Minor role changes on staff won't alter much
DENVER -- Angels manager Mike Scioscia insists that the way the organization communicates information to its players "hasn't changed a bit," even in the wake of Jerry Dipoto's sudden resignation as general manager last week.
"We have our pitchers' meeting before every series, our hitters' meetings every day, the meeting format is the same, the information is the same," Scioscia said prior to Tuesday's game against the Rockies at Coors Field. "Nothing has really changed."
Some roles have, though.
Rico Brogna, previously labeled a "player information coach," used to be the liaison between the front office and coaching staff when it came to scouting information. Now Brogna is helping out in the pro-scouting department and is no longer traveling with the team.
Scioscia said pitching coach Mike Butcher will handle the reports on the pitching side, with the three hitting coaches -- Don Baylor, Dave Hansen and Paul Sorrento -- handling it on the offensive side. Infield coach Alfredo Griffin and outfield coach Dino Ebel would take care of the defensive reports.
Jeremy Zoll (scouting coordinator) and Jonathan Strangio (manager of Major League operations) will continue to compile data, but Zoll isn't handling replay reviews for the time being.
Senior video coordinator Diego Lopez is in charge of monitoring the live feed to determine which calls get challenged by Scioscia on this road trip, with batting-practice pitcher Mike Ashman relaying the information to Ebel in-game. Scioscia said he anticipates Zoll continuing to handle replay reviews after the All-Star break, but his role is still up in the air.
Interim general manager Bill Stoneman will meet up with the team in Seattle on Thursday. And for the time being, pretty much every executive and scout, most of them brought in by Dipoto, is staying with the organization.
"That's the best thing for us to do as a group," a source said. "We all have worked to get this thing going the right way and want to see it through."
Worth noting
• Mike Trout began to wear an elbow guard after he was hit by a pitch in the first inning Tuesday night and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Trout has been plunked in three straight games and said he's been hit in that same area three times over the last two weeks. He gets thrown to inside very frequently, too. Trout said he doesn't like wearing elbow guards, "but when you start getting hit in the same place three times, it's time to put a guard on."
• Hector Santiago, on not getting selected for the All-Star Game despite boasting a 2.40 ERA: "I already have plans in Arizona. I was hoping for it, but I wasn't expecting it. I think I was watching a movie when it all came out. ... If I pick up my phone and it's someone calling me about [going to the All-Star Game], I'll be happy about it, but if not, I'll be home in Arizona relaxing."
• Huston Street, who has previously expressed frustration with the fan-voting process for the All-Star Game, on how it all turned out:
"It ended up being solid. I think you can always improve a system. I don't have a perfect scenario. I know 100 percent that if you left it up to the players, that would be a bad idea, maybe a worse idea."
• Jered Weaver (inflammation in his left hip) will throw another bullpen session on Wednesday, this time simulating the rest between innings. Scioscia said Weaver's biggest issue is the timing of his delivery. The Angels still aren't sure if he'll require a rehab start, but Weaver isn't expected back until after the All-Star break.