Comment (0)
Alden Gonzalez is the Angels beat writer and a columnist for MLB.com. He's been with the company since 2008.
![]() | There are plenty of things we can pick up from Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues. With only days remaining until all camps are under way, here's the most important of what we might come away with this spring.
More»Harper may start the season in Nationals' outfield |
![]() | If the money is right -- and it should be, considering the Marlins' approach to this offseason and their desire to sign a potential five-tool center fielder -- Miami is the perfect fit for Yoenis Cespedes. It's the only fit, really.
More»Cuban outfielder Cespedes set to visit the Marlins |
![]() | As we wait for Roy Oswalt, Yoenis Cespedes, Johnny Damon and a few other notable free agents to come off the board, here's a look at the top 10 offseasons by team.
More» The impact of Albert Pujols |
![]() | In about a month, the Tigers' Miguel Cabrera, the Marlins' Hanley Ramirez and the Angels' Mark Trumbo will arrive for Spring Training and take grounders at third base, moves their clubs are making to keep their big bats productive and active.
More»Hanley approves switching positions to third base |
![]() | The Rangers and Angels were two of the biggest movers during the Hot Stove season. Now, both clubs head toward Spring Training and a season that will witness the two clubs engage in a head-to-head race for the American League West.
More»Washington, Maddux talk about expectations for Yu |
![]() | So much about this offseason has been unforeseen and fascinating. But we're not done yet as almost every team is looking to plug those remaining holes or make that final statement before Spring Training opens.
More»Market continues to develop slowly for Prince Fielder |
![]() | Perhaps Manny Ramirez really is sincere. Perhaps now he finally realizes just how much his antics, his attitude and, ultimately, his failed drug tests have tarnished what no doubt would have been a Hall of Fame career. Perhaps he's a new man. Perhaps.
More»Hot Stove on the possible comebacks of Manny, Tejada |
![]() | Braves general manager Frank Wren has exercised uncanny patience and trust, deciding against making knee-jerk changes to a team that looked good enough to win it all through most of the 2011 season. For that, he deserves credit.
More»Duquette on the expectations of the Braves' rotation |
![]() | The end of Christmas doesn't necessarily mean the end of shopping. Actually, with shorter lines, bigger sales and more clarity now that presents have been unwrapped, it's probably smarter to do most of your personal spending shortly after the 25th of December.
More»Notable free-agent infielders still on the market |
![]() | The leadoff spot isn't what it used to be, or even what it was originally intended to be. For proof, you don't have to look too far. Just think back to the 2011 postseason.
More» Bourjos cranks a triple to cut into deficit |
![]() | Both Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols will almost surely be playing elsewhere in 2012 and beyond. That means the National League Central is now more wide open than ever.
More»Ramirez should be a good fit for the Brewers |
![]() | Of new skippers, Bobby V has toughest task
More»Hot Stove crew discusses Valentine taking over Sox |
![]() | It's in abundance now, more widespread and more noticeable than ever, even amid the stillness of what has so far been a rather quiet offseason. Opportunity. By adding another Wild Card team in each league, more clubs have an opportunity to be postseason-bound than ever before.
More»Rizzo on Nationals' needs headed into 2012 |
![]() | With the Winter Meetings fast approaching, and most important, the intricacies of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement ironed out, we should soon start hearing plenty more about the likes of Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, Jose Reyes and C.J. Wilson.
More»Wilson headlines list of free-agent starters |
![]() | Coming off a 2011 season that saw him earn a two-month stint in the Majors, Greg Halman was heading into the biggest year of his professional life. Now, instead of pondering his future, the Mariners can only look back at the memory Halman has left behind.
More» |
![]() | One game won't really give us the time to enjoy the expanded playoff picture, and it will lead to the short sample size and sheer randomness that really has no place in a game like baseball.
More»Joe Torre weighs in on playoff expansion, replay |
![]() | As the offseason has unfolded and the free agency of shortstop Jose Reyes has loomed, the thought of the Mets trading third baseman David Wright has been considered by some a matter of when, not if. Here's a crazy thought: What about keeping him?
More»Wright on rumors he could be traded |
![]() | Managing in the big leagues is hard enough. Doing so on a team that just won the World Series and was under the direction of the Hall of Fame-bound Tony La Russa for the last 16 years is even tougher. Doing that when you've never even coached in pro ball is astronomically difficult.
More»Mike Matheny is introduced as new Cardinals skipper |