J.P. Hoornstra caught up with Angels bench coach Dino Ebel to talk about infield shifts …
“Basically what we’ve been doing is status quo,” said bench coach Dino Ebel, who is in charge of moving the Angels’ infielders during the game along with first base coach Alfredo Griffin.
The Angels released their complete spring training television schedule. The five games against the Dodgers (March 19, March 28 and April 2-4) will not be blacked out in SportsNet LA markets. The April 4 game is on KCOP, the April 2 game is on Prime Ticket, and the other three are on Fox Sports West.
Also, Pitcher Garrett Richards threw off a mound from a full windup for the first time since his knee surgery last year.
– J.P. Hoornstra
J.P. Hoornstra talked with Angels players about the Josh Hamilton situation …
Angels pitcher C.J. Wilson, who has been Hamilton’s teammate for six-plus seasons in Texas and Anaheim, understands why Hamilton’s struggles with addiction never simply went away.
“I had some family members who went through some of this stuff growing up,” Wilson said. “That’s one of the reasons why I’m straight edged, I’ve never drank or done drugs in my life because I know exactly how scary this stuff is. I know how the pull of addiction is a lifelong struggle for people.”
Sounds like a simple plan, J.P. Hoornstra checks in with the reigning American League MVP
What’s next for the reigning American League Most Valuable Player?
Mike Trout’s physical appearance gave one clue Wednesday. Addressing reporters on the first day of spring training for Angels position players, Trout said he weighs 239 pounds — “right where I want to be,” and only one pound above his playing weight last year.
Trout said he would like to steal more bases in 2015. His trim physique suggests he isn’t kidding.
“Definitely I’m trying to run more,” Trout said. “I haven’t talked to (Angels manager Mike) Scioscia and Dino (Ebel, the Angels’ bench coach) but I’m sure they’re on board with it, trying to get me to second as much as I can.”
