Angelswin.com Interview with Angels' President Dennis Kuhl

Interview conducted by Chuck Richter

I had the chance to chat over the phone with the Angels team president Dennis Kuhl yesterday and we talked about several items that pertain to Angels Baseball, the business side and got to know the man behind the scenes that makes the experience for Angels fans all the more enjoyable.

On behalf of everyone at Angelswin.com, I want to thank you for taking time out of your day to conduct this interview with us.

Q: (Angelswin.com) - So, Dennis, let’s start off with a little background on Dennis Kuhl and how you and owner of the Angels Arte Moreno met.

A: (Dennis Kuhl) - Arte and I attended the University of Arizona together. We were fraternity brothers in Tucson. Arte and I became friends and ended up in the billboard business together, working together for 30 years. Arte sold the business, I stayed on for a while and Arte was looking for something to do. He was always a tremendous baseball fan. Even in college, we played on pick-up teams, C League teams; anything that had to do with baseball, we both enjoyed it. We’d go to games, we’d go to Anaheim and watch ball games or spring training games at Hi Corbett Field (in Tucson). We always loved it and Arte had the opportunity to buy a team. We had worked together for years and we’d become friends. I was fortunate to have Arte ask me if I would help him come down and run the team. I said absolutely, a dream come true.

Q: (Angelswin.com) - What has it been like working for Arte Moreno over the years?

A: (Dennis Kuhl) - One of the things about Arte that I really admire is that he’s a real visionary. He looks out 4-5 years. He has a vision of what he wants things to look like, how he wants the team to look. He's a great visionary. Myself and John Carpino — he's another one of us who worked in the billboard business and we worked together for years. We brought him down to be in charge of marketing. He’s one of the most creative guys I’ve ever known — John and I are the guys that have to put Arte's vision to work on a day-to-day basis. He’s already thinking what do we have to do next. What do we have to do three years from now? How do we want to look? Guys that are successful are good visionaries. Working for Arte for so many years you understand that. You almost know what he’s going to do after working closely with him for so many years.

Q: (Angelswin.com) - What are Dennis Kuhl’s responsibilities as the Angels Team President?

A: (Dennis Kuhl) - As team president I oversee everything that doesn't happen between the white lines. That means marketing, community affairs, all of the concessions, all the ticketing, all of the financials, all of the personnel, all of the sponsorships — anything that it takes to run a business. It’s about generating revenue, watching your expenses and trying to bring a profit to the bottom line. I’m very fortunate that Arte lets me in on what’s going on the baseball side. Tony does a great job, we all communicate daily. We all have an open policy here; everybody talks.

When you have 40,000 people come into your home every night, you want to make sure they’re taken care of, they’re fed, they’re parked and they’re having a good time. That’s what we’re trying to do. We’re building that same experience. That’s watching your concessions to make sure they’re affordable, that's making sure you have the right merchandise, the right food, affordable pricing, you’re selling tickets, bringing groups in, doing all the stuff in the community that you need to do, doing outreaches, selling your sponsors, all of your signage throughout the stadium, merchandise sales in the team store, all of that on the business.

Q: (Angelswin.com) - Wow you have your hands full, huh?

A: (Dennis Kuhl) - I do have my hands full. It’s a challenge, but it’s a good challenge. Every day there is another challenge out there to make the Angels experience even better.

Q: (Angelswin.com) - True, like every good job or challenge, it’s good to have surrounded yourself around solid people.

A: (Dennis Kuhl) – That’s right and when you have somebody like Arte, you know his direction, it’s a lot easier because you know what he wants and how he wants to go with it. He’s really a perfectionist, he really is and we always move forward. We know that and we always move forward.

Q: (Angelswin.com) - Do you see AM 830 KLAA Angels Radio as a success after a year of being on the airwaves? Anything new in store for AM 830 in 2009 or beyond?

A: (Dennis Kuhl) - We see all of that as moving forward, every day getting better and better. That’s a new project that I’m overseeing. It’s been a real interesting experience for me because it’s something that I’ve never done before. But when you put the right people in the right positions. it makes it a lot easier. I feel like we’ve been fortunate. I’m real happy with the talent, like Jeff Biggs, Roger Lodge and Dave Smith — I think they’re good. I think we have a long way to go, but we’re making headway. Our deal with KFWB is something new and exciting because we want to make sure everybody can listen to the station. It’s just another outlet for us. I think everyone wishes they could broadcast their own games.

Q: (Angelswin.com) - Yeah, it has been a pleasure working with Paul Sakrison and Julio Morataya at AM 830. By the way, we’re all thankful for your interest in our content that we’ve supplied for the AM 830 Website going on a year now.

A: (Dennis Kuhl) - Thank you for the content, it’s great. It just enhances everything. I like the idea. The big thing now for a Website to work is that it needs content — and good content — and that’s what you’ve supplied for us. It helps both of us out.

Julio has been after me for bringing him on. I love Julio Morataya’s ideas; he’s very creative. Radio is about promotion and promoting your radio station. They've taught me a lot. They work with anybody, Paul and “Pollo,” the guys, they share ideas together, the guys come up here and say, “We got this great idea, what do you think?” I say, “Let's go, let’s make it happen.” So, just great guys to work with.

Q: (Angelswin) - A couple Tuesdays ago, we had two of our writers Adam Dodge and Eric Denton on the air live with Jeff Biggs and they had a great time on Angels radio.

A: (Dennis Kuhl) - Jeff Biggs is a great guy, isn’t he? I really, really like Jeff. He does a really good job at 830. He has a tough job sometimes at night with some of the testy callers. He had one guy on last night and I said, “Come on, Jeff, get him off the air.” (laughs) Radio has been a real treat.

Q: (Angelswin.com) - Can you measure how successful the name change has been in terms of increased revenues?

A: (Dennis Kuhl) - Well, no you really can’t measure that yet. It’s tough to measure something like that. We just feel it has opened doors for us from the standpoint of it has gotten us larger accounts. We feel that we’ve gotten our name on the map. It is going to take a long time. To me, it’s all about building the brand. We’re more concerned with building the “A,” the color red and “Angels.” That's what we’ve focused on since we’ve got it.

I look at brands out there all the time. The Yankees have one of the greatest brands; they’ve never changed their uniforms, they’re the same all the time. I just think they’ve done a tremendous job with their brand. The Dodgers and Lakers have a great brand; I watched them and see how they’ve branded their name. It just takes a long time. It didn’t happen overnight for the Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers or Lakers. It didn’t happen overnight, it takes a lot of years to build your brand.

Q: (Angelswin.com) - How does Angel merchandise sales rank in relation to the rest of Major League Baseball? What are the annual sales in dollars?

A: (Dennis Kuhl) – We’re right up there in the top-10 from what I understand, from the information I’ve received.

Q: (Angelswin.com) - What has been the impact of the recession on advertising, corporate suite renewal and season ticket renewal and how will this affect the Angels 2009 revenues?

A: (Dennis Kuhl) – Well, you know, (sigh), we feel very confident that the people have supported us very well here in Orange County and our sales are — we’re going to see a little bit of an effect, but we’re real optimistic that we’re going to do real well this year from that standpoint. To give you an idea about sponsorships, instead of having one or two huge sponsors, we’ve had to work harder at going out and finding four to five more sponsors. It’s just you adapt to the economy and you adapt to what is going on. We will do things, we will really work hard on group sales to fill the stadium, we’ll work hard on anything else we can to get people to come see a game. It is going to affect everybody and I think the biggest thing I hear out there is that people are just being cautious right now. But a baseball game is a fun thing to do, it's a family thing to do and I still think that people love the game so much that they’ll come out. Maybe they won’t come out 10 times a year, but they’ll come out eight times a year.

Q: (Angelswin.com) - Especially coming after a 100-win season. You know, spring training comes around and the excitement is in the air, they just can't wait for the season to start and get out to the ballpark.

A: (Dennis Kuhl) - I know, it's just amazing that it renews the passion every year and baseball to me is a year-round sport because you talk about it. There is no other sport like it. My dad and I would sit down and talk — my dad was a St. Louis Cardinals fan and I just love listening to the radio when we go back to Illinois and the passion that the St. Louis Cardinals fans have. And they talk about it all year long. Stan Musial, Enos Slaughter, all of those guys.

People, when I'm out speaking, they’ll say, “I just want to let you know I’m a Dodgers fan,” and I say, “That’s great. Look, if you're a baseball fan, that’s what counts.” We want to make sure that the kid that’s 5 years old, he’s going to be 7 years old, then 13 years old, then 18 years — that’s where we’re going to build up that image. You become a fan of the team and you follow that team through good times and bad times. I grew up back east and I followed the Yankees. I still follow the players; I check out the starting lineups, I have a bunch of Baseball Digest books. I like to read these old baseball books to see how this guy turned out or what happened to that guy; he was a can't miss, he was a phenom. This game is so much fun to follow; so much fun. Even during our Angels Tonight program, the people want to talk. Last year, the guys said they did OK when we first introduced it, but now there are callers on hold before Angels Tonight goes on the air. The people want to talk baseball. How’s Kendry doing? How’s Escobar doing? It just amazes me how knowledgeable these people are about this sport. I love it.

Q: (Angelswin.com) - Any stadium renovation plans? Any chance of team opting out of lease in 2016?

A: (Dennis Kuhl) – We’re always looking at new ideas, new processes. We don’t have anything on the drawing board right now. We spent a lot of money on the scoreboard, new seats. It takes a lot of money to maintain a stadium this size. We do a lot of maintenance work year round. Right now, we’re trying to clean it up for the All-Star Game in 2010 to look sharp. I can't wait. As far as the lease, we haven’t gotten that far. That would be something you’d have to talk to Arte about. Right now, I’m just trying to run the day-to-day business.

Q: (Angelswin.com) - If approached, would Arte consider working on bringing football to the Orange County/L.A. area?

A: (Dennis Kuhl) - Arte gets approached on a lot of things and I can tell you right now that Arte’s focus is baseball. He’s a fan first and owner second. I've been out with him drinking some beers and we talk baseball for hours. Just look up in the suite and we’ll be talking baseball during the game; sometimes in the wee hours in the morning. It is so much fun to be up there and second guessing Mike Scioscia during every game. It is so much fun.

Q: (Angelswin.com) – Speaking of the games, let’s talk Angels Baseball on the field now. I’m sure you’re pleased with the signing of Bobby Abreu, that it will put to rest the Manny to Anaheim rumors. What does Dennis Kuhl think of the Angels chances in 2009 with the team that’s in Tempe right now?

A: (Dennis Kuhl) - Yes, it will. But you know Dave Smith, he’ll still bring Manny up. He won’t let that die. Every morning when I come to work, “What about Manny Ramirez?” — he’s too much. He’s a great guy.

Bobby Abreu makes us better. He’s got a great attitude, he fits into the team really well, great work ethic. I love his plate discipline very much. Getting on base before the big guys, and he can run, fits right into Scioscia's mold. He loves guys that can get on base and run.

As far as 2009, you know everybody keeps saying “we need a bat, we need bat.” I’m telling you, I think it’s time that one of our young guys breaks out and has a big year. I don’t know which one it’s going to be, but it’s time. Look at our lineup, Chuck, it’s a nice start with Figgy, Abreu batting second, Guerrero, Hunter and Morales fifth, some nice sticks in there, Juan Rivera and Mike Napoli. I think Rivera is going to have a huge year for us. I think Howie Kendrick strokes the ball very well. He’s a great kid. He’s a fine ball player. We got two great shortstops in camp, too.

Q: (Angelswin.com) – We’re set to air Angelswin.com’s “Top-50 Greatest Moments in Angels Baseball” on AM 830 this spring. What has been Dennis Kuhl’s Angels Greatest Moment you’ve witnessed as a fan since you’ve been president of the team?

A: (Dennis Kuhl) - My greatest moment is the first time as team president on Opening Day. I was down on the field and I’m saying to myself, “I’m standing here on Opening Day as part of a Major League organization — it doesn’t get any better than this.” Next time it will be when we win the World Series again. That will be my next greatest moment. Last year was great — 100 wins. That was great. We have a strong pitching staff. I can’t wait for opening day, just like the rest of the fans. Same for Arte.

Q: (Angelswin.com) - Now that Garret Anderson and Francisco Rodriguez have left via free agency, two of the fans’ favorite players, John Lackey and Vladimir Guerrero, are in the final year of their contracts. How important is it to the Angels to sign these two All-Stars to an extension going forward?

A: (Dennis Kuhl) - You know, that decision and those decisions are made by Tony Reagins and his staff. They evaluate and make recommendations to Arte. Boy, Guerrero, I feel like he’s been here forever. He’s been here since I got here. Same with Lackey, he’s been here since before I got here. I think they both have enjoyed their stay here and I believe they want to stay on as Angels to finish their careers. Tony, coaches and scouting, they make those determinations.

Q: (Angelswin.com) - One of the most respected men, with more than 30 years in the Angels organization and friend of mine, Tim Mead, must be a pleasure to work with on regular basis. Was Tim a valuable resource to both you and Arte on the history of the franchise because of his tenure in the organization?

A: (Dennis Kuhl) – He’s our archive guy. Every time we have a question on a player or anything, we go to Tim and Tim doesn’t even have to look it up. He knows. He has a wealth of knowledge. You’d never meet a nicer guy in your life. Sometimes I tell him “You’re too nice.” (laugh) He’s been unbelievable with handling the alumni, unbelievable with all of the milestones and knowing the players. He’s a great asset. He’s so involved with the community; he’s loved by everybody here. He’s a true Angel.

Q: (Angelswin.com) – Let’s wrap this up with a little bit about Dennis Kuhl the person. What does Dennis Kuhl like to do for fun when he’s not working?

A: (Dennis Kuhl) - I love to ski. I still play baseball, hardball, in a senior league every Sunday. I figure if I can still do it, that’s great. My release is whenever I can get out to the mountains, the snow. You’re by yourself and it’s quiet. It energizes me. On Sunday, we play baseball. All of us are Angels fans. We talk Angels baseball all through the game. Sometimes I bring my radio and we’ll listen to the game while we’re playing. It’s loads of fun. You know, play on Sunday and get out of bed on Wednesday.

Q: (Angelswin.com) - What are your favorite sports teams not named the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim?

A: (Dennis Kuhl) - My No. 1 team I follow besides the Angels is the University of Arizona basketball and football teams.

Q: (Angelswin.com) - Favorite beer?

A: (Dennis Kuhl) - I can’t tell you that because I have too many beer sponsors. I drink them all. Let’s put it this way: I never had a beer I didn’t like.

Q: (Angelswin.com) – Let’s wrap this up. Last question: What would you like to say to the daily readers and contributors of Angelswin.com, who will be reading this interview?

A: (Dennis Kuhl) – We’re all looking forward to a great season. We love our fans; fans are number one. I wish I could go around and thank them all for their support. It’s really great when I can go out to the ballpark and see smiling faces, kids smiling. We’re fan strong, that’s what we are. Everywhere we go in Orange County or Los Angeles, people love the Angels and that makes me feel good.

This concludes our interview with Dennis Kuhl, to which now after our chat is known by me as Dennis "Cool".

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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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AW.com Interview with Tim Mead (2006 - A Look Back)

Tim Mead Vice Pres. of Media Relations with Chuck Richter of Angelswin.com

Sept 20th, 2006
Interview conducted by: Chuck Richter

Get to know one of the more respected men in the organization.

Tim Mead has been the vice president of communications for the past seven years, previously holding positions as assistant general manager, vice president of media relations and assistant vice president of media relations. As director of media relations, he was awarded the Los Angeles/Anaheim Chapter "Good Guy" Award in 1985 and 1990. In 2000, he received the Robert O. Fishel Award for Public Relations Excellence in Major League Baseball. He became the 20th recipient of the award in his 20th season with the Angels. In the process, Mead had his name placed on a plaque with previous winners in baseball's Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

I had a chance to interview Tim Mead and ask him some questions that are on the lighter side, but also those tough questions that our staff from Angelswin has emailed or posted on our Message Board in the last couple weeks. So, with no further ado, here's the interview from not only one of the more respected men in the Angels organization and community, but also a friend of mine, an Angels fan just like you and me.

The lighter side of Tim Mead

Q: Angelswin.com – What a thrill it must be to have 25-plus years service with the Angels organization. You’re a respected man in the industry, providing quality coverage, information about the Angels to both the media and fans abroad. Tell us a little bit about your time and journey with the Angels over the last 25 or so years.


A: Tim Mead – I never consider a day with the Angels as work. I’ve been both blessed and fortunate with this work. There are a lot of people, players who taught me early on that I have so much respect for today.

Being with this organization has not just been a job, but the journey has been a long road. The evolution in adulthood, from 22 to 48. I’ve watched death through this organization. The longer you’re someplace the more it becomes a part of your life.

I was with Rod Carew and his daughter when she died of cancer, spent the last remaining moments with Jimmy Reese until he took his last breath on this earth. In 1994, I spent the night in the hospital with Mark Leiter’s wife, when their 9-month-old son died from the Lou Gehrig’s disease. We talked about God, talked about life and comforted each other during this painful time. Our secretary for many years passed away last year, I was there with her until the end. I met Jason Morrow before he was to head out to the Iraq war for the 3rd time and he gave me an Angels scrap book that I'll cherish my entire life. He was killed in the Iraq war in that third call to duty.

The game within the game has had a profound effect on me. I’ve watched the beauty of it all. I owe Baseball everything, Baseball owes me nothing, we are just caretakers for an absolute priceless establishment. I hope I can walk out on my own terms and I hope they can say "he bled for the Angels" when I leave. That’s my hope. In the end, that’s all I really care about.

I know how hard people have worked, even in some of the failures or disappointments. I witnessed hard working men and women within the organization that gave it their all and I have the utmost respect for them.

I wish people would put sports into perspective, the role that it has in its community, the people in the organization, the players that have made an impact in a positive way behind the scenes -- so much goes unseen. I’m proud of the people I work with and they care.


Q: Angelswin.com – What has been the most exciting or memorable press conference that you’ve been a part of?


A: Tim Mead – In terms of size and magnitude, Reggie Jackson’s. That press conference was incredible in terms of sheer numbers of media, people present. A star from the east coast came west and it was huge. Jim Abbott’s comes to mind. It was special and unique. The amount of people there in his first start vs. the Yankees, the Japanese, the media there was intense. Of course, the Vladimir Guerrero press conference was huge as well.

There have been tough ones as well, when your friends or players in the organization leave via a trade or are released. In preparation of the press conference ahead when we traded Jim Abbott to the Yankees for JT Snow/Russ Springer, before I left my house I let out a primal scream in my room. Those hurt and cut to the core. So many people have a perception of this being a business, but the emotions attached get lost. There are a lot of tough and hurtful press conferences, too.


Q: Angelswin.com – Now, I know you can’t play favorites, as I’m sure you’ve made many friends over the years with ex- or current Angels, but who is one player that you regard as your favorite all-time Angels player, both on what he did on the field and how he was off the field?


A: Tim Mead – Jim Abbott and Chuck Finley. Chuck was the ultimate company man. He did things away from the ballpark, in the community, and what he meant to his teammates and those in the organization was self explanatory. Abbott, what else can you say? He's a close friend and incredible human being. Percy is a dear friend to this day. I’ve always judged people as people, not ballplayers. Reggie was a good man to me and my staff early on. Mark Langston, one of the best. It’s not always the names though, it’s the Mickey Keller's, Orlando Palmeiro's -- once an Angel, always an Angel to me.


Q: Angelswin.com – What was the most dominant performance you’ve seen by an Angels player, both offensively and on the mound?


A: Tim Mead – Wally Joyner’s first half in 1986. In 2000, with four guys with 30 or more home runs. Vladimir Guerrero’s September of 2004 was dominating. He carried the team on his back, wow.

On the mound, I got to see three of the best relievers of our time in Harvey, Percival and K-Rod with dominating performances. The 18, 19, 18 wins from Abbott, Finley, Langston in 1991 was special.


Q: Angelswin.com – Tim, I know there are many incredible memories you must cherish with the Angels over the years, but what stands out as being the greatest moment in "Angels Baseball" that you’ve witnessed over the last 25-plus years?


A: Tim Mead – The moment of Kenny Lofton’s fly ball to Darin Erstad. You can’t recreate that moment in the greatest moments in Hollywood. Once you’ve been to the show and won the show, nobody can say you haven’t.


The Grill
The tough questions that I get asked a lot by fans, regulars from our message board or topics that our staff and I discuss on a daily basis.


Q: Angelswin.com – What future media plans do the Angels currently have on the table for 2007? What about all games in HD? What about these media package issues for 2007 -- and what do they plan to do with their over the air situation, perhaps a Halos cable network? What about an on demand channel like the Dodgers were working on/have? Is that why they are limiting reselling of season tickets?


A: Tim Mead – Arte is a visionary, and Arte wants what is best for the club long-term. We have a 10-year deal with Fox. HD is not on the horizon, but it’s on the board and in discussions. As far as On Demand, we’re going to see what we have control over and what we don’t, but we’re going to move forward in that direction.


Q: Angelswin.com – Is there any chance of getting the flagship radio station back to a 50,000-watt station that can be heard through S. Cal region? Any plans to move to 830 permanently?


A: Tim Mead – Right now, it’s a bilingual station, AM 830 that is. We have one year left with 710 AM that will run through 2007. They’ve been good to us and we have a good working relationship with them. It will be a mutual consent if we decide to go in another direction.


Q: Angelswin.com – Can you explain any changes for season ticket holders going into the 2007 season. Nobody is getting rich off the Ticket Exchange and many nights there are 1500-plus tickets, all at face value, left unpurchased.


A: Tim Mead – The reality of it is there is a problem with the 20-30 percent of no-shows in the RF pavilion. We want to put fans in the seats where there are none. The supply is there, but we want to more equitably supply the demand as well. This is an exercise and adjustment period. We’ll see if it works.


Q: Angelswin.com – Are the Angels going to get involved with the youth of the community renewing interest in baseball. Local kids are drawn to extreme sports, football, and basketball; we're not seeing the kind of major league prospects coming out of the L.A. area we used to, Strawberry, Davis, etc. It's great to mine the Dominican and Puerto Rico, but charity begins at home. Where's the money being spent here? I believe there is some sort of kids training facility in Compton. It makes sense to put some good will into the local community.


A: Tim Mead – Arte has committed more than a half million dollars to the community (Boys and Girls club and the Compton academy, Baseball Camp in the inner city). We do a lot in the community. Our last two first-round picks were locals as well (Trevor Bell & Hank Conger).


Q: Angelswin.com – Are the Angels happy with Steve Physioc as the primary voice of the Angels for telecasts? Despite contracts given out to announcers, can those contracts be revoked based on quality, reviews or what us the fans think, since we’re the ones listening?


A: Tim Mead – There is room for improvement in my job, there is room for improvement in Bill’s job, so there is also room for improvement in our announcer’s jobs. As a broadcaster, he constantly tries to better his game as well. He works very hard. The TV guys are dedicated to this organization and they’ve worked very hard, especially in the community.

Look, we’ve all had a bad day at the office, but can you imagine if you had someone always there to criticize you for every thing you’ve done wrong on those bad days? I see the work of these guys. They live and breath Angels -- they’re fans, too.


Q: Angelswin.com – Will the Angels go after a major F/A bat in the off-season, the bat that seemed to be missing this year.....The lack of protection for Vladimir Guerrero seems to be a major concern.


A: Tim Mead – Suffice to say, our offense has been inconsistent the last 3 years despite the making the playoffs two out of the last 3 years. The bat would have helped this year, though you can argue Kendrick and Rivera became a bat this year, but our defense really hurt this club this year. A bat is going to be our focal point in the offseason. We went after Konerko in the offseason and went after Lee, Tejada and Soriano at the trade deadline and fell short in a deal.

Frustration should be if you don’t try, but Stoneman did try. Who made a difference that was traded at the deadline? Abreu? Maybe, but the Yankees were already solid offensively, Maddox, he helped the Dodgers rotation, but after that who else? I can’t think of anyone that made a deal that turned their pennant run around besides the Dodgers.

We could have signed Frank Thomas -- the A’s gambled and won -- but we’ve been down that road with the Eddie Murrays of free agency before.


Q: Angelswin.com – There has been very little production from the corner infield positions since we had Mo Vaughn & Troy Glaus pla ying 1B and 3B respectively some years ago. How much do Scioscia and Stoneman consider that if you’re not getting power from SS/2B & CF that getting it from the 1B & 3B positions is crucial?


A: Tim Mead – We have to get production from the 1B and 3B positions, it’s a must. Vlad needs protection. Arte realizes the need from the corner spots, it will be a focal point in the offseason to improve.


Q: Angelswin.com – Do the Halos expect Colon to be back healthy in 2007 and return to form? If not, what plans are there to shore up the rotation?


A: Tim Mead – The rotation right now has worked out. In the offseason, Bartolo’s going to go into an extensive offseason program, but we have to approach 2007 and Bartolo with hope. You can’t definitively say he has a role or spot. Cautiously optimistic. You can’t conduct your business in the offseason hoping someone is back healthy.


Q: Angelswin.com – Will the Halos addressed the pen depth issue during the offseason? Romero was a disappointment and we need to turn to someone other than Shields & K-Rod on occasion.


A: Tim Mead – BP has been our strength for 3 years now, but we’re going to move forward and improve, you have to pay attention to the pen. You can only ride K-Rod and Shields so far. We’ll look at that bullpen in the offseason and fix the cracks.


Q: Angelswin.com – Why do Stoneman and Scioscia feel comfortable with four hitters in the lineup who you could qualify as No. 2-type hitters. Cabrera, Kennedy, Izturis, Figgins. Example: Why sit Quinlan, play Kendrick out of position while Kennedy still plays? That's not putting your best options on the field.


A: Tim Mead – The lack of depth in the organization and injuries to Dallas and Casey forced Mike to come to this. There are only so many possibilities to do things with other clubs as well. It‘s not as easy as it seems to make a trade, especially early on when Kotchman and McPherson went down.


Q: Angelswin.com – Is the catching position locked up for Napoli or does Jeff Mathis still have a chance to overtake Mike's job behind the dish?


A: Tim Mead – No, not at all. Depending on what can be done in the offseason, looking outside of the organization, those three will come into camp and compete for the Nos. 1 and 2 jobs. Nobody has asserted himself as the No. 1 catcher to this point. The position is wide open!


Q: Angelswin.com – On the heels of that question, who ultimately decides the kind of players and lineup that’s assembled? Is it Scioscia or Stoneman? It appears as if Stoneman acquires players that fit into Scioscia’s National League style of "Small Ball," rather than doing what seems obvious or what has been missing the last couple years. And that is acquiring some power hitters to help protect Vladimir Guerrero. Are "action" players what the team wants instead of boppers?


A: Tim Mead – Bill acquires the players, but after meeting with scouts, the manager and coaches -- he wants their input -- it’s not what Bill thinks is best, it’s what our entire staff agrees on.

Bill has to deal with contracts, options and the money. The scouts and Mike, along with his coaching staff, have to deal with talent.

Yes, action players, we want to do things, not sit back and wait for the three-run homer.

Like Troy Glaus, he was a bopper, but he can also do things. We‘re going to look at those types. The lack of plate patience is going to be addressed. It is addressed on a daily basis already. The players are not getting it done. There will be changes in the offseason.


Q: Angelswin.com – How does the coaching staff and management plan on fixing the defense?


A: Tim Mead – They’re going to figure it out -- analyze in the offseason, look at video. How do you work with Rivera and Vladdy to fix the clanks they had in the OF? Is it a lack of focus? This is a much better defensive club than what was demonstrated this year. People talk about Soriano and Lee -- do you want them in the OF? Carlos Lee has made some crit ical errors this year in LF, especially with the Rangers after they acquired him.

Nobody is more upset, frustrated over the defensive play this year than Scioscia, our coaching staff and the entire organization. With the way our pitching has been this year, if only our defense was as good as we know it could be we’d be in a more comfortable position than we are now for a third-consecutive postseason berth. It will be addressed in the offseason.


Q: Angelswin.com – Many of us fans scratch our heads as to why Mickey Hatcher isn’t held responsible for what has been an awful display of "coaching" from a hitting standpoint over the last couple years. I speak for our entire staff and group of fans with Angelswin.com. I know you can’t comment on player or coach employment status, but our question is this: Is a hitting or fielding coach held accountable when examining the overall offense and defensive performance in the offseason?


A: Tim Mead – The second guessing of the manager or coach is failure of the player. My son graduated from his classes with a 3.6, but he failed in one of his classes from one teacher. How often as parents do we blame the teacher for our kid’s failure that he or she may have in this one class, while some other kids do very well? The hitting consistency has not been there this year. The failure to lay down a bunt or make a productive out has been missing as well, though almost the same group did this very well in recent years under Mickey‘s coaching.

Mickey takes a great sense of pride in the offense, his success and failures. Nobody gave Mickey a ton of credit after what he did with the offense in 2002. He works very hard with our hitters.


Q: Angelswin.com – We’re not so sure Chone Figgins is the long term answer as our leadoff man or Orlando Cabrera as the No. 3 hitter. Is there anyone on the club that has a secured starting job (offensively) outside of Vladimir Guerrero going into the 2007 season?


A: Tim Mead – Chone has not been consistent overall this year, but after the last two productive seasons who knew he’d struggle the way he has this year? It’s wide open as far as the starting CF job. We didn’t get it done in 2001, but we made changes in the offseason and got it done in 2002. We didn’t get it done in 2003, but we made adjustments in the offseason and made the playoffs two straight years before this year.

Vlad will be penciled in RF, and you’d have to think Rivera will be in LF with GA at DH. Kendrick should be at 2B and Orlando Cabrera at SS. After that, it’s wide open. There will be moves made, improvements.


Q: Angelswin.com – When Scioscia mentions in the OC Register and LA Times that 2B isn’t necessarily Kendrick’s position in 2007, he isn’t insinuating that he’s going to move Kendrick around like he does Figgins is he? Kendrick needs to play one position and that position is 2B. We believe that part of our defensive woes this year is the fact that a lot of players are playing out of position.


A: Tim Mead – You can’t lock it in yet, what his position will be, but he will not be a Chone Figgins, utility-type player, so no. Obviously, he’s a 2B for now, and we‘d like to see him there.


Q: Angelswin.com – Would the Angels consider bringing Tim Salmon back as some type of coach if he retires this year? We would all love to see him as the Angels future hitting coach.


A: Tim Mead – He’s going to need the time with his family, I think. Tim’s future in Baseball will be behind the mic. He’s got four kids and he’s focused on putting time into the family after he shuts it down. When momma has you home after you’ve been gone for a lengthy career in Baseball, well there is some catching up to do.


Q: Angelswin.com – Will the Angels hitting philosophy change in the offseason? This team is lacking hitters that can get on base, draw walks, especially at the top of the lineup.


A: Tim Mead – Let’s see who the players are. We want the best balanced team that we can put together. That’s the philosophy.

Obviously the offense, there is dissatisfaction with the offense and it will be improved. I emphasize the word WILL.


Q: Angelswin.com – While the Angels aren’t mathematically out of it, this season has been a big disappointment. This must be frustrating for Arte Moreno to have a $100 million payroll that isn’t getting the job done consistently both on offense and defe nse. Will the glaring needs be looked at and fixed in the offseason or will the club just chalk this season up with the thought in mind that players had off years -- let’s give it another try next year with the same group?


A: Tim Mead – Arte wants to win. Arte and the organization want to win. Are we disappointed? Yes. If we’re not playing in October, we’re not happy. You constantly tinker with the roster if you can during the season, but here’s the thing: we won’t be elated, pounding our chests after drawing 3.4 million. We'll be pounding our chests after making it to the postseason. That is the goal, to win.

There will be turnover on this club. We‘re going to be a better overall team going into 2007. The offense will get better and we‘ll seal up the cracks that were present this year over the offseason. Arte is a fan. He wants to win just like you and all the fans that support this club.

*This concludes our interview with Tim Mead.

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