coach32sm

No , I didn't get a chance to discuss the running game with him at all, but it does look like he rushes a bit even in his throws to 2b between innings. I just wonder if his foot (subconsciously) is effecting his throwing as one coach suggested. Angel said he is fine. His releases seemed a little high though. I do know that he has once said how the pitchers are real slow to the plate, but with his arm that should not be a factor. Nobody ran on him so it was hard to actually see anything. Passed balls? A lot of that is subjective. He blocks real well, as well as anyone I've seen in awhile, so we'll have to see what happens when he gets moved up and the pitchers have better command. That would be a better test. His percentage will get better too, he has to "trust his stuff" (his arm.) He'll be fine, believe me. "Coach"

Angel is not your typical 5'7 guy. He weighs 205 and is built like a tank. I have some pictures from Chattanooga where he was playing, but I don't know how to attach them to this site. He is a total freak with about 4% body fat, and a great athlete, he needs not have to move, he'll be a mini-Pudge. His arm is too strong to move him to 2b and I don't see him at 3B either. leave him where he is, except his career might be a little shorter (excuse the pun.) "Coach"

OK guys I went to see Angel for a few games and I can tell you he is a real life top prospect. Here is the scoop.... Forget the "bad defense" stuff, he is solid. In the few games I saw he blocked at least six ball with runners on base, he was as I have said in the past like a cat. He didn't have even one attempted stolen base against so it was hard to tell but his throw downs to 2B were fine. He looks solid back there, he calls a great game and has a great rapport with the pitchers and his team mates. He is a real leader as he has always been. He made a great block of the plate and caught a pop up at the fence with the bases loaded, a very tough ball that was tailing and hugging the screen. His hitting is off the charts. He had 2 hits, 3 hits and 3 hits and the middle game he was rubbed of another. There are a few things I would like to change in his approach at the plate but we'll see what happens by season's end. He usually makes adjustments real well but seemed to be making changes on the slide for no apparent reason, except it was hot as hell and he said he was cramping up a lot. Angel could play in the show right now and I sure hope he gets the call up. A little more seasoning at AA won't hurt, but he's fine. Really, forget the rumors or what people say, he is a SOLID backstop and talking to coaches they fell the same way. You do have a stud. And for the record, Gamel is a beast he can hit right now in the major leagues, he doesn't miss on any swing and crushes every ball, even his outs. I'm not sure if he has a clue what he's doing but it sure is working and he is a true star, hold on to him. The bottom line, Angel is OK and Gamel is legit.

Angel will have to be put on the 40 man roster after this season or be lost to Rule 5. I'm guessing since that will happen they will bring him up for a taste in September. Money plays funny tricks with organizations (Jay Bruce being called up in June) Angel has demonstrated his abilities as a player both offensively and defensively as well as a leader at each level. I think he would have gotten a call in September anyway. As far as his talent....there is no question that he will hit, he will hit as Pudge use to. His defense is not as bad as everyone is making out. He has one of the strongest arms in all of baseball. His problem is he "rushes" and his transfer gets all messed up at times, he is working very hard at relaxing and letting his natural talent take over and letting his arm do the work and not his brain. He is a great athlete with real good feet and hands. His hands are the size of the State of Utah but has extremely soft hands behind the plate. He is quick as a cat as well. Don't always look at the numbers with catchers. Sometimes pitchers do a real bad job of holding runners on, sometimes catchers get the passed ball when it should be a wild pitch, especially when you get a reputation. I have heard games on the internet when I heard the announcer say it was a wild pitch and then the next morning in the box score Angel was charged with a passed ball. I will be going to Chatanooga for a few days to see Angel before I leave for overseas to coach, I'll give you a better idea of EXACTLY where Angel is and needs to be, and probably lots of pictures. You will see Angel as your future backstop for many years. Look at his numbers offensively since he's been in the organization. With his arm athleticism , work ethic and desire to be great, he will be a Gold Glove Catcher as he was in HS and has the potential to be. Jean Carlos Rodriguez was drafted by the Phillies and will make his debut tomorrow (hopefully) with the GCL Phills. He led us to a great 46-2 season and a win at Shea Stadium for the NY Championship, June 8 Talk to you soon. "COACH"

Thanks for the info. That is one reason the NCAA is on the march to ban all sports drinks, they are bad. I know of some kids who have been "busted" but swore they only took sports drinks. Stay away. "Coach"

Sorry, I meant 08, I said 09 a few times. Also if you want to actually see the papers, how about a large donation the GW baseball program??? Sounds fair to me, we are always looking for donations anyway, in "The Heights"

Well let me explain for those who have trouble either reading or understanding. First of all HE WAS SUSPENDED FOR AMPHETAMINES, I am looking at the papers right now. A M P H E T A M I N E S adderol is an amphetamine. Also Angel was scheduled to play in Hawaii. MLB decided that he could not play, not Angel, not the Brewers, plus it doesn't go against his suspension, just can't play, period. By the way he wasn't demoted, he was put on the roster of a lower level team because they had more remaining games so he would have to serve less in 09. Is that an organization trying to punish him? No they want him back and understand he didn't do much wrong, but wrong yes. Angel was the 1st pick in DR last year but had surgery on his ankle and could not play. Next, he is not obligated to play or go to Arizona, nor DR. We discussed the options and decided that with all the major league players there (DR) he wouldn't get to play much but would practice mostly. The history of DR winter ball for many not all big leaguers is to have fun, drink goof off and party until the championships. Angel is too hard of a worker and too serious to get involved or be party to, especially since his injury and the suspension. He decided that he would stay in NY, fight off the cold weather and get a part time job. He was able to be with his family and work out with us. For those that don't know about our program,we are notorious for our hard work and unbelievable workouts indoors. Many of our pro players come to the workouts and don't go to the warm Florida or Arizona weather, that should say something about what we do and accomplish. You would throw up just from watching us work. There is a documentary coming out and 2 others out about us, a book is being written that will be out in the Spring. It's not about the tremendous success we have had but "the program, the family the unity, the tremendous love we have for the game and each other at GW" It's a beauty to watch. Why wouldn't a young man trying to get to the next level and then to the Show not want to be in a place where he can get all his work in and some? Plus Angel is an icon to many of these young kids, he wants to give back. It makes perfect sense since he is not obligated to be anywhere except Spring Training where he will be a beast. We had a representative from the Brewers at practice today to get some paperwork in for our two top 08 players, a catcher and a RF. It al made sense to him and he and Angel talked awhile. He thought Angel looked great and is looking forward to 09 as well. So that's it in a nutshell, all is good all is fine Angel is Angel. PS after working out from 3pm until 5 PM with the team with our stretching and conditioning, he went into the weight room for an hour and a half, finished with us for a short while and then at 7:30 took our catcher downtown for a half hour ride to go to a place with a batting cage so they could work on their blocking and then catch some bull pen, hum sounds like a fiend to me a real GW alum. Be glad you have him!!!! I gotta worry about my other 30 kids right now since 2 are top 08 grads 2 top 09 grads and 3 top 2010 we'll be a force for awhile. "Coach "Coach"

Angel was busted for "amphetamines" don't know how you can look it up or prove it but I have copies as does Angel. I guess there is a way to find it out publicly, but who cares? Angel doesn't, he team mates who know him don't and few others don't. He is the hardest worker you will ever see, the kindest team mate and great friend. He will be a fixture in the Brewers organization for many years. When you see him day after day and you get to talk to him at the ballpark and see him interviewed on TV, you will see. You should see how much time he spends, not asked., paid or obligated to, with our catchers in particular. You're getting a class guy leave it alone and move on. He didn't smoke weed, didn't do steroids, DUI or anything else, he made a mistake that is related to his medication. Go see him play and talk to him. You may have another GW guy in 08 as our top prospect, Jean Carlos Rodriguez, a converted SS could be a top 3 round pick. Many teams interested including the Brewers. According to JC, if the Brewers draft him, he will sit Salome, his idol. Tall words. Enjoy. "Coach"http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

Hey guys; For the last time and please believe this angel was NOT BUSTED for STEROIDS, never used, never will, I promise. And if Venezuela is in Washington Heights then he must be in Caracas. Angel is working out with the team everyday, spending time with his beautiful daughter and helping out our team and our top round pick (hopefully) in 08, an Angel clone. Believe it or not angel is BIGGER, STRONGER, and more FLEXIBLE than ever. He is busting his ass and looks great. I was going to take his picture today and post it but he was working way too hard and then helping our catchers. Maybe next week. I assure you all is well with Salome and wait until you see him, he will put up better numbers than before, his defense is getting better as well. You could se him in AA at the start then some AAA and if all goes well a call up in Sept. I guess that's why Kendall was signed for 1 year with an option for the second. Angel will be Show ready soon. Forget the BS and remember his .415 and his MVP and what he hit after his first 23 AB's this year after surgery, it was like .350 or more. don't worry about Angel, I don't think the Brewers are, 'cause they know how good of a kid he is and how hard he works. Talk to you soon, hope this clears up a bit of confusion "Coach"

Yes, obviously, the players get a copy of the suspention, etc. I would not show it to anybody without Angel's permission, nor do I even think it necessary. If you were arrested falsly, you wouldn't go around showing your arrest report, it's kind of personal stuff but I guess it's public or will be public soon. But as I said, "let's move on" You don't see anybody making a big deal about it. Angel is off to Arizona and then Hawaii to bust his ass as usual and get ready for next season, hopefully with a stop at AA and then a short visit to AAA before a Sept. call up!!! The Brewers are struggling let's worry about that first, Angel can be your savior later.

I guess, for the last time, Angel was NOT suspended for Steroids. I have the papers in my hand. MLB will suspend you if you take anything that is "banned" regrdless of what it is, you cant fight it. If they clear you to take Tylenol and you take Advil, too bad, no permission, suspention, that is kind of what happened. Remember, there are many sports drinks that still have Ephedra and stuff like that in it that is banned, one must be careful. You can choose to believe what you want, but take it from someone who knows and has the facts, and if you knew Angel you would know it to be true. It's funny cause even here a lot of people are saying "he got busted" so some automatically think the worst, that's human nature. He will be working out and then playing in Hawaii, wait until you see what he does next year, knowing him, he will be on a mission. But please stop all the steroid talk it is making me sick. Angel is your #1 prospect of guys who are not in the big leagues like Gallardo, Parra, and Braun. Treat it like an injury. He will be as big, strong and determined next year, no let down cause there is nothing to be let down from. Angel in Milwaukee in Sept 08. "Coach"

Angel did not appeal. He was going to since he did nothing, but regardless of how it happened, MLB does not care, and never reverses their decision. If you are found positive, there are no excuses, period. Angel knew he was not going to have his suspntion reversed so instead of prolonging it until next year he took it now. He will now have to make sure he is careful in everything he does. He will be in Arizona and I assure you he will be busteing his hump and then will play in Hawaii, so he is still the same Angel Salome, just not there helpin Brevard win it. He will come back next year mentallly stronger and hungrier. He is still your number one prospect. When Rodgers was hurt and hardly pitched he was still a top prospect because he was a "PROSPECT" a projection, well treat Salome like he is injured, he will come back next year better and a year removed from the ankle injury as well. "Coach"http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

Angel is still #1 and don't expect post steroid anything he doesn't use.

Hey guys, I Hope some of the mess is cleared up for you guys now and I hope this is all behind us all. MLB will not recind once they tested,even with an appeal, so Angel will have to suffer his 50 games. What I don't understand is how this should effect his status as a prospect as I'm reading from a lot of you guys. Angel is a top 3 prospect in the Brewers organization, forget his size forget the bull, he has done all he had to do on the field since he was drafted to show that he can handle any level. As far as taller pitchers etc.Angel will move up as they (current minor leaguers) and they also wil be in the show about the same time. If you can hit, you can hit and he can. He is a rare 5 tool catcher. Iproject him to be the next "Pudge" sme kind of numbers 300-310 BA 100-110 RBI 20-25 HR. He is anRBI machime. He doesnt walk much but he doesnt strike out either. He rarely sees a fastball and as the pitchers get better on the next level so will he,. Angel has been said to need on his defense, but he receives very well, frames, calls a great game and has an unmatched arm. He needs to block a little better but as the pitchers find the plate more on the next level he will also get better. He works like a dog and takes pride in his work, he will be a stud behind the plate. When he got hurt last year it didnt change his status as a prospect, this shouldn't either, he's the real deal and he IS A STUD. Give him a chance to prove how good he is. He is the best prospect you have now, Gallardo is in the bigs and Inman was traded. He would have seen some AA at the end of the year so he will probably start there in '08 and see some AAA, maybe even a call up in Sept '08. angel will be in Arizone working his butt off for the remainder of the year and then play in Hawaii where he was slated last year before the injury. He will be on a mission so watch him and keep him in your hearts as a top prospect as he is. Angel didn't cheat and doesnt, he just did something stupid that never should have happened, and was not done to get an edge, he doesn't need it or even want it, and he is a stud, all natural, beast. I have watched him do 1000 situps, pull ups and chin ups many times. He never touched a weight until recently. Salome is your #1 prospect, treat him like he is on the DL and will be back in the fall to put up great numbers and his past behind. I have read people here say that they have met him and he is a great guy, he is, he's an unusual, humble, sincere, young man. He would and has given his shirt off his back for a friend, make him your friend and support him, he's not Bonds, McGwire, Sheffield, Palmiero, or any of those guys looking for the edge anyway they can. Angels edge is his dedication and devotion to his craft and love of the game, some I have preached and will continue forever. We come from a very low socio-economic community in Washington Heights with many strikes against us (the players at GW) and have come out great. Many pro ball players, ucesful businessmen, doctors and even a lawyer. A book will be out about our team next year, and there is a Documentary about us, which was just put into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and another one in the works. We are a special group and many of our kids look up to Angel because of his devotion to the program and community. Again Angel was and still is a top guy for the Brewers. You don't have to excuse him but give him a chance and don't throw him on the bottom of the heap,he deserves more. And when he get to Milwaukee, you wil have a franchise player, and a classy, family guy. Don't lose him, support him Talk to you guys soon. Leaving for the NABF in Mississippi in a few days (wish we had Angel behind the plate- our next big star, Jean CArlos Rodriguez also a catcher will not join us as he will be playing in the NorthEast Pro Showcase in Lakeland Fl and then the Area Code Games in Long Beach Ca- Go see him if you can, he's bigger than Salome but similar with less power but and electric bat and arm) Have a good forgiving day "COACH"http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/embarassed.gif

Well guys, here it goes. I was in Europe coaching but came home to coach the Regionals for the NY 9, the team I coach after the HS season. We won the regionals by the way, with several GW guys on the team and are going to Mississippi for the National Championship (NABF). Firstly, speaking without Angel's permission or not even speaking to him yet as I just got back into the States and was away for the time I was here, coaching. I probably shouldn't talk about Angel's personal life without speaking to him first, but... as you know we have one of the top programs in the Nation at GW and I PREACH about all the right and wrongs, not only in baseball but in life, most of my kids anyone of you would want as a brother, son, friend. I have and have had some golden players, Angel, right on top. All the things I have written about Angel and his character are true and just touch the surface. Just watch him as he shows up in the winter to one of our workouts, how he is just one of the boys but goes right to work helping everybody before he does his own work. As far as the suspention, I do know that Angel is the hardest worker you will ever see and takes pride in his body that he busts his butt to achieve. He is legendary for his work ethic and proud of it. He has great genes as his father was a pro boxer. He would NEVER take ANYTHING to help in that regard, but knowing Angel as I do, and we speak all the time (not since this though) let me try to draw a light. Angel takes medication for a condition that is nothing big deal, MLB knows about it and ok's his pre*****ion. Angel was found taking amphetamines not Steroids "juice" he doesn't need either and wouldn't harm his chiseled body either. The medication he takes can act like an amphetimine, but I do know that is tested in a lab, will not show up as an amphetimine, so it is all confusing. Whether he took something on a day he didnt have his medication or some crazy thing like that I don't know, but he did not take steroids and does not need amphetimines so I like you want to find out how it happened. As you know there are many products that contain things that seem harmless but in fact are banned. I also know that MANY ballplayers are looking for "the edge", Angel has tge edge on everybody, plus he just became a father, a very proud father and would never do anything to harm his family. I will wait to find out what hapened, but without trying to sound like a typical parent, there has to be an explaination, because as I said, he doesnt take or need steriods and Amphetimines are rediculous and not needed for Angel. Many kids cant handle playing everyday and need something to boost there energy level, but from HS Angel and all GW players prepare for the grind by going like madmen so this stuff won't and can't happen. Don't judge Angel until we find out the facts, but the facts now are.. He does take legal, prescribed medication that can act like amphetimines He is a great kid who loves the game He is a proud papa He doesn't need anything to boost his body or game He took an extra month at the start of the season to make sure he was 100% healthy he works too hard on his body to take shortcuts He has always been on every level a role model teammate, there have been many stories written about him since joining the Brewers about that, he helps everybody He wants to play MLB and will bust his as to get there but will not take any favors or shrtcuts The suspention was for Amphetimines not Steroids Angel is an Angel, if you met him you would agree. Wait for the facts. If he was suspended by MLB then they have the evidence but we need to find out the details. He is not the kind of kid to say "I didnt know what I was taking!" so who knows. Time will tell Leaving for the Nationals soon then back to Europe so I hope to have some insight soon. Angel is your future behind the plate, this will all be behind soon so support him, he's not a kid who has a drug or drinking problem, just a problem that needs to be cleared up. Talk to you soon. "COACH" (fixed font size -TC)

Guys, Yes Angel is fine and dandy. and you are correct, he worked his tail off this of season. He couldnt do much since he had a cast, then a soft cast and boot and finally on crutches, but he worked hard and is looking great, better if that's possible. Angel was in Spring training and played one game and hit wel, was supposed to break camp and got to Brevard but he felt his timing just wasnt right so he is in Arizona and you will see him mashing balls real soon in Florida. He worked extremly hard on his defense and you will see a Gold Glove catcher by the time he gets to the Show shortly (no pun intended) He takes pride in what he does and it shows in his work ethic. Angel by the way has a brand new, spanking, georgeous new daughter, just a few months old, so being home for a short while allowed him to be a proud father. While in NY Angel always found the time to come by and work with the team, especially with Jean Carlos Rodriguez, our Junior first team All-American Catcher. Angel is a treat to be associated with and a class act, I hope you al enjoy having him as one of your top prospects, and once we work on his intensity level which some times gets the best of him since he is so fierce and a perfectionist, you will see the second coming of Pudge. Expect big thing from Angel this year, he will be back soon and I sure hope he sees some AA, but with Palmisano there it will cause a back log at the same level. Again Angel is fine and almost ready, soon, real soon, crack, boom, bang!! Thanks "Coach"