Angels Baseball Rants and Raves

Episode 2.35: New Sort of Deadline

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 23:30:00 -0800

The guys come to the end of the road. The NFL commitments are just becoming to much to continue justifying this little labor of love. To the 500 or so who have enjoyed the 188 episodes, Steven and I say thanks for listening and we hope we have grown your love for the Halos. This sure looks like a most promising season being 22 games over .500 in the middle of August usually means a visit to the post-season.

Episode 2.34: Trade Deadline Testiness

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 23:00:00 -0800

With the trade deadline looming, Jeff cannot be contained in his frustration at the inevitability of inaction coming from the Angels front office. Not once during tonight’s game was GM Bill Stoneman seen on the phone. Though celebrating a sweep of the very talented Tigers and looking forward to pulling away from the Mariners this upcoming week, all eyes will be on Tuesday at 1:00 P.M. Pacific Time.

Episode 2.33: Best of times or worst of times?

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 23 Jul 2007 23:00:00 -0800

Steven and Jeff go at it in their varied assessments of our favorite Los Angeles team of Anaheim. Reviewing the Ervin Santana demotion, Joe Saunders promotion, and Jose Molina trade, there is much to kick around. Steven is despairing over the lack of the long promised bat and Jeff suggests that the mysterious bat may not be out there. They do agree that this weeks homestand will tell us a lot.

Episode 2.32: Breaking the bad mojo

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 16 Jul 2007 17:25:00 -0800

All-Star week had its good times and two of three from the Rangers is good enough. Jeff demonstrated that the burning of the part of the reason for the tough times were those Dodgers tickets which I burned last week. Vlad wins the HR contest, Frankie saved Putzz from becoming an All-Star loser. This week we see if Colon and Santana can right their respective ships in Tampa Bay.

Episode 2.31: Why the best record in baseball is not EVEN good enough

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 09 Jul 2007 23:59:00 -0800

We find ourselves in a conundrum where we have gone into the All-Star break tied with the Red Sox for most wins (53), but are playing like dookie. Jeff takes some responsibility for things and burns some Dodgers parking stubs he found in the car... just in case that was the cause of the bad mojo. The guys then join the frey with the, “whom am I more angry at, Colon or Santana?”

Episode 2.30: Ignore the Royal distraction behind the curtain

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 23:35:00 -0800

Okay, we get swept by the worst team in baseball, but still hit the mid-way point in the season with our best record ever -- despite the ship being all banged up! Me think it could be a lot worse. Could be the Mariners who are red hot and now without a coach (insert Nelson laugh here).

Episode 2.29: Spontaneous combustion seems inevitable

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 23:35:00 -0800

So many missing pieces -- injuries and we just keep winning. No one can explain the tear we are curently on, but why ask questions when things are going this well. Next comes a week of games against last place teams. Jeff rants on players unwilling to pay hurt and longs for the old days when a player would have to be practically dead before being forcably removed from the game.

Episode 2.28: Dodgers fail to dodge a beat-down

jeff@rarn.net — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 21:55:00 -0800

Join the party as the boys celebrate the Angels taking five out of six from the cross-town rivals. The Dodgers just do not stand up to the clearly superior team (heck, Sunday it was our “B” team).

Episode 2.27: We're number one!!

jeff@rarn.net — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 22:45:00 -0800

Feeling good about having the most wins in the Majors, has the guys in a celebratory mood. We break down our brief visit to Cincinnati and were disappointed that no Bengal was arrested while the Angels visited. Bring on the Dodgers!

Episode 2.26: Don’t want to jinx anything

jeff@rarn.net — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 23:15:00 -0800

The guys were afraid to do a show because the team is playing so well. Okay that’s a lie, but it is amazing how well the team is playing. Still all banged up, but everyone is doing their part which has the Halos off to the best start in team history.

Episode 2.25: HOT! Don’t touch!

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 18:45:00 -0800

The guys are in rare form as they relish (mmmm relish) being tied for the best start in team history. Jeff longs to win more World Series Rings than that team from the Bronx and to feed the 29th to any Yankees fan who happens across his path. Bring on the Twinkies (mmmm Twinkies.)

Episode 2.24: "We were on a break"

jeff@rarn.net — Wed, 30 May 2007 22:30:00 -0800

Maybe back in Brooklyn, people worried about dodging trollies, but these Dodgers were pathetic. It was a lovely sweep of “that other team from L.A..” Angels are the hottest team in all of baseball and we are doing it with a banged up ship. Imagine the possibilities of the team we thought we would put on the field back in March!

Episode 2.23: Motor city madness

jeff@rarn.net — Fri, 25 May 2007 17:45:00 -0800

Episode 2.22: No trolly Dodging here

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 20 May 2007 22:30:00 -0800

Episode 2.21: Emeralds are an Angels’ best friend

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 20 May 2007 15:00:00 -0800

After dropping the first game to King Felix and the M’s we righted the ship and proceeded to win the series up north. José Guillen was kept in check and even made a few errors to help us in our ill feelings towards him. Emma Miranda is introduced in this show since she woke unexpectedly from her afternoon nap.

Episode 2.20: Home, home on the Rangers

jeff@rarn.net — Mon, 14 May 2007 21:00:00 -0800

No deer or antelope playing, just some Angels unloading on a divisional rival. With the smell of last season's benches clearing brawls fresh in the air, Texas decides to reinstate the hostilities by beaning former clubhouse mate, Gary Mathews Jr. Guess that's what old friends are for. We take three of four and expand our lead in the west to two games.

Episode 2.19: No fear of Indians

jeff@rarn.net — Thu, 10 May 2007 20:30:00 -0800

Who cares that they are one of the best teams in baseball and that we cannot hit to save our lives... we took care of business. Benching Hillenbrand was a good start in this limbo process of waiting for the healing.

Episode 2.18: Chaos on and off the field

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 06 May 2007 23:30:00 -0800

In what is possibly the goofiest show to-date, Jeff and Steven break down a frustrating weekend of losing 2 of 3 to the Chicago White Sucks. Do not miss this one -- even made me laugh.

Episode 2.17: Respectable road trip

jeff@rarn.net — Thu, 03 May 2007 22:30:00 -0800

Though it is always frustrating to split with a team as bad as the Royals, we are holding serve while getting everyone healthy and heading home where we dominate. Keep the faith.

Episode 2.16: The much hated White Sox

jeff@rarn.net — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 23:59:00 -0800

Jeff draws an important distinction between a rival and a team that one really hates as the guys recap taking two of three from the men in black from Chicago's south side.

Episode 2.15: Catching up after a dominating home stand

jeff@rarn.net — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 22:00:00 -0800

Sorry to miss a show, but the NFL draft is killing us. We have good news to report on the most recent home stand and Jeff was fortunate enough to attend both of the day games this week. Loads of fun... but now the road.

Episode 2.14: Beating up on old friends... again

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 23:00:00 -0800

Shame we cannot play them everyday as the Halos complete the sweep of a team they have owned over the past few seasons. With the return of "Bad Weaver" and the irritating Jose Guillen, the emotions ran high and we managed to score runs to support the always strong pitching.

Episode 2.13: Same as it ever was

jeff@rarn.net — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 08:15:00 -0800

In what is looking an AWFUL lot like a continuation of last season's story of "ship all banged up," people playing out of their natural positions, errors leading to unearned runs, and needing just one more solid bat, the team loses its sixth in a row. The guys are not all to happy about this either.

Episode 2.12: Why Fenway?

jeff@rarn.net — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 23:20:00 -0800

So many horrific memories from that damned ball park and now we have a few new ones to file under the I would rather not talk about that file. Of the three games we got a chance to play, we were outscored 25-3. Fortunately sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes it snows.

Episode 2.11: The Cleveland Indians of Milwaukee

jeff@rarn.net — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 23:30:00 -0800

The team took an advantage and turned it into a big mess by dropping 2 out of 3 to a team of nomads playing 450 miles from home. A lot of second guessing Scioscia going on, but we are only in the second week of the season.

Episode 2.10a: Oakland's first trip to Anaheim

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 22:00:00 -0800

Splitting a four game series might feel like kissing your sister, but when it is the dreaded A's we'll take it. As expected the games were very close, full of drama, and even some brush back pitches between some guys who don't like each other too much. The guys go through it all and cover the latest news in a double show. Make sure you grab both parts one and two.

Episode 2.10b: Oakland's first trip to Anaheim

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 22:00:00 -0800

Trying something different by covering an entire series and breaking it up into smaller parts for easier consumption. Listen to them all together or one day at a time to spread out the fun. You make the call. This time we celebrate sweeping the opening series of 2007.

Episode 2.9a: Rangers series sweep

jeff@rarn.net — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 00:53:00 -0800

Episode 2.9b: Rangers series sweep

jeff@rarn.net — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 00:52:00 -0800

Episode 2.9c: Rangers series sweep

jeff@rarn.net — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 00:51:00 -0800

Episode 2.9d: Rangers series sweep

jeff@rarn.net — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 00:50:00 -0800

Episode 2.8: OPENING DAY

jeff@rarn.net — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 00:20:00 -0800

The guys are back from the big night at the Big A and have so many stories to tell. They bring you so close to opening night you can practically smell the hot dogs and taste the beer.

Episode 2.7: Tempe report part 2

jeff@rarn.net — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 23:00:00 -0800

The stories and interviews continue from the great state of Arizona as we count down t opening day. Jeff has to make a secret confession having acquired one really good seat for opening day which leaves Steven at home with children. The drama builds.

Episode 2.6: Tempe report part 1

jeff@rarn.net — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 23:55:00 -0800

Jeff and Steven go position by position to evaluate who will be where and how they are faring thus far this spring. Jeff gives the team an A- while Steven gives them a B+. It is the Matthews Jr. situation which keeps us from getting too giddy.

Episode 2.5: Around the horn

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 21:50:00 -0800

Episode 2.4: Cacti feels good

jeff@rarn.net — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 22:30:00 -0800

Jeff and Steven update all things Cacti and are feeling good about how the team is shaping up for 2007. Cursory glances are made at the divisional rival A's, Rangers, and Mariners and the changes they made in the off-season.

Episode 2.3: Howie Kendrick Night

jeff@rarn.net — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 20:50:00 -0800

Steven declares it Howie night because of an outstanding Spring outing today against old friend Bud Black's new team, The San Diego Padres. Get caught up on the fun and don't miss Sunday afternoon's game against Oakland on KCOP 13 in the L.A. area.

Episode 2.2: Steven psyched about Spring wining streak

jeff@rarn.net — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 22:30:00 -0800

Trying to reel in the enthusiasm of a baseball noob 'aint easy, but Jeff does his best. The Matthew Jr. situation is looked at and the Saturday game will be available on FSN West and MLB TV.

Episode 2.1: Feels Just Like Starting Over

jeff@rarn.net — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 22:30:00 -0800

Jeff and Steven are back for the second season of Angels Baseball Rants and Raves. The guys look at what went wrong last season, what happened in the off-season, and look forward to the 2007 season. What happened to the promise of a "big bat?"

Episode 153: It's Over, It's Really Over

jeff@rarn.net — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 21:30:00 -0800

Jeff and Steven make an appearance to put an official end to the 2006 season. We wrap up everything about the season and anticipate the glorious grind of 2007. Jeff is giving love to the Oakland Athletics as they have advanced to the American League Championship Series and Steven hopes the Tigers will scratch their eyes out.

Episode 152: Staying Alive

jeff@rarn.net — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 23:30:00 -0800

After a nine day hiatus we're back to update Angels fans about the team we love. Though things are grim, we are still hanging in there. If Seattle can take one more game from Oakland, then our fate is in our hands. We'll see. Right now we are five back with six to play.

Episode 151: Stupid A's

jeff@rarn.net — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 21:35:00 -0800

The great choke of 2006 does not appear to be in the cards for the Oakland Athletics. Not with Frank Thomas magically staying healthy and putting up MVP kinds of numbers. Today's loss drops us six back with 13 to play. DANGER! DANGER!

Episode 150: The end is near

jeff@rarn.net — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 17:28:00 -0800

Not sure what the end will entail, but for tonight we inch closer to the idle Oakland Athletics. Seldom used Jose Molina provides the only offense as he hits a two run homerun in the fifth inning to go along with some pretty terrific pitching.

Episode 149: Time to find the doctor's phone number

jeff@rarn.net — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 17:28:00 -0800

Time is running out on the 2006 Angels baseball season. The team gets one-hit against Freddy Garcia today on get away day in Anaheim. Jeff figures we can lose four or five more games before our season is finished.

Episode 148: No need to call the doctor

jeff@rarn.net — Tue, 09 Sep 2006 22:40:00 -0800

Actually Steven did need to call the doctor, but the Angels are so NOT DEAD YET! Look out Athletics, you look like you are playing scared. Though we needed 11 innings to get it done, that just made it so much sweeter. 4 1/2 games and counting.

Episode 147: Don't try too hard

jeff@rarn.net — Tue, 09 Sep 2006 00:30:00 -0800

With not too many opportunities to make-up ground, the Angels blow this one tonight losing to the hatted Chicago White Sox 3-2. Jeff mock-rants on John Lackey knowing better than to give-up any runs with our poor offense.

Episode 146: Rolling along

jeff@rarn.net — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 22:55:00 -0800

Steven tries to take over the show with predictable results. He thinks just because it is his birthday weekend he can be "the man." Fortunately the Angels game was good enough to compensate. Joe Saunders keeps the great pitching rolling for the good guys.

Episode 145: Broom working fine

jeff@rarn.net — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 20:00:00 -0800

With a three game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles, the Angels keep their play-off hopes alive, wining today 8-4. Off day tomorrow gives the guys some necessary rest. Darrin Erstad is given love by Jeff for returning as the team leader just in time.

Episode 144: The fork is out of the coffin

jeff@rarn.net — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 23:15:00 -0800

Picking up ground on Oakland while winning a very exciting game sure is fun. High drama continues for fans of the Glorious Grind. Maybe, just maybe we can make things interesting for the 2006 season. Still not sure we could manage a playoff win with this team, but one thing at a time.

Episode 143: Now with strengthened heart-beat

jeff@rarn.net — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 22:30:00 -0800

Home after very little sleep and beating up on Baltimore is a great way to begin a home-stand. Jered Weaver makes the lone run he received in support stand up as he pitched a shut-out through 7 innings. With Oakland losing, we are still hanging in there.

Episode 142: Don't pull the plug just yet

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 03 Sep 2006 21:15:00 -0800

The Angels manage to take a series against the team with the best record in baseball. Sure they have not been playing that well, but it is still positive momentum. Kelvim Escobar pitched like a Big Dog and got a much deserved win. More errors and unearned runs, but we come home happy.

Episode 141: Now on life support

jeff@rarn.net — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 21:35:00 -0800

Oakland loses and the Angels win. Though it is unlikely that it will matter, for the day we enjoy the fruits of victory and pulling a little closer to the Athletics. Chone Figgins 10th inning triple clears the bases and leads to the win.

Episode 140: The fork in the coffin

jeff@rarn.net — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 20:20:00 -0800

It is September and the wining has yet to begin in ernest. The Angels drop the first game of an important road-trip 9-0 to the Detroit Tigers. September call-ups do not make a dent in an offense lacking punch, a defense which is porous, and a pitching staff which is young and tiring.

Episode 139: First of many more wins?

jeff@rarn.net — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 22:45:00 -0800

Big clock is ticking on the 2006 Angels season and we cannot lose too many more games. John Lackey pitches well and the offense supports him. Lackey ends the losing that came with the flip of the calendar to August and we can only hope that he runs off a good September.

Episode 138: Blindly Superstitious

jeff@rarn.net — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 23:20:00 -0800

Yuck. Steven demotes Jered Weaver as a big dog resulting in catastrophic consequences. In his worst outing of his young career the Angels had too big a hole to recover from and now have an even bigger hole to dig out of in the standings. Too late baby now, its too late.

Episode 137: Short, but not so sweet

jeff@rarn.net — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 22:55:00 -0800

In a very short game played up in the Emerald City, the Angels could get nothing going against King Felix. Kelvim Escobar pitched very well and was deserving of the win, but the offense was nowhere to be found. This episode was almost longer than the game.

Episode 136: Saunders hides the broom

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 16:50:00 -0800

No sweep for us. Joe Saunders brought his D- game to this afternoon's game in a city near Los Angeles, but the Angels still managed to put a scare into the Bombers. After being down 8-0, we battle much of the way back and lose 11-7. Questionable umpiring continues to work against us and we must play the guys in Blue too.

Episode 135: How A-Rod became K-Rod

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 00:50:00 -0800

Back in the saddle and more beating-up on the Yankees. Why is it so fun to kick dirt on a fancy person? After a night off Steven and Jeff carry on a little too long, but have a giddy time celebrating Halo dominance over the Bronx. Jeff breaks down the numbers needed to make the playoffs.

Episode 134: Pinball wizards TILT

jeff@rarn.net — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 23:30:00 -0800

No amount of good luck on defense could offset the silent bats and questionable coaching at third base. Jered Weaver now knows what a major league loss feels like as he makes one mistake to one of the games greatest hitters, David Ortiz. Maybe Steven was right.

Episode 133: Steven says we're done

jeff@rarn.net — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 23:50:00 -0800

No more withholding judgement for Mr. Miranda. He cannot wait for the weekend and puts the preverbal fork in our 2006 season declaring that we lack what is necessary to make the playoffs. Apparently winning more than anyone else since the All-Star break is not good enough for him.

Episode 132: BoSox aint no thang

jeff@rarn.net — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 23:55:00 -0800

Good times keep on rolling as the Halos defeat the Boston Red Sox 4-3. Much drama provided by everyone. Errors and unearned runs continued for us, but we still manage to win.

Episode 131: Broom working fine

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 20:30:00 -0800

For the first time in 20 years, the Angels sweep a four game home series against the hapless Seattle Mariners. Dramatic come from behind victory was capped off with a Chone Figgins single in the bottom of the ninth. Steven decides to withhold judgement for our post-season chances until the best of the east leaves town next weekend.

Episode 130: Seattle has fallen and can't get up

jeff@rarn.net — Sat, 19 Aug 2006 23:50:00 -0800

Big dog stinks again, but he gets off the hook by some timely hitting by his buddies. Somehow we commit three more errors than the Mariners, but when things are going bad, you always find a way to lose. Consider this win a steal for the Angels.

Episode 129: Leave it to Weaver

jeff@rarn.net — Fri, 18 Aug 2006 23:50:00 -0800

Jered Weaver goes to 9-0 and carries us to victory over the stumbling Seattle Mariners. Loving the smell of Napoli again as Mike hits a 2 run shot to center field to provide us with a little breathing room as we win 3-0.

Episode 128: There's no place like home

jeff@rarn.net — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 22:50:00 -0800

After a grueling road-trip which ended in a brawl, a tongue lashing from Scioscia, a middle of the night flight home, and stupidity from the MLB office in New York, we take care of business against the floundering Seattle Mariners. Grandpa Moyer pitched well, but the Angels went retro with "get em on, get em over, and get em in" baseball.

Episode 127: Gloves come off

jeff@rarn.net — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 22:50:00 -0800

The stupidity of Vincente Padilla's actions yesterday (see yesterday's show notes) had a significant carryover into today's game. Bean-balls abounded, and though punches were not landed, a whole lot-a slapping took place and next will be suspensions. The only hope is that the guys pull together for a late season playoff push.

Episode 126: Bean this Texas!

jeff@rarn.net — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 22:50:00 -0800

Rangers pitcher Vincente Padilla was determined to hit a few Angels today and could likely benefit from some anger management work. Fortunately no one looks worse for wear and we came away with more runs than them in support of a poor pitching performance by Ervin Santana.

Episode 125: There are no guarantees in life

jeff@rarn.net — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 22:15:00 -0800

Steven guarantees a win and the Angels bullpen sees to it that he is proven wrong. Very close game until the end. Halos still struggle to get the big timely hit and continue to strand too many runners. Angels loose to the Yankees 7-2 and settle for a split.

Episode 124: This kid's perfect

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 22:00:00 -0800

Jered Weaver takes his perfect record to New York and holds the Yankees down so the Angels can win despite stranding more runners than the Boston Marathon held during a snow storm. More mistakes on the bases keep making us crazy.

Episode 123: Vlady is baddy

jeff@rarn.net — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 21:50:00 -0800

It is amazing how someone with as much talent as Vladamir Guererro can be as bone-headed as he was Saturday afternoon in the Bronx. Two times he is thrown out on the base paths doing stupid stuff. Not sure we could have won, but he made certain that we had no chance. Frustrating loss.

Episode 122: We love New York!

jeff@rarn.net — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 21:50:00 -0800

If only we could play the Yankees everyday. Not sure why we do so well against the darned Bombers, but we do and we like it. We win tonight 7-4 on the arm of the rookie du jour, Joe Saunders. Angels rookie pitchers remain undefeated at 12-0.

Episode 121: Now with combustible positronic vibrations

jeff@rarn.net — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 22:50:00 -0800

Having been scolded by Brian in Australia about the negative thing backfiring, Jeff and Steven argue about how best to be positive. Though the guys get ugly it is not uglier than losing 2 of 3 in Cleveland and watching Ervin Santana go down on the fifth pitch. Long painful loss where the Angel bullpen allows 13 earned runs.

Episode 120: Don't fall in love

jeff@rarn.net — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 20:25:00 -0800

From the mouth of the American sage, Barry Manilow comes the wise words which should serve as a warning to Halo fans around the world. This team is not very good and today in Cleveland, they gave a good demonstration of that. Tons of hits lead to zero runs. Error again to pad our AL lead. Steven threatens his Big Dog (which one) with loosing his status if this nonsense continues.

Episode 119: Pessimism = wins

jeff@rarn.net — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 22:40:00 -0800

Never before has being negative lead to so much success for the boys in red. Steven continues to begrudgingly support the doom and gloom approach to victory. Just like a lucky sock things continue to work out as the team climbs to a season high five games above .500. Adam Kennedy is the star of the night with an eighth inning, two out single to score the winning run.

Episode 118: Nothing good comes from optimism

jeff@rarn.net — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 22:50:00 -0800

Now that Steven is on board with NOT being optimistic things are going better for the team. The most grueling road-trip of the season gets off on a very positive note as we do something which has eluded us in recent years -- beat the White Sox with Kelvim Escobar on the mound. Our little one game series is now over and we are off to Cleveland.

Episode 117: Rookie pitchers remain perfect

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 16:00:00 -0800

Joe Saunders looks much better than a hurting Bartolo Colon and takes his young record to 3-0 with a butt kicking of the Texas rangers today in Anaheim. Homeruns by Garret Anderson and Vladamir Guererro power the Angels to a 9-1 victory. Unfortunately the Texas pitcher got tossed in the first inning and winds up depleting the Rangers bullpen prior to an important series in Oakland beginning tomorrow.

Episode 116: Mr. Hyde takes the day off

jeff@rarn.net — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 21:25:00 -0800

In this Dr. Jekyll season we get it right... for the day. Ervin Santana earns his 12th victory (in a day game mind you) as he leads the team to a 10-3 win over division rival Texas Rangers. Vlad Guererro has his consecutive game hitting streak broken by some weenie intentional walks and only one real at-bat.

Episode 115: Cy Young winner looking old

jeff@rarn.net — Fri, 04 Aug 2006 22:45:00 -0800

The anemic offense continues to offend and the team receives disappointing, but inevitable news that Bartolo Colon is done for the season with a tear in his rotator cuff. The guys reflect on nearly 100 episodes ago when we said that Bart was seriously hurt. Big Dog looked like dog dirt just to top off a perfectly poor game.

Episode 114: Who's more sick?

jeff@rarn.net — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 23:55:00 -0800

Jeff and Steven are under-the-weather and the Halos look the same. After wasting a solid effort from Little Weaver and a late inning game tying HR from Juan Rivera, we go on to lose in 12 innings. These guys just look sick -- that would be everyone, the hosts and the team.

Episode 113: Too nice a day for a bad game

jeff@rarn.net — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 22:55:00 -0800

On a lovely southern California afternoon the Angels drop the final game of a three game series to the dreaded Oakland A's. Jeff takes the kids and sits with nice folks, only to watch a lackluster performance by everyone not named Kelvim Escobar. Poor defense returned and we nearly had a brawl in what is becoming one of the better rivalries in sports.

Episode 112: Kids continue to carry the load

jeff@rarn.net — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 22:55:00 -0800

Tonight it was rookie Joe Saunder's turn to receive student of the day honors for the big club. Adam Kennedy extends his career consecutive game hitting streak to 15 games. Jeff and Steven Rave on Dino Ebel's improving aggressiveness as a 3rd base coach and the new style of sliding demonstrated by Macier Izturis tonight. Rubber game tomorrow afternoon at the Big A.

Episode 111: Trade deadline silence

jeff@rarn.net — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 00:10:00 -0800

The 2006 trade deadline passed without a move from the Angels. It seems that the team is standing pat and will go with what they got. Sure looked like we could have used another bat tonight as Dan Harren held us to one run as we lost 3-1. Big series against division leading Oakland Athletics continues tomorrow night.

Episode 110: Tons O runs, but Colon says ouch!

jeff@rarn.net — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 17:35:00 -0800

The word of the day is ambivalence, whose definition is to have feelings which contradict each other. On the one hand we are thrilled to have unloaded our largest offensive output of the season, but seriously bummed at what might be the case of Bartolo Colon's latest injury. Jeff and Steven will be away on separate long weekend's with the families. Back at it Monday night after the home opener against Oakland.

Episode 109: Rants, rants, and more rants

jeff@rarn.net — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 22:55:00 -0800

May be in first place, but we are still not playing well. Record number of rants in tonight's show which vary wildly from personal issues between the hosts and Vlady stealing a base in a silly situation. Early game tomorrow morning from Tampa, so don't miss it.

Episode 108: Worst show ever

jeff@rarn.net — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 22:50:00 -0800

Hard to admit, but the nonsense reached heights rivaling the current heat-wave. Fortunately the Angels were immune from the stupidity in Jeff's living-room and cruised right into first place (alphabetically above the Oakland Athletics with whom we are tied atop the division). John Lackey rights the ship and pitches well again and Juan Rivera keeps going deep. Aside from tonight's show, it was a great day for the team.

Episode 107: Back in the saddle

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 23 Jul 2006 21:40:00 -0800

Jered Weaver remains perfect in his rookie season in today's win over Kansas City. Steven is back from the sweltering heat of San Diego and Jeff is back from the lesser heat of Las Vegas. In our longest show ever we catch up with each other and the team. The over/under on Joe Maddon getting tossed this week is Tuesday as we head off to Tampa Bay.

Episode 106: More Bees Please!

jeff@rarn.net — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 23:15:00 -0800

With Steven so sick of the team's recent struggles that he bailed out for San Diego, Bender pinch hits from the Rants and Raves Minor League System. Angels continue their embarrassing ways against the worst team in baseball. Bender wonders what it would be like to play without a severely beaten-up Garret Anderson. No show tomorrow as the hosts have a travel day.

Episode 105: What's that smell?

jeff@rarn.net — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 22:50:00 -0800

Oh yah, the smell is the Angels the last few days. Jeff and Steven fear that this may be the beginning of a tail-spin. Not sure how it is possible to look good after the fiasco that took place tonight at Koffmann Stadium in Kansas City. Four more errors pad our already healthy American League lead to 77. Bender will be in the house tomorrow.

Episode 104: Can't win 'em all

jeff@rarn.net — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 16:50:00 -0800

Angels were lollygaggers this afternoon at the Big A, losing to the Cleveland Indians 6-4. Steven's Big Dog did not have it going today as his scoreless streak ended at 30 innings and he got knocked around good. The Halos head off to Kansas City where Jeff begrudgingly admits we should get a sweep -- a tall order for a four game series, no matter whom you are playing.

Episode 103: 3 Games over never felt so good

jeff@rarn.net — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 22:50:00 -0800

Eight in a row. Steven notices that with Kansas City coming up on the schedule, this streak could get huge. We wrestled with the Indians tonight for the A.L. error lead, but eventually we ripped it back out of their hands with two more tonight. We also padded our lead in unearned runs which now stands at 62. Not sure it matters though as the guys keep wining. Rookie pitchers are now 9-0.

Episode 102: High watermark matched

jeff@rarn.net — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 22:50:00 -0800

Seven in a row and 12 of 13 is a good reason to celebrate. So is Garret Anderson's first home run in nearly three weeks. Rookie pitcher, Dustin Mosely's first Major League start was less than pretty, but good enough to notch a win. Big Weaver was crummy in his debut for the St. Louis Cardinals and reminds us why we are glad he does not play for us anymore.

Episode 101: Howie do that?

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 16 Jul 2006 18:30:00 -0800

Howie Kendrick was just what we needed to take our second sweep of the season. Ugly ball was the name of the game tonight as both teams combine for five errors. Though Jeff is concerned about the number of runners being thrown out while running the bases, Steven points out that good teams can overcome those gaffs. Coming up next is the Cleveland Indians for three beginning Monday night.

Episode 100: Not dead yet

jeff@rarn.net — Sat, 15 Jul 2006 22:45:00 -0800

Back to .500 the Angels put a hurtin' on old friend Joe Maddon and his Devil Rays. We also move just one-and-a-half games behind front runners Oakland and Texas. Steven argues that the team does not need another big bat to protect Vlade and Jeff points out why this is not correct. Fresh off the heels of Jeff's prediction of tonight's victory, Steven throws his own prediction out for tomorrow afternoon's melt-fest down at the Big A.

Episode 99: Just flew in from New York

jeff@rarn.net — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 22:55:00 -0800

Despite some serious jet-lag, Jeff and Steven are refreshed by the Angels picking up right where they left off prior to the Mid-Summer-Classic. Another brilliant performance by John Lackey got us our ninth win in our past 10 games. Tonight's 4-0 score was highlighted by Vlad Guererro hitting a dinger like he did in Tuesday night's All-Star game. Lackey records 10 strike-outs for the third consecutive game.

Episode 98: Good time for a break

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 16:50:00 -0800

We conclude the first half of the 2006 season by having a 6-1 road trip and pulling oh-so-close to our goals. With Ervin Santana notching his 10th victory of the season we had offensive help from a Jose Molina homer, Kendry Morales triple, and a few key hits from MIA Garret Anderson. Very nice way to head into the break. Steven and Jeff will be back at it on Friday night when the Halos host Tampa Bay.

Episode 97: Objects in mirror are closer than they appear

jeff@rarn.net — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 22:40:00 -0800

Another step closer to respectability as the Halos take the 3rd game in this four game series prior to the Mid-Summer Classic break. We are now just 3 games from .500 and the same number from first place. It has been a good run for the boys in red. Jered Weaver continues to prove that he belonged here all along and the little guys are hitting them long. Although it got a little scary at the end, the good guys win 6-4.

Episode 96: Big Dog's biggest night

jeff@rarn.net — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 22:15:00 -0800

Big John Lackey has his most impressive performance as a professional pitcher. After a lead off double, he retires the next 27 consecutive batters for a one hitter. Also noteworthy along with our 3-0 win is John's 10 strike-outs which equal his career high. Back within striking distance of the division leaders this was an important game.

Episode 95: Steven's dreaded return to California

jeff@rarn.net — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 22:40:00 -0800

Steven comes back and we get hurt in a big way -- via The Big Hurt. A conflagration of unfortunate events lead to a disappointing loss at the hand of our arch rival Oakland A's 7-5. Gotta wonder what would have happened if the first base umpire had not startled Kendry Morales into dropping a easy pop-up in the first that leads to 2 unearned runs. Bummer.

Episode 94: Found the illusive broom

jeff@rarn.net — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 23:30:00 -0800

Enjoying the ride of this most unlikely event -- Bartolo Colon pitches a complete game shutout!?! What a strange impersonation he did of his former self. Never saw the gun top 93, but if he can deal like that, I could get over the drop in velocity. He gave us so much of what we needed tonight while the offense came from the seldom used bat of Robb Quinlan who hit a 3 run HR in the 5th. Oh yah, OC 62.

Episode 93: Steven is banned from California

jeff@rarn.net — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 23:40:00 -0800

Weird that the Angels have not lost since Steven left for Texas. He has clearly been the bad luck of the season and if the guys figure out a way to win despite facing a lefty, despite having the new and not improved Bartolo Colon on the mound, despite not having swept a series in 6 previous attempts, despite not having won five in a row all season, despite not being four games under .500 in over a month -- he will be banned for life.

Episode 92: Good Weaver's in the house!

jeff@rarn.net — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 23:25:00 -0800

OC 60, snapping a 5 game losing streak to a divisional rival, Jered Weaver starting his big league career 5-0, what else could an Angels fan wish for? Sorry about last night's lack of show. We did one, it just got wrecked. It is quite a technological hurdle to do the show while on the road and in two different locations. If the Angels would just keep on winning, it would not really matter.

Episode 91: GA 2,000

jeff@rarn.net — Sat, 01 Jul 2006 22:15:00 -0800

Great game all around for the Halos today. Garret Anderson collects his 2,000th hit, Mike Napoli goes yard twice, Kelvim Escobar pitches seven shut-out innings, OC ties a 46 year old record, and the Angels finally beat the Dodgers. Jeff and Steven do their first show together while not being together. Using the best of modern Internet technology, the guys do a show while being nearly 1,000 miles apart. Though the quality is not of the highest standard, it is pretty cool none-the-less.

Episode 90: The new Bartolo Colon

jeff@rarn.net — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 22:45:00 -0800

On the night that we correct the Weaver dilemma, we continue to worry about the ability of Bartolo Colon to perform at the level we have grown accustomed to. Not sure which is a bigger concern: Bart's struggles or our inability to drive in runs. The Dodgers had lost 15 in a row at an American League stadium, but we fixed that for them. Tonight we lose 6-1.

Episode 89: Shields fail to protect

jeff@rarn.net — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 22:50:00 -0800

Another interesting way to lose. Vlad Guererro gets off the shnide, but it did not matter. We stink too much to rebound from an error and unofficial error. Not only did we not sweep the series against the Rockies at home, we went ahead and lost the series 1-2. With an off day tomorrow, Friday begins 10 consecutive games leading up to the All-Star break. Nothing short of a miracle will keep us from finishing the first half under .500.

Episode 88: Gasping for air

jeff@rarn.net — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 22:10:00 -0800

Well, Jeff was dead wrong about where this series was headed. He thought we had begun a great run, but instead it is back to the floundering nonsense which has characterized the 2006 season. Bad Weaver returned to his former ways and we hope very much that all the scouts which were scheduled to watch him pitch tonight got stuck in traffic. His value took a serious hit with tonight's debacle. Halo's lose 12-4.

Episode 87: Loving the smell of Napoli

jeff@rarn.net — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 20:40:00 -0800

Mike Napoli his the hero of the day and is well on his way to a Rookie of the Year season. With a basses loaded double in the 8th inning he gets the Angels some much needed runs. Jeff goes out on a limb and predicts a sweep of the Rockies this week as he sees all the signs pointing to a season which is turning around. Steven is holding onto reality and is reserving judgement. John Lackey is very strong through eight innings allowing only 6 base runners which lead to 3 runs. Great win. Solid pitching and timely hitting, these are the things Halos baseball used to be about.

Episode 86: Kelvim gets run support, but...

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 25 Jun 2006 17:55:00 -0800

Another lost opportunity for a sweep. Instead we end with a 3-3 road trip as we head home for our final home-stand prior to the All-Star break. 3-3 feels like kissing your sister (not my sister -- your sister). You had better not kiss my sister or you will have two big guys upset with you. Arizona's Orlando Hudson homers for the second consecutive game and Orlando Cabrerra extends his streak to 53 games. Perhaps the Rockies will bring better days.

Episode 85: Not too long for a win

jeff@rarn.net — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 23:45:00 -0800

13 innings was all it took to put another dagger in the heart of the Diamondbacks. Robb Quinlan hits a two out, two run homer in the top of the 13th to lead the Angels to their third win in a row. Still too early to get excited about the possibilities for the season, especially with Dallas McPherson going on the 15 day DL today and Bartolo Colon pitching as poorly as he is. Steven still cannot get over us sending down Jered Weaver so we can put up with this nonsense.

Episode 84: Napoli goes to 11

jeff@rarn.net — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 23:50:00 -0800

While Year of the OC streaks to 51 consecutive games with reaching base, Mike Napoli has his own version of the streak going -- reaching base in consecutive times at the plate. Mike has reached in 11 straight plate appearances. The team record is 12. What's even nicer is that these things occurred in the midst of our second straight win. In opening a series with the floundering Arizona Diamondbacks, we might achieve some desperately needed momentum.

Episode 83: Rare victory is sweet

jeff@rarn.net — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 20:20:00 -0800

Finally get in the victory column. Could this be the beginning of the amazing turn-around to the 2006 campaign? Only time will tell, but it sure beats losing. Macier Izturis gets a rare start and his bases loaded double in the 8th inning breaks up the 3-3 tie and secures us a win on this road-trip. Jeff Weaver pitched very well again in his latest showcase start and should be worth more on the trade market so little brother can come back and take his rightful place in the show.

Episode 82: Free fallin'

jeff@rarn.net — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 23:05:00 -0800

Halos drop the second game of this six game road-trip to the San Francisco Giants 3-2. Another night, another error, another two unearned runs, another night of few runs scored, and most importantly, another loss. John Lackey pitched very well, but it did not matter. Maybe the day game tomorrow will wake us up, who knows. Jeff and Steven have come to the point of cursing the team in Swedish. How low can we go?

Episode 81: Kelvim Escobar's run of futility

jeff@rarn.net — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 23:30:00 -0800

Wow we are doing poorly. We come ever so close to getting no hit by a 21 year old. Despite turning the tables and getting an unearned run in the top of the first. Kelvim Escobar continues his run of futility by pitching very well, but not perfectly. He is receives the third lowest run support in the ERA over his past 7 starts (only 2.1) and has to be getting frustrated. The team is desperate for help somewhere. With only 18 games to play before the All-Star game, time is quickly running out. Jeff asks the question of if a team that is good on paper can become good suddenly.

Episode 80: Getting tired of losing

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 18 Jun 2006 16:25:00 -0800

We drop another one, add to the tragedy of errors, and see our Cy Young award winner return with limited velocity. All these crummy things on a beautiful southern California Father's Day. Bart pitched well enough to win, but we cannot score runs. Very sad. We made Chan Ho Park look like a Cy Young candidate himself. We need help and soon.

Episode 79: Should we lower our expectations?

jeff@rarn.net — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 16:55:00 -0800

We win the second game against the San Diego Padres on a hot summer day in Anaheim 3-2. Got a little dicey again for the Halos by giving up even more unearned runs and another error. Jered Weaver has taken the train back to Salt Lake City, but should return soon with trade speculation gathering more momentum. What will happen in the rubber game tomorrow? If we win, we take another series. If we lose, we are in trouble.

Episode 78: Tragedy of errors

jeff@rarn.net — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 22:30:00 -0800

Should have won, but didn't. Continually finding new ways to lose is the only thing we are good at these days. We are the only AL West team who cannot hold serve against tonight's NL West opponent. This pushes us further in the cellar and further away from our hopes of respectability. Steven finally comes on board and accepts the truth that we stink right now.

Episode 77: We win, but we still stink

jeff@rarn.net — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 22:50:00 -0800

Needed 10 innings to beat a terrible team. Not the way you would script it, but it worked. Two more unearned runs and two more errors have us playing very un-Mike Scioscia like baseball. We lead all baseball in two dubious categories. John Lackey pitched very well and did not get a decision for his efforts. It is only the grace that comes from being in the worst division in baseball that has us still in this race at five games back. Now the much improved Padres come to town for the weekend. Better get this ship patched up.

Episode 76: Shouldn't lose to THEM

jeff@rarn.net — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 22:50:00 -0800

Kelvim Escobar continues as the tough luck pitcher. Tonight he adds to his team leading unearned run total with a Chone Figgins error leading to a seventh inning tying run which denied Escobar the chance to win. Frustrating night were we looked flat and looked like we took the lowly Royals for granted. You do have to try when it comes to beating a Major League Baseball team no matter how bad they are. We had better get them tomorrow night. Rumors are flying about a possible trade for Tampa Bay's Carl Crawford. The Time Machine remembers one of Nolan Ryan's special moments from the 1970's. That was it for the good stuff tonight.

Episode 75: Can we play KC every day?

jeff@rarn.net — Tue, 13 Jun 2006 23:05:00 -0800

Jered Weaver is at it again, making it nearly impossible to send him back to triple-A. Another amazing performance from this talented youngster. Seven innings pitched and no earned runs lowers his over all ERA to 1.37. He becomes only the second Angels rookie pitcher to win his first four starts. Great win -- even if it is against the Royals. Year of the O.C. now has his record at 43 games. WARNING: this is a particularly silly and weird episode, listen at your own risk. If rash persists, discontinue use.

Episode 74: At least we can beat KC

jeff@rarn.net — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 23:50:00 -0800

It was only the Royals, but it still counts as a win. Everyone else has gotten to beat on them so now it is our turn. It was hardly a beat down however as we sneaked out a 4-3 victory in our first home win in nearly two weeks. Ervin Santana pitched shut-out ball until he ran out of gas in the seventh inning and Mike Scioscia was a bit slow with the hook. Frankie Rodriguez got to pitch in a meaningful game. Dallas McPherson went 3-3 at the plate. So many good things, but the best of all is a win.

Episode 73: The wrong end of a sweep

jeff@rarn.net — Sun, 11 Jun 2006 16:15:00 -0800

Well, Steven's little prediction of doom for us in this final game against the Mariners proved correct. Too bad as a team we would like to think is better than us had no trouble taking 7 of 9 games from us this season. The 20 year old flame-thrower, Felix Hernandez was masterful this afternoon in Anaheim. The only good news was Orlando Cabrerra extending his on base streak as he accounted for 3/4 of the teams four hits. Pitiful performance all around as Jeff Weaver, trying to save his job, commits two errors in the same inning... NICE!

Episode 72: Why can't we beat these guys?

jeff@rarn.net — Sat, 10 Jun 2006 23:55:00 -0800

Now that we're hitting we can't get the runners in. Tonight the Angels pound out the same large number of hits as the Mariners (16), but we leave 12 of our runners out on the bases where they do no good. Frustrating night and another tough loss. We are falling dangerously far out of the pennant race and it is only early June. Steven refuses to take his punishment after guaranteeing a victory last night and now is guaranteeing a loss for tomorrow. Has it really come to this?