Angels Avoid Arbitration with Tommy Hanson and Jason Vargas

 

Just like with Jerome Williams, the Angels avoided arbitration with their newly acquired pitchers Tommy Hanson and Jason Vargas.

 

Angels settled on a $8.5 million contract with Jason Vargas and a $3.725 million deal with Tommy Hanson. Which to me is a very good deal. READ FULL STORY CLICK HERE



Angels and Jerome Williams agree to $2 million deal

 

It is nice that the Angels and Jerome Williams were able to avoid arbitration because none wants to go through that. Jerome will be a nice back up in the rotation and a long man in the bullpen.

 

Williams, went 6-8 with a 4.58 ERA in 32 games while making $820,000 for the Angels this past season. He wont be eligible for free agency until after the 2014 season.

Angels are lettinng pitcher Reyes out of contract

 

From the Angels website:

 

The Angels and Jo-Jo Reyes are finalizing an agreement that would release the veteran left-hander from his contract and allow him to join the SK Wyverns of the Korean League, sources confirmed to MLB.com on Wednesday.

Reyes, 28, signed a Minor League deal with a Spring Training invite in November, and was going to start for the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees in 2013. When SK recently asked for permission to negotiate with Reyes' agency, though, the Halos granted it. And as of Wednesday morning, the Angels and Reyes' representation were finalizing parallel negotiations with SK that would get him to play for a more lucrative contract in the Far East and would bring the Halos compensation. The move, however, is not yet done. Originally a second-round pick by the Braves in the 2003 First-Year Player Draft, Reyes went 12-26 with a 6.05 ERA in 334 2/3 Major League innings from 2007-11, pitching for the Blue Jays and Orioles in that final season. In 2012, he went 6-2 with a 2.67 ERA in 17 games (nine starts) for the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate. (Angels)

Angels invite 20 of their top prospects to Spring Training

Kaleb Cowart is going to get his first taste of spring training along with 19 other top prospects.  Outfielder Randal Grichuk, starter A.J. Schugel, shortstop Eric Stamets and second baseman Alex Yarbrough are some of the guys that will joining Kaleb in Tempe,AZ.

 

I really hope that if Kaleb Cowart shows he could hit in spring training that they will give him a opportunity to play 3rd in the bigs. I understand that many feel like he is 1-2 years away but if he is able to hit right now why would the Angels not want to see what he could do. I feel it will be nice because he won't have pressure to be a huge impact and he will be ale to relax and just play his game with the line up that the Angels will be putting out.

 

From the Angels website:

 

ANAHEIM -- The Angels announced 21 non-roster players who will be joining those on the 40-man roster in Spring Training next month. The list includes five Top 20 prospects getting their first invite to big league camp (third baseman Kaleb Cowart, outfielder Randal Grichuk, starter A.J. Schugel, shortstop Eric Stamets and second baseman Alex Yarbrough). They'll be joined by 10 veterans signed to Minor League contracts this offseason (pitchers Billy Buckner, Tony Pena, Jo-Jo Reyes and Mitch Stetter, catcher Luke Carlin, infielders Brendan Harris and Luis Rodriguez, and outfielders Trent Oeltjen, J.B. Shuck and Matt Young) and four highly regarded Minor Leaguers making return visits (catchers Jett Bandy and Carlos Ramirez, and infielders Taylor Lindsey and Efren Navarro). Reliever Kevin Johnson, who split time in Double-A and Triple-A last year, and catcher Zach Wright, coming off his first season in pro ball, are also getting their first spring invites. Veteran reliever Fernando Cabrera, who recently agreed to terms on a Minor League contract, is expected to be added to the group once his deal is finalized. First baseman C.J. Cron, ranked as the second-best prospect in the Angels' system and coming off a year in which he drove in 123 runs for Class A Inland Empire, didn't get his first invitation while continuing to rehab from shoulder surgery. Angels pitchers and catchers report to Tempe Diablo Stadium on Feb. 11 and have their first workout the following day; the rest of the position players report Feb. 14 and take part in the first full-squad workout Feb. 15. Here are some things to watch for from the non-roster invitees:Position battles: The Angels' 25-man roster is essentially solidified, but there are still a few competitions left unresolved: Backup catcher, backup infielder, final outfielder and seventh reliever. John Hester and Hank Conger figure to compete for the backup catcher spot behind Chris Iannetta, but Ramirez and Carlin could make a run at it with a strong camp. Harris and Rodriguez will be competing against Andrew Romine and Thomas Field for the backup infielder spot left vacated by Maicer Izturis. Vernon Wells will be the first outfielder off the bench, but behind him it'll be Kole Calhoun competing against an array of fellow lefty-hitting outfielders obtained this winter -- Oeltjen, Shuck, Young and Scott Cousins, who was claimed off waivers. The identity of the final reliever -- who will join a bullpen that includes Ryan Madson, Sean Burnett, Ernesto Frieri, Kevin Jepsen, Scott Downs and Jerome Williams -- is seemingly the most unclear. In-house guys like Garrett Richards, Nick Maronde, Bobby Cassevah, David Carpenter, Ryan Brasier, Steve Geltz, Michael Kohn and Andrew Taylor will all get looks. But Johnson, Pena, Stetter and Brandon Sisk, acquired in exchange for Ervin Santana, can also make a run for it. Top prospects: The most intriguing is Cowart, who ranks No. 1 in the Angels' system and will be heading into his first season of Double-A. The 20-year-old switch-hitter is coming off a nice season for both of the Angels' Class A affiliates and could make some serious strides toward an everyday job in the Majors with a strong 2013. The 12th-ranked Grichuk, known mostly for being the outfielder drafted one spot ahead of Mike Trout in 2009, is starting to come into his own at age 21, batting .298 with 18 homers for Class A Inland Empire last year. He, too, is expected to get his first crack at Double-A this year. The 23-year-old Schugel, ranked 14th in the Angels' system, posted a 2.98 ERA in 27 starts for Double-A Arkansas in 2012. New starting-pitching depth: The Angels figure to have an experienced Triple-A starting rotation, providing the Major League club with some necessary depth beyond its five starters. Reyes (12-26, 6.05 ERA in 334 2/3 innings) and Buckner (6-11, 6.25 ERA in 138 1/3 innings) have legitimate Major League experience and figure to be joined by Barry Enright (7-11, 5.13 ERA, 140 1/3 innings) and Brad Mills (3-3, 7.76 ERA in 53 1/3 innings). (MLB)

Mike Trout and Josh Hamilton are not going to play in the WBC

I must admit I have mix feeling about not having Josh Hamilton and Mike Trout not playing for the USA in the WBC because everyone says that the best baseball is played in the US, however, when the WBC comes along the USA has not taken the tournament which it probably due to the lack of players that are ok playing in the WBC. In addition, I am ok with them not playing in the WBC because they do run the rick of getting hurt which will put the Angels season at risk.

 

However, Albert Pujols might play in the WBC for the Dominican Team which I don't like at all because he is recovering for a knee surgery and I would not want him to rush the recovery just to play.

 

From the Angels:

 

ANAHEIM -- Mike Trout and Josh Hamilton aren't expected to play in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, but Albert Pujols could. The Angels first baseman plans on suiting up for the Dominican Republic in the Classic as long as his surgically repaired right knee continues to feel good, his agent, Dan Lozano, told MLB.com.Pujols underwent a minor arthroscopic procedure to clean up the knee early in the offseason, and Lozano said in an e-mail on Saturday that he "feels great so far." Asked if Pujols will play for his home country, barring an unforeseen setback, Lozano said: "At this point, yes." But Pujols could still test the knee in Spring Training and opt out if he doesn't feel comfortable. Angels position players report to Tempe, Ariz., on Feb. 14, and players will begin practicing with their corresponding Classic teams in early March. The Dominican squad is in Pool C -- along with Venezuela, Spain and Puerto Rico -- and will begin first-round play March 7 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.Pujols, who turns 33 on Wednesday, played in the inaugural Classic in 2006, batting .286 with one homer for a Dominican team that lost to Cuba in the semifinals. He begrudgingly opted out of the '09 version because underwriters of the Classic were unwilling to provide insurance for his participation following offseason elbow surgery.Provisional rosters for all 16 nations will be announced Thursday, and Pujols may be the only Angels representative. Trout's agent, Craig Landis, told the Los Angeles Times that his client informed Classic officials early on that he wouldn't participate because he "just wanted a regular Spring Training preparation" -- which he was robbed of last year due to a nasty virus and shoulder tendinitis. Additionally, Hamilton said during his introductory news conference in December that he didn't plan to play for Team USA -- which is in Pool D with Italy, Mexico and Canada -- and Mark Trumbo hadn't received a call from manager Joe Torre as of Thursday. Third baseman Alberto Callaspo also will not be playing for Venezuela, his agent, Eric Goldschmidt, said. (MLB)

2nd Annual Home Run Challenge Jan 12th 2013

 

Join Trinity Bat Company this January ^12th and experience the Second Annual Trinity Bat Co. Home Run Challenge hosted at Mater Dei High School Baseball. Come out for this exclusive event and help support Cory Hahn with all proceeds being donated to the Cory Hahn Fund. Only $10.00 will get a ticket into a community fighting with Cory and a front row seat to a big league derby. High school, college and open (adult), will compete for the ultimate prize.

Following the competition will be an opportunity to watch big league batters up close and personal, competing for bragging rights while putting on an unforgettable hitting display. Event participants will dine on some of Southern California’s best food trucks, have the opportunity to get autographs from MLB players and get a chance to have their photo taken by the Orange County Register, and be on FOX Sports West - Angels Monthly. Be a part of our silent auction and raffle and have a chance to win signed memorabilia. Come on out with the baseball community and help Cory fight! #CORYHAHN

Details

What: 2nd Annual Trinity Bat Co. Home Run Challenge
Where: Mater Dei High School - 1202 West Edinger Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92707
When: January 12, 2013. 10 am - 4 pm
Who: Top High School & Collegiate Stars & Big League Stars (past, present and future) and many more and you!
Why: Raise funds and awareness for the Cory Hahn Fund and have fun at an exclusive event!

Food: Gourmet Food Trucks - Burger Monster, Macho Nacho, Mustache Mikes, Chick Fil A - From 10 - 2

Parking: Main Lot "Monarch Way" off of Edinger, Second lot off of Bristol just North of Edinger

Tickets: Purchase before the event below or at the two Gate locations off of Monarch Way or Bristol St.

 

(Trinity Bat CO)

 

WHO WILL BE ATTENDING THE HR CHALLENGE

Steve Garvey - Dodgers (Not Hitting)

Mark Trumbo - Angels (Not Hitting)

Travis Witherspoon - Angels

Ian Stewart - Cubs

Trayvon Robinson - Orioles

Brandon Barnes - Astros

Daric Barton - A's

Cody Decker - Padres

Nolan Arenado - Rockies

Nick Ramirez - Brewers

Cole Garner - Brewers

David Nick - Diamondbacks (Not Hitting)

Matt Scioscia - Angels

Trayce Thompson - White Sox

Tyler Rahmatulla - Cardinals

Aaron Northcraft - Braves

Bryan Nicholson - Giants

Connor Burke - Marlins

Danny Muno - Mets

Ryan Garvey - Rockies

Keith Castillo - Rays

Matthew Young - Cardinals

Jason Thomas - Hawaii Stars

Vahn Bozoian - USC

Ty Moore - UCLA

Colton Plaia - LMU

Domingo Ayala - NA

High School Round

Jeremy Martinez - Mater Dei HS
Brian Soper - Mater Dei HS
Tyler Adkison - Mater Dei HS
Tommy Hagen - Claremont HS
Abelardo Blanchet - Irvine HS
Tanner Gilmore - Bonita HS
David Gammage - Heritage HS
Philip Prendergast - South Bay Faith Academy
Stephen Lohr - Cypress HS



MLB is Adding Cell Phone in the Dugout and Bullpen

 

MLB is getting a upgrade with their communication by adding T-Mobile cell phones for their dugout and bullpen phones.

 

T-Mobile USA, Inc. and Major League Baseball (MLB) announced today at the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that T-Mobile is now the Official Wireless Sponsor of MLB. As part of the multi-year, multi-million dollar partnership, T-Mobile will work with MLB and its industry-leading digital media and technology company, MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM), to enhance America’s National Pastime on and off the field with game-changing wireless capabilities. This marks the first time in more than a decade that MLB has partnered with a major wireless provider.

Under the agreement, T-Mobile will provide MLB with a new On-Field Communication System, powered by T-Mobile’s powerful nationwide network technology. The first use of this technology will be in a wireless voice system connecting managers in select Major League dugouts to coaches in bullpens. This dugout-to-bullpen system will start to roll out in 2013 and the new On-Field Communication System solution will offer greater mobility as well as options for future innovation within the game.
“We look forward to working with Major League Baseball and are excited they have chosen T-Mobile’s technology to power a new, in-game communication system at ballparks across the country,” said Mike Sievert, chief marketing officer, T-Mobile USA. “Unlike a typical sponsorship, we’re approaching this partnership as a collaboration in which T-Mobile, MLB and MLBAM will work together to evolve the game with exciting new technology innovation enhancing the experience for customers and fans.”
“T-Mobile has made a significant commitment to Major League Baseball across our game and business and its innovative drive and expertise in wireless technology will be an outstanding addition to the baseball industry,” said Tim Brosnan, MLB executive vice president, business. “T-Mobile has been an impact player in the wireless industry and we look forward to their innovative spirit positively influencing the game and the way fans enjoy it.”
In collaboration with MLBAM, T-Mobile also will tap the power of its nationwide 4G network, currently available in 229 metro areas, reaching more than 220 million people, to further enhance and broaden network coverage and connectivity for fans in MLB ballparks. This past season, Major League Baseball recorded its fifth best attendance year in its long and storied history by attracting more than 74.8 million fans to regular season games.
Additionally, MLBAM, which develops, deploys and distributes the top-ranked sports mobile application of all-time in MLB.com At Bat, will work with T-Mobile to enrich the digital experience on its smartphones and tablets, create custom, compelling content exclusively for its customers, as well as develop promotional opportunities and unique offers for MLB.com content.
“Baseball is America’s number one digitally consumed sport and today’s baseball fan is technologically savvy and data hungry, which makes this partnership a great opportunity for not only baseball enthusiasts, but millions of T-Mobile customers,” added Sievert.
“The underpinning of a partnership with a key provider like T-Mobile mirrors baseball’s long-held belief in leveraging and implementing wireless technology to deliver first-rate products and services to the industry and our fans,” said Bob Bowman, president and chief executive officer, MLBAM. “T-Mobile will play an important role as we continue that focus on bringing top-notch content, connectivity and customizable experiences to consumers wherever they are.”
The T-Mobile investment in baseball is a comprehensive, multi-faceted marketing approach which will include partnerships with national broadcast partners FOX, Turner, MLB Network, and ESPN. T-Mobile will be the Presenting Sponsor of ESPN’s Wednesday Night Baseball, including on-air, digital, and mobile sponsorship initiatives, in addition to features on ESPN’s Baseball Tonight. T-Mobile and Major League Baseball also will develop marquee media opportunities and marketing extensions at events throughout the year, as well as local sponsorships with select MLB Clubs. Currently, T-Mobile is a sponsor of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Seattle Mariners.(MLB)