Black Monday Special: 2020 MLB Edition
West Coast
Billy Eppler – Los Angeles Angels
The Angels have the best player in baseball and one of the best of all time in Mike Trout, the celebrity manager in Joe Maddon, and the big free-agent signing in Anthony Rendon. Throw in the return of two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani and Jo Adell waiting in the wings, the Angels are primed to contend in a tough AL West.
Eppler has been at the helm since 2015 and hasn’t had much success outside of signing Trout to a monstrous extension. Eppler is running out of time and excuses. The prime of Mike Trout is being wasted. If the Angels can’t get it done after a blockbuster offseason, expect Eppler to be out of a job and the Angels to look for a new chief to bring postseason baseball to the other side of LA.
AJ Preller – San Diego Padres
When the Chairman of your organization calls your season “embarrassing“, it is safe to assume something is going to have to change. Preller handpicked a top lieutenant for the next manager despite having no experience in Jayce Tingler. With three high dollar players on the roster in Manny Machado, Eric Hosmer, and Wil Myers and a treasure trove of prospects, it is now time for Preller to turn his top prospect lists into wins at the MLB level.
The Padres have made some moves so far, but are still looking to acquire a frontline pitcher. Their offseason is likely not over though. Look for Preller to make a few more moves that would solidify the Padres as wild card contenders.