OC Sports Geeks

Angels 3B Situation

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:02:00 +0000

Ok, so here's my quick "wtf?" sort of thought regarding the ever curious situation at thirdbase for the Angels.

Former super-utility man turned third baseman extraordinaire Chone Figgins is a free-agent, and rightfully seeking what will undoubtedly be his biggest chance at big money, coming off a career year both offensively and defensively.

He deserves it, and may or may not be back.

The Angels have had "budding" third base prospect Brandon Wood waiting in the wings for about three years. He is out of options this year, so should he make the opening day roster, he can't be sent back down without clearing waivers, so it stads to argue that if Figgins isn't re-signed, this may be his best shot at earning his full time roster spot and major league chance. Even Scioscia has said that he has nothing left to learn or improve on in the minor leagues.

THEN comes news out of mlb trade rumors.com that the Angels leadership is considering Adrian Beltre as backup should Figgins not re-sign.

Where's the confidence in Woods game? This clearly has to be seen as lack thereof from the Angels brass, which is curious for a few reasons.

First - - If they REALLY think he's not ready, they may not think he'll ever be ready, and you'd think they'd publicly build him up and puff him up so they could trade him.

Secondly - - Why don't they think he's ready? I'm no longer part of the Brandon Wood community of Angels fans. I don't want him to start every game like I did early last season, and I have full faith in the leadership to get it done the right way. I just don't get their overall goal with this kid, one way or another.

I love hot stove prognosticating. I really do. This is part of the "baseball" fandom that really appeals to me.

Beltre might be a great fit as a Halo, though.

Lackey better still be priority number one right now.

Bobby's Back!

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:09:00 +0000

Angels RF Bobby Abreu re-upped with the team today for a 2 year contract worth 19 Million.

Way to go Halos and Bobby for getting this out of the way early in the off season.

That said, I really like this move, but I'll like it more depending on what the Angels do the rest of the off-season.

I'd love to see another BIG bat -- like Holliday or Jason Bay - - picked up for the Angels outfield, and that would facilitate a move for Abreu to full time DH.

This, however, pretty much guarantees that:

1) Vladdy is not going to be back.
2) GMJr. is being shopped.

I don't like this move if Bobby is meant to be our full time RF'er, as his defense has been in decline in recent years, and he's not known for being a get-dirty type of fielder.

More to come this winter, I'm sure, from our beloved Halos. Stay tuned!

Hey Halos, Helluva Year.

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:15:00 +0000

So I already got my venting needs fulfilled this post season.

Before all the free agent what ifs and finger pointing and rumor mills start, before the World Series is played, I want to say thanks.

Thanks to the Angels for a great year. The emotions I personally went through this season were unmatched in any professional sports fandom of my life.

I literally bled Halo red this year. My heart pounded with it.

Today, it's filled with pride.

Congrats Angels.

Figgins
Abreu
Hunter
Vladdy
Morales
Rivera
Napoli
Mathis
Aybar
Kendrick
Iztruis
Quinlan
Lackey
Weaver
Saunders
Santana
Kazmir
Fuentes
Jepsen
Bell
Bulger
Shields
Rodriguez
Palmer
Oliver
Wood
and anyone else I'm forgetting

Especially Nick Adenhart.

Thanks Angels, every single one of you, for one helluva ride.

And to the random Aybar guy posting today on my OLD blogpost from the beginning of th season? I AGREE! -0 - Aybar rocks, I was wrong, and I got over it. You should try the same.

Thanks Angels.

I'll do my Free Agent wish list shortly.

Game 4

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:05:00 +0000

And I'm calling all angels
I'm calling all you angels

I won't give up if you don't give up"

- Callin' All Angels - Train

I think this is our battle cry at the beginning of each and every home game for a reason.

We don't give up.

We won't give up.

Hey, Yankees: Not. This. Year.

That CC is pitching?
ok. We can handle it.

That we're still down 2-1 in the series?
Ok, We can handle it and overcome.

That we're at home, where everyone knows the Angel fans are bleeding red?
Ok, We can use the mojo.

I think yesterday's stunning 11th inning victory over the ~~Intimidating~~ New York Yankees was indicative of something: These Angels don't give up.

These Angels step up.

Power hitters in a slump?

Enter Vlad Guerrerro.

You try telling Andy Pettite that Vladdy's done.

Pitch around the lead off guys?

S'ok, our platoons can still kick like a mule (a la Howie Kendrick and Jeff Mathis)

Game 4 should be ahelluva show.

Dear Yankees: Not. This. Year.

(#@*$ ME.

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 05:46:00 +0000

Ok, it's my blog. I'm not normally angry. or foul mouthed. or belligerent, or...

but @)#($*@(#$* ME that was an awfully tough game to watch tonight.

Can we seriously leave any MORE runners on base?

W
T
F

We weren't dazzled by Boston's completely ownership of us in past post seasons.

why the HELL Are be dazzled by all things Yankee?

and Vladdy, baby, you're the man. I'll never forget your swing.

You need to ASK sciosci to move you down in the lineup.

You've become an automatic out and a rally killer.

You swing at everything.

you hit nothing.

and Fuentes.

HOLY HELL

Did you suddenly think you were throwing BP?

that pitch was so hittable that Vladdy coulda hit it out.

Sorry fans. If any of you actually read this, I'm sorry too.

I'm sure my frustration will dissipate in the morning, and I'll end up deleting or editing this post but for now its cathartic.

Time to nut up, Halos.

You're coming home.

The question here is "coming home to do what?"

The answers up to you.

Dear Yankees: Not. This. Year.

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:30:00 +0000

I've come to an amazingly self-important conclusion in my recent superstitious fandom.

I didn't post before one game this post-season.

The Angels lost that game.

So with that spirit in mind, I'd just like to take this opportunity to do my faithful duty to my favorite team and tell the Yankees one thing.

Not.

This.

Year.

I'm sorry guys. You'll have to wait til next year.

I also have a message for the Halos.

Get Nasty.

No more errors. No more deer in the headlights.

Go in, make some noise, make the Yankees remember who you are.

The Halos.

Dear yankees:

Not.

This.

Year.

Turning the Page...

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:02:00 +0000

I want to take this opportunity to do two things:

First, congratulate the Boston Red Sox on a great season and tough playoff round. Despite the W/L column, this was a hard fought series and they deserve credit for some great baseball not only during the season but also here in the post season.

Secondly, I want to say congratulations to the Angels, their ownership, coaches, employees and fan on a great ALDS.

Now, let's turn the page.

The problem with exorcising demons like the Red Sox is this:

The Yankees.

The Angels work is far from done.

The goal is not to beat the Red Sox, or win the ALDS.

Not even the ALCS.

One goal this year: World Series.

Let's celebrate tonight, turn the page tomorrow and prepare for the Yankees.

Oh, and to stay true to form?

Mark who?

Dear Yankees:

Not.
This.
Year.

Go Halos.

Not. This. Year.

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:55:00 +0000

So here I sit.

In my car.

In Barstow.

Listening to AM 830.

Its 5-1 Boston.

Then I realized that I didn't post it again.

Posted it before games 1 and 2.

Then I remembered I had a Blackberry.

Let's go boys. We aren't done yet. Let's finish.

Not. This. Year.

Not. This. Year.

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:37:00 +0000

Say it with me Halo Fans.

Not.
This.
Year.

Yesterday is over.

Today is a whole new game.

Same resolve.

Same GREAT at bats. (WTG Bobby Abreu...)

Focus.

Determination.

Say it with me...

Not.
This.
Year.

Not. This. Year.

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:04:00 +0000

And so it continues.

The October match-up that's as reliable 'round these parts as Ol' Faithful.

It's Angels Playoff baseball, and it's versus the @#()$*)@#*( Red Sox.

Sure, we know the history.

The last three times the Angels faced these guys in the post season, they lost.

They're 1-9 in their last 10 post season games against those @#$(*@*#($* Red Sox.

It's like our own version of Bucky @(#$*(* Dent.

But here it is, one more time.

Our latest, and in my humble opinion, best chance at defeating the beast.

Detour:

It's funny to me. In their first World Series run in 2004, the Red Sox were everybody's favorite underdog.

Their long history as the lovable losers from Beantown created lore like no other. Movies were written about it. They named it "The Curse of the Bambino". Stars lamented their melancholy fandom. Their fans were a mess, but you felt bad because 86 years is SUCH A long time without a World Series win.

Then it happened.

Down 3-0 in 2004 to the Celebrated Crown Princes of baseball, the loathed New York Yankees, the Red Sox rebounded to take the series in 7 games, propelling them to a seemingly unlikely place atop the echelon on baseball.

Then overnight, someone flipped a switch.

Their years of mediocrity and suffering were gone.

Suddenly, they were the new Beast from the East.

And man, did their fans go from lovable to loathsome in one.easy.step.

Now we know the rest.

Their fans are insufferable. They're like Raiders fans, only with more attitude.

Their empowered, too, because the team has so recently been so consistent and good.

And man, those fans are freaking EVERYWHERE.

Back to the main article...

2009 has been a year of massive challenges for the Angels.

I'm not going to do the win one for the gipper thing.

I'm not going to lament the beginning and end of the season.

I'm simply going to say it's been challenging.

Parts of the team that were normally locked up - - Bullpen, Starting Pitching Depth, etc - - were suddenly suspect at best.

Parts of the team that were normally atrocious - - OBP, Offensive production, etc - - were suddenly finding their grooves.

This year, the Angels did everything they normally do.

Just completely and totally back-asswards.

Thats why this year is different.

Our game is different.

Our team is tested.

Our resolve is steady.

Our opponent is the same.

Our task is true.

Get out there.

Wear Red.

Pound thunderstix.

Drown out chowdaheads.

quick message to "that team":
Don't ever underestimate a sleeping Dragon.

The OC's about to roar.

What a Start to the Postseason

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:14:00 +0000

This shoulnd't be an OCSG post, but it's going to be.

Did anyone watch that Tigers/Twins game last night?

Talk about playoff baseball (even though it was only regular season game #163).

The Tigers had a lead in September of 7 games, but the Twinkies finished strong, erasing the deficit and forcing the one game playoff.

There were epic Battles.

Did you SEE OC's 2 run shot to take the lead late?

What about Magglio Ordonez's tying Homer LATER?

Joe Nathan, easily the most under-celebrated elite closer in the game, runners on the corners, nobody out, no problem?

What drama.

What pure October baseball. The 10th was exciting. the 11th, too.

What a great start to post Season baseball.

Later today: My ALDS Championship series preview.

Site Update

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:38:00 +0000

Ok, everyone. It's go time.

I've been MIA for a WHILE on the site, and I know that the three readers I DO have will have noticed.

Let's do the rundown as to why:

1. Life. I've been extremely busy of late. THAT, however, is a weak-sauce excuse, and so I'll turn to a few more...

2. Other Projects. I've been asked recently to write for FanHuddle.com, a just launched all sports all the time type of site, but all written by fans. That said, it's much better than Bleacher report, however, as each team has an assigned Staff Writer. Introducing the newest member of the staff, covering you Anaheim Ducks - - Yours truly.

3. The Dog Days of Summer. Man, the stretch really got to me for the HAlos this year. I know this is not a great thing for a true fan to say but is it just me or did September make you queasy, too? before that 11-0 drubbing over Texas to clinch, I actually had a dream that the team totally collapsed and woke up like, partially freaking out about it. Ok, that's an exaggeration, but hey, that's what I do, right?

So here is my promise to you loyal reader.

readers? really? that many now? AWESOME.

Starting tonight, not only will I be posting more about the Angels (Dear Boston: Not This Year) but I'll be covering the Ducks season from the get go, both here and at FanHuddle.com. The content on both sites will be DIFFERENT and I will be posting more non-game recap stuff at Fan Huddle. I'll stick more to my day to day and "recent" update stuff for here, and try and find something remotely random to talk about.

I'm also launching a new business, and it's somewhat related to this stuff, so I'll keep you guys posted on that too. More on that later.

So in the meantime, Let's watch the HAlos round out the season and get ready for those Chowdaheads to invade out stadium - - can we PLEASE start showing up and not allowing that? - - and enjoy the Home Opener for the Ducks Tonight. I'll be at the game, and I'll be talking to you about the beginning of another exciting Ducks season tomorrow.

In the meantime, thanks for putting up with my dry spell. I promise to make up for it this (post)season.

2009 American League West Champions`

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:08:00 +0000

11-0.

Go Halos.

This ones for you Nick.

7 And Counting

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:50:00 +0000

The Angels magic number is down to 7.

That means that if they sweep the Yankees and Texas just dies, the Angels can wrap up the ALWest at home Friday night against Oakland.

I KNOW! I know!

not likely.

But what IS nice is the fact that the Angels bats - - albeit not the "normal" ones - - woke up a bit yesterday in ~~saving~~ helping John Lackey get the win in Texas, 10-5 over the ~~thankfully~~ recently slumping Rangers.

Lackey himself said he didn't have good stuff, even in the pen in the warmup. Per the OC Register:
"Even in the bullpen (warming up for the game), I stunk," he said. "Something was just off. I couldn't put my finger on it. The last four or five starts I've felt as good as I ever have.

"The boys took care of me today on a day I definitely needed it."

The Angels got homers from some like and unlikely sources in the win as Juan Rivera (his 23rd), Howie Kendrick (10), Chone Figgins (4), and Gary Matthews Jr(4) all went yard on the day.

Kendry Morales continues his September skid, though, and this particular funk seems problematic in getting the Angels runs in bunches. The First baseman, tearing it up in August and July, is batting just .188 this month.

Seems that major league pitchers have adjusted their approach to the power hitting first baseman. Morales maturity will surely to be tested in how he handles the adjustments by making some of his own changes to compensate.

That said, it looks more and more like the Angels will be meeting up with Bos...

You know, on second thought? Let's wait to say it's a given just a little longer.

Dear Halos

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:06:00 +0000

Here it goes fellas.

As of tonights series in Texas, the Angels magic number is 11.

That means any number of Angels Wins + Texas losses totalling up to 11 guarantees the Angels the ALWest.

My charge is this:

Forget it all.

Forget Boston.

Forget the last games played against Texas.

Forget the Arlington.

Play your game.

The same brand of baseball that has you sitting atop the ALWest in Mid September during a season in which you've had 14 different starting pitchers start a game.

A season with BS calls in Fenway.

A season with struggles with the bullpen.

The Closer.

The Setup Man. (men)

Go in there tonight, and like Torii Hunter said, play your game, your way.

You'll wrap this season up fast if you do.

Go Halos.

@)#($*@#( FUENTES

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:05:00 +0000

Ok, I haven't written in a while.

Call it the Dog Days of Summer-itis, if you will.

It's been hard to be fired up about the games for a while, the Angels just sort of on Autopilot for the last month or so.

That is, until this week.

They started a trainwreck of a roadtrip with a loss in New York. Close Game, Good pitching, yada yada.

No offense.

They followed it up by a loss in game one of a series in Boston. Again, good pitching, no pop, yada yada.

Then came last night.

The Angels played like crap for a lot of the game.

So did the Red Sox.

Angels SP Joe Saunders was lights out til the fifth, when he gave up 5 runs in the inning - - only 2 earned - - on a barrage of defensive breakdowns and timely hitting.

Timely hitting.

In September...?

WHAT A !@)(#!)@( CONCEPT!!!

So yeah, I'm a little upset this morning, some 10 hours later.

Fuentes got the first two batters in the ninth, then pitched around Ortiz, despite the lefty on lefty matchup.

Then it all unravelled.

J.D. Drew, followed with a soft single up the middle and Jed Lowrie loaded the bases with a single down the third-base line.

Chone Figgins dived and saved the moment with a great play to knock the ball down and easily save a run.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona pinch-hit for the left-handed Casey Kotchman and sent up Green.

He's 1 for Life this season in pinch hitting opportunities.

Fuentes went up in the count 0-and-2.

Green tried checked his swing on the third pitch.

Boy did he sell that one.

Umpire Rick Reed appealed to first base where Jeff Kellogg said "no swing"

Totally pissed off EVERY Halo on the field and in the dugout.

Green battled, fouling off three fastballs,and worked the count full.

From the LA Times:

"I put two fastballs by him," Fuentes said. "Then he started fouling them off. I didn't think he was catching up with them. I wanted to stay with that pitch."

Fuentes' ninth fastball to Green was either at the knees but called ball four.

The next batter blooped a singled, and the victory belonged to Boston.

Scioscia later asked what Nick Green's count was in the at bat that tied the game "What was his count in that, 3 and 4?"

I think though doth protest too much.

Anyone have kids?

You know when you're kid does something wrong, but they think they see an "out" in getting busted for it?

I think that's what Scioscia did last night.

I LOVE Scioscia. I'm not part of that small community of bloggers and blog readers that rips all his decisions to shreds.

Mike apparently had a closed door session with Fuentes the day before, and HE left saying it was all about mechanics, that Fuentes is still his closer.

Fuentes said it WASN'T about mechanics, but the fact that he was still their closer remained obvious.

The guy has 41 or 42 saves - - I'm too pissed at him to look it up - - But that doesn't mean much these days.

When former closer Francisco Rodriguez set the single season save record last season, many baseball writers were saying that his numbers were inflated and that he only got that many because of how many save opportunities a team like the Angels puts him in.

Boy is that true of Fuentes.

The guy is good when it's June and we're playing Cleveland.

He's lights out when it's July at home against Pittsburgh in an interleague game.

He's absolutely HORRIBLE and straight up looks like a deer in the headlights whenever any potential trouble is brewing.

Troy Percival, Angels closer Extraordinaire, was a spit in your eye back you off the plate mean sunuva mother...

He was also the perfect fit for a closer.

K-rod, for all his theatrics, had the fire in his belly. Sure, sometimes he blew it too, but....

Fuentes never looks mean. He looks Sweaty. He looks scared. He looks worried. Sometimes even hopeful.

He's not a shutdown get 'er done closer.

Strange how a strength one season goes to a weakness the next, eh?

Palmer has more fire in his belly, but lacks the Stuff to close.

It's gotta be Jepsen.

Man, do I miss Shieldsy. Get well soon Scot. Angels fans need you.

Five Man Rotation: Getting it Done.

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:57:00 +0000

It's about time it all comes together in the front of that rotation.

The back of it, too.

The Angels, a team historically built on sound pitching, has had a rough go this season.

Through Saturday, the team had a MLB leading 14 different starting pitchers start games for the team this season.

Part of this was injury related, as Joe Saunders, John Lackey, Ervin Santana and others were hampered by injury through large stretches of the season.

Part of it was tragedy, the death of top-flight Prospect Nick Adenhart, hours after the best game of his young big-league career, trouncing both hopes and hearts of the organization and Orange County as a whole.

All of a sudden, though, things are starting to click.

And just in time, too.

After Wednesday nights shutout by staff Ace John Lackey (more on that in a minute), the Angels have had "quality starts" by their starting pitchers in 13 of their last 15 games. To the uninformed, a quality start is when the starting pitcher goes at least six innings into a game and surrenders less than three runs.

It's been even better than that of late.

John Lackey's shut out last night came with brilliance on the mound and great defense provided by his teammates. Lackey gave up five hits, one walk, and yielded zero runs for his eighth career shut out. Four of his now eight shutouts have been against Seattle, as they were last night. He struck out seven, including the seemingly pressing Ichiro - - twice - - on the night.

The win extends the Angels lead over surging Texas to five games, as they were idle Wednesday.

Whats more impressive is that Lackey has given up just ONE earned run in his last 26 innings.

Better news? Starting pitchers Jered Weaver and newly acquired Scott Kazmir are looking just as dominant.

Who does that leave in the rotation? Well, 2008 All-Stars Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders, that's who.

The Angels now boast a five man rotation that is easily among the best in the game, and could not only make it difficult to pick a post season rotation, but also provide some depth to their bullpen, another rocky spot of late.

This comes as september cruises into the playoffs for teams like the Yankees and Phillies.

Out west, though, the Angels have some company in the Texas Rangers, breathing heavily down their necks as the playoff picture looms. As of today, the Angels magic number is 19: Any combination of Angels Wins plus Rangers losses that totals 19 means they seal the AL West for another year.

The Problem is 19 is a pretty major number with only 24 games to play. Last season the Angels clinched the ALWest on Sept 10th, the earliest the West has ever been won. This year, they'll be fighting it out all the way home, especially with seven games remaining against a Texas team that has completely had the Angels number this season, both in Arlington and Anaheim.

The Angels also only get one more off day the rest of the way.

This should, however, keep things fresh and the level of focus and concentration set to wear it needs to be should things all work out for another post-season run.

It suddenly looks like they have the pitching depth again to get it done.

Bullpen Roles: 2009

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:16:00 +0000

Maybe I'm old school.

I can't see how, I'm only 32.

But the fact remains that I'm more old school than new school, especially when it comes to the roles of bullpen players in 2009.

Gone are the days of Goose Gossage blowing in for a 2-3 inning spit in your eye back you off the plate and get 'er done save.

Bullpens are WAY too specialized.

Pitching has been overwhelmed by statistics. Pitch counts. Saves. Save Opps. You name it.

Now "closers" pitch one inning and get the save.

20 years ago, a save was a save. Closers would come into the game - - sometime s in the 7th inning - - and get the job done. Close the game out. That has evolved - - Devolved?- - into a situational role a la Frankie Rodriguez and his best ever #'s last year - - into a 3-runs or less lead and pitch the ninth inning only- - role that has done two things: Totally killed the Save stat, and totally killed the true meaning of closer. Now we have "setup men" who pitch the eigth (none better than injured Angel Scot Shields) and closers who pitch only the ninth.

Imagine K-Rod pitching more than 2 innings? My heart probably couldn't take it.

Nowhere was this more apparent than Tuesday night at the Big A.

Pitching Duel. Period. Seattles "King" Felix Hernandez faced newly acquired Angel Left Scott Kazmir in a pitching duel. Both had given up 3 hits a piece through seven, the Halos managing to put up 2 runs to Seattles 1. Kazmir left after seven and turned it over to new "Setup" man Kevin Jepsen who made Seattle look SILLY in the 8th, getting through the order including Ichiro Suzuki in 11 pitches to end the eigth.

Instead of going with the "best pitcher" for the situation - - clearly Jepsen could have stayed in to finish 'er out, Angels Manager Mike Scioscia instead opted to go back to that "I have to use my closer in save situations" mantra, and turned to Brian Fuentes in the 9th. Fuentes, by the way, is a lefty, and Seattle had three right handed batters coming up in the ninth, so it wasn't a "match up" move, it was a "by the book" move.

What happened?

Fuentes coughed up a homer to Mike Sweeney, negating the second gem by Kazmir (against Seattle, no less) in his second game as a Halo and forcing extra innings.

That can be ok when you're offense is firing on all cylinders, but the Angels offense has been anemic at best of late, and thanks to an Erick Aybar muscled single in the 10th, the Angels prevailed.

In Texas, new team President Nolan Ryan (Remember him, Angel fans?) has taken over pitcher development. He's tossed pitched counts and bullpen roles, as a rule, and is looking to make players develop like they used to.

What has happened as a result? Well, Texas is second in the AL West and Wild card races thanks in no small part to a rejuvenated pitching staff that happens to pitch in one of the hitter-friendliest parks (Arlington) in all of baseball.

I'm not saying we have to get to that level, but wouldn't it be nice if it was more about the guy in the moment than the role on the depth chart?

Scott Kazmir's Effect

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:36:00 +0000

When it was announced last friday that the Angels had acquired Tampla Bay LHP Scott Kazmir, the news seemed to send a spark through the Angels offense, igniting a come from behind victory at home friday night.

Unfortunately it seems to have gone from a spark to a fizzle.

Or maybe it's September that has the Angels feeling that autumn gloom thing.

Whatever it is, the Angels need to snap out of it.

Granted, today is their first day off in 21 days, which means a consecutive game string that reaches back three weeks.

Let's hope it's exactly what they need because the Rangers aren't only knocking on the AL West leaders door, they're charging at it with one of those swat-team style battering ram jobs.

Just two days ago, the Halos had a 6 game lead in the west, but hampered by consecutive pitching gems from lowly Seattle, (that's my way of saying the Angels can't score right now. period.) and Texas smacking around the Blue JAys in a double header the other day, that lead is now cut to 3 1/2 games.

The problem there is that the Angels have seven of their remaining thirty games to play AGAINST Texas: The team that has absolutely had the Angels number ALL season and is clearly for real and intent on making a run at post-season play for the first time in over a decade.

The Schedule for the Rangers gets a bit easier, the schedule for the Halos? well, other than the 7 games against Texas, they also have 7 total against the Yankees and Red Sox.

This season is undoubtedly shaping up for a helluva run into the playoffs, and there really is a lot of uncertainty in the game right now in terms of who's going to be playing come October.

Scott Kazmir pitched a gem in his debut, loading the bases early then striking out the side to get out of it. He then went 6 1/3 with 8 K's to get the loss.

why? Because the Angels were facing "King" Felix Hernandez, who -- according to Torii Hunter - - is the "filthiest right hander in the game".

Let's hope some rest re-energizes them, because Gil Meche and Zack Greinke (the next pitchers for KC, their next opponent) aren't exactly scrubs.

Scott Kazmir - - Angel

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 01:13:00 +0000

Rumors are saying yes and no, definitely and maybe, and the like, but a source close to the situation says that Rays Pitcher Scott Kazmir will be traded to the Angels for two minor leaguers.

This will supposedly be announced tonight following the RAys Tigers game.

Looks like they got their arm.

What's that? 10-0 you say?

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:31:00 +0000

Well, the Halos seem to be on a road to some pitching consistency of late.

Unfortunately, it's the "Holy crap, that guys getting shelled, get him out of there" variety.

Youngster Trevor Bell got lit up in Toronto.

So did his young counterpart O'Sullivan.

Then last night, on their first home game after a 5-4 road trip, the Halos put their faith in Jered Weaver.

And he pitched...ok.

Unfortunately, he was up against a renewed Justin Verlander, the Detroit Ace having been on a tear of late. Justin's stuff was electric through 5, and that was enough for Detroit to take a 10-0 lead, powered mostly by Miguel Cabrera, who had 5 RBI's on the night.

The Angels bats woke up, though, too, coming back to within three runs (10-7) on a 3-run homer by Bobby Abreu.

The real damage was done by Jose Arrendondo, who looked so good in a recent outing in Toronto that skipper Mike Scioscia decided he'd turn to the previously dominant youngster again monday.

Ooops.

Jose A. was lit up and down and gave up 6 runs in a brutal sixth inning.

There is cause for celebration, though, as the Angels definitely grabbed the momentum back late in the game and Detroit was scrambling to finish it.

Hopefully some of that carries forward tonight in a game two that pits John Lackey against former Angels Ace Jarrod Washburn.

Should be a helluva game.

Angels Update

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:48:00 +0000

--- Angels won their latest game last night in Cleveland, and in doing so, every starter on the team finished the game batting over .300. This is the first time since the 1930 New York Giants and St. Louis Cardinals that an entire lineup had each player hitting .300 or better and had at least 200 at-bats. Turns out it only takes (Angels Hitting Coach) Mickey Hatcher about 7 years for his players to get it. Keep it up, Hatch. You're doing a bang up job....

--- Angels Rookie hurler Trevor Bell, 22, from the North Hollywood area, earned his first big-league win last night, looking poised amid some wobbly innings. In the third, he had the bases loaded against Travis Hafner but fanned the Indians Slugger on a full-count changeup low and away. And by low I mean in the dirt. Good thing he can't hit like Vladdy.

--- Angels Vs. Indians tonight in the "Battle of Starting Pitchers who's named start with Jere". Yeah, thats all I got on this one. Jered Weaver, the season-long stud of the Angels franchise, looks to rebound from that horrible batting practice session he threw in his last start when he gave up eight runs on 9 hits in 3 1/3 innings in Baltimore last friday night. Luckily for me, I was in Sacramento on business and didn't get to see it, only heard the beginning on the flight w/ Jet Blue. Lucky for Sacramento that someone has now actually said the phrase "Luckily for me I was in Sacramento". Indians P Jeremy Sowers toes the rubber for Cleveland, and is 2-1 in his last three starts w/a 2.84 over that span.

WAY TO GO, VLAD

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:50:00 +0000

Way to go Vladdy!

In what very likely will be his last season as the Angels, Vlad Guerrero seems to have found his swagger again.

Good timing, eh?

With the Angels pitching in perpetual shambles this season - - the latest being Joe Saunders new Disabled List visit - - The Angels have risen above their normally strong pitching and remembered how to hit.

No where else was this more apparent than when Vlad Guerrero - - still barely back from the DL - - clubbed home runs number 399 and 400 last night in from of some 37,00 fans at the Big A last night.

Not to be outdone, our new stud First baseman NOT named Teixeira continued his quest to make all of the OC say "Mark who?" by hitting his 24th and 25th of the season, leading the charge to a 8-7 victory over visiting Tampa Bay.

Way to go Boys...a great game all around. Pitching was shakey for both teams, but the Angels got some wicked stuff from the 'pen and Fuentes dodged a bullet in the 9th for his 32nd save of the season.

and Jepsen is freaking FILTHY...that gas, 97, 98 mpg fastballs - - devastating cutter and that slider thing that bottoms out around 90-91? Opponents can look downright silly against that stuff.

I'm back from the dead - - again

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:52:00 +0000

Hey all...

Was in Costa Rica for a while there, spending eight gloriously relaxing - -albeit humid - - days near Libera, on the Pacific side of the amazing country.

Unbelievable experiences: Feeding monkeys on the beach -- my son pointing out that they were all Rally Monkeys!-- Ziplining through the dense countryside near Mira Valles Volcano, hot springs, mud baths, the whole nine.

Also plenty of cocktails and blackberry Angels updates.

That being said, I'm going to hold off on some Angels content until later today, but I wanted to throw something out there to my readers (reader?).

Recently I've struggled with coming up with creative content that wasn't just a dime a dozen blog post about the recent game, or games, or trade rumors, or whatever else is going on with the Ducks and Angels.

While I will continue with important news and some game recaps, I think I'm going to do a bit of a departure, but I sincerely hope I can get some feedback.

What I'd REALLY like to do is start a more...random article piece. I know this is very nebulous - It's not something I can nail down perse, but I want some feedback.

I sort of envision becomming a jackass type of writer. I think I want to use my powers to convery smiles and laughs, and try to give the underbelly side of baseball and hockey a little lift at the same time. I'm SO overwhelmed with steroid allegations, and problems and drama, I think I just want to have some fun with it...

Keep an eye out in the next day or so for my first try, and please give me some feedback.

I could always go back to the way it's been, but...I think this might be more fun.

That said, be back later, and hopefully you will too...

Back from the Dead...

theGeek@ocsportsgeeks.com (The Big Geek) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:35:00 +0000

I'm back, guys.

I have returned.

And I've been busy as hell.

Lots of things to talk about, so let's get right to it.

Angels
We're in on Roy Halladay.
We're not really in on Halladay.
Blue Jays: The Angels are in.

So ok, the Angels have been looking into what it would take to bring Doc Halladay, without a doubt, among the top 1 or 2 pitchers in the game for several years, to Anaheim.

He's under contract through NEXT season, would more than fill the gap in Lackey left after this one, and is probably as much a preventative move as a legitimate need move (i.e. we better get him before the Dodgers/Red Sox/Yankees do).

If I were GM, and there are about 100000000000 reasons why I'm not - - I'd do something like this for Doc:

Erick Aybar
Hank Conger
Trevor Reckling
Ervin Santana

I know that Santana's been better of late, and that this is a high risk high return for both teams, but it keeps Wood in the fold (even though the Angels have made it clear THEY haven't kept him in mind for real playing time) should Figgins jump ship this off-season and head out of town.

It also keeps Weaver here, clearly the season's staff Ace, and someone that should be in Halo Red for years.

Anyway this plays out, KEEP WEAVER in ANAHEIM.

NEXT up on my Halos list: Angels have won 5 out of 6.

Their only loss of late was last friday when Joe Saunders got beat like he stole something. Somehow, the score, which wasn't THAT lopsided at 7-3, didn't show the real suffering that Saunders was going through on the mound with his inability to put batters away once he got ahead.

Saunders line: a career high 6 walks in 6.0 innings of work, 5 runs, 4 earned, a homer, and just 52 pitches for strikes out of 95 total.

IN six innings?

Santana seems to have turned the corner in his recent struggles, with his last start an impressive victory at oakland.

Saunders is stuck in a funk, and I don't know what it'll take because it seems like his mechanics are good, and he claims to be healthy. The problem seems to be mental, and he looks really nervous on the mound out there.

This isn't the same pitcher that helped carry the team early this season.

Also, props to Bobby Abreu for his game winning homer in the tenth inning of a wicked pitchers duel in Oakland on Sunday.

Ducks
Anaheim GM Bob Murray continued his retooling efforts this offseason, and the Ducks are positioned to be really strong this coming season because of them.To date the Ducks have lost (via trade/free agency/Retirement):

Francois Beauchemin
Chris Pronger
Bret Hedican (retiring)

They've signed/picked up/re-upped:Joffrey Lupul
Luca Sbisa
Saku Koivu
Steve McCarthy
Nick Boynton
Todd Marchant (re-upped)
James Wisniewski(re-upped)

This makes the Ducks much deeper in scoring, and provides some accounting for the loss of stalwart Defenders in Pronger and Beauchemin.

Let's see what the rest of this summer brings for both teams.