Calling All Halos: A show about the Los Angeles Angels

How and when will Anthony Rendon's time with the Angels end? Feb 18, 2025

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman are back with a new episode of Calling All Halos. They discuss Anthony Rendon's season-ending injury, and predict how his time with the Angels will officially end. Plus, we guess the Angels' final record for 2025, and assess some of the recent moves they've made, adding Kenley Jansen and Yoan Moncada.

Why haven't the Angels followed through (yet) on their promise of a busy offseason? Feb 04, 2025

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the Angels offseason. The team has done almost nothing the last 10 weeks after promising to be aggressive this winter to overhaul a roster that finished 63-99 last season. Plus, what do we make of the Pete Alonso rumors? And does the Luca Doncic trade evoke thoughts of what a Mike Trout deal could look like?

Is this Angels' offseason actually moving them toward contention in 2025? Dec 02, 2024

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman dive into the Angels' offseason. It's been very busy, with many additions. But what does it actually mean for a franchise that won 63 games last year, and hasn't had a winning season in a decade? Is this actually moving in the right direction? Or is it just another year of selling fans on contention without a roster to match?

Will Angels owner Arte Moreno let his front office implement an offseason plan? Nov 04, 2024

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman are back with another episode of Calling All Halos. They discuss the Angels' offseason plan, or lack thereof. With all spending done on a "case-by-case" basis, GM Perry Minasian has limited autonomy. Also, will Anthony Rendon be released? And which other free agents might the Angels pursue?

Will the Angels finish with their worst-ever record? Sep 20, 2024

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the state of the Angels. The roster isn't ideal. The long-term outlook isn't either. Is there any reason for optimism? Plus the fan that caught Shohei Ohtani's 50-50 home run ball didn't give it back. Should he have?

Are the Angels headed in the right direction under GM Perry Minasian? Aug 30, 2024

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the Angels' decision to extend GM Perry Minasian for two seasons. Is the team headed in the right direction? And what should they do about Anthony Rendon after another bad season? Plus the Angels called up two of their top pitching prospects. What should we expect?

What does the Angels' resurgence mean for their future plans? Aug 09, 2024

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the red-hot Halos. Their young players are firing on all cylinders. The growth that they've preached is proving to be legit? So what does that mean for their competitive window? What does it mean for their offseason? What does it mean for the future of manager Ron Washington and GM Perry Minasian?

Does the Angels' improved play impact the deadline or their future? Jul 03, 2024

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the red-hot Angels on this new episode. But more importantly, they assess whether the winning ways should impact the trade deadline. Or, big picture, how we view the Angels' direction. Plus, is Logan O'Hoppe the Angels' captain? And what's it like to watch a game in Oakland this season?

Calling All Halos mailbag: We answer questions from fans Jun 18, 2024

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman mix things up on this episode of Calling All Halos. They take questions from listeners about the state of the franchise, prospects, the front office/coaching staff and much more. When will Arte Moreno sell? Which young players can you build around? Is there any hope? Listen to hear our thoughts.

Should the Angels trade players with years of team control? May 30, 2024

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the Angels trade deadline strategy. With the postseason seemingly out of reach once again, should the Angels trade players like Taylor Ward, Luis Rengifo, Patrick Sandoval, etc., despite having years of team control? Plus, we discuss Ron Washington's managerial style and GM Perry Minasian's decision to decline The Athletic's interview request.

Do the Angels need a truly awful season as a wake-up call? May 09, 2024

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman break down the Angels' horrible play of late. Poor fundamentals. Poor pitching, hitting and the expected injury bug have all plagued this team. Everyone could see it coming. Except the Angels. Do the Angels need an awful year in order to recognize the changes that are needed? Plus Sam and Connor discuss the one team worse than the Angels in the AL West: The Astros.

Are the Angels helping or hurting their youngest MLB players? Apr 15, 2024

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman take a look at the Angels after two weeks of play. They are, at least, competitive. But how set up are they for success this season? And is it helping or hurting them long term to be relying so heavily on Nolan Schanuel and Zach Neto? And is it helping or hurting them to give Mickey Moniak and Jo Adell inconsistent playing time? Sam and Connor also discuss the latest updates in the Ippei Mizuhara gambling scandal.

What do we make of the Shohei Ohtani/Ippei Mizuhara saga? Mar 25, 2024

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss all the drama surrounding Shohei Ohtani and his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. It's a scandal that has rocked the sports world. Blum and Grossman also delve into the Angels offseason, and why it came up short. Does the team have any chance to win?

What do we make of Anthony Rendon's and Mike Trout's comments at Angels spring training? Feb 20, 2024

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman break down the newsworthy comments made by Anthony Rendon and Mike Trout at the outset of spring training. Rendon said that baseball wasn't a top priority for him. Trout called on the organization to make more additions, while hinting that he could be open to a trade in the future if things don't improve. Sam and Connor discuss all of it.

Why haven't the Angels done anything this offseason? Jan 15, 2024

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman assess the Angels' dormant offseason. The team has made some additions around the edges, but has failed to land a big name free agent. They haven't acquired and 40-man roster players via trade. What's the reason for this? And will the team make significant moves before the start of the season?

Why did Shohei Ohtani leave the Angels, and who's to blame? Dec 11, 2023

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman break down Shohei Ohtani's departure from the Angels. Who is to blame for him heading up north to Los Angeles? Where do the Angels go from here? And how do we feel about the media circus that took over his free agency?

What do we make of the Angels hiring Ron Washington to manage? Nov 10, 2023

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the Angels' hire of manager Ron Washington. What do they make of the decision? What else do the Angels need to do around him? What challenges does he face? Plus, the two discuss Shohei Ohtani and his free agency. Will the Angels have a chance to sign two-way phenom?

Minasian was kept. Nevin was not. Where do the Angels go from here? Oct 12, 2023

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the Angels' decisions to retain GM Perry Minasian and let manager Phil Nevin go. What do those decisions signal about the future of the franchise? What direction are the Angels headed?

Should the Angels make changes at GM or manager? Sep 30, 2023

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman wrap up the regular season by discussing the Angels' leadership, and if they should be brought back despite the team's struggles in 2023. The two also discuss Arte Moreno's frugal ways and each pick their most random Angels player from the season.

Why are the Angels the way that they are? Sep 07, 2023

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman talk about the mess that is the Angels. From the spiraling season, to the waivers, to the Ohtani stunt double, it can never be easy or simple. It's all added up to one of the most memorably chaotic seasons ever. Blum and Grossman discuss it all.

What does Shohei Ohtani's injury mean for the Angels? Aug 25, 2023

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss Shohei Ohtani's UCL tear and what it means for the Angels. They dissect where the team is at in the season, and if the copious failures will hurt LAA's chances of resigning the two-way superstar. Plus, a discussion about retiring numbers, and why Arte Moreno has failed in not doing so during his two-decade tenure.

Do the Angels still have a realistic playoff path? Aug 07, 2023

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman break down the Angels potentially season-defining week. Los Angeles has gone 0-6 since the trade deadline, and almost immediately fallen out of contention with 49 games to play. Is there any hope left in the season? Or did the sweep to the Mariners put the nail in the coffin?

What do we make of the Angels' trade deadline strategy? Jul 31, 2023

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the Angels trade deadline strategy. Does it make sense? Do they have a shot at the playoffs? They've clearly gone all in, and are the sport's most fascinating team. How will it all play out in the end? These questions and more are discussed by Connor and Sam at length. Plus, thoughts on Jared Walsh's DFA.

Should the disastrous Angels trade Shohei Ohtani? Jul 17, 2023

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the disaster that has been the Angels over the last three weeks. It culminated in a humiliating loss on Sunday against the Astros. A chance to get within four games of the wild card squandered. With 13 games before the trade deadline, should the Angels trade Shohei Ohtani. The hosts delve deep into that timely topic.

Are the Angels' weekend trades more timely or desperate? Jun 26, 2023

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the Angels' odd week. The team outscored its opposition by 16 runs, but went had a 1-4 record. They also made two key trades for Eduardo Escobar and Mike Moustakas. How do we view these deals and what they might mean for the team short-term and long-term? Sam and Connor also assess the decisions to call up David Fletcher and option Jared Walsh.

Is this Angels team a true contender? Jun 19, 2023

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the Angels' winning ways. The Halos have taken 11-of-14, and are alone in the AL's second wild card spot. This is as good a moment for the Angels in years. So what does it mean? Are they truly contenders? And how will this hot stretch inform their trade deadline strategy?

How will the Angels' long-term future be dictated by the next 46 games? Jun 06, 2023

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman dive into the Angels' recent stretch of losing. And they discuss what it means in the context of the trade deadline coming in the next two months. Every game carries great importance for the future of the franchise. They also discuss the Angels restricting access to coaches on questions the organization deems too negative. What are the roots of the policy and why does it impact the fans?

Why are the Angels so aggressive in calling up their prospects? May 26, 2023

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the Angels' decision to call up Sam Bachman. What does it mean for the team? And why do they continuously call up their prospects so quickly? Also what should we make of the team's recent winning streak?

Why do Angels losses always come in the most excruciating fashion? May 15, 2023

The Athletic's Angels beat reporter Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the current state of the Angels. After losing two excruciating games in Cleveland, the question must be asked. Why does every loss have to be in the most painful way possible? We also discuss Anthony Rendon and his interesting and somewhat disappointing start to the season.

After 1 month: Are the Angels a good team? May 02, 2023

The Athletic's Angels beat reporter Sam Blum discusses the start of the team's season alongside co-host and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman. The two talk about the early returns on the 2023 season. The big picture question: Is the team any good? A 15-14 record isn't bad, but it also leaves a lot to be desired. Plus, our thoughts on the A's impending move to Las Vegas.

What do we make of the Angels' mistake-filled week? Apr 16, 2023

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the Angels' week of blunders. It has cost the team four games in which they led. How serious of a problem is this for the 7-8 Halos? Who's to blame for the mistakes? And what are the solutions? Plus a fun fact linking the Angels and Sacramento Kings that you probably didn't know!

How concerning is the Angels bullpen situation? Apr 10, 2023

The Athletic's Angels beat reporter Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss the state of the Angels bullpen. The team is 5-4, but the bullpen has coughed up winnable games in three losses. How concerned should fans be? What are potential solutions? And is there anyone to blame for the group's woes in the first nine games?

What does Mike Trout's future with the Angels look like? Mar 28, 2023

The Athletic's Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss Mike Trout. The all-time great is the only person in the organization who is signed on for the long-term. The futures of Phil Nevin, Perry Minasian, Shohei Ohtani and Arte Moreno are all likely tied to how the team performs this season. Trout has a different dynamic. What might that mean for his future?

Should Angels owner Arte Moreno be defending his how he spends? Mar 21, 2023

The Athletic's Angels beat reporter Sam Blum and former Sports Illustrated baseball editor Connor Grossman discuss Arte Moreno's recent media availability. It was the first time the Angels owner has talked to local reporters in three years. He defended his investments and the way he spends money. But should he?

Calling All Halos Trailer Mar 21, 2023

Coming soon. A new podcast bringing you the latest insider information on the Angels. Hosted by Sam Blum and Connor Grossman.

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