Angels News - Phil Nevin Provides Update on What the Defensive Lineup Going

Angels manager Phil Nevin provided an update on their defensive lineup. He praised Hunter Renfroe, Brandon Drury and Gio Urshela's versatility and believes they will be valuable assets to the club in 2023.

Nevin took over the team on an interim basis after Joe Maddon was fired in June, and he has made some improvements that have allowed them to progress. Hopefully he can stay for another season!

Defensive Line

The Los Angeles Angels have spent the offseason adding depth and versatility to their lineup. With Brandon Drury at second base and Hunter Renfroe hitting aces this season, the team now has some formidable tools at its disposal. However, manager Phil Nevin must ensure each player receives adequate playing time in order for everyone to succeed.

Everyone's first concern when looking at the defensive lineup for 2019 is what Nevin has planned. At Spring Training, he shared his ideas on his plans for the future.

He made it known that he wants the best out of his batting order, but also wants everyone an opportunity to play. Whether that means getting the most out of Brandon Drury or giving Jared Walsh some playing time at third base, Nevin said he isn't afraid to take risks with players.

Nevin also wants to maximize the value of his current talent pool. While injuries have limited many of the team's top performers this season, Nevin remains confident in their team's capacity for avoiding similar issues in 2023.

Finally, he noted that he's experimenting with using different pitch counts this year. As a result, his pitch count has decreased slightly but remains well above his usual average.

Nevin hopes that with patience and hard work he can improve his numbers and earn more playing time. The next challenge will be figuring out how to execute this plan successfully. For now, Nevin says he's looking forward to the season and having time to share it with his family again.

First Base

The first base position is an integral one in baseball, as more than half the outs are recorded there. To be successful at this position, one must possess excellent hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes. Furthermore, a first baseman should be able to field any ball hit his way - whether it's in the air or on the ground - regardless of direction.

Playing first base requires practice with a friend or teammate. This will improve your hand-eye coordination and teach you to read the ball as it comes your way. Additionally, practice catching short hops will be beneficial.

First basemen must be able to catch the ball quickly and make accurate throws to home plate. Furthermore, they need excellent hand-eye coordination since they will need to make numerous throws throughout their career.

They should also be able to adjust quickly when a throw is thrown their way, so they can get to first base quickly. First basemen can also help their team by cutting off any errant throws from the outfield into the infield.

Another essential skill a first baseman must possess is the capacity to run effectively. This will give them an edge in any team's defensive rotation.

Nevin was an impressive college player, winning both the Golden Spikes Award and College World Series Most Outstanding Player Award. He was widely considered to be a strong candidate for being the first overall pick in 1992 but Hal Newhouser urged Jeter instead.

In 1993, Nevin mostly played third base and left field for the Tucson Toros. His batting average and on-base percentage both improved during his second season in the league, and he contributed seven home runs and 41 RBIs. Baseball America rated Nevin the 24th best prospect prior to his promotion to the majors with the Astros in 1995.

Second Base

In baseball, second base is the next position on the field after a runner has reached first base. Here, runners typically attempt to score their runs. Depending on the game situation, either shortstop or second baseman will cover this position.

Second basemen must demonstrate quick lateral movement as well as make accurate throws, since they are closer to first base than either shortstop or third baseman and must be able to catch and throw the ball quickly. With such a close proximity to first base, second basemen have an added responsibility of making quick catches and throws.

Another important note about second base is its difficulty as a major league position. On average, ground balls hit in this position have an exit velocity near 100 mph.

However, second base is a skill that can be acquired. There are plenty of resources available to help players hone their second base skills.

Nevin himself is an example of a player who has made the transition from shortstop to second base in his career. Drafted by the Dodgers in 1989, he signed with the Houston Astros two years later in 1992.

Nevin spent eight seasons with Houston, appearing in 1,217 games and striking out 2,595 times. As a hitter, his average was impressive and he displayed good power when swinging the bat.

However, he had some shortcomings as well. Early in his career he struggled to crush changeups and had difficulty pitching against left-handed pitchers.

Nevin had some struggles in 2022, yet he still displayed the skillset necessary to succeed at the major league level. If he can continue improving upon these talents, Nevin could become an invaluable asset for the Orioles in the future.

Third Base

Third base can be a challenging position to play. Players need to be fast, strong and have accurate throws if they hope to score some runs. Third base players must possess all these attributes.

Players at this position share many responsibilities with their teammates infielders. They may need to cover a base or catch a throw, which can be challenging to master but imperative practice makes perfect!

Newcomers to the game may feel overwhelmed as they learn the responsibilities and requirements of their position. That is why having a coach explain the fundamentals and help them comprehend how their role fits into the overall plan is so beneficial.

Third basemen come in three varieties: run producers, defensive players and power hitters. Oftentimes the run producers are used as middle of the order guys who can hit well when runners are on base.

Power hitters are typically those who possess good plate-handling skills when a runner is on base and can drive in runs. Furthermore, these power hitters usually make excellent defenders and play the field well.

Another essential skill when playing third base is being able to field a ground ball. There may be times when the third baseman must move quickly in order to cover the base. This ability will come in handy during games when there are numerous balls hit behind them, so they must have quick feet and be able to quickly get where the action is.

This offseason, the Angels added depth to their infield by signing third baseman Brandon Drury and right fielder Ramon Urshela. Drury had previously played catcher in the minors, but Nevin noted that he should be able to see time at second base too; Urshela can alternate between first and third base when needed.

Right Field

Right field is an outfield position that stretches from the right foul line to behind second base and serves as a crucial asset to any baseball team.

As a right fielder, one of the most essential skills you'll need is having a powerful arm. Be able to throw the ball accurately and make it all the way to third base if necessary.

Being a good runner is essential. You will have to cover a lot of ground, so speed is an absolute must.

Another essential skill a right fielder must possess is the ability to hit the ball accurately and with good contact. You should have no difficulty hitting it to different parts of the field with this ability.

As a right fielder, having an accurate arm is paramount, especially when the base runner is down and you need to get them out of the inning. A bad throw to third can make it difficult for you to safely remove them from the fray; that is why having such an effective arsenal of weapons is so critical for success in this position.

This position is of utmost importance and can be challenging to master. However, when done well, you will feel proud of your accomplishments and improve your confidence in the process.

This offseason, the Angels plan on adding veteran pieces to their defensive lineup in 2022. Brandon Drury and Gio Urshela will return, and they hope Anthony Rendon can return to starting at third base after missing time due to injury.