Angels' leadership looks far worse after Pirates' Konnor Griffin decision

Misery doesn't love company. At least, not for the Los Angeles Angels and how often they're reminded of their poor baseball decision. Andy Pages' emerging as one of the Los Angeles Dodgers' most impactful bats was a recent reminder, but the Pittsburgh Pirates may have provided the most glaring one yet. Ahead of their home opener on Friday against the Baltimore Orioles, the Pirates are promoting top prospect Konnor Griffin.

Credit to the Pittsburgh Pirates. It's very rare to say that in the realm of their actions with the major league roster, but there's no doubt they have made the right decision. Griffin was clearly one of the Pirates' best players during spring training, and when he was optioned ahead of Opening Day, everyone knew it was likely because of his service time.

That is where they truly deserve praise for doing the right thing. ESPN's Buster Olney reports that Pittsburgh is deep in negotiations with Griffin for a new deal. Any contract extension would eliminate the fear of the Pirates losing an additional year of control over Griffin by promoting him too early.

It's what all baseball teams should look to do when it's clear they have a homegrown prospect who is going to shift the expectations of the franchise. It's also a reminder of just how far the Angels have fallen.

Angels are the true losers in Konnor Griffin's promotion with the Pirates

To be clear, unlike Pages, Arte Moreno can't be blamed for why the Angels don't have Griffin. That honor lies with general manager Perry Minasian. The Pirates selected Griffin with the ninth overall selection in the 2024 MLB Draft. Surely, eight teams are kicking themselves, but especially the team that had the eighth overall selection. That being the Angels, who selected Christian Moore.

While Moore debuted with the Angels last year, his development may already be at a crossroads. He didn't win the starting second base job during spring training, and LA doesn't appear to be in a hurry to bring him back to the majors despite the problems they've had in the infield to open the season.

But there are larger issues that expand beyond just the Angels' poor drafting. The Pirates turning Griffin's debut (and potential contract extension) into an event proves that even the most incompetent owners in baseball can see the light. For Moreno and the Angels, he may see the light, but he's also willing to steer clear of it. There doesn't appear to be an end to that reality for Angels fans.