SB Nation User Blog: G Abbes

Three-Round Mock Draft

G Abbes — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 03:13:49 -0000

Draft Preview -- Los Angeles Angels

G Abbes — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:24:50 -0000

Draft Preview -- Los Angeles Angels

I've linked to a preview of the Angels' upcoming draft posted by Andy Seiler at his draft blog.

New L.A. Times Angels Blog

G Abbes — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:32:16 -0000

New L.A. Times Angels Blog

The L.A. Times has a new blog devoted to the Angels -- Angels Unplugged . . .

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/angels_blog/

Hardball Times on the Angels

G Abbes — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:35:35 -0000

Hardball Times on the Angels

Angel blogger and creator of the Chone projection system, Sean Smith answers five questions about the Angels for Hardball Times . . .

"Once again, the Angels head into the season as favorites in the American League West Division. Last year they won the division by 21 games, but repeating looks like it may be a bit more of a challenge. The Angels didn’t become stronger in the offseason. Losing Mark Teixiera, Frankie Rodriguez, Jon Garland and Garret Anderson while adding Brian Fuentes and Bobby Abreu can best be described as damage control. Meanwhile, their rivals to the north have added Matt Holliday, Jason Giambi, Orlando Cabrera and Nomar Garciaparra . . . ."

Organizational Rankings: #10

G Abbes — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:07:32 -0000

Organizational Rankings: #10

Today, we launch the top ten, heading towards the top spot and closing out this series. All of the teams that we discuss this week are legitimate contenders for both this year and the future, and these are the organizations that the rest of baseball is chasing . . . .

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/organizational-rankings-10

A Minor League System in "Disarray"

G Abbes — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 23:47:13 -0000

A Minor League System in "Disarray"

Fangraphs takes a whack at the Angels' minor league system, profiling some of the team's top prospects . . .

"Once the owners of an impressive group of prospects, the Los Angeles Angles’ minor league system has slipped into disarray. The club still has some interesting prospects, but most of them are in A-ball or short-season leagues. In recent seasons, offensive prospects have been overrated in part due to some minor league teams that play in very good hitter’s parks and leagues . . . ."

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/2009-prospect-mine-los-angeles-angels

Ervin Santana to Open Season on Disabled List

G Abbes — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:50:45 -0000

Ervin Santana to Open Season on Disabled List

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Ervin Santana's elbow injury is worse than originally feared, and Manager Mike Scioscia acknowledged today that the right-hander probably won't be ready for the start of the season . . . .

"renewed emphasis on plate discipline"?

G Abbes — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 03:33:09 -0000

"renewed emphasis on plate discipline"?

In the last paragraph of his most recent column, Bill Shaikin of the Times refers to the Angels' "renewed emphasis on plate discipline." Has anyone heard or read anything about this before now?

Interview w/ Author of "Odd Man Out"

G Abbes — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:43:45 -0000

Interview w/ Author of "Odd Man Out"

Interesting interview w/ the author of "Odd Man Out", the book about a year in the Angels minor league system. Thanks to futureangels.com for the link.

Naps May Not be Ready Opening Day

G Abbes — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 22:01:36 -0000

Naps May Not be Ready Opening Day

Mike Napoli felt "an impingement" in his shoulder for several months after undergoing surgery to clean up his labrum and rotator cuff in November, and the catcher will be held out of rigorous throwing drills for several weeks.

Napoli, who hit .273 with 20 home runs in 78 games last season, admitted there is a chance he might not be ready to catch by the start of the regular season but is encouraged by the fact he hasn't felt discomfort for two weeks.

"I'd love to be able to start the season, but I have to be smart and not rush anything," Napoli said. "I want to get on the field and not have any setbacks. Right now, I need to get the inflammation and the pinch out of my shoulder before I start throwing."

Napoli said the shoulder doesn't bother him when he's hitting. He will participate in some drills and strengthen his shoulder through exercise. He probably will begin throwing in a week or two.