Luvofthegame
09-20-2006, 01:55 PM
The owner guarantees a big move will be made in the offseason.
By JEFF MILLER
The Orange County Register
9/20/06
His team has lacked another middle-of-the-lineup slugger for a while now, but the most powerful Angel of all predicted big things are coming.
Owner Arte Moreno guaranteed his club will hit at least one home run this offseason while retooling its roster.
"We have goals we will achieve, either by trade or through free agency," he said. "We're committed to improving."
Asked if he was guaranteeing major winter news, Moreno said: "Yeah, I'll guarantee that. That's pretty easy to guarantee. We're going to do it."
Moreno joined the team Tuesday - in time to see a 5-2 victory over Kansas City - for the start of internal meetings, the decision-makers starting the process of planning for beyond this season. The group - including the major-league staff, scouts and some minor-league coaches - will meet again today.
In a pregame interview, Moreno also said finances won't be an obstacle while shopping for talent, supported the job being done by General Manager Bill Stoneman and painted a cheery picture of a franchise barely clinging to playoff contention.
"There are a lot of positive things happening," he said. "We're developing our system. Economically, we're solid; we're making a little bit of money. Even though we aren't leading our division, we're optimistic about our position moving forward."
Not so optimistic, however, is the next group of potential free agents. Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Lee are the top hitters, with Barry Zito, Jason Schmidt and Mark Mulder among the leading starting pitchers.
That could mean a trade, something Stoneman has been unable and/or unwilling to do during his tenure. Boston almost certainly will make Manny Ramirez available, and the Angels just as certainly will be a rumored destination.
Another option could be Chicago Cubs' third baseman Aramis Ramirez, who also has an out clause in his contract and could become a free agent.
"We're still in the building process," Moreno said. "This is a business I have to continue investing in. Economics won't be a hurdle."
Stoneman, in his seventh season as vice president and general manager, has one year remaining on his contract, then three years under the title "consultant." But Moreno said the deal can be "rolled over at any time" to extend Stoneman's tenure as GM.
So what does the man most responsible for shaping the Angels' roster think of the boss promising a major move?
"I think it's fine," Stoneman said. "It's great. He's very supportive. Whatever we decide, he's behind us."
And Moreno remains behind Stoneman, who has been bashed repeatedly for failing to bolster the Angels through trades, particularly offensively and at the trading deadline.
"If Stoneman was pitching, playing shortstop or hitting cleanup, the critics would say you're not getting it done," Moreno said. "But within reason, you've got to have stability in your organization.
"It's not a one-person task. A lot of people are involved in this. If you want to point fingers, point the finger at me. I'm the one who hired all these people. I'm the one paying them."
As for their own free agents, the Angels are unlikely to re-sign second baseman Adam Kennedy, going instead with Howie Kendrick. Darin Erstad's status is less certain, given the issues with his ailing ankle and pending offseason surgery.
Stoneman maintained a decision on Kennedy has not yet been made, and Moreno praised the player who has been starting at second for this team for seven seasons.
"Kennedy is one of those players who's an Angel," he said, "and always will be an Angel."
If the owner is true to his word, someone new will be an Angel next season, too, someone who will make big headlines, big money and, most important, a big difference.
By JEFF MILLER
The Orange County Register
9/20/06
His team has lacked another middle-of-the-lineup slugger for a while now, but the most powerful Angel of all predicted big things are coming.
Owner Arte Moreno guaranteed his club will hit at least one home run this offseason while retooling its roster.
"We have goals we will achieve, either by trade or through free agency," he said. "We're committed to improving."
Asked if he was guaranteeing major winter news, Moreno said: "Yeah, I'll guarantee that. That's pretty easy to guarantee. We're going to do it."
Moreno joined the team Tuesday - in time to see a 5-2 victory over Kansas City - for the start of internal meetings, the decision-makers starting the process of planning for beyond this season. The group - including the major-league staff, scouts and some minor-league coaches - will meet again today.
In a pregame interview, Moreno also said finances won't be an obstacle while shopping for talent, supported the job being done by General Manager Bill Stoneman and painted a cheery picture of a franchise barely clinging to playoff contention.
"There are a lot of positive things happening," he said. "We're developing our system. Economically, we're solid; we're making a little bit of money. Even though we aren't leading our division, we're optimistic about our position moving forward."
Not so optimistic, however, is the next group of potential free agents. Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Lee are the top hitters, with Barry Zito, Jason Schmidt and Mark Mulder among the leading starting pitchers.
That could mean a trade, something Stoneman has been unable and/or unwilling to do during his tenure. Boston almost certainly will make Manny Ramirez available, and the Angels just as certainly will be a rumored destination.
Another option could be Chicago Cubs' third baseman Aramis Ramirez, who also has an out clause in his contract and could become a free agent.
"We're still in the building process," Moreno said. "This is a business I have to continue investing in. Economics won't be a hurdle."
Stoneman, in his seventh season as vice president and general manager, has one year remaining on his contract, then three years under the title "consultant." But Moreno said the deal can be "rolled over at any time" to extend Stoneman's tenure as GM.
So what does the man most responsible for shaping the Angels' roster think of the boss promising a major move?
"I think it's fine," Stoneman said. "It's great. He's very supportive. Whatever we decide, he's behind us."
And Moreno remains behind Stoneman, who has been bashed repeatedly for failing to bolster the Angels through trades, particularly offensively and at the trading deadline.
"If Stoneman was pitching, playing shortstop or hitting cleanup, the critics would say you're not getting it done," Moreno said. "But within reason, you've got to have stability in your organization.
"It's not a one-person task. A lot of people are involved in this. If you want to point fingers, point the finger at me. I'm the one who hired all these people. I'm the one paying them."
As for their own free agents, the Angels are unlikely to re-sign second baseman Adam Kennedy, going instead with Howie Kendrick. Darin Erstad's status is less certain, given the issues with his ailing ankle and pending offseason surgery.
Stoneman maintained a decision on Kennedy has not yet been made, and Moreno praised the player who has been starting at second for this team for seven seasons.
"Kennedy is one of those players who's an Angel," he said, "and always will be an Angel."
If the owner is true to his word, someone new will be an Angel next season, too, someone who will make big headlines, big money and, most important, a big difference.