Episodes
The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss all the drama surrounding Shohei Ohtani and his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. It's a scandal that has rocked the sports world. Blum and Grossman also delve into the Angels offseason, and why it came up short. Does the team have any chance to win?
Published 03/25/24
The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman break down the newsworthy comments made by Anthony Rendon and Mike Trout at the outset of spring training. Rendon said that baseball wasn't a top priority for him. Trout called on the organization to make more additions, while hinting that he could be open to a trade in the future if things don't improve. Sam and Connor discuss all of it.
Published 02/20/24
The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman assess the Angels' dormant offseason. The team has made some additions around the edges, but has failed to land a big name free agent. They haven't acquired and 40-man roster players via trade. What's the reason for this? And will the team make significant moves before the start of the season?
Published 01/15/24
The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman break down Shohei Ohtani's departure from the Angels. Who is to blame for him heading up north to Los Angeles? Where do the Angels go from here? And how do we feel about the media circus that took over his free agency?
Published 12/11/23
The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the Angels' hire of manager Ron Washington. What do they make of the decision? What else do the Angels need to do around him? What challenges does he face? Plus, the two discuss Shohei Ohtani and his free agency. Will the Angels have a chance to sign two-way phenom?
Published 11/10/23
The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the Angels' decisions to retain GM Perry Minasian and let manager Phil Nevin go. What do those decisions signal about the future of the franchise? What direction are the Angels headed?
Published 10/12/23
The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman wrap up the regular season by discussing the Angels' leadership, and if they should be brought back despite the team's struggles in 2023. The two also discuss Arte Moreno's frugal ways and each pick their most random Angels player from the season.
Published 09/30/23
The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman talk about the mess that is the Angels. From the spiraling season, to the waivers, to the Ohtani stunt double, it can never be easy or simple. It's all added up to one of the most memorably chaotic seasons ever. Blum and Grossman discuss it all.
Published 09/07/23
The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss Shohei Ohtani's UCL tear and what it means for the Angels. They dissect where the team is at in the season, and if the copious failures will hurt LAA's chances of resigning the two-way superstar. Plus, a discussion about retiring numbers, and why Arte Moreno has failed in not doing so during his two-decade tenure.
Published 08/25/23
The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman break down the Angels potentially season-defining week. Los Angeles has gone 0-6 since the trade deadline, and almost immediately fallen out of contention with 49 games to play. Is there any hope left in the season? Or did the sweep to the Mariners put the nail in the coffin?
Published 08/07/23
The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the Angels trade deadline strategy. Does it make sense? Do they have a shot at the playoffs? They've clearly gone all in, and are the sport's most fascinating team. How will it all play out in the end? These questions and more are discussed by Connor and Sam at length. Plus, thoughts on Jared Walsh's DFA.
Published 07/31/23
The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the disaster that has been the Angels over the last three weeks. It culminated in a humiliating loss on Sunday against the Astros. A chance to get within four games of the wild card squandered. With 13 games before the trade deadline, should the Angels trade Shohei Ohtani. The hosts delve deep into that timely topic.
Published 07/17/23
The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the Angels' odd week. The team outscored its opposition by 16 runs, but went had a 1-4 record. They also made two key trades for Eduardo Escobar and Mike Moustakas. How do we view these deals and what they might mean for the team short-term and long-term? Sam and Connor also assess the decisions to call up David Fletcher and option Jared Walsh.
Published 06/26/23
The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the Angels' winning ways. The Halos have taken 11-of-14, and are alone in the AL's second wild card spot. This is as good a moment for the Angels in years. So what does it mean? Are they truly contenders? And how will this hot stretch inform their trade deadline strategy?
Published 06/19/23
The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman dive into the Angels' recent stretch of losing. And they discuss what it means in the context of the trade deadline coming in the next two months. Every game carries great importance for the future of the franchise. They also discuss the Angels restricting access to coaches on questions the organization deems too negative. What are the roots of the policy and why does it impact the fans?
Published 06/06/23
The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the Angels' decision to call up Sam Bachman. What does it mean for the team? And why do they continuously call up their prospects so quickly? Also what should we make of the team's recent winning streak?
Published 05/26/23
The Athletic's Angels beat reporter Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the current state of the Angels. After losing two excruciating games in Cleveland, the question must be asked. Why does every loss have to be in the most painful way possible? We also discuss Anthony Rendon and his interesting and somewhat disappointing start to the season.
Published 05/15/23
The Athletic's Angels beat reporter Sam Blum discusses the start of the team's season alongside co-host and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman. The two talk about the early returns on the 2023 season. The big picture question: Is the team any good? A 15-14 record isn't bad, but it also leaves a lot to be desired. Plus, our thoughts on the A's impending move to Las Vegas.
Published 05/02/23
The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the Angels' week of blunders. It has cost the team four games in which they led. How serious of a problem is this for the 7-8 Halos? Who's to blame for the mistakes? And what are the solutions? Plus a fun fact linking the Angels and Sacramento Kings that you probably didn't know!
Published 04/16/23
The Athletic's Angels beat reporter Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the state of the Angels bullpen. The team is 5-4, but the bullpen has coughed up winnable games in three losses. How concerned should fans be? What are potential solutions? And is there anyone to blame for the group's woes in the first nine games?
Published 04/10/23
The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss Mike Trout. The all-time great is the only person in the organization who is signed on for the long-term. The futures of Phil Nevin, Perry Minasian, Shohei Ohtani and Arte Moreno are all likely tied to how the team performs this season. Trout has a different dynamic. What might that mean for his future?
Published 03/28/23
The Athletic's Angels beat reporter Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss Arte Moreno's recent media availability. It was the first time the Angels owner has talked to local reporters in three years. He defended his investments and the way he spends money. But should he?
Published 03/21/23
Coming soon. A new podcast bringing you the latest insider information on the Angels. Hosted by Sam Blum and Connor Grossman.
Published 03/21/23