Angels Owner Arte Moreno rarely makes radio appearances on the local radio market. But when he does, he has a lot of insight to the franchise. Moreno appeared on the Jim Rome Show today in the 2nd hour of the show. Rome was quick to point out that the Halos won 86 games, a pretty good season, why spend the cash on Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson? Arte recapped that the Angels had a lot of priorities going into the off season. They needed more offensive help (they had hoped for a healthy Kendrys Morales in 2011,) the Angels left too many men on base, help behind the dish, and more bullpen depth. Moreno even said they "got real lucky" in addressing their priorities.
Rome questioned if this year was "World Series or bust?" Arte implied if he said that, he'd have to answer to Scioscia. "You can't win until you play," is how Moreno replied, but "but you want the opportunity." When Rome asked why Arte decided to spend that much money, Arte mentioned that it isn't the first time I've tried and Albert Pujols is one of the best players in baseball. The host of the jungle also made reference to the end of the career of Pujols, noting that his productivity could be far below what they are paying for. Arte was clear that is always a risk in an investment, but Arte's more concerned with today, (day to day, week to week) and in reality the Halos have a 20 year deal with AP, with a 10 year Personal Services agreement worked out after his on field career. But even late into his career, the American League as a Designated Hitters position that #5 can slide into. Jim then shifted to the "El Hombre" campaign which Arte was quick to point out that the poster had nothing to do with the St. Louis heritage and won't be a part of the campaign going forward.
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| Pujols at the formal introduction to the Los Angeles Angels. |
Rome had asked Moreno is the Angels are treated like any other business. 90% of the time it is just business. "At the End of The Day, you want to win. You want to be associated as a winner."
Rome wanted to know about Kendrys and how he fits in with the current direction of the roster. Arte was quick to note that Morales was expected to play last year and without him in the roster it affected the team. They expected him to drive in 20-25 home runs and be a 100 RBI guy. The team is very optimistic about his return, Arte thought he looked great. The owner added that "Trumbo is taking ground balls to third, CJ is fitting in well with Haren and Weaver (they're all Southern California natives), Ianneta looks good. And he also mentioned that Trumbo has a great attitude.
Lastly, Arte Moreno doesn't feel like his opposition is the shared market of the Dodgers, but more so his opposition is in Arlington, Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, and Detroit.
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