The March 1, 2016 edition of Los Angeles Angels news includes Pujols improving rapidly in his recovery, Santiago being tabbed for the first innings of the Cactus League opener, and more…
The Story: Albert Pujols running bases, should be ready Opening Day
MWAH Says: All that worrying over who’ll DH while Pujols was out at the start of the season seems to have been for naught. The Machine is already running around more or less unrestricted and, per Alden Gonzalez, should be ready to go on April 4 barring any setbacks. He’ll likely make his first spring appearance this weekend.
The Story: Hector Santiago to start Cactus League opener on Wednesday
MWAH Says: He will probably throw like 20 pitches max, but hey, a start’s a start. Matt Shoemaker, Cam Bedrosian, A.J. Achter, Rob Rasmussen, Greg Mahle, Lucas Leutge, Kyle McGowin, and Victor Alcantara are also expected to pitch Wednesday, so barring any implosions everyone should get and inning apiece. Garrett Richards will start Thursday, Jered Weaver on Friday.
The Story: Roberto Baldoquin a ‘completely different player’ after year of adjustment
MWAH Says: I sure hope so. The 22-year-old had a pretty tough go of it in his first season stateside.
The Story: David Murphy signs minor league deal with Red Sox
MWAH Says: David Freese might very well end up the last 2015 Halo left unsigned. Just he and David DeJesus remain. Unreal.
The Story: C.J. Wilson returns home for birth of his first child
MWAH Says: Congrats to the Wilson family. Hope everyone is happy and healthy.
The Story: Angels confident Yunel Escobar will excel at third base
MWAH Says: The Angels aren’t buying Escobar’s horrid defensive ratings from last season. I tend to agree. You can’t expect a guy to do well when unexpectedly thrust into a position during a season, but with an entire winter to prep and adjust he should be fine. He was a league-average shortstop after all.
The Story: Calhoun looking to make more contact at the plate
MWAH Says: Those 48 strikeouts (!!) in the final 31 games of the season last year were killer. If he can just get back to what he was doing from April-August, he should be fine.
The Story: Richards, Heaney build hometown bond
MWAH Says: Next they’ll build a covalent bond, turning them into a single, electric starter. This has been a science joke. Kidding aside, it’s pretty great that they got to work out together all winter. Always good to have a workout buddy to keep you honest.
The Story: Javy Guerra looks to resuscitate career in Angels bullpen
MWAH Says: That his suspension occurred just three days after dropping off the White Sox 40-man roster—putting him under the purview of the minor league Joint Drug Agreement—makes me think he tested positive for marijuana, which is not a suspendible offense in the big leagues. No way to confirm that, of course, just a hunch. Whatever it was, I’m glad to see him back on the field. It’s a win for all if he’s able to regain his form from his days as the Dodgers closer.
The Story: Non-roster invitee Andrew Brown opts for retirement
MWAH Says: The journeyman outfielder reportedly decided to pack things up to spend more time with his family. We wish him the best.
The Story: Health scare provides wake-up call for Bengie Molina
MWAH Says: Glad to see Bengie is feeling healthier. Always fun to have the Molina brothers around for Spring Training.
The Story: Mike Trout drops Subway marketing deal
MWAH Says: Cue Jersey Mike’s throwing all their money at Trout.
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