!!” And, because she was often on the Jumbotron everyday, she was often greeted by fans saying “I know you!”
    Her instant celebrity status led to her meeting many people and becoming friends with many more. She ended up going to games with fans that she met, staying in hotels with them, and visiting other tourist destinations in the various cities she visited.
    While Ohtani can dominate on the mound, Pikichin loves watching him hit. “The home run, which is easy for anyone to understand, attracts not only me but also many Japanese who are not so familiar with baseball.”
    Her highlights include seeing Ohtani hit four home runs, numbers 36-39. “Hitting a home run is of course a difficult thing to do, but in Ohtani san's case, he hit the ball as if it was a normal hit, and it became a home run, which was impressive.” Pikichin believes that Ohtani will end up with 48 homeruns for the season.
    There are many small things that Ohtani does that Pikichin loves. For example, she loves how he hands his batting gloves to the ball boy rather than drop them on the ground like other players. She enjoys seeing him being respectful and talking with other players when on base.
    What Pikichin loves most is how Ohtani has been cheered and celebrated by fans across America. When he’s warming up in the bullpen, fans cheer. And, when Ohtani hits a home run, “the whole stadium cheers in unison, friend or foe, and it makes me very happy and excited to see that one Japanese person has excited many Americans.”
    Pikichin believes that Ohtani has one more power that is needed now more than anything. She believes that Ohtani provides hope for the world during Covid. “In Japan, people are wondering, ‘How many people are infected today?’ ‘It's increasing again...’ However, since Ohtani san’s success, we have been hearing things like, "He hit his 40th home run today!! ‘How many more can he hit!?’ The more Ohtani san plays, the more people smile under their face masks.”
    Because of her time following the Angels and Ohtani, Pikichin became familiar with other Angels greats, such as Mike Trout. As she put it, “Japanese baseball fans know very little about players on teams that don't have Japanese players, so thanks to Ohtani san, Trout became known to them. After that, Japanese fans who learned about Trout's success. And said, "If Trout had been here, Angels might have won..." at games where the Angels lost!”
    What Pikichin would like to see most with Ohtani is a showdown with Yu Darvish—a classic battle of two Japanese stars.
    For the season, Pikichin wishes that Ohtani wins the MVP Award. And “I want him to stay injury free and continue to be active in the MLB, and continue to give hope to Japan, a country that has so much dark news.”
    If there is any baseball player who can provide hope to Japan and the world, it’s Ohtani, “the pride of Japan.”
    For our full interview with Pikichin conducted by our own founder & executive editor, please read below.
    AngelsWin.com: When did you become a baseball fan, and a fan of Shohei Ohtani? Was it in Japan or after he signed with the Angels and you watched him play in the states?
    Pikichin: It was when I saw him play in the US. I had heard about his successes, but I was just rooting for him and didn't have the passion to call myself a fan.
    AngelsWin.com: Was it a particular game or play that stood out for you by Ohtani that really made you a big fan of us?
    Pikichin: The first game I watched was on July 26, the day Ohtani san was pitching. I was waiting for him to appear at the front of the bullpen, so the first time I saw him was about 3 meters away. I knew he was a great player, so I left it at that. I was amazed at his height, style, small face, and long legs. I was also surprised to see the cheers from the local fans when he appeared in the bullpen. After that, I was able to see Ohtani san a pitcher and hitter, in person, I was able to see him hit a home run, and I became more and more of a fan when I saw him being cheered on by not only the Angels fans, but also by the fans of the opposing team.
    AngelsWin.com: So, when did you decide it was time to go see Shohei Ohtani in the states? 
    Pikichin: It was June of 2021. I was in Africa at the time, but I saw the news of Ohtani san’s home run on my timeline on SNS every day, and I decided to go to the U.S. because I wanted to see a Japanese person active in the world with my own eyes.
    Due to the time difference, the game was played early in the morning Japan time, so I was impressed by the fact that many people said that their routine was to wake up in the morning and check for Ohtani san’s home run.
    Once I returned to Japan, I would have to go through a two-week self quarantine, and it would be difficult to go overseas again, so I decided to stop by the U.S. before going back to Japan.
    Also, if I was going to go there, I wanted to bring a sign to show my support, so I talked with my friends and followers and decided to bring a sign that said, "Ohtani san, I'll give you a gold medal.”  At the time, the Tokyo Olympics were being held in Japan, and the Japanese baseball team defeated the U.S. to win the gold medal. Although he was not a member of the Japanese national team, I wanted to give him a gold medal because he had done much better than winning a gold medal at the Olympics in MLB.
    AngelsWin.com: How much planning went into the trip?
    Pikichin: I took a one-way ticket from Kenya and planned to return in about two weeks. I bought a flight ticket to go back on August 2nd just after the home game ended, but I couldn't get the format for the PCR inspection required to enter Japan because it was Sunday.
    I was going to stay a few days longer and return home, but a friend in Japan gave me money for a flight ticket to Dallas to support Ohtani san, so I decided to stay longer and go to Dallas. After that, I went back to LA and went to Dodger Stadium, then back to Angel Stadium, and ended up staying there for a month.
    AngelsWin.com: How many games did you attend, and which stadiums did you see Ohtani play in?
    Pikichin: I watched 19 games.
    7/26-8/1 6 games @Angel Stadium
    8/2-8/4 3 games @Globe Life Field
    8/5-8/7 3 games @Doger Stadium
    8/10-15 7 games @Angel Stadium *10th is a double header
    I took a picture in front of the stadium every day. There are pictures in the tree of this tweet.
    AngelsWin.com: What was your favorite city and thing to do outside of watching Ohtani at the baseball park when you were in the states? 
    Pikichin: I did sight-seeing in each city. In Anaheim, I visited Disneyland and Adventure World. In LA, I went to Universal Studios Hollywood, the museum in downtown, Little Tokyo, The Little Bookstore, Huntington Beach, and Santa Monica.
    In Dallas, I dressed up as a cowgirl at the Stockyards and rode the Longhorn Cow.
    I've been to many places, but my favorite is Universal Studios. I went there with a girl who was a fan of Ohtani, whom I met at the ballpark and became friends with. It was much bigger than the Universal Studios in Japan, and there were many attractions that were very powerful, and I couldn't ride all of them, so I would like to go back again.
    AngelsWin.com: What was your most memorable game or moment by Ohtani that you witnessed live during your time in the states?
    Pikichin: I was able to see four home runs, No. 36-39. Hitting a home run is of course a difficult thing to do, but in Ohtani san's case, he hit the ball as if it was a normal hit, and it became a home run, which was impressive.
    When Ohtani-san batted, not only the Angels fans but also the fans of the opposing team cheered loudly, calling him MVP, and the whole stadium cheered for him; he is the pride of the Japanese people.
    AngelsWin.com: Were you able to meet any Angels fans and Ohtani fans from Japan? If so, tell us a little bit about those encounters. 
    Pikichin: When I'm watching the game by myself, fans around me call out to me. What does that sign say? When I explained that it said, "Ohtani san, I'll give you a gold medal.” Many fans complimented me, saying, "Cool! I love it!!” Also, since I was on the big monitors every day, I was often greeted with "I know you!”
    All the fans were kind to me, giving me foul balls and balls that the players threw to me in the inning.
    I was also approached by a woman who was a fan of Ohtani san at the ballpark, and we had dinner together after the game, and she took me to where I was staying, and we became good friends. When we went to Dodger Stadium to watch the game, we stayed in the same hotel room and also went to Universal Studios together.
    I also made friends with other local fans and watched the game with them on different days.
    The staff at the ballpark was also very kind. When I went to the customer center, they asked me about the medal I had around my neck and when I told them I was going to Dallas tomorrow to cheer for the team, they took me to the back room and gave me a giveaway sweatshirt from Ohtani san’s Rookie of the Year campaign!
    AngelsWin.com: What part of Ohtani’s game excites you the most? His hitting, pitching or base running?
    Pikichin: Hitting. The home run, which is easy for anyone to understand, attracts not only me but also many Japanese who are not so familiar with baseball.
    When Ohtani san hits a home run, the whole stadium cheers in unison, friend or foe, and it makes me very happy and excited to see that one Japanese person has excited many Americans.
    AngelsWin.com: Does Ohtani have a big following in Japan from baseball and non-baseball fans alike?
    Pikichin: Every day, there are reports on Japanese TV news that "Ohtani has hit a home run No. XX" and many sports programs feature him. Even Japanese people who are not baseball fans think that Ohtani is an amazing player. In fact, many of my followers were Japanese who were not interested in baseball, but I received replies from them saying, "Thanks to Pikichin, I know he is a great player," "I want to support him," and "I want to actually see him at the stadium.
    AngelsWin.com: What are the fans of his in Japan saying about his 2021 MVP season?
    Pikichin: This is the only "HOPE" for the Covid-19.
    In Japan, people are wondering, "How many people are infected today?" "It's increasing again..." However, since Ohtani san’s success, we have been hearing things like, "He hit his 40th home run today!! "How many more can he hit!?” The more Ohtani san plays, the more people smile under their face masks.
    AngelsWin.com: How many home runs do you think Ohtani will hit this season?
    Pikichin: 48 home runs!
    The Japanese media is featuring  50 of them.
    AngelsWin.com: Your favorite story that you heard of Ohtani from someone in Japan or in the United States that isn’t public knowledge?
    Pikichin: I heard a rumor that Ohtani san wanted to live in a house within walking distance to the stadium, but he gave up because the people around him were very much against it. I thought that's how much he loves baseball.
    I didn't hear any other stories about Ohtani san that hadn't been made public. I think his mysteriousness is one of the reasons for his popularity.
    I'm sure it's public knowledge, but here are some of my favorite episodes of Ohtani san that I saw at the ballpark. Many players drop their bats and elbow guards on the ground after getting a hit, but Ohtani san hands them to the ball boy. Ohtani san is polite enough to hand the bat to the ball boy with the handle facing the ball boy.
    If there is small trash on the ground, he picks it up and puts it in his pocket.
    He was happily chatting with Guerrero Jr. at first base as they battled for MVP.
    The day after the game was off, both Ohtani san and Ippei san had their hair cut, and I think they are really close to each other that they go out and go to the hair salon together even on their days off!
    AngelsWin.com: What do those who you talk to in Japan say about the Angels as a team in general? Do people realize that when Mike Trout is healthy the Angels will essentially have two of the best players in baseball on the same team in the entire world?
    Pikichin: "The Angels have Ohtani, so why are they weak?" they said. In Japanese sports news, after reporting on Ohtani san's success, they report that “Also the Angels lost the game”, so I often hear the word "Nao-e" on SNS. “Also the Angels lost the game." In Japanese, this is “Nao enzerusu ha siai ni yabureta”, the first three letters of which are Nao-e. This word is said to have originated from the phrase "Nao-ma" used to describe Ichiro.
    Japanese baseball fans know very little about players on teams that don't have Japanese players, so thanks to Ohtani san, Trout became known to them. After that, Japanese fans who learned about Trout's success. And said, "If Trout had been here, Angels might have won..." at games where the Angels lost!
    AngelsWin.com: Do you record the games Ohtani plays in while in Japan and watch them at a decent hour when you’re available, or do you watch them all live?
    Pikichin: If I'm awake, I watch the game live on a pay-per-view service that I'm subscribing to. When the game is at about 4:00 in the morning, I am asleep and watch the highlights that the service has put together.
    AngelsWin.com: Between Japanese professional baseball and Major League Baseball in the United States, what are some things that are quite different from your perspective? Both from the players and their talent, game play on the field and the atmosphere in the stands as a spectator?
    Pikichin: What surprised me the most was the number of couples and families in the audience. In Japan, many of the spectators at professional baseball games are men. Many people come after work, so there are a lot of men in suits, but I didn't see any men wearing suits in the MLB. Also, in Japan, the first base side is for the home team and the third base side is for the away team, but in the MLB, there is no such rule, so it was refreshing to see the people sitting next to me cheering for the enemy team.
    The way of cheering is also different. In Japanese professional baseball, people use musical instruments to cheer, so we can't hear the sound of the game, but in MLB, people cheer with their voices and applause, so we can hear the sound of hitting and see the game with a sense of realism.
    Also, the distance between us and the players is much closer in MLB. Angel Stadium, in particular, is very close to the field and there are no steps, so the fan service of the players is wonderful.
    In MLB, I think there are many ways to entertain the audience. There are many ways to entertain the audience, such as having a camera come to our seats and show us the game on a big monitor, singing "Take me to baseball" together, and everyone shouting along to Queen's squirrel.
    At Globe life field in Dallas, there are also events where mysterious three characters race and kids run to get the bases, which is fun and exciting for both kids and adults.
    AngelsWin.com: Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of your interest in Ohtani. What does Pikichin do for work, for fun and in your spare time?
    Pikichin: I was working in Rwanda in Africa last year. I loved Africa so much that I finally realized my dream of working in Africa, but I had to go back to Japan because of COVID-19, and my company decided not to do overseas business, so I resigned at the end of last year and am now unemployed. I had to leave Japan because of COVID-19 and my company decided not to do overseas business. Few months later, I had been traveling around Africa to look for a job because it was boring to stay at home all the time with covid-19 in Japan.
    I was planning to go back to Japan after traveling to Morocco, Egypt, Rwanda, and Kenya, but I decided to go to America to see Ohtani san hit a home run.
    My hobbies are traveling, SNS, and photography. The month I spent cheering for Ohtani was the best time for me to travel and take videos and photos of him and upload them to SNS. Normally, I was an African influencer posting information about Africa, but for the past month, I became an Ohtani san influencer and posted information about the charm of Ohtani san. 
    AngelsWin.com: Any big plans to visit again? What are some MLB stadiums that you hope to see Ohtani play in and states/cities that you hope to visit and go sightseeing in?
    Pikichin: I'd like to come back to the U.S. to manage an Angels Fan and Angels' official Japanese Twitter account, as I'm grateful for the real-time updates on Ohtani san's activities and what's going on at the ballpark. There are many Ohtani fans of all ages and demographics in Japan, and many of them are not good at English, so it would be great if I could make a career out of sending out information about him. 
    In terms of pure game watching, I would like to see a showdown with Darvish, who is as popular as Ohtani san in Japan. I would also like to watch a game at the Field of Dreams corn field stadium. It was covered on a TV show in Japan, and there was an interview with a man who looked for a home run ball that went into a corn field. I would like to find a home run ball in a corn field too. 
    Actually, I haven't traveled much in the U.S., so I would like to visit New York.
    AngelsWin.com: If you could hope for one thing for Shohei Ohtani this season (2021) and beyond this season, what would it be?
    Pikichin: I want him to win the MVP award this season.
    After that, I want him to stay injury free and continue to be active in the MLB, and continue to give hope to Japan, a country that has so much dark news.
  25. Chuck
    By Geoff Stoddart, AngelsWin.com Director of Social Media (better known as: @Spirit)
    In February of 2004, Chuck Richter, launched the AngelsWin.com site and community forum as a place for Angels fans from around the country and around the world to come and discuss not only the team they loved, but also a wide array of topics that interested them.  As the community grew, the forum became the go to place for Angels fans on the internet to call their home discuss their team.
    In the years that followed, two small websites became publicly available and changed the way the world interacted online.  Twitter in July 2006 and Facebook in September 2006. 
    It is impossible to overstate the immense impact both of these social media platforms have had on the world we live in.  At first, they appeared to be a pioneering leap forward in allowing people to connect and reconnect with others on the internet. Family members, long lost friends, sports heroes, entertainers and the list goes on.  People shared their photos, stories of their kids, animals, dates and jobs with anyone who was willing to follow them and give them a like.  It started off all so promising. 
    But like many things in life, too much of a good thing can often turn ugly.  Such has been the case with both Twitter and Facebook. 
    How many times have you logged onto one of these platforms looking for Angels news and/or discussions, only to find yourself having to weed through endless amounts of drama, politics and hate?  If you said, “every time,” then you’re being honest.
    As fans of the website slowly began transitioning over to the social media platforms, AngelsWin joined them.  We’ve had fun with discussions, memes, meltdowns and the like.  But over the last couple of years, we’ve seen interest wane.  People are getting tired of these internet cesspools.  And that’s caused something of a shift for our website.  What was old is suddenly becoming new again!  The AngelsWin community forum has continued to see a steady resurgence in activity. 
    So, why is this happening?  Why are people migrating back to a format that has been around since the 90’s?  Well, the answer is pretty simple.  They want to engage without having to weed through the madness.
    The AngelsWin community forum has everything you want from your ideal social media platforms.  A place for Angels baseball, a place for sports of all kinds, a place for politics, a place for general nonsense, and the list goes on.  But the great part about these forums is that they’re all separate from each other.  You don’t have to engage in a discussion about Ohtani’s recovery, while also having to read that someone thinks <insert politician’s name here> is a Nazi all the while getting a creepy or spam filled DM by strangers.
    There are other benefits too …
    ·        You can easily search for topics or posts from days, weeks or even months before. (Try doing that on Twitter or Facebook)
    ·        We don’t mine your data and sell it to horrible people who will do horrible things. (I’m looking at you, Facebook!)
    ·        AngelsWin contests and prizes
    ·        Fanfest events with former and current players
    ·        Intelligent discussion threads that are moderated to filter out and hide any trolling that would derail the topic or disrespect others. 
    ·        Angels live Gameday threads & chat with fans, as well as up to date prospect updates and in-game stat lines through the major and minor league season.
    ·        Full access to our members gallery to upload and share pictures, calendar to create events, private clubs to discuss topics in a group setting, a private messaging system & chat (coming soon).
    ·        Easily embed .Gifs just like on Twitter, upload images and videos, and we offer a full set of emoji's to share with the entire community. 
    ·        We have more than just the Facebook LIKE or Twitter Heart reaction. So take that! 
    ·        Our mobile experience is modern, responsive and rivals all the popular social media apps out there. 
    ·        We have exclusive High Definition video interviews with front office members, both active and former players, as well as our top minor league talent. 
    ·        Angels news quickly populated to our forum via an RSS feed from the OC Register, including interaction & Q&A with Angels' beat writer @Jeff Fletcher.
    ·        While user accounts are always free, an upgrade to our Premium Member status provides you with an ad free experience.
     So if you’ve never been to AngelsWin.com before, come give us a try!  And if you were a member who has fallen away, come give the site another look. We think you’ll be very happy with what you find! 
    The AngelsWin Community Forum … it’s new again!
     

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