The October 7, 2015 edition of Los Angeles Angels news includes an update (sort of) on stadium talks with the city of Anaheim, MLB Trade Rumors’ salary arbitration predictions for 2016, and more…
The Story: Angels haven’t re-opened stadium talks with Anaheim (yet)
MWAH Says: This is one of those “no news is still news” sort of things. Arte Moreno put the kibosh on negotiations with the city of Anaheim last September. More than a year later now, the club’s contract opt-out window is just about to open. If the team doesn’t disclose their intention to opt out by October 2018—the window officially closes after 2019—they have to remain at Angel Stadium through 2029. Moreno says there’s no rush to decide, but given how long it takes to build a new stadium—the Braves announced their new ballpark in November 2013 but won’t move into it until 2017—the coming season will be probably be his last opportunity to scout other locations. Whether he does or not will most likely depend on how negotiations go with Anaheim when/if they’re reopened this winter. Cross your fingers.
The Story: Salary Arbitration Predictions for 2016
MWAH Says: Matt Swartz’s annual predictions are out, and the Angels’ estimates don’t seem to set payroll back all that much. The Halos have only six players headed for arbitration this offseason—tied for sixth fewest in the game—and there seems to be a pretty good chance one or more of them will be traded before their raises come into play. Paying Kole Calhoun and Garrett Richards a combined $10 million for 2016 is a helluva bargain for the club. Hector Santiago at over $5 million? Not so much.
The Story: No change coming in September call-up rules
MWAH Says: Well, at least not next season. Rob Manfred believes it’ll be a big topic after 2016, when the CBA is revised, and indicates there was almost a rule change last time around. I really don’t see the big deal about expanding rosters to 40, but I guess it’s something some people feel strongly about.
The Story: What Billy Eppler needs to do this winter
MWAH Says: Jeff Fletcher gives a brief rundown of the roster holes Eppler will need to fill this winter. With the club’s Opening Day third baseman, catcher, and left fielder all heading for free agency, the new GM has some work cut out for him. Fletcher seems to think the Angels have so much pitching depth they could afford to trade two of their starters. I don’t think they’re quite that deep. Just too many unknowns with Tyler Skaggs, Sean Newcomb, and Nick Tropeano to go tossing starters to the highest bidder.
The Story: Mike Scioscia should be praised for 2015 managing
MWAH Says: Hot take incoming! This article literally starts with: “The 2015 season was Mike Scioscia’s best as a manager. Calm down. Examine the evidence.” Good, good. Part of his argument is that if the Angels had the Cubs roster, they’d have made the playoffs, which… sure? To amplify the hot takery, the whole thing is written in bullet points, because reasons.
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