Inside Pitch

Whoever Eppler picks this year....

He's gassed... He's been falling off to one side on the mound the entire inning.

Dude probably has a shampoo endorsement in Japan...

He looks pain free...

Soooooo.... When is Thaiss moving back behind the plate? I kid, I kid...

It also speaks volumes about his gift of gab that fans in both places placed blame everywhere but at his feet. Ms fans are making all the same excuses Angels fans did -- ie... ownership is being cheap.... the previous GM ruined the farm.... he took over a bad situation... He's traded out four guys who have gone on to top 100 rankings and the M's two largest payroll seasons have come under JD... But, it's not his fault...

He's been Howied.... People dislike him for what he is .vs what they thought he would be based on prospect status. Some of it comes from his having made his debut so long ago it seems he's pitched more than he has. He's a 26 year old with 320 innings as a MLB player... It's time for the rubber to meet the road with Skaggs.. He's got the tools, it's time to deliver on them.

That was the worst "interview" in the history of AW.com. Not for lack of trying on the staffs part or fan interest but for the utter lack of coherent thoughts from Wilson ... I felt bad for Chuck having to post that...

Yes, your propensity to talk out both sides of your mouth is well noted. Like I said, it's less about the baseball, more about enjoying pissing people off. You've said as much -- or have you forgotten those comments too? Doesnt matter.. Go Angels.

Selective memory -- he was just so full of praise after the Maybin and Espinosa moves... Or last April when he mocked him for saying the Angels intended to contend after the usual April stumbles..

Actually both statements are true. In one breath you would talk him up, then you'd mock him for being Arte's task boy... You both praised him for refusing to spend and then posted Memes about him having to dumpster dive or not being able to add anyone at the all star break. Basically, anything to troll and try to annoy fans as is your usual modus operandi. But it's definitely true you were always higher on Eppler than JD.

Remember how you constantly mocked Eppler with memes?... Remember how you constantly made reference to his being inexperienced and in over his head? Remember you said he was just another cheap hire?

Actually.... I asked a question. I offered no opinion as to whether or not he is ready -- NONE. Nice try though. Again... (because I can't ask Smoltz), how is going to AAA where he would pitch in an environment not remotely similar to Anaheim and with minor league baseballs (among other factors), going to help him get acclimated to MLB and his new reality? It's a legit question, one meant to spur real discussion. Sorry you weren't up to it -- but I wanted to be fair to you. But since you felt the need to talk up your level of interest.... have you been following the Ohtani situation at all beyond the presser and buying the jersey? Pretty much every article written about him talks about his trying to acclimate to a new culture, new surroundings, new teammates, and yes -- MLB baseballs. Do you know anything about him beyond the talk that he throws hard and hits the ball far? Are you aware the book on him was that his fastball tends to flatten out so it's his split that will likely become his out pitch? Are you aware of how you throw a split?.... the impact of the seams on the movement? Do they not talk about these things at holding up a sign school? Because those things are kinda important and unless you don't believe his stuff translates to MLB then it's less about learning to pitch than it is those other things.. Now... as far as what I think -- I think he needs reps. The dude has pitched fewer competitive innings the last calendar year than either Heaney or Richards so, his being rusty, missing his spots and generally inconsistent isn't a real surprise... Unfortunately because of all the other factors involved he's probably best served trying to get those at the MLB level -- and IMO it could get ugly. It's not an ideal situation but it's the one the Angels find themselves in. Lastly... maybe you missed it but I went on record early as saying I believed the Angels needed to worry less about letting him do what he's always done and instead try to help him adapt to what his new reality will be. Ultimately they know the player better, so we can only hope they are reading the situation right but I haven't agreed with how they handled it..... but, they cut their deal so.... BTW -- saying you "believed" the hype sorta undermines your feel good BS.. but whatever... I know you need to do the whole -- "I'm really a good guy" routine like always. You be you, Boo-Boo.

You ignored the pertinent information and didn't answer the question posed to you. Just more of the same narrative building. Bless your heart.....

Havent been this bummed since the end of Brangelina..

What grade would you give the Angels this offseason? -- B, while they addressed a lot of their needs, they missed some opportunities with RPs. Still the best offseason since 2003. Biggest question going into the season? -- How long does Ohtani try to do both? WIll Tyler Skaggs finally pitch to his periphs? Which Angels player or prospect will create a buzz out of the gate? -- Ohtani Who is your Angels’ 2018 sleeper? -- Pujols. When you're coming off a negative WAR season you only have one direction to go. Seems everyone has punted on him. Which Angel player is most likely to disappoint in 2018? -- Ohtani/Skaggs One because the expectations are so high, the other because maybe he just never taps into his potential Which Angel player is your 2018 comeback player of the year pick? -- Pujols Which Angel starting pitcher will lead the team in strikeouts? -- Richards Which Angel reliever pitches in the most games in 2018? -- Alvarez Which Angel player finishes with the highest batting average? -- Trout Which Angel player finishes with the most home runs? -- Trout Which Angel player gets the most RBIs? -- Upton Which Angel player steals the most bases? -- Trout Will Mike Trout win the MVP Award? -- Stanton (Hrs, NY hype) Will Ohtani find more success as a pitcher or a hitter? -- Pitcher Will Ohtani win the ROY award? -- Don't know who the competition is. Which Angels prospect will be named the Angels minor league player of the year? -- Hitter -- Adell. Pitcher -- Canning How many runs will the Angels score in 2018? -- 785 How many games will the Angels win in 2018? -- 87 What AL West team will be the toughest competition for the Angels in 2018? -- Astros, then A's Which team in any league will give the Angels the most trouble? Indians Will the 2018 Angels make the playoffs? Twins win 88! Your fearless prediction? F the Dodgers!

He pitched in the Tijuana game... He hasn't pitched in a non ST game yet.. So, what about pitching at altitude in a park that plays nothing like Angel Stadium and with minor league baseballs is going to help him adjust to MLB? I'd ask John Smoltz but he's not the one posting here. You realize that MLB pitchers working on rehab assignments in the minors are allowed to pitch using MLB and not the MiLB balls -- right? Why? because they are different -- the leather, the seams -- MiLBs are made in China, the MLB balls in Costa Rica -- they play differently. Much has been made of his trying to adjust from the Japanese league balls to MLB balls, so just for giggles ... lets have him play with a third ball -- Brilliant! Dude needs reps -- he barely pitched last year so there is likely a lot of rust there... At this point, it's likely for the best that he get his work in at the highest level with the catchers and coaches who will best get him to get acclimated to MLB.

I wonder if over at Twinswin.com they are saying something similar after their bullpen blew a lead in the 7th and their closer gave up the winning run in the 11th inning. Eerily similar eh?

This thread should make for some solid entertainment.... Edit: Holy crap this Eskin guy is going full blown ANAHEIMBOB on Kapler -- his twitter feed is an avalanche of manager hate after all of one game...

Not for this place it isn't.

Justin Upton.. he couldnt see anything it seems...

Too many missed opportunities. Save for Bedrosian, the pen held it's own.... Good game Ginger! Good game AP! Good game Cozart.

Married Mike Trout sucks....

Shut up, Dick...

LOL, Richards breaking balls are all so unfair.....