Mark Trumbo & Chris Pettit reflect on the AFL

(Pictured left to right) Chris Pettit & Mark Trumbo

By Chuck Richter - Angelswin.com Executive Editor

The two top hitting prospects that ranked in the top 20 of our Angelswin.com top-50 prospects list going into 2008, took time out of their day to answer some questions at the conclusion of the Arizona Fall League season.

Chris Pettit performed well and was our choice for the Angels MVP in the AFL this fall. Pettit's .359/.417/.545 offensive line in 145 AB, including four HR and 8-for-10 in SB attempts ended the 2008 season of ball on a high note after what was a frustration injury riddled season at Double-A Arkansas. Pettit tells us a little bit about that later on.

Mark Trumbo, while he didn't show a lot of power - slugged only .357 with one HR and only eight xBH in 154 AB, Mark tells about what he was working on in the Arizona Fall League and why he's excited going forward into '09 with what he's learned this fall. Scouting Director Eddie Bane loves what he's seen from Trumbo this season as his raw light tower power was displayed in actual games in '08, as Mark crushed 32 dingers over the fence between two levels.

Alright, let's talk Arizona Fall League Ball with Mark Trumbo and Chris Pettit.....


Q: Angelswin.com - Was there a particular thing you worked on in the AFL? and if so, do you think you accomplished that goal?

Mark Trumbo - Probably the single biggest thing that I worked on while in the AFL was being able to recognize breaking balls and attack them in the correct way. This has been one area of my game that I am aware that needs work and I am pleased with the improvements up until this point.

Chris Pettit - I was there to catch up on the at-bats I missed during the season, while also trying to be more consistent with my swing. I felt like I was able to take good at-bats and maintain a solid approach throughout the AFL.


Q: Angelswin.com - Were you pretty satisfied with your 2008 minor league season?

Mark Trumbo - I would say that overall 2008 was by far my best year as far as numbers and improvement go. I was able to hit for a higher average and drive the ball to all fields, all the while limiting my strikeouts to a reasonable total. My defense is one area I am constantly working on, and despite the numerous critics, I feel I am improving on and moving in the right direction.

Chris Pettit - No, I was very disappointed with the season, including being injured on opening day and my personal performance when I returned, but I was very happy with our team and being able to contribute to winning the Texas League Championship.


Q: Angelswin.com - What do you feel you still need to work at to succeed at the next level (Double-A or Triple-A)?

Mark Trumbo - From my experience in the AFL I gained a much better appreciation for the command the pitchers at the higher levels possess and the adjustments that I need to make to combat them. Oftentimes you will only see one very hittable pitch an at bat and sometimes you won't see any. To me this places even more importance on formulating a plan and sticking with it at the plate.

Chris Pettit - The biggest thing is consistency in a solid approaching and being able to make the necessary constant adjustments to succeed.


Q: Angelswin.com - The hitters seemed to have dominated the pitching in the AFL this year. Do you think the weather and ball park effects have something to do with that or was this just a very good crop of hitters in the AFL?

Mark Trumbo - I would say that there was just a very good group of hitters present this year. The conditions do favor hitters during the day, but hitting at Scottsdale Stadium at night was a struggle.

Chris Pettit - The weather in Arizona is great for hitting, but there were a lot of good pitchers in the AFL as well. There are definitely no easy at bats.


Q: Angelswin.com - Who was the toughest pitcher you faced in the AFL?

Mark Trumbo - There were numerous talented arms, but Tommy Hanson from the Braves probably had the best 4 pitch arsenal.

Chris Pettit - Agreed, the toughest pitcher I faced was Tommy Hanson, which I think most everyone would agree to, but I also thought Andrew Bailey had gotten a lot better since I had last faced him.


Q: Angelswin.com - Who were you most impressed with the bat, on the bases and defensively in the AFL (opponent or teammate) ?

Mark Trumbo - It seemed like there were so many gifted players in the league that every team had numerous guys that belong on this list but from personal experience I have never played on a team with better pure hitters than Kevin Frandsen and San Dimas' very own Chris Pettit. Mike McKenry from the Rockies showed some real promise as a power hitting catcher as did Tyler Flowers from the Braves. Defensively I was impressed with Chris McConnell from the Royals and Carlos Truinfel from the Mariners.

Chris Pettit - I thought Drew Sutton hit very well, and had a very calm and consistent approach at the plate. A couple other hitters that I enjoyed watching hit were JP Arencibia and Logan Morrison.


Q: Angelswin.com - One player that you witnessed in the AFL and said to yourself "That is a future Major League Star". Who would that be?

Mark Trumbo - Jason Donald.

Chris Pettit - Tommy Hanson


Q: Angelswin.com - What was your most memorable moment in the Arizona Fall League, either on or off the field?

Mark Trumbo - Two memories really stand out from my experience. One would be getting a big hit against Rowdy Hardy to put our team ahead in a game. The second would be hitting a hanging curveball against former Angel Steve Merrick into left field for an RBI base hit.

Chris Pettit - I think it would be getting to play with Kevin Frandsen again. We are good friends that played together in summer ball in college, and it was fun getting to be on the field with him again.


Q: Angelswin.com - OK, non Baseball related. What did Mark Trumbo and Chris Pettit do for fun in Arizona when the cap and jersey were off?

Mark Trumbo - Played some golf here and there and made it out to some Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns games.

Chris Pettit - I was able to make it to my first ever NFL football game, Arizona Cardinals vs. Buffalo Bills, which was a very fun game.


Q: Angelswin.com - Now that the AFL season is over, what plans do you both have for the offseason?

Mark Trumbo - As of this writing I have resumed my workouts and am preparing for spring training, which will be here before you know it. I may make a trip or two out to the Las Vegas area as well.

Chris Pettit - I plan to relax and then get into the weight room to prepare myself for next year.


This concludes our Q&A session with Mark Trumbo and Chris Pettit. Thanks guys and good luck in '09.

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Angelswin.com Top 10 Worst Moments in Angels’ History

Comprised by the Angelswin.com Writing Staff
November 13th, 2008

Though the Angels have had some poor and disastrous seasons, including the worst possibly in 1971 when the Angels were considered legitimate division contenders for the first time in franchise history, but Tony Conigliaro's vision loss related mid-season retirement, Alex Johnson had a meltdown and players were pulling guns on one another in the clubhouse, these bad campaigns weren't a 'moment', they were months of pain that the fans had to endure throughout the season.

Here is what we at Angelswin.com feel are the 10 worst moments in Angels Baseball since the club was established back in 1961.

10. The Mo Vaughn fall

In 1999 the Angels made a big splash in the free agent market for the first time in years, signing slugger Mo Vaughn away from the Boston Red Sox. In the very first inning of his tumultuous Angels career, Vaughn fell into the visiting dugout, occupied by the Cleveland Indians, and sprained his left ankle. After putting up decent, but not MVP-caliber numbers for two years with the Angels, Vaughn missed all of 2001 with an arm injury, demanded a trade, then bashed the organization and key players when his demand was granted.

9. Disney introduces MLB to periwinkle

The Angel players were forced to wear hideous periwinkle, pinstriped uniforms from 1997-2001. The team’s logo (Halo and A) was replaced by an Angel-Winged “A”.

8. 1968 Car Accident Leaves Minnie Rojas Paralyzed, Kills His Two Daughters

In 1967, Minnie Rojas led the American League with a then franchise record 27 saves for the Angels. But one of the game’s best relief pitchers had his career cut short when an automobile accident in 1968 left him paralyzed. The accident also tragically took the lives of his two daughters.

7. 2005 ALCS against White Sox (Controversial call, or non call)

In Game 2 of the 2005 ALCS, with the Angels leading the Chicago White Sox one game to zero, and the game tied at 1-1, home plate umpire Doug Eddings called strike three after A.J. Pierzynski swung and missed at a Kelvim Escobar split finger fastball. Angel catcher Josh Paul rolled the baseball out to the mound after that third out and the Angel players began to make their way to the dugout. Pierzynski flung his bat and ran to first base. Eddings and his crew ruled Pierzynski safe, claiming that the strike three pitch hit the ground before finding Paul’s glove. Despite the fact that Eddings called Pierzynski out, rather than ruling the ball hit the dirt, and that video footage later revealed that Paul indeed caught the baseball, Pierzysnki was awarded first base.

The next hitter, Joe Crede laced a line drive off the left field wall to score pinch runner Pablo Ozuna to win the game, 2-1, and even the series. The Angels lost the next three games to the White Sox in Anaheim.

6. Nolan Ryan Leaves Angels

Following the triumphant 1979 season, the Angels failed to re-sign free agent Nolan Ryan, who instead received the first ever $1 million per year contract from the Houston Astros. Angels General Manager Buzzy Bavasi scoffed at Ryan's age (33), contract demands and 1979 record (16-14), concluding he could replace Ryan's production with "two 8-7 pitchers."

Ryan went on to pitch for 14 more seasons, winning 157 games, striking out 2,805 batters and throwing three more no-hitters.

5. Lyman Bostock's murder

On Nov. 21, 1977, the California Angels signed young, up and coming star Lymon Bostock to a free agent contract. Bostock was solid for the Angels in 1978, hitting .296 while driving in 71 runs. At 27 years old, the future was bright for the outfielder.

Tragically, on Sept. 23 of the 1978 season, Bostock was gunned down in the back seat of a car while waiting with friends at a stoplight in Gary, In. The shotgun blast to the head from Leonard Smith, the estranged husband of another passenger in the car, killed Bostock instantly. Smith was later found not guilty of murder charges by reason of insanity.

4. Angels Blow 2-0 Series Lead in 1982 ALCS

The Angels won their second American League Western Division Championship in 1982 and held a two games to zero lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in the best-of-five ALCS. But when the series moved to Milwaukee, the Angels lost the final three games, blowing a golden opportunity to win the franchise's first pennant. It was the first time in league championship history a team lost the series after taking a 2-0 lead.

3. 2004, 2007 and 2008 playoff losses to Red Sox

The Angels went a combined 1-9 vs. the Boston Red Sox in 2004, 2007 and 2008, losing each series. Walk-off home runs by David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez, and an ill-fated squeeze play attempt will likely continue to haunt Angels fans until the team finally gets back to the World Series.

2. 1995 Angels Fall Apart

On Aug. 16, 1995, the Angels led second place Texas by 10.5 games and Seattle by 11.5. The team lost 18 of its next 21 games, but on Sept. 12 still led the division by six games over Seattle. But then they lost nine in a row, falling three games behind the Mariners with five to play. Over the stretch, the Angels record was 8-28.

Amazingly, the Angels won their last five and forced a one-game playoff with the Mariners, but lost miserably to Randy Johnson at the Kingdome. Adding insult to injury, the loss pushed the Angels a half game behind the eventual wild card winning Yankees. The rules have since been changed to prevent this from happening.

1. 1986 Team Comes Within One Strike of the World Series

It's difficult to pinpoint the worst moment of the worst game in Angels history. Is it Gene Mauch removing Mike Witt with nobody on base from a game he was one out away from winning? Or reliever Gary Lucas hitting Rich Gedman with his first pitch to put the tying run on base? Or was it later, when Doug DeCinces popped up the first pitch he saw in the bottom of the ninth, when a lazy fly ball was all the Angels needed to score Rob Wilfong with the game winner?

The obvious choice, of course, is Donnie Moore's 3-2 pitch to Dave Henderson, with Brian Downing practically collapsing into the left field fence as the ball sailed over his head and Henderson was spinning pirouettes along the first base line. The Angels were within one strike of going to the World Series until Henderson struck, sending the franchise into a spiral that would last another 16 years.

In reality, the worst moment came two innings later, when Henderson drove in the game winning run with a sacrifice fly in the top of the 11th and the Angels could not answer in the bottom half. Thus was begun the humiliating, gut-wrenching 11-game postseason losing streak to the Red Sox, stretching nearly 22 full years.

The Angels World Series title in 2002 did a lot to wipe away this pain, but there is still a great sense of unfinished business that won't truly be erased until the Angels finally defeat the Red Sox in October. That all started with this game.

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AngelsWin.com Interview with GM Tony Reagins

 

Interview conducted by Lou Garcia - Angelswin.com Representative November 12th, 2008 So it has been about a year since the last time we hooked up with the General Manager of the Los Angeles Angels, Tony Reagins opened his office for us again to answer a variety of questions ranging from his first year as GM, the Angels direction this off-season, who may contribute in '09 from within, while sharing about Obama and what it means to be just the 2nd African American General Manager in Major League Baseball. With no further ado, Angelswin.com-Lou Garcia with GM Tony Reagins talkin' Angels Baseball and more below. 

Angelswin.com: Excellent first season as the General Manager of the Angels, Tony. What was your favorite memory of the year? 

Tony Reagins: Well, it's tough because it had a lot of highs and lows. Probably the best memory was clinching the division. That was a fun time just to see the players release that energy after battling through Spring Training and the season so that was probably one of the highlights. 

Angelswin.com: Yeah, I don't think some people realize just what a long haul it is to actually get there. 

Tony Reagins: Yeah, it is, it's a very long haul and it starts right now in the off-season. This is really a 12 month operation. You don't just show up to Spring Training and roll the balls out and get it done. It's a long process. 

Angelswin.com: So what is a typical day for you right now in the off-season? 

Tony Reagins: I'm still talking to the other GM's, just kind of feeling out the process. We had a good chance to see one another face-to-face at the GM meetings last week, so that was good to speak face-to-face with some of the guys. You'll go through the process of making some phone calls and trying to prepare the club for next season. 

Angelswin.com: What is something you learned going through your first season as General Manager that you weren't really expecting? 

Tony Reagins: Just going through the process. It's a process that, having not gone through it, things happen in cycles. So understanding the cycle, understanding the different timelines and deadlines that you have to meet. All of that. I had an idea, but having to be the guy that implements that stuff was, not a challenge, but something that you just hadn't gone through. 

Angelswin.com: Do you think that was the most difficult part of the job? 

Tony Reagins: I think there's different challenges and different aspects. Relationships with different agents, players, the coaching staff ... there's different challenges. 

Angelswin.com: How difficult is it when you're dealing with agents because they have one agenda, you have another, and they do overlap at times but at times they don't. 

Tony Reagins: At the end of the day I think both parties have the best interest of the player at heart. So when you understand that, trying to understand their position, I just learned to understand the agent is going to be an advocate for the player and a fierce advocate, and I have to be an advocate for the club and this organization because at the end of the day you just try to make the best situation for both the player and the organization. 

Angelswin.com: What's the most enjoyable part of the job? 

Tony Reagins: Winning. I think that's one of the things that I have to continue to learn to manage as far as wins and losses . The losses become much more difficult and the wins, they're sweet, but they don't last very long. So just being able to be on more of an even keel.

Angelswin.com: Is it easier to turn the page after a win? 

Tony Reagins: The page gets turned quickly whether you like it or not. 

Angelswin.com: So what do you think the team's weaknesses are now and as fans, what can we expect for the off-season? 

Tony Reagins: You can expect us to, and not just this year, but for years to come, to be competitive and contending. I think the commitment that not only Arte has shown, but also this coaching staff, there's been a commitment to the fans that we're going to put a quality product on the field. As far as what the team is missing, we definitely have interest in Mark and he is very good at what he does and we think he'd be a significant piece in our lineup, but if that doesn't happen we'll go look in other areas. 

  

Angelswin.com: Would you consider him Plan A? 

Tony Reagins: I consider him a plan ... 

Angelswin.com: Is he a guy you would build a team around? 

Tony Reagins: We're not looking to build around any one player. I think you play as a team and win as a team. I think what's important is that you put the pieces together and they flow and they operate as you expect them to operate. I think building a team around any one player ... I just think that this is overstated and I think it's a team concept. 

Angelswin.com: What about the way he plays? 

Tony Reagins: I think the way he plays has an influence on our lineup. He doesn't give away many at-bats. Normally you're going to get a quality at-bat out of Mark and it's a patient at-bat and sometimes that effects what's ahead of him and what's behind him. 

Angelswin.com: Do you think other players have learned from him to perhaps take the walk when it's there? 

Tony Reagins: I don't know, in that short span, a month and a half to two months I think he may have had some influence, but I don't know how much. 

Angelswin.com: What about the organizational approach ? Seeing him take at-bats like that, do you think that'll have any influence on how it filters down to the minor leagues or even other players on the roster? 

Tony Reagins: I don't know if it's one specific player that says, " Hey, you got to take walks" because we've always been an aggressive team, but we think there is a place where seeing more pitches is more important than just the walk. Seeing more pitches and driving that opposing pitcher's pitch count up is important, so seeing more pitches is probably more important than just the "walk". 

Angelswin.com: If for some reason you aren't able to re-sign Mark, are there any regrets on the trade? 

Tony Reagins: No. You really try not to look back. You make a deal and you make a decision and you have to live with that decision whether it works out or doesn't work out. When we're in that mode, we were trying to win a World Series and again, trying to do everything for not only this organization but for our fans. But we just came up short. 

Angelswin.com: On that note, how frustrated do you think the front office and Arte Moreno is losing again not only in the 1st Round, but to the Red Sox again ? 

Tony Reagins: Whoever the opposition is, I don't think whether it's the Red Sox or anybody else, when you lose in a short series in the 1st Round it's not fun. I think we're all frustrated because we felt to a man - players and coaches and I think a lot of people in the industry felt that this team was probably one of the best teams in baseball. We didn't play well in that 1st Round and when you don't play well you don't have a long stay in the postseason. 

Angelswin.com: Does the A's acquiring Matt Holliday have any influence on the team's decision as to how far you'll go to re-sign Mark? 

Tony Reagins: What any other organization does doesn't have any bearing on what we try to do. 

Angelswin.com: What about pitching? As it stands now, it looks like you'll be looking for a 5th starter. Is it something that you think can be handled from within the organization or will you be looking outside for another starter? 

Tony Reagins: You know, that's a possibility. We have youngsters that are capable of being the 5th starter. Really what we're looking for in a 5th starter is somebody who's going to give us innings and give us a competitive outing each time out and we have pitchers internally that can do that. It remains to be seen whether that materializes in that manner, but we really pride ourselves on pitching well and catching the baseball. Historically we've pitched well and we think we have four real good young pitchers along with Lackey, who's getting a little bit older now. We should be fine in the pitching area. 

Angelswin.com: Any chance of looking at a front-line starter as far as a free agent? 

Tony Reagins: You never say no on really any opportunity . Some opportunity may present itself that we weren't expecting but makes sense for us, and if that's the case and it materializes we'll act on it. 

Angelswin.com: Is there any concern with Nick Adenhart? He struggled up here which most pitchers do when they first come up, especially at his age, but when was sent back down to Salt Lake he was walking a lot of batters. Is there any concern with his control or maybe mentally? 

Tony Reagins: I think that's an important aspect. I think most players when they get to this level physically have the tools to compete and compete at a high level. But what separates them is the mental side of it. The mental preparation and being able to execute pitches, throwing the baseball where you want to and at what time you want to in the count. I think those are areas that Nick needs to continue to work on. I like his stuff, like his ability, he's healthy, he just has to put it all together. We haven't given up on him by any means. 

Angelswin.com: You mentioned that there were pitchers within the organization that you think can actually step in and contribute. Who else would you consider in that position? 

Tony Reagins: Obviously Dustin Moseley has done it before so he could be an option. Shane Loux is an option. Adenhart's an option. Anthony Ortega is an option. Nick Green has struggled in the off-season so he's probably a longshot. Those type of guys are probably capable of doing that role. 

Angelswin.com: As far as Frankie's concerned, we really haven't heard anything as far as any kind of negotiations .. 

Tony Reagins: That's a good thing. 

Angelswin.com: That we're not hearing about it? 

Tony Reagins: Yeah 

Angelswin.com: With this organization, I guess it is! 

Tony Reagins: (laughs) Right 

Angelswin.com:... because usually when we hear something it's wrong anyway. 

Tony Reagins: (more laughter) 

Angelswin.com: Well, if he doesn't come back, do you think Mike's comfortable having Jose Arredondo close or do you think it's something where he would turn to Scot Shields and maybe give him the first crack at it since he's done it before, albeit on a limited basis and he's been here for quite a while? 

Tony Reagins: We think both players are capable of getting those last 3 outs at the end of a game, but we haven't turn the page on Francisco yet, so it's just a matter of how this whole off-season plays out as to what the roles will have in the bullpen. 

Angelswin.com: Another player we haven't heard much about is Juan Rivera. Is there any chance he comes back? I mean, he's one player we haven't heard anything about, not only from this organization but from the outside looking in. 

Tony Reagins: Good player. Healthy he's a real good player. Yeah, there's a chance that he returns. There's a chance that he goes elsewhere. He's going to have the right in a couple of days to shop his services so we'll see how that plays out. 

Angelswin.com: Speaking of that, we're reading you're waiting to give Mark Teixeira an offer until he hits the open market. Was this the strategy all along or is it something that just kind of played out that way? 

Tony Reagins: We've had discussions with Mark's people and we've just understood how this was going to take place. It's not something we did not expect. The off-season’s still very young. 

Angelswin.com: What about Brandon Wood? Is he somebody you're looking at playing the shortstop position or is he more suited to play 3B? Or is it something that you'll just wait and see what happens in the Spring? 

Tony Reagins: Well, the good thing about Brandon is that he showed last year that he could come up and play here. I think the more repetitions he gets the better he'll become, but he can play short or third and that gives you some flexibility to do things. 

Angelswin.com: So you do think he's capable of handling the shortstop position at the major-league level? 

Tony Reagins: Is he capable ? Yes. 

Angelswin.com: What about Sean Rodriguez? Where does he fit in? 

Tony Reagins: Good player. Versatile. He can move around the diamond, he can play 2nd, he can play short, he can play 3rd, he can play the outfield. In a young player you like that versatility. Again, you saw him last year and when he got a chance to play regularly he did a good job. Defensively he was fine. He struggled a little bit on the offensive side, but he got better later on and drove the ball. So there's good opportunities for him. He's playing Winter ball and doing very well so we'll see how that goes. 

Angelswin.com: Staying with the outfield, is there any concern in the organization that it hasn't produced any power-hitting outfielders in quite a while? 

Tony Reagins: Power, it doesn't grow on trees. It's like the last tool that shows up and we haven't produced a high-level impact all-star for a while. But I think if you just focus on that area you get kind of shortsighted. I think we need to get good players across the board and continue to try to develop those players that can impact our club in the major leagues in a significant way. So there are some young players that we really like. Whether they have power, that remains to be seen. But there's some that have power potential. 

Angelswin.com: What about Kendry Morales? 

Tony Reagins: There's one right there. 

Angelswin.com: Is he somebody that can maybe move to the outfield? 

Tony Reagins: It's a possibility. We know that he can go out there and play either corner. Again, he's playing Winter ball as well. 

Angelswin.com: Is that something he's working on? 

Tony Reagins: That's something he's going to work on a little bit, yeah. 

Angelswin.com: Has there been any kind of decisions made as far as players that will or will not be offered arbitration or is that something that's up in the air ? 

Tony Reagins: Yeah, I think it's a case-by-case basis that hasn't taken place yet. 

Angelswin.com: OK, that's about it on the baseball side of things. What about inner-city programs? Are the scouts, yourself, the organization involved much in that? 

Tony Reagins: Yeah, there's a couple of programs that we're involved in. We're involved in the Buck O'Neill Scouts Association which is really geared to getting not only inner-city kids but coaches an introduction into the game of baseball and giving them a venue to come and express their opinions and dialogue about their struggles. Actually, we're having our meeting this weekend along with the clinic at the Urban Youth Academy in Compton, and that's another area where we try to support and do things, but the game in the inner-cities is important so that's something we've contributed to and find value in. 

Angelswin.com: Now I know you're extremely busy, but do you get an opportunity to go out and speak to kids, schools or different organizations? Being an African-American General Manager is a top position and a very well-respected position. 

Tony Reagins: Yes, I do. I get a chance to get out in the community and do a lot of stuff back home in the desert. So, yeah, whenever I see an opportunity I like to get out there and talk about the Angels. 

Angelswin.com: Recently Barack Obama was elected as the first African-American President, last year after being named the GM of the Angels we now have 2 African-American General Managers in Major League Baseball ... what does that mean to you? 

Tony Reagins: It just shows that you can do anything and anything can happen. You just have to work hard and when the opportunity presents itself you prepare yourself for it. In very general terms, it just shows that there's opportunity out there for everyone. 

Angelswin.com: Thank you for that. A couple more questions.... What is your favorite Tempe restaurant? 

Tony Reagins: Favorite Tempe restaurant.....(laughs) if I tell you that you guys might show up there. 

Angelswin.com: Come on, we're not that crazy! 

Tony Reagins: City Hall. That's not necessarily Tempe, it's Scottsdale. Where do I go in the city of Tempe? 

Angelswin.com: Don't tell me Diablo Stadium hot dogs either. 

Tony Reagins: Hmmmm, I never really go eat in Tempe. I usually go to eat in Scottsdale or Chandler. 

Angelswin.com: OK, last question... favorite menu item at Del Taco? 

Tony Reagins: Favorite menu item? Combo burrito. 

That concludes our interview with Tony Reagins. Post your comments and engage in discussions with other Angels fans regarding this interview on our website.

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Casey Kotchman: Our forgotten future star

By J. Northrop ("Angelsjunky")

Amidst all the obsession over the Two Miguels and other trade possibilities, it seems that many have forgotten that the Angels have a collection of promising young hitters, some of whom--such as Howie Kendrick and Casey Kotchman--have gone beyond the level of "potential" into "actual." To provide an alternative for those that tire of the endless cycling of the same old trade rumors, here is a discussion of our first baseman of the next decade, Casey Kotchman.

Promising Beginnings: Excellence and Injury

It wasn’t that long ago that Casey Kotchman was one of the most exciting prospects in Angels history. I remember the excitement among fans when he slipped to the Angels in the 13^th pick of the 2001 draft; it was as if the baseball gods had smiled upon us, granting us our most fervent wish. And the 18-year old Kotchman rewarded us immediately, with 20 hits in his first 37 at-bats in Rookie ball.

The following year Kotchman hit .281/.390/.444 in 81 games at low-A Cedar Rapids: a strong performance but nothing awe-inspiring. Yet in 2003 he really came alive, hitting .350/.441/.524 in 57 games at high-A Rancho Cucamonga: excellent numbers, especially for a 20-year old. In 2004 he was even more dominant, but this time in AA and AAA, where he hit .368/.438/.544 in 28 games and .372/.423/.558 in 49 games—numbers that, from a 21-year old in the high minors, promised future stardom.

Yet a nagging worry never left us, for Kotchman seemed to be prone to various injuries. However, it was hard not to be optimistic about a player that hit .372 in AAA at 21 years old (even if in only a third of a season). Kotchman’s 2004 call-up seemed pre-mature, as he struggled to the tune of .224/.289/.276 in 38 games. But he was only 21! So we looked forward to next year, when he would (supposedly) begin a long career as our starting first baseman, a new and improved version of once-beloved Wally Joyner.

But it wasn’t to be—the job was handed to Darin Erstad, who while of Gold Glove defense—at 1B or CF—simply was not worthy to man first with his mediocre bat. Many fans were disappointed because Kotchman was undoubtedly the future at first base. Kotchman’s performance in AAA was, while decent, rather disappointing: he hit .289/.372/.441 in 94 games. However, hopes were still high—it was not uncommon for a young player to get a taste of the big leagues and, upon being sent back to the minors, to languish, as if they were merely biding their time, awaiting the opportunity that was a guarantee.

Casey Arrives (Sort of)

Kotchman was called up in the second half of 2005 and was a factor in the Angels stretch drive, hitting .278/.352/.484 in 47 games, finally displaying some major league power with 7 HR. Going into spring training of 2006 he was—finally (and perhaps a year too late)—a lock for the job. He tore the cover off the ball that spring, hitting .421/.450/.702 in 21 exhibition games. Finally Casey had arrived.

But, once again, it wasn’t to be. For about a month Kotchman was terrible, hitting .152/.221/.215 in 29 games, until it was determined that he had mononucleosis and was shelved for the year. Fans were distraught; it was the final straw (or almost). At the beginning of 2007, despite still being only 24, Kotchman’s stock had dropped drastically. Trade rumors swirled, yet thankfully avoided, especially given that his perceived value was lower than it had ever been. He was deemed “injury-prone” in the fine tradition of another talented young first baseman, Nick Johnson, who also experienced great success in the minors at a very young age—with a .525 OBP (!) in AA at age 20. Like Kotchman, Johnson was terrible in his first call-up (at age 22); since he made the majors for good in 2002, Johnson has played in 129, 96, 73, 131, 147, and 0, missing all of last year. Let us hope that Kotchman does not follow a similar pattern.

2007: Casey Arrives (Again)

Anyways, 2007 was a make-or-break year for Kotchman, at least in the minds of the more quick-fix-minded, bloodthirsty fans. Again, despite his performance in the minors and his relative young age, most people did not expect Kotchman to amount to much, at best another Sean Casey (life-time .301/.366/.450—solid, but nothing special for a first baseman). The most many hoped for was for Kotchman to remain healthy.

Through April, Kotchman hit .265/.337/.446, nothing special but at least he was playing. We crossed our fingers, hoping that he was just rusty—he had missed almost all of 2006 with a debilitating illness, and his spring numbers had been very good. Then in May he came alive, hitting .363/.435/.575, a line straight out of his minor league career. Finally, it seemed, Casey had arrived (again!). He continued to hit well through June, hitting .290/.371/.516. Yet then he got injuried—not for long, but after returning he slumped. But in July and August he put up at least decent numbers, hitting .270/.317/.392 and .286/.345/.403 respectively. The main concern was that his power had vanished—at one point between July and September he went two months without a home run. But in September he came alive again, hitting .299/.424/.478, finally blasting two home runs in the final week of the season.

Casey finished the year with a .296/.372/.467 line in 137 games, a season that should be considered a success. He seemed to follow a distinct pattern: He would slowly warm up and then hit very well until getting injuried. When he came back, he had trouble re-adjusting and would take time to warm up. Hopefully this pattern will be rectified—or at least shortened—with experience.

There is a lot to like about Kotchman’s first full season. When he was healthy and warm, he was a terrific hitter. During about a month stretch in May and June he had 37 hits in 24 games, including 12 multi-hit games, when his season numbers stood at .333/.411/.556 through June 16th. But then he got injuried and missed a week, after which he went 0-18 in his first five games back. The issue, in other words, is not talent—for Kotchman can hit. What he needs to learn is consistency and to quicken his return to timing, things that good hitters learn over time.

Kotchman also stayed healthy for most of the season, only missing a couple weeks worth of games scattered throughout the season. It also seemed that Scioscia protected him, giving him more days off than normal.

Some quibble with the fact that he hit only 11 HR. But he also hit 37 doubles—which is more impressive when you consider that he had only 131 hits, a number that projects to over 50 given 180 hits. Furthermore, some doubles eventually become home runs, so that Casey might be expected to hit 40 doubles and 20 HR, even if his average doesn’t increase that much.

The Future: Quality Regular or Star?

So what can we expect from Kotchman going forward? Despite his good performance in 2007, many fans still don’t see him as a future star—and some major publications seem to project him to even take a step back from 2007, which makes little sense given his age and the fact that he missed a key developmental year to illness. There is absolutely no reason to expect Kotchman to do anything but improve; the “injury-prone” label is largely misplaced, especially considering that Kotchman’s injuries have been different. In other words, he wasn’t had one nagging injury that has returned, perhaps requiring future surgery.

I think the least that we should expect from Kotchman is a perennial .300 hitter with 60 extra base hits, good plate discipline and excellent defense. But I am still optimistic that he can fulfill his earlier promise, even approach a line similar to his June 16^th totals (.333/.411/.556), which would place him among the better hitters in baseball.

In 2008 I predict a small step forward, but with greater consistency. In 2009 or 2010, I predict a leap forward to a plateau of excellent for the next five years, making Kotchman the best Angels first baseman ever. Something like this:

• 2008: .300/.380/.490 with 45 doubles, 18 HR, and 70 walks.
• 2009: .320/.400/.520 with 45 doubles, 20 HR, and 80 walks.
• 2010: .330/.420/.550 with 40 doubles, 25 HR, and 90 walks.

Of course nothing is guaranteed. As I mentioned in Part 2 of my series, even if Kotchman doesn’t improve he’s still an above average player and among the second tier of first basemen. But we have reason to be optimistic, so why not be? The Angels have been looking for a second elite hitter to complement Vladimir Guerrero. While Torii Hunter is a very good all-around player, he isn’t quite an elite hitter. And the Angels may not have to trade away the farm to get a guaranteed star in Miguel Cabrera; they may have him already, standing quietly over at first base. Our very own forgotten future star, Casey Kotchman.

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The next secret surprise?

By Chuck Richter - Angelswin.com Senior Editor

In my previous article I mentioned how Angels owner Arte Moreno, GM Tony Reagins, Manager Mike Scioscia and Preston Gomez are in the Dominican Republic right now. The reason could be to just visit their Dominican Baseball Academy or possibly take a detour south to Venezuela to meet with Miguel Cabrera or Johan Santana in hopes of working out a contract extension before a possible deal is agreed upon, but it could also be to meet with Cuban defector Alexei Ramirez.

Ramirez, who played in Cuba for Pinar del Rio, is married to a Dominican citizen. Once he establishes residency in the Dominican and goes through the U.S. government’s “unblocking” process–a procedure aimed at preventing Cubans from funneling money back to the Castro government–he will become a free agent.

Alexei Ramirez led Cuba’s Serie Nacional in home runs last season with 20 and was a member of Cuba’s top-level national team for the last three seasons, winning an Olympic gold medal in 2004 in Athens and playing for Cuba’s World Baseball Classic team, which placed second to Japan. His birthdate has been listed as being either April 25 or Sept. 22, 1981, depending on different international tournament records.

Although the Angels say they like slick fielding Erick Aybar or Maicer Izturis for the vacant SS position, adding a shortstop with some pop who would be a lot less expensive than trading for Miguel Tejada along with taking on his contract and possibly dealing with the alleged reports linked to the Mitchell report, might be more prudent.

Ramirez, who went 6-for-16 (.375) in the WBC, has played shortstop for Pinar Del Rio but has also played the outfield and second base for Cuba in international competition. He hit .335 with a .574 slugging percentage this season for Pinar del Rio, the same team of ex-defector Jose Contreras.

At any rate, GM Tony Reagins has pulled off two surprise attacks thus far, why not one more for the trifecta? This signing wouldn't hinder any talks moving forward with Miguel Cabrera either and would reunite ex Cuban teammates in the World Cup in Kendry Morales, who I'm sure the Angels would use in negotiation talks should Ramirez be on their radar.

Funny, he's got a little of Orlando Cabrera in him, watch and see for yourself as he rounds the bases after a game winning dinger!

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A Crucial Juncture in Angels History

Miguel Cabrera would sure look good in Red, but at what cost?

Instant Gratification or Long-term Success?
By J. "Angelsjunky" Northrop

I’m going to pause with my ongoing series on The Angels: Past, Present and Future to offer a perspective on the currently most pressing issue of Angeldom: Miguel Cabrera and more so, what this means to the Angels, now and in the future.

I will gladly admit my bias in terms of baseball philosophy: Primary emphasis on player development, minimal free agency and trades--only to fill specific needs or weaknesses but almost never at the expense of the future. It just seems obvious to me: If you have to pick, choose "the foreset" over the "tree", the instant gratification of the big bat with big numbers. Is it not better to have a healthy and full farm system to draw from rather than one depleted through trades for high-priced, aging players? Are not the franchises that are the most successful over long periods of time the ones that focus on player development? And have we not seen the downfall of franchises when they opt to emphasize free agency at the expense of the farm?

Now it is not so black and white. A team can emphasize player development as primary while still occasionally signing a big name free agent and/or making a blockbuster trade. And of course ever so often a free agent is worth the multi-year huge contract; signing Vladimir Guerrero a few years ago is a case in point, a marquee player in his prime (28) to below-market value because of a supposedly bad back. Miguel Cabrera is also a very special case: He is not a 30-something at the tail-end of his best years, but a 24-year old superstar that should just be getting going. To put it another way, Miguel Cabrera is no Mo Vaughn. At an age when most players are just breaking into the big leagues, his numbers so far are only equaled by Hall of Famers and future Hall of Famers.

How much should the Angels give up for a player like Miguel Cabrera? The deal that seems to be required is Howie Kendrick, Nick Adenhart, Reggie Willits, and Jeff Mathis, or some variation of similar packaging. That is, a young second baseman on the verge of stardom who could compete for a batting title as soon as next year; a top pitching prospect who could be anything from a #1 to #3 starter; a natural lead-off hitter capable of a yearly .370 OBP and 40 sb; and a former top catching prospect who should still be at least a good platoon player, perhaps even eventually an above average starting catcher. Is Cabrera worth this high cost?

Just how good is Cabrera?

Much is made of the fact that Cabrera is only 24—2008 will be his age 25 year (that is, he will turn 25 before July 1^st). He has already played 720 games, compiling a line of .313/.388/.542 and a career 143 Adjusted OPS+ (Guerrero’s is 148). His individual season OPS+ have been 106, 130, 151, 159, 150. To give a frame of reference, an OPS+ of 150 is MVP-calibre--that means that Cabrera’s last three seasons have been of MVP quality. As for his defense, he is very average: he has a lifetime fielding percentage of .954, which is also the NL average for 3B over his career. His range factor per nine innings is slightly below average: 2.52 to 2.70.

Despite these impressive numbers—more so because they have been accomplished before he has seen his 25^th birthday—there are two relatively minor quibbles to take note of. His last three seasons have been virtually identical. Impressive, yes, but still no sign of further improvement. This does not mean that he will not have another career spike, but it is also possible that what we’ve seen is what we’ll get. Secondly, while his career defense has been average—both at 3B and in LF—his 2007 defense, 154 games at 3B, was markedly below average: a .941 FP (.954 league average) and a rf/9 of 2.51 compared to 2.68.

But let’s not quibble too much: the young man is a terrific hitter and even if he doesn’t improve will remain one of the ten or so best hitters in the game. Any team would love to have a player whose three most similar players through age 24--according to Baseball Reference’s player Similarity Scores--are Hank Aaron, Ken Griffey Jr, and Frank Robinson, three of the hundred or so best players to ever play the game.

How much is Miguel Cabrera worth?

In one of my blog entries I gave a system for rating players in tiers:

• 1st tier: Superstar – Among the best players in the game (e.g. A-Rod, Johan Santana, David Ortiz).
• 2t: Star – Among the best players in the league at their position; all-star (e.g. Victor Martinez, Chase Utley, John Lackey).
• 3t: Borderline Star – Very good player with occasional star-calibre season; possible all-star (e.g. Mike Lowell, Kelvim Escobar, Steve Finley in his prime).
• 4t: Quality Regular – An average or above average player (e.g. Bengie Molina, Mark Grudzielanek, Adam Kennedy as an Angel).
• 5t: Mediocre Regular/Quality Bench – (e.g. Darin Erstad as a first baseman).
• 6t: Poor Regular/Decent Bench – (e.g. Jose Molina).
• 7t: Scrub – How did he get to the major leagues? (e.g. Erick Aybar in 2007).

Furthermore, I offered a tentative valuation whereby, as with chess pieces, you can assign a point-value for each tier. From 7t to 1t: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15. These numbers are, of course, arbitrary—but allow me to play with them a bit.

Now Miguel Cabrera is, and should remain, a 1t player--a true superstar. I am tempted to call him "just" a 2t star based upon his excellent hitting but merely mediocre defense, but his age and potential puts him up a notch. His 143 Adjusted OPS+ is only surpassed by nine active players, and equal to Gary Sheffield, Todd Helton, and Chipper Jones.

What about the four Angels mentioned above? It is hard to say, but potential-wise there is a range:

• Kendrick - 3t to 2t
• Adenhart - 4t to 2t
• Willits - 4t
• Mathis - 5t to 4t

If we use the point-system, Cabrera is worth 15; Kendrick 7-10, Adenhart 5-10, Willits 5, and Mathis 3-5. So the Angels package is worth between 20-30 points--up to twice Cabrera's value...if they fulfill their potential.

Is this really an accurate assessment of comparative worth? Not really, but as an intellectual exercise it illustrates some important issues. In fantasy baseball it is usually a good idea to trade two good players for one great one as the latter are far more difficult to come by than the former, and you can always pick up a decent player having a good year on the waiver wire. But that is fantasy baseball which A) includes an artificially bloated waiver wire, and B) Is usually played for just one season.

The second point (B) is the important one. The Angels probably have enough talent that they could trade for both Miguel Cabrera and Johan Santana. Think about that for a moment...

...Holy crap!!!

OK. Both are far from the quintessential aging free agent star; Cabrera will be 25 next year, Santana 29. Both are among the ten most valuable commodities in all of baseball. These are the packages that the Angels could offer for them, and probably be successful:

• Cabrera: Howie Kendrick, Nick Adenhart, Reggie Willits, Jeff Mathis.
• Santana: Jered Weaver, Brandon Wood, Ervin Santana, and maybe another decent prospect.

That is a lot of young talent. Certainly the Angels would (finally) be on a level with the Red Sox, and for years to come. But how many years? Around 2010 some of the regulars would be in serious decline, with little money or young talent to replace them. Not to mention that signing Santana and Cabrera long-term, in addition to Guerrero and Torii Hunter, would lock up an enormous amount of money in just four players: over $80 million a year just for those four. Focusing such a large portion of a franchise's resources on a few players is enormously risky.

I am not suggesting that there is an easy answer here, for certainly a team featuring three bonafide superstars in Guerrero, Cabrera, and Santana would be something to watch--and considering that they are all Latino would only drive revenue through the roof for the Los Angeles metro area baseball club. We also have to remember that Arte Moreno, from everything that I can tell, is a business man first, a baseball man second. That means that the bottom line for him is profit. And so far he has done quite a job, with a team valued at almost three times what he paid for it (I forget the source for that--but I read it somewhere on the internet ;)). He has also said, on more than one occasion, that he wants to make this team successful for the long-term, which is certainly something to be hopeful about.

But as a baseball fan, and multi-decade Angels fan, I want to see the emphasis on the farm system, on the players that I, that we, have followed up through the organization for the last few years, since around the time that the Golden Era of Angels baseball began in 2002. I want to see Howie Kendrick win multiple batting titles, as if we were getting Rod Carew again but this time in the first half of his career, not the second. I want to see if Nick Adenhart can receive the torch from John Lackey, who received it from Chuck Finley, as the team's homegrown ace. I want to see if Brandon Wood can fulfill the promise he showed in his historic 2005 season. I want to see if Jered Weaver becomes the Angels answer to Tom Glavine. And so on.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to see Miguel Cabrera and/or Johan Santana wearing Angels uniforms. I would love to see our team march into Fenway without the characteristic feeling of dread that we all feel come October. And I'd love to win the World Series again. But I'd rather do it with our own players. Someone it just seems more...meaningful.

I want to see our own young players remain Angels, even if it makes a World Series win less of a seeming sure thing. I want to see if the Angels, our Angels--not imports, no matter how flashy--can win it all.

The Angels are at a pivotal point in their organizational history. Five years after their first—and very surprising—World Series championship, we have seen three playoff appearances in four years, including two first round sweeps to the Red Sox. Everyone can agree that the Angels have been just a little shy of greatness—a very good team, but not quite good enough. In addition to Torii Hunter, Miguel Cabrera or Johan Santana would likely change that—Cabrera and Santana would almost certainly change that, vaulting the Angels to equal footing with the Red Sox. But so too might the natural maturation of Howie Kendrick, Brandon Wood, Casey Kotchman, Jered Weaver, Nick Adenhart, and the rest of our young players. As I’ve said, this is not a clear-cut, black and white decision. It is not either/or--for certainly the Angels can trade for a Cabrera or Santana and still retain much of their core youth. But let us hope that they don’t go overboard and lose sight of the long-term for instant gratification. Let us hope...

Discuss this article with the author and other Angels fans

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