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Chuck

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  1. Chuck
    Interview Conducted by Brian Waller, AngelsWin.com Feature Writer

    Intensity is something you can’t teach. It’s not a pitch you can practice in the bullpen; it’s not a flaw in your swing you can fix in the batting cages. It’s an intangible that doesn’t show in stat lines on the back of baseball cards. It’s a personality trait that is found in winners and leaders throughout baseball’s long history.
    Few men are more intense when it comes to the game of baseball then Larry Bowa. Bowa played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball, 12 of those seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. Fast feet, soft hands, a quick temper, and unlimited determination characterized Bowa's years as a player in which he was selected to five All-Star games and was the recipient of two Gold Glove awards. The pinnacle of Bowa’s playing career came in 1980 however when he, along with Mike Schmidt, Pete Rose and Steve Carlton beat the Kansas City Royals in the World Series bringing the Phillies their first ever championship. Bowa would go on to play another five seasons before retiring in 1985.   Rather than enjoy retirement, Bowa instead chose to begin a new chapter in his baseball career by becoming the manager of the San Diego Padres in 1987. Bowa’s time in San Diego would be brief however as he and the Padres parted ways in 1988. Following his departure from San Diego Bowa would go on to become one of the great third base coaches in recent history as he would man the coach's box for the Phillies, Angels and Mariners.   In 2001, Bowa became the manager of the Phillies and that same year was named the 2001 National League Manager of the Year. Bowa and the Phillies would part ways in 2004 but his time off would be brief, he again found himself in the third base coach’s box, this time for the Yankees and Dodgers.   After departing the Dodgers in 2010, Bowa became an analyst with the MLB Network. Bowa draws from his years of experience as a player, coach and manager to provide viewers with in-depth analysis like only he can. I was fortunate enough to speak with Bowa recently to get his thoughts on his time with the Halos, their chances this season, and the changes that have occurred in baseball since his playing days.   AngelsWin: Larry, On behalf of Angelswin.com I’d like to thank you for your time this afternoon; I know your schedule is very hectic with the 2012 season approaching. You’ve been associated with the game of baseball in numerous capacities throughout the years, Angel fans though will recall your time with the Halos as a third base coach from 1997-1999, can you talk briefly about your time with the Angels and speak of your fondest memory?   Bowa: I remember how enjoyable it was to go to the ballpark every day. The stadium is beautiful. I recall that at the time the crowds weren’t necessarily what they are today for the Angels (in terms of attendance) and when the Yankees came to town it almost seemed like it was an away game for us. The Angel fans were always great though. It was also great being there around the time that the young outfielders were coming into their own, Salmon, Edmonds and Anderson were outstanding young players and were a lot of fun to watch.   AngelsWin: When you were a coach with the Angels, was there one player that you specifically took under your wing as a mentor? If so who, and what did you see in them that made you do so?   Bowa: Not so much as a mentor, but I really enjoyed Gary Disarcina. He was a terrific player, had a blue collar mentality and came to the ball park to play every single day. He was really the glue that held that infield together and he always seemed to fly under the radar. He was one of my favorite players to coach and watch play on a daily basis. He was a gamer.   AngelsWin: We talked about your coaching days with the Angels, how about opposing the Angels? As a coach, who was the one player wearing a Halo’s uniform that you dreaded facing and why?   Bowa: (Laughs) that’s a good question; I have to think about that one. I do know this, the team we did not like facing when I was with the Angels was hands down the Yankees. It always seemed like we played them close but one thing or another would happen and we would end up losing the game. We always felt we played them close and had a chance to win but it didn’t always work out in our favor.   AngelsWin: What one word would you use to describe yourself as a player? How about as a manager/coach?   Bowa: Intense. I was always intense, from the time I got to the ballpark to when I left, both as a player and coach.   AngelsWin: Can you give us a little insight as to why you were so intense? Where does it stem from and when did it start?   Bowa: I’d say it started in high school. I was actually cut from my high school baseball team and I wasn’t drafted out of college either. I had to work twice as hard and when I played the game I never took anything for granted. I played every game; every out like it might be my last. I think that is where the intensity came from.   AngelsWin: After years of playing, coaching and managing, how is it being away from the field and sitting in a studio commentating on the game? Has it been a big adjustment for you?   Bowa: It hasn’t been really. I get paid to come to work every day and watch baseball and talk baseball. The MLB Network treats us really good here.   AngelsWin: Do you see yourself ever coaching or managing again?   Bowa: If the right situation came along yeah, I do. Like I said, I’m happy with where I am at now but if the right situation comes a long I would be interested.   AngelsWin: You’ve been associated with this game for decades. As a player, coach, manager and now as a commentator, what accomplishment are you most proud of?   Bowa: A personal goal that I am very proud of is getting 2,000 hits. As it pertains to the team, it would be winning a world series in 1980. There is no feeling that tops winning a World Series, I don’t care if you hit .350 in ten straight seasons, it doesn’t compare to being a champion. That is what I am most proud of, being a part of that (Philadelphia) Phillies team and winning the World Series.   AngelsWin: Has the game changed for the better since your playing days?   Bowa: I think so, yes. I am a fan of the playoff format change, it builds excitement in cities around the league and it gives teams incentive to win their division. I am a fan of instant replay as well, every other sport has it and I think baseball should have it too. It’s important to get the call right.   AngelsWin: Some say there has been a power shift in the American League, from the East to the West. Do you agree with that?   Bowa: The AL West is definitely stronger than it’s been in a while. Those two teams (Angels and Rangers) are both very good and I think who goes to the World Series comes down to a battle between those two teams. From top to bottom though I think the AL East still has more depth and better quality teams. I don’t think a lot of people realize how good the Toronto Blue Jays are going to be this seasons. That gives the AL East 4 very good teams (Yankees, Red Sox, Rays and Blue Jays).   AngelsWin: The Angels and Rangers have developed quite a rivalry recently which has made for competitive and entertaining games. If you could pick one game to watch, either the Yankees vs Red Sox or the Angels vs Rangers, which game would you pick?   Bowa: I don’t think you could go wrong picking either of them. For me, it comes down to the (pitching) match-ups. The Angels rotation is very impressive and they have the ability to throw an ace out there on a nightly basis. Again, it’s hard to choose one game so I will base my decision off of the pitching match-ups between the two teams.   AngelsWin: Who do you predict will meet in the 2012 World Series?   Bowa: That’s difficult to say right now, there are some very good teams right now. I see it coming down to the Rangers or Angels for the AL. The Angels rotation is just so strong. The one question mark I think the team has though is Jordan Walden. I think if he can improve on his control then he could easily roll of 45 saves. I also think Detroit (Tigers) are going to be a very good team this seasons as well. As far as the NL, I think it comes down to the (Philadelphia) Phillies and the (St. Louis) Cardinals with the (San Francisco) Giants not far behind.   AngelsWin: Final question, I have got to know something. From a coach and player perspective, what did the team think of the late 1990’s Angels uniform? Were you guys a fan of the winged “A” and the periwinkle blue?   Bowa: (Laughs) You know, they weren’t that bad. I will say this though; they aren’t nearly as sharp as the Angels uniform today. The uniforms today are really nice.   AngelsWin: Again, I just wanted to thank you for your time today Larry. You’ve provided us with some good insight on a lot of different topics. Angelswin.com really appreciates it.   Bowa: It was my pleasure. I hope you guys enjoy the season.   One thing became clear to me while I was speaking with Larry Bowa, the passion he has for the game of baseball hasn’t diminished since he became a commentator. When speaking about the game, Bowa is very sincere and the intensity that he displayed on the field for decades now manifests itself in the form of debating baseball topics. It wasn’t necessarily an interview but more two people just talking baseball. It was truly a pleasure speaking with a man that has accomplished so much in the game of baseball.   *Larry Bowa can be seen regularly on MLB Hot Stove, MLB Tonight and 30 Clubs in 30 Days on the MLB Network.
  2. Chuck
    By Jonathan Northrop, AngelsWin.com Columnist
    @Dochalo's discussion about the "most important player" sent me down another line of thought, in terms of how to consider the team players in terms of their potential impact on the 2022 season. I didn't offer a serious answer in that thread because I couldn't answer it seriously without mentioning the one player that the good doctor asked us not to mention (Mike Trout). Very simply, the importance of a player really comes down to their potential contribution to the team. Meaning, the most important player is the best player; the second most important player, is the second best player, etc. You can adjust this for the depth behind that player, but as a general rule, that ordering holds true.
    How to rank the players in this regard? Obviously the easiest way to do so would be via WAR, although one could argue that pitchers should be adjusted upward somewhat. To illustrate this, imagine you could choose for either Anthony Rendon or Noah Syndergaard to have a 4 WAR season in 2022. Who would you choose? 4 wins are 4 wins, regardless of how you come by them, right? The answer should be "Noah Syndergaard" without too much thought, in my opinion. If Syndergaard produces a 4 WAR season it means he was relatively healthy and close to his peak level, or at least his almost-peak level of 2018-19. If Rendon has a 4 WAR, it means he was OK, but far from his peak level. One could argue that both produce the same value, but I think a Syndergaardian 4 WAR season is more important to the team's success than a Rendonian 4 WAR season.
    On the the other hand, Rendon's potential impact on the team is arguably greater because there's a solid possibility he performs well above 4 WAR, his last full season being his best, with 7 WAR in 2019. 
    But the point is, while WAR gives us our best easy baseline, it isn't only about WAR, or at least we can't divorce WAR from context. Potential replacements matter. For instance, imagine if Max Stassi goes out with an injury: the Angels are left with the catching options of Suzuki, Romine, Wallach, and Thaiss. Meaning, there is a huge gulf between Stassi and the rest of the pack, who are all various shades of mediocre back-up options. On the other hand, because Stassi's potential contribution is far less than, say, Anthony Rendon's, he's not as important to the Angels in 2022 (that is, having to swap out Rendon for a replacement level player is far more devastating to the team than swapping out Stassi).
    Let's consider the team in tiers of relative importance:
    Tier One (Key Players): Trout and Ohtani
    These two are arguably the two best players in major league baseball, and certainly the duo with the highest potential. There's even a far-from-non-existent chance that they finish 1st and 2nd in WAR in 2022. If that seems crazy, consider that Ohtani led the majors in overall WAR in 2021, and Trout led it in his last full season in 2019 (and a bunch of years before that). An Ohtani repeat of 2021 (8.1 WAR) and Trout even just going back to his 2019 (8.4 WAR) gives the Angels 16.5 WAR from just two players. To put that in context, here are the best team duos over the last decade (16+ WAR duos in bold) :
    2021: Phillies - Harper and Wheeler 13.9
    2020: Padres - Tatis and Machado 5.5 (projected to 14.9 over 162 games)
    2019: Astros - Bregman and Cole 15.8
    2018: Red Sox - Betts and Sale 16.6; also Indians - Ramirez and Lindor 15.8
    2017: Indians - Kluber and Ramirez 13.8; also Nationals - Rendon and Scherzer 13.4
    2016: Red Sox - Betts and Bradley Jr 13.6; also Angels - Trout and Shoemaker 13.4 (note: they were second the best duo, despite Shoemaker ranking 81st in combined WAR...Trout was just that good)
    2015: Nationals - Harper and Scherzer 16.2
    2014: Dodgers - Kershaw and Puig 13.9
    2013: Cardinals - Molina and Carpenter 15.0
    2012: Tigers - Cabrera and Verlander 14.1
    2011: Red Sox - Ellsbury and Pedroia 17.4; also Dodgers - Kemp and Kershaw 16.1
    In other words, there are only four pairs of team-mates over the last ten full seasons who surpassed 16.0 WAR. That's 4 out of 300 teams (10 years x 30 teams), or 1 out of 75 teams (or 1 ever 2.5 years), or 1.33%.
    So while Doc said "anyone but Trout," this angle on the question really requires mentioning him, and pairing him with Ohtani. No players are as important to the team's success in 2022, and it isn't all that close. The questions around them both are similar:
    Can Trout stay healthy and, if so, will he return to his peak level of performance and, if so, will he be the "super-dooper great Trout" of 2012-13, 15-16, and 18--five seasons in which he reached 9.3 WAR or higher and averaged 9.8--or merely the "garden variety great" Trout of 2014 and 19, when he had 8.3 and 8.4 WAR, respectively?
    Can Ohtani stay healthy and repeat 2021 (8.1 WAR) or even, dare I hope, improve upon it and reach 9 WAR total? While that might seem greedy, consider that all you have to do to get Ohtani to 9 WAR is increase his BABIP a bit closer to his 2018-19 levels and add a few more innings. In other words, you don't even have to make him prove, just add a bit of luck and adjust his innings upward a touch, as is likely to happen.
    Meaning, looking only at these two players yield a wide range of potential outcomes. Trout at his very best and even just minor improvement from Ohtani could yield 18 WAR, which would be the best combined performance of the last decade. In fact, to find an 18 WAR pair of team-mates, you have to go back to Barry Bonds who, with his 11.9 WAR, combined with Jason Schmidt for 18.5 in 2004.
    On the other hand, disaster is also possible. I don't want to describe it, but you can use your imagination. But the key point is that there are reasonable scenarios--based upon the last four or five seasons of performances--in which these two players produce anything from 5 to 18 WAR. Where they end up on that spectrum will be the most important factor in how good the Angels are in 2022.
    Tier Two: Other Key Players - Rendon and Syndergaard
    We could do a similar chart to the above, but Dynamic Trios, adding Rendon into the mix. Taking their last healthy full seasons yields 23.1 WAR (Trout 8.4 in 2019, Ohtani 8.1 in 2021, Rendon 7.0 in 2019). That's a big ask--not only hoping that they're all healthy, but all performing at or close to their best. But it is possible, especially when you consider it is just combining their best performances from the last three seasons. Or to put another way, all three have exhibited a superstar caliber of performance within the last two seasons: Rendon in 2020, Trout in 2020-21, Ohtani in 2021. All that needs to happen is that they stay relatively healthy. Given recent history, that's easier said than done, but certainly not impossible - and maybe not even all that unlikely (if we emphasize "relatively").
    To put that 23.1 WAR in context, the last time a trio of team-mates produced that high a combined total was the Red Sox in 2011, when Ellsbury (9.5), Pedroia (7.9) and Adrian Gonzalez (6.2) combined for 23.6 WAR.
    As a more reasonable benchmark, if these three produce 20 WAR, the team is in great shape. That could be something like Trout 8, Ohtani 7, Rendon 5: all below their best, but good enough to mean good news (i.e. mostly healthy and playing well). 20 WAR trios happen somewhat frequently, but generally mean the best trio in the majors. The last trio to do so was the Astros in 2019, with Bregman (8.4), Cole 7.4), and Springer (6.4) combining for 22.2.
    Or we could consider 400 total games played as an over/under for the team having a legit shot at the playoffs. Meaning, if by year's end those three combine for 400 or more games, chances are the Angels were, at least, still legit contenders in September.
    I include Syndergaard with Rendon not because I think he's capable of Rendon's potential impact (6+ WAR), but because a healthy season from him gives the Angels a legit #2 or better starter, something they haven't had in years (although Ohtani was close in 2021, but just lacked the innings). We probably shouldn't even hope that "Thor" reclaims peak year of 2016 (6.0 WAR), but a return to 2018-19 (4.2 and 4.3) would give the Angels their first 4 WAR starting pitcher since Garret Richards in 2014 (4.3). They haven't had a 5 WAR starter since 2011, when both Dan Haren and Jered Weaver surpassed that number.
    With both Rendon and Syndergaard, it isn't all-or-nothing. Even reduced performances from them, say 5 WAR from Rendon and 3 WAR from Syndergaard, greatly benefits the team.
    Tier Three: Very Important Players - Sandoval, Suarez, Fletcher, Stassi, Iglesias
    Here we have a group of players whose performance is very important to the team's outlook, but less so than the above quartet. Our eyes will be on Sandoval and Suarez to see if they can build upon 2021 with, if not improvement in quality, at least more quantity (that is, innings). Both performed as middle-of-the-rotation starters, but just in limited innings. If you get them both to qualifying innings (162 IP) at last year's performance level, Sandoval is at 2.8 and Suarez 2.1 WAR. Meaning, a solid #3 and a good #4. 
    Who is the real David Fletcher? The guy who produced 6.5 WAR in his first 283 games, averaging 3.7 per 162 games played, or the mess of a player we saw in 2021, with 0.3 WAR in 157 games? We can hope that we see at least something closer to the former, as the middle infield without the good (or, at least, better than replacement) version of Fletcher is a big weakness in the lineup. The Angels are already potentially carrying the shortstop position in 2022--unless someone emerges from the bag of mixed infielder nuts that is Luis Rengifo, Matt Duffy, Tyler Wade, Andrew Velazquez, Michael Stefanic, and Brendon Davis. Even a solid 2-3 WAR Fletcher would go a long way to stabilize 1/9th of the lineup.
    As mentioned in the intro, the gap between Stassi and the rest of the catching options is enormous. Out of 56 catchers with at least 200 PA over the 2020-21 span, Stassi has quietly been 10th in overall WAR with 3.6. More tellingly, everyone above him on that list has more playing time. If a healthy Stassi means 3 WAR or so, there is no internal option that is likely to produce better than replacement level production, with the lone possible exception being Matt Thaiss, but who is likely to start the year in AAA to work on his catching skills and is buried behind Suzuki, Romine, and possibly Wallach on the depth chart.
    Finally, Iglesias. Of all the players mentioned so far, he both has the fewest questions and also the lowest impact in terms of WAR. But this is also where WAR as a singular barometer breaks down a bit. 2021 was his best year by WAR at 2.0 (though he's had three seasons in the 1.4 to 1.9 range, and was on pace for about 2.5 in 2020), so even if he falls back to his 2019 level of 1.2, we're only talking about a 0.8 loss, far less than the potential loss of an injured Stassi or the 2020 version of Fletcher (both 2-3 WAR). But we cannot understate the psychological importance of having a reliable stopper in the bullpen.
    As an aside to illustrate the importance of relievers, some people like to say wins are wins, no matter when they occur in the season, just as runs are runs, no matter when they occur in the game. But what is true for both, and especially true within the context of a game, is that there's a huge difference between being down 3-2 in the 2nd inning and 3-2 in the 9th. In the former, you have tons of opportunities to make up that one run, while in the latter, just one more chance. Or, conversely--and more relevant to Iglesias--being up 3-2 in the 2nd vs 3-2 in the 9th. This further points to the limitations of WAR in terms of the valuation of relievers.
    Regardless, thankfully this year Raisel will have more help, but he's still a very important player for the Angels in 2022.
    Tier Four: Important but not Crucial - Marsh, Adell, Walsh, Lorenzen, Barria, Canning, Loup
    It is not that these guys aren't important, just less so than the first three tiers. Marsh and Adell are very important for the team's future, but really only need to hold their own in 2022, at least unless two of the three key trio goes down. I'd argue that Marsh gets the edge over Adell, because of his defensive utility.
    Similarly with Walsh who, along with Stassi and Fletcher, only really need to produce more of the same. As nice as his breakout over the last year and change has been, it wouldn't be terribly devastating to lose Walsh's 2.8 WAR at 1B: Matt Thaiss could probably re-produce at least half that, not to mention Stefanic or Davis, or even Upton.
    Lorenzen is in a similar category as Marsh and Adell in that his importance is more about what he could add rather than what he must add. Obviously every starter is important, but one could argue that a 2022 season that sees Lorenzen return to the bullpen is good news for the Angels, as it would mean that the younger starters (e.g. Detmers, Daniel, Canning) emerged to take his place. But Lorenzen is also a player who could be a stealth contributor, whether as a solid starter, good reliever, or hybrid. 
    With Barria, the Angels just need vaguely decent innings out of the 6th spot in the rotation. He doesn't have to make a surprise emergence, just be decent enough to pile up much-needed innings. I would put Canning in a similar category, that he either needs to pitch a quantity of vaguely decent innings or needs to be solid when he returns from injury to give the rotation a bit of help.
    After Iglesias, Loup is the highest upside reliever in the bullpen, and the best candidate to form a strong duo of relievers, something the Angels desperately need. But if he isn't as good as he was in 2021, there are other candidates who could potentially fill his shoes as second fiddle to Raisel. Arguably both Ryan Tepera and Mike Mayers should be in this category, but I wanted to rank them lower than Iglesias and Loup, so put them in tier five.
    Tier Five: Worth mentioning but not as important - Upton, Ward, Rengifo-Wade-Duffy-Stefanic-Davis, Suzuki, Mayers, Tepera, Warren, Buttrey, Daniel, Thaiss, Bachman, etc.
    I won't go through these guys individually, because any one of their individual performances is less importance than that, as a group of depth, bench, and role-players, they are vaguely decent. Or rather, that a bunch of them are decent. The importance of depth is crucial: not that they need to be really good, but that they need to be adequate and in quantity. In a way, it is not as much that you win because of your depth, but that you lose when you lack it.
    Players like Daniel, Thaiss and Bachman shouldn't be relied upon to contribute much in 2022, whether because they're far down the depth chart (Thaiss) or they are unlikely to be ready sooner than late in the season at the earliest (Daniel and Bachman). But they are all players who could have an impact, if they both get an opportunity and make good of it. Meaning, I mention someone like Bachman not because of what he needs to bring, but because of what he could add to the team.
    Here is a list of players from tier 4 and 5 who are the "swingiest" in terms of being able to be significant contributors
    Brandon Marsh Jo Adell Michael Lorenzen Taylor Ward Mike Mayers As I implied above, the pressure is only minor to moderate on Brandon Marsh and Jo Adell: all they really need to do is continue to improve at a modest pace, building upon their "semi-breakthroughs" in 2021. As I and others have mentioned, despite being a below average offensive contributor (86 wRC+) in 2021, Marsh produced 1.0 WAR in 70 games, which is a pace of 2.3 over 162 games. Meaning, he could make a significant impact if he continues as is defensively and on the base-paths, and just reaches average with the bat: A 100 wRC+ over 140 games could yield 3-4 WAR.
    Similarly with Adell: continued improvement with the bat and approaching adequate defense makes him a solid regular. It is not hard to imagine that 90 wRC+ reaching 110 in 2022.
    Michael Lorenzen is a bit of a lottery pick, but is a candidate to put together smatterings of what he's done in the past. He's the type of player who might not attract much notice during the season but, when all is said and done, could add 2-3 WAR through some combination of starting, relief, and even a few at-bats.
    Taylor Ward: the misbegotten child. As much as he's been seen as both a drafting guffaw and no more than organizational depth, he actually hit pretty well last year (.250/.332/.438, 111 wRC+). While he was sub-par in the outfield, he was at least a warm body. I'm starting to Brian Goodwin vibes. Goodwin was a clean peanut pick-up who procued a 106 wRC+ and 1.7 WAR in 136 games in 2019. That is really only a mediocre regular, but it is the type of player you want as depth. Meaning, Ward is a player who could become important if one or both of Adell or Marsh struggle and/or Upton doesn't bounce-back.
    Finally, Mike Mayers. While 2021 seemed like a disappointment after his breakout 2020, which saw him with a 2.10 ERA and 1.0 WAR in 30 IP, he was still solid (0.7 WAR, 3.84 ERA in 75 IP). A middle-ground between those two performances could make him the third best reliever in a good bullpen.
    Honorable Mention: Ty Buttrey. While the Angels aren't relying upon him, if his returned interest in baseball also means a return to 2018-19 performance, all of a sudden the Angels bullpen isn't just good, but deep and strong. 
    Conclusion: The List
    Alright, I'll take a stab at arranging these in order of importance. 
    Mike Trout  Shohei Ohtani  Noah Syndergaard  Anthony Rendon  Patrick Sandoval  Max Stassi  David Fletcher  Raisel Iglesias  Jose Suarez  Brandon Marsh  Joe Adell  Aaron Loup  Jared Walsh Michael Lorenzen  Jaime Barria  One of Luis Rengifo, Matt Duffy, Tyler Wade, Andrew Velazquez, Michael Stefanic, Brendon Davis*  Ryan Tepera  Mike Mayers Justin Upton Austin Warren Taylor Ward Ty Buttrey Sam Bachman Matt Thaiss Davis Daniel A bunch of other guys in the high minors Or something like that. The higher up the list, the more important the player's performance is to the team's overall success.
    *Quick note: I struggled with how to rank these guys. Taken as a single player, none of them are all that important because they come in quantity, but it is pretty important that one of them is at least decent.
  3. Chuck
    Leading Trading Card Company Kicks off 2022 Baseball Card Season with Annual Set

    (New York, NY, February 8, 2022) – The Topps® Company, a leader in sports and entertainment trading cards and a part of Fanatics Collectibles, today announced the launch of its annual, highly anticipated 2022 Series 1 Collection to welcome back the official start of this year’s baseball card season, and to continue its rich heritage in trading cards.
    Available starting on February 16, and boasting a brand-new bordered base card design, the 2022 Series 1 Collection features a 330-card base set including modern day stars, rookies who debuted during the 2021 season, 2021 league leaders, and team cards. Reigning AL MVP Shohei Ohtani, who was voted card number one in the checklist by fans, is doing double duty as this year’s cover athlete, being shown both pitching and hitting on the box and pack wraps. This year, a new wave of young talent including Wander Franco, Jarren Duran and Luis Gil will receive their first Rookie Cards. Collectors can also look for autographs and game-used memorabilia cards featuring Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, Fernando Tatis Jr., and more.
    Angels fans, here's what the Mike Trout card will look like. 

    Here's Topps autographed Baseball Stars card of Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani.

    “We’re thrilled to deliver another Series 1 collection signifying the start of baseball card season.,” said David Leiner, VP of Global Sports and Entertainment at Topps. “Over the last 71 years of producing baseball cards, we have welcomed collectors and fans of all ages to our Topps family each year, and we’re proud to honor another season of baseball cards with memorable moments, rookie players and groundbreaking all-stars as we continue our commitment to bringing fans closer to their favorite athletes.”
    Within the collection, fans should also look for base card parallels sequentially numbered from 2022 all the way to unique 1/1 cards, along with insert sets including Generation NOW, Diamond Greats Die Cuts and Flashiest Fleet. Topps also honors the 35th anniversary of its iconic 1987 woodgrain design, which makes its return in 2022 Topps Series 1 Baseball featuring current stars and legends of the game.  The Home Run Challenge is back for another year where collectors can rip, flip and predict which MLB Superstars will hit a homerun, all for a chance to win special cards and tickets to the 2023 MLB Home Run Derby.
    2022 Topps Series 1 Baseball will be available online at Topps.com and in local hobby shops and retailers starting February 16th. In addition, Topps will host its first-ever Series 1 Premiere Party on Tuesday, February 15 in Los Angeles, providing guests with an exclusive look at this year’s collection in celebration of its release.
    For more information on Topps collectibles and offerings, please visit Topps.com
    View the full article
  4. Chuck
    He's a hometown home run! Celebrate the roots of the Halos' one-of-a-kind two-way player from Japan to L.A. with this Shohei Ohtani Los Angeles Angels Hometown Bobblehead from FOCO! This exclusive from FOCO portrays Ohtani wearing his gameday uniform in a swinging action pose, ready to launch another blast over the fence. He stands atop a Japanese inspired base that captures some of the elements from his hometown of Ōshū. The Japanese flag stands proud on the back of the bobble, while the base also includes rice paddy fields, with a picture of Shohei and text that says SHO-TIME. Front and center is Shohei’s name in Japanese to make sure nobody forgets who the face of the MLB is.
    The bobble is limited to just 521 individually-numbered units and retails for $60. Each unit stands approximately 8 inches tall and is handcrafted, and hand painted so no detail goes overlooked. So don’t miss your chance to get your hands on the Shohei Ohtani Los Angeles Angels Hometown Bobblehead for your Angels collection! While you’re visiting FOCO, make sure to check out the rest of their Los Angeles Angels Collection!
      
     
  5. Chuck
    SHOHEI OHTANI NAMED 2021 AMERICAN LEAGUE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
    First unanimous A.L. MVP since Mike Trout in 2014
    ANAHEIM – Angels RHP/DH Shohei Ohtani today was named the 2021 American League Most Valuable Player in an announcement made by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA). It marks the first career A.L. MVP award for Ohtani, who previously won the 2016 Most Valuable Player Award in Nippon Professional Baseball’s Pacific League.
    Ohtani garnered all 30 first place votes for a total of 420 points in the balloting process, 151 points ahead of second place finisher Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays (269 points). Ohtani becomes just the 19th unanimous winner of a BBWAA MVP Award (11th in A.L. history) and the first since Bryce Harper won N.L. MVP honors in 2015. He becomes the second Japanese-born player to receive MVP honors in the Major Leagues, joining Ichiro Suzuki (2001). Additionally, he is just the third starting pitcher to win A.L. MVP in the last 50 years, following Roger Clemens (1986) and Justin Verlander (2011).
    The 27-year-old captures the Angels sixth MVP award in franchise history, following Don Baylor (1979), Vladimir Guerrero (2004) and Mike Trout (2014, 2016 & 2019). The Angels are the first team to win four MVP awards in an eight-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 Texas Rangers with Juan González (1996, 1998), Iván Rodríguez (1999) and Alex Rodriguez (2003).
    As a hitter, Ohtani ranked in the Top 10 in the American League in triples (8; 1st), extra-base hits (80; 2nd), slugging (.592; 2nd), OPS (.965; 2nd), home runs (46; 3rd), walks (96; 3rd), total bases (318; T4th), stolen bases (26; 5th), OBP (.372; 5th) and runs scored (103; 8th). On the mound, he went 9-2 with a 3.18 ERA (130.1 IP – 46 ER) and 156 strikeouts in 23 starts, while holding opponents to a .207 average (98/473). He led the Majors with a 9.1 bWAR and became the first player in MLB history to record 10+ HR as a hitter and 100+ strikeouts as a pitcher in the same season.
    This summer, Ohtani became the first MLB player to ever be selected to the All-Star Game as both a pitcher and position player and started the game as both the A.L. starting pitcher and designated hitter. Additionally, he was named the American League Player of the Month for both June and July, becoming the first player to win consecutive A.L. Player of the Month Awards since Josh Hamilton (April/May 2012).
    THE HITTER - Ranked in Top 10 in the American League in triples (8; 1st), extra-base hits (80; 2 nd), slugging (.592; 2nd), OPS (.965; 2nd), home runs (46; 3rd), walks (96; 3rd), total bases (318; T4 th), stolen bases (26; 5 th), OBP (.372; 5 th) and runs scored (103; 8th). One of two players in American League history with 45+ HR and 25+ SB in a season, joining Jose Canseco (1998). One of six players in American League history with 45+ HR and 8+ triples in a season, joining Hall of Famers Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Jimmie Foxx and Jim Rice. Led the Majors with 25 home runs with a 110+ MPH exit velocity. Established new single-season home run record for a Japanese-born player (previously 31 by Hideki Matsui in 2004)
    THE PITCHER - Opponents batted .087 (11/127) against his splitter; lowest batting average for any pitch in the Majors (min. 110 PA)  Allowed two-or-fewer runs in 17 of 23 starts…Took seven no-decisions in starts with 5+ IP and two-or-fewer runs allowed. Led American League with a .818 winning percentage, ranked third with a .207 opponent batting average, was fifth with 10.77 strikeouts per nine innings and ranked 10th with a 28.9% swing and miss rate (min. 125 IP). Was one of four A.L. starting pitchers to reach 100+ MPH with at least 11 pitches this season. Went 6-0 with a 1.95 ERA (78.1 IP – 17 ER) and 93 strikeouts in 13 home starts
    TWO-WAY - Made 14 pitching starts while also holding at least a share of the Major League home run lead o First pitcher to make multiple pitching starts in a season while leading Majors in home runs since Babe Ruth (1919).  First player in MLB history to record 10+ HR as a hitter and 100+ strikeouts as a pitcher in the same season. First player in MLB history with 20+ stolen bases and 10+ pitching appearances in the same season. Batted for himself in 20 of 23 pitching starts; first pitcher ever to hit for himself 3+ times in games where a DH is available
    ALL-STAR - First MLB player to ever be selected to the All-Star Game as both a pitcher and position player. Started the All-Star Game as both the A.L. starting pitcher and starting DH o Earned the win for the A.L. after working a perfect 1st inning. Competed in the Home Run Derby and totaled 28 home runs, including six 500+ ft. HR (most in the Statcast era)
    AWARDS - American League Most Valuable Player. Commissioner’s Historic Achievement Award. Silver Slugger Award. Players Choice Awards: Player of the Year & A.L. Outstanding Player. Sporting News MLB Player of the Year, Baseball America MLB Player of the Year & Baseball Digest MLB Player of the Year. Two-time American League Player of the Month – June & July. Two-time American League Player of the Week – June 14 – June 20 & June 28 - July 4. ESPY Award – Best MLB Player. TIME Magazine 100 Most Influential People in the World. Angels Most Valuable Player & Nick Adenhart Award

    Statements from Mike Trout, Joe Maddon and Perry Minasian:
    Angels OF Mike Trout – “Shohei’s season was nothing short of electric. At times, I felt like I was back in Little League. To watch a player throw eight innings, hit a home run, steal a base and then go play right field was incredible. What impresses me the most about him though, is the way he carries himself both on and off the field. With so much on his plate daily, he still manages to do it with a smile. Congratulations Shohei!”
    Angels Manager Joe Maddon – “Shohei came to the States to play among the best on both sides of the ball and he accomplished that mission on the highest level. Knowing him, this award is going to serve as motivation to exceed his previous accomplishments. I cannot wait to watch how his game helps push us to our goal of playing in the last game of the season and winning it. Congratulations to Shohei and his entire family on this special honor.”
    Angels General Manager Perry Minasian – “Shohei had an outstanding season and his talent speaks for itself. It was a privilege watching him on the field on a daily basis, as well as seeing his commitment to improving his craft. He is a great teammate, works incredibly hard on every aspect of the game and this award is very well deserved.”
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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?
     
  9. Chuck
    Interview conducted by David Saltzer and Tres Hefter 
    Who doesn’t like a blue-collar player? A scrapper. A grinder. The kind of player who leaves it all out there on the field and doesn’t get cheated in an at bat.
    Players like that quickly become fan favorites. They make the team better than their individual stats suggest. Fans connect with them because in many cases, that’s the kind of player they wish that they could be.
    In David Fletcher, the Angels have one of the best blue-collar players in the game right now. He is one of the toughest outs at the plate. He plays great defense at multiple positions. He leads off the game and sets the table for the heart of the order. He doesn’t strikeout often and gives his all on every play. He makes the Angels a better team whenever he is in the lineup.
    We recently had the opportunity to sit down with David Fletcher to talk to him about the 2021 season, his thoughts on baseball in general, and life off of the field. We asked questions from fans that we received on our website, www.angelswin.com, Facebook, Twitter, and from our panel of writers. Along the way we talked about his 26-game hit streak (2nd longest in Angels history and the longest in MLB this season), what it’s like to play for his hometown team, watching Ohtani’s spectacular season, who the best Angels poker players are, and what he’s seeing in the younger players that are making the team.
    David Saltzer: This is David Saltzer and Tres Hefter from AngelsWin.com speaking today with Angels’ infielder, David Fletcher. David, how are you doing today?
    David Fletcher: Doing great. How about you?
    David Saltzer: Doing great. Thank you for taking the time to talk to us. We’d like to talk a little bit about your season, about baseball in general, and then a little bit of life outside of the stadium.
     David Fletcher:  Perfect.
    David Saltzer: I’ll start with some questions about the season. Can you tell us a little bit about the season, how is went from your perspective?
    David Fletcher: Definitely, some ups and downs for us. You know, we had a lot of injuries, obviously. And yeah, I mean, so far, it’s been a little rough up and down, but we’re just going to finish strong and keep showing up to the field ready to win games.
    David Saltzer: In terms of your season this year, you started off a little slowly, and then you went on this amazing hit streak. What really changed for you , and what really clicked so that you were able to really go on that hit streak?
    David Fletcher: I think just, kind of, a natural ups and downs of the game, and just having my timing get a little better, kind of just being more—just being more right at the plate.
    David Saltzer: You know, at the time, your manager, Joe Maddon, was juggling you a little bit in the lineup. How does that affect you as a player to have that adjustment, and what are you trying to do in different spots in the lineup?
    David Fletcher: It doesn’t really affect me much. Pretty much take the same approach whether I’m leading off, hitting second, ninth, wherever. So, I mean, more than anything, just the situation of the game dictates my approach, not really where I’m hitting in the lineup; more so, where the runners are, the score of the game, who’s pitching, things like that.
    David Saltzer: When you were on the hit streak, how aware of it were you that, you know, every day, and what were you thinking as you were going through the hit streak?
    David Fletcher: Yeah, definitely aware of it, and it was exciting. And yeah, I definitely wanted to keep it going as long as I could. So, hopefully, I can start another one soon.
    David Saltzer: You know, you work the count really well; you have a good two-strike approach, stuff like that. Where did you really learn how to do that, and, you know, at the plate, what are you thinking when you’re battling like that?
    David Fletcher:  Yeah. I mean, I’ve always wanted to be a tough out at the plate. And ever since I was little, you know, don’t want to strike out, and wanted to put the ball in play and make it a tough at-bat for the pitcher. So yeah, I’m just up there. You know, when I get two strikes, battling and looking for a pitch I can hit hard and put in play. And that’s about it.
    David Saltzer: Who would you say are the toughest pitchers? And who would you say that you’ve faced, and, you know, what are some of the tricks that you had to try and battle with them?
    David Fletcher: Yeah, there’s a lot of good pitchers in the league. I mean, Gerrit Cole, the guy we recently faced, really good stuff, doesn’t make many mistakes, so you’ve got to, kind of, be ready to put the first pitch you get to hit in play. With him, like I said, just get a good pitch to hit and put it in play and hope for the best.
    David Saltzer: You know, this season, we’re watching something spectacular with the Angels with Shohei Ohtani. What are all the other players in the clubhouse thinking as they’re watching this? And what are you thinking watching what he’s accomplishing?
    David Fletcher: Yeah, I mean, he’s always had the ability to do this. It’s not anything new to any of us that have seen him play the last couple of years. It’s just, kind of, all come together a little bit this year for him on the mound and at the plate. And it’s pretty incredible to watch on a daily basis.
    David Saltzer: You know, lots of fans have, like, bets or things like as to what he can accomplish this season. I have a bet with my cousin that he’ll hit a certain number of home runs and so forth. Do you guys ever make bets or things about, like, what he can accomplish this season?
    David Fletcher: No. No bets and stuff like that. But, I mean, it’s pretty cool to see him pass some of these milestones and most home runs by a pitcher and most, you know, strikeouts and all these things. So, it’s just cool to be out there and watch it.
    David Saltzer: What’s the mood like in the clubhouse? And, like, when you get Trout—and, you know, we’ve seen Villar come back and stuff—what’s it like seeing some of these guys? And what does it do to the clubhouse when you get some of them back in the clubhouse to be there with you guys?
    David Fletcher: Yeah, it’s nice have them in there. It’ll be nice when we get a couple more of those guys healthy and back on the field. So, I’m just looking forward to that.
    David Saltzer: You know, now that you are one of the more seasoned players, what advice are you offering Marsh and Adell and players like that—some of the younger guys? And what are you seeing also in them and then also, some of the younger pitchers that are coming up?
    David Fletcher: Yeah, those guys have a ton of talent. I think for them it’s about, you know, taking good approaches and slowing the game down in big spots and, kind of, just the daily grind of the ups and downs and staying even keel.
    David Saltzer: Tres, do you want to take over?
    Tres Hefter: Yeah, absolutely. Hey, David. Thanks again for taking some time to talk with us. Good luck tonight at the game. My first question: you bounced around the field a little bit with the Angels. You’ve even seen some time in the outfield, and settled in pretty nicely at second base. Do you have a preference where you play or which position or which position you feel more comfortable at?
    David Fletcher: Honestly, I feel pretty comfortable, I mean, this year just playing second and short. But feel comfortable at both. I played short most of my life growing up through high school, college, minor leagues. So, always—always comfortable there, and obviously, played a ton of second base last couple of years. So yeah, I’m feeling good at second and also short.
    Tres Hefter: Great. Is there anywhere it’s been particularly challenging to play, especially, kind of, getting thrown right into the outfield?
    David Fletcher: I wouldn’t say the outfield was challenging, especially coming from the infield. It’s, kind of, a little easier to play out there but definitely different and took a little adjustment on the reading the balls off the bat. But I had fun playing out there in 2019.
    Tres Hefter: You know if you’re still the emergency catcher?
    David Fletcher: I don’t think I am; hopefully I’m not. But [laugh] I have to, I’ll go back there.
    Tres Hefter: Follow on that note, do you feel defensive shifting has taken away some of the reliance on instinct a little bit? Do you feel like shifting might be best limited or banned in the future?
    David Fletcher: That’s a tough question. I don’t think it should be banned or limited. I think it’s a good opportunity for hitters to take advantage of it if they choose to. I don’t think hitters take advantage of it enough. But yeah, I don’t think it’s a bad thing for the game. I don’t think it takes away from many instincts in the field. There’s still a lot of stuff that goes into it. So, I don’t think it should be banned.
    Tres Hefter: Thank you. You’ve now had three different managers in your time with the Angels. How has Joe Maddon impacted the clubhouse most? What’s been the most difference between the three?
    David Fletcher: Yeah, he was the same guy every day when he walks in. Always a positive attitude and a good relationship with all the players and good communicator. So, it’s nice to have him, kind of, be the same guy every day and lead us in that way.
    Tres Hefter: Great to hear. At what point in your career did it, kind of, dawn on you, like, “Holy Cow, I think I might actually make it to the majors.”? Did you ever have moments where you did things like look at your own baseball card or look at yourself in video games or check you baseball reference page and stuff like that?
    David Fletcher: What was the question? When it dawned on me that…?
    Tres Hefter: At what point, as you were coming up, that it, kind of, start to dawn on you that— “My God, I might actually make it.”?
    David Fletcher: I never put too much thought into it. Maybe A ball or maybe double A, started, kind of, climbing the ladder of the minor league and getting closer to the big leagues, so… But I always, kind of, was focused on where I was and just didn’t really put too much thought into the future. And obviously, wanted to play in the big leagues, and that was my ultimate goal. But it never really was showing up at the field every day thinking that.
    Tres Hefter: Right. I remember probably spring training around 2015 or 2016, you had a really great spring. I think that was the moment I, kind of, thought, “Man, this guy is going to make it,” and did.
    Tres Hefter: You proved me right, so thank you for that. [laugh] Feel good about that. How exactly have you been able to maintain such a contact-first approach in a game that’s become so centralized around these three true outcome-type players? Is that something that you’ve stuck with since you were little, and its just carried you this way? Or have you had to, kind of, fight to stay that way?
    David Fletcher: Yeah. It’s pretty natural for me. I, kind of, know what kind of player I am, and what I can bring. And then when the game starts, it’s just up there looking to win games and do what I can to help the team. So, it really doesn’t cross my mind very much at all.
    Tres Hefter: So, it’s comes naturally. But we had the opportunity to interview Rod Carew a couple months back, and he specifically called you out as far as what your skill set was and what it brought to the team and how much it vibed with the kind of baseball that he grew up playing, too. So, I just thought I’d pass that along. So, nice from a Hall of Famer.
    David Fletcher: For sure.
    Tres Hefter: Southern California brings a lot of baseball talent into this world, and you’re one of the luck ones that have been able to play for your home-town team. Are there any other guys that you grew up playing against or playing with that you’d like to face some day?
    David Fletcher: There’s a lot of guys in the big leagues right now that I grew up playing against or with. Ryan McMahon, Rio Ruiz, Ty France, JP Crawford, Thomas Eshelman, there’s a bunch of guys across the league that I grew up playing with or played against. A lot more than that, but those are just guys I can think about off the top of my head. But pretty cool to see southern California guys. And it’s, kind of, a small circle when end up looking at—you, kind of know everybody in some way or another. So, it is pretty cool to see.
    Tres Hefter: Did you know Jose Rojas at all when you all were coming up? Did you all play together when you were all young?
    David Fletcher: He’s the one guy that I didn’t play with or against. But obviously now, I get to talk to him a lot, and we know a lot of the same people, too.
    Tres Hefter:  Speaking of a little bit, how much do you keep in touch with your brother, Dominic? We saw him a few weeks ago at a minor league game here in Texas. I wonder if you all have ever had dreams of playing together, too?   
    David Fletcher: Oh, yeah; for sure. I talk to him all the time and check in with him, how his season’s going, and check on how he does every night. And yeah, it’s cool to see him doing well, and yeah, hopefully he can get up to the big leagues soon.
    Tres Hefter: Great. Wishing him the best, too. There was a cool moment a few days back where both Andrew and Austin Romine had a chance to play together in a game. And that, kind of, brings me back to another question about positional versatility. I think Andrew, a few years back, played every single position in a game. You ever have any dreams of doing that someday in your career?
    David Fletcher: Now that you bring it up, maybe. But not really [laugh]. Yeah, that’s a pretty cool thing that I’ve seen some people do.
    Tres Hefter: No problem. One last question before I turn it back over to Dave for his next round, Do you have any causes or charities that you particularly care about or support?
    David Fletcher: Yeah. We did some work with the Food Harvest in Orange County over the offseason getting some meals out to people in need, especially with Covid going on and affecting a lot of people. So, we’re working on some more things that’ll raise money for them in the offseason.
    Tres Hefter: Very cool. I’ve worked a few of those myself. Good to hear. Dave, I’m turning it back over to you. Thanks again, David.
    David Saltzer: Thanks, Tres. You know, Tres touched on it a little bit, you know, as a southern California player growing up with a team you’re rooting for, got to go and see and everything. What’s it like being that hometown success story?
    David Fletcher: Yeah, I didn’t realize it when I got drafted how lucky I was to actually get drafted by the Angels, the hometown team. But once I got to the big leagues, it was pretty special for me. And the other thing is getting to live at home year-round and, kind of, being in the same area and see all the fans. It’s definitely something I don’t take for granted.
    David Saltzer: What are some of your favorite go-to places in OC?
    David Fletcher: Oh, man—
    David Saltzer: Not, you know, like, not the people who are going to be, like, hanging out there for you, but I mean—
    David Fletcher: No, [laugh] huh. No—
    David Saltzer: —you like to see more, what were some of the places you grew up going to?
    David Fletcher: We go to the Irvine Spectrum every once in a while to eat and/or watch a movie. Yeah, not many one spots, but, kind of, hang out everywhere.
    David Saltzer: What would be a perfect day in the offseason for you, like, away from baseball, no baseball activity?
    David Fletcher: Oh. I’m not very exciting in the offseason; just, kind of, hang out with my wife and my dogs at home and maybe, go to the beach, something simple like that.
    David Saltzer: All right. Best burger in Orange County? What would you say?
    David Fletcher: In-N-Out burger.
    David Saltzer: Okay. So, if you bring out up In-N-Out, the Angel debate, are you a fan of the In-N-Out fries or not a fan of the In-N-Out fries?
    David Fletcher: Yes.
    David Saltzer: Let’s see. How aware are you of just how incredibly popular you are on social media? I mean, when we look at Twitter, and we look at all the Facebook posts, you know, fans just completely gravitate toward you because you’re such a, you know, scrappy, blue-collar, hard-working player. How aware are you of this, and what are some of the things that interactions you may have had that you find positive?
    David Fletcher: Yeah, it’s definitely cool for me to see all the fan support and kind of appreciation for the way I play the game, it’s really cool for me to see. And I’m really appreciative of that. And then there’s also some funny pictures and stuff that I’ve seen out there, definitely entertaining stuff.
    David Saltzer: So, you enjoy seeing some of that stuff?
    David Fletcher: Yeah, I’ve seen some funny ones [laugh].
    David Saltzer: Awesome. I heard you’re quite the poker player? Any poker tips you’ve got?
    David Fletcher: Oh, man. Yeah, I’ve been playing for a few years now, and I’ve a couple good friends that play professionally and got a chance to learn from them. So, it takes a lot of patience and studying and hard work. Definitely fun for me to do in the offseason, too.
    David Saltzer: You guys have a poker group in the Angels’ clubhouse?
    David Fletcher: Yeah, we play on the road every once in a while after games.
    David Saltzer: Who would you say is the toughest poker player on the team, and who bluffs the best?
    David Fletcher: Eww.  Ippei is a good poker player. Who bluffs the best? [pause] Not many good bluffers on our team. I have to go with myself on that one. [laugh] 
    David Saltzer: [laugh] Oh, we’ll tell the other guys on the team that. I’m sure every hand you had; you got the cards you need to win. We’ll tell them that, anyway. You know, a lot of players—you know, when you’re done with your baseball career, what would be a second career that you would’ve like to have done, other than, say, a baseball player?
    David Fletcher: Yeah, when I’m done playing, I definitely want to go into coaching, not sure what level, maybe college. But yeah, that’s something I definitely want to do when I’m done playing.
    David Saltzer: Well, speaking of coaching, what was it like in Cape Cod League, and would that be something you’d want to do?
    David Fletcher: Yeah, that was a great experience for me. Met a lot of people out there and definitely good for my baseball career getting to face that kind of pitching before getting drafted. Yeah, I played with a lot of good players out there and got some good coaching.
    David Saltzer: You’re my sons’ favorite player, so they wanted to know, you know, when you were younger, you know, what was your thought as yourself as a player and hitter. Like, where you trying to be more of a power hitter and then switched more towards contact. Or did you always want to see yourself as more of a use-the-whole-field type player?
    David Fletcher: I’ve always been the same player since I was six-years-old, probably. At the plate, I just want to get hits and get on base and make things happen. So, I’ve always, kind of, had the same approach.
    David Saltzer: Who did you emulate yourself most after, and who were favorite players growing up?
    David Fletcher: Yeah, when I was real young, it was David Eckstein. The way he played and hustled and got the most out of his abilities is definitely inspiring to me and modeled my game after him. And then Dustin Pedroia was another one, as I got a little older, that I loved to watch play a lot.
    David Saltzer: You know, fans always draw that comparison with you and Eckstein. The team just seems to play better with you in the lineup and you on the field. They seem to win more. Do the other players seem to notice that, and are you aware of that?
    David Fletcher: Of comparisons to—
    David Saltzer: That—you know, that you just—you know, some players have a greater contribution than just—it’s greater than the sum of the parts. That you may uplift the whole team in many ways in terms of the play, kind of, like, David Eckstein.
    David Fletcher: Yeah, I like to think that I, kind of, do a lot of little things well to win games. And I take a lot of pride in doing those things.
    David Saltzer: Last two questions. Number one: you’re just an all-around great and approachable, wonderful kind of person. And you doing interviews like this and so forth, you know, how have things changed from your perspective now that you’re, you know, more of an established player and, you know, more famous, new site, you’re going to be for years, has that changed your perspective on what you would like to do with Orange County and with the Angels?
    David Fletcher: Not really. I mean, I’ve always, since I came up, I, kind of, knew I wanted to play here for a long time. And definitely one of my goals is to play here the rest of my career. And that’s something that’s not easy to do, and I’ve a lot of work left to do to make that happen. But yeah, I definitely am happy to be here and excited that I’m going to be here for, definitely, a few more years.
    David Saltzer: Last question. What is one thing that you can share with fans about yourself that we may not really know? You know, something that you haven’t really gotten out there, you know, about you, your personality, or something like that, so that fans can have a better feel and understanding for you?
    David Fletcher: That’s a tough question. Probably I don’t like to talk too much about myself and pretty quiet person. Yeah, that’s probably something…
    David Saltzer: But you know, we really appreciate you taking the time. And, you know, as I said, fans really just absolutely adore everything that you do on the field, off the field. Really, thank you so much for your time. Tres?
    Tres Hefter: I was going to echo the same thoughts there, David. Thank you for everything. It’s been a joy being able to talk today, and thank you for all your contributions on the field; past, present, and future.
    David Fletcher: Thank you.
    Tres Hefter: Wishing you the best of luck.
    David Fletcher: Thanks, I appreciate it.
    David Saltzer: On behalf of Angels’ fans everywhere and AngelsWin.com, thank you so much for taking the time. We really appreciate it. We wish you the best of luck this season and going forward into the future.
    David Fletcher: No problem; thank you, guys.
  10. 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.
  11. Chuck
    Robinson Pina, RHP Tri-Cities Dust Devils
     
    By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist
    With the trade deadline now in the past and prospects on the move to the bigs, attention continues to turn towards some of the Angels breakout prospects; unexpected performance from once-prospects, 2021 draftees and trade returns making their debuts, players adjusting to new leagues and other names returning from injury...
    -- Pitchers--
    1) Robinson Pina – RHP, Tri-City A+:
    In the last two weeks, Robinson Pina was the hard luck loser in two of his three starts, but there was more than meets the eye, as the 6’4” righty struck out 28 hitters in 17.1 IP, almost half of the hitters he faced (62) in that time, continuing a resurgent summer following an erratic May which saw Pina walk 24 hitters in his first 15 innings. Since then, Pina has only walked 22 in his last 60 innings, and has flashed strong strikeout numbers along the way, whiffing 88. Pina also continued to limit opponents at the plate, as his .175 BAA is consistent with his season mark of .185 BAA. A late-season promotion to AA Rocket City isn’t out of the question, especially as Pina’s stuff could easily factor into the Angels bullpen as soon as late-2022, though it might be best the Angels continue developing him as a starter until no longer feasible.

    2021 (IE A/TRI A+): 3.48 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, .185 BAA with 46 BB, 107 K, 6 HR allowed in 75 IP in 16 GS
    2A, tied) Davis Daniel – RHP, Rocket City AA:
    Maybe AA won’t be a challenge either? The Angels 7th round selection from the 2019 draft continues to breeze through his first professional season, who has not missed a beat since being promoted at the start of July. In his last two starts for Rocket City, Daniel continued to dominate hitters with a fastball-heavy attack pounding the zone, striking out 21 and walking zero across 14 IP, while also holding hitters to a .213 BAA (10 hits) and 0.64 ERA (1 ER). Daniel isn’t Rule 5 eligible until December ’22 so the Angels have no need to rush him, but at this rate, Daniel could be in the running for bullpen innings before this season is even out.

    2021 (TRI A+/RCT AA): 2.47 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, .200 BAA with 25 BB, 100 K, 6 HR allowed in 72 IP in 14 GS
    2B, tied) Jhonathan Diaz – LHP, Rocket City AA:
    Matching Davis Daniel almost pitch-for-pitch from the other side of the mound is former Red Sox farmhand Jhonathan Diaz, who in his two starts (one of which was the rare complete game) struck out 16 and walked one in 16 IP, allowing two HR, 11 hits, and three ER (1.69 ERA), though he did also hit five hitters (!!!) in that span. Only 24, Diaz still has youth on his side and his strong performances through the year should garnish consideration for a bullpen audition as soon as this season, though the time he missed with injury could cause the Angels some hesitation. It will be interesting to see how he fits in the org’s future plans.

    2021 (RCT AA): 2.22 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, .210 BAA with 9 BB, 65 K, 4 HR allowed in 48.2 IP in 10 G/6 GS
     3) Cooper Criswell – RHP, Salt Lake City AAA:
    Just as Davis Daniel didn’t miss a beat in his promotion to AA, the same can be said for Cooper Criswell, whose first two starts with Salt Lake at AAA have been no different from his season’s performance in AA. In his first two starts at the minor’s highest level, Criswell has thrown 11 innings, struck out 14, walked 2, allowing 4 ER (3.27 ERA) and a .250 BAA. Criswell doesn’t have any overwhelming stuff, but he attacks the zone, keeps hitters guessing, and his approach has produced both this season and in the pre-COVID 2019 season. Now at AAA, Criswell’s pitchability will be put to the test. So far, so good.

    2021 (RCT AA/SLC AAA): 3.65 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, .247 BAA with 10 BB, 99 K, 10 HR allowed in 81.1 IP in 14 GS
    4) Adam Seminaris – LHP, Inland Empire A:
    Somewhere in the last two months, something clicked for Seminaris, the Angels’ 5th round choice in last year’s draft, as the lefty started striking out hitters at a much higher rate than the first part of his season (56 K in 35.1 IP against 24 K in his first 19 IP). That’s continued of late as Seminaris posted two consecutive starts with 8 K in 5 IP, holding opponents to a .270 ERA and .184 BAA. Seminaris’ control has also been steady, though not remarkable, as he allowed four free passes in that time. Drafted with some anticipation that he could move quickly, Seminaris is probably due for a promotion to Tri-City to face competition a little older and more challenging. His future seems to spin off in all sorts of possible outcomes, as he could draw a trajectory like prior lefties in Nick Maronde or Michael Roth and find himself a spot-starter/multi-inning reliever, or he could be brought along more gradually in hopes of achieving a much higher ceiling, either in the rotation or relief.

    2021 (IE A): 5.63 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, .281 BAA with 15 BB, 80 K, 7 HR allowed in 54.1 IP in 14 G/12 GS
    5) Daniel Nunan – LHP, Arizona Rk.:
    Rocketing into the list is 6’6” lefty Daniel Nunan out of New Jersey. Taken in the 12th round of the 2018 draft, Nunan has electric stuff but has struggled to harness it in his limited pro career. In the last two weeks, Nunan has made four appearances (all in relief) with the Angels’ Arizona Complex League team and the results are near perfect – 5.1 IP, zero hits, two walks, nine strikeouts. Nunan has the stuff to advance quickly, though with the Angels’ strong organizational pitching this year, the need is slightly lessened.

    2021 (ARZ Rk.): 5.06 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, .059 BAA with 4 BB, 9 K, 1 HR allowed in 5.1 IP in 4 
    Honorable mention, pitchers:
    Connor Von Scoyoc (RHP, IE A/ARZ Rk.): 3.97 ERA, .295 BAA, 6 BB, 15 K across 11.1 IP in 3 G/2 GS – Angels 11th rounder from ’18, 6’6” showing signs of establishing some prospect status
    Zac Kristofak (RHP, TRI A+): 0.00 ERA, .071 BAA, 0 BB, 5 K across 4.1 IP in 5 G  
    Emmanuel Duran (RHP, ARZ Rk.): 2.57 ERA, .143 BAA, 2 BB, 10 K across 7 IP in 3 G/1 GS – lively relief arm pitching well consistently in Rookie ball
    Jose Aleman (RHP, ARZ Rk.): 2.57 ERA, .231 BAA, BB, 5 K across 7 IP in 3 G – teenaged arm pitching well stateside
    Jose Marte (RHP, RVA/RCT AA): 0.00 ERA, .083 BAA, 3 BB, 5 K across 4 IP in 4 G – power relief arm impressing since coming back in Watson trade 
    Sam Bachman (RHP, TRI A+): 0.00 ERA, .167 BAA, 2 K across 2 IP in 1 GS – strong pro debut for Angels’ 2021 first round draft pick
    Jake Smith (RHP, TRI A+): 0.00 ERA, .000 BAA, BB, 2 K across 2 IP in 1 GS – equally strong pro debut for Angels’ 2021 sixth-round draft pick
    Justin Courtney (RHP, IE A): 1.42 ERA, .250 BAA, 2 BB, 8 K across 6.1 IP in 3 G – indy ball signee having a solid first pro season, though a little old for the league
     
    -- Position Players--
    1) Edgar Quero – C, Arizona Rk.:
    It’s been years since the Angels had a catching prospect this exciting, and Edgar Quero only furthered that excitement over the last two weeks as the teenager from Cuba slashed an impressive .294/.600/.765/1.365 in 30 plate appearances over 8 games. Quero drew twelve walks against 7 strikeouts, displaying extraordinarily advanced plate discipline for his age, and did just as much damage when he did swing, hitting three doubles, a triple, and a home run in 8 games as well. Quero is playing in a manner which will give him legitimate Top 30 prospect consideration for updated lists and could start hearing whispers of catcher-of-the-future, even if premature, before long.

    2021 (ARZ Rk.): .304/.513/.679/1.191 with 7 doubles, a triple, 4 home runs, 19 RBI, and 19 BB, 17 K, 33% CS% in 20 G/80 PA

    2) Luis Aviles – 2B/SS/LF/3B, Rocket City AA:
    What is going on here? After typically posting home run totals in the single digits through a reasonably lengthy minor league career, and never hitting more than his career high of 9 in nearly 500 PA, Luis Aviles has erupted since returning from injury, hitting 14 HR in less than 200 plate appearances, a pace that has not lessened of late, as the utility player clubbed 6 more home runs in 12 games, adding five doubles in for good measure, leading to a .345/.339/.764/1.103 slash. He didn’t walk once in the last two weeks, but hard to hold that against him when he’s hitting as well as he has. At 26, Aviles isn’t exactly prospect-age and is quickly approaching minor-league filler status, but versatility, speed, and some pop could give him MLB at-bats in the future, though it might be hard to find with the Angels.

    2021 (RCT AA): .266/.312/.597/.909 with 9 doubles, 14 home runs, 37 RBI, and 9 BB, 41 K, 6-6 in SB attempts in 40 G/170 PA
    3) Brendon Davis – 3B/2B/SS/LF, Rocket City AA:
    Another utility player for Rocket City is also enjoying swinging the bat lately, as Brendon Davis has had no problems adjusting to AA since his promotion. Over the last two weeks Davis has slashed .295/.426/.523/.949 displaying impressive discipline (10 BB to 14 K), contact (13 hits in 44 AB) and power (3 doubles, 1 HR) to go with his defensive versatility, seeing time at four positions. A once well-regarded Dodgers’ prospect, Davis could not be enjoying a breakout season at a better time, as he’s on the cusp of outgrowing prospect status. The Angels could still have a potential late-bloomer here, especially if he finishes the AA season strong.
    2021 (TRI A+/RCT AA): .284/.349/.552/.901 with 19 doubles, 3 triples, 20 home runs, 51 RBI, 29 BB, 95 K, 10-13 in SB attempts in 80 G/355 PA
     4) Michael Stefanic – 3B/2B, Salt Lake City AAA:
    If it weren’t for the offensive outbreak and defensive prowess of Jack Mayfield, there’s a chance Michael Stefanic would be in Anaheim by now and no longer eligible for this list. All season long, Stefanic has hit and nothing has changed of late. In his last ten games, Stefanic has hit .350/.409/.525/.934 in 44 plate appearances, only striking out once in that span. Displaying Fletcher-esque contact skills, Stefanic has only improved as the season has continued, dropping his K% in AAA each month. Stefanic has also benefitted from the hitter-friendly parks of AAA-West, as he his 10 HR obliterated his former career high of 3. Rule 5 eligible this winter, there’s a chance we still see Stefanic make an appearance in Anaheim before the year is out, and it’s almost a certainty he will be added to 40-man.
     
    2021 (RCT AA/SLC AAA): .333/.405/.479/.883 with 14 doubles, 10 home runs, 41 RBI, 31 BB, 51 K, 2-5 in SB attempts in 78 G/303 PA
    5) Alexander Ramirez – RF/CF, Arizona Rk.:
    Typically, it takes more than 5 games and 23 PA to rank in the top five, but this kid can just hit. In the last two weeks Ramirez has hit .500/.565/1.000/1.565 in 23 PA, with half of his ten hits going for extra bases: two doubles, a triple, and two home runs. Ramirez drew one walk, was hit by a pitch twice, and limited his strikeouts to only five in this time, furthering some of the hopes that his offensive skill set can continue to translate as he progresses and he can avoid the high strikeout numbers that often beset young power hitters.

    2021 (ARZ Rk.): .290/.380/.548/.928 with 4 doubles, 4 triples, 4 home runs, 17 RBI, 10 BB, 37 K in 23 G/108 PA
     
    Honorable mention, position players:
    Gabe Matthews 1B/DH (IE A): .393/.541/.893/1.433 with 5 2B, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 2 SB, 6 BB, 7 K ­– at 23 and an UDFA, he’s a little old for the competition but it’s a good debut to a pro career
    Matt Thaiss C (MLB LAA/AAA SLC): .367/.457/.600/1.057 with 4 2B, HR, 5 RBI, 5 BB, 6 K in 8 G/35 PA
    Braxton Martinez 1B (IE A): .257/.413/.457/.870 with 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 9 BB, 10 K – still rockin’
    Izzy Wilson RF (RCT AA): .282/.341/.410/.751 with 2 2B, HR, 7 RBI, 4 BB, 13 K, 4 SB - .299 BA, .929 OPS since start of June
    Francisco Del Valle RF/LF (TRI A+): .250/.388/.425/.813 with 4 2B, HR, 8 RBI, 7 BB, 9 K
    Elijah Greene CF/LF (IE A): .303/.378/.424/.803 with 2 2B, 3B, 6 RBI, 4 BB, 14 K – increasing power from a discipline-first bat
    Kevin Watson DH/C (Arizona Rk.): .333/.571/.333/.905 with 8 BB, 3 K, 4 SB – interesting stat line debut for UDFA catcher
    Ray-Patrick Didder SS/2B/CF (Rocket City AA): .243/.391/.432/.824 with 4 2B, HR, 7 RBI, 5 BB, 14 K
    Adrian Placencia 2B/SS (Arizona Rk.): .167/.400/.500/.900 with 2 HR, 6 RBI, 7 BB, 8 K – continued strong discipline and power showing, unlucky .125 BAbip
    Kyren Paris SS/2B (Arizona Rk./IE A): .294/.455/.471/.925 with HR, 5 BB, 5 K, 3 SB – strong return from injury
    Brennon Lund RF/CF (SLC AAA): .353/.368/.706/1.074 with 2 HR, 3 RBI, BB, 3 K
    Anthony Mulrine C (RCT AA): .267/.450/.667/1.117 with 3 2B, HR, 6 RBI, 3 BB, 2 K – also a strong 36% CS% on the year
  12. Chuck
    Interview Conducted by David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
    It’s easy to see why the Angels drafted Jack Kochanowicz in the 3rd round of the 2019 draft (92nd overall). He’s big (6’6”) and still filling out, so there was and is a lot to project with him. As a result, the Angels went overslot for him to buy him out of his commitment to the University of Virginia.
    There is a lot to like with Kochanowicz. His velocity has ticked up since being drafted, and now sits mid-90s and touches 97. His curveball has near elite spin rates at around 3000 rpm. His changeup sits in the low 80s and is developing (in the interview he shows how he’s changed his grip on the pitch).
    During 2020, Kochanowicz (pronounced Ko/han/o/wicz) spent some time in the Long Beach complex. We heard a lot of positive things about his progress and development there from many sources.
    Right now, the Angels have Kochanowicz working on specific things and pitches in games. So, he is a case where the stats don’t tell the whole story. The talent is real, and Kochanowicz just needs to get the innings in to have it all come together. After missing 2 seasons between signing and Covid, there’s some rust that needs to be remedied. But, the tools are there. And, when he clicks, he could move through the system quickly.
    Please click below to watch our interview with IE66ers Pitcher Jack Kochanowicz and then head on out to San Bernadino to see him play.

  13. 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.

  14. Chuck
    By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist
    Some new names, some familiar names, an interesting couple of weeks saw new Angel farmhands continuing to break out and Angel pitchers position themselves for potential MLB call-ups…
    -- Position Players--
    1) Edwin Yon – RF, Inland Empire, A:
    The towering (6’5”? 6’8”?) outfielder hailing from La Romana in the Dominican Republic easily had the hottest two weeks of any Angels farmhand, highlighted by a 2 HR, 9 RBI performance on July 14th. Yon has demonstrated his raw power to an extreme degree in his last ten games, swatting five home runs, driving in 21, and adding a couple of doubles and a triple as well, giving him a slash of .405/.447/.857/1.304 in his last 47 plate appearances. Selected from the Reds’ organization in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft, Yon has long drawn attention due to his physicality and raw power potential and while his size will at times expose him defensively and in the batters’ box, his swing can be surprisingly quick and compact for someone with his height, though it can be hard for him to keep his hitting mechanics clean consistently, leading to some streakiness across his pro career. Still, there is a lot to dream on here and the just-turned-23-year-old, in the midst of his best pro season, could be realizing some of the potential scouts have long dreamed on.
    2021 (IE A): .305/.383/.676/1.060 with 5 doubles, 2 triples, 10 HR, 32 RBI, 13 BB, 53 K in 120 PA/28 G
    2) Brendon Davis – SS/3B/2B/LF, Rocket City, AA:
    After posting a .956 OPS in his last 203 plate appearances at High-A Tri City, Brendon Davis earned a promotion to AA Rocket City, equaling the highest level he’s reached professionally – he struggled with Texas’ AA Frisco in 2019 to a .569 OPS in 400 PA. So far, so good. In his first four starts at AA, Davis hit .333 with a double and three homers, giving him a total slash of .422/.449/.822/1.271 in his last ten games at A+/AA, with three doubles, 5 HR, and 4 SB thrown in as well, all while splitting time evenly at four different positions. Davis, a former 5th round pick of the Dodgers and key piece in the Yu Darvish trade, is easily having his best year, having never topped a .720 OPS in any of his prior five pro seasons, and could be actualizing some of the talent that the Dodgers and Rangers once hoped for. AA will be a great test for Davis, and if he plays well, he could factor in the MLB depth chart as soon as 2022.
    2021 (TRI A+/RCT AA): .282/.336/.557/.892 with 18 doubles, 3 triples, 17 HR, 43 RBI, 19 BB, 81 K, 10 for 13 in SB attempts in 68 G/301 PA
    3) Jordyn Adams – CF, Tri-City, A+:
    2021 started so promisingly for Adams, who impressed during a couple brief looks in Spring Training flashing the combo of power, defense and speed that makes him a near Top 100 talent, but things went off the rails for him just days into the minor league season, as injuries robbed Adams of over a month of play and led to a significant slump following his mid-June return. That has changed of late however, as Adams hit .295/.367/.568/.936 in his last eleven games, popping four home runs and stealing six bases in seven attempts. This is a big developmental year for Adams, who is still struggling a bit with plate discipline and contact, but at 21, the Angels can still afford patience as he harnesses his talent in an older league.
    2021 (TRI A+): .214/.293/.366/.659 with 3 doubles, 1 triple, 5 home runs, 19 RBI, 15 BB, 53 K, 11 SB in 13 attempts in 34 G/147 PA
    4) Michael Stefanic – 2B/3B, Salt Lake City, AAA:
    Stefanic continues to do his best David Fletcher impression of late, as the Salt Lake infielder currently boasts a 15-game hitting streak and has not had two consecutive hitless games since June 13th and 14th. In the last two weeks, Stefanic is hitting .408 (20 hits in 49 AB) with three doubles, a home run, and Fletcher-esque BB/K ratios, with three walks to five strikeouts, indicative of Stefanic’s strong contact skills. It will be interesting to see how the Angels handle the 25-year-old, who as an undrafted free agent has already exceeded expectations, seeing that he will be Rule 5 eligible this winter and now has a career minor league slash of .305/.380/.409/.780 with 61 BB to 101 K in 183 G, comparing rather favorably to Fletcher’s .294/.345/.398/.743 with 96 BB to 154 K in 336 G. Could the Angels consider a configuration with Fletcher at SS and Stefanic at 2B? Jack Mayfield may be the lone thing standing in Stefanic’s way currently.
    2021 (RCT AA/SLC AAA): .331/.406/.473/.879 with 13 doubles, 8 HR, 36 RBI, 27 BB, 49 K in 67 G/293 PA
    5 tied) Jose Guzman – SS/2B, Inland Empire, A:
    Another owner of a lengthy hitting streak is Inland Empire’s shortstop, Jose Guzman, who has hit safely in his last eleven games, earning him a .386 BA (17 H in 44 AB) in that stretch, while also mixing in four doubles, a home run, seven walks, and three stolen bases. Guzman is buried in an org filled with intriguing mid-infield options, and while he lacks the ceiling most possess, he might be playing his way into a high floor UT IF type given his strong contact and discipline skills, average speed, solid defense, positional versatility, and doubles power. Only 20, Guzman sort of replaces the organizational void left when Leonardo Rivas was dealt to Cincinnati for Raisel Iglesias.
    2021 (RCT AA/IE A): .262/.339/.405/.744 with 12 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 31 RBI, 21 BB, 56 K, 10 for 12 in SB attempts
    5 tied) Jeremy Arocho – 3B/SS/CF/LF, Inland Empire, A:
    Originally in the Dodgers organization, 22-year-old switch-hitter Jeremy Arocho’s speed, plate discipline and high-contact approach (and maybe some power?) were all on display over the last two weeks as he hit .388/.492/.490/.981 in his last twelve games. Almost exclusively a singles hitter this campaign, Arocho also added four of his only seven extra-base hits on the season in the last two weeks alone and swiped a perfect eight bases in eight attempts as well. Arocho’s skill set favors a future role on an MLB bench if he can continue his advanced pitch recognition and contact as he advances.
    2021 (IE A): .301/.420/.355/.775 with 4 doubles, 3 triples, 37 BB, 35 K, 17 for 20 in SB attempts
    Honorable mention, position players:
    Franklin Torres (C/1B, TRI A+): .310/.370/.571/.941 with 5 2B, 2 HR, 4 BB, 11 K in 11 G/46 PA ­– converted infielder to catcher hitting well, 27% CS% on year
    Braxton Martinez (3B/1B, TRI A+): .304/.429/.522/.950 with 2 2B, HR, 5 BB, 3 K in 6 G/28 PA – still overpowering younger competition, hitting .340/.456/.601 on the year with 43 BB to 32 K
    Adrian Rondon (3B/2B, TRI A+): .333/.364/.564/.928 with 3 2B, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 3 BB, 7 K in 10 G/44 PA – former Rays prospect with some shine, just turned 23, some late-bloomer potential
    Jake Gatewood (3B/SS/LF, SLC AAA): .313/.340/.583/.923 with 4 2B, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 2 BB, 13 K in 13 G/50 PA – former 1st rounder still playing well in UT role at AAA
    Gavin Cecchini (SS/2B, SLC AAA): .382/.447/.471/.918 with 3 2B, 4 BB, 7 K in 11 G/38 PA – another former 1st rounder playing well
    Arol Vera (SS/2B, Arizona Rk.): .333/.414/.500/.914 with 4 2B, 7 RBI, 3 BB, 7 K – consistently producing still in pro debut
    Izzy Wilson (RF, RCT AA): .267/.303/.600/.903 with 2B, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 2 BB, 8 K, 3-5 SB in 9 G/33 PA - .979 OPS in June/July, AAA soon?
    Jo Adell (CF/RF, SLC AAA): .292/.358/.458/.817 with 3 2B, 3B, HR, 10 RBI, 5 BB, 13 K, 2 SB – improving discipline and contact
    Jose Reyes (LF/RF, IE A): .304/.353/.522/.875 with 2 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 2 BB, 8 K
    D’Shawn Knowles (CF/LF/SS, IE A): .271/.314/.396/.710 with 4 2B, 3B, 3 BB, 16 K, 4-5 SB attempts – first pro start at SS in effort to maximize versatility
    -- Pitchers--
    1) Hector Yan – LHP, Tri-City, A+:
    Yon and Yan atop the lists! Hector continued his turnaround with two more starts totaling 15 IP, striking out 15, keeping walks in check (only 3), and holding the opposition to a .146 BAA and only four earned runs (2.40 ERA), earning him the High-A West Pitcher of the Week along the way. Since a disastrous start to the year that saw him walk 18 and allow a 7.40 ERA through his first 24 IP/6 G, Yan has rebounded nicely, posting a 3.65 ERA over his last 7 G/37 IP, and while he’s still having issues with control (21 BB in that time) he’s limiting damage by keeping opponents to a .206 BAA. On the 40-man, there’s a slight chance Yan gets a limited look in Anaheim this September out of the pen, especially if the Angels tear down their pen. Yan also figures to be a name that comes up in trade talks as well, given how he’s likely been overtaken on the depth chart by names such as Detmers, Rodriguez, and potentially others in AA.

    2021 (TRI A+): 5.14 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, .213 BAA with 39 BB, 66 K, 12 HR allowed in 61.1 IP in 13 GS
    2) Jhonathan Diaz – LHP, Rocket City, AA:
    9 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 20 K. That’s really all you need to know. Diaz dominated in his first two performances back after missing a month due to injury, as the versatile lefty continues to be a force on a Rocket City pitching staff that has already seen several gaudy pitching performances from names such as Reid Detmers, Cooper Criswell, and Kyle Tyler. Only 24, the former Boston farmhand must be drawing some consideration for a potential Anaheim bullpen audition should the Angels clear some veterans at the trade deadline given his strong performances and peripherals throughout the season.

    2021 (RCT AA): 2.48 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, .211 BAA with 8 BB, 49 K, 2 HR allowed in 32.2 IP in 8 G/4 GS
    3) Reid Detmers – LHP, Salt Lake City, AAA:
    You knew he’d be here again – two more starts, 15 strikeouts in 10 innings, only one walk and one run allowed, and a promotion to AAA. If the Angels part with anyone from their starting rotation this next week, you can almost bet Detmers will be taking their place. He’s ready.

    2021 (RCT AA/SLC AAA): 3.15 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, .215 BAA with 18 BB, 106 K, 10 HR allowed in 60 IP in 13 GS 
    4) John Swanda – RHP, Inland Empire, A:
    That’s right, the Angels 4th rounder from the 2017 draft whose name often was floated as one of the better projected arms in the Angels is finally stringing together some strong performances. Across three starts in the last two weeks, Swanda threw 19 innings, striking out 18, walking two, and allowing only 5 ER (2.45 ERA) with 16 hits (.213 BAA). His season is still a mix of iffy results, but there is still some hope that there’s an MLB-caliber reliever or spot-starter hiding in there.
    2021 (IE A): 4.76 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, .252 BAA with 25 BB, 61 K, 9 HR allowed in 68 IP in 14 G/11 GS
    5 tied) Austin Warren – RHP, Salt Lake City, AAA:
    With Andrew Wantz now in Anaheim, North Carolina product Austin Warren might be the next Angel farmhand in line to make his MLB debut out of the Halos bullpen. Over the last two weeks, Warren, in three multi-inning relief appearances, posted 9 IP, 0 BB, and 13 K, plus a 2.00 ERA and .129 BAA. At first glance, Warren’s 6.19 ERA doesn’t scream that he’s ready for the bigs but diving deeper you’ll find he’s allowed two runs or fewer in 19 of his 22 games, often in multiple innings, of those, zero in 12 of his 22 games. Warren owns a K9 of 11.9 across his minor league career and given that he’s R5 eligible this winter, could be in Anaheim sooner rather than later.

    2021 (SLC AAA): 6.19 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, .292 BAA with 18 BB, 45 K, 5 HR allowed in 36.1 IP in 22 G/1 GS
    5 tied) Oliver Ortega – RHP, Rocket City, AA:
    Perhaps right behind (or maybe even ahead) Austin Warren for the next bullpen debut is Oliver Ortega. Over the last two weeks, Ortega has made four appearances, tallying 5.1 innings, and striking out 10 against zero walks. Dating back to June 12th, Ortega has held opponents to a 2.08 ERA (11 scoreless appearances in 13 games) while walking only 3 to 23 strikeouts.

    2021 (RCT AA): 6.37 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, .292 BAA with 13 BB, 45 K, 3 HR allowed in 29.2 IP in 24 G 
    Honorable mention, pitchers:
    Alejandro Hidalgo (RHP, Arizona Rk.): 2.45 ERA, .190 BAA, 4 BB, 15 K, 1 HR allowed in 2 GS/11 IP – teen continues to post solid starts on a consistent basis in first pro season
    Matthis Dietz (RHP, TRI A+): 1.08 ERA, .179 BAA, 3 BB, 13 K, 1 HR allowed in 4 G/8.1 IP – former Oriole farmhand just signed from Indy team, 6’5”, 25 years old
    Kelvin Caceres (RHP, Arizona Rk.): 0.90 ERA, .171 BAA, 8 BB, 12 K, 1 HR in 2 GS/10 IP
    Cooper Criswell (RHP, RCT AA): 3.86 ERA, .333 BAA, BB, 9 K, 2 HR in 2 GS/7 IP
    Jose Quijada (LHP, SLC AAA): 1.50 ERA, .150 BAA, 3 BB, 8 K in 4 G/6 IP – another potential reliever should the Angels sell
    Emmanuel Duran (RHP, Arizona Rk.): 0.00 ERA, .067 BAA, 7 BB, 7 K in 3 G/4.1 IP – effectively wild
    Robinson Pina (RHP, TRI A+): 4.50 ERA, .250 BAA, 5 BB, 12 K in 2 GS/10 IP – continuing to be effective after being promoted back to Tri-City
  15. Chuck
    By David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
    On December 12th, 2019, the Angels made what appeared to be a quiet move when they selected outfielder Edwin Yon with their 2nd round pick of the Triple-A portion of the Rule V Draft. Originally signed by the Cincinnati Reds on November 5, 2014 as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic, Yon, a right handed hitting OFer had spent several seasons in Rookie ball in the Reds system before showing some improvement during the 2019.
    After losing a year due to Covid, Yon has been loudly putting up numbers for the IE66ers this year. The power that led to him being signed by the Reds has emerged and the bat is much improved. Yon has been one of the main bats powering the IE66ers offense this season.
    Yon is one of the tallest players in the Angels system, if not the tallest. Now listed at 6' 8", Yon has filled out and is able to transition his power into game-play. AngelsWin.com recently caught up to talk with Yon to learn about his change to the Angels, how his season has been going, and how he made it through Covid.
    66ers play by play broadcaster Steve Wendt tweeted this recently about Yon's poor start with the Low-A affiliate and ultimate turn around. 
    Yon as of today (July 25th) is currently slashing .305/.383/.676, good for a stellar 1.060 OPS with 10 HR and 32 RBI. 
    Here are just some of Yon's majestic home runs this season for the 66ers. 
    Please click below to watch our interview with IE66ers OFer Edwin Yon and then head on out to San Bernardino to go see him play.

  16. Chuck
    Interview Conducted by David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
    Long-time Angels fans will recognize the IE66ers manager and former Halo, Jack Howell. As an Angels fan, it is great to see him back with the organization where he made it to the majors and played primarily 3B (but also many other positions, such as OF, 1B, and 2B). He even had 2 plate appearances in the 1986 postseason for the Angels, go 0 for 1 with a walk.
    Jack is also the player who made one of the most memorable moments that I have ever seen in a game. Jack hit a broken bat home run in Yankee Stadium in 1987. For newer Angels fans, you can watch a video of that special moment here. More importantly, fans can head out to see the IE66ers play and get a bobblehead immortalizing that moment on September 11th, 2021
    Throughout our interview, Jack and I discuss the Angels philosophy on developing players, what playing “Angels Baseball” means, how the IE66ers are playing, how the 20-second pitch clock is affecting the game, and many more topics that you will want to hear. After spending time with Jack, I can tell that he really cares about developing the next generation of Angels Major Leaguers and is very capable of helping them along their way.
    Fans really should head on out to see the IE66ers play. It is a great and local experience. All the food venues at the stadium are open, the tickets are incredibly reasonable, and you will see some good baseball being played by the next generation of Angels players. There are lots of great promotions in a family friendly stadium. Please click here to check out upcoming games, promotions, and the schedule.
    Please click below to watch our interview with IE66ers Manager Jack Howell.

    Make sure to secure your tickets to the 66ers game on Sept 11th and you'll go home with a Jack Howell broken bat home run bobblehead! 

  17. 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 
  18. Chuck
    By @Inside Pitch, AngelsWin.com Contributor
    Pitcherpalooza!!!   Two days and 10 rounds into the 2021 MLB draft and we can honestly say it's been a bit of a fun if somewhat "steady" ride...   Day one started off with a bang when the consensus "draft day" first overall pick, SS Marcelo Mayer was passed over for Louisville C, Henry Davis.  So, was it really a surprise when the Angels' pick came up at number 9 and the consensus "pre-season" first overall pick was still on the board?  Yup!  The miraculous actually happened, Kumar Rocker was available!   Angel fans everywhere rejoiced at what they believed was an easy choice, a no brainer ... right?  WRONG!  The Halos brain-trust sent the fanbase into a complete tailspin by selecting Miami of Ohio RHP Sam Bachman. While people everywhere lost their collective minds, the Angels remained resolute that they made the right choice.  Angels farm director Matt Swanson was quick to praise Bachman for his work ethic, elite GB tendencies, and plus/plus two pitch combo that includes a FB that's been clocked as high as 101 MPH and a wipeout slider that scouts have given a 65 or 70 grade depending on the sources. Bachman joins the Angels with some risks, he's had shoulder and hip issues that limited him to 59 innings, but it's what he's done when he's pitched that drove the Angels decision -- 93 Ks, only 17 BBs and 1 HR allowed over 59.2 innings..  When it's all said and done Bachman is exactly the sort of pitcher the Angels needed, a college arm full of upside who at worst profiles as an elite back end RP.  Be happy.   Bachman and Rocker's careers will no doubt he compared to each other if for no other reason because Rocker was a known guy with an impressive resume who pitched for one of college baseball's powerhouses, but if you scratch beneath the surface you'll find plenty of similarities both on the good and bad side. Both guys have performed when they have been on the mound, both guys have lingering questions... But the Angels are banking on Bachman continuing to develop. They are betting the work ethic and dedication to his craft that has transformed him from an undrafted HS pitcher who worked in the upper 80s to lower 90s into the 101 MPH fireballer who was taken 9th in the first round -- he just needs to stay healthy and do exactly what he's shown he can do .. work.

    But wait, there's more... pitchers....
    With their 2nd pick the Angels selected college LHP Ky Bush out of St Mary's College in Moraga CA.  Bush is a giant of a man, 6'6 240lbs. In 14 starts he went 7-5 with a 2.99 ERA and 112 Ks over 78.1 IP,   Bush's FB goes 90-96 typically sitting at 94 MPH and a hard top to bottom breaking slider as well as a curve and the early makings of a change up.  Scouts have been talking up Bush's deception and ability to keep the ball in the park (only 3 HRs allowed in 2021).  There is some projection left in him still.
    The third round was more of the same and yet very different.  With their third pick the Angels selected LSU RHP Landon Marceaux.  The soon to be former LSU Tiger went 7-7 with a 2.54 ERA over 102.2 innings and 116Ks.  Marceaux is less of a power pitcher than either of the Angels first two selections with a FB that routinely sits 90-92, but he makes up for that lack of brute power with 55 grades on his curveball, changeup, and slider.  The curve has been his best pitch since HS,a top down breaker that he can throw for strikes.  He's likely the Angels "safest" pick so far in 2021.   With their fourth pick (#110 overall), the Angels targeted Vanderbilt University RHP Luke Murphy.  Murphy was a 3rd year freshman coming out of the Vandy pen.  Another big bodied pitcher (6'5), Murphy works a 93-96 and can hit 99 with his FB.  He's got a power curve he throws in the mid 80s and a change also in the mid 80s.   Murphy threw 41.1 innings of 2,40 ERA ball with 9 saves, 61Ks .vs 15 BB.  He needs to work on control but he's got high leverage RP ability.   In the 5th (171st overall), the Angels selected RHP Brett Kerry out of South Carolina.  Mostly a RP, the Angels are looking at him as a SP.  Despite being on the smaller side 6'0 213 lbs, Kerry can hit 96 with his FB.  He went 5-1 with a 2.15 ERA and 84 Ks 10 BB over 54.1 innings.  Maybe more importantly, he was at his absolute best when facing the best.  Kerry pitched 11.2 innings of 7 hit, 1 run ball with 16 Ks in the CWS Championship Series.
    In the 6th the took yet another college SP, RHer Jake Smith from the University of Miami.  Smith started the year in the Hurricane's pen then moved into the rotation. He's got a nice three pitch mix, FB that he works in the mid 90s that can touch 98 a mid 80s slider and a changeup with some late movement.  On the season he went 3-1 over 47 IP with 63 Ks.
    In the 7th round the Angels again went after an arm, Arkansas Razorback Ryan Costeiu.  A RP, he sits 93-94 with his FB with a plus change.  There isn't a lot of projection here, but he was seemingly becoming one of the Razorback's go to guys out of the pen as the season wore on.

    Next up...  LHP Nick Jones from Georgia Southern University.  Jones tied the school record with 17 saves, going 1-0 with a 1.48 ERA and 67 Ks in 44.2 innings.  He's a bean pole at 6'6 and only 210 pounds, so there may yet be some projection there.   With their 9th pick the Angels selected RHP Braden Olthoff from Tulane.  6'4'' 248 he's got a workhorse's body.  In 13 starts he went 6-3 with a 3.62 ERA over 78.2 innings with 91 Ks .vs 11 BB.  He doesn't throw hard at all -- topping out at 92 maybe, but he's got great control a really good slider and a change up that darts all over the place.   He's a fun pitcher to watch. 
    With their final selection of day 2 the Angels took Andrew Peters our of the University of South Carolina.  Peters worked exclusively from the pen in 2021 -- he struggles with the command of a FB that can get as high as 97-98 and slider and changeup.   There isn't much in the way of projection left but plenty of room for refinement.   It was a bit of a departure from what we had grown accustomed to in recent years.  No toolsy HS position players.. actually no HS players period.   Perhaps we see that with the 11th pick and in day three but when when everything is said and done the Angels seemingly went about what may have been a difficult draft by making the simplest of choices -- they targeted arms for a farm system that really needs to add depth on the pitching side.
  19. Chuck
    By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist

    In honor of the draft, the commencement of the Arizona League, and reaching the halfway point of the MLB season, we’re doubling up today – featuring ten hitters and ten pitchers who have performed well over the last two weeks. This is also in part to the hot hitting on the farm, as eight Angels farmhands posted an OPS over 1.000, with four prospects from the Arizona team opening their seasons with big production at the plate. 
     
    --Position Players—
    1) David MacKinnon – 1B, Rocket City, AA:
    It’s probably time to start taking David MacKinnon seriously as a legitimate prospect. The first baseman, 26 years old and a 32nd round pick, continued to dominate at the plate over the last two weeks, hitting .381, which is basically what he’s hit now over his last 100 plate appearances (.389 since June 11th) to go along with his typically advanced plate discipline (6 BB to 8 K in that time). This is nothing new for MacKinnon though. What’s more encouraging however is the uptick in power. After hitting 9 extra-base hits in his first 24 games, MacKinnon has added 15 more in the 24 games since, giving him a .541 SLG on the year, a significant increase over his prior career full-season best of .392, and one in line with what you’d want to see from a player who is exclusively playing a power-first position in 1B. It’s difficult to see how MacKinnon’s career can progress with the Angels as he has Matt Thaiss, Jose Rojas, and Jared Walsh (of course, another late-round 1B who slugged his way to the majors) ahead of him on the depth chart. Thaiss and Rojas’ positional versatility clears this path slightly, but it’s still hard to see MacKinnon getting a chance with the Angels. Bearing a remarkable offensive similarity to Tampa’s Yandy Diaz, MacKinnon seems the type of player a low-payroll team thin at organizational depth at 1B could take a chance on and could be one of the names we see moved in a deal for a rental or lesser name – or as depth allowing the Angels to move Rojas or Thaiss in similar fashion. Detroit, Colorado, Texas, Pittsburgh, and Tampa all seem like teams that could have interest in this type of player and could have pieces that match up with Halo needs.
    2021 (RCT AA): .335/.412/.541/.953 with 17 doubles, 7 HR, 30 RBI, 22 BB, 35 K in 48 G/211 PA
     2) Brendon Davis – 2B/3B/SS/LF, Tri-City, A+:
    Named the High-A West Player of the Week for the second time this season and leading the league in HRs, Davis is almost single-handedly holding up the offense for the Dust Devils, so you may need to excuse his subpar June, in which he posted a .698 OPS after opening the year with an .841 OPS in May. The former 5th round pick of the Dodgers in the 2015 draft returned to May form over the last two weeks – and then some – as he slashed .356/.404/.822/1.226 since June 28th, boosted by five doubles, two triples, four home runs, 16 hits, and two stolen bases in two attempts for good measure. Perhaps Davis’ struggles in June came because of his newfound versatility in the field. After playing the first 31 games of the season at the hot corner, Davis has started at SS eight times, 2B six times, LF twice, and 3B nine times. He’s still suffering from some swing and miss issues – 14 in his last 11 games – but the offensive potential the Dodgers once dreamed on, and that the Rangers dreamed on when they acquired him for Darvish, is showing itself now more than ever in Davis’ best pro season to date. 23 years old, Davis will likely finish the season at Rocket City and could be in the MLB bench mix as soon as 2022 if his performance continues to match his one-time prospect shine. Much like MacKinnon, Davis could be the type of lotto-ticket the Angels could use in deals for rentals.
    2021 (TRI A+): .256/.315/.507/.821 with 15 doubles, 3 triples, 12 HR, 31 RBI, 17 BB, 71 K, 6 for 8 SB in 57 G/251 PA
     3) Luis Aviles – 2B/3B/SS/LF, Rocket City, AA:
    Signed by Billy Eppler as a minor league free agent prior to the 2020 season, Aviles finally got onto the field for the Angels in late June after coronavirus eliminated the 2020 season and injuries robbed Aviles of playing time in almost all of May and June. Once a prospect in the Brewers system who drew occasional hype for strong defense and a minor league All-Star appearance in 2019, Aviles made this list mostly because of his play in one series against Tampa’s AA affiliate, the Montgomery Biscuits. Aviles homered six times in four games, also clubbed two doubles, and drove in 11. It’s far too soon to tell if this was a precursor to any sort of offensive breakout for Aviles or just a ridiculous series as he only has 17 games on the season, but nonetheless, it’s production the Angels will welcome from the 26-year old. Aviles’ strong play earned him the AA-South Player of the Week honors.
    2021 (SLC AAA/RCT AA): .273/.358/.636/.995 with 2 doubles, 6 HR, 15 RBI, 6 BB, 17 K, 3 SB in 17 G/69 PA
     4) Edwin Yon – DH/RF, Inland Empire, A:
    One of the most interesting prospects in the Angels system is Edwin Yon, a towering outfielder (listed at 6’5”) plucked in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft from Cincinnati. Yon is about as raw as a prospect could be. Originally debuting with the Reds’ Dominican summer team at the age of 16, Yon owns 302 K in 800 career plate appearances – and despite his projectable power, only a career .363 SLG to show for it, never topping more than 4 HR in any short-season ball. That’s changed in the last two weeks though, as Yon homered four times in 10 games, hitting .303/.439/.788/1.227 in that time. Ten hits in ten games and seven walks against 14 strikeouts also provide some encouraging hints of improved contact and discipline. At 22 years old, Yon is at the age where raw, tenured power-first prospects can start to put things together, and if he does, look out. A Jabari Blash-like career as a free-swinging, HR mashing career minor leaguer/foreign league superstar is still probably the best case scenario for Yon, but nonetheless he’s another name worth watching as the summer continues on.
    2021 (IE A): .238/.342/.556/.898 with 3 doubles, one triple, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 9 BB, 36 K in 18 G/73 PA
     5) Arol Vera – SS/2B, Arizona, Rk.: 
    Arol Vera, signed in the 2019 international period, has finally made his pro debut, and it’s been as good as advertised for a talent often mentioned as one of the Angels Top 10 prospects. Splitting time up the middle at SS and 2B, the Venezuelan switch-hitter has hit in every single game so far, slashing .421/.477/.632/1.109 in his first 9 games and 44 plate appearances, with four doubles and two triples peppered in.
    2021 (ACL Rk.): .421/.477/.632/1.109 with 4 doubles, 2 triples, 4 RBI, 3 BB, 11 K in 9 G/44 PA
     6) Edgar Quero – C/DH, Arizona, Rk.: 
    One of the more exciting signings of recent international period is that of 18-year-old switch-hitting Cuban catcher Edgar Quero, whose Arizona debut will only inflate that excitement. While Quero has only seven pro games to his career so far, he’s made an impression in them, whacking two doubles, two homers, and hitting .364/.440/.727/1.167. Quero is arguably a bat-first catcher but has enough skill behind the plate to be the Angels’ most complete catching prospect since Bengie Molina. He nabbed two of seven baserunners in his three games behind the plate so far and could find himself on Angels Top 30 prospect lists as soon as midseason 2021.
    2021 (ACL Rk.): .364/.440/.727/1.167 with 2 doubles, 2 HR, 8 RBI, BB, 5 K, 1 SB in 7 G/25 PA
     7) Michael Stefanic – 2B/3B, Salt Lake City, AAA: 
    Much like David MacKinnon or perhaps a better comp, David Fletcher, Michael Stefanic just continues to hit. Settling in at Salt Lake between 2B and 3B over the last two weeks, Stefanic’s June was fairly under the radar but still productive, and July has yielded strong numbers at the plate once again, as he slashed .316/.395/.579/.974 in ten games, adding 12 hits, a double, and three HR to his 2021 campaign, giving him a career high mark of 7 HR. Also like MacKinnon, Stefanic finds himself somewhat buried on a depth chart that includes Jack Mayfield, Kean Wong, and Luis Rengifo all ahead of him, and could similarly find himself mentioned in trade talks for lower-impact names or rentals. However, should Mayfield and Wong wind up lost to waivers over the course of the 2021 season, Stefanic figures to be first-in-line for their MLB roles come 2022. 
    2021 (SLC AAA/RCT AA): .313/.396/.460/.856 with 10 doubles, 7 HR, 30 RBI, 24 BB, 44 K in 54 G/240 PA
    😎 Braxton Martinez – 3B/1B, Inland Empire, A: 
    The numbers that Braxton Martinez, as a 27-year-old in Low-A, are starting to become comical. Over the last two weeks, Martinez has hit .447 (17 hits in 38 AB) with an OBP of .560 (11 walks to 4 strikeouts), which is almost becoming typical production now, as he owns a batting average of .370 and an OBP of .496 over his last month. Martinez also touts power, with 22 doubles and 8 HR on the season already, with 7 of those doubles coming in the last two weeks. After playing 1B/DH exclusively in his first 37 games, Martinez is now playing primarily 3B. What comes next is anyone’s guess.
    2021 (IE A): .344/.460/.611/1.071 with 22 doubles, one triple, 8 HR, 35 RBI, 38 BB, 29 K in 51 G/224 PA
     9) Adrian Placencia – 2B/SS, Arizona, Rk.: 
    One of three mid-infielders with Top 30 talent at Arizona, Adrian Placencia made his pro debut for the Angels in the last two weeks, and like Vera, has done nothing but impress in his first look. Often mirroring Vera in the field – playing primarily 2B to Vera’s SS and vice versa – Placencia has also produced at the plate. In 8 games Placencia has peppered a double, a triple, two homers, and four singles across 40 PA, but more importantly, drawn nine walks against five strikeouts. Should it continue, this advanced plate recognition could set Placencia apart from Vera and Blakely as the trio progress in their careers and give the Angels a trio of dynamic infielders with differing skill sets to work with.
    2021 (ACL Rk.): .258/.425/.548/.973 with one double, one triple, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 9 BB, 5 K in 8 G/40 PA
     10) Werner Blakely – 3B/2B/SS, Arizona, Rk.: 
    The 4th round selection of the 2020 draft made his pro debut in Arizona, and much like with Vera and Placencia, saw immediate success. While Blakely, who might have the most power out of the three, produced only a double and a HR in his first two weeks, he also drew 8 BB (though against 13 K) and roped 8 singles in 9 games, while stealing three bases in three attempts. Blakely has the most star potential of the trio, having a shot at being a real four-or-five tool player, especially if his defense manifests, while the power, speed, discipline, and contact skills are already on display in Arizona so far.
    2021 (ACL Rk.): .303/.439/.424/.863 with one double, one HR, 8 BB, 13 K, 3 SB in 3 attempts in 9 G/41 PA 
     
    Honorable mentions, position players:
    Alexander Ramirez (CF/DH, ACL Rk.): .256/.356/.462/.817 with 2B, 2 3B, HR, 6 RBI, 6 BB, 18 K in 9 G/45 PA – mixed start to the season for one of the Angels’ most interesting prospects
    Francisco Del Valle (RF/LF, Tri A+): .318/.412/.477/.889 with 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 5 HBP in 12 G/51 PA – still has a shot at being a solid 4th/5th OF type
    Elijah Greene (LF/CF, IE A/RCT AA): .571/.679/.762/1.440 with 4 2B, 7 BB, 2 K in 8 G/28 PA – unreal discipline earns a promotion past A+ straight to AA
    Brandon Marsh (CF/DH, ACL Rk./SLC AAA): .429/.515/.857/1.372 with 2 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 5 BB, 8 K, 1 SB in 7 G/33 PA – small sample kept him from placing, but strong production in return from injury
    Matt Thaiss (C/DH/1B, SLC AAA): .341/.473/.477/.950 with 3 2B, HR, 9 RBI, 8 BB, 9 K, 3 HBP in 12 G/55 PA – will he see the MLB again soon? Deadline could make it so.
    Izzy Wilson (RF/LF, RCT AA): .243/.349/.541/.889 with 2 2B, 3 HR, 6 BB, 19 K, 4 SB in 11 G/43 PA – since June 1st, an OPS of exactly 1.000 over 121 PA
    Carlos Herrera (3B/2B, TRI A+): .478/.520/.870/.1390 with 3 2B, 2 HR in 6 G/25 PA –BA of .324/OPS of .819 in last 109 PA
    Spencer Griffin (OF, TRI A+): .391/.440/.522/.962 with HR, 2 BB, 5 K, 2 SB in 8 G/25 PA – athletic depth OF with a shot at 4thOF 
    Jose Reyes (LF/RF, IE A): .297/.350/.486/.836 with 2 2B, 3B, HR, 10 RBI, 3 BB, 11 K 
    Gavin Cecchini (SS/2B, RCT AA/SLC AAA): .324/.385/.441/.826 with 2B, HR, 5 RBI, 4 BB, 7 K – former 1st rounder promoted to AAA
    D’Shawn Knowles (CF, IE A): .239/.321/.478/.799 with 4 2B, 2 3B, HR, 11 RBI, 6 BB, 12 K, 3 SB – now 16 for 16 in SB attempts
  20. Chuck
    AngelsWin.com interview of GM of Los Angeles Angels - Tony Reagins
    Interview conducted by @Lou - AngelsWin.com Contributor 
    November 17th, 2007
    Prior to joining the Commissioner’s Office as Chief Baseball Development Officer on August 20th, 2020, Reagins held several key roles with the Los Angeles Angels. His unique career path began with a marketing/advertising sales and baseball operations internship with the Angels before transitioning full-time to the baseball side. He served as the team’s Director of Player Development and then became the fifth African-American General Manager in baseball history. As General Manager of the Angels, Reagins amassed a record of 363-285 (.560), averaging nearly 91 wins per season. His highlights included the Club’s consecutive American League West crowns in 2008-09 and its first 100-win season in franchise history in ’08, which resulted in Reagins being named the Rube Foster American League Executive of the Year. Reagins is a native of Indio, California and graduated from California State University, Fullerton in 1991.
    Here are the transcripts of those interviews below. 

    Angelswin.com - First of all, congratulations. Everyone at AngelsWin.com is happy about your promotion and we're looking forward to some good things in the future.

    Tony Reagins - Thank you very much.

    Angelswin.com - So, Tony, what's the journey been like the last 16 years?

    Tony Reagins - It's been a real good experience starting from where I began as an intern working my way up through the organization and working under some very good and talented people as far as ownership groups and general managers, farm directors and scouting directors.

    From the business standpoint and marketing side i've worked with some very talented people that really gave me an opportunity to grow and gave me a chance to advance and 16 years later here I am.

    Angelswin.com - Who would you say were the most influential people, perhaps from both sides - the baseball and the marketing side of the business?

    Tony Reagins - From a baseball standpoint, probably Bill Bavasi and Bill Stoneman. Both of those guys were probably the most influential, taught me different things. From a business standpoint, I learned a lot from many people. John Savano, he gave me a chance and Tim Mead has been good over the years giving advice - just a number of people that took the time when they didn't have to, to give me an opportunity.

    Angelswin.com - What's it like to work under Arte Moreno?

    Tony Reagins - It's been great. Great relationship. He wants to know what's going on as far as the baseball side of things and the business of the Angels in general. He's been a tremendous owner.

    Angelswin.com - You probably have a lot of incredible memories over the last 16 years. What would you say are the one or two that you cherish the most?

    Tony Reagins - Number one was winning the World Series in 2002. That was probably the pinnacle - just going through that whole experience. Other fond memories are to be able to watch Jimmy Reese hit fungos and watch him dialogue with the players and just the relationship he had with everyone. That's a very fond memory. Being able to speak with Mr. Autry. Those guys had been in the business for a long time and Mr. Autry's passion for winning. After winning the World Series you thought about that a lot. Those are some of the fond memories

    Angelswin.com - What do you think you can bring to the Angel organization? How do you see yourself like Bill Stoneman and in what ways do you think you're different?

    Tony Reagins - I think we both really believe in scouting and development. I think one of my strengths that I bring to the organization is that I know our minor league system very well and have a strong belief in developing players and developing players that play for the Angels.

    Angelswin.com - So what's it been like since the press conference announcing you as the new General Manager?

    Tony Reagins - It's been busy. Upbeat. Getting to know the other general managers has been a fun part of the job, getting to know the personalities. I still don't know how all of them work, but getting an idea, especially in this theater because I didn't know a number of them personally. I did have some relationships with some of the guys but when you're at this level that's a little bit different, so that's been great to be a part. Getting to know and talk to these guys and picking their brains and seeing what needs they may have and what needs we might have that may be a fit.

    Angelswin.com - About the job. Is there a lot of communication? Is it constant? Is it an every day thing?

    Tony Reagins - Yes, you talk to clubs every day. At least I've been talking to clubs every day. You'll get calls from other general managers, so yeah, there's been discussions.

    Angelswin.com - On that subject, Bill Stoneman was arguably the best GM in Angel history, yet he was often criticized in the media for not pulling the trigger. Is this something that was his decision? How much influence does Arte Moreno have in this and do you know what it's going to be like during your tenure?

    Tony Reagins - Well, I think Arte allows the baseball people to run the baseball department. When you talk about not pulling the trigger on anything I think you're referencing a deal, for one, it takes two sides to make a deal. I think at the end of the day, what you look for is - does it make your team better? If it makes your team better you move forward. If it doesn't, you don't. The easiest thing to say is no. If it does not make your team better, you don't do a deal just for the sake of saying i did a deal. If it sets your organization back, it probably doesn't make sense.

    Angelswin.com - With the philosophy you mentioned of developing players ...

    Tony Reagins - Yeah, but just in any deal in general you want to make sure it's good for your organization. Hopefully if you make a deal it's a win-win situation where both teams benefit, but our responsibility and my responsibility is the Angels and pushing us forward. Obviously we've had success over the last few years and we want to continue to have success but we just won't do things just for the sake of doing things.

    Angelswin.com - I imagine since you were the Director of Player Development, it gives you an advantage as far as maybe trading away prospects . In that light, there has been speculation and rumors that a player like Miguel Cabrera is available for prospects, namely Brandon Wood, Howie Kendrick and Nick Adenhart. Do you see any scenario where you would include all three of those players in one deal?

    Tony Reagins - Like you said, that's speculation and it's really not smart to comment on speculation. I think if you operate your business guessing, you're going to put yourself in a tough situation, so i think you have to deal with factual information, rely on your scouts, rely on the resources that you have available to you - I'm talking about myself- then you make the best decision for your club. Obviously again, I think one of my strengths is that I know our system and we're looking to improve.

    Angelswin.com - Can you confirm or deny ...

    Tony Reagins - I can't confirm or deny.

    Angelswin.com - Fair enough. Looking forward to 2008, is there a payroll limit that's been set? Is it flexible? If there's a player that's available you think is going to benefit the organization is that something that Mr. Moreno might consider maybe raising it?

    Tony Reagins - At the end of the day, you look to improve your club, which is the bottom line. There's a number of scenarios that can happen that will allow us to improve our club. You want to make a decision that makes economic sense, but more importantly, baseball sense. If you tie those two things together, I think you're moving in the right direction.

    Angelswin.com - Obviously not the most powerful lineup. Good lineup, scored a lot of runs, but based mostly on moving runners over, hit & runs, making contact. Is the power aspect of the lineup something you're looking to improve this year - maybe getting a little protection for Vladimir Guerrero ?

    Tony Reagins - I know it's been said that power, the home run, has been missing from our lineup, but we've been able to score runs, we've been able to manufacture runs, we've been able to steal bases, we've been aggressive on the base paths, we play solid defense, we've pitched well both in the bullpen and our starting rotation. If it was today, I'm real comfortable with what we have right now. If we have a healthy Garrett Anderson, a healthy Vladimir Guerrero and a healthy Gary Matthews Jr. along with the other parts of our club, it's a pretty good club.

    Angelswin.com - What areas are you looking to improve?

    Tony Reagins - We'll look at anything. Obviously if we can add some offensive punch, we'll look at that, but in discussions it's not limited to one specific area. We're just looking at every opportunity we have to make our club better.

    Angelswin.com - If you could label a player as untouchable or a keeper, does anyone on the roster fall into that category?

    Tony Reagins - I don't think anyone is untouchable. I think there's a number of players that you would have to give some strong, strong thought to if you were deciding to move that player, but I don't think any player is untouchable.

    Angelswin.com - What would you consider a successful 2008 ..

    Tony Reagins - - A World Championship

    Angelswin.com- ...offseason ?

    Tony Reagins - Offseason? Being able to acquire or add some offense if we can. But, like I said, if today was the Opening Day of the 2008 season, and I had a healthy club intact that I have right now, I'd be fine going to war with those guys.

    Angelswin.com - Since Bill Stoneman has now taken on the role of Senior Advisor, how much influence is he going to have in the organization as far as potential trades or acquiring players ?

    Tony Reagins - One, I think you can probably speak to him, but I've learned a lot over the years from Bill. I trust his opinion, along with Ken Forsch, Gary Sutherland, Eddie Bane, Abe Flores, Tory Hernandez and Mike Scioscia. All of these gentleman have input. I think it's important to tap into the resources that you have, and Bill is one of those resources. He's going to be around. Probably not as much as he has in the past, but he'll be around and he has a cell phone so I know that I can call him any time I have a question. He'll be a sounding board for me and offer his opinion.

    Angelswin.com - Was there ever a player you thought you were certain would be a solid major leaguer that never quite panned out for whatever reason?

    Tony Reagins - I think when you see youngsters at a very young age, 17, 18, 19 years old, you see potential. Any one specific player? I probably wouldn't comment on a specific player, but just in general you see a player with tools that you think these tools will play out in the major leagues but for one reason or another it doesn't work out that way. There are some examples but I don't want to mention specific names but I thought this player could pitch in the major leagues or play in the major leagues for a long time and it didn't happen.

    Angelswin.com - Was it more mental?

    Tony Reagins - Yeah, I think a couple of things come into play. Development, both mentally and physically, and an injury. You know, it's not easy to get to the major leagues . If it was you'd have however many people in the world playing ...

    Angelswin.com - I'd be playing in the majors

    Tony Reagins - Exactly! It's really an honor and a privilege to play at this level and a lot of things have to go right. You have to be in the right place at the right time and you have to perform at a high level. It's just not easy to do.

    Angelswin.com - On the other end of the spectrum, maybe you can name somebody who's actually exceeded that potential and became a huge contributor either for the Angels or that went on to play somewhere else?

    Tony Reagins - I like stories of perseverance. Guys that continue to just grind it out. A name that comes to mind just off the top is Nathan Haynes, who was probably in the minor leagues for 10 years, had 8 surgeries, had chances to give it up but kept fighting and had a shot to be at the major league level this year. That's a fun story.

    Angelswin.com - And not a bad hitting coach right ?

    Tony Reagins - Yeah !

    Angelswin.com - Ok Tony, tell us a little bit about yourself.

    Tony Reagins - I grew up down in the Coachella Valley in Indio, CA . Grew up there and went to college at College of the Desert then went to Cal State Fullerton. Played baseball when I was younger. I was a good athlete, but was a pretty good football player and basketball player. Injuries probably derailed my sports career and I just thought it was important to get an education and do some things that I wanted to do and an education was part of it. After my college years, got the internship here and you kind of know the rest of the story.

    Angelswin.com - Other than baseball, what's your favorite sport?

    Tony Reagins - I go back and forth between football and basketball. Probably more football.

    Angelswin.com - You probably don't have much time to watch, do you?

    Tony Reagins - No, but I make sure to watch the Dallas Cowboys.

    Angelswin.com - What do you do for fun?

    Tony Reagins - Hang out with my family. That's very important. I have a young daughter that's 22 months now.

    Angelswin.com - Congratulations

    Tony Reagins - Thank you. She's fun . My wife and family's important to me. We have another one on the way that'll be here hopefully in February.

    Angelswin.com - Again, congratulations ! Just in time for baseball season.

    Tony Reagins - Yeah, thank you. I'm wondering how I'm going to navigate through that time period, but I think we'll make it work.

    Angelswin.com - I guess that wraps it up. I had a great time . Thank you, Tony, we really appreciate you taking the time to do this. AngelsWin.com thanks you.

    Tony Reagins - Hey, no problem. I was glad to be able to do it.
      Part II - Tony Reagins First Year Revisited   Interview conducted by @Lou - AngelsWin.com Contributor  November 12th, 2008   So it has been about a year since the last time we hooked up with the General Manager of the Los Angeles Angels, Tony Reagins opened his office for us again to answer a variety of questions ranging from his first year as GM, the Angels direction this off-season, who may contribute in '09 from within, while sharing about Obama and what it means to be just the 2nd African American General Manager in Major League Baseball. With no further ado, Angelswin.com-Lou Garcia with GM Tony Reagins talkin' Angels Baseball and more below.    Angelswin.com: Excellent first season as the General Manager of the Angels, Tony. What was your favorite memory of the year?    Tony Reagins: Well, it's tough because it had a lot of highs and lows. Probably the best memory was clinching the division. That was a fun time just to see the players release that energy after battling through Spring Training and the season so that was probably one of the highlights.    Angelswin.com: Yeah, I don't think some people realize just what a long haul it is to actually get there.    Tony Reagins: Yeah, it is, it's a very long haul and it starts right now in the off-season. This is really a 12 month operation. You don't just show up to Spring Training and roll the balls out and get it done. It's a long process.    Angelswin.com: So what is a typical day for you right now in the off-season?    Tony Reagins: I'm still talking to the other GM's, just kind of feeling out the process. We had a good chance to see one another face-to-face at the GM meetings last week, so that was good to speak face-to-face with some of the guys. You'll go through the process of making some phone calls and trying to prepare the club for next season.    Angelswin.com: What is something you learned going through your first season as General Manager that you weren't really expecting?    Tony Reagins: Just going through the process. It's a process that, having not gone through it, things happen in cycles. So understanding the cycle, understanding the different timelines and deadlines that you have to meet. All of that. I had an idea, but having to be the guy that implements that stuff was, not a challenge, but something that you just hadn't gone through.    Angelswin.com: Do you think that was the most difficult part of the job?    Tony Reagins: I think there's different challenges and different aspects. Relationships with different agents, players, the coaching staff ... there's different challenges.    Angelswin.com: How difficult is it when you're dealing with agents because they have one agenda, you have another, and they do overlap at times but at times they don't.    Tony Reagins: At the end of the day I think both parties have the best interest of the player at heart. So when you understand that, trying to understand their position, I just learned to understand the agent is going to be an advocate for the player and a fierce advocate, and I have to be an advocate for the club and this organization because at the end of the day you just try to make the best situation for both the player and the organization.    Angelswin.com: What's the most enjoyable part of the job?    Tony Reagins: Winning. I think that's one of the things that I have to continue to learn to manage as far as wins and losses . The losses become much more difficult and the wins, they're sweet, but they don't last very long. So just being able to be on more of an even keel.   Angelswin.com: Is it easier to turn the page after a win?    Tony Reagins: The page gets turned quickly whether you like it or not.    Angelswin.com: So what do you think the team's weaknesses are now and as fans, what can we expect for the off-season?    Tony Reagins: You can expect us to, and not just this year, but for years to come, to be competitive and contending. I think the commitment that not only Arte has shown, but also this coaching staff, there's been a commitment to the fans that we're going to put a quality product on the field. As far as what the team is missing, we definitely have interest in Mark and he is very good at what he does and we think he'd be a significant piece in our lineup, but if that doesn't happen we'll go look in other areas.     Angelswin.com: Would you consider him Plan A?    Tony Reagins: I consider him a plan ...    Angelswin.com: Is he a guy you would build a team around?    Tony Reagins: We're not looking to build around any one player. I think you play as a team and win as a team. I think what's important is that you put the pieces together and they flow and they operate as you expect them to operate. I think building a team around any one player ... I just think that this is overstated and I think it's a team concept.    Angelswin.com: What about the way he plays?    Tony Reagins: I think the way he plays has an influence on our lineup. He doesn't give away many at-bats. Normally you're going to get a quality at-bat out of Mark and it's a patient at-bat and sometimes that effects what's ahead of him and what's behind him.    Angelswin.com: Do you think other players have learned from him to perhaps take the walk when it's there?    Tony Reagins: I don't know, in that short span, a month and a half to two months I think he may have had some influence, but I don't know how much.    Angelswin.com: What about the organizational approach ? Seeing him take at-bats like that, do you think that'll have any influence on how it filters down to the minor leagues or even other players on the roster?    Tony Reagins: I don't know if it's one specific player that says, " Hey, you got to take walks" because we've always been an aggressive team, but we think there is a place where seeing more pitches is more important than just the walk. Seeing more pitches and driving that opposing pitcher's pitch count up is important, so seeing more pitches is probably more important than just the "walk".    Angelswin.com: If for some reason you aren't able to re-sign Mark, are there any regrets on the trade?    Tony Reagins: No. You really try not to look back. You make a deal and you make a decision and you have to live with that decision whether it works out or doesn't work out. When we're in that mode, we were trying to win a World Series and again, trying to do everything for not only this organization but for our fans. But we just came up short.    Angelswin.com: On that note, how frustrated do you think the front office and Arte Moreno is losing again not only in the 1st Round, but to the Red Sox again ?    Tony Reagins: Whoever the opposition is, I don't think whether it's the Red Sox or anybody else, when you lose in a short series in the 1st Round it's not fun. I think we're all frustrated because we felt to a man - players and coaches and I think a lot of people in the industry felt that this team was probably one of the best teams in baseball. We didn't play well in that 1st Round and when you don't play well you don't have a long stay in the postseason.    Angelswin.com: Does the A's acquiring Matt Holliday have any influence on the team's decision as to how far you'll go to re-sign Mark?    Tony Reagins: What any other organization does doesn't have any bearing on what we try to do.    Angelswin.com: What about pitching? As it stands now, it looks like you'll be looking for a 5th starter. Is it something that you think can be handled from within the organization or will you be looking outside for another starter?    Tony Reagins: You know, that's a possibility. We have youngsters that are capable of being the 5th starter. Really what we're looking for in a 5th starter is somebody who's going to give us innings and give us a competitive outing each time out and we have pitchers internally that can do that. It remains to be seen whether that materializes in that manner, but we really pride ourselves on pitching well and catching the baseball. Historically we've pitched well and we think we have four real good young pitchers along with Lackey, who's getting a little bit older now. We should be fine in the pitching area.    Angelswin.com: Any chance of looking at a front-line starter as far as a free agent?    Tony Reagins: You never say no on really any opportunity . Some opportunity may present itself that we weren't expecting but makes sense for us, and if that's the case and it materializes we'll act on it.    Angelswin.com: Is there any concern with Nick Adenhart? He struggled up here which most pitchers do when they first come up, especially at his age, but when was sent back down to Salt Lake he was walking a lot of batters. Is there any concern with his control or maybe mentally?    Tony Reagins: I think that's an important aspect. I think most players when they get to this level physically have the tools to compete and compete at a high level. But what separates them is the mental side of it. The mental preparation and being able to execute pitches, throwing the baseball where you want to and at what time you want to in the count. I think those are areas that Nick needs to continue to work on. I like his stuff, like his ability, he's healthy, he just has to put it all together. We haven't given up on him by any means.    Angelswin.com: You mentioned that there were pitchers within the organization that you think can actually step in and contribute. Who else would you consider in that position?    Tony Reagins: Obviously Dustin Moseley has done it before so he could be an option. Shane Loux is an option. Adenhart's an option. Anthony Ortega is an option. Nick Green has struggled in the off-season so he's probably a longshot. Those type of guys are probably capable of doing that role.    Angelswin.com: As far as Frankie's concerned, we really haven't heard anything as far as any kind of negotiations ..    Tony Reagins: That's a good thing.    Angelswin.com: That we're not hearing about it?    Tony Reagins: Yeah    Angelswin.com: With this organization, I guess it is!    Tony Reagins: (laughs) Right    Angelswin.com:... because usually when we hear something it's wrong anyway.    Tony Reagins: (more laughter)    Angelswin.com: Well, if he doesn't come back, do you think Mike's comfortable having Jose Arredondo close or do you think it's something where he would turn to Scot Shields and maybe give him the first crack at it since he's done it before, albeit on a limited basis and he's been here for quite a while?    Tony Reagins: We think both players are capable of getting those last 3 outs at the end of a game, but we haven't turn the page on Francisco yet, so it's just a matter of how this whole off-season plays out as to what the roles will have in the bullpen.    Angelswin.com: Another player we haven't heard much about is Juan Rivera. Is there any chance he comes back? I mean, he's one player we haven't heard anything about, not only from this organization but from the outside looking in.    Tony Reagins: Good player. Healthy he's a real good player. Yeah, there's a chance that he returns. There's a chance that he goes elsewhere. He's going to have the right in a couple of days to shop his services so we'll see how that plays out.    Angelswin.com: Speaking of that, we're reading you're waiting to give Mark Teixeira an offer until he hits the open market. Was this the strategy all along or is it something that just kind of played out that way?    Tony Reagins: We've had discussions with Mark's people and we've just understood how this was going to take place. It's not something we did not expect. The off-season’s still very young.    Angelswin.com: What about Brandon Wood? Is he somebody you're looking at playing the shortstop position or is he more suited to play 3B? Or is it something that you'll just wait and see what happens in the Spring?    Tony Reagins: Well, the good thing about Brandon is that he showed last year that he could come up and play here. I think the more repetitions he gets the better he'll become, but he can play short or third and that gives you some flexibility to do things.    Angelswin.com: So you do think he's capable of handling the shortstop position at the major-league level?    Tony Reagins: Is he capable ? Yes.    Angelswin.com: What about Sean Rodriguez? Where does he fit in?    Tony Reagins: Good player. Versatile. He can move around the diamond, he can play 2nd, he can play short, he can play 3rd, he can play the outfield. In a young player you like that versatility. Again, you saw him last year and when he got a chance to play regularly he did a good job. Defensively he was fine. He struggled a little bit on the offensive side, but he got better later on and drove the ball. So there's good opportunities for him. He's playing Winter ball and doing very well so we'll see how that goes.    Angelswin.com: Staying with the outfield, is there any concern in the organization that it hasn't produced any power-hitting outfielders in quite a while?    Tony Reagins: Power, it doesn't grow on trees. It's like the last tool that shows up and we haven't produced a high-level impact all-star for a while. But I think if you just focus on that area you get kind of shortsighted. I think we need to get good players across the board and continue to try to develop those players that can impact our club in the major leagues in a significant way. So there are some young players that we really like. Whether they have power, that remains to be seen. But there's some that have power potential.    Angelswin.com: What about Kendry Morales?    Tony Reagins: There's one right there.    Angelswin.com: Is he somebody that can maybe move to the outfield?    Tony Reagins: It's a possibility. We know that he can go out there and play either corner. Again, he's playing Winter ball as well.    Angelswin.com: Is that something he's working on?    Tony Reagins: That's something he's going to work on a little bit, yeah.    Angelswin.com: Has there been any kind of decisions made as far as players that will or will not be offered arbitration or is that something that's up in the air ?    Tony Reagins: Yeah, I think it's a case-by-case basis that hasn't taken place yet.    Angelswin.com: OK, that's about it on the baseball side of things. What about inner-city programs? Are the scouts, yourself, the organization involved much in that?    Tony Reagins: Yeah, there's a couple of programs that we're involved in. We're involved in the Buck O'Neill Scouts Association which is really geared to getting not only inner-city kids but coaches an introduction into the game of baseball and giving them a venue to come and express their opinions and dialogue about their struggles. Actually, we're having our meeting this weekend along with the clinic at the Urban Youth Academy in Compton, and that's another area where we try to support and do things, but the game in the inner-cities is important so that's something we've contributed to and find value in.    Angelswin.com: Now I know you're extremely busy, but do you get an opportunity to go out and speak to kids, schools or different organizations? Being an African-American General Manager is a top position and a very well-respected position.    Tony Reagins: Yes, I do. I get a chance to get out in the community and do a lot of stuff back home in the desert. So, yeah, whenever I see an opportunity I like to get out there and talk about the Angels.    Angelswin.com: Recently Barack Obama was elected as the first African-American President, last year after being named the GM of the Angels we now have 2 African-American General Managers in Major League Baseball ... what does that mean to you?    Tony Reagins: It just shows that you can do anything and anything can happen. You just have to work hard and when the opportunity presents itself you prepare yourself for it. In very general terms, it just shows that there's opportunity out there for everyone.    Angelswin.com: Thank you for that. A couple more questions.... What is your favorite Tempe restaurant?    Tony Reagins: Favorite Tempe restaurant.....(laughs) if I tell you that you guys might show up there.    Angelswin.com: Come on, we're not that crazy!    Tony Reagins: City Hall. That's not necessarily Tempe, it's Scottsdale. Where do I go in the city of Tempe?    Angelswin.com: Don't tell me Diablo Stadium hot dogs either.    Tony Reagins: Hmmmm, I never really go eat in Tempe. I usually go to eat in Scottsdale or Chandler.    Angelswin.com: OK, last question... favorite menu item at Del Taco?    Tony Reagins: Favorite menu item? Combo burrito.    That concludes our interview with Tony Reagins. Post your comments and engage in discussions with other Angels fans regarding this interview on our website.
  21. Chuck
    By Jonathan Northrup, AngelsWin.com Columnist
    All of this is highly subjective, so feel free to tell me I'm an idoit. Very simply, a 50 FV prospect projects to be an average regular; everything above that is good or better (55 = good regular, 60 = all-star, etc), and everything below that is worse (45 = fringe regular/platoon, 40 = bench, etc).
    LIKELY means I would be surprised if the player in question wasn't traded. MAYBE means there's at least a 50-50 chance. UNLIKELY means I would be surprised, but it could happen given the right set of circumstances.
    The Players Most Likely to Be Traded (in rough order)...
    Raisel Iglesias - LIKELY, as plenty of contending teams could use him for the stretch run. He's probably worth the most at the deadline and could earn the Angels either a good to very prospect (50-55 FV) or a couple solid ones (45 FV). In a best of all worlds scenario, the Angels get a 55 FV guy and a 45 FV guy, but we shouldn't bank on it.
    Alex Cobb/Andrew Heaney - One of them is LIKELY, either one on their own or both is MAYBE. Kevin Goldstein at Fangraphs called Cobb the "most underrated" trade target; hopefully major league teams agree. Both could be useful for a contender needing a fourth solid starter, so have some value. I think either could get the Angels a prospect in the 50 FV range. Heaney is younger and a perennial tease for being a #2-3, rather than the #3-4 he usually is, so might get the Angels a slightly better return.
    Mike Mayers/Steve Cishek/Tony Watson/Alex Claudio - LIKELY at least one gets traded, MAYBE for each. I think Cishek or Watson would be most likely, with their veteran cred. All of these guys would get no more than a decent Rondon (30-35 FV, maybe 40 FV if they're lucky).
    Jose Iglesias - MAYBE. He could be a useful bench player/fill-in guy on a contender. Won't get them much in return, but maybe an intriguing low level prospect in the FV 40 range.
    Phil Gosselin/Juan Lagares/Kurt Suzuki - MAYBE. Gosselin has played well and might catch someone's eye, to fill a similar role as Jose Iglesias as a bench guy. Similarly with Lagares for a contender wanting a defensive 4th outfielder. Suzuki is less likely, but maybe someone will see the name and think, "I know that guy, he can hit a bit." None will get more than Rondons in return.
    Dylan Bundy/Jose Quintana - MAYBE one, UNLIKELY both. A team might take a flyer on one of these guys, and the Angels would probably take whatever they could get, at least for Quintana. I think both will remain on the team and fill out innings, and either could be re-signed for a very cheap contract as a back-up plan. I don't think either would get more than a 35-40 FV prospect in return, and the Angels might have to pay some of their contract.
    Justin Upton - UNLIKELY. The scenario in which Upton is traded is this: he comes back and resumes where he left off, channeling his 2018 self. Not a star, but a good player who could plug a hole on a contender (gross). Someone wants him, but needs money in return and the Angels have to pay half or more of next year's $28M salary. I don't think they trade him if it is much more than half, though, unless they get a prospect in return. Someone would throw in a Rondon or two.

    Dark Horse 1: Taylor Ward - MAYBE/UNLIKELY. A team wants to fill a hole and acquire a cheap, useful player. Ward fits the bill and is expendable with Thaiss in AAA. The Angels probably wouldn't trade him for less than a solid 45+ FV prospect, but someone might cough that up. As solid as Ward has been, he's expendable and has limited upside (fringe regular, solid bench player). Meaning, he's the type of player that 45 FV prospects are projected to become, so if the Angels can get a 45+ pitcher, it would make sense for them.
    Dark Horse 2: Jaime Barria - MAYBE/UNLIKELY. He got an extra year of options this year, but will have to be on the major league roster next year (I believe), but there's probably no place in the rotation, so he'll end up being a swingman. But someone might see potential here and could offer a decent (45 FV) prospect. If the Angels can get a higher upside lottery ticket for Barria, I could see them trading him.
    Everyone Else - UNLIKELY. The Angels are unlikely to be buyers, so won't trade any of their cost-controlled young players and prospects, unless they're fringy and packaged to sweeten a deal. 
  22. Chuck
    By Tres Hefter @totdprods AngelsWin.com Columnist
    The pendulum shifted back towards the Angels pitching prospects over the last two weeks, as many arms posted some of their best games yet. With the Angels playoff hopes becoming increasingly cloudy and the trade deadline nearing, a significant number of pending promotions could begin to test some of the strong early results posted by the Angels minor league arms. 

    --Pitchers--
    1) Reid Detmers – LHP, Rocket City, AA:
    It is becoming increasingly plausible that Reid Detmers will not be on these lists much longer. The Angels 2020 first round took his strong AA performance to an entirely new level over the last two weeks, striking out thirty hitters in 12 innings, including an immaculate inning to start one game. There were a couple blemishes as he allowed four HR and 7 ER in this span, leading to an uninspiring 5.25 ERA across these two starts, but that quickly pales in comparison to the 3 walks to 30 strikeouts amassed in that time, and could simply be a result of Detmers burning through the competition without much concern if he allowed a longball or two along the way. Simply put, Detmers struck out more than half of the hitters he faced in June while controlling the zone and limiting damage, meaning there might not be much more to gain in AA, and with AAA’s hitter-friendly confines and arguably lesser quality of opponent, Detmers could find himself in Anaheim perhaps as soon as the July 30th deadline passes.
    2021 (RCT AA): 3.95 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, .237 BAA, 8 HR allowed, 14 BB, 76 K across 41 IP in 9 G/9 GS
    2) Cooper Criswell– RHP, Rocket City, AA:
    While many Angels pitchers have had flashy starts to the year, posting gaudy strikeout numbers and shiny ERAs, Cooper Criswell has flown largely under-the-radar by comparison with steady, effective, workmanlike outings. That changed over the second half of June. In a 6/16 start against Biloxi, Criswell obliterated his previous career-high of 9 strikeouts in a game by whiffing 14 in 6.2 scoreless innings. He then followed that up with a complete game (a what?) against Chattanooga, allowing only two runs. Altogether, Criswell tacked on 21.1 IP of 2.53 ERA ball, holding opponents to a .198 BAA and allowing 2 walks to 25 strikeouts, earning him AA-South Pitcher of the Week honors and elevating his legitimacy as an Angels starting pitching prospect.  
    2021 (RCT AA): 3.59 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, .232 BAA, 5 HR allowed, 6 BB, 63 K across 52.2 IP in 9 G/9 GS
    3) Robinson Pina – RHP, Inland Empire, A:
    Pina’s season started off disastrously, walking 24 hitters in his first 15 innings while with Tri-City, earning a demotion to Low-A Inland Empire at the start of the month. Since then, Pina has looked much more like the pitcher than punched out 146 in 108 IP back in ’19, elevating him into the discussion of the Angels Top 30 prospects. Over the last two weeks, Pina made three starts totaling 17 IP, walking only 4 and striking out 25, all while holding hitters in check (.150 BAA) and keeping runs from scoring (1.59 ERA). Pina has a wide enough array of pitches that the Angels still see him as a starter, but he likely finds himself in relief when all is said and done, especially if he continues to struggle with walks. He’ll need to prove he can translate his success in at least A+ before the end of the year to maintain some fringe Top 30 shine.
    2021 (TRI A+/IE A): 3.58 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, .164 BAA, 2 HR allowed, 30 BB, 52 K across 37.2 IP in 9 G/9 GS
    4) Jose Salvador– LHP, Inland Empire, A:
    Salvador might have had the most encouraging two weeks of any Angels starting pitching prospect. After averaging 69 pitches each appearance – and missing two weeks in May – Salvador took a firm step forward over the last two weeks of June, throwing 13 IP in two starts, holding hitters to a .196 BAA and 1.38 ERA, walking only one versus 17 strikeouts, and most importantly, topping the 90-pitch mark both times. By establishing some endurance and length in his appearances, Salvador’s stock as a legit SP prospect rose significantly over the month, as he had often profiled as an eventual reliever before. Only 21, the Angels won’t need to rush Salvador along yet, but he could find himself in Tri-City should the Angels shuffle their organizational pitching around the trade deadline.
    2021 (RCT AA): 2.82 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, .200 BAA, 2 HR allowed, 17 BB, 52 K in 38.1 IP in 8 G/6 GS
    5) Davis Daniel – RHP, Tri-City, A+:
    A case could be made for Davis Daniel being the Angels’ 2nd-best pitching prospect behind Reid Detmers, at least if one were to weigh MLB-readiness into the equation. Since a rocky debut, Daniel’s first professional season has been essentially perfect, as the righty has rarely found himself in trouble. June has been especially noteworthy for Daniel, as he’s posted a 0.43 ERA and .088 BAA in 21 IP. Daniel had a chance to rank higher on this list, but a June 17th start was limited to 2 IP, and as such, he was limited to only 9 dominant innings in the last two weeks – 4 hits, 4 walks, 10 strikeouts, and one run. It seems only a matter of time before Daniel moves up to AA Rocket City where he could join Detmers, Criswell, Kyle Tyler, and Chris Rodriguez to make up one of the Angels most exciting minor league rotations in years. 
    2021 (TRI A+): 2.04 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, .163 ERA, 1 HR allowed, 20 BB, 51 K in 39.2 IP in 8 G/8 GS
     
    Honorable mention, pitchers:
    Ryan Smith (LHP, TRI A+): 3.27 ERA, .214 BAA, 2 BB, 15 K across 11 IP in 2 G/2 GS – hasn’t missed a beat since being promoted to Tri-City
    Brent Killam (LHP, TRI A+): 2.38 ERA, .118 BAA, 9 BB, 16 K across 11.1 IP in 2 G/2 GS – rebounding after an awful A+ debut
    Hector Yan (LHP, TRI A+): 4.80 ERA, .232 BAA, 11 BB, 18 K across 15 IP in 3 G/3 GS – still struggling with control, but signs of improvement and strong strikeout rates still
    Kyle Tyler (RHP, RCT AA): 4.09 ERA, .171 BAA, 2 BB, 12 K across 11 IP in 2 G/1 GS – slight stumble in first non-start is one of his few blips this season
    Dillon Peters (LHP, SLC AAA): 2.00 ERA, .222 BAA, 1 BB, 11 K across 9 IP in 2 G/2 GS – Peters has an impressive 3.43 ERA and 27 K to 4 BB in his last 21 IP at AAA SLC 
    Andrew Wantz (RHP, SLC AAA): 0.00 ERA, .143 BAA, BB, 5 K across 6.1 IP in 3 G/1 GS – versatile arm making a case for Anaheim pen 
    Cole Duensing (RHP, TRI A+): 0.00 ERA, .067 BAA, BB, 5 K across 5 IP in 3 G – remember him? Showing some success now in relief
     
    --Position Players--
    1) Orlando Martinez – OF, Rocket City, AA:
    When all is said and done, Orlando Martinez might wind up being the Angels prospect who has had taken the biggest step forward in 2021. The 23-year old Cuban has long been lauded for being a natural hitter, but his 2021 performance has included increasingly plus-power and improved discipline, making him one of the more complete hitters in the Angels system. In June, Martinez has hit .320 with an OPS over .900, and more recently. over his last ten games, Martinez slashed .333/.415/.667/1.081 and added three more doubles and three more home runs to his season total, while also drawing five walks against twelve strikeouts. Martinez does struggle somewhat against lefties (.640 OPS with 30 K in 96 PA) and might not walk at an above-average rate, but it’s becoming pretty safe to visualize a player who could be a solid corner outfielder in a platoon role at the MLB level who hits .275 with 15-20 HR in a good year. Should the Angels find themselves having to deal Adell or Marsh for pitching, Martinez may find himself in Anaheim in such a platoon as soon as 2023, once Upton’s contract clears, or he himself could be dealt for a more middle-of-the-road type player. 
    2021 (RCT AA): .282/.332/.518/.849 with 10 doubles, 10 HR, 28 RBI, 2 SB, 13 BB, 57 K in 42 G/184 PA
    2) Mitch Nay – 3B/1B, Rocket City, AA:
    The former supplemental first rounder of the Toronto Blue Jays back in 2012 (Perry Minasian connection), Mitch Nay emerged as a key run producer for Rocket City over the last two weeks, slugging three doubles and half (6) of his season total’s worth of HR in just his last 10 games. This offensive outburst helped give Nay a robust .311/.354/.778/1.132 slash in that span, while also lifting him to a 3rd place tie on the AA leaderboard with 12 HR. Nay will need to continue his hot hitting in order to counter two things working against him; a slow start to the year and his age, 27. Should the Angels promote or trade names such as Jose Rojas or Matt Thaiss, there’s a good chance Nay could find himself in AAA before long, where hitting-friendly environments could boost his numbers further. There’s still time for Nay to become a late bloomer in the bigs, but 4A masher-for-hire isn’t a bad career either.
    2021 (RCT AA): .224/.324/.500/.824 with 7 doubles, 12 HR, 23 RBI, 21 BB, 50 K in 45 G/179 PA
    3) Jose Guzman – SS/2B, Inland Empire, A:
    Where age hurt Mitch Nay, it helps Jose Guzman. The Angels tested the 20 year old middle-infielder early in the year, starting him at AA Rocket City, using him primarily as a defensive replacement and pinch-runner, before bumping him back Inland Empire to face more age-appropriate competition two levels lower. Over the last two weeks, Guzman has responded. Over twelve games and 47 PA, Guzman slashed .279/.340/.512/.852, demonstrating an enticing blend of contact, speed (3-4 in SB attempts) and power (3 doubles, 2 triples, and a HR). Guzman struggled in 2019, his first taste of pro ball stateside, but impressed the year before as a teenager in the Dominican Summer League, posting an .802 OPS at the age of 17. Given his age, there’s a lot to dream on still, but the Angels seem to think highly of him given his early taste of AA ball. In a system heavy with high-upside SS prospects, Guzman could be a sleeper. 
    2021 (RCT AA/IE A): .283/350/.447/.794 with 7 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HR, 7-9 in SB attempts, 8 BB, 32 K in 37 G/118 PA
    4) David MacKinnon – 1B, Rocket City, AA:
    If David MacKinnon were to add catcher to his portfolio, you could argue that he might be the next Yermin Mercedes or Willians Astudillo. But to date, MacKinnon has entrenched himself as a strong defensive 1B (with 1 GS at 2B this year and one inning pitched being the lone defensive exceptions in his career) who just hits and hits and hits – minus the power typically associated with that position. Over the last two weeks, though, was a little different, as MacKinnon hit .400 (14 hits in 35 at-bats) and did add four doubles and two homers to his season, giving him a strong 1.118 OPS in that time. 2021 is a key year for 32nd rounder from the 2017 draft, as injuries cut his 2019 season down to 18 games, and COVID-19 cost him 2020, and he’s responded in a big way, with a .909 OPS in AA and a .322 batting average, good for 10th in all of AA. Jared Walsh has shown that late-round 1B who can hit and field can still make an impact, so maybe lighting strikes twice.
    2021 (RCT AA): .322/.399/.510/.909 with 12 doubles, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 16 BB, 27 K in 37 G/163 PA
    5) Ibandel Isabel – DH/1B, Rocket City, AA:
    Continuing with a theme here is yet another slugging 1B-type at Rocket City. Serving as the primary DH for the Trash Pandas, offseason minor league signee Ibandel Isabel found his power stroke in the last two weeks, slugging .656 with two doubles, a triple, and three HR, while also hitting .250 and drawing 6 BB vs. 14 K, giving him a healthy .250/.385/.656/1.041 slash since June 14th, a mark much more appropriate for a hitter who smashed 28, 36, and 26 HR in his last three full minor league seasons. Only 26 years old, the former Dodger/Red farmhand is likely buried too far down the 1B/DH depth chart to have any foreseeable impact on a future Angels club, but his presence has no doubt allowed the Angels to field perhaps one of their more competitive upper-level minor league teams in years. Isabel’s role as a central run producer also figures to ease the pressure on developing talents such as Orlando Martinez to focus on roles that play to their skillsets, rather than trying to be something they aren’t, and to also allow a talented young rotation to pitch with more confidence that their offense will back them up – something that has eluded many Angel minor league clubs in the past.
    2021 (RCT AA): .212/.325/.445/.770 with 6 doubles, 1 triple, 8 HR, 21 RBI, 19 BB, 61 K in 40 G/160 PA
    Honorable mention, hitters:
    Jeremiah Jackson (SS/DH, IE A): .321/.333/.714/1.048 with 5 2B, 2 HR, 10 RBI, BB, 9 K in 7 G/30 PA – missed a few games, leaving him out of this week’s Top 5 
    Izzy Wilson (RF, RCT AA): .308/.357/.436/.793 with 2 2B, HR, 7 RBI, 3 BB, 6 K, 3-4 SB attempts in 10 G/42 PA – sporting an OPS of 1.058 now in June with a .352 BA
    Anthony Bemboom (C/LF, SLC AAA): .346/.433/.615/1.049 with 2 HR, 4 BB, 2 K in 7 G/30 PA – torching AAA pitching this year, he and Butera are trade candidates too
    Jack Mayfield (SS/2B, SLC AAA): .326/.392/.630/1.023 with 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 4 BB, 5 K in 10 G/51 PA – on fire since re-claimed by the Angels, and could be back on the MLB bench soon as a result
    Jose Rojas (3B/LF/2B, SLC AAA): .286/.375/.595/.970 with 4 2B, 3 HR, 6 BB, 10 K in 11 G/48 PA – back to mashing at AAA after a slow start following demotion
    Preston Palmeiro (1B/RF, SLC AAA): .417/.475/.500/.975 with 3 2B, 4 BB, 6 K in 11 G/40 PA – son of Rafael putting together his best professional season
    Braxton Martinez (1B/3B, IE A): .341/.440/.488/.928 with 3 2B, HR, 8 BB, 3 K – former Indy ball masher continues to ruin younger pitching, first innings at 3B 
    Jake Gatewood (SS/3B/1B/LF/RF, SLC AAA): .245/.275/.531/.805 with 2 2B, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 2 BB, 18 K in 12 G/51 PA – officially playing all over the field now, had a 2 HR, 7 RBI game that earned him a spot here

  23. Chuck
    Much like the Angels’ major league offense awakening as May turned into June, the same can be said for many of the Angels’ farmhands. The last two weeks saw a number of Angels’ position players, new and old, put up big numbers, and several Angels’ pitchers found themselves moving up to new teams following strong spring starts. 
    --Position Players--
    1) Matt Thaiss – C/DH/1B, Salt Lake City, AAA:
    So far, no Angels’ minor league position has done more to definitively place themselves atop one of these lists than what Matt Thaiss has done. Alternating between catcher and DH over the last two weeks – with one appearance at 1B – Thaiss has put his well-balanced offensive profile on display, showing strong contact (14 hits in 10 games), discipline (6 walks to 9 strikeouts), and power (four doubles, two triples, five home runs), good for a .359/.457/.949/1.405 slash, while also driving in runs (13), stealing a base, and throwing out three baserunners – his first in his pro career since converting back to catcher. Despite this, there isn’t a clear path to Anaheim at the moment for Thaiss, and it’s likely in his (and the Angels) best interest that he continues getting reps behind the plate at SLC, as well as regular playing time. Should the Angels find themselves buyer, Thaiss’ versatility, ability behind the plate, offensive profile, and MLB-readiness could make him an attractive deadline option – or an easy promotion should they part ways with Kurt Suzuki at some point.
    2021 (SLC, AAA): .327/.435/.655/1.090 with 6 doubles, 3 triples, 8 HR, 24 RBI, 18 BB, 34 K in 30 G/131 PA, 33% CS%
     
    2) Luis Rengifo – SS/2B, Salt Lake City, AAA:
    Following right behind Thaiss, Rengifo has also put his varied skill set on display of late. Like Thaiss, Rengifo has demonstrated strong contact skills (17 hits in 10 games), discipline (3 walks to 8 strikeouts), and power, equating Jo Adell’s output over the last two weeks; two double, two triples, and four home runs, giving Rengifo a .395/.435/.814/1.249 slash in June. Settling in as the everday SS in SLC leads one to believe the Angels might see him as the everyday SS starting in 2022, or perhaps sooner if they find themselves taking offers for Jose Iglesias as the summer trade deadline nears. Much like Thaiss, Rengifo could find himself mentioned in trade talks should the Angels wind up buyers.
    2021 (SLC, AAA): .302/.371/.519/.890 with 7 doubles, 3 triples, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 12 BB, 21 K, 7-11 in SB attempts in 33 G/143 PA
     
    3) Jo Adell – OF, Salt Lake City, AAA:
    Adell shifted over to CF for the first time this season, drawing six starts in the last ten games while also seeing time in the corners, leading one to believe the Angels might be prepping him to get a look while Trout is on the IL, and Adell’s recent performance at the plate has done nothing to quiet those whispers; relying primarily on his plus-plus power, Adell has slugged.791 in June so far, adding 2 doubles, 2 triples to his 2021 campaign, as well 4 more HR to his minor league lead of 15. Plate discipline remains elusive however as Adell hasn’t drawn a walk since May 20th, but he has trimmed his strikeouts to something tolerable – 14 in 10 games. Still, Adell remains one of the more imposing sources of prospect power and his athleticism could cause the Angels to look past the swing-and-miss issues and give him another shot to contribute sooner rather than later.
    2021 (SLC, AAA): .277/.325/.667/.991 with 6 doubles, 2 triples, 15 HR, 30 RBI, 6 BB, 50 K, 3-4 in SB attempts in 32 G/151 PA
     
    4) Izzy Wilson – RF/LF, Rocket City, AA:
    Who? You’re forgiven if the Angels’ minor league signing of former Braves prospect Isranel ‘Izzy’ Wilson didn’t catch your eye this past winter, but the 6’3”, lefty-swinging hyper-toolsy outfielder who drew occasional comps to Christian Pache and Ronald Acuna Jr. has turned a corner since June began. Wilson’s .406/.472/.906/1.378 slash puts him behind Matt Thaiss for second-highest OPS since June 1, largely in part to the five home runs he added, giving him 10 on the season, right behind Jo Adell for most on the Angels farm. Wilson also demonstrated decent discipline (4 BB, 10 K) and overcome a slow start to show improved contact as well (13 hits in 36 PA), and oh yeah, he swiped four bases as well. The Saint Maarten native is showing all the characteristics of a late-blooming prospect, given he’s still on 23 and playing in a competitive league against older players. Definitely one to watch.
    2021 (RCT, AA): .224/.325/.514/.839 with 1 doubles, 10 HR, 19 RBI, 15 BB, 42 K, 8-11 in SB attempts in 31 G/123 PA
     
    5) Jeremiah Jackson – SS, Inland Empire, A:
    Another Angel happy to see May come to an end, Jeremiah Jackson has once again lit up pitching, posting a robust .351/.442/.676/1.118 slash over the last two weeks – buoyed by an unsustainable .550 BABIP. That said, two of the primary concerns for Jackson – whether his light-tower power would translate after a historic showing in the Pioneer League and if he could improve his plate discipline – are seemingly being addressed, as Jackson mashed four doubles, a triple, and two homers over his last ten games, as well as drawing six walks to 15 strikeouts, perfectly respectable for a middle-of-the-order run producer. Jackson added 13 RBI over the last two weeks, giving him 34 on the season, good for 3rd atop the MILB RBI leaderboards. Jackson collected the Low-A West Player of the Week as well. With the strong performances of Paris, Jackson, and Rengifo, the Angels SS depth on the farm looks to be in good shape for the short and long-term future.
    2021 (IE, AA): .231/.319/.463/.782 with 8 doubles, 1 triple, 6 HR, 34 RBI, 17 BB, 50 K, 7-9 in SB attempts in 32 G/141 PA
    Honorable mention, hitters:
    Braxton Martinez (1B, IE A): .357/.500/.690/1.190 with 5 2B, 3 HR, 11 BB, 8 K in 12 G/54 PA – age (27) kept him from the Top 5 this time
    Preston Palmeiro (1B/LF/2B, SLC AAA): .292/.370/.625/.995 with 2 2B, 2 HR – benefitting from hitter-friendly parks, or did Rafael’s son find something?
    Scott Schebler (OF, SLC AAA): .325/.372/.600/.972 with 5 2B, 2 HR – just keeps on hitting
    Dalton Pompey (OF, RCT AA): .303/.361/.576/.937 with 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 3 BB, 4 K in 9 G/36 PA – former Top 100 prospect off to strong start at AA
    Mitch Nay (3B, RCT AA): .257/.422/.514/.937 with 3 2B, 2 HR, 8 BB, 7 K in 11 G/45 PA – former first rounder keeps slugging, getting on-base
    Michael Stefanic (2B/3B, SLC AAA): .229/.325/.514/.839 with 2B, 3 HR, 3 BB, 8 K – AAA parks adding some HRs to Stefanic’s game
    Gavin Cecchini (2B/SS, RCT AA): .267/.313/.511/.824 with 2 2B, 3 HR, 3 BB, 7 K – another former 1st rounder hitting well in AA
    Torii Hunter, Jr. (OF, RCT AA): .276/.344/.483/.827 with 3 2B, HR, 3 BB – evolving into a solid 4th OF option
    --Pitchers--
    1) Ryan Smith - LHP, Tri-City, A+:
    Following another dominating performance at Low-A Inland Empire (6 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K on June 3rd), southpaw Ryan Smith was the next IE SP to earn a promotion to Hi-A Tri-City, and didn’t miss a step, spinning another strong, nearly unblemished 6 inning start, surrendering zero runs, two hits, one walk, and striking out 9. All told, Smith’s 12 IP of 0.75 ERA ball, with a BAA of .100 and 2 BB to 16 K earns him the top pitching placement on this edition. At 5’11””” and drafted in the 18thRound out of Princeton, Smith is an interesting arm to watch as he advances – more a pitcher than a thrower, he’s balanced, competitive, cerebral approach could make him a strong dark-horse SP prospect if this continues now that he’s facing more age-appropriate competition. 
    2021 (IE A/TC A+): 1.34 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, .139 BAA, 3 HR allowed, 8 BB, 53 K across 33.2 IP in 6 G/5 GS
    2) Davis Daniel - RHP, Tri-City, A+:
    Yet to hit a bump this season, righty Davis Daniel might be making a case for being the Angels’ second-best SP prospect Reid Detmers, at least if weighing the candidates by MLB-readiness. Daniel added two more starts to his first pro season, which is also the same number of hits he allowed – only two across 12 IP, along with zero runs, four walks, and 16 strikeouts. Daniel’s strong play earned him the High-A West Pitcher of the Week, and a promotion to AA Rocket City, behind recent fellow righty Aaron Hernandez, could be in the near future. At age 24, there’s a reasonable chance Daniel pitches his way onto the MLB staff by end of the year, especially if the Halos wind up sellers and move multiple arms from the rotation and bullpen.
    2021 (TC A+): 2.35 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, .171 BAA, 1 HR allowed, 16 BB, 41 K across 30.2 IP in 6 G/6 GS
    3) Kyle Tyler - RHP, Rocket City, AA:
    Steady as ever, Rocket City righty Kyle Tyler maintained his strong season over his last three starts, despite one of them being lackluster. That start was bookended with two gems: an 8 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 7 K performance against Chattanooga and a 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, BB, 7 K showing against Tennessee, giving Tyler 17.2 IP of 1.53 ERA ball, allowing a .161 BAA and 5 BB to 15 K. Fangraphs recently noted that Tyler’s velocity has ticked up a few miles since ’19, now hitting 92-95 with some carry, improving his chances at moving into the MLB depth charts as at least an up-and-down spot starter. Perhaps a move to relief could spike the velocity even further…
    2021 (RCT AA): 2.08 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, .199 BAA, 3 HR allowed, 12 BB, 38 K across 39 IP in 7 G/7 GS
    4) Jaime Barria - RHP, Salt Lake City AAA:
    His performance is sort of the pitching equivalent to Matt Thaiss or Luis Rengifo; not good enough yet to crack the big-league club, but impressive despite the park conditions. Posting a 0.90 ERA and .176 across two starts on a Salt Lake staff is noteworthy even if it didn’t come with eye-opening peripherals, but that’s Jaime Barria. Not flashy, not dominant, but durable and effective. Due to roster shuffling, Barria has only made 6 appearances on the season between SLC and Anaheim, but his inability to crack a faulty Angels staff could garner some interest if the Angels pursue rental help at the deadline. Cheap, durable pitching under control always has some demand, and if Barria can’t find it here, the Angels might be better served seeing what they can get for him. Additionally, he could find himself a late-summer fixture in Anaheim should the Angels sell.
    2021 (SLC, AAA): 3.20 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 23 H 4 HR allowed, 2 BB, 11 K across 19.2 IP in 4 G/4 GS
    5) Jack Dashwood - LHP, Inland Empire:
    Perhaps overlooked by some of the more dazzling performances by Inland Empire arms such as Brent Killam, Ryan Smith, and Jose Salvador is the efforts so far by 6’6” lefty Jack Dashwood. The 23 year old, a 12th rounder from the 2019 draft, has been versatile as he’s been effective. Over the last two weeks, Dashwood has made three appearances – one start and twice as a multi-inning reliever – adding 11.1 IP of 0.79 ERA ball to his first pro season. But what’s more notable is what Dashwood hasn’t allowed – a walk. Across seven games on the year, Dashwood has now thrown 26 IP while striking out 35 and walking zero Tally in 21 hits allowed, and Dashwood’s WHIP stands at a shiny 0.81. With some fellow southpaws promoted to Tri-City in Killam and Smith, there’s a chance Dashwood picks up more appearances now as a starter, where he could continue in their footsteps. 
    2021 (IE, A): 2.77 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, .214 BAA, 2 HR allowed, 0 BB, 35 K across 26 IP in 7 G/2 GS
    Honorable mention, pitchers:
    Reid Detmers (LHP, RCT AA): 11 IP, 0.82 ERA, .179 BAA, 3 BB, 16 K in 2 G/2 GS – a hard luck bump from the Top 5, but wanted to get some new names in, and this performance is to be expected from Detmers now
    Aaron Hernandez (RHP, TC A+/RCT AA): 10 IP, 3.60 ERA, .167 BAA, 7 BB, 12 K in 2 G/2 GS– earned first AA start
    Jake Faria (RHP, SLC, AAA): 11.1 IP, 3.18 ERA, .200 BAA, 6 BB, 17 K in 2 G/2 GS– strong strikeout numbers and a recent stinginess allowing runs could earn him a spot in Anaheim
    Dakota Donovan (RHP, IE A): 5.2 IP, 0.00 ERA, .227 BAA, 5 H, 3 BB, 11 K in 4 G
    Tim Peterson (RHP, SLC AAA): 5.1 IP, 1.69 ERA, .118 BA, 0 BB, 7 K in 4 G – great relief numbers to in AAA so far 
    AJ Ramos (RHP, SLC AAA): 4.2 IP, 1.93 ERA, .176 BAA, 2 BB, 7 K in 4 G – one-time closer providing strong relief in AAA as well 
    Connor Higgins (LHP, RCT AA): 4 IP, 2.25 ERA, .294 BAA, 3 BB, 4 K in 4 G
    Adam Seminaris (LHP, IE A): 6.1 IP, 4.26 ERA, .280 BAA, 0 BB, 10 K in 2 G/1 GS – strong return to action from ’20 draftee
     
  24. 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
  25. Chuck
    By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist
    1. There's plenty of offense still. 
    Previously, any time the Angels lost Trout for an extended period of time, it hurt. He was practically the sole above average contributor on a team which also more often than not had several offensive holes.
    In 2017, Trout missed 48 games and Andrelton Simmons was the next best hitter on the team, with a .752 OPS/102 OPS+. The Angels were 15th out of 15 AL teams in OPS with .712...including Trout. In 2018, Mike missed 'only' 22 games, but Ohtani (151 OPS+) and Upton (121 OPS+) helped shoulder the load. Simmons was also above-average at 102. In 2019, Mike missed 28 games, Ohtani again provided with a 119 OPS+, followed by Goodwin with 106, Calhoun 105, and a half-season from La Stella's 116 OPS+. So far in 2021, Ohtani, playing more often than ever, is at 156, Walsh is at 166, and Rendon, hopefully due for a resurgence, is at 101. The offense has never been better suited to absorb the loss of Mike's offensive production. If guys like Upton (93), Fletcher (57 now, 117 in '20), Iglesias (85), and Ward (94 in '20) can maintain/return to league average OPS+, they'll be fine, especially if Upton can find a patented hot streak like he did last year. Simply put, this Angels team has sufficient firepower and a very capable offensive floor that has underperformed to weather the loss. Which leads us to...
    2. The Angels should be playing better.
    Plenty of metrics indicate the Angels haven't been very good. Plenty of metrics indicate the Angels also indicate they've been pretty unlucky. Obviously, the offense hasn't been the problem this season - it's been the pitching. The Angels defense has suffered all season long due to Pujols, an unusually error-prone Jose Iglesias, a first baseman playing RF, and Anthony Rendon missing half the season. All of this has contributed to the Angels AL-worst ERA (5.22 entering today) being nearly a full run over their FIP of 4.29. 
    The starting rotation has maintained extremely strong strikeout numbers, Jose Quintana is starting to show some signs of at least tolerable production, Alex Cobb might be back, and Dylan Bundy shouldn't be this bad. Andrew Heaney is Andrew Heaney, and Griffin Canning has started to turn things around after a slow start.
    Chris Rodriguez should be back in the near future. Shohei Ohtani is starting to make frequent, lengthy contributions on the mound. The bullpen is a work-in-progress, but at least efforts continue to be made to reinforce and stabilize by additions such as Strickland and promotions such as Sandoval, Barria, and Quijada offering some signs of improvement and stability.
    3. The schedule breathes a little easier.
    This is particularly true of late - the Angels have had a very tough schedule to open the year. The Angels have played games 29 games against teams that are currently above .500 and only 13 against teams worse than .500. 
    The next eight weeks will see the Angels play 24 games against teams over .500 (including ten against Oakland) and 27 games against teams below .500 (and they're about to win the first of those). Especially important are the games against Oakland and Seattle, each of whom they'll play ten times. A prime opportunity to gain on the division and push the should-be cellar dwellers like Seattle and Texas further to the bottom. Speaking of...
    4. The AL West is still up for grabs. 
    Oakland pulled off a thirteen game winning streak, yet they're only a half-game in first. The Angels do enter today 7 GB, but with ten games coming up versus Oakland, they can bring this division much closer. Houston and Oakland are formidable, but neither are nowhere near the powerhouse teams that have led the division in prior years. 
    The season is still early, the team should have trade currency to work with as they enter July - or to add from within - so simply staying close in the division over the next six to eight weeks should be the goal. 
    5. Don't count out Jo Adell - or Brandon Marsh. Or Mike Trout!?
    Adell might have plenty of holes in his game still, and Marsh only has a handful of AAA appearances, but Maddon has not shied away from pushing young talent early in the year, given how he's handled Ohtani, played Walsh to the point it led to a Pujols DFA, and led to Chris Rodriguez and Jose Rojas making the big league roster. If either talent continues to play well in SLC, either could be in Anaheim in short order, and both bring Top 100 talent and energy to the field. Talent of this kind has increasingly stepped into the MLB spotlight in recent years and flourished, especially under pressure. Opportunity knocks, will either Adell or Marsh take it? This might be exactly the kick in the pants these players, or the whole team, could use to step up and fill in the gaps while Trout is out. 
    ...also worth considering is that Mike Trout is Mike Trout. He's superhuman. He's returned from injury quickly before, and 6-8 weeks could be a worst-case scenario. So sit back, enjoy Angels baseball, and let's see what happens.
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