The February 24, 2016 edition of Los Angeles Angels news includes The Machine seemingly coming to terms with his rusting parts, C.J. Wilson expecting to resume throwing by the end of the week, and more…
The Story: A healthy, productive Pujols is key to Angels
MWAH Says: You can say that again. I’m happy that Albert seems open to the idea of DH-ing more often—”I would love to play first base if I can, but I can’t be selfish”—but I hope that isn’t just a way for him to get back on the field before he’s completely healthy. As we saw last year and in 2013, a maimed Pujols isn’t really worth having in the lineup every day. It’s much more valuable to keep him out until he’s at 100%.
The Story: C.J. Wilson to be shut down only a couple days
MWAH Says: It’s hard not to worry about Wilson’s shoulder, even if he doesn’t seem overly concerned by it. It’d be great to know with certainty that it’s just the “normal” general soreness thing a lot of pitchers deal with upon entering camp, but there’s no telling at this point. Sometimes those kinks work themselves out, other times they evolve into torn ligaments and DL stints. Let’s hope it’s the former.
The Story: Pujols tops list of MLB’s biggest albatrosses
MWAH Says: Look, I’m not going to sit hear and try to defend the $165 million the Angels owe Albert over the next six seasons. It’s indefensible. But I will note that if you use the $/wins method and assume a win is worth $7 million, Pujols’ value in Anaheim (13.3 WAR) has actually exceeded his salary ($75M) by about $18 million. Will it continue to do so? Of course not. But it’s been fine so far.
The Story: Joe Smith encouraged by relievers’ free-agent deals
MWAH Says: Something tells me Smith isn’t going to be open to the same kind of team-friendly extension the Angels got Huston Street to sign. Nor should he be, really. Going to be a bummer if/when he leaves the organization.
The Story: Trade buzz shows Angels still seek LF help
MWAH Says: You know Billy Eppler was just champing at the bit to sign Dexter Fowler and be done with the seemingly endless left field shenanigans, but alas Arte Moreno has a budget to not stick to. Thus, Eppler’s stuck doing his best vulture impression, attempting to pick up the scraps left by other teams working big trades. I doubt wherever Jay Bruce ultimately ends up will suddenly make another Michael Saunders-esque player available, but that’s the kind of player Eppler has been forced to seek out. At least he’s trying to do something.
The Story: Orioles sign Dexter Fowler to three-year, $33 million deal
MWAH Says: Speaking of Fowler… Baltimore’s deal guarantees that the Angels will get the #16 pick in the 2016 draft, even if the O’s now shaky agreement with Yovani Gallardo eventually falls through. So that’s a plus.
The Story: No-tank zone: Every AL team has a legitimate shot at October
MWAH Says: Jesse Spector notes that the Angels still have Mike Trout, who should automatically keep them from being ruled out of anything. He makes a good point.
The Story: Burning up the bases: Baseball’s fastest runners
MWAH Says: Albert Pujols had the fourth-slowest average home-to-first time in baseball last season, and the Angels as a team were fifth slowest. Adding Yunel Escobar isn’t going to help that, but Andrelton Simmons and Craig Gentry might.
The Story: Mike Trout is getting a weather balloon
MWAH Says: No need for him to stay up all night checking the measurements anymore. His buddy at the Weather Channel is gifting him a balloon that’ll do it for him.
The Story: LHP Sean Nolin claimed by the Brewers
MWAH Says: All the AL teams had a shot at claiming Nolin before the Brewers’ number came up, which makes me very skeptical the Angels are really on the lookout for another potential LOOGY. Why? Because no one else they’ll find on the waiver wire or the free-agent scrap heap has the upside of Nolin. If the Halos are passing on a 26-year-old lefty who was a top-100 prospect not too long ago, then they’re probably not looking for anyone who remotely fits that description.
The Story: American agent drops Cuban phenom Lazarito following death threats
MWAH Says: Pretty gross that MLB allows for teams to deal with players from anywhere while they and their families are under the thumb of human traffickers. Having to make dangerous deals with buscons should not be the only way for these kids to get out of the country.
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