This year has been tough for the Los Angeles Angels.
They’ve extended their playoff drought and clinched their ninth straight losing season. With 95 losses, they are set to finish last for the first time since 1999, tying franchise records from 1968 and 1980.
Ron Washington, in his first year as manager, has shown frustration multiple times this season. Earlier this week, he told the LA Times: “We’re going to get some baseball players who may not be superstars, but they know how to play,” adding that current players aren’t big-league material and can’t help win a championship.
This comment seemed harsh toward both young players and the front office that hired him. He later tried to clarify his statement to Sam Blum of The Athletic: “I misspoke,” Washington said. “I didn’t mean it like that; I meant these players need time to grow into big-league players.”
Challenges with Veterans:
The Angels have two high-priced veterans—Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon—who played only 29 and 57 games respectively this year. This left younger players like Logan O’Hoppe, Nolan Schanuel, Zach Neto, and Jo Adell (all under 25) with a lot of responsibility.
Fans might think it’s unfair to expect so much from such young talent.
In July, things looked promising as the team had a winning record and was 47-61 heading into August. However, they’ve struggled since then with a poor record of 16-34 in August and September.
What do you think about Washington’s comments?
