Angels Pursuing Ohtani

[Ohtaniland]

I’m just stoked that Stanton and Ohtani both like the west coast. 

Can’t wait for Opening Day.

[totdprods]

Evan Grant

@Evan_P_Grant

·

Hearing Rangers, Cubs are only 2 non-West Coast teams on Ohtani's meeting list. Rangers not saying a word.

[ten ocho recon scout]

2 hours ago, bloodbrother said:

I don't think the Ohtani as a hitter experiment will last long. The guy has legit power but he was putting up K rates of 25-27% in limited AB's in Japan. Bring that swing and miss game to MLB and you're looking at a DH who will struggle to hit .230

Cue....

[Tank]

1 hour ago, Stradling said:

You bring the F and I’ll bring the U

Fordham University!

[eligrba4ever]

I noticed a headline today that said Ohtani has told the Yankees don't bother. I  also noticed a headline from NBCSports-Chicago that Ohtani has made it clear he's only interested in a smaller-market team on the West Coast. Does that mean Mariners, A's or Padres? I guess the Angels could possibly  fit into the "small-market" label. The Angels are decidedly second in SoCal because they are in the suburbs. Do the Giants fit that label?

[Second Base]

Well, if he wants a smaller market west coast team, preferably an AL team to designate DH at bats for him, that really narrows it down to the Angels and Mariners.

At that point, I suppose you're just comparing. Seattle has the huge Asian market from Ichiro's days, and are a mediocre team with a huge payroll and depleted farm, committed to doing everything in their power to win. If Ohtani signs with them, he'll have a built in community support system, shorter flight home, and be on a mediocre team without much of a bright future, but likely won't ever be in a fire sale either.

The Angels have legends on their side. What professional ball player wouldn't want the opportunity to play next to the greatest ball player from his childhood (Albert Pujols) and the greatest player today and maybe since the days of Mantle and Mays (Mike Trout)? If Ohtani signs with the Angels, he'll get to play with and learn from the best. He'll play on a team that won't have a fire sale and has a bright future with money to spend and a ton of prospects all arriving in the next 2-3 years. 

We lack the community Seattle has. Seattle lacks the greatness and future we have. 

Another little factor, weather. Ohtani is used to playing in doors. This can work for or against the Angels. He may prefer the indoor stadium of Safeco Field, or maybe the weather of So-Cal.

[Taylor]

I really think it's a stretch to call the Angels a small-market team.

[Jason]

2 minutes ago, Taylor said:

I really think it's a stretch to call the Angels a small-market team.

The fan market is small

[Second Base]

The Angels were likely very last entry into the Ohtani sweepstakes.

Something else to keep in mind too, Eppler doesn't chase players he doesn't believe he can sign. He looks for deals and steers clear of bidding wars. 

My guess is he probably got some inside information leaked from Ohtani's LA based representation that Shohei wants to be on a smaller market AL team in the West Coast. It probably took Eppler all of a half a second to figure out, "Hey, that's me!"

 

[jordan]

After seeing what appears to be Ohtani’s preferences, I would think it leaves the Angels at the top.  Smaller market, West Coast, ability to hit just about every day, no Japanese player comparisons, and chance to win.  Eppler needs to close the deal!

[Second Base]

3 minutes ago, Taylor said:

I really think it's a stretch to call the Angels a small-market team.

We're a mid market team playing in a large market, but have to share it with a much more popular team.

A small piece of a big market, sort of like the Mets I suppose. 

So you're right, not small market, but not big either. Probably a smaller market than the Mariners.

[Chimi]

I don’t see the Angels confirming they’re a finalist. Arte seems to be very tight lipped in terms of what kind of deals he’s working on.  Which is also why I’m shocked Eppler actually came out and said the Angels were even interested. 

[Troll Daddy]

 

[Ohtaniland]

1 minute ago, Troll Daddy said:

 

If that’s the case I hope he chooses the Padres. 

[Warfarin]

Appears multiple sources are saying we're indeed a finalist.

[totdprods]

Jeff Passan

@JeffPassan

Multiple sources believe the Los Angeles Angels remain in the running for Shohei Ohtani.

[tdawg87]

Dipoto will immediately flip him for a couple toolsy under-the-radar prospects.

His erection will last through the winter.

[AngelsLakersFan]

2 hours ago, Angelsjunky said:

The other nice thing about him being two-way is that it essentially gives a team a 26-man roster. 

I really don't see that

[Tyler]

Lets do this!

[greginpsca]

3 hours ago, Calzone said:

So I wonder where all of this pool money is going end up. If we lose out on Ohtani, it sucks because we are probably going lose out on quite a few more international players.

Half of those teams have been told they are out.

[Warfarin]

4 minutes ago, greginpsca said:

Half of those teams have been told they are out.

Confirms it was never really about the money, which most of us knew anyway, given how much money he was already forgoing coming early.

[beatlesrule]

Well, good news so hopefully it leads to his signing.

[Mark68]

Per MLBTR:

"10:39pm: The Angels are thought by “multiple sources” to be one of the finalists, Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan tweets.  The Tigers are out of the running, according to Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press."

[Taylor]

Multiple sources = multiple posters on AW.com.

[Second Base]

So a guy that plays both ways wants to pitch and be on the other end as well.