The February 1, 2016 edition of Los Angeles Angels news includes Billy Eppler opening up about his inclusive front-office philosophy, the team potentially wasting Mike Trout’s peak years, and more…
The Story: Billy Eppler laying foundation early in tenure
MWAH Says: Some great information from Alden Gonzalez in this one. Eppler has a reputation as a “stats guy” but got his start as a scout and makes a point of keeping an open door to anyone who has thoughts on an issue. It sounds like he’s a great communicator, but it’s still impossible to please everyone at the end of the day. We’ll see how things shake out as the season starts and decisions get a little more heated.
The Story: Angels are wasting the best years of Mike Trout
MWAH Says: So far as 2016 is concerned, I completely agree with this take. Arte Moreno has been so concerned with finding the “right player” to exceed the luxury tax for, he’s blinded himself to the fact that he already has that player: Mike Trout. Just because he wasn’t the one to put the team over the limit doesn’t mean they shouldn’t blow past it for his sake. If Moreno had to do Trout’s extension now and it put the team over the luxury tax, would he do it? Of course he would. So what’s the hold up on spending?
The Story: Dodgers sign Howie Kendrick to a two-year, $20 million contract
MWAH Says: Such a dang steal for the Dodgers, so unfortunate for Howie. $10 million is a ton of money, of course, but compared to his peers Kendrick got robbed. Every other free agent tied to a qualifying offer has gotten at least a 30% raise so far this winter—often much more. Howie got just a 5% raise. That’s not supposed to happen to a guy who’s averaged 3.2 WAR a season the past seven years. Amazingly, the Angels could have easily afforded had it not cost them a draft pick.
The Story: No Angels in MLB.com’s Top 100 prospects
MWAH Says: Another top 100 without any Halos. Not really a surprise at this point, though MLB dot com usually has some weird rankings that could’ve snuck a player on. Oh well. At least the club has the #17 pick in the draft this June.
The Story: D’Backs acquire Jean Segura for Aaron Hill, Chase Anderson, and top prospect
MWAH Says: Hey, whaddaya know, Jean Segura and Zack Greinke are on the same team now. Baseball is funny that way. Also funny is that Arizona GM Dave Stewart thinks Segura and his .281 OBP are “perfect” for the leadoff spot. OK, Dave, whatever you say.
The Story: Arizona could trade from infield surplus now with Jean Segura aboard
MWAH Says: A chance for the Angels to fleece Dave Stewart, you say? Hell yes. The guys the D’Backs might make available—Brandon Drury, Nick Ahmed—don’t have the highest of ceilings, but depth is depth. Ahmed would surely be a massive defensive upgrade over Giavotella at second base.
The Story: Darin Erstad had an epiphany after interview with Dodgers
MWAH Says: Spoiler Alert: He and his family were already happy in Nebraska, so why leave for something unknown?
The Story: Blue Jays re-sign Maicer Izturis to minor league deal
MWAH Says: Glad to see Maicer get another shot. He’s played just 11 games since 2014 because of injuries.
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