The Los Angeles Angels made an enormous rιsk. A few weeks ago, they decided not to trade their highest-paid player, persuading Shohei Ohtani to remain in order to make a playoff drive. And thus far, this rιsk has not paid off, putting their season and the last opportunity the organization had to rebuild in jeopardy.
drastic circumstances require drastic measures. Friday morning, the Angels stunneԀ the entire baseball community by promoting their first-round pick from Double-A.
Six weeks ago, Nolan Schanuel was a Florida Athletic standout who was selected with the eleventh overall selection in the draft. In just 21 games in the minor leagues, he is batting.370/.510/.493. Very few athletes go directly from college to the major leagues without spending time in the minors, and even fewer excel in the majors. Bob Horner was the greatest short-term success, while John Olerud was the greatest long-term success, becoming a Hall of Fаme first baseman.
The Angels see Schanuel as their first baseman of the future, but the rapid advancement of their youngster is nonetheless astonishing.
According to college scouting reports, he was a plus hitter with plus power, albeit not the type of power that MLB teams presently demand from first basemen. He is performing as anticipated in Double A, and, frankly, the Angels do not have the luxury of waiting.
Schanuel led off for the Angels against the Rays on Friday, going 1-3 with a strikeout and a walk, and scoring on Shohei Ohtani’s grand slam in a 9-6 defeat.
Schanuel labored with poor eyesight in the Cape Cod League, but after receiving treatment for his astigmatism, he became a hitting sensation for Florida Athletic.18 doubles, 4 triples, 19 home runs, and 64 RBIs for a total of 447.
Eric Beattie, manager of the Hyannis Harbor Hawks of the Cape Cod League, told the Los Angeles Times of Schanuel, “He is a professional striker. He has an expert vision for balls and strikes. And he has excellent hand-eye coordination and the fastest speed to reach superior velocity. I believe Nolan will be able to manage it as well as anyone.”
Schanuel is an exceptional prоspect at first base and could develop into a player comparable to John Olerud. However, his lack of experience in the minor divisions is cause for concern. The Angels’ desperation may unearth a treasure or hinder his growth. We hope this is the case.