TEMPE, Ariz. — The Angels were just past halfway through the exhibition schedule as they reached their first off day on Tuesday, and little had changed from what we thought heading into the spring.
There have been some encouraging signs and they’ve avoided any significant injuries. They also haven’t signed any of the prominent free agents who were available at the start of camp.
Owner Arte Moreno said in an interview last month that he didn’t want to spend money “unless it’s going to substantially change the team,” and he seems to be sticking to that. So, no Blake Snell. At least, not now.
Beyond that question, here’s what else was on your mind when we asked last week.
Q: Any clue yet how the outfield at-bats will be divided up? Specifically curious if they’re viewing (Jo) Adell/(Mickey) Moniak as some kind of platoon or if they’re trying to get equal at-bats to all four outfielders with the DH slot being utilized at times. Thanks — @j_thomas_421
A: The more likely platoon is Moniak and Aaron Hicks, because their splits are both heavily slanted toward one side. Moniak would play against righties and Hicks, who is a switch-hitter, against lefties. Adell has performed equally against righties and lefties throughout his career.
Given that, I think the only thing you can really predict about the way the Angels will use their outfielders is that Moniak and Hicks won’t play in the same lineup.
Beyond that, there are plenty of configurations they could use, including putting one of the outfielders in the DH spot. I would expect Moniak, Hicks and Adell to all get plenty of opportunities to play alongside Mike Trout and Taylor Ward. Obviously, if one player separates himself with a better performance, he’ll get to play more.
Q: What do you predict will be the 5-man rotation to start the season? — @mkl8522
A: Although the Angels – and most teams – often come into spring training with at least one rotation spot up for grabs, this year the Angels have stuck to the five they had when camp began.
Barring injury, the five starters will be left-handers Patrick Sandoval, Reid Detmers and Tyler Anderson and right-handers Griffin Canning and Chase Silseth.
It remains to be seen what order the Angels will use, including who will start on Opening Day.
Q: Presumably, the Angels think they have enough starting pitching to begin the season. What makes them think so? — @taz1601
A: General Manager Perry Minasian would never say that he has “enough” starting pitching. The fact that they didn’t sign a premium free agent – yet? – is only an indication that so far the cost for a starting pitcher upgrade didn’t fit with what the Angels perceive their need to be.
All of that being said, the Angels’ biggest hope for their starters is that all five of them have been successful, to varying degrees, in the majors. They also believe that they can get more out of the pitchers than they did last year simply from the way they use them, including a new philosophy from the pitching coach and the analytics team.
Q: Do you think Perry and Arte’s approach to free agency is not as bad as people make it or will not spending enough this year be a major factor in their success in 2024? — @JCano89
A: I think people make too much of free agents, period.
The Angels’ failure in the past has been more about underperformance of dozens of cheap, homegrown players than it is about the underperformance of a small number of free agents.
If the Angels are good again in the next few years, it’s going to be because of guys like Zach Neto, Logan O’Hoppe, Sandoval, Detmers … and Mike Trout. Not because of someone they signed over the winter.
Q: Big fan in NC here – my question – Is the farm system really as bad as they rank us? — @tvcola
A: The Angels certainly don’t believe that their farm system is that bad. They are particularly optimistic about pitchers like Caden Dana and Victor Mederos.
It’s also worth noting that they are getting major league production from players like Neto, O’Hoppe, first baseman Nolan Schanuel and Silseth.
These players have crossed through the system so quickly that they don’t make much of a dent as “prospects” before becoming “major leaguers.”
Q: Why is (Miguel) Sanó getting such a long look? Moniak and Adell should get DH AB’s when not playing and (Luis) Rengifo can back up third base, (Brandon) Drury can back up first, and Schanuel can hit against lefties regardless. — @Choleeco
A: All of that sounds good, assuming no one underperforms and no one gets hurt. In reality, the Angels are in no position to stop looking for players who have a chance to help them, especially when the cost and risk are both minimal.
There are plenty of at-bats in spring training to go around for Sanó to get an opportunity, while the other players you mention also get enough at-bats to be ready.
Q: What do you feel is the most different about spring training compared to the past few years, in terms of practices, players’ approach, and other aspects? — @dru_tweety
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A: Several elements seem different, starting with the Angels’ aggressiveness on the bases. They are running at every opportunity, not just stealing bases, but also taking extra bases.
Defensively, the infielders have put in more time on fundamentals with early morning drills.
The pitchers are putting much more emphasis on throwing strikes, which has helped to reduce their walks.
Manager Ron Washington is also playing his regulars more than previous Angels managers, with veterans often starting two or three days in a row.
Finally, the atmosphere is much different without the media horde that followed Shohei Ohtani. Players loved having Ohtani on the field, but they also seem to appreciate the extra space provided by his absence.