TEMPE, Ariz. – The Los Angeles Angels started spring training without Shohei Ohtani for the first time since 2017 and with a new manager in Ron Washington.
Ohtani, an unheralded two-time superstar, left for a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Washington took over after Phil Niven was fired and Washington is hoping to get the Angels back into the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
“I'm excited. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else on the face of this earth because we have a chance to do something very special here,” Washington said Wednesday as the Angels' pitchers and catchers began practice. “I'm just trying to get that mentality going in that direction.”
Washington, 71, is the oldest current big-league coach, managing a team for the first time since leading the Texas Rangers from 2007 to 2014. The key for the Angels will be the health of Mike Trout, the three-time AL MVP who was limited to 82 games last year. Trout has played just one game since fracturing a metatarsal bone in his left hand on July 3, and the 32-year-old finished with a .263 average, 18 homers and 44 RBI.
Washington addressed the players on the first day.
“The main message I sent to them is work ethic, taking care of each other and developing the culture and structure. You've got to be a team to be successful,” Washington told the players. “You can't have people going in different directions. That's the main thing.”
“I want Mike Trout to be Mike Trout. I want him to lead. I want the rest of the guys to grow,” Washington added.
Even if Ohtani had stayed, the Angels wouldn't have been in the rotation this season — Ohtani won't pitch until 2025 after elbow surgery.
Left-handers Patrick Sandoval, Reid Detmers and Tyler Anderson return to the rotation along with right-hander Griffin Canning.
Carlos Estevez remains closer after making 31 saves in 35 chances for a team that went 73-89 for the second straight year.
“I love the enthusiasm surrounding this group,” Estevez said. “I love the atmosphere and energy.”
Having Washington around helps.
“We can get a lot out of our younger players,” Estevez said. “It's great to see a legend looking after this group. You can see by the knowledge he has and the way he loves to play, that it will help boost their confidence.”
Nolan Schanuel made his debut on August 18 and hit .275 with one homer, six RBI and a .402 on-base percentage. He was the first player to reach the major leagues from last year's draft, and the 11th player selected overall, hitting home runs in all 28 starts.
“Right now, he's our first baseman,” Washington said. “We have a lot of hope for him, and I like his work ethic.”
Los Angeles is counting on guys like Shanuel, who turned 22 on Wednesday, and 23-year-old Zach Neto, the Angels' 2022 first-round pick.
The Angels did not make any major offseason acquisitions, instead bringing in veterans like Aaron Hicks, Miguel Sano, and Hunter Dozier.
Dozier, 32, is playing outside the Kansas City Royals organization for the first time. He expects to continue in a useful role over time in the infield corners and outfield alongside the designated hitter.
“It's nice to kind of get a fresh start,” Dozier said. “I'm ready for anything.”
One relic of his days in Kansas City is his official number – 17 – which happens to be the number Ohtani left behind. He said there was no other significance to that.
“I was 17 and been with the Royals for six years,” Dozier said.
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