The Los Angeles Angels haven’t gone to the postseason since 2014, and that was a quick first-round exit.
Before that, the last time they played in October was in 2009.
Clearly, the franchise has seen its progress stalled by incompetence at several levels.
This year, they started off on the right foot, with a 27-17 record.
The wheels fell off shortly after that, they lost several games in a row, manager Joe Maddon was fired, and Phil Nevin hasn’t been able to change destiny.
Today, the Angels are 52-70 and will be eliminated in the regular season again despite having Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani on their roster.
Owner Arte Moreno, perhaps seeing that he can’t turn around the franchise’s fortunes, is looking to sell the team he bought back in 2003.
The Angels Have A Lot To Improve
Angels insider Sam Blum, who covers the team for The Athletic, pointed out some situations.
“The Angels have been perpetual losers for years with Arte Moreno owning the team. They haven’t had a winning season since 2015 & have 0 playoff wins 2009. The criticism has been warranted. A new owner could change lots of things. Payroll/strategy among the most significant,” he said, regarding Moreno’s plans to sell.
“The Angels, under Moreno, have been willing to invest in big name position player free agents. But investment in other things, like minor league development/player treatment/alumni relations/etc. are important too. Those areas were lacking,” per Blum.
The Angels, under Moreno, have been willing to invest in big name position player free agents.
But investment in other things, like minor league development/player treatment/alumni relations/etc. are important too. Those areas were lacking.
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) August 23, 2022
Yes, the Angels spent on Ohtani, extended Trout, and brought in Anthony Rendon after his World Series win in 2019.
But pitching has been a serious problem for years, and it seems like the Angels can’t develop stars or even useful players since Trout.
Player development is a big part of today’s game, and the Angels have lacked any progress there.
Their treatment of players, coaches, alumni, and minor leaguers is not optimal, and could improve, too.
It will be something for the new owner to keep in mind.
There is a lot of work to do here.
A lot.
NEXT: MLB Insider Shares An Upcoming Reckoning For Owners