Angels manager Ron Washington thrilled with players’ response to extended pregame meeting – Orange County Register

Angels manager Ron Washington said the general theme of a team meeting before the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday “was more about us making sure we take care of each other. I can’t get into your feelings. Just hold each other accountable. That’s all. And just play baseball. And where there are errors we are going to talk about it. When it comes to things that are done extremely well, we’re going to talk about it, so it’s not like we only talk about negative things.” (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

PHOENIX — Class went long for the Angels on Wednesday afternoon.

The Angels have met almost every day this season to go over what went wrong (and right) in the previous game, but the “classroom,” as manager Ron Washington calls it, was different this time.

Washington said “there were some things we wanted to address,” so the session ended up being much longer than usual.

“When you get guys involved in what you’re doing, the conversation gets longer and longer,” Washington said. “We ended up having to cut it because (we could) have done it up to game time.”

The overall theme, Washington said, “was more that we make sure we take care of each other. I can’t get into your feelings. Just hold each other accountable. That’s all. And just play baseball. And where there are errors we are going to talk about it. When it comes to things that are done extremely well, we’re going to talk about it, so it’s not like we only talk about negative things.”

Washington said some players addressed the group.

“It was tremendous,” Washington said. “I’ve been in the game for 54 years and that was one of the most touching moments I’ve ever had with these guys. …They stood up like grown men and went about their business. He was very proud of them.”

Washington said he didn’t want to talk, but the players pressured him to say some things.

These types of meetings have been necessary for the Angels as they navigate this painful rebuilding season. The Angels entered Wednesday’s game with a 25-41 record. Fundamental mistakes have been frequent, including in Tuesday night’s ugly 9-4 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Washington said it’s important for players to help each other during these times, rather than just letting the coaching staff run things.

“It’s very impactful, because we are with them all the time as coaches,” Washington said. “It’s nice when each and every one of them holds each other accountable. And today there was some responsibility. And he was very proud of the way they handled it. I really was. So now, when you talk to (the media), don’t be surprised at how well they handle themselves.”

O’HOPPE, OUT

Catcher Logan O’Hoppe was not in the lineup a day after being fouled on the glass. O’Hoppe said he was “100%” physically able to play Wednesday, but Washington wanted to give him a day off anyway.

“I just didn’t want to force him to come back out,” Washington said. “He is ready to go. He will be back there tomorrow. I want him to move and make sure everything is okay.”

O’Hoppe was reluctant to miss the game, adding that his goal is to one day catch 150 games in a season.

Outfielder Taylor Ward left Tuesday’s game with lower back stiffness. Ward said he was “better” on Wednesday, but agreed that “it’s better” to take another day.