Locked On Angels - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Angels

As we continue chatting why the Angels will make the playoffs in 2018, we bring Nick Hamelin on the show to get a different perspective on the club as spring marches on.  Formerly of Baseball Essential, Nick Hamelin brings the first east-coast perspective to the show as he shares his thoughts on whether playoff baseball is in the cards for Anaheim. Justin Upton looks to be the biggest addition for the club in his mind, while Nick is not as optimistic or excited for Zack Cozart and his role with the organization. One thing we can all agree on? Mike Trout is the best baseball player on this planet. As long as he plays 150+ games, the Angels are a solid bet to contend for October baseball. An awesome episode with another phenomenal guest! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @LockedOnAngels or email us at lockedonangels@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Angels will make the playoffs in 2018, and Part 2 of this series covers the huge hole in left field filled by Justin Upton. A perennial all-star added to the lineup adds a few more wins on the year, and his veteran leadership can also not be overlooked. Later in the show, Tuesday's Down on the Farm report returns, examining how the top prospects in the organization are performing in Cactus League action. Matt Thaiss is on a roll, Jaime Barria makes his case for the starting rotation, while Jahmai Jones shows promise and needed seasoning. Lastly, our thoughts on Cole Hamels and his recent comments about a six man rotation in Major League Baseball. His feelings could have certainly been a factor in the Ohtani sweepstakes. Tune in! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @LockedOnAngels or email us at lockedonangels@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Angels come into 2018 with many folks all aboard the hype train, predicting the Halos to earn a postseason berth. This week, we examine 5 reasons why the team will make the playoffs at season's end. Second base has been a black hole for the organization since the end of 2014, but this season, Ian Kinsler may solve the chasm of the problem. A proven veteran, Kinsler brings grit, experience, and bonafide talent to a much maligned position for the club. His presence likely means a few extra wins in 2018. After another weekend in Tempe, studs and duds are identified from the Cactus League Action as well. Shohei Ohtani dazzled and Garrett Richards looked sharp, while the final bench spot for the Opening Day roster still looks up for grabs.  Finally, we also share our thoughts on some comments made by Justin Upton before the weekend, and why he went up a few notches in our book. Tune in! Be sure to follow us on Twitter @LockedOnAngels, or email us at lockedonangels@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a barren few years, the Angels' farm system finally has prospects we can all look forward to seeing at Angel Stadium in the near future, and Brent Maguire of Prospects 1500 and Baseball Essential joins the show to break it all down. Of course, there's Shohei Ohtani. However, with the Japanese two-way player stealing the headlines, Billy Eppler has done a wondrous job of filling the entire organization with high-ceiling talent. Jahmai Jones, Jo Adell, and Brandon Marsh highlight the top of the system in the outfield, while Kevin Maitan figures to be a highly watched middle infielder with huge power potential from both sides of the plate. Matt Thaiss looks to be the first baseman of the very near future, while Griffin Canning and Chris Rodriguez provide immense hope for a spectacular rotation at the big league level in a few years. Brent also shares his notable prospects in the system that many folks are not following too closely, but certainly should be.  A highly anticipated episode to get you through the weekend! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @LockedOnAngels or shoot us an email at lockedonangels@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Finally! Mike Scioscia gifts us with the first look at a possible Opening Day lineup, as Mike Trout, Justin Upton, Kole Calhoun, Ian Kinsler, Zack Cozart, and Andrelton Simmons all make their spring debut in Tempe. Despite the blowout loss at the hands of the Indians, there are plenty of takeaways from that look into the lineup. Ian Kinsler as the leadoff hitter could provide plenty of run scoring opportunities for Mike Trout, and the added length with the presence of Zack Cozart and Justin Upton does not give any breaks for opposing pitchers. This will be fun to watch this season. Spring Training ticket prices are also reaching absurd rates, and this is the focus of the Thursday Gear Grinder before we delve into Billy Eppler's recent comments about keeping this roster they it stands now. What does the mean moving forward, especially looking ahead a few months into the season? Eppler loves this team and so do we do. Tune in and listen! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @LockedOnAngels or email us at lockedonangels@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just our second week here on Locked On Angels and we have another awesome guest, as Jeff Fletcher from the Orange County Register joins the podcast to chat about the Angels' pitching staff and how they are shaping up for far this spring. As the Angels Beat reporter for the OC Register, no one is more locked in to the clubhouse than Fletcher, and he shares his insights into the team's construction of the proposed six man rotation. Can Garrett Richards stay healthy and be the upper echelon starter the Angels need? Which of Matt Shoemaker, Tyler Skaggs, and Andrew Heaney will step up to provide support to the dynamic 1-2 punch of Ohtani and Richards? The final spot in the rotation seemingly will come down to Parker Bridwell, JC Ramirez, or Nick Tropeano providing a hybrid starter role to the previous five. With Ramirez out of minor league options, he seems destined for a long relief role in the bullpen, while Bridwell and Tropeano could have to get comfortable switching from Anaheim and Salt Lake City. Lastly, we cover the bullpen and if anyone can challenge Blake Parker for the closer role. What under-the-radar guys this spring have already impressed the coaching staff to possibly earn a spot in the bullpen come Opening Day?  As always, be sure to follow us on Twitter @LockedOnAngels or shoot us an email at lockedonangels@gmail.com. Thanks to Jeff Fletcher of the OC Register for joining the pod! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reported on Monday, the Angels at least inquired about Greg Holland. Could he be on the way to Anaheim, or is Billy Eppler simply doing his due diligence? Shohei Ohtani made his debut in the batter's box on Monday, totaling 3 plate appearance against the San Diego Padres in Peoria. In those appearances, Ohtani recorded 2 walks before lacing an RBI single up the middle in his last at-bat, ending his afternoon. Before we further over-analyze his every move, let's just enjoy the fact that Ohtani just pitched and hit in a game in 3 days. Phenomenal stuff from the Angels' promising young two-way player. With a deep dive into the Angels' farm system coming up on Friday, a special edition of mailbag questions comes in today's episode. Can Eric Young Jr. take the 4th outfield spot from Chris Young? What about Blake Parker's role as closer? Tune in and find out! Jon Morosi also reported that the Angels had reached out to Greg Holland, which could add some nice depth to the bullpen. Can the Angels make it work given their payroll situation heading into the season? Let's hope Billy Eppler can work his magic and swindle another deal. As always, be sure to follow us on Twitter @LockedOnAngels, or email us at lockedonangels@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spring Training is now in full swing and we finally have actual baseball to discuss, as Shohei Ohtani made his much anticipated debut over the weekend. Pitching just over an inning, Ohtani dazzled with his offspeed pitches, while also struggling with his fastball command early in counts. Keon Broxton took Ohtanit deep to left field on a flat fastball, a major discussion point moving forward. Elsewhere in Spring Training, Nick Tropeano made his long-awaited return to the mound following Tommy John Surgery, and Garrett Richards looks to be in electric form already. All of those points, including which players are off to notable slow starts for the final roster spot, are covered in the weekly Studs & Duds segment. Starting position players will be making their debuts soon! As always, be sure to follow us on Twitter @LockedOnAngels, or email us at lockedonangels@gmail.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the weekend approaches and we await the debut of Shohei Ohtani, Locked On Angels sits down with the voice of the Angels, Victor Rojas. Entering his 9th season behind the microphone with the franchise, Rojas takes the time to discuss what excites him as Spring Training games are set to begin in Tempe. From humble beginnings in a broadcast booth in Newark, Rojas worked his way up the play-by-play ladder over the years, with stops at Arizona, Texas, and MLB Network. Always letting the game come to him, Rojas shares how he prepares for each broadcast, and what were some of his favorite calls and games at the Big A. Much like our previous conversation with Trent Rush of Angels Radio AM 830, the clubhouse culture of the team is discussed, pointing to the resigning of Justin Upton as a major starting point to a wonderful offseason for the Angels.  Be sure to follow us on Twitter @LockedOnAngels, or send us an email at lockedonangels@gmail.com for any questions and comments. Actual baseball games are finally here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Having just returned from Tempe, Trent Rush of AM 830 joins Locked On Angels to talk about the clubhouse culture and how it led to not only the extension of Justin Upton, but also Shohei Ohtani, Ian Kinsler, and others joining the fold. Team chemistry can sometimes be overlooked when putting together a Major League Baseball roster. So far, the Angels have done a tremendous job of putting together an enviable groups of guys that not only love playing the game together, but also have the competitive spirit necessary to be successful over 162 games and beyond. Of course, no discussion about clubhouse culture could be complete without mentioning Shohei Ohtani's transition to the United States, Mike Trout's overall impact on the vibe among players, and a rejuvenated Albert Pujols this spring. Spring Training exudes optimism for the upcoming season, and after chatting with Trent, excitement knows no bounds rolling into April. Enjoy our first guest appearance! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @LockedOnAngels, or email us at lockedonangels@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Actual Spring Training baseball games are right around the corner, and all of us will be watching intently. How does Albert Pujols look at first base? Can Shohei Ohtani actually hit and pitch? Is Mike Trout still Mike Trout?  This episode of Locked On Angels kicks off with the top 5 things to watch in Tempe as the Angels get ready for exhibition play. Shohei Ohtani's every move will be closely watched as he makes his much anticipated debut, both on the mound and in the box. They may only be exhibition games, but for anxious baseball fans, they are everything that we need. Just seeing Mike Trout manning center field will be a huge sigh of relief. In the weekly Wild Wild West segment, we take a quick look at the Houston Astros to see how the Angels stack up to the defending champions ahead of Opening Day. George Springer, Jose Altuve, and Carlos Correa give Houston a formidable core to go along with a deep starting rotation. Not too many holes in this squad, and they will be difficult to dethrone out west. Lastly, Major League Baseball's pace of play changes for 2018 are out, and we give our takes on what to expect the first month of the season. Martin Maldonado strongly disagrees with the new limit on mound visits, and frankly, we cannot help but to agree.  Also announced in this episode: our initial lineup of guests! Coming soon!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The debut episode of Locked On Angels brings you a quick introduction to the host, Patrick Zajac, before diving into an offseason recap to prime you for Angels Spring Training. The media follows Shohei Ohtani's every move, Justin Upton provides stellar protection behind Mike Trout, while Ian Kinsler and Zack Cozart provide ample upgrades to both the offense and defense. The organization certainly "won" the offseason, but we'll find out soon if that translates to a playoff berth in 2018. Later in the show, Patrick discusses his best of the weekend, breaking down what Eric Hosmer signing with the Padres means to the greater MLB landscape, and urges folks not to forget about the Minnesota Twins as they bulk up their starting rotation. Lastly, Pat reviews a few recent transactions the Angels completed, shipping out CJ Cron to Tampa Bay while bringing in Chris Young and Chris Carter as added depth pieces. Welcome to the ride that is Locked On Angels!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices