MLB 2022: The Long and Winding Thread

He had little leverage once he signed originally. He got the signing bonus and that’s it. He’s stuck in the same wait until free agency as every other player.

 

I don't think Mantle made excuses for how he played. Others made excuses on his behalf.

And it's worth remembering Mantle detonated that knee in his rookie season - and still went on to become, you know, Mickey Mantle.

 

Only healthy season he had was that rookie season.

 

Exactly.

Trout's getting a bad diagnosis after 11 years in the big leagues.

 

The bonus was restricted and "only" $2.3M. Just learned this:

"Ohtani is as close to reaching the open market as Mike Trout was when the Angels locked him up to a six-year, $144.5-million deal in 2014 and a 12-year, $426.5-million extension in 2019."

Hernández: Will Arte Moreno prove to Shohei Ohtani he's fully invested in winning?

I know it's not apples to apples, but I'll simply reiterate that Ohtani's lack of a long-term deal is astounding. Soto is turning down absurd extensions, while ya never hear anything about Ohtani being locked up. I know the Moreno-era Angels are dysfunctional, but do they not have the resources -- or inclination -- to lock up this international star? Is he not making money for them? Honestly, I'm asking, not sure of the dynamic which I'm just engaging.

 

Eleven pretty good seasons, I'd say.

 

They were thinking the same thing in Arlington ... but how about that added twist at the top ...

 

Of course. But he hasn't spent an entire career injured, which is why the comparison to Mantle - and the concept of 'excuse' - doesn't really hold for me.

I have to add here that one of my greatest sporting pleasures a couple years ago was to stand next to the cage at Yankee Stadium while Mike Trout took BP.

Good God.

He's like something out of Beowulf.

 

A player can be pretty great, a consensus first ballot Hall of Famer, and still not be as good as Mantle was.

 

Only time I got to stand at a batting cage was 1996 when a buddy got me on the field, so it’s the Indians heyday and I’m about two feet from the cage and I watch Robby Alomar, Baerga, Thome hit and it’s amazing, then Belle steps in and it’s BOOM BOOM BOOM everywhere and I’m “whoa, what was that?”

Next the As come up, skinny Giambi, etc. no big deal, then Big Mac steps in, effortless swing, and …
It’s a Totally Different sound off the bat than everyone else. Just Bombs. Of course it was juice but still a sight and sounds to behold.

 

his agent should be fired for giving away two years of arbitration for a total of less than 9 million. He gave up at least 30 million, if not more

 

Outside of Ohtani and Trout, unless you're a long-time fan, who else is watchable on the Angels?