TEMPE, Ariz. — This is a critical spring training for Jo Adell.
Again.
Adell, who was once one of the top prospects in baseball, has seen his stock slip over the past few years of struggles in the big leagues. It’s created the narrative that each new season was his chance to finally turn the corner.
Now, though, the added element is that Adell is finally out of options, which means the Angels won’t be able to send him to the minors. He is still 24 years old and talented enough that he would certainly be claimed if placed on waivers.
“The way the game goes, you’re gonna be where you’re supposed to be at the end of the day,” Adell said. “Right now it’s Angel red. I expect to go out and help the team, so that’s where I’m at.”
New Angels manager Ron Washington said his first look at Adell this spring has shown him a player ready to make changes, though. Washington said he believes Adell is more open to working with coaches than he had been in the past.
“He had been trying to take care of himself, instead of letting him try to take care of himself and us taking care of him too,” Washington said. “I think we got him to the point where he’s allowing us to be a part of what he’s trying to do, instead of trying to do it by himself.”
The Angels have two new hitting coaches, Johnny Washington and Tim Laker. Adell also spent a couple days over the winter working out with former All-Star Matt Holliday, who works for Scott Boras, Adell’s agent.
Adell said Holliday and the Angels’ hitting coaches have encouraged him to simplify the game.
“We’re getting back to the basics of really what it’s all about,” Adell said. “It’s just hitting. It’s about finding a good pitch. It’s the simplicity of it all. We can get caught up in the numbers, but at the end of the day, it’s simple. It’s approach.”
Adell’s approach in the past has seemingly been about power, with little concern for contact.
He has a career .214…
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