http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/NASApp/ml...t=.jsp&c_id=ana

Mailbag: How much will Black be missed?
Angels beat writer Mike Scarr takes fans' offseason questions
By Mike Scarr / MLB.com


The Halos Hopefuls lament the loss of pitching coach Bud Black and are not excited at the prospect of losing some of their favorite players.

How much does it affect team cohesion to lose two premier coaches in Maddon and Black the past two seasons? They had great impact in the Angels' rise to prominence.
-- Robert E., Denver

Like any business, it is difficult to replace quality people. Both Joe Maddon and Bud Black made significant contributions to the organization and it shows as both have been hired to be managers of big-league ball clubs. The Angels were able to make a smooth transition from Maddon to Ron Roenicke as bench coach.

Roenicke was an inside hire, and his understanding of the terminology and the culture of the club helped make that transition possible. That will not be overlooked as the team searches for Black's replacement, which pushes their Triple-A pitching coach, Charles Nagy, to the top of the list. But Black was able to get a lot out of his staff, and his communication skills will be missed.

Why are we spending money to try and negotiate with Daisuke Matsuzaka when Barry Zito is seasoned and would cost less? I also realize Chone Figgins had a down year, but getting rid of him would be as much of a mistake as when we lost David Eckstein.
-- Mike L., Coachella, Calif.

The Angels put in a bid for Matsuzaka because they feel the right-hander can impact their staff as much if not more than Zito. The acquisition of Matsuzaka also would help them mine further talent in the Asian market. Also, there is no guarantee that Zito would cost less. The left-hander and former Cy Young winner is likely to command one of the biggest contracts of this signing season.

The loss of Figgins would certainly be a blow to fans, but the club recognizes his value could be the price that helps to add the requisite pieces to bolster the offense.

Am I the only one who finds it completely insane that Ervin Santana is trade bait? Since when has it been a good idea to trade away someone of his caliber? Are we trying to be the West Coast Yankees? Buying the biggest free agents has not helped the Yankees in recent years, if memory serves. We won the World Series before Vladimir Guerrero and Bartolo Colon came along. More offense is great, and more home runs thrill the crowds, but the single biggest threat to our success this year is finding someone even half as good as Black.
-- Jason D., Tustin, Calif.

The Angels see their biggest impediment to returning to the postseason is a lack of offensive punch and realize their greatest surplus is in pitching and the middle of the infield. If the Angels are able to fill their needs (a plus bat, center field, third base and possibly first) through free agency, then they won't have to worry about dealing a talented starter like Santana.

But with Aramis Ramirez having re-signed with the Cubs, simply opening the checkbook doesn't appear to be the lone avenue to acquiring players. That opens the trade routes, and Santana is a player that most teams have been asking about.


Is there a chance that the Angels might sign J.D. Drew as an addition to their lineup? Also, is there a chance that Bartolo Colon might be traded?
-- Gary W., Fullerton, Calif.

Drew was not on the Angels' radar when they searched for possible free-agent outfielders, but now that he's opted out of his contract with the Dodgers, the club will take a look at him. As for Colon being on the trading block, the Angels first will try and get their ace healthy but are looking forward to him returning to their rotation and not making starts for someone else.

How is Kendry Morales fitting into the Angels' plans? They brought him up and then sent him down last season. He plays first and third, he has power and he's a switch-hitter. They have a number of prospects, but they're looking at the free agent-market?
-- David H., Fullerton, Calif.

Morales is a part of the team's long-term plans and they like his ability to swing the bat. Morales' future is primarily at first base, and he could eventually forge a role as a designated hitter. With the club looking at the possible return of Casey Kotchman to first base or acquiring outside talent to play the position, the chances of Morales earning a starting job next season are remote, but he will be in line for a spot on the roster as a bench player.

]What are the chances of the Angels trying to sign Bengie Molina?
-- Ryan F., Bottineau, N.D.

Slim to none. The organization is loaded at the position and will not be looking to sign a free-agent catcher.

Mike Scarr is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

I really hope the Angels sign J.D. Drew so their attention will turn away from Matthews.

Colon won't be traded. The Angels love the guy, and his value isn't particularly high right now. Anyone know his contract status?