Mike D

Jackson - Chad asks me about a relaunch almost every time I see him. Life has gotten quite busy for me, but never say never, right?

Reggie - Miss you, man! Glad to hear you’re in the podcast game.

“You are now about to witness the strength of street knowledge” is my vote for best intro.

Repping @slangsonsports.bsky.social at my visit to Houston!!

I like it. The lack of a long reliever was one of the big problem with the Nats last year, wasn’t it?

Bellinger didn’t.

That’s how I felt watching the Commanders-Lions game last night. Wish that was at least the NFC Championship game.

Found this at my dad’s house last year while I was going through things. Feels like a good time to read it. 🙁

I was recently watching the 1979 ALCS and I was shocked to see 21-year-old rookie Dickie Thon on the playoff roster for the Angels in their first ever postseason series! Also, he’s from Puerto Rico?!?!

That could explain why they’re not making any moves (plus the MLB taking over their TV rights).

I’m also curious to see if any free agent hitters take a big deal from the A’s. It’s much easier to avoid that heat and sit comfortably in the dugout 4 out of every 5 days as a pitcher.

Do you think the County could try to delay the vote this month? Seems like the new commissioners should have had the necessary time to review the deal.

PS. Really appreciate your coverage! 👍🏻

You know, it does kinda make sense. The Nats have a LOT of payroll flexibility for the next 3 years so they could even take his whole contract, which would lessen the assets they have to give up. But I believe Nolan has a no-trade and wants to play for a contender. Would he be patient in DC?

Fair. Massey is the more pressing need in Anaheim, but I didn’t think the value between him and Ward was even. Angels seem to be focusing on California guys so Bubic got my attention. I really hope he gets a chance to start in KC, esp if Wright isn’t ready. Thx for responding. 🙂

Is it because India hits leadoff? Because Ward only seems to do it out of necessity due to injuries, etc. and usually hits in the middle of the lineup.

Ward lineup spot the last 3 years:
Leadoff: 585 AB
3-4-5 position: 753 AB

Royals and Angels are my two teams. Taylor Ward should be traded and the Halos need MLB-ready lefty bats and bullpen arms. Ward for Massey and Bubic?

Bellinger to the Angels for Tyler Anderson makes sense. The Halos could slide Trout to LF (and trade Ward), and he could backup/mentor Schanuel at 1B. And the coach who gets a lot of credit for Cody’s 2023 turnaround is the Angels hitting coach. Saves the Cubs some money and adds to their rotation.

KC should just sign Lorenzen and be done with their rotation. Turn the attention to bats.

I guess just being the one who CAN offer the most doesn’t necessarily mean FA will accept it. The Dodgers can get the top tier guys because they can offer a lot of money, warm weather and a sustained recent history of winning. The Mets can only offer one of those things.

Maybe Senga?

Seems like the high-profile FA hitters may have thought the Mets weren’t a worthy destination before, while now they look more appealing with young(ish) stars and more payroll flexibility.

Any idea of what happens to Massey and/or Garcia? I like India but I wouldn’t put him in the outfield.

I like the idea of acquiring a short-term right-handed vet 3B to platoon with Tena until the long-term solution (House, King, Wallace) arrives.

My choices:

1. Sign Gio Urshela
2. Trade for DJ Lemahieu (with the Yankees eating some $$)

Great article, Mark! And keep up the great work on Nats Chat!

Great article! Very insightful and informative. 🙂

I like your idea of a salary dump trade to add a veteran pitcher: Gray is probably too pricey and Castillo has a no-move, but what about Jordan Montgomery?

I also agree about adding one more big LH bat. My choice is Cody Bellinger.

My wife is a brilliantly creative woman! ☺️

Those are my two favorite teams and I feel like most Angels fans (myself included) want to extend Rengifo as he enters his last year of team control. His versatility is so important, especially this coming season with Neto coming off surgery.

I think Singer is a better trade piece for an outfield bat. Taylor Ward for Singer could make sense for both the Angels and Royals.

Is it far-fetched to think those trade rumors came out at a convenient time to convince Martinez to sign his QO? Because I have questions about this trade from the KC perspective.

KC could use a lead off hitter for sure but they already have Massey at 2B and he’s younger and put up identical stats. If they were to flip Massey for an outfield bat, then it makes much more sense.

The Nationals, but only if they pick up a power-hitting 1B.

@1992pirates.bsky.social Man, I loved those early 90s teams! I wasn’t able to watch many of the playoff games, so I just watched the 1990 NLCS (and WS) for the first time this past week on YouTube!