Spring Training Sparkles Despite Last Year’s Struggles
Angels manager Ron Washington is diving headfirst into his second season with the team, a season that promises both challenges and opportunities. Despite a dismal 99-loss record in 2022 and the owner’s grim prediction of a financial loss of at least $50 to $60 million this year, Washington remains unfailingly optimistic. "This is the greatest time of the year," he declared with a smile, sitting in a golf cart as his players warmed up under the Arizona sun. Spring training, he explained, is a time of preparation and refinement, giving every player a chance to hone their skills and work towards improvement. "We’ve got a group that’s been impressive as far as going about their business. We’ve got a group that can execute things a lot better than the year before," he added, his confidence palpable.
Renewed Hope in Spring’s Air
Baseball, more than any other sport, thrives on the spirit of renewal and fresh starts. The Angels, who endured a brutal 99-loss season, are no exception. "It’s always important to have a reset. And that’s what spring training is," Washington emphasized. He knows from experience that drastic improvements are possible; in Texas, he transformed a team that had lost 87 games into back-to-back World Series contenders within three years. Similarly, during his time as a coach in Atlanta, he witnessed the Braves go from a 90-loss season to a 90-win campaign. These experiences fuel his belief that the Angels can turn things around. Yet, he is also acutely aware that optimism must be backed by tangible performance. "You know you can talk, but you’ve just got to walk the walk. In the game of baseball, it’s always about: What have you done for me lately?" Washington said, his words a blend of encouragement and realism.
A Clean Slate, But No Guarantees
Catcher Logan O’Hoppe, a veteran of three big-league seasons, all on losing teams, echoed Washington’s sentiments. "Everyone always loves a clean slate," he agreed. "But we can’t win opening day today. We can’t win the division today. We can’t win a ring today." The immediate focus, for O’Hoppe and his teammates, is on the present and the work that lies ahead. Despite the tough 2022 season, he sees a silver lining. "A tough year last year brought us all closer. I learned a lot of lessons from last year," he reflected. "But I don’t ever want to go through it again." This sentiment underscores the determination in the clubhouse, a blend of camaraderie and a strong desire to break the losing streak.
Learning from Past Mistakes
Washington is quick to acknowledge that last season’s struggles are not to be forgotten. "Last season does matter so that you don’t fall into where things didn’t go right. That’s the only reason it matters," he said. The Angels must avoid repeating the mistakes that led to their record-setting 99 losses. This narrative of learning and improving is central to their approach this year. The team is focusing on execution and professionalism to ensure they don’t slip back into their previous form. Washington’s flu-like symptoms weren’t enough to dampen his enthusiasm, and he remains committed to leading his team towards a better future.
The Importance of a Healthy Core
One of the most critical factors in the Angels’ potential turnaround is the health of their core players. Mike Trout, a three-time MVP, played a career-low 29 games last season and has averaged fewer than 64 games over the last five. Washington is counting on Mike Frostad, the Angels’ head athletic trainer, to keep Trout and other key players like Jorge Soler and Taylor Ward in top form. "We need our core to stay healthy," Washington stressed. "That means Mike. That means Soler staying healthy. That means Taylor Ward staying healthy. That means O’Hoppe, Neto, Schanuel, Adell." If these players can stay on the field, the Angels’ pitching staff will be more balanced, and their offense and defense will be more robust, leading to a more competitive team overall.
Optimism and the Road Ahead
With two weeks of spring training under their belts, the Angels are still in a position of hope and possibility. Washington’s unwavering optimism is contagious, and he is confident that this year will bring better results. "The Angels will start the season with the same record as everyone else," he noted. "And I still believe this year will be better than the last one." Despite the financial and performance-related challenges, the manager and his players are determined to make the most of their new beginning. Whether their efforts will lead to a dramatic improvement remains to be seen, but for now, the excitement of spring training is enough to keep everyone motivated and optimistic.
