The November 9, 2015 edition of Los Angeles Angels news includes the team hiring an old friend and legendary pitch-framer, the GM meetings kicking off in Florida, and more…
The Story: Jose Molina hired as catching coordinator
MWAH Says: It sounds like the middle Molina will work with the club’s minor-league catchers, mainly, but he’ll probably get some good time with Carlos Perez during Spring Training at least. Perez doesn’t need any help with his catch and release, but his framing and blocking could use some work. Who better to learn from than the master?
The Story: Moves unlikely at the GM meetings this week
MWAH Says: There will probably be a move or two at the GM meetings this week, but it doesn’t look like the Angels will be making them. Or at least that’s what they’re saying. Side note: Eppler seems to LOVE using metaphors to describe his plans. This one includes “walk out of here with a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread” and “rob Peter to pay Paul.” Might have to start making a list.
The Story: Mariners claim Daniel Robertson on waivers
MWAH Says: Dipoto is wasting no time building the team he wants. Robertson isn’t a real loss for the Angels so long as Collin Cowgill is healthy.
The Story: Top 50 free agents and predictions
MWAH Says: Jon Heyman’s annual guesstimate of how much the top free agents will get this winter. Always a fun read. The one that stands out to me is Chris Davis getting three times more money than Ben Zobrist. I dunno about that. The only player the Heyman links to the Angels is Daniel Murphy, which ehhhhhh. Freese, at #27, is predicted to get three years and $30 million. Sounds about right.
The Story: Eppler brings balance of scouting and stats
MWAH Says: Pretty sure this same article was written several times about Jerry Dipoto when the Angels hired him. The idea of stats and scouting as a dichotomy has always been wrong-headed. Stats are just one aspect of scouting, and all teams have some balance between the qualitative and the quantitative. Anyway, some fun background info on Eppler in this one.
The Story: Nine Angels minor leaguers elect free agency
MWAH Says: Lots of org guys. Daniel Hurtado was in the mix as a guy to be protected in the Rule 5 draft last year, but the Halos opted not to add him onto the 40-man roster and he missed most of 2015 with an injury.
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