OT: Los Angeles Angels Talk

[Duckesh]

I stopped following the Angels somewhere in Arte's term. I used to watch 100% of games from the mid 90's onward, but basically gave up when Arte started direction the Angels to make terrible signings.

They have had terrible asset management, terrible signings, self-inflicted debilitating decisions. The minor league roster has been in a downward spiral for 10 years. I think what kicked me off was the 2-3 season in a row that the Angels were competitive but lacking some pitching, and they did not go after free agent pitches but instead signed some trash, over-the-hill hitter. Or maybe it was when they traded for and the let Greinke walk for no reason.

From my (superficial) knowledge, teams in the MLB truly develop talent. Its years, time, and effort in the minors and very rarely a direct draft to MLB. From what I remember, the Dodgers have a robust, consistent pipeline to support players. The Angels do not. I have been told the Arte cuts a lot of corners and the Angels spending on scouting and minor leagues has been terrible. I don't know much about it myself because the minor league teams tie in to MLB clubs seems complicated.

I will say, that reading articles occasionally, there was the incident where Ohtani was still with the Angels and he went months with an injury and didn't get a scan/MRI until months later to determine the injury. Which to me, screams that someone is being cheap on player care. If your MVP caliber player has a sore feeling, you MRI or make sure they have the best care. Instead, months later they come up with tests...

Basically the team sucks, its managed bad, and there is no reason to watch it. No youngsters. No chance of success. And nothing is going to change.

 

[JAHV]

Player development doesn't make the owner any money. In fact, he would have to hire (and pay) people to scout and work with minor leaguers.

If you do a Google Image Search for the expression "penny wise, pound foolish," you'll see nothing but pictures of Moreno.

 

[Dr Johnny Fever]

I officially started my embargo today as well; no merch, live games or television/radio broadcasts until Arte either sells or croaks, whichever comes first. Probably the first time I’ve skipped game 1 of an Angels season in my life

Did manage to accidentally catch the score, 8-1 loss to the White Sox on opening day? To anyone left who actually follows this team, hope you’re strapped in because it’s gonna be a looooong year and they have a legit shot to lose 100

So, is this the Bizzaro World world series where the two worst teams in the league face off at the beginning of the season to determine who is the worst in the league this year?

 

[Duckesh]

So, is this the Bizzaro World world series where the two worst teams in the league face off at the beginning of the season to determine who is the worst in the league this year?

If that is the case, is winning the series winning? Or is losing the series winning?

 

[Hockey Duckie]

Basically the team sucks, its managed bad, and there is no reason to watch it. No youngsters. No chance of success. And nothing is going to change.

I get ya in not following. I stopped following closely ever since Ballys took over and couldn't watch them on tv. Even with a free mlb subscription, I still can't watch any Angels games (unless I invest in a VPN). I still follow the team, but from afar.

As for youngsters, the Angels have done well recently in the draft with selecting close to MLB level collegiates. There's a gem of a SS in Neto from the 2022 draft. 1B Schanuel has promise, from the 2023 draft. Then there's 2B Christian Moore. Also, there's the relief pitcher, Ben Joyce, who has been throwing from 103-105 mph pitches!

The GM Eppler tenure didn't net us enough talent via the draft. In fact, we attached a 2019, 1st round draft pick (SS Will Wilson) in a trade to facilitate the salary dump in Zach Cozart for us. Eppler chose to pass over several pitchers in that draft to select SS Wilson such as Jackson Rutledge and George Kirby. Although, I'll give Eppler kudos for being a scout for the Yankees when he personally visited Japan to scout Ohtani. And since Ohtani is that loyal to people around him, having Eppler in the Angels org probably helped to land the Ohtani sweepstakes.

In short, the Angels need a new owner and GM.

 

[TheStuntman]

In short, the Angels need a new owner and GM.

It's the owner. Look at the successes the Angels' former GM's have had since they left. Dipoto has Seattle with a lesser payroll, in playoff contention after going through a rebuild and not being interfered by ownership. Eppler got the Mets into the playoffs before he got fired. It's hard to scout and develop when you're given a shoe string budget on both by Arte. It all starts at the top.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

It's the owner. Look at the successes the Angels' former GM's have had since they left. Dipoto has Seattle with a lesser payroll, in playoff contention after going through a rebuild and not being interfered by ownership. Eppler got the Mets into the playoffs before he got fired. It's hard to scout and develop when you're given a shoe string budget on both by Arte. It all starts at the top.

Dipoto found success with Arte despite Arte's interferences. The last time we were in the playoffs and .500 or higher was with Dipoto.

I completely agree with you about the lack of scouting budget and size is a huge damper, but Eppler whiffed on quite a few first rounders. We need someone like a Dipoto if our owner isn't gonna sell the team.

 

[Anaheim4ever]

Still talking about Dipoto I see lol.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

Still talking about Dipoto I see lol.

Yup. I like reminiscing about successful days. It sets a standard. And we have yet to replicated it. Without standards, how will you know you're in deep shit or making shit up b/c your memories aren't accurate?

 

[Dr Johnny Fever]

If that is the case, is winning the series winning? Or is losing the series winning?

To borrow a famous expression I've heard somewhere before...I don't know.

 

[Rybread86]

I just feel bad for Trout. Dude is loyal and Arte has screwed him.

Only reason ill turn on or goto a game this season is out of pure boredom.

f*** you Arte. Sell the team.

 

[KelVarnsen]

Still talking about Dipoto I see lol.

It’s Either Dipoto or Lacombe lol

 

[Deuce22]

It’s Either Dipoto or Lacombe lol

Don’t forget Murray and Eakins. The Dream Team.

 

[JAHV]

Don’t forget Murray and Eakins. The Dream Team.

The Drunk and the Fool.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

Don’t forget Murray and Eakins. The Dream Team.

Hey, it's better than making shit up because of feelings. Good thing the lot of you keep doing what you're doing such as, "LaCombe came outta nowhere!" It's f***ing hilarious seeing y'all cope b/c you couldn't understand stats, trends, and progression.

 

[Deuce22]

Hey, it's better than making shit up because of feelings. Good thing the lot of you keep doing what you're doing such as, "LaCombe came outta nowhere!" It's f***ing hilarious seeing y'all cope b/c you couldn't understand stats, trends, and progression.

LaCombe didn’t come out of nowhere and I never said he did. I always recognized his offensive talent.

 

[JAHV]

As an Anaheim resident, this is further proof that Arte is a cheap asshole and that the city completely screwed up their lease agreement with the Angels. This is a kick in the crotch.

CA Auditors: Anaheim Doesn’t Know if Angel Stadium is Trashed

While state auditors couldn’t find evidence of the Angels violating their lease agreement, they say the city needs to step up its oversight of the stadium.

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