Thursday Halolinks: Outta Options, Free Agent Options, and Viewing Options

by WiHaloFan on Feb 16, 2012 7:39 AM PST in Angels Rumors And Links

Fox will include its interactive faceplant camera during their Saturday broadcasts.

Other-stuff (not double-stuff) Halolinks:

MLBTradeRumors has put together a list of each teams' players who are out of options: Out Of Options 2012 - MLBTradeRumors.com. "The following 40-man roster players have less than five years service time and are out of minor league options. That means they must clear waivers before being sent to the minors. I've excluded players on multiyear deals. This list was compiled through MLBTR's sources. Angels - Alberto Callaspo, Kendrys Morales, Rich Thompson, Jerome Williams, Bobby Wilson". I'm pretty sure Wilson has been out of options for at least a couple of seasons, but with that status, it's almost certain Hank Conger will start the season in Salt Lake City unless he impresses Scioscia and his coaching staff. Also Rich Thompson's inclusion to this list, and the need of arms in the Halo pen, make his chances of being on the opening day roster almost a sure thing.
Here's another list, this time by SBN's Daily Dish site: Remaining MLB Free Agents 2012 - MLB Daily Dish. "With just a few days left until pitchers and catchers report and soon after, spring training officially beginning, let's take a look at the remaining MLB free agent class of 2012". Not a lot of talent left in that pool. There might be a couple of serviceable arms available (Mike Gonzalez, Horacio Ramirez, 39 year-old Jason Isringhausen, oft-injured Brandon Webb, and recovering David Aardsma). A couple of intriguing names remain from the offense side; Miguel Tejada would make an interesting backup at third and short if the need arises. Same with Eric Chavez if the Mark Trumbo to third experiment fails.
Yesterday, the Angels' spring training television schedule was released, and then Fox released their Saturday Baseball schedule: New-look Angels net eight regular-season games on FOX Saturday Baseball - angels.com. "In 2012, the Angels will be making at least eight appearances on FOX Saturday Baseball, one less than the maximum allotted by team, the network announced in unveiling its schedule on Wednesday." Looks like there's some new interest in Angels' baseball by the national market. I wonder why?

Here's some great news: Report: Gwynn's surgery a success - CBSSports.com. "It turned out great. He looks good, he looks normal. His eyelids are a little swollen, but they got all the cancer. They say they got it all. His face looks good. They did an amazing job.''

BREAKING NEWS!: Scout.com: Trumbo's role unclear entering camp. "Logically, it is a very tough transition, especially learning on the fly," Trumbo said of playing third base. "But one thing they have said is they will be patient. I'm going to give it everything I have and I don't think there's any reason I can't make the transition." I wonder how Alberto Callaspo feels about all of this?

Position previews: Manager and coaches - ESPN Los Angeles. "Under the previous general manager, Tony Reagins, Scioscia enjoyed far-reaching power few managers can boast -- over trades, free-agent signings, even minor league personnel -- but his purview figures to shrink under Jerry Dipoto, who was given more authority by owner Arte Moreno. That could be a good thing, allowing Scioscia to focus his skills more narrowly on relationships in his clubhouse and in-game maneuvers." We've covered this a little bit before, but it's still an interesting topic -- How much is Mike Scioscia to blame for the trade acquiring Vernon Wells, and indirectly, for Tony Reagins losing his job?

Building Through the Draft: Worst of the Worst - FanGraphs Baseball. "Several people commented that they wished to see the entire list of teams, ranked by total accumulated WAR and also including average WAR per homegrown player. Here is the entire league". Spoiler-alert: The Angels rank #12.

Professional baseball isn't the only outlet getting ready to start: Breaking down the Southland's college baseball teams - latimes.com. "A team-by-team look at each of the major college baseball programs heading into the 2012 season."

Nine ways to improve Major League Baseball - CBSSports.com. "Remember, not all change is bad. At one point in time, it was a home run when the ball bounced over the fence. I wonder what the "purists" thought when they changed it to a ground-rule double?" And why is this change needed? The post cites this poll and baseball's increasing gap behind football: Football is America’s Favorite Sport as Lead Over Baseball Continues to Grow - Harris Interactive. "Over one-third of adults who follow at least one sport (36%) say professional football is their favorite sport while just 13% say baseball is their favorite. The gap between the two sports has widened in the past year - last year 31% said pro football was their favorite while 17% said baseball was their favorite sport."

Some historical stuff:Put Them in the Hall of Fame: Part 1, 19th Century - Beyond the Box Score. "What about other 19th century players who generate a ton of their WAR value from their defense? The top 19th century position players outside of the Hall of Fame by wWAR are Bill Dahlen (113.2), Jack Glasscock (104.3), Deacon White (92.2), George Gore (82.9), Charlie Bennett (82.5), and Ross Barnes (80.1)." Jack Glasscock! (sorry).

Here are a couple of Deadspin links: This Alabama Fan Holds A Giant, Bug-Eyed Cutout Of His Face At Games, And We're Scared. "This young man terrifies us." I think he's hysterical. And...A Clearly Linsane Mike Tyson Curses, Talks About His 3,000 Pigeons During MSG Interview. "the interview was about as much of a trainwreck as you'd expect—though interviewer Jill Martin's somewhat to blame (at one point it sounds like she interprets Tyson's answer to "What sports do you like to watch?" as "baseball")" I love Mike Tyson just for being so completely over the edge nuts.

In case you haven't heard: Yankees' A.J. Burnett balks at trade that would send him to Angels for Bobby Abreu - NY Daily News. "Burnett is allowed to pick 10 teams he can refuse to be traded to and the Angels are one of them, as are the Mariners and the other West Coast teams. Burnett and his family live in Maryland."

Gotta give the guy credit for still trying: NY Mets planning to scout Scott Kazmir - NY Daily News. "The Mets planned to send a scout to a scheduled showcase in Houston for the team’s former top draft pick, Scott Kazmir, a club insider said Wednesday."

Poll

How often do you attend non-professional baseball games (high school, college, and Little League, etc.)?

Never

175 votes

Seldom (1 to 3 times a season)

92 votes

A few times (4 to 9 times a season)

51 votes

Frequently (10 to 20 times a season)

34 votes

Often (more than 20 times a season)

35 votes

387 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 67 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Conger does not necessarily have to start the season in AAA

We have carried three catchers several times before, including last season, and we could do it again. A possible 25-man roster could be the following: 5 starting pitchers (Weaver, Haren, Wilson, Santana, Williams); 6 relief pitchers (Walden, Downs, Hawkins, Cassevah, Thompson, Takahashi), and 14 position players (Iannetta, Pujols, Kendrick, Aybar, Callaspo, Wells, Bourjos, Hunter, Morales, Abreu, Trumbo, Izturis, Wilson, Conger).

Iannetta could start 100-120 games; Wilson could start the remaining games against left-handers; and Conger could start the remaining games against right-handers.

by Brody on Feb 16, 2012 7:56 AM PST reply actions

I would prefer if he played every day rather than every fifth day.

Let him start in AAA.

by Halowitz on Feb 16, 2012 3:42 PM PST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs

Not National. Regional.

Those Fox games aren’t national games. Of those 8 games, I’d be surprised if I got more than one of them in Chicago. I’d rather they had no games on Fox, because MLB blacks out ALL games played during that window. So when the Angels are on Fox, you don’t get that game on Extra Innings or MLBTV, even if they’re showing a different game in your market. It’s ridiculous. Basically, it just ensures that I’ll be doing something other than watching baseball on those days.

by LA Seitz on Feb 16, 2012 8:35 AM PST reply actions 4 recs

^This^

I know at least 3+ times per season I can plan on sitting down to watch the Angels only to find that San Diego has been selected for the Pirates v. Marlins broadcast. #geographyfail

Scioscialist Party of America - Redistributing your defense since 2000.

by Commander_Nate on Feb 16, 2012 8:48 AM PST up reply actions

Not good news for me either

I hate the Fox weekly broadcasts specifically for the blackout reason, leading to more Yankees, Phillies, Red Sox, and Mets games for me. The only silver lining (if I can call it that) is that the missus will be happy to spend Saturdays doing other things like dragging me to the farmers market or taking long walks in the park. BOOOO!!!

by Big Easy Halofan on Feb 16, 2012 9:38 AM PST up reply actions

The MLB blackout rules are such a joke

The Fox weekly game screws people, the ESPN Sunday night game means no other games on Sunday night, and the blackout rules for MLB TV are ridiculous. Anyone who lives in Iowa or Vegas, I feel for you.

Defending maligned chants since 2009

by Gorbachav5 on Feb 16, 2012 10:28 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs

What happens in Iowa and Vegas?

Willits? Check. Reagins? Check. Mathis? Check

by hauldog on Feb 16, 2012 11:28 AM PST up reply actions

Not sure about Iowa,

but what happens in Vegas, stays there. (:

by LanaBanana on Feb 16, 2012 11:38 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs

For Iowa, multiple teams claim it as "home" territory, so it's subject to blackouts

Cardinals, Twins, Cubs, Brewers, White Sox — you can’t watch their games live on MLB.tv, because you “should” be watching them on cable. Even if your local cable system doesn’t carry the games.

Remember: Schadenfreude is still Freude.

by Brew Angel on Feb 16, 2012 12:13 PM PST up reply actions

That sucks

Willits? Check. Reagins? Check. Mathis? Check

by hauldog on Feb 16, 2012 1:29 PM PST up reply actions

Vegas is the same way

Angels, Dodgers, Padres, both Bay Area teams, D-backs, maybe the Rockies (not sure) are all considered “local” teams for Las Vegas. Which means that if you live in Vegas and subscribe to MLBTV, you are blacked out from all of those teams. I’m not sure which channels the cable/dish companies carry, but chances are you’re missing out on at least a few teams.

Defending maligned chants since 2009

by Gorbachav5 on Feb 16, 2012 1:48 PM PST up reply actions

I've got an idea!!

Let’s try to expand demand for our product by making it really difficult to access our product!

Brilliant!
The genius here is diabolical!

WTF?!!?!!

Kick Texas' Pujols!

by Halo Hurricane on Feb 16, 2012 3:26 PM PST up reply actions

This shows how baseball screws fans

Midwest (esp Iowa), Vegas, & others get screwed.

Kick Texas' Pujols!

by Halo Hurricane on Feb 16, 2012 3:22 PM PST up reply actions

That map is ALMOST accurate

I have overlap of the Braves as well. When the Angels aren’t playing the Yankees or Red Sox, I wind up getting the NL game in the FOX game of the week schedule, because, son, being part of the Braves territory means I naturally prefer NL ball. Or so FOX would think.

Plus, due to the continuing pissing match between MASN and TimeWarner cable, I don’t get to see any games involving the Orioles or Nationals, plus those games are blacked out on MLB.tv (which presumes I am watching them on MASN).

Speaking of which, the territory allowed the franchises in DC and Ballmer is pretty large, when one considers the population base within that square mileage. Sure, West Texas is vast but it is pretty empty, and ditto the Mariners’ claim to Montana and Northern Idaho. Adding the Yuma Metroplex to the Padres’ territory doesn’t really boost their captive fan base. But VA, MD, DE, DC and eastern NC holds a lot of folks.

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read" ~Groucho Marx

by George Kaplan on Feb 16, 2012 3:47 PM PST up reply actions

A complete and utter joke

WiHaloFan’s link to “9 ways to improve MLB”
Number 2 on the list was rework the ridiculous blackout rules. Not sure it shouldn’t be # 1.

…the study showed most baseball fans are older than 50. Now, obviously that gives a solid 20-year window before doomsday really hits, but baseball still needs to be cognizant that growing the younger audience is key for long-term growth

Yet MLB makes accessing their product an exercise in futility.

Kick Texas' Pujols!

by Halo Hurricane on Feb 16, 2012 4:47 PM PST up reply actions

Yep, this.

What I really need is a friend in the stands streaming video.

"And that’s why to hell with the traffic, Diane, we’re staying until the end of the game, and that’s final." ~brokenyard, 8/18/11

by cath619 on Feb 16, 2012 12:31 PM PST up reply actions

And then they cry to Congress when people switch to pirate feeds...

by Suboptimal on Feb 16, 2012 12:54 PM PST up reply actions

More than likely those games will be on in the Bay Area (thank goodness!) unless the Giants ~~or the A’s~~ (ha!) have a “national” broadcast that day as well.

www.LosAngelesRams.org

CALIFORNIA ANGELS . . . ANAHEIM DUCKS . . . CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS
1920 • 1921 • 1922 • 1923 • 1937 • 1947 • 1951 • 1957 • 1959 • 2002 • 2007

by AndyHogan14 on Feb 16, 2012 1:44 PM PST up reply actions

Don't the A's have a pretty crappy TV deal, though, that fails to air many games?

Back when I subscribed to Extra Innings, I remember many times having no option when we played the A’s because our broadcast was blacked out and the A’s weren’t televising it.

"A walk is as good as an out." -- Mickey Hatcher (not really, but you know he wants to say it)

by snowhor on Feb 16, 2012 2:00 PM PST up reply actions

Yep

For those of us living out of market, the FOX Saturday Regional games of the week are insult to injury.

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read" ~Groucho Marx

by George Kaplan on Feb 16, 2012 3:48 PM PST up reply actions

The Tyson interview was pretty standard.

Winning doesn't matter. –Lyle

by 5thStarter on Feb 16, 2012 9:01 AM PST reply actions

I think Fox is now going to be doing the games at 5pm

not 1pm becasue they hate americas most wanted

Forget Tebow
Andy Lee is the second coming of Jesus
-ME

by DAD OF VLAD on Feb 16, 2012 9:01 AM PST reply actions

I hope this is true.

Those 1pm day games are defiantly not as fun as later afternoon games. Then you end up having 2 back to back day games (Sat & Sun). I don’t like that.

Life is short, enjoy the ride.

by The Mikay on Feb 16, 2012 9:58 AM PST up reply actions

Eric Chavez????

You want to sign a guy who would play ONE GAME and then go on the 60-day?

If the Halos don't care about the way they play, then why should I?

by red floyd on Feb 16, 2012 9:39 AM PST reply actions

You're being generous to Chavez's durability.

Although at least he’s not Miguel Tejada.

(Not that I would mind if the Angels gave Tejada, or anyone really, a minor league deal. I would just be crossing my fingers that he doesn’t ever get an AB with the Angels.)

by ~MMP~ on Feb 16, 2012 10:42 AM PST up reply actions

Might as well sign Rich Harden also.

Willits? Check. Reagins? Check. Mathis? Check

by hauldog on Feb 16, 2012 11:28 AM PST up reply actions

At this point...

I hope anyone who the Angels sign is signed to a minor league contract with a spring training invite. Chavez and Tejada could be a useful bench player (Branyan’s replacement) if used in the right situations. There’s no need for another backup 1B, but a player who can fill in on the left side of the infield could have some uses.

by WiHaloFan on Feb 16, 2012 12:02 PM PST up reply actions

*Chavez OR Tejada

by WiHaloFan on Feb 16, 2012 12:11 PM PST up reply actions

As a Bay Area resident

I was close to the utterly pathetic experiment known as Tejada.
I thought it was a decent idea when the Giants picked him up.
No. He was Wellsian in his ability to pop up a baseball – if he made contact at all.
He can’t field anymore either.
Just a spectator’s perspective, I can’t back any of it up with stats.
I’d rather throw any other youngster from AAA out there.

Kick Texas' Pujols!

by Halo Hurricane on Feb 16, 2012 5:08 PM PST up reply actions

I have a nephew who plays baseball

It’s so funny watching the little guys. He’s 7 now, so the quality of play is improving ever so slightly, but once they get their at-bat, they just mentally check out for the rest of the game.

Maybe I’m jaded, as a huge boxing fan I see Tyson regularly, but he seemed fine. A happy, laughing Tyson is a good thing. Considering what he’s been through recently, I am happy for him.

by JeffJoiner on Feb 16, 2012 10:24 AM PST reply actions

Ya, I don't think there's any reliever left that it makes sense for the Angels to give more than a minor league deal

I would love to see the Angels throw out some minor league deals to some of the remaining relievers to at least add some competition/depth.

by ~MMP~ on Feb 16, 2012 10:36 AM PST reply actions

Little League

Attending these games makes me think of Good Will Hunting when they are brown bagging it in the stands.

Willits? Check. Reagins? Check. Mathis? Check

by hauldog on Feb 16, 2012 10:37 AM PST reply actions

All this love for "Homegrown" is such a crock of shit.

Even cavemen understood the requirement for exchange as a function of survival.

Dear Texas: "One, two...........THREE!" The next number IS THREE!!!

by Stirrups on Feb 16, 2012 10:56 AM PST via iPhone app reply actions 2 recs

Saber-toothed Panther

by yeswecan on Feb 16, 2012 10:58 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs

Not being homegrown will really taint the Pujols era.

Willits? Check. Reagins? Check. Mathis? Check

by hauldog on Feb 16, 2012 11:17 AM PST up reply actions

taint pujols.......

Willits? Check. Reagins? Check. Mathis? Check

by hauldog on Feb 16, 2012 11:17 AM PST up reply actions

Taint=Pujols area?

"You say this game go 9 innings...you lie!"

by Mayheminthehood on Feb 16, 2012 11:21 AM PST up reply actions

That was my initial reaction.

Willits? Check. Reagins? Check. Mathis? Check

by hauldog on Feb 16, 2012 11:23 AM PST up reply actions

I think Trumbo is really the taint of the Angels

Taint the first baseman, taint the third baseman, taint the DH…

Where were you on December 8th, 2011 - Pujols Day?

by Rally Manatee on Feb 16, 2012 11:37 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs

Taint nuttin.

"You say this game go 9 innings...you lie!"

by Mayheminthehood on Feb 16, 2012 11:41 AM PST up reply actions

I think Trumbo's got his nickname!

Where were you on December 8th, 2011 - Pujols Day?

by Rally Manatee on Feb 17, 2012 4:53 PM PST up reply actions

Yes, but...

they were exchanging CAVEWOMEN – wherein “Homegrown” was NOT good!

"If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there are men on base." ~Dave Barry

by LAASurfin on Feb 16, 2012 11:53 AM PST up reply actions

I dunno,

I saw them a few times at Soma and on Warped Tour and they were OK.

"And that’s why to hell with the traffic, Diane, we’re staying until the end of the game, and that’s final." ~brokenyard, 8/18/11

by cath619 on Feb 16, 2012 12:33 PM PST up reply actions

Remember when I said you were badass because you saw Slayer?

I may have to take that back.

"You say this game go 9 innings...you lie!"

by Mayheminthehood on Feb 16, 2012 12:57 PM PST up reply actions

I was a teenage girl.

That is what we did back in the olden days. Slayer came when I was a much more mature 22.

"And that’s why to hell with the traffic, Diane, we’re staying until the end of the game, and that’s final." ~brokenyard, 8/18/11

by cath619 on Feb 16, 2012 1:35 PM PST up reply actions

Have I mentioned that your sig is one of my favorite quotes?

Because it is. I can’t wait to meet Missus Moondoggy (Gidget?).

"And that’s why to hell with the traffic, Diane, we’re staying until the end of the game, and that’s final." ~brokenyard, 8/18/11

by cath619 on Feb 16, 2012 1:37 PM PST up reply actions

I was actually going to add that I would give you a pass if this was in your teenage years, preferably 16 or younger.

Being a freshman in high school, in the city of Orange, when Homegrown’s first album came out, meant I heard about them more than I ever wanted to. Mostly from chicks.

"You say this game go 9 innings...you lie!"

by Mayheminthehood on Feb 16, 2012 1:44 PM PST up reply actions

Oh, phew! ;)

As I was indeed a Surfer Girl, that song was something of an anthem. Sorry you were so inundated!

(I just re-checked the lyrics — yep, still an anthem.)

"And that’s why to hell with the traffic, Diane, we’re staying until the end of the game, and that’s final." ~brokenyard, 8/18/11

by cath619 on Feb 16, 2012 1:49 PM PST up reply actions

If Scioscia is to blame for the Wells acquisition that is a plus for him in my book. Bye Tony

I doubt anyone person is at fault for the Wells acquisition. It pains me that no one in the organization said “this is a sucky idea.” Everyone except BigTizzle knew this was a bad idea.

Willits? Check. Reagins? Check. Mathis? Check

by hauldog on Feb 16, 2012 11:16 AM PST reply actions

What I really want to know is

is FSW still going to sell off some games to KCOP? That’s what really sucks for us in Santa Barbara County. Our KCOP isn’t the same as the LA station, so we get reruns of the Jeffersons instead of Angels games. I really hope with the new t.v. deal, KCOP is cut out of the loop.

Where were you on December 8th, 2011 - Pujols Day?

by Rally Manatee on Feb 16, 2012 11:39 AM PST reply actions

Racist.

by WiHaloFan on Feb 16, 2012 12:04 PM PST up reply actions

Imposter.

"A walk is as good as an out." -- Mickey Hatcher (not really, but you know he wants to say it)

by snowhor on Feb 16, 2012 1:16 PM PST up reply actions

I also hate kcop

Don’t get it here in Vegas. Which is why they should suck it! FSW FTW

Representing the Angels in Sin City.

by maze88 on Feb 16, 2012 1:16 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

You don't want to be movin' on up?

If the Halos don't care about the way they play, then why should I?

by red floyd on Feb 16, 2012 1:26 PM PST up reply actions

awww, man.

those of us with no cable wait for the weirdly scheduled kcop days when angels baseball is shown. don’t cut kcop outta the loop, bring them deeper into it.

and then what?

by contagious_arc on Feb 17, 2012 8:12 AM PST up reply actions

"Those of us with no cable"

How many is that, like 3? But seriously, I know times is tough for many folk. Hope you can afford to hook that cable up soon and watch all season. The invention of the DVR revolutionized sports watching. I don’t think I could live without it now. *I would literally die.

*Spoken in my best Rob Lowe from Parks & Rec impersonation.

Where were you on December 8th, 2011 - Pujols Day?

by Rally Manatee on Feb 17, 2012 4:46 PM PST up reply actions