The Los Angeles Angels and Mike Trout have been synonymous with one another following his debut in the 2011 season and has since signed two mega-contracts, both under the eye of owner Arte Moreno.
On Tuesday the news broke that Moreno would begin the steps to facilitate a sale of the Angels, whom he’s owned for 20 years. With the firing of Joe Maddon amidst a franchise-record losing streak, their quick plummet to the bottom was the icing on the cake for the 2022 season.
There haven’t been many mainstays for the Angels during the latter half of Moreno’s time as owner, but Trout is the most impactful, and he expressed his gratitude following the announcement, via Jeff Fletcher of the O.C. Register:
“I’m still trying to process it,” Trout said before the Angels played the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night. “I found out when you guys found out. Looking back, I’ve been here my whole career. Had some great times with Arte. He took care of me, my family. I appreciate all he has done for me. I guess he’s moving on.”
Angels fans and players both have a vested interest in the direction of the team and with only six division titles in Moreno’s 20-year tenure as owner, Trout has bigger aspirations for the club.
“I think once you find out who buys it, whenever that is, there are definitely conversations we’re going to have to have,” said Trout, who added “Obviously, I want to win.”
It’s unclear how much a change in ownership will impact free agent decisions that loom over the Angels in upcoming years, but a new direction is needed for a team nearly at its bottom.
Perry Minasian considering a change in Ohtani’s usage
When Shohei Ohtani signed with the Angels prior to the 2018 season, they did so with the understanding that the same routine he used in Japan, to pitch every seven days, would continue. But as Ohtani heads into the final year of his initial deal, the Angels and Perry Minasian seem open to changing that up.
Winner of the 2021 MVP award, Ohtani showcased his entire arsenal on the mound to the tune of a 3.18 ERA and a 3.52 FIP in 23 starts. He finished the year with a 9-2 record and truly became the story of Major League Baseball.
His pace hasn’t slowed during his most tumultuous season with the club, and after a slow start to the season, Ohtani is firmly in the race for another MVP award.
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