Angels links: Old games, uniform numbers, MLB managers

If you are looking to watch some old Angels games during this time without live sports, Fox Sports West is televising a few 2019 games this week. Up next on the schedule:

• Wednesday, 7 p.m. PT: last July 23 at Dodgers (Mike Trout homered; Kole Calhoun homered and hit two doubles, then threw out Cody Bellinger at home plate for the last out in a 5-4 win in Los Angeles)
• Thursday, 7 p.m.: last Aug. 19 at Red Sox (Justin Upton hit a three-run home run, Mike Trout hit a two-run shot in a blowout at Fenway Park).

Links

Andy McCullough at The Athletic picked the best baseball player at every uniform number. Nolan Ryan was chosen for his No. 34, which he wore with the Astros and Rangers, but not his No. 30 worn with the Angels in the 1970s. The two Angels to appear on this list are Albert Pujols (No. 5) and Mike Trout (No. 27). McCullough’s blurb on Trout:

“The least-productive full season of Trout’s career came in 2017. A thumb injury limited him to 114 games. He still hit 33 home runs. He led the American League in OBP and slugging percentage. He finished fourth in the MVP race. Again: This was the worst season of his career. He is a generational talent.”

Marly Rivera at ESPN interviewed several MLB managers on various aspects of the coronavirus shutdown. Joe Maddon wasn’t among the interviewees, but longtime Angels pitching coach and current Rockies manager Bud Black was. Black’s answer to whether there is doubt the 2020 season would be played:

“I think all of us, and I guess I’m included in that, have a slight doubt. But I’m optimistic that we’re gonna get through this as a country, that the virus will pass and that we’ll play baseball. And god, I wish I knew the date.”

FanGraphs is one of the best baseball resources on the planet, and had to make budget cuts during the coronavirus shutdown. The site is asking for help, in the form of a paid membership to the site, if you are so inclined.