Los Angeles Angels: Five important questions before the winter meetings
The Los Angeles Angels are heading into the offseason without an identity. They have five important questions that must be addressed before winter meetings.
For the Los Angeles Angels, the 2016 season came with unexpected injuries, questions, and more discontent between Arte Moreno and the fans. The Angels are struggling to find themselves, what kind of franchise do they want to be?
This is a vague question, the fact of the matter is the Angels management has to reestablish the team’s identity before going into the winter meetings. Currently, the Angels are 65-84, sitting dead last in the American League West.
This isn’t far from what was expected of the Angels going into this season. Most of the experts expected the Rangers to repeat the division with Houston right behind them. The battle for second place is separated by one game between Houston and Seattle.
In order for the Angels to turn things around in the near future, they must first answer five important questions.
Does Mike Scioscia remain the coach for the Los Angeles Angels?
Sep 12, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia (14) in the dugout during the Angels game against the Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
The Angels have the longest tenured clubhouse manager in the entire league. Mike Scioscia has coached the Angels since the year 2000. Most will argue that his record as a manager and his experience in the position save him from being let go.
There is also the notion that the Angels struggles are not his fault, injuries are not his fault. However, the idea of a fresh new approach in the clubhouse is something that shouldn’t be overlooked.
This isn’t a call for Sosh’s head, there is a place for him in the Angels organization. The idea of a new skipper taking over for a new identity and a new direction shouldn’t be overlooked. Think back to 2014 when the Angels clinched the AL West title and then were swept by the Kansas City Royals. The Angels have to find a way to get over that hump.
Think back to 2014 when the Angels clinched the AL West title and then were swept by the Kansas City Royals. The Angels have to find a way to get over that hump. The Chicago Cubs are a prime example of what a new fresh vibe within the organization can do.
What’s the plan for Mike Trout and the future?
Sep 17, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Albert Pujols (left) celebrates with center fielder Mike Trout (right) after the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. The Los Angeles Angels won 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Right before the 2014 season started, Mike Trout and the Angels agreed to a six-year, $144.5 million extension. Trout is an Angel until the year 2020. This deal was done under former general manager Jerry Dipoto. All things considered, Trout is the poster child for the MLB.
Every team in the MLB would gladly take on Trout’s contract for the production he can offer game-by-game. However, the Angels would be absolutely insane to trade Trout right? The notion of Trout going via trade to another team like the Yankee’s or Red Sox is absurd.
Don’t think for one minute the Angels haven’t ventured down this road as a franchise. While trading Trout would be a massive blow to the fans at the Big A. The Angels could inherit plenty of young talent for the swap.
It seems cruel for the best player in the league to be on such a bad team. With three years left on his deal, the Angels have to make some forward progress to avoid Trout leaving during free agency.
Do the Angels bring back C.J. Wilson and Jered Weaver?
Sep 16, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver (36) sits in the dugout after the second inning of the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
In 2014, Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson represented a decent one-two punch that led the Angels to an AL West division title. Now, that seems like a distant memory. Wilson hasn’t pitched since August 2015. It’s likely that the Angels won’t re-sign C.J. Wilson following this season.
To resign him to a lesser contract than $20 million would be a high-risk signing. Wilson has shown that he is physically incapable of pitching in the majors. There’s speculation that some teams will want Wilson for a veterans minimum. However, the Angels will not invest in Wilson next season.
Ask for Weaver, he’ll either retired or sign else where. It has been whispered throughout the Angels organization that Weaver will not be apart of the equation next season. This gives the Angels lot’s of money to spend during the offseason.
Do the Angels rebuild through the draft or spend big on free agents?
September 18, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels and designated hitter Albert Pujols (5) celebrate the 4-0 victory against Toronto Blue Jays at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
This will surely divide the house of Angels fans who frequent our publications. However, the question is one that must be answered in order to charge forward. This is a franchise identity question, spend or save. Historically, the Angels have been known to be huge spenders to bring in talent.
Aside from the Josh Hamilton situation, the Angels looked great when the overspent on players. Say what you will about the Pujols contract, the guy is still having a career season. However, many believe in a build through the draft approach.
What’s problematic is that process could take years. The Angels are in a position to take money from the book through players becoming free agents and investing in new free agents. This may not guarantee an AL West title or even a wild card spot.
However, the Angels must spend money to compete with Texas, Houston, and Seattle. These three teams torched the Angels this season and are like to next season as well.
The Angels have to decide whether they want to win now or in 2020 after Mike Trout addresses his free agency. I assume it will take that long to build through the draft and through prospects.
Do the Angels trust GM Billy Eppler?
Apr 7, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons (2) poses with the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year award with general manager Billy Eppler (left) and manager Mike Scioscia (right) during a MLB baseball game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The short answer is probably not, it’s too early to tell. The Angels aren’t improving from last season. However, if health wasn’t a factor would the be closer in the AL West race or the wild card.
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