LA Angels Spring Training News and Notes 2/18: Mike Trout Comments on Anaheim, Eppler is Impressing, and Top Prospects Show Up to Tempe

On the first day the LA Angels had a full squad workout, news came out of camp at a rapid pace, including some of the biggest storylines to follow this season for the Halos.

LA Angels and Mike Trout Comment On Possible Contract Extension

We did a full article on this story last night, which you can find here. However, in summary, both Mike Trout and owner Arte Moreno were asked questions about the potential extension of the MLB’s best player.

Trout sidestepped most questions, however he did mention he was happy with the Angels and thought the team has been competent the past few seasons, but injuries have derailed any hopes of contention. He refused to answer any questions about possible negotiations.

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Moreno was more of the same, saying the idea of the extending Trout sometime soon is at “the front of [the organization’s] mind” and it seemed like they’d be starting negotiations soon, if they aren’t already taking place.

Moreno Pleased with Billy Eppler

If there is one reason for hope amongst Angels fans in a scenario where Mike Trout walks in free agency, it is Billy Eppler. He has taken the worst farm system in the history of baseball and made it into a top ten unit.

Moreno mentioned in his interview Monday that he was very happy with what Eppler has done, making it seem very likely the two agree on an extension for Eppler, who’s current contract has an option for 2020.

Top Prospects Make Their Entrance

Outside of Mike Trout, perhaps the most exciting part of Spring Training this year is the number of top prospects the Angels have invited to their big league camp.

Throughout the day, whether it was #1 prospect Jo Adell shagging balls in left field, Luis Rengifo’s bat making noise during batting practice, or former first round pick Matt Thaiss taking grounders at first base with an all-time great in Albert Pujols, there was palpable excitement regarding the young players at camp.

And these players all could have a role in 2019. Adell, if his astronomic rise continues, could take over a starting job alongside Trout mid-season. Rengifo is a dark horse to make the club’s roster as a utility player, but is a much more promising candidate for a big role in 2020. Thaiss is one Pujols injury away from time at first.

Again, Billy Eppler is to thank for this excitement and variety of young players.

More News and Notes from Day 7:

• Justin Upton is dealing with tendonitis in his patella, and will be a slow start to Spring Training as he and the trainers deal with the injury
• Matt Harvey, who suffered a glute strain late last week, has already resumed throwing after originally planning to rest for at least 10 days.
• Moreno commented on the team’s payroll as well, saying they “busted the budget a little bit”. This is a good indicator that the Angels are done in free agency outside of minor league contracts, unless an uber-valuable deal comes up.