Minasian on roster, NRIs, AL West and camp
ANAHEIM -- With Angels pitchers and catchers set to report at the club’s Spring Training complex in Tempe, Ariz., on Tuesday, general manager Perry Minasian addressed a variety of topics when talking to the media via Zoom on Thursday.
Additionally, the club announced its non-roster invites to Spring Training, a group that includes several prospects among the club’s Top 30, per MLB Pipeline, including left-hander Reid Detmers (No. 2), outfielder Jordyn Adams (No. 3), infielder Jeremiah Jackson (No. 4), left-hander Packy Naughton (No. 12), infielder Livan Soto (No. 18) and right-hander Denny Brady (No. 29).
Veterans with invites include starting pitchers Davis Daniel, Jake Fria and Thomas Pannone; right-handed relievers Junior Guerra, Brendan McCurry, Jake Reed and Ben Rowen, catchers Juan Graterol, Jack Kruger, Anthony Mulrine, Keinner Piña and Harrison Wenson; infielders Phil Gosselin, Jose Rojas and Kean Wong; and outfielders Juan Lagares, Brennon Lund and Scott Schebler.
Here's more on what Minasian had to say with Spring Training just around the corner:
On the possibility of adding more to the roster before Spring Training:
"Never say never. There's a possibility that we could add to the current group we have. But we are prepared to go into Spring Training with what we currently have, we feel like we've upgraded the roster in a lot of different areas over the course of the offseason, so is it a possibility? Yes. Will it actually end up happening? We'll see."
On the additions of starters Alex Cobb and José Quintana, shortstop José Iglesias, catcher Kurt Suzuki, outfielder Dexter Fowler, closer Raisel Iglesias and relievers Alex Claudio and Aaron Slegers this offseason:
"I don't know if you're ever satisfied when it comes to roster building. You always want to improve as much as you can. We do feel like we've improved the overall group from a depth standpoint, I think we've added some players that have been there and done that. And whether it's on the offensive side, the defensive side or on the mound, I think raising the floor and bringing in quality people and quality Major League players, we've been able to do that this offseason."
On the non-roster invites:
"A big part of our non-roster invitee group is you see a pretty good mix of veterans that have experienced a lot of different things at the Major League level, and some of our upper echelon prospects. Adams had a really good alt-site last year and worked really hard, so we felt like he deserves to show up in Spring Training and be around some of the outfield talent we have. And same thing with Jeremiah Jackson, we feel like the kid can handle it from a makeup standpoint and he's obviously very, very talented."
On the health of catcher Max Stassi (left hip surgery) and infielder Franklin Barreto (left shoulder surgery):
"Those two guys are feeling on time with their current rehab, and they both feel pretty good at this point in time. We're excited to have them show up at camp and our training staff can get their hands on them and see exactly where they're at. But I talked to Max last week and he's feeling really excited about where he is physically."
On younger starting pitchers such as Jaime Barria, Patrick Sandoval, Reid Detmers, Chris Rodriguez and José Suarez:
"It's an exciting group. There's a lot of untapped potential in some of these guys, whether it's Barria or Sandoval or Suarez. There's a group of five to seven players we feel like haven't even scratched the surface and could help us over the course of a season."
On the American League West:
“It's a difficult division. Oakland has been very good. They're run extremely well. I think it's one of the best front offices in the game. Houston has had an outstanding run and they still have a lot of talented players. Seattle, they've retooled to a certain extent, they've got some young exciting players on the cusp of being there and then broke in some young players the previous year. Texas has been active this offseason and they also have some interesting pieces, so it's going to be a difficult division. We've got our work cut out."
On the current investigation regarding pitching coach Mickey Callaway:
"From a timeframe standpoint, I have no idea. I can't comment on obviously what's going on. But as far as the current situation, we have backup plans that we've discussed. We just have to see where it goes over the next couple days.”