Where does the youth movement play in 2012?

AAA, not just for Lucha Libre anymore. I think the Angels would actually benefit quite a bit if they put a few of the up and comers in the Minors to start the season.  Probably not a popular thought. Especially considering that I want to see the young guys come up, succeed, and make an impact.  Without a serious trade, there is just not enough At Bats to accommodate the Halo Depth.  A quick look at the assumed starting positions in 2012 and you lose a few guys who made 2011 special.  There are quite a few log jams on the diamond and only a few pieces that have the options to spend some time in Salt Lake City.

Obviously the first candidate is one of the Top Prospects in all of Baseball.  However a huge obstacle was placed in front of him when the trade for Vernon Wells was made.  Mike Trout just doesn’t have the room to get regular at bats to start the season. Borjous was ready first and has a very positive impact in the center field.  Torii Hunter until December 8th 2011 has been the face of this franchise since he was signed to a contract at an undisclosed Del Taco location.  This is his final contract year with the Angels and unfortunately just good enough to stay in the line up, everyday.  And of course Vernon Wells, I doubt anyone could have predicted how poorly he would have been in Anaheim last year.  However as many GIDP or pop flys, he still pulled off a very respectable 25 dingers, plus he's owed way to much money to sit on the bench.  An Injury or trade could change that very quickly, but I think the right idea is to let Trout see pitches every day. When an opportunity presents itself at the Major League Level he can be plugged right into any outfield position and carry the load.  Hunter and Abreu are both free agents in 2013.

Mark Trumbo is the other man who should probably start the season in AAA. We have a very decent to good third baseman in Alberto Callaspo and clearly won't get starts over Albert Pujols. Which means… if Morales is healthy, there won’t be many at bats between Kendrys and Bobby Abreu. Besides, do you really want Trumbo learning on the job at the Major League Level. Better to have him develop the defense of skills, whilst it doesn’t affect the major league wins and losses.  In the interim, first base will be dominated by AP with the occasional start lobbed to Morales or even Jorge Cantu can be brought up from his minor league deal.  If the Angels are committed to making Trumbo a serviceable everyday Third baseman, repetition and opportunity will take him there.  Otherwise, trade him now while his value is high, because there isn't enough room in the outfield or playing first.  

Lastly Hank Conger. I know blasphemy, right, Conger is one of my favorites.  He seems like a real cool guy, plus gave me an autographed bat.  (Well full disclosure gave my friend an autographed bat, who gave it to me, but clearly the intent was there.)  But if Conger starts the year in AAA, he’ll see regular at bats. Ianneta so far is on a one year contract. No telling if he’ll be extended. No telling how he’ll interact with the Major League Pitching, no telling if he’s truly a fit. And with Wilson out of options and being Santana’s personal catcher, it doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere. If at any point in the season. No reason to let Conger sit on the bench. Let him play ever day in AAA and wait for a call up.

There is a lot of reason to be excited about 2012 for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.  Clearly there are some tough decisions ahead for DiPoto and Scioscia.  But ultimately the youth movement might have to wait one more year before they're allowed to take the next level of this ball club.

Go Halos...

& Bees!!!

SCUSE? Hank Conger joins the opening day roster.

It is being reported around the sports media today that the Los Angeles Angels have announced their 2011 Opening Day Roster. The Halos will open up the season Thrusday night against the Kansas City Royals.  The announcement of Jered Weaver as the opening day pitcher would only be surprising if it surprised anyone at all.  

What did surprise me and pleasantly surprise me is the Return of King Conger to Anaheim.  Like any good blogger, I have a story about Conger from last year.  I have a friend who is a friend to the Conger family and shared with me some plans that fell through.  Last year, Hank Conger along with Mark Trumbo, were scheduled to meat up with Hank's father in Las Vegas to celebrate a successful season in Salt Lake.  With reservations finalized and transportation planned, a phone call changed all that.  Both Conger and Trumbo had to post-pone their post season vacation to report to Anaheim as they were called up when the roster expanded in the Fall.  Needless to say it was a proud moment for the Conger family to see their son playing in the big league, in Anaheim. Conger's contribution in the late fall wasn't anything awe inspiring, but was nice to see a home grown prospect, a local boy, getting his shot.  Conger, was first introduced to the Angels, as their first-round pick in 2005.  In reality, Conger could be expendable when one of the six players starting the season on the disable list return.  Because of his brief time in the Minors, Conger still has plenty of options that make him a likely candidate to be moved back to Salt Lake when Morales or Pinerio return to the line ups.  But in the mean time, I'll be rooting hard for King Conger to give Scioscia another difficult question to make.  Conger joins Bobby Wilson and Jeff Mathis, both have had very respectable Springs.  Last year Scioscia ran the team with three catchers, which was a blessing when Mathis and later Wilson both spent time on the DL, while Napoli filled in at first for Morales.

In closing that photo is an autographed game used Hank Conger bat.  I will always cherish this gift from my friend.  "SCUSE"

It seems the grass isn't the only thing getting trimmed down in Tempe Arizona.

It seems the grass isn't the only thing getting trimmed down in Tempe Arizona and I for one couldn't be happier.  Obviously there is always a learning curve in baseball and during Spring Training that curve is extended at times to include fringe players who may or may not make it to the team.  Unfortunately some of the players over the years you start to grow fond of.  It was no surprise that on Monday guys like Brad Con or Efren Navarro would be re-assigned to the minor league roster.  And you had to know top prospect Trevor Reckling would be securing a spot in either Salt Lake City or at the very least with the Travelers, the Angels AA club.  But you hear about guys like Trevor Bell and Will Smith who down the road look to at the very least join the ball club in Relief pitching roles.

Today the Angels sent another seven packing and honestly, it was time.  The team's 3-9 record is the Worst in the Cactus League and second worse in all of Spring Training.  I guess that's why they don't have a championship game for Spring Training.  Although these games have no meaning in the Wins and Loss column it is certainly away to see where certain players will be slotted in the upcoming year.  With that said, familiar faces to the Angels bullpen, Bobby Mosebach, the Other Francisco Rodriguez, and Rich Thompson are all heading back to Minor League Roles.  The Catcher of the Future Hank Conger is also heading back to the Minors, most likely Salt Lake City.  As we say good-bye to these fringe players, let us remember that the season is less than 20 days away and the Halo faithful are looking forward to another American League Western Division Championship.

Go Halos!