The December 1, 2015 edition of Los Angeles Angels news includes a Korean All-Star third baseman becoming available, an out clause in a front office member’s contract, and more…
The Story: Jae-Gyun Hwang posted by Lotte Giants
MWAH Says: This was originally slated for the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, but got pushed back likely to avoid wasting four bidding days on a holiday weekend. I’m firmly on board the bid for Jae-Gyun bandwagon, and I hope the Angels are too. There’s really no downside to winning the bid. If they do, they get a month of exclusive negotiations with Hwang, which can also be a month for finding an alternative and getting back the bid money. If they can’t find someone else, they’ve got a third baseman in waiting who will sign on the cheap.
The Story: Bud Black can leave if offered manager job
MWAH Says: Black’s gig in the front office was always going to be a temporary one; a bridge until another managing opportunity arose. Some are saying his special assistant to GM appointment is a definitive sign that Scioscia is in control, but I’m not so pessimistic about it. The thing that drove Jerry Dipoto out last season was a fundamental communication breakdown between front office and coaching staff. Why wouldn’t you hire someone like Black—who has a standing rapport with ~90% of the coaching staff—to make sure that doesn’t happen again?
The Story: Ron Roenicke finds fit with Angels
MWAH Says: The other piece of the 2002 coaching puzzle is happy to be back in Anaheim. He also has some thoughts about all those inexperienced dudes being handed the keys to MLB teams—he’s not a fan. I am a fan of Roenicke being back at third, so long as he avoids a repeat of 2004.
The Story: Mike Trout and the Two-Out Offense
MWAH Says: Trout was terrible with two outs (.626 OPS) in 2014, so of course he adjusted and was better than everyone at it (1.153 OPS) in 2015. I kind of hope this ability carries over into the rest of his life. Like, he’s terrible at fixing a leaky faucet one day, then a licensed expert the next.
The Story: Everything Is Now Super, 2015
MWAH Says: Sam Miller doing creative things again. Oh my goodness is Josh Hamilton’s introductory press conference with the Angels a painful thing to behold now.
The Story: Grant Green signed to minors deal by the Giants
MWAH Says: Congrats, Grant Green. You’re finally #Free. Well, sort of. Matt Duffy and Joe Panik are a helluva lot tougher to usurp on the depth chart than Johnny Giavotella and Kaleb Cowart/Kyle Kubitza. Still probably better than playing for a manager who seems to forget you’re on the team.
The Story: Chris Young gets two-year deal from Boston
MWAH Says: Not that Chris Young, the other one. Signing a platoon player like Young doesn’t guarantee the Red Sox are open to trading a potential left fielder like Brock Holt or Jackie Bradley, but it could meant that. It’s getting to the point where there might be too many options for LF.
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