Who Are You Pulling For This Spring Training?
After what seems like an eternity, we are finally on the cusp of Spring Training. Each year around this time, fans get ideas in their heads as to who they want to catch fire in Tempe and earn a roster spot or some playing time. What a difference a year makes. Last year, Brandon Wood was the man with the most support from the Angels faithful. Jordan Walden and Hank Conger also received a lot of love. How about this year?
Heading into 2012, the Angels seem to have more players than spots. However, a few critical roster spots are up for grabs and who gets to play how much could have a major impact in an A.L. West race most expect to be close.
Here are mine and some names I think will get plenty of support:
- Kendrys Morales -- to me, he is the key to the season. If he can hit behind Albert Pujols at even close to 2009 production, fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the ride. The Angels would have the best 1-2 punch in the league and an extremely deep offense.
- Mike Trout -- the last time we saw him, he was struggling in the Arizona Fall League. Considering he has no AAA experience and had fairly pedestrian results in his MLB callup, I would love to see him hold his own against this level of competition. He is going to play soon and I want his confidence to be sky high when he does.
- Vernon Wells -- thank God you guys can't throw tomatos at me, but hear me out. Wells is going to get every opportunity to be the Opening Day starter and will probably get at least a month or two at the beginning of the season. Why not let him get going in Tempe and carry some momentum into the season? He has been working all offseason and was spun tighter than a top last year. A productive Wells will really make the lineup deeper and give Trout some more experience in the minors.
- Jordan Walden -- please develop some more control and a secondary pitch.
- Hank Conger -- this is an annual thing for me. Maybe it's because he is a local kid. Maybe it's because he seems so genuinely nice and humble. I really want to see him catch fire and fulfill his potential.
- Bobby Cassevah -- he can justify not bringing in a high priced veteran by continuing the progress he made last year.
- Garrett Richards -- the kid has nasty stuff and will need to kick the door in to win the #5 spot. Even if he doesn't earn an Opening Day roster spot, he will push the other contestants and ease the anxiety over our pitching depth.
I realize there will be many people pulling for Mark Trumbo to transition to third effectively, Trevor Bell to win the 5th starters spot or Jerome Williams to continue his magical run. I was impressed with Jeremy Moore last year and am monitoring the development of Jean Segura. Don't sleep on Efren Navarro, either. He might turn into a decent trade chip.
So, who are you paying a little extra attention to this year?
This Fan-Post is authored by an independent fan. Tell us what you think and how you feel.
132 comments
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Trout and Trumbo
"When my mother was pregnant with me, they did an ultrasound and found she was having twins. When they did another ultrasound a few weeks later, they discovered that I had adsorbed the other fetus. Do I regret this? No, I believe his tissue has made me stronger. I now have the strength of a grown man and a little baby."
Michael Kohn
I think he’d be a great addition to the bullpen if he can get his walk rate down.
"Why [pitcher wins] should be taken as a record of the pitcher's ability is a conundrum to which no one has as yet vouchsafed an answer." M.G. Lloyd; Baseball Magazine - 1908
by Nathan Aderhold on Feb 16, 2012 6:23 PM PST reply actions
Pio Deportes?
"Why [pitcher wins] should be taken as a record of the pitcher's ability is a conundrum to which no one has as yet vouchsafed an answer." M.G. Lloyd; Baseball Magazine - 1908
by Nathan Aderhold on Feb 18, 2012 1:06 AM PST up reply actions
I'm a fan of Kohn.
I was disappointed with his performance last year, but he has potential.
by moralesforpresident on Feb 17, 2012 7:39 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Just wait... if he does, you'll see!
If the Halos don't care about the way they play, then why should I?
Pujols
I wouldnt mind a .330 and 50 season…..
When I flip a coin I dont say heads or tails, I say Halos or Spurs
Trumbo
All the analysis seems to point to him fading, but he seems like a really cool guy and he hits dingers.
"id take 5th Dimention Wormhole Rivera over Wells any day of the week"
-clover_black
by the king of CERA on Feb 16, 2012 9:26 PM PST reply actions
Trumbomb
They said the same thing about him through the minors and every year he surprised them and got better. That being said, his OBP is scary.
by stereoscopic on Feb 17, 2012 9:22 AM PST up reply actions
Conger
He is Korean and my name auto-corrects to Korean when you text using T9
Forget Tebow
Andy Lee is the second coming of Jesus
-ME
IS your name Jordan?
"The Transplant" (So. Cal boy stuck in NYC)
by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 5:49 PM PST up reply actions
Had a roomie named Jordan
Everytime I would text his name the same thing would happen.
"The Transplant" (So. Cal boy stuck in NYC)
by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Feb 18, 2012 10:43 AM PST up reply actions
I'm pulling for the young version of Helen Hunt.
Official prediction: The Angels will win the AL west this season.
by RexTookMyStash on Feb 16, 2012 10:46 PM PST reply actions
Kendrys first.
Vernon second. If those two can be finalists for comeback player of the year the Halos will be hard to beat.
Life is short, enjoy the ride.
by The Mikay on Feb 16, 2012 11:54 PM PST reply actions 3 recs
I want Kendrys to hit two HRs every at-bat.
And I want him to play third base, starting ten triple plays per game.
And I want him to bunt for Grand Slams. While batting lead off.
"It is a haunted game in which every player is measured against the ghosts of all who have gone before."
by AlanFalcon on Feb 17, 2012 5:51 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I want him to hit grand slams
with nobody on base
"id take 5th Dimention Wormhole Rivera over Wells any day of the week"
-clover_black
by the king of CERA on Feb 17, 2012 6:02 PM PST up reply actions
I want him to hit grand slams
and arrive safely back in the dugout.
by Seraphan on Feb 17, 2012 6:41 PM PST up reply actions 6 recs
Are capes MLB legal?
What if it’s made out of of rope?
"It is a haunted game in which every player is measured against the ghosts of all who have gone before."
by AlanFalcon on Feb 18, 2012 3:34 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Conger, Conger, Conger
I’m not pulling for him, I am pushing for him to be placed in the starting line up for 100 plus games this year.
CONGER, CONGER, CONGER !!!
by steelgolf on Feb 17, 2012 6:57 AM PST reply actions 2 recs
That said, and I love that he is our home-grown guy ...
I am quite interested in seeing how Ianetta fills in here. If some combo of Conger and Ianetta can make the C spot an offensive plus, I am a very happy guy.
In the long run men hit only what they aim at. Therefore, though they should fail immediately, they had better aim at something high.
Walden
by matthiasstephan on Feb 18, 2012 6:37 AM PST up reply actions
My feeling (based on nothing)
is that Conger will start the year in AAA while Ianetta gets 90% of the action the first couple months of the year. Once Conger works out whatever defensive kinks Sosh points out to him during Spring Training he’ll come back and platoon with Ianetta, keeping both guys fresh for the home stretch and giving the team an actual BAT at catcher every game.
I feel the same way
Conger put up great numbers in Salt Lake, gets to actually play when he gets called up, and starts a productive MLB career.
by JeffJoiner on Feb 18, 2012 10:36 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Ditto
Let Conger play in AAA everyday while Wilson provides backup duty and then in 2013, he’s either you’re everyday backstop or at least get’s additional AB’s playing some DH.
We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.
I voted for Vernon Wells
Only because he will be around for a while with that ugly contract.
Root for Vernon Wells < Trout starting
by moralesforpresident on Feb 17, 2012 7:54 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I don
In the long run men hit only what they aim at. Therefore, though they should fail immediately, they had better aim at something high.
Walden
by matthiasstephan on Feb 18, 2012 6:37 AM PST up reply actions
I don't want Trout to suffer from sitting on the bench or playing in Salt Lake.
That said, there should be enough opportunities to sit Bourjos, Wells and Torii on alternate days (every 4 days or something) so Trout can get enough playing time.
In the long run men hit only what they aim at. Therefore, though they should fail immediately, they had better aim at something high.
Walden
by matthiasstephan on Feb 18, 2012 6:38 AM PST up reply actions
Disagree
Trout won’t even be 21 until August. He’s only been in pro ball since 2009. If he isn’t going to play every day in the majors, then he needs to play every day in Salt Lake. He hasn’t spent a minute in Triple A yet, and it could do him a world of good.
Chicago. Enough said.
by BeerCub on Feb 18, 2012 8:12 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
If Trout performs, Trout starts 2013 in the OF no matter what...
We’re better off with a good VWells for the next 3 years and Trout starting in 2013 than we are with a terrible VWells and Trout starting in 2012. I’d prefer that Trout replace a departing Torii than a lousy VWells.
by Nashdiesel on Feb 18, 2012 10:23 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
The sad thing is what's really going to happen is that Trout will be replacing a moderately productive Torii while the team pretends VW's production earns him a spot in the lineup rather than on the bench.
"A walk is as good as an out." -- Mickey Hatcher (not really, but you know he wants to say it)
Maybe
Torii pulled out a decent season in 2011 but his decline seems to be right on track. Unless he has a contract-year spike at age 36, it wouldn’t be too surprising if he and Vernon have very similar seasons in 2012. If Vernon continues to suck, I would hope there will be more accountability with Dipoto around.
the Angels
I celebrate their entire catalog.
I love this team.
by Downing Rules on Feb 17, 2012 7:35 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
But with a name like downing rules it must be especially hard to pick a favorite
by Balls and Strikes on Feb 17, 2012 8:19 AM PST up reply actions
for my money, i dont know if it gets any better than when he sings "when a lyle loves a mathis!"
I love this team.
by Downing Rules on Feb 17, 2012 5:46 PM PST via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
It would be awesome
if Loek Van Mil broke out and made the big club
"id take 5th Dimention Wormhole Rivera over Wells any day of the week"
-clover_black
by the king of CERA on Feb 17, 2012 8:17 AM PST reply actions
He's already in the big club.
by moralesforpresident on Feb 17, 2012 8:02 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
for the regular season
you know what I meant.
"id take 5th Dimention Wormhole Rivera over Wells any day of the week"
-clover_black
by the king of CERA on Feb 17, 2012 9:15 PM PST up reply actions
YES. I'm pulling for Loek.
gotta stick up for tha fam.
hula dula da dominoes rula.
by DanishThunder on Feb 18, 2012 2:02 AM PST up reply actions
Walden has a secondary pitch, right?
He throws the heat with some control issues and some kind of a breaking pitch.
Unlike this cat, my love for the LAA will never die.
Yes
I don’t think his issue is the lack of a 2nd pitch. But I honestly don’t know what his problem was. You’d think a guy that throws 100+ doesn’t have to worry about location, but at times he seemed to be a little too hittable.
Where were you on December 8th, 2011 - Pujols Day?
by Rally Manatee on Feb 18, 2012 11:45 AM PST up reply actions
Kendrys above all else
His health and how quickly he rounds into shape will be the biggest X-factor for this offense. The rest of the 25 man seems virtually set beyond that. I still feel there is going to be a trade at some point before the season starts, unless Trumbo goes to AAA to learn third.
Kendrys and Trumbo...
Obviously you gotta hope Kendrys will come back, but I kinda feel bad for Trumbo being that he was Angels of the year and now lost his position to some old guy. Hoping he will get his AB’s and that his glove will work at 3rd…. I guess I feel sorry for Callaspo too, who has done a solid job for the halos.
12/8/11!!! What a day!
by stuck in Romania on Feb 17, 2012 8:59 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Albert Friggin' Pujols
The rest of the team can have their usual ups and downs, distributed randomnly around the squad as is customary. But I am pulling for Albert Friggin’ Pujols to be the monster that he has been. Having that kind of thumper in the lineup is Vlad Part Deux, when every day holds the promise of being a good day.
Dear Texas: "One, two...........THREE!" The next number IS THREE!!!
by Stirrups on Feb 17, 2012 10:03 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
The Angels are too deep for things to go disastrously wrong, BUT...
At the same time, they need a lot of things to go right in order to win the division. Pujols needs to be El H, Kendrick needs to continue his peak, Hunter needs to avoid a fast slope down, at least one of Kendrys-Wells-Trumbo needs to mash, and everyone who steps on the mound needs to produce as advertised. Otherwise, we’ll see Nolan’s Jabba face light up like he just dropped Luke into his monster pit.
Knock on wood
If we lose 2 pitchers out of Wilson, Haren, Santana, Weaver we have no organizational depth to overcome it. In years past, (Stoneman) we could go 7 deep for SP options, but we don’t have that luxury anymore.
Williams, Richards, Mills, and Bell all could pitch in the 5th spot
So we’re 8 deep.
by lightupthehalo29 on Feb 17, 2012 4:07 PM PST up reply actions
Williams IS pitching in the fifth spot.
"The Transplant" (So. Cal boy stuck in NYC)
by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 5:50 PM PST up reply actions
I want to see Grichuk finally do what I know he's capable of doing......
wherever that may be.
The score dictated they pass
by norcaliangelsfan on Feb 17, 2012 11:51 AM PST reply actions
One day in and Vernon Wells leads the poll
I am honestly amazed. I think this shows the class of Angels fans. If Vernon was playing for the Skanks or Sux, the fans wouldn’t support him in any way. Personally, I really hope he has a bounceback year.
votebot strikes again?
I love this team.
by Downing Rules on Feb 17, 2012 5:49 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Wow, i cant believe how wrong his statement is.
There is zero support for v dub in the halos community. Trolls are voting.
What do you need a fancy suit for, Charlie, you ain't got no job to wear it to.
by clover_black on Feb 18, 2012 12:33 AM PST up reply actions
I have read and heard many fans hoping for a bounce back
He will never be Salmon or Hunter, but a lot of fans are hoping he produces. Why wouldn’t you? It’s not like he made the trade or acted like an ass. He’s an Angel. It would be nice if he contributed
by JeffJoiner on Feb 18, 2012 10:44 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Clover man. Snark is his middle name.
I love this team.
by Downing Rules on Feb 18, 2012 11:14 AM PST up reply actions
I hope he produces.
I hope he hits 230 and stays the fuck out of the way.
But to say Angel fans are inherently classy for their “support” of Vernon is kind of a stretch.
What do you need a fancy suit for, Charlie, you ain't got no job to wear it to.
by clover_black on Feb 18, 2012 2:49 PM PST up reply actions
Agreed
The lack of “I hope he breaks something” posts is refreshing though.
by JeffJoiner on Feb 19, 2012 9:18 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
I support VW
Where were you on December 8th, 2011 - Pujols Day?
by Rally Manatee on Feb 18, 2012 11:47 AM PST up reply actions
So did Hitler.
What do you need a fancy suit for, Charlie, you ain't got no job to wear it to.
by clover_black on Feb 18, 2012 2:43 PM PST up reply actions
Good God.
I love this team, I love this blog, I will never doubt Arte again and I can't wait to see what happens this year. That is all.
by gitchogritchoffmypetis on Feb 19, 2012 6:20 PM PST up reply actions
Boo! I already voted for Kendrys via "other."
I call shenanigans.
"A walk is as good as an out." -- Mickey Hatcher (not really, but you know he wants to say it)
+1
Sounds like they’ve watched too many episodes of “Big Bang Theory.”
I love this team.
by Downing Rules on Feb 17, 2012 8:06 PM PST up reply actions
They're too GA to die.
"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
What's the name of that goofy restaurant with all that shit on the walls?
"A walk is as good as an out." -- Mickey Hatcher (not really, but you know he wants to say it)
.....u mean shananigans?
"How much more money do you need?"
-Jered Weaver, 8/23/2011
by bbasher103090 on Feb 18, 2012 7:03 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Tchotchkes.
http://intlxpatr.wordpress.com/2007/03/12/tchotchke/
If the Halos don't care about the way they play, then why should I?
by red floyd on Feb 22, 2012 5:10 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm pulling for Wells' hamstring to strain....
get it? pulling for a hamstring.
ugh.
"The Transplant" (So. Cal boy stuck in NYC)
by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 6:01 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
This is a list of guys who aren't expected to be great
But in some reality, they might be. Last year, Vernon was about as far from “great” as possible. That is why Vernon wins this poll.
If you’re asking who we expect to be applauding the most, then those names are different…
Trumbo
Voted MVP by Angel Players last year. For a reason. He was an awesome offensive presence on a mediocre (at best) offensive team. He sure kept me interested in watching the replays of games.
Pujols: perks:“hotel suite on road, luxury suite for Pujols charity for 10 home games each season, right to buy luxury suite between first and third base for all home games.”
Ok, now let’s play baseball.
If I’m Mike, I put Pujols at third (best athletic option and he has been there), and let Trumbo and Morales battle it out for first and DH. With Bobby as an option for DH etc.
Pujols has plenty of time to acquiesce to the 1B DH allstar throne of great all-stars.
Make him work for the 250.
Angel Pitching, Angel Defense - get past that.
by vladtheimpaler on Feb 18, 2012 12:37 AM PST reply actions
Pujols has an elbow injury that probably should have had surgery, but he rehabbed instead
While he is okay now, do you really want to risk losing him to injury for an extended period of time because you had him throwing across the diamond all night?
by Balls and Strikes on Feb 18, 2012 9:15 AM PST up reply actions
If you're Mike and you put Pujols at 3rd, then if I'm Arte, I fire you.
"A walk is as good as an out." -- Mickey Hatcher (not really, but you know he wants to say it)
Yes, I understand
And from all the comments made so far, Mike and Arte say the Pujols will not be playing third.
Still, If Pujols could play third as an average defensive third baseman, I wouldn’t mind having Trumbo and Morales full time at the first dh positions. Not saying that Pujols couldn’t still play first and dh, but could still play a lot of third.
Just for the near future. Just kinda of a thing I’m thinking to keep the offensive pop in the lineup. And to keep my boys Morales and Trumbo around.
Angel Pitching, Angel Defense - get past that.
by vladtheimpaler on Feb 21, 2012 11:51 PM PST up reply actions
Still fired.
"A walk is as good as an out." -- Mickey Hatcher (not really, but you know he wants to say it)
Your argument sucks
I guess you must hold such a high position on this site that you don’t need to justify your arguments. Ok, I’m learning…….
Angel Pitching, Angel Defense - get past that.
by vladtheimpaler on Feb 24, 2012 10:59 PM PST up reply actions
Does the argument that Pujols shouldn't be risking injury at a the hot corner really need justification?
Winning doesn't matter. –Lyle
Yes
Angel Pitching, Angel Defense - get past that.
by vladtheimpaler on Feb 27, 2012 2:10 AM PST up reply actions
He has a serious elbow injury that he chose to rehab instead of having surgery on.
Playing him at a position where he has to throw the ball across the diamond(or to 2nd base) on almost every play greatly increases the risk of him re aggravating that elbow injury.
I don’t see the appeal of playing him at 3rd knowing it increases the risk of losing Pujols for a long period of time.
The Angels should leave him at 1st or DH for the next 10 years and let him mash.
by ~MMP~ on Feb 27, 2012 10:54 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I don't see an argument in either of my posts to you, just a basic statement on what would happen.......
"A walk is as good as an out." -- Mickey Hatcher (not really, but you know he wants to say it)
"And to keep my boys Morales and Trumbo around."
Morales will be kept around as our DH for a number of reasons: he’s a natural hitter, he’s a switch-hitter, and keeping him off the field will lessen the strain on his ankle.
Trumbo is the one who needs to play musical positions this year, not our newest $254 million dollar man, who has more than earned the right to play his natural position.
Winning doesn't matter. –Lyle
Morales
Great background story, great player. It would be a bummer to see his career cut short by a freak accident.
Plus, I need one of my jerseys to represent a player that is still on this team.
Scioscialist Party of America - Redistributing your defense since 2000.
I'm pulling for Jerome Williams
I want everyone to do well though. I’m ok with Trout spending 1 more season in the minors I know he’ll be playing for the Angels in the big leagues soon enough. I want to see Vernon succeed this season too. I want to see Morales do well also. This team is so packed full of talent I couldn’t be more excited for this season to begin even if I tried.
Bring on baseball – it’s been a long winter and I’m ready for my distraction from the things in daily life to just start already.
Can’t wait to go to my first Spring Training.
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." Rogers Hornsby
by angelsfan7 on Feb 18, 2012 11:28 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
We promised ourselves we wouldn't rely on Morales again this offseason...
but here we are. Remember last year? Everyone was saying, “If Morales comes back, we’ll be good.” Now, even after we added Pujols and Ianetta to the lineup, we are still relying on Morales. Maybe not to the same extent, but if he does come back, it will be the difference between good and great.
Where were you on December 8th, 2011 - Pujols Day?
I'm also pulling for the Taint and Big Splash
Even though Trumbo taint got a position at the moment, I really want to see him get a full season of AB’s, put up similar numbers to last season, and prove he’s not a fluke. And Vernon…Oh, Vernon. What you could become…
Where were you on December 8th, 2011 - Pujols Day?
I am pulling for Trumbo to be passable at third.
Being able to do this makes me smile…
1)Aybar
2)Kendrick
3)Pujols
4)Trumbo
5)Morales
I love this team, I love this blog, I will never doubt Arte again and I can't wait to see what happens this year. That is all.
by gitchogritchoffmypetis on Feb 19, 2012 6:23 PM PST up reply actions
There's a lot of rookies I'm pulling for -- and curious about.
Calhoun, Hellweg, Shoemaker, Darwin Perez, Matt Long. A number of guys that could be within a year of filling a spot in the pen or on the bench.
If Perez has a nice camp, I think you’ll start hearing more about Izturis or Aybar trades, given Perez has a nice glove, nice on-base tendencies, and can fill the reserve gap for a year or so while Segura ripens.
I want to see if Jorge Cantu does anything, and what he looks like vs Lucho Jimenez.
Otherwise, you have to root for Morales, Garrett Richards and Jerome Williams — the character of the 2012 season depends a lot on the success of all three.
Health
There really aren’t any big battles this year for playing time. Most important thing is always to stay healthy or prove to be healthy. Morales can impact this team in a big way, so that is what I’m most interested in. That and Trumbo playing third.
I don’t care what kind of numbers any individual puts up. Spring training numbers are meaningless. It can give them more (or less) confidence, but I can see Vernon Wells having a crappy spring, but decent season… or vice versa. Neither is going to get Mike Trout into the lineup. Teams aren’t concerned about winning spring training games and players are often working on things that may not be evident.
That said, I’m ready to head to Tempe.
Send Vernon Wells to single A...
tell him if he wants a chance to play in the majors again, he must agree to a new contract.
I was a real doubter of this statement.
Then I saw it ended in all caps, so the extra emphasis convinced me of it’s validity.
Unlike this cat, my love for the LAA will never die.
if real world jobs involved playing baseball the economy would CRASH
When I flip a coin I dont say heads or tails, I say Halos or Spurs
by ItCouldHappen on Feb 20, 2012 9:08 AM PST up reply actions
My whole economic worldview
is coming crashing down around me, damn you caps lock!
Unlike this cat, my love for the LAA will never die.
Really pulling for Kendrys
I wanted to purchase his jersey before the beginning of his second season but I got really lazy. To see the season him go down ruined my year. I am really pulling for him to come back and KICK SOME ASS!
Run, Laugh, Baseball
He should go back to 19
8 is just bad news.
I love this team.
by Downing Rules on Feb 20, 2012 10:59 PM PST up reply actions
if Morales can be at least 85% of what he was
this team will murder
"You realize that Ive been posting on AN since 07 on this name and I am one of the most rec'ed posters there right?" - Designatedforassignment from Athletics Nation
by 2pintsofbooze on Feb 20, 2012 4:10 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Hi, my name is LYLE.
I’ve seen 4,000 games and don’t need statistics to know that this team can murder if Kendrys is only at 79%
I love this team.
by Downing Rules on Feb 20, 2012 11:00 PM PST up reply actions































