F**K HARPER! MIKE FRIGGIN TROUT IS UP!

#Angels call up Mike Trout from triple-A.

— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) April 28, 2012

TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT!

TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT!

TROUT! TROUTT TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT!

TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT!

TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT!

TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT!

TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT!

TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT! TROUT!

Dustin McGowan is back and finally healthy, and looking really good so far showing good movement on his fastball, and his curve is looking really good too.

The Jays are going to use him as a starter next season, (at least to start). I think he could be a dominant closer, but why not give him a shot at starting. Hes not exactly young at 29, but he has excellent stuff, and if the command improves, he could be a very intriguing option.

What do you guys expect from him next year?

Anyone have info on him? Hes a 20 year old who dominated the DSL for the past 3 seasons. 1.38 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, 11.4 K/9 this year, never heard anything about him, but the Angels have had some nice prospects come out of the DSL recently like FMM, Ariel Pena, Segura.

Angels Angels Angels Angels Angels Angels Angels Angels Angels Angels Angels Angels Angels Angels Angels Angels Angels Angels Angels Angels Angels

Post all trades and rumors in the comment section

Continue reading this post »

The Mets and the San Francisco Giants are on the verge of completing a trade that will send Carlos Beltran to the Giants in exchange for a top prospect who is likely to be Zack Wheeler, a right-handed pitcher taken in the first round of the 2009 draft.

 Wow, I cant believe the Giants gave up Wheeler, but they do need a big bat, and have a good chance at winning it all again.

16 team league, rebuilt for next year. I also have guys like Mike Trout, Brandon Belt and Jason Kipnis who were just called up. Also have 8 out of the top 33 picks in the draft.

Minors Batters

Devin Mesoraco, C, CIN 

Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, ARI 

Brett Lawrie, 2B, TOR

Cheslor Cuthbert, 3B, KC

Kyle Seager, 3B, SEA

James Darnell, 3B, SD 

Randal Grichuk, OF, ANA

Brandon Jacobs, OF, BOS

Trayvon Robinson, OF, LAD

Eddie Rosario, OF, MIN   

Minors Pitchers

Jason Adam, SP, KC

Jose Ceda, RP, FLA

Jared Cosart, SP, PHI 

Casey Crosby, SP, DET

Matt Harvey, SP, NYM 

Liam Hendriks, SP, MIN

Drew Hutchinson, SP, TOR

Carlos Martinez, SP, STL

Jenrry Mejia, SP, NYM

Justin Nicolino, SP, TOR    

Garrett Richards, SP, ANA 

Keyvious Sampson, SP, SD 

Alex White, SP, CLE

Chris Withrow, SP, LAD

Graduated: Moustakas #9, Rizzo #14, Ackley #28, Chisenhall #29, Lyles #49

Demoted out of Top 50 : John Lamb, Casey Kelly, Jaff Decker, Barrett Loux, Jarrod Parker, Nick Franklin, Trey McNutt, Jesus Montero

1. Mike Trout , OF LAA

2. Bryce Harper , OF WAS

3. Matt Moore, SP TB

4. Shelby Miller , SP STL

5. Brett Lawrie , 3B TOR

6. Manny Machado, SS BAL

7. Carlos Martinez , SP STL

8. Jameson Taillon, SP PIT

9. Jurickson Profar , SS TEX

10. Julio Teheran , SP ATL

11. Danny Hultzen, SP SEA

12. Wil Myers , OF KC

13. Dylan Bundy, SP BAL

14. Devin Mesoraco , C CIN

15. Anthony Rendon, 1B/2B/3B WAS

16. Gerrit Cole, SP PIT

17. Jacob Turner , SP DET

18. Manny Banuelos , SP NYY

19. Trevor Bauer, SP ARI

20. Jason Kipnis, 2B CLE

21. Taijuan Walker, SP SEA

22. Travis D'Anuard, C TOR

23. Matt Harvey, SP NYM

24. Paul Goldschmidt , 1B ARI

25. Martin Perez , SP TEX

26. Leonys Martin, OF TEX

27. Desmond Jennings, OF TB

28. Tyler Skaggs , SP ARI

29. Jake Odorizzi, SP JKC

30. Yasmani Grandal , C CIN

31. Drew Pomeranz , SP CLE

32. Archie Bradley, SP ARI

33. Jean Segura , SS LAA

34. Dayan Viciedo, OF CWS

35. Arodys Vizcaino, SP ATL

36. Brad Peacock, SP WAS

37. Kaleb Cowart, 3B LAA

38. Nolan Arenado, 3B COL

39. Hak Ju Lee, SS TB

40. Zach Wheeler, SP SF

41. Zach Lee, SP LAD

42. Neil Ramirez , SP TEX

43. Jared Cosart, SP PHI

44. Cheslor Cuthbert, 3B KC

45. Gary Brown, OF SF

46. Brett Jackson , OF CHC

47. Keyvious Sampson, SP SD

48. Fransisco Lindor, SS CLE

49. Robbie Erlin, SP TEX

50. Mike Montgomery, SP KC

Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball

Anthony Rizzo is being called up by the Padres. He will wear #27 and be in the starting lineup tommorrwo vs the Nats. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=6641985&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines

Let the Rizzomania begin!!!

FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLERFILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER
FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLERFILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER
FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER*FILLER

This is my 1st shadow draft for the Angels, and I plan to keep doing it every year. Tell me how I did with this years picks. I went up to our pick at 405, and drafted 12 players overall. I dont know enough about the remaining players to go more than that, so I'm going to keep the Angels picks past pick 405 in the 13th round.

1.17: Matt Barnes, RHP Connecticut: I went with Barnes because I think he has a nice ceiling, isnt very risky, has a good arsenal, should move quickly, and should be signable. He was one of my favortie college pitchers in the draft.

3.104: Derek Fisher, OF HS: I'm very happy Fisher dropped this far, and the fact that I wanted to get a big bat in the system, Fisher made a lot of sense. Hes a little risky because of signability though.

4.135: Noe Ramirez, RHP CSFU: I went with Noe Ramirez here because I see him as a safe pitcher who will have a succesful career. #4 starter at worst.

5.165: Josh Osich, LHP Oregon: I was really suprised he dropped, and I'm not sure why he did. He looks like a solid pick in the 5th round to me, because I really wanted to get some lefthanded talent in my system. A late 1st round talent.

6.195: Austin Wood, RHP USC: I stuck with who the Angels actually chose here. Wood reminds me of Garrett Richards a bit, because he is a guy who has good stuff, and could potentially thrive in the minors, just like Richards. I liked this pick for the Angels.

7.225: Phil Evans, SS HS: I tink you see a trend here, I'm taking who I think is the BPA, and most of these guys couldve been picked in the top 2-3 rounds. I wanted to take a toolsy MIF sometime in this draft, and Evans was my guy here in the 7th round.

8.255: Kyle Winkler, RHP TCU: I thought Winkler was a HUGE bargain here in the 8th round. He was TCU's ace this season with a low to mid 90's FB and a plus CB. He was probably my best pick of the draft, because he should have gone much higher.

9.285: Jason Coats, OF TCU: I took Coats here because I needed to add another bat to all the pitchers ive taken. I like Coats power potential, and I think he was a solid pick in the 9th round.

10.315: Matt Dean, 3B HS: I took this athletic HS 3rd baseman because he looks like he could have a very nice bat. Very good power potential from the right side, plus he fills an organiztional need for depth at 3rd base. Potential steal if he develops.

11.345: Brett Mooneyham, LHP Stanford: I'm a fan of this lefty from Stanford. He missed the full year because of finger surgery, but when healthy he was a 1st round talent. He has good raw stuff, but needs to improve his command if he wants to be more than a reliever.

12.375: Navery Moore, RHP Vandy: I origanlly had Dillon Maples with this pick, but I'm just not a big fan, and his pricetag made me rethink the pick. Navery Moore is a good pick here, because he could be a very good back end of the pen guy, or even a starter. Either way, this is a solid pick.

13.405: Garrett Buchele, 3B Oklahoma: With my last pick I wanted to get a power hitting college guy, and I took Buchele because he impressed me in the CWS last year, and he is a 3rd baseman. I really wanted to get some power 3rd baseman guys later in this draft.

Overall, I'm very happy with my draft. I loaded up on a lot of college pitchers, because I want a quicker impact in the MLB. I took some signability risks, but if they sign, this is going to be one hell of a draft class. Tell me what you guys think of how I did!

I'm a big Angels fan, and I'm going to start doing a Shadow Draft for them each year because it seems like a fun idea.

You all know the Angels took 1B CJ Cron with their 1st pick, and I'm fine with it, and I completly understand why they took him, but there are a couple guys I wouldve taken over him.

With the 17th pick, I take Matt Barnes, SP Connecticut . I think he is the BPA at this point in the draft. Other options were Sonny Gray, Taylor Guerrieri and of course CJ Cron. I think Matt Barnes has the most potential of the 4, and I think he has the highest likely hood of reaching his ace potential.

I will be posting in the comment section my other picks from the 3rd round on.

1. Pirates : Gerrit Cole, RHP, UCLA
2. Mariners : Anthony Rendon, 3B, Rice
3. Diamondbacks : Danny Hultzen, LHP, Virginia
4. Orioles : Dylan Bundy, RHP, Oklahoma HS
5. Royals : Trevor Bauer, RHP, UCLA:
6. Nationals : Bubba Starling, OF, Kansas HS
7. Diamondbacks: Francisco Lindor, SS, Florida HS
8. Indians : Sonny Gray, RHP, Vandy
9. Cubs : Archie Bradley, RHP, Oklahoma HS
10. Padres : Cory Spangenberg, 3B, Indian River CC
11. Astros : Taylor Jungmann, RHP, Texas
12. Brewers : George Springer, OF, Connecticut 
13. Mets : Jed Bradley, LHP Georgia Tech  
14. Marlins : Matt Barnes, RHP, Connecticut
15. Brewers: Tyler Anderson, LHP, Oregon 
16. Dodgers :  Jose Fernandez, RHP, Florida HS 
17. Angels : Taylor Guerrieri, RHP, South Carolina HS
18. Athletics : Mikie Mahtook, OF, LSU
19. Red Sox : Daniel Norris, LHP, Florida HS
20. Rockies : Kolten Wong, 2B, Hawaii 
21. Blue Jays : Brandon Nimmo, OF, Wyoming HS
22. Cardinals : Josh Bell , OF, Texas HS
23. Nationals:  Alex Meyer, RHP, Kentucky 
24. Rays :  Robert Stephenson, RHP, California HS   
25. Padres: Andrew Susac, C, Oregon State
26. Red Sox: Blake Swihart, C, New Mexico HS   
27. Reds :  Henry Owens , LHP California HS  
28. Braves : Javier Baez, SS, Florida HS
29. Giants : Tyler Beede, RHP, Massachusetts HS
30. Twins : Brian Goodwin, OF, Miami-Dade CC 
31. Rays: C.J. Cron, 1B, Utah
32. Rays: Dillon Howard, RHP, Arkansas HS 
33. Rangers : Jackie Bradley Jr., OF, South Carolina 

Rumors are the Pirates will go with Cole, I'd go Rendon, but Cole is no slouch at all.

Ok, miketrout, you are my assistant if I cant be here, but it is looking like I should be here to make the picks. I really need some help on who to choose, because I'm pretty lost right now in my desicion. I want Guerrieri, Archie Bradley or one of the top college arms to fall to us, but I doubt it happens at this point. Lindor might be available, but again, I doubt it.

Continue reading this post »

Monthly Update

 
Graduated:  Hosmer #3, Brown #10, Belt #17, White # 35, Duffy #36, De La Rosa #39

1. Mike Trout , OF LAA   
2. Bryce Harper , OF WAS    
3. Manny Machado, SS BAL
4. Shelby Miller , SP STL
5. Brett Lawrie, 3B TOR  
6. Jameson Taillon, SP PIT
7. Matt Moore, SP TB 
8. Julio Teheran , SP ATL
9. Mike Moustakas , 3B KC
10. Carlos Martinez , SP STL
11. Jacob Turner , SP DET 
12. Martin Perez , SP TEX
13. Manny Banuelos , SP NYY
14. Anthony Rizzo , 1B SD
15. Wil Myers , OF KC   
16. Zach Lee, SP LAD
17. Jurickson Profar, SS TEX   
18. Drew Pomeranz , SP CLE
19. Wilin Rosario , C COL 

20. Jean Segura , SS LAA  

21. Mike Montgomery , SP KC

22. Devin Mesoraco , C CIN

23. Desmond Jennings , OF TB

24. Jason Kipnis , 2B CLE   

25. Kyle Gibson , SP MIN  

26. Brad Peacock, SP WAS

27. Zach Wheeler, SP SF
28. Dustin Ackley , 2B SEA 
29. Lonnie Chisenhall , 3B CLE
30. Tyler Skaggs, SP ARI
31. Neil Ramirez, SP TEX
32. Matt Harvey, SP NYM
33. Brett Jackson , OF CHC
34. Jake Odorizzi, SP KC
35. Keyvious Sampson, SP SD
36. Barret Loux , SP TEX
37. John Lamb , SP KC 
38. Robbie Erlin, SP TEX
39. Jared Cosart, SP PHI  
40. Hak Ju Lee, SS TB
41. Yasmani Grandal , C CIN   
42. Jaff Decker, OF SD 
43. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B ARI
44. Trey Mcnutt, SP CHC
45. Jarrod Parker , SP ARI
46. Nolan Arenado , 3B COL
47. Nick Franklin , SS SEA
48. Jesus Montero , C/DH NYY   
49. Jordan Lyles , SP HOU
50. Casey Kelly , SP SD     

http://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-royals/2011/5/30/2198018/ladies-and-gentlemen-your-new-royals-closer-aaron-crow

Aaron Crow is the Royals new closer. All I can say is WOW. He sucked so bad last year, and now hes an MLB closer? Also, are the Royals seriously regretting not trading Soria to the Yankees last deadline or what? Do you guys think Crow can stick at closer longterm? I think he can with the stuff hes been showing this year. 

1- Pirates - Anthony Rendon-3B-Rice: Still the best player in the draft, I think he makes the most sense here.  

2- Mariners - Gerrit Cole-RHP-UCLA: Could go Starling or Lindor, but I think Cole is too good to pass up.

3-DBacks- Danny Hultzen-LHP-Virginia:  If Hultzen is available, he will be pick #3. 

4- Orioles - Dylan Bundy-RHP-HS: Best HS arm here, could move quickly. 

5- Royals - Archie Bradley-RHP-HS: The Royals want an arm, and Bauer would be a good choice here, but he loves to throw longtoss, and I dont think the Royals will want him. Bradley is the 2nd best HS arm in the draft, and has gotten a lot of helium lately.

6- Nationals - Alex Meyer-RHP-Kentucky: The Nats and Meyer have been connected together a lot recently, big upside arm.       

7-DBacks- Sonny Gray-RHP-Vandy: The DBack love Gray, and would love to get him and Hultzen.  

8- Indians - Trevor Bauer- RHP-UCLA: A steal here for the Indians, Bauer could team up with Pomeranz at the top of the Indians rotation very soon.

 9- Cubs - Francisco Lindor-SS-HS (CA): Starling could go here, but Lindor makes more sense for them.

10- Padres - Cory Spangenburg-3B-JC: The Padres love this speedster, and I think they will reach a bit for him with an unprotected pick.    

11- Astros - Bubba Starling-OF-HS (Kansas): I could see him dropping this far, and the Astros need to spend some money on the draft, Starling makes a lot of sense. 

12- Brewers - George Springer-OF-UConn: Has come on strong from a slow start, becomes the Brewers top prospect the instant he signs.

13- Mets - Taylor Jungmann-RHP-Texas: A safe college pitcher, the Mets need a solid arm.

14- Marlins -  Taylor Guerreri-RHP-HS:  High upside HS arm here.  

15-Brewers- Jed Bradley-LHP-Georgia: A good college lefty, the Brewers definatley need a good pitching prospect.

16- Dodgers - Mikie Mahtook-OF-LSU:  The Dodgers dont have any money to spend, so they will take a cheaper type player, and Mahtook is a great fit.    

17- Angels - Matt Barnes-RHP-UConn:  Id absolutley love if Matt Barnes drops this far, and he definatley could. I see the Angels pouncing on him if hes here. 

18-A's- CJ Cron-C/1B: The A's could use a power bat in their system, and Cron gives them that. 

19- Red Sox (From Detroit)- Andrew Susac-C-Oregon:  Red Sox need a cathing prospect, hes the best available since Swihart is not going to sign.  

20- Rockies - Kolten Wong-2B-Hawaii: Will look nice playing 2nd base next to Tulo. 

21- Blue Jays - Daniel Norris-LHP-HS (Tennessee): He cant drop any further, the Jays could get a steal here. 

22- Cardinals - Jose Fernandez RHP Alonso HS FL: High upisde HS guy.

23- Nationals- Brian Goodwin-OF-Miami Dade JC:  The Nats love this guy, he seems like a great pick here at 23.   

24- Rays (From Boston)- Josh Bell-OF-HS: I think the Rays will take a tough sign with this pick be it Bell or Purke. Id take my chances with Bell.    

25- Padres- Jackie Bradley Jr-OF-South Carolina: The Padres take a top 20 talent who has dropped because of a bad season filled with injuries.

26- Red Sox- Tyler Beede-RHP-HS: A polished HS arm has a commitment to Vandy, and could fall out of the 1st, but I think a team takes a chance on him.   

27- Reds - Levi Michael-SS-UNC: I think the Reds go with a signability pick here, and without a SS of the future, they pick up Michael. 

28- Braves - Javier Baez-3B-HS: The Braves dont have a great 3B prospect, so I think the take Baez and move him to 3B immediatley. High upside pick. 

29- Giants - Robert Stephenson-RHP-HS: The Giants love to take HS arms, and Stephenson looks like a great fit to me. Owens is a possiblity here too. 

30- Twins - Brandon Nimmo-OF-HS: The Twins love themselves toolsy players, and Nimmo is exactly that. He could be a major steal here.        

 31- Rays -  Henry Owens-LHP-HS: Owens is the BPA in this spot, I think the Rays will jump all over him if hes here.   

32- Rays- Derek Fisher-OF-HS (PA): A big power bat, reminds me some of last years pick Josh Sale. Another possible steal. 

33-Rangers (From Phillies )- Tyler Anderson-LHP-Oregon: A polished college lefty, I doubt he drops out of the 1st round.

Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball

Im going to need a co gm who will be at the Mock Draft on June 4th. I might not be able to make it, so I need someone who can make the picks just in case im not there.

But anyways, I have no idea who to pick at this point. Guerrieri, Meyer, Mahtook, Norris, Fernandez and Owens look like the best picks right now. No idea what the Angels themselves will do either. Just a week away!

Been thinking a lot about which way to go in this draft, and im still leaning towards taking a high upside HS pitcher. I think Guerrieri is the best option, but there is a pretty good chance he comes off the board before we pick. If he does, than our pick is up in the air. Brandon Nimmo looks very impressive, but do we really need another toolsy OF'er?

Continue reading this post »

For the 1st time in 2 years, the Angels dont have very many top round picks.

We have picks #17 , and #104

The Angels are never afraid to spend money on draft picks, so signability is not an issue. With pitching so deep this year, I think we should go with the best pitcher available, unless a signifigant bat drops to us, (unlikely). Since we dont have the luxury of having a bunch of picks, it is important to make this pick count, and not draft for need.

Here are some guys that I think we should look at if they are available for pick 17, and Id love for all you Angel fans out there to help me out with this pick.

 Pitchers:

Taylor Guerrieri-RHP-HS

Daniel Norris-LHP-HS

Tyler Anderson-LHP-Oregon

Henry Owens -LHP-HS

Josh Osich-LHP-Oregon

Jose Fernandez-RHP-HS

 Hitters:

Mikie Mahtook-OF-LSU

Josh Bell-OF-HS

Jackie Bradely Jr.-OF-South Carolina

Kolten Wong-2B-Hawaii

Brandon Nimmo-OF-HS

Continue reading this post »

The Draft is creeping up on us as it is only over a month away. I figured its a good time to do another mock as thing are becoming a little more clearer. I will have one more mock right before the draft.

Continue reading this post »