The Angels added veteran help to their bullpen Thursday, announcing the signing of left-hander Matt Moore to a one-year, $7.55MM contract. Right-hander Davis Daniel, who’s dealing with a shoulder strain, was placed on the 60-day injured list to open a spot on the 40-man roster. Moore is represented by Apex Baseball.
Moore began his career in 2011 as a starting pitcher for the Rays and pitched effectively, even earning an All Star appearance and down-ballot Cy Young award votes in 2013. Unfortunately, Moore missed most of the 2014 season after receiving Tommy John surgery, and struggled to remain effective as a starter following the procedure. In 557 2/3 innings across the 2014-19 seasons, Moore struggled to a 5.08 ERA (83 ERA+) while spending time as a member of the Rays, Giants, Rangers, and Tigers.
These struggles led Moore to Japan, where he pitched well as a reliever during the 2020 season. In 2021, he returned to stateside ball, but struggled once again in a swing role for the Phillies, posting a 6.29 ERA (67 ERA+) in 73 innings. The following offseason, Moore had to settle for a minor league contract with the Rangers, who he had previously pitched for during the 2018 season. That minors deal proved to be a stroke of genius by the Rangers front office, as Moore posted an astonishing 1.95 ERA (203 ERA+) across 74 innings in 2022.
Moore’s extreme success last season wasn’t entirely supported by his peripherals. He allowed a BABIP of just .257, nearly 40 points below his career norms, and his FIP came in more than a full run higher than his ERA. That same FIP is still a strong 2.98, however, and many underlying metrics reveal plenty of reason for optimism about Moore’s future headed into his age-34 season. His fastball gained an average of 1.5 mph in velocity in 2022, which allowed Moore to rack up far more strikeouts than he had previously. In 2021, Moore struck out just 18.9% of batters faced, but 2022 saw that figure climb all the way to 27.3%.
In addition, his began to allow much weaker contact in 2022, with his hard contact rate dropping from 35.5% all the way to 22.5% while his soft contact rate leapt from 14.3% up to 22%. Striking out batters at a clip similar to that of Luis Castillo (27.2% strikeout rate) while generating nearly as much weak contact as Max Scherzer (22.7% soft contact rate) is certainly a recipe for success, so it’s easy to see why the Angels would want to add Moore to their mix at the back of a bullpen that currently features Carlos Estevez, Ryan Tepera, and Aaron Loup among its top options.
With that being said, the Halos are almost certainly hoping they can find a way to help their new reliever limit his walks. Moore’s walk rate of 12.5% was third worst in the majors among all pitchers with at least 70 innings pitched, ahead of just Yusei Kikuchi and Caleb Smith. Moore’s sensational 2022 proves that if you can strike batters out at an elevated clip while limiting hard contact it’s still possible to have success even when you walk too many batters, as does the success of pitchers like Jorge Lopez and Dylan Cease. Nonetheless, Moore’s penchant for allowing free passes puts more pressure on the rest of his skills to hold up at their current top-tier levels if he’s going to remain among the best relievers in the game, as he was in 2022.
Moore’s signing continues what has been a fairly aggressive offseason from the Angels. While the club didn’t sign a marquee free agent or swing a blockbuster trade, they’ve added much-needed depth to a roster that already had plenty of star power and made important upgrades to almost every position on the roster. Moore and fellow free-agent acquisition Estevez strengthen the bullpen, while the signing of Tyler Anderson improves the rotation. Meanwhile, the lineup is bolstered by the additions of Hunter Renfroe, Gio Urshela, and Brandon Drury.
The Halos still have an uphill battle in the AL West this year, as the 2022 World Series champion Astros don’t appear to be slowing down, the Mariners are still on the upswing, and the Rangers had a second straight offseason full of splashy additions. Nonetheless, it’s clear that Moore makes the Angels better, even in spite of his age, walk rate, and lacking track record prior to 2022. If he manages to have a season resembling the one he had last year again, it’s easy to see a world where Angels fans no longer miss old closer Raisel Iglesias, who was sent to Atlanta at last year’s trade deadline.
Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic first reported the Angels and Moore were nearing an agreement. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported it was a one-year contract.
scottaz
Nice they can be so intimate
Gwynning's Anal Lover
I hear Careless Whisper by George Michael in the background of the contract signing.
Mi Casas es tu Casas
RIP Tim McCarver can’t believe no article on it
Gwynning's Anal Lover
That news just messed me up 🙁
CaptainJudge99
Anyway he can start for them?
fre5hwind
Nearing dear
This one belongs to the Reds
Oh dear!
This one belongs to the Reds
Another guy the Reds should have gone after.
That bullpen is going to be pathetic outside Diaz, and there won’t be many save opportunities if the other guys keep blowing leads like last season.
I feel bad for Greene, Lodolo, and Ashcroft. They’ll never reach their potential like this.
VonPurpleHayes
The Reds priority #1 needs to be a better owner.
JoeBrady
I feel bad for Greene, Lodolo, and Ashcroft.
=========================
I have no problem with tanking, but this is where you need to do some anti-tanking.
For all the talk about the Orioles, I think a core of Greene, Lodolo, Ashcroft, Diaz, Stephenson & India are about as good as it gets. And they still have a couple of okay MLB pieces and a decent farm.
At a minimum, the Reds should’ve done what the RS did and buy themselves a BP. Same as the Angels.
RyanD44
The Reds have no reason to go after anyone right now. Their goal should be do their best to land the #1 draft pick and trade anyone with current value for future value.
Adding marginal players to a terrible roster will allow them to win 68 games instead of 64 – woohoo!
If you’re going to be bad, make sure you get yourself the best shot at the first pick in the draft.
BaseballisLife
The #1 pick is now decided by a lottery. The worst record does not mean the #1 pick.
Halo11Fan
By his phrasing, I inferred he knew that.
RyanD44
Correct – give yourself the best shot = higher percentage in lottery.
whyhayzee
Yes, because if I’ve learned anything from 60 years of watching baseball, it’s that the first pick is a guaranteed generational player unanimous first ballot Hall of Famer, while everyone after that is a slug, doomed to, at best, a short unproductive career.
Yes, I like, commas, especially.
RyanD44
So within reason, and knowing their owner won’t spend significant $, what would you like the Reds to do to bring them to be a 85-90 win team?
JoeBrady
will allow them to win 68 games instead of 64 – woohoo!
===================
1-At some point, you need to establish more of a winning culture. You won’t go from 60 to 90.
2-Adding 3-4 RPs not only adds wins, but it also gives you some trading capital at the deadline.
This one belongs to the Reds
People forget it’s a balanced schedule now, and teams in the Central (In both leagues actually) will probably win the division with 86-87 wins. The NL Central is especially weak this year.
The Reds might not win the division but they need to start winning some games to keep the fan base they have left. Butts in seats equal more revenue for small markets. They need all they can get to compete with folks like the Yankees whose YES contracts pay for salaries alone and then some.
Mauired
Reds aren’t going to spend 7.5 million on a 34 year relief pitcher with one good year. Angels shouldn’t either. That’s a pretty big overpay. But Reds are not contending this year and this contract will be hard to trade this summer without paying too.
JoeBrady
I don’t like the Moore signing, but there were plenty of other affordable RPs out there.
TheRealMilo
I still have no idea why the Rangers didn’t trade Moore at last season’s deadline. It was clear early that their season was going absolutely nowhere and there was a high probability Moore wouldn’t stick around in ’23. The Rangers are now at 6 straight losing seasons and a roaster loaded with really expensive 30+ year olds with horrible health histories. Joke of a franchise.
VonPurpleHayes
Yes. I bet they shopped him a bit. But really his value was at his highest last year.
Johnny Bravo
Moore had a very productive year last year great pick up by the angels left handed out of the bullpen
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
They probably didn’t want to create the impression they would just give away pending free agents since that would create a bad impression in the long run that they can be run over.
mlb1225
It’s not like the Rangers were a .500 team last year with an outside chance of making a Wild Card push. Thy were 11 games under .500 and 20+ games out of both the division and WC.
TheRealMilo
But they are the Rangers – they are routinely run over. Trading away pending free agents on borderline last place teams going nowhere is common baseball sense.
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
@Milo Nope. They actually have done pretty well with the Minor, Lynn, Gallo, and somewhat Gibson deals. They don’t get run over. The only recent bad trades of the last decade plus have been the one for Ryan Dempster (Kyle Hendricks), Uehara, and the Carlos Beltran deal. The Rios waiver claim, Mike Adams trade, Cliff Lee deal, Sam Dyson deal, Cole Hamels trade to Texas, and the Matt Garza deal are relatively old deals in the past 13 years. Maybe, they made a few ripoff deals, but it’s mainly the farm system and drafting screwing up. Even the Darvish Dela foe a top 100 prospect seemed good at the time. It’s the development here that screwed them over. They have had back-to-back years with 6 top 100 prospects that were all drafted by their own team. Things are changing. Agreeing with something you say in a more nuanced way doesn’t mean people are going to just agree with an all-out rant about the team. Do some research before making bold and idiotic claims like that.
TheRealMilo
The Minor, Lynn, Gallo and Gibson trades have netted them what exactly in terms of contributing major league players on a competitive team? Perhaps you should research Cleveland’s closer and how he came to be there before making bold idiotic claims?
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
1 deal for a reliever doesn’t mean anything over the course of 13 years. Considering how they gave up DeShields and got a multiple time Cy Young winner with 4 top 5 finishes in 5 years for a guy who later got suspended for PEDs, I would say that was a great deal at the time. Being realistic is one thing; being pessimistic is quite another. You keep getting run over with logic and facts. By the way, who is this Milo person your account is named after?
TheRealMilo
Well – the most basic facts are these – 6 straight losing seasons and 6 straight seasons without a post season appearance. 11 straight seasons without a post season series win. But I give in – what a great MLB franchise!!!
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
You didn’t answer my question. And, the discussion was about trades, not overall franchise.
Halo11Fan
Wow. That sounds very similar to the Ms last year. And very similar to the Angels in 20ow when they went on their run, and similar to the Rangers when they went on their run….and my guess, very similar to your team….provided they did go on a run.
etex211
The Rangers appeared in the World Series 12 years ago, their second consecutive appearance. In the 11 seasons since then, 60% of MLB teams have not appeared in the World Series, including the New York Yankees…
So based on the past 12 World Series, the Rangers have had more success than 60% of MLB teams.
TheRealMilo
I don’t know what your question is and I don’t really care, either.
You should make your peace as a Rangers homer that they are a terrible franchise. In their entire 50 year history they’ve had maybe 5 really good years. They’ve never won a Word Series. Their current run of incompetence is remarkable. You can stiffen your shorts over a few trades (that have netted them nothing really), but it’s a franchise that has never gone anywhere and will never go anywhere. Have fun over the next half decade lamenting the IL time from your current rotation and watching your pitching prospects flame out (as they always do in Arlington). Enjoy your 1/4 filled stadium that has all the energy and enthusiasm of a DMV on a Monday morning. Mingle with the small gathering of fans there that have more interest in the Cowboys’ third string offensive lineman than anything Rangers related. Terrible baseball franchise in a terrible baseball area.
etex211
You seem to be obsessed with bashing the Rangers. Maybe you need to find a hobby or something.
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
Yep. Just block the lunatic Mets fans who can’t get over 1 player. Don’t engage with trolls.
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
Exactly! This fool has no life (or job, I assume) and thus has all this free time.
Unclemike1525
LMAO
Unclemike1536
But he is honestly right when it comes to a few things the rangers have been hot garbage for time…
Unclemike1536
throwing rocks in a glass house?
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
Another troll with no job or life… this one even mimics my name. I am really just disappointed with humanity. Both of you should really get a life. Seriously
TheRealMilo
BTW – this is absolute stupidity. You’re touting the Rangers trading DeShields and Clase for Kluber? At the time of the trade, Kluber had just missed an entire season with a broken arm and has seen his velocity dip for four straight years. Everybody but you, evidently, could see that his days of being a front line pitcher were long gone. So no, it was not a ‘great deal at the time'”, genius. It was an exchange of declining assets that both teams had given up on. On top of that, the Rangers threw in a future all star closer. Check your facts.
Unclemike1525
Hey Ranger, Can’t the site do something about that guy who is scamming your moniker to throw shade about you? I know there is really no customer service on this site as proven by my failed attempts to fix mine after I subscribed and nothing was working, But this seems a deliberate attempt at throwing shade. They should do something.
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
I don’t think so. They don’t ban accounts as far as I am aware. There was one comment someone else flagged that was removed for impersonating me, but that was only once. I think it was an Anthony Franco article. Beyond that, they should ban or at least supsend that account. They certainly censor everything they disagree with but not this.
Unclemike1536
I am a site admin 😉
Unclemike1536
Oh Unclemike you are too kinda
Ma4170
loaded with really expensive 30+ year olds with horrible health histories? I’m guessing you mean degrom and eovaldi. The roster isn’t loaded with those types though. Their best offensive players are at or under 30 (or just past it w/ Semien). degrom’s injury history before 2021 was actually great, but obviously last two years very spotty, so I get the concern. But I wouldn’t call this an aging roster. They were 15-35 in one-run games, so even a small improvement will make a big difference. With Bochy in too, I wouldn’t sleep on this team. I still think they need a better hitting OF and a strong RP.
TheRealMilo
….Gray, Heaney (which is 4/5 of that rotation by the way) and Seagar hasn’t been a picture of prefect health either. Expensive, old roster littered with dubious health histories.
Halo11Fan
The only people dis song the Rangers are the fans. Fans do that, it makes them feel good about themselves. The Rangers have better than a punchers chance to make the playoffs. Like the Angels. They need a few things to fall in place.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Bochy will help, but the Rangers could easily end up in third or even fourth in the division despite spending almost as crazy as the Padres who should be no worse than second and maybe have a 50-50 shot at winning their division. DeGrom was an expensive lottery ticket with only one matching number. Too bad because deGrom was fun to watch during his brief healthy stretches. Apparently the so-called lower taxes don’t help the Rangers recruit the best talent, yo-ho-ho.
Ma4170
degrom had some long
healthy stretches. He led all of baseball in IIP for the four years from 2017-20, and only missed a handful of starts at end of 2016 for minor surgery. def agree he’s been banged up last two years, and not sure if he can hold up.
Gray and Heaney are both 31, which most still consider prime years. My Mets have an aging roster… compared to them, the rangers are The Goonies
Halo11Fan
They likely will finish fourth. But it would also not surprise me if things came together and the finish second.
Halo11Fan
The Padres have been bad for a very long time and have made some horrible trades. Most team have periods of ups and down.
It’s amazing to me how fans love to kick teams when they are down. I honestly don’t get it.
Plugnplay
True that Halo11, all great franchise’s have had at least 10 years of mediocrity or more. The Angels will end there’s at 9. Weeeeee!!!!!
rottenboyfriend
Obviously the Degrom signing was extremely risky and with him already having arm issues I’m sure the Rangers wish they had spent that kind of money differently at this point! Getting star players like Degrom, Seaver and the second baseman required the Rangers to spend more money to get players use to winning to come play for a loosing team! The Rangers just don’t have the offense or bullpen to compete over a six month season!
rottenboyfriend
U need at least 10 to 12 starters to make it through 162 game season and right now the Angels has maybe 7 so another starter is desperately needed at least!
Dumpster Divin Theo
Moore Moore Moore. How do you like it? How do you like it?
rocky7
Always laugh at the consistent influx of articles that tout strikeout increases by pitchers in the game especially over the last couple of years…..is it possible that strikeout increases by pitchers almost across the board are aided by hitters who swing from their heels and don’t fear the strikeout any longer seeking the long ball metrics we’re bombarded with during every game…..while there may be pitchers who have gained overall strikeouts by either velocity or “stuff” gains, batters certainly have aided the overall metrics given the new approach of not worrying about hitting .235 any longer when you have 20+ home runs!
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
Velocity has definitely increased. Pitchers are also being babied into throwing 5 innings over 7 slightly worse innings.
mlb1225
Even with the mass increase in strikeouts, Moore was 20% above average in K/9 and 23% above average in K%.
rocky7
Comparitively, exactly how much did strikeouts increase which I believe would drastically decrease that percentage.
BillGiles
Watching him with Phillies, I’m surprised that he had that much success in 2022. His “stuff” looks average at best.
phenomenalajs
I figure Zack Britton will go to the Mets now since the Angels were the favorites to sign him.
dirkg
I don’t know about favorites, but there was definite interest. I was kind of hoping for Britton, but my judgement is based on prior years of success.
Now I’m hoping Moore has more in the tank and can repeat last years success.
Halo11Fan
My guess, and it’s just a guess. If Britton looked good, they wood have signed him instead of Moore.
HalosHeavenJJ
Completely agreed.
Fregosi
No they woodn’t. Lol. 11 not really known as a prolific writer.
GoogleMe
The Angels will probably use him as swing man. He pitched great last year in strictly a reliever’s role. Moore has struggled in the swing man role. If they use him as a swing man, I don’t really like this move. Keep him in the role he did well with last year.
Johnny Bravo
No, the Angels will use Moore strictly out of the bullpen could be a left hand specialist, or you could get right handers out and left handers out
carllafong
Why would the Angels use Moore as a swingman when he’s struggled in that role? The Angels don’t need a swingman– they have Barria, who thrived in that role and they have pitchers like Silseth, Canning and Rodriguez that could all be swingmen when the team wants to add a starter. Don’t overthink it– they added another productive arm to the bullpen and that’s how they’ll use him. This gets this team closer to 90 wins.
GoogleMe
I am not overthinking it. The reality is the Angels do need a swing man. I think they will look for around 15 starts. Silseth and Canning are better off being part of a regular rotation and for this reason, I believe they will start in the minors and start every 5th day. Barria and Moore are the likely candidates. Barria has had success as both a starter and reliever. The Angels were reluctant to use Barria as a swing man last year. The Angels would bring up anyone and everyone to start rather than have Barria start last year. I hope they keep Moore as a bullpen arm, but I am not certain.’
Plugnplay
GoogleMe, most of your stuff is pretty solid, but u missed the boat here. Moore will be a high leveraged Lefty out of the pen.
carllafong
I hear ya, but being a swingman is not why they signed Moore. He’ll be a set up man at the end of the game who can go two innings. I agree that Silseth and Cannning should be in the minors, but the point is that the Angels will use someone other than Moore in that role. They’ve signed a lot of experienced arms for triple-A that will allow them to add arms when they want to eat some innings.
Halo11Fan
He has less warts than Quijada and Loup. You don’t like pitchers who walk guys, and although he’s not a ground ball pitcher, he may be able to keep the ball in the park. He checks the other boxes.
But I’m more optimistic since I read a post letting me know they signed Bill Hezel from Driveline. Ohtani went to Driveline. Hezel gives me reason for optimism. Can get the most out of pitchers.
User 2079935927
YES!!! I was hoping the Angels would go after him. Now forget the haters and sign Bauer.
Halo11Fan
One of the reasons I can tolerate Arte is he doesn’t sign cheaters or low character players. If he ever did sign a player like this, I’d dislike Arte as much as a bunch of other Angel fans
BStrowman
Josh Hamilton is of the highest character.
kwtx.com/2022/02/22/former-texas-rangers-star-josh…
Halo11Fan
Josh Hamilton turned his life around, became a model citizen, left his comfort zone, his support group and when he stumbled, Arte was so upset he got rid of him.
I think he should have supported him, but Arte has no tolerance for such things. Hamilton needed help.
Unclemike1525
Halos fan- Hamilton needed help? Hamilton needed a Lobotomy.
Halo11Fan
Wow. Who would want you as a friend?
Unclemike1525
What do my friends have to do with Josh Hamilton being an a**hole?
Halo11Fan
It sounds like your a jerk, and by your attitude its obvious any friends you have would not be able to depend on you.
Unclemike1525
Well, When you fall off your High Horse , Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and slide back into the bar. LMAO
Halo11Fan
High horse? I realize people stumble and I’m there for them when they do? For you that means I’m on my high horse.
But ok. You sound like a jerk.
Unclemike1525
Well since you seem to adore your Drug Addict friend just makes you sound dumb but so be it. So my last word is bye, But I’m sure you’re the kind of guy that will post another, Just to get the last one in so have at it. You’re not too smart.
JoeBrady
Arte was so upset he got rid of him.
======================
That never made any sense. If you hire someone with problems, good for you. But you have to have some expectancy that they might fail. Further, it was a 2-way gamble for Moreno. If Hamilton stays straight, it pays off. If not, it doesn’t. You should never take these things personally.
Halo11Fan
I adore drug addicts? That is your take away? So everyone in A.A. loves drug addicts?
I love recovering drug addicts who try to clean up their lives. It’s hard, they need help. At one point Hamilton was clean and trying.
People who believe that is a bad character person are jerks. Of that, I’m 100 percent sure.
Halo11Fan
I thought it was a a scummy thing to do. But that’s the moral high ground Moreno lives by.
That high ground means he doesn’t bring in cheaters. That high ground leads me to believe he knew nothing about Skaggs taking Fentanyl. .
User 2079935927
Nothing like kicking a man when he’s down huh? I hope people treat you better than that should you need help.
JoeBrady
People who believe that is a bad character person are jerks.
============================
FWIW, had you given me a million $$$ when I was in my early 20s, there is a decent chance I’d be dead by now.
Halo11Fan
Joe, many of us would be.
User 2079935927
Pasadena PD. Couldn’t find any reason to file charges. Do you know something they dont??
Bart
The police dont charge defendants. The DA obviously had lots of reasons and spent a lot of time investigating. They likely thought that they didnt have enough to get a conviction.
Halo11Fan
I think it’s safe to assume Josh Hamilton is a mess. But when Arte signed him, he appeared to be a good guy.
I don’t think less of the Dodgers for singing Bauer. I will think less of the team that signs him next.
User 2079935927
Why because he relations with a woman that tried to extort money from him and ruined HIS reputation?
Halo11Fan
There was physical evidence that was quite disturbing. But if you think he deserves a pass, that’s fine. I’ll simply pass.
carllafong
Is that the benchmark now? The D.A. investigates claims that are disputed and finds no evidence of a crime, but you want to punish this guy more than he has been already? Based on what? Salacious rumors? The woman acknowledges they were playing bedroom games with spanking etc. that she initiated– but he’s a criminal? She had all kinds of text messages that contradicted her initial story and is the reason Bauer was not prosecuted. In this country you are innocent until proven guilty, but in this case the man wasn’t even charged with a crime.
User 2079935927
No kidding
User 2079935927
He could have sued her for slander and character assignation. But he didn’t. His signing would put the Angels in the playoffs a 100%.
If I was Perry I would get the team together and ask their opinion. At least ask the Veterans,Ohtani,Rendon and Trout. Hell it’s only going to cost them $700K.
Halo11Fan
So you want to pull a Winslow Leach? Sell you sole to the Devil for success? I realize that’s just a movie, but how’d that turn out?
JoeBrady
The D.A. investigates claims that are disputed and finds no evidence of a crime,
=======================
Manfred might have more evidence than the police, since he isn’t as limited in his investigation. But that said, if all that is required for a guilty verdict is just an accusation, then everyone that has a son should understand that they might be judged in the same manner.
There are no easy answers, but the idea that an accusation = a guilty verdict is problematic. If your son and/or daughter get drunk and hook up with someone equally drunk, there is no one at fault, or they are both at fault.
Tim Stewart
JoeBrady – I think the Angels should stay away. Not because I think he is guilty of a crime, but because he has a lot of baggage that comes with him. Two good teams got rid of him asap. The last straw for the then Indians. Was him throwing a ball into the stands in anger. The Dodgers, we should all know about. Some players were behind him, some against. that can be an added problem because it can divide a clubhouse. There also is no guarantee he will be effective or not. His track record is not consistent and he has missed a lot of time.
carllafong
How are we selling our soul? Answer the question instead of making a general statement. If a man stands accused of a crime, but the evidence is so flimsy that charges are never brought, it’s your belief that he should be punished for the unsubstantiated accusation? if that’s the case then we are all in trouble. Anyone accuses you of something and your career and life will be taken away from you. Where am I? “Welcome to Cuba? Russia? China? There is no evidence Bauer did anything criminal.
Halo11Fan
Winslow Leach is a character in a movie who sold his soul for success.
Three woman accused Bauer of sexual assault. At some point you’d think he’d be smart enough to not hook up with girls on instagram.
archangel57
Spot on!
carllafong
Exactly right. If this team signs Bauer they suddenly have an elite rotation– Ohtani, Bauer, Anderson, Sandoval, Detmers and Suarez can be what you need him to be.
LordD99
Should be a decent addition, even with some regression.
Who is the Angels closer?
Halo11Fan
I think they want it to Estevez. There are pitchers with warts and there are pitchers who are all warts. Estevez is the latter. They are hoping Coors is the reason Estevez has poor peripherals.
Time will tell.
LordD99
I could see Estevez grabbing the role. His K and walk rates were much stronger away from Coors. Or, bullpen by committee?
Halo11Fan
Last season he was OK away from Coors. I wouldn’t call that a great endorsement. But unlike the past, the Angels have hired someone who knows what he is doing, so there is hope.
They are not doing the same thing over and over again and expecting the same results.
outinleftfield
Closer by committee. Estevez, Herget, and Tepera before this signing. .
cpdpoet
With all the press this guy has gotten, I almost forgot about his disastrous turn in the Phillies rotation in ’22….
But good for him….He’s got his 10yr in and over 26 million…..and at 34 this year he should still have a few yrs left…..
SODOMOJO
He came back to life last year with that fastball
Halo11Fan
I care about fastball velocity, but I’m not enamored with it. His fastball velocity is below average. But it moves and it is hard to hit.
prov356
“Moore posted an astonishing 1.95 ERA (203 ERA+) across 74 innings in 2022.”
Maybe I missed it but was that success in the majors or in the minors?
Halo11Fan
Majors. He has two warts, control and his ground ball rate. But the second wart may not be an issue. His fastball is hard to hit and the fly balls might be soft fly balls. I haven’t looked deep enough.
aragon
i tend not to trust walk year heroics.
SODOMOJO
An improvement of 1.5 mph per pitch is huge, man. Especially coming from left side. He’s certainly not a big power arm but he’s right on par with Robbie Ray fastball velo now; for example. The difference between 91 and 95 could be much greater than you think. To go with the good movement he’s always had, yeah I like him for the next couple years for sure.
HalosHeavenJJ
Really like this signing. The bullpen needed help. Probably still does.
Still think Eric Torres comes up this year. He’s another lefty.
i like al conin
And Ben Joyce and his 105 mph fastball. We should be reminded that Perry worked on building bullpens in ATL.
carllafong
Joyce, Murphy and Torrez will all need some more work in the minors, but all three have a real shot at making their debuts this season. Joyce needs more control and a better secondary pitch– spring training should help him a lot in both pursuits.
outinleftfield
Ben Joyce will get the first call up. Maybe out of camp. Rodriguez is healthy and no one is saying if he will return to the rotation or get sent to the pen, but we know he will be on major league roster. . .
HalosHeavenJJ
Joyce will get the best shot on camp.
Torres was nails in AA last year. If Loup or Quijada struggle, he’s there.
outinleftfield
Got to love their name, Rocket City Trash Pandas.
Torres was fantastic. 1.59 ERA, 14.3 K/9. He walked too many 4.1 per 9, but his k/bb ratio was still good. I am sure he will get called up as soon as there is an injury or someone struggles.
Tim Stewart
HalosHeavenJJ – I think Joyce is in the same boat as Neno. They both have a shot to make it this year, but I think it might take a lot to skip at least some games at AAA. They both have played looked amazing even though they where pushed to AA in there 1st taste of pro ball. I think Neto might be even a little more seasoned than Joyce. Joyce was not used as predominately as Neto in college and got slightly less experience at the pro level. 147 at bats to 13 innings. There also might be more need ss if he looks like he’s ready enough.
Ron Hayes
We want more!
orange2001
Nice signing.
Rsox
If the Angels luck holds true to form Moore will become less very quickly
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Teams make their own luck by hunkering down and do good scouting, drafting, mentoring and preparing. Teams that have more injuries or regressing players over a prolonged period of time are not unlucky, just bad. I say this and the Angels are my fourth favorite team after Cubs, Dodgers and A’s.
bloomquist4hof
There’s still plenty of luck in it but your point holds true
neo
I’d wonder how lucky last year was for Moore. Only the second time in the past ten years he had a season of more than a couple appearances where he registers at least a 100 ERA+. 2013 and 2022. That’s quite a gap of demonstrating high performance.
Accordingly it’s a one year deal. I wonder what the Rangers were asking for him at last year’s deadline? A lot of teams probably have doubts which version of Moore they will get, but that doesn’t stop the Angels from showing they are thirsty for pitching.
Halo11Fan
RSox. The Angels signed the director of Driveline. I have hope.
Rsox
They’ve had some success so that can only help the Angels in the long run
carllafong
You mean like the Red Sox?
Rsox
“Ooh, good comeback Potsie”
carllafong
You must be from Revere!
Angels2WS
witty…but hopefully luck will begin to even out for the Halos and he’ll perform more or less like he did in 2022.
radhippo
Nice pickup. Bullpens are becoming more important every season. The Angels have a decent starting staff but they will need a ton of help all year. They could use a couple more guys that can shorten the games.
Devlsh
I think the Cardinals are going to regret not going after bargains like Chafin and Moore. They’re a playoff team, and they’re currently relying on G. Cabrera, Misiewicz, Thompson and others with even less experience.
stymeedone
Chafin got $6.5MM, which is pretty up there for a non closer, and they haven’t yet posted what Moore was able to get. So what “bargains” are you referring to?
JoeBrady
$7.55M feels a little expensive. He was pretty bad from 2017-2021, and injured. Even in 2022, he had a 4.6 BB9. Even his K/W was only 2.18. His BABIP, LOB%, and HR/FB seem ripe for regression.
Halo11Fan
I’d rather have Chaffin, but I’m not complaining.
Mrbarky
Moore could be the next Andy Hassler.He like Hassler is a big lefty with great stuff who became a pretty good reliever after up and down yrs as a starter.Angel fans should like this move.
User 2079935927
Mr Barry- I too remember Hassler pitching great as a reliever. Hassler the LH and Don Aase the RH out of the pen for Gene March. Then Aase and Fred Lynn high tailed it to Baltimore in 85.
rottenboyfriend
The Angels need at least 10 starters to remain competitive over a 162 game season! 5 starters plus Canning Bush and Rodrigues is not enough! Sign Bauer who U get for practically nothing salary wise and this team has the potential to go all the way! Ohtani, Anderson and Bauer make a strong playoff rotation! When U haven’t been in the post season in forever whatever negatives the Bauer signing create will be quickly forgotten if the team wins!
outinleftfield
Another short term deal that will incrementally help the Angels. I sure hope he can repeat 2022 for us before he moves on.
rottenboyfriend
Angels should have signed Chaplin verses Moore! More pro in track record and for $1.25 million less!
Troutahni
Charlie Chaplin is alive? And he plays bazeball?
Tim Stewart
Troutahni – He didn’t say Charlie (what a curve). He thinks with all the injuries and bad luck we should hire a team chaplin_.t_. I think you can get one for a lot cheaper, unless he says you need to donate millions if you want to change things. Perry went and got Moore relief pitching and he will.
carllafong
Yes, he speaks softly and carries a big walking stick.
Motor City Beach Bum
Moore gets more than Chafin for one good year? Say whaaat
Buff Barnacles
These have been a bunch of neat moves by The Angels this off season. They have plenty of star power and didn’t need a big name; they just needed a tonne of depth and a hitting roster that doesn’t fall off a boat after the 4th hitter.
urnuts
Mistake!
RyÅnWKrol
Now the staff looks something like this:
Ohtani
Anderson
Sandoval
Detmers
Suarez
Barria
Davidson
Herget
Quijada
Loup
Tepera
Moore
Estevez
Unless the Angels decide on another option besides Davidson, or just add another swing man in his stead, this is probably it. Not bad. Roles are more defined than in recent years.
urnuts
Too many left handed pitchers.
Troutahni
Canning and some others at Salt Lake for sixth man swing options. You’ve got to believe Barria will pitch sometimes as a 6th man option in long consecutive games without a break.
I noticed last season that Barria really earned the trust of Phil Nevin making me believe he will use him in a multitude of times and will not hesitate to bring him in at any juncture of the game.
Many people will scoff when i say Jaime Barria is a major key to the success of this season. He could also be traded in a package to pick up a SS.
If Chris Rodriguez is healthy they might call him up to get crucial outs in relief. He has the stuff to get on a strikeout roll in dominating a game.
Many fans, not prognosticators, don’t realize that the Angels may potentially pass the Stros with their pitching. The Angels have the market cornered with Lefties.
If your team has trouble with Lefties you definitely will not be looking forward to facing the Angels this season.
The As we’re the 3rd worst team facing lefties in batting average, hitting. 220.
Seattle was 8th worst at. 233.
Texas team ba. Of. 246
Astros hit at. 261.
I can’t wait for the Angels to face Milwaukee at the end of April.
I see 3 series sweeps for the Angels in April.
I predict the Angels will be 20-7 after April. It gets much harder in May and see the Angels going. 500 in June, July, and August.
A good month in September will put the Angels’ record at 95 wins and 67 losses, which will be close to the borderline of qualifying for the playoffs.
Tim Stewart
I hope you’r right about everything. I think they will hit really good this year I also think they make the post season. I think 95 wins will be easily a playoff spot. maybe 2nd most in AL. there are a lot of teams that could have wining records.
orange2001
Wantz is an arm I’d rather carry over Davidson. Davidson looked awful last season. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets DFA’d early into the season or bury him in triple-A.
Big whiffa
Moore got paid ! Nice job waiting it out !
cwsOverhaul
Angels back on the prowl for Andrus now?
Tim Stewart
I am not sure how much better he is than what we have. At the very least we have Soto and probably we will see Neto sometime in 23.