First2Third.net

Where does the youth movement play in 2012?

2012-01-31T14:07:00.000-08:00

AAA, not just for Lucha Libre anymore. I think the Angels would actually benefit quite a bit if they put a few of the up and comers in the Minors to start the season. Probably not a popular thought. Especially considering that I want to see the young guys come up, succeed, and make an impact. Without a serious trade, there is just not enough At Bats to accommodate the Halo Depth. A quick look at the assumed starting positions in 2012 and you lose a few guys who made 2011 special. There are quite a few log jams on the diamond and only a few pieces that have the options to spend some time in Salt Lake City.

Obviously the first candidate is one of the Top Prospects in all of Baseball. However a huge obstacle was placed in front of him when the trade for Vernon Wells was made. Mike Trout just doesn’t have the room to get regular at bats to start the season. Borjous was ready first and has a very positive impact in the center field. Torii Hunter until December 8th 2011 has been the face of this franchise since he was signed to a contract at an undisclosed Del Taco location. This is his final contract year with the Angels and unfortunately just good enough to stay in the line up, everyday. And of course Vernon Wells, I doubt anyone could have predicted how poorly he would have been in Anaheim last year. However as many GIDP or pop flys, he still pulled off a very respectable 25 dingers, plus he's owed way to much money to sit on the bench. An Injury or trade could change that very quickly, but I think the right idea is to let Trout see pitches every day. When an opportunity presents itself at the Major League Level he can be plugged right into any outfield position and carry the load. Hunter and Abreu are both free agents in 2013.

Mark Trumbo is the other man who should probably start the season in AAA. We have a very decent to good third baseman in Alberto Callaspo and clearly won't get starts over Albert Pujols. Which means… if Morales is healthy, there won’t be many at bats between Kendrys and Bobby Abreu. Besides, do you really want Trumbo learning on the job at the Major League Level. Better to have him develop the defense of skills, whilst it doesn’t affect the major league wins and losses. In the interim, first base will be dominated by AP with the occasional start lobbed to Morales or even Jorge Cantu can be brought up from his minor league deal. If the Angels are committed to making Trumbo a serviceable everyday Third baseman, repetition and opportunity will take him there. Otherwise, trade him now while his value is high, because there isn't enough room in the outfield or playing first.

Lastly Hank Conger. I know blasphemy, right, Conger is one of my favorites. He seems like a real cool guy, plus gave me an autographed bat. (Well full disclosure gave my friend an autographed bat, who gave it to me, but clearly the intent was there.) But if Conger starts the year in AAA, he’ll see regular at bats. Ianneta so far is on a one year contract. No telling if he’ll be extended. No telling how he’ll interact with the Major League Pitching, no telling if he’s truly a fit. And with Wilson out of options and being Santana’s personal catcher, it doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere. If at any point in the season. No reason to let Conger sit on the bench. Let him play ever day in AAA and wait for a call up.

There is a lot of reason to be excited about 2012 for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Clearly there are some tough decisions ahead for DiPoto and Scioscia. But ultimately the youth movement might have to wait one more year before they're allowed to take the next level of this ball club.

Go Halos...

& Bees!!!

Who ever came out of the 19th Round any how!?!

2012-01-25T09:28:00.000-08:00

MLBTradeRumors recently reported that the Angels will lose the19th overall pick to the Cardinals, who also obtain a supplementary first rounder, when they locked up the 'Machine' Albert Pujols. At first I scoffed, I mean really did anyone good ever come out of the 19th Round of the MLB Draft? After a little snooping around I stumbled across this little gem.

courtesy of mymlbdraft.com

Going back 31 years, I didn't see to many interesting names, with the exception of Roger Clemens. Gadzooks! Roger Clemens, even before the alleged steroids abuse, he was an awesome pitcher. But out of 31 years there was only Hall of Famer. I mean Alex Rios was good-- but I don't see him going into the Hall of Fame. If you go back a few more years our very own Mike Scioscia was drafted 19th Overall by the Dodgers. So what am I getting at? Bottom line-- I'd be more than happy to gamble on the fact that Pujols will do more for this team then whomever the Boston Red Sox draft for the 19th Overall Pick.

Trumbo is trade bait...

2011-12-31T02:10:00.000-08:00

All of this information is second hand. I can't vouch for the validity of it. But I found it terribly interesting. A friend of mine found himself on a golf course this afternoon with a current member of the Los Angeles Angels. Now I cannot disclose which player it is but he was someone who played last year. Apparently this player thinks that Mark Trumbo may be on the trading block. That Trumbo has had zero time to prepare for a position change, because he is still rehabilitating from a foot injury. And this player tends to think that with Albert at First and Alberto at Third that Trumbo just doesn't fit. And with such a successful Rookie Season there is reason to believe at Trumbo will be moved.

Of course, my friend who just so happens to be a Red Sox Fan (I know it doesn't seem fair), was kind of taken back by these admissions. I tried to tell my friend that the Angels are in a position of depth, that Trumbo has options (in a worse case scenario), that Trumbo could replace Wells in the not to distant future, that Morales is still an unproven commodity in 2012. But the player suggest moving from First to Third (see what I did there), isn't as easy as we all guess, especially while recovering from injury.

This does not sit well with me. I really like this unnamed player, but I hope he is wrong. Trumbo is cheap and under team control, what would be the benefit to trade him, unless it was a haul that just couldn't be passed up. DiPotto, don't do it.

Go Halos

Dodger Fans hate you Albert Pujols

2011-12-29T10:10:00.000-08:00

In another forum, I was recently baited by a True Blue Dodger Fan. First and foremost, you never feed the trolls. Haters are going to hate. And Dodger Fans aren't a very happy bunch. The biggest 2 acquisitions the Dodgers made this off-season outside of extending Matt Kemp and signing Chris Capuano. Now the Dodgers for all they have been through aren't an awful team and with a few minor tweaks could be very competitive next year, but I had to share this hate.

That Albert Pujols signing was awful. LOL@those of you who think signing a guy with declining stats to a $200+million contract for 10 years is something to be happy about. I always thought/still think that Frank McCourt is an idiot, but Arte Moreno is an even bigger idiot for shelling out all that cash for a guy in his mid-30's (you're tripping if you think he's younger than 33).

Dodger fans, are you honestly telling me that you'd prefer James Loney and his paltry contract to Albert Pujols? Are you also telling me that you wouldn't want an owner like Moreno over McCourt? Lets see a guy who continues to spend, increasing pay roll, keeping concessions lower, parking reasonable, and over all one of the best sporting experiences in the country, or a guy who charges you $20 to park to sit at a dinosaur of a ball park and watch a sub-par baseball team? When was the last time the Dodgers were in the playoffs? When was the last time they won a World Series? When was the last time Los Angeles Dodgers were relevant?

...but that doesn't matter and the fact remains that Albert isn't going to help the Angels win, his numbers will continue to decline (and when they do, attendance will decline too) and he's still going to be owed tons of money for a number of years. It's a terrible investment because that means less money for other free agents, international signings, and less money to spend on top draft picks.

Not only that, but the appeal of Albert is going to die once the Dodgers get new owners who will be willing to spend money on talent to go along with Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp (the real NL MVP, fuck Ryan Braun).

Pujols isn't going to help this team win? I'm not saying the Angels are favorites to win the World Series, or even the West, but that has to be the stupidest comment with regards to this signing I have ever read. I'm really starting to doubt this fans credibility. My only response to this was this picture...

I'm not mad. I'm just wondering why people think that all this money invested in an aging veteran who was an obvious steroid user is such a great thing? I'm happy with having Matt Kemp, a guy who hasn't even reached his prime and is still young, and Clayton Kershaw (when he gets his contract) become the next Sandy K.

I won't lie, I like the CJ Wilson signing, but the Angels have fucked themselves.

Here's how I replied:
"Obvious Steroid User" You are trying to hard. You are aware that that "idiot" Arte signed a big boy television contract, right? 3 Billion Dollars. And season ticket sells are through the roof.

What's gonna happen in 2-3 years when Albert is batting .250 and hitting 15 homeruns a year? Will season ticket sales still go through the roof?

It's cool though. Arte spent a lot of money on a player who is past his prime and won't help the Angels. I guess he and his fans are more concerned about image and what massive world record publicity stunt they can pull off at that rat infested stadium.

The Moral of the Story, don't feed the trolls. Just enjoy their frustrations as they implode. No MLB World Series was won in December. Or January. But Certainly, the Angels have addressed a lot of the question marks they had at the end of the season. They needed an upgrade behind the plate. Iannetta is an upgrade over Mathis. They needed additional bullpen depth, Hawkins adds depth. They needed to added another bat in the line up and Pujols is the most prolific hitter in our era.

Pujols is an Angel - Mind Blown.

2011-12-16T11:07:00.000-08:00

Nearly eight days ago my mind was completely blown. Like some sort of sonic ray gun zapping my brain and exploding like Mt. St. Helen, Albert Pujols became an Angel. I closely monitored websites like Halos Heaven and MLB Trade Rumors to see what went down at the Winter Meetings. Truth be told in the past few seasons the Winter Meetings were a torturous experience. Hearing the Halos linked to every top deck free agent, only to settle for coming in 2nd place.
Jerry DiPoto didn't leave me disappointed. When the name Pujols was being tossed around as a potential Angel, I kind of laughed but deep down I hoped he would be. I've eluded to my affinity for the first baseman in other posts. Prior to the Wells deal last winter, I had hopped that the Halos would be saving up to make a serious bid to the multi-time MVP. But never in my wildest dreams would the most prolific hitter in all the land would be suiting up in our colors for my team. Just wasn't going to happen. But it did.

Arte Moreno stepped up to the plate. And the infomercial for season tickets last Saturday is a testament to the gratitude the Halo Faithful should share for the boss. You wanted the best, he got you the best. Starting at first base for your Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim #5, the Machine, Albert Pujols. I've heard a lot of rhetoric from Dodger fans. I'm going to chalk that up to jealousy.

You over paid: #5 had offers from the Marlins for just over 22M more that were left on the table. When you begin to adjust the market for inflation in the next ten years, with ever increasing contracts and no salary cap, this contract could be a bargain in 3-4 years. If the Halos win the Series
He won't be the same hitter in year 10: Will Jeter, A-Rod, or really any of the premium players being the player they were at the end of the contract as their were at the beginning. No, they aren't. AP won't be the same player he is when my Daughter is 17. But he could be chasing Bond's Home Run record, 3000 hits, and Cooper's Town. Could be the first Angel inducted into the HOF. And sure he spent 11 years in STL, 10 years in Anaheim could mean as much, if not more.

'The Machine' hasn't yet to play 1 game in an Angels Jersey, but he's already being treated like a Rock Star. World Series have never been won in December. But Pujols gives the Angel an excellent opportunity to go back to the promise land. So kudos to the Halos, Moreno, and DiPoto for landing the big fish and making that splash.

Go Halos

Memo to Dodger Fans

2011-11-24T08:33:00.000-08:00

With Frank McCourt days being numbered as Czar of the Dodgers, the villainy and evil that has held Chavez Ravine hostage like a 1980 Hijacker taking a plane bound for Atlanta to Havana, will be coming to an end. Now freedom, shout it from atop the Ravine, Freedom, now like William Wallace as they are cutting out your innards, FREEDOM, the Dodgers are now free from this terror.

But McCourt has kind of left you all with a ticking time-bomb so to speak. Sure Matt Kemp is locked up and even bought out some of his free agent years... but what about Clayton Kershaw. But unfortunately the opportunity to sign another game changer is slowly passing you buy. With no real owner at the helm, there is no real money to spend. No way to leverage Prince Fielder into first base. No opportunity to seduce Jose Reyes to play short. No big time free-agent, no significant off season signings this year.

So although the light is at the end of the tunnel, you've still got a long stretch of road before you get there...
Happy Thanksgiving!

Yours Truly,

First2Third.net

Halos Get it Done in Taiwan

2011-11-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

It sounds as if the MLB All-Stars who played in the MLB-Taiwan All-Star Game just crushed the opposition. Back in January 2010, I made the case for the Angels to start paying attention to the Taiwan market. When the Halos signed Joel Piñeiro, I wanted them to pursue Chien-Ming Wang (glad I'm not the GM.) Not just because of what I thought Wang could offer the rotation (which wasn't much), but because Wang was/is revered in his native Taiwan. Taiwan loves baseball. And this group of MLB Players going to Taiwan is great for developing the sport, getting more fans interested. I'm not sure how being crushed by the superior league of All-Stars helps... but it certainly brings a greater awareness.

And if you're like me... going through some baseball withdraws, you can watch the full games of the MLB-Taiwain series, on MLB's website with a valid MLB.TV account.

Congrats to the St. Louis Cardinals

2011-10-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

Credit The OC Register

This wasn't the best played baseball all year and at some points defense was out right horrible, but it was probably most exciting World Series in a long time. Although I can't but help feel bad for Mike Napoli. Played his heart out, played better than most within the Angel Organization would have ever guessed. He played injured, he got the best out of his pitchers, he blocked pitches, he was the man in this series. And all he gets is this lousy AL Pennant. With that being said, Congrats to Mike Napoli, the Texas Rangers, and the St. Louis Cardinals. Legends are made an October and this could be the breakthrough performance for Mike Napoli that we all knew one day he'd get.

That'll do pig, that'll do. Lackey is done for 2012.

2011-10-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

"Thank you to the 2011 Boston Red Sox for replacing the 1995 Angels as the biggest choke job in baseball!"

Image Courtesy of OC Register

When I recently surveyed our friends on Facebook where they thought John Lackey would be pitching next year, nobody answered Boston. In fact some die hard Boston Red Sox Fans answered with the Lowell Spinners or Hopefully anywhere except Boston. Apparently the square peg that never really fit into Boston's round whole won't be throwing a single pitch in the 2012 season.

When you look at last year's performance, its obvious Lackey hasn't fit in well to Boston. Lackey always seemed like a competitor in Anaheim. The guy you wanted on the mound. Did he change Boston or did Boston change him? But in the middle of the season you hear that his wife was going through Cancer Treatment, which could derail any man, in any line of work. And at the end of the season we hear that Lackey and his wife are going through divorce, which could also derail any man, in any line of work. But was his poor performance based on his wife's cancer, his failed marriage, or his injured arm?

But then it gets worse when you hear the Red Sox pitching staff were blowing off work outs, sitting in the locker room eating hot wings, drinking beer, and playing video games. Unbelievable. Now they have said that this was common practice even before Lackey... but if that's a common practice, its no wonder why this team couldn't strike out a guy towards the end of the season. No wonder the Red Sox failed to make the Post Season 2 years in a row. And now Lackey, poor Benedict Lackey, will miss an entire season.

So here's to you Red Sox for replacing my beloved Angels as the biggest single season collapse in the history of baseball. And here's to you Lackey for being an important cog in that choke machine.

Thank You Sports Radio AM830

2011-10-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

Be it Angels Radio or the new name of Sports Radio, AM830 has been as much a fan friendly radio station as the Los Angeles Angels. I listen to Mike & Mike and The Sports Lodge every morning. I also try to listen to the Scott Van Pelt or The Doug Gottlieb Show. And I've been listening to a lot of the Post-Season on AM830.

But I honestly feel my "fandom" has been rewarded. Tickets to Angel games, Free Buffet Passes to the Valley View Casino, Gift Card to Mr. Stox's and the latest was the Togo's Gift Cards. So for anyone who happens to stop by my site looking for AM830 or TOGO's, click those links.

Thanks again AM830.

This Team Looks Different from

2011-10-07T14:04:00.000-07:00

Gonna go back in Time...

So before First2Third was born, I was blogging about baseball on my personal blog. Can't believe how much this team has changed. And with Tony Reagins out of the office, who knows what kind of team the Halos will be next year. Here's a look at what the team looked like in 2008. Four years later; Hunter, Mathis and Izturis are the only ones whom still remain.

Napoli is in Texas, with the Rangers just destroying the ball. Casey Kotchman and Sean Rodriguez are in Tampa playing for the Rays. Both have been an important part of getting that team back to post-season play. Figgins is on the terrible Mariners. Wood is a Pirate, Rivera is a Dodger, Guerrero is will the Os, and Andreson and Quinlan are retired. What a difference 5 years make.

Bye Bye Tony!

2011-10-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

It seems like just yesterday I was defending Tony Reagins. It was a day or two later and stumbled across the Fire Tony Reagins website and unaffiliated facebook page. Well your wishes came true. Tony claims this decision was mutual, for him to step into a different role with the Angel Franchise, which is great for Tony. He is always been labeled a "good guy" and a "great story" considering he started as an intern with the organization nearly 20 years ago. But make no mistake about it. Since Arte has taking over ownership, he has prided himself as an owner who wants to win. Arte at one point said he wanted to be the New York Yankees of the West. In order to compete you need to have superstars. Superstars out on the field and superstars in the front office. Reagins did a lot of amazing things while in his tenure in Anaheim. But the Act of Attrition aka trading Mike Napoli to acquire Vernon Wells was just to heinous. As the lore grows and people actually forget that Napoli was traded to Toronto and not Texas, this trade will go down as the worst trade in Angels History, of course until someone messes a trade up worse. And it doesn't help that Napoli is still hitting the cover off the ball in Arlington.

But lets take a minute to celebrate some of the Great moves Reagins made. Although it was a three-month rental, Mark Teixera was a steal. Had the Halos been able to go above the threshold the Yankees offered, perhaps the Halos would be in playoff contention the past two years. Getting Dan Haren was also a steal. I miss ole Joe Saunders and who knows what kind of pitcher Tyler Skaggs turns into, but the move really solidified the Halo Rotation in 2011, which was for the most part, outstanding.

In close, safe journeys TR. Thank you for your positive contributions to this team. But I'm certainly looking forward to what's next for the Halos.

Go Angels!

In defense of Tony Reagins

2011-09-22T07:39:00.000-07:00

At the end of the 2010 season if you could have added a player who could give you 20 Home Runs, 78 RBI, a .300 AVG, and 840 OPS, the Halos should have jumped all over it. Remember where the team was in 2010. The Angels finished third behind Oakland and the eventual ALCS Champions the Texas Rangers. When Kendrys Morales was carried off the field, the Angels needed to add more offense into the line up. And with the Angels coming into the 2011 season adding another 20 home runs with a player like Morales would have certainly matched the offense numbers that their Texas Rivals were putting up.

So in defense of Tony Reagins, making the trade to add Vernon Wells wasn't entirely a bad idea. Had Wells regained his 2008 form (which was entirely possible considering he was coming off a year with an injury), the Halos would have had a lot better 2011 campaign. Rivera's defense in left field had become a liability. Vernon's defense as advertised would have made for a better outfield. Of course the contract alone should have prevented the Halos from making that deal, but regardless, I can at least see what Reagins was thinking when the deal was made. In what was believed to be one of the worst contracts in baseball, a contract that was in no way movable, was moved last winter when Tony Reagins shipped out beloved Angel's catcher Mike Napoli and under achieving left fielder Juan Rivera to Toronto for Vernon Wells and his morbidly obese contract. The moment it happened, Angel fans every where were prepared to riot. Napoli was beloved, providing more pop at the catcher position than any other catcher in recent memory and had the ability to fill in at first base when Morales went down. Alex Anthopoulos would stab the Halos in the back when he'd deal Napoli out of baseball obscurity to Arlington. But when you examine that trade was the move as bad as we think? Realistically, Napoli was slotted to be a back-up, Left Field was a defensive liability, Morales was set to return to First, and Wells in previous years was a power threat. With big IFs in question, IF Kendrys returned, wouldn't have Wells benefited from a line up with a power switch hitter?

There is a lot of negativity surrounding Reagins, but lets look at some of the positive Regains did. Signed Torii Hunter who has easily become the face of the franchise when the reluctant hero Vladimir Guerrero wasn't willing to be that face. Hunter's contribution on the field were matched by his contributions off the field. Enter the final season of the contract, he wants to retire an Angel. Even in his later age, he's been producing and helping to keep this team in contention. Also mentoring young outfielders like Mike Trout and Peter Bourjos,
Hunter's contributions to this team will be felt long after he's left the organization. The trading for Mark Teixera for Casey Kotchman and Steve Marek helped get the Halos into post-season play in 2008. Nobody knew at the time that Tex would be destined for New York, but the move was exciting and made the team a threat in the 08 post-season. Dealing for Alberto Callapso for Will Smith and Sean O'Sullivan was also a positive move. Callaspo had been a spark all season and O'Sullivan has been somewhat of a bust for the Royals. The Dan Haren trade has been tremendous. And cash saving moves like dealing Gary Matthews Jr. and Brian Fuentes was beneficial to the team. Even the Scott Kazmir deal at the time looked to be a good move, although Kazmir all but fell apart in Anaheim.

In defense of Tony Reagins, I believe his moves have been mostly good, but that Wells deal will certainly haunt this team for seasons to come. Of course, if Wells bounces back... we'll all be singing a different story.

How Much More Money Do You Need?

2011-08-24T10:48:00.000-07:00

Words that will live with me for the rest of my life. Jered Weaver responded to reporters during yesterday's press conference pretty much giving the Halos hope. A hope that back in June (Life after the Dirtbag) I had thought was completely gone. Weaver essentially agreed to a contract with a huge home town discount and pretty much guaranteed he'll never have to buy a drink in an Orange County bar.

With Weaver re-upping for another 5 years will be atop the rotation that until 2013 will feature Dan Haren and Ervin Santana. A 1-2-3 punch with a bite. If the Halos can limp into the post season, they're an immediate threat.

But fans everywhere should be chanting the name of Jered Weaver. Weaver took less to be on this team, to stay home. That more than anything else, should give management and the fans that this team CAN be a contender. And gives us all hope!

Ocean View of Huntington Beach: Little League World Series

2011-08-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of SWRNN.com

Congrats to the Ocean View Little League Team of Huntington Beach. You got to love local kids getting a shot at becoming LLWS Champions. Last year the team nearly made it to the LLWS, losing to the Hawaiian Little League team.

I haven't been posting much on the website as of late, been working on some other projects. I'm starting to wonder if I should expand the horizons of this blog to maybe include Orange County Baseball? Would you want to read more from us? If so leave a comment and let me know.

Congrats to Ervin Santana on his 1st No Hitter.

2011-07-28T11:40:00.001-07:00

Amazing.

Are the Angels Heating Up?

2011-07-05T15:59:00.000-07:00

This was originally an article that I was going to write after the Angels bested the Nationals last week. But not having the time to finish it, might have made for a more interesting article. The Angels offense has finally started to match the pitching efforts of Weaver, Haren, Santana, Piñeiro, and Chatwood. However, lets strip away some of the hyberbole, these wins have come at the expense of the Nationals a .500 team at Best, The Dodgers, who are in last place in the NL, and the Detroit Tigers, who are four games above .500.

Sure the Halos are tied for 1st Place with the Texas Rangers in the American League West. The question I have been pondering for the past few days is this a new Angel team, or is this merely the benefit of feasting on a beleaguered set of opponents. Hopefully the old cliche winning breeds winning, but this isn't the Red Sox, Yankees, or the Rangers. There is still a lot that needs to be proved. But the question is, our the Halos Heating up?

Obviously Vernon Wells has been on fire, so much so I picked him up in my fantasy league and he has just been tearing the cover off the ball. Is he worth what he's being paid... no. But he certainly has made this Halo Team better. Torii Hunter moved to the second spot in the batting order makes the team better. The entire team has been benefiting from Wells' hot bat. You look at a guy like Borjous who is back to hitting .266.

To be frank, it really doesn't matter if this is a product of weaker opponents or if the Halos have found "it." As long as the hit parade keeps coming and the pitchers keeps putting up strikeouts, who cares?

Let's go Halos!

Give to the Second Harvest Food Bank and Get at Angel Stadium

2011-07-05T08:31:00.000-07:00

Join the Angels and Wells Fargo as they kick off the annual canned food drive at Angel Stadium! From Friday July 8th through Sunday the 10th , volunteers from the Second Harvest Food Bank will have collection bins in front of the Home Plate Gate and inside Gate 1 and Gate 4 each day 2 hours prior to game time through the third inning.

On Friday the 8th, the Angels Wives will promote and participate in the drive at all collection gates. Fans will also have the opportunity to "stuff" the Wells Fargo Stage Coach with canned foods at the Home Plate Gate on Friday, July 8th.

All fans that donate receive a special Angels team photo. Fans that donate 10 canned food items or more or $10 or more will receive two tickets to the July 20th game when the Angels host the Texas Rangers (while supplies lasts). Donors will also be entered to win autographed Angels items.

All proceeds benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

--Courtesy of Angelsbaseball.com

What a great way to give back and be rewarded for it. If you want to see how I find ways to find free things or get rewarded for doing things, check out my other blog, Lets Make Dollars and Sense.

Make your plans to meet Mike Scioscia and Mark Trumbo for Autograph Signing at Howards

2011-07-05T07:50:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, July 9th at the Howard's Superstore located at the Marketplace 13732 Jamboree Rd., in Irvine, Angels' Skipper Mike Scioscia will be joined with Rookie First Baseman Mark Trumbo for an autograph appearance.

Back in June, Trumbo was a part of the Autograph signing at the OC Dugout. Just another example of how the Angels, making themselves available to the community that supports them. May 21st, the Halos had three of their young guns, Chattwood, Walden, and Bourjos signing at the OC Dugout.

This is the Vernon Wells I've been waiting for.

2011-06-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

I was and still am as skeptical as the next guy about the Vernon Wells signing. As as optimistic as I tried to be about the deal, the contract was still a too big of a burden to bear and cost one position player to many when the deal was made. And what a miserable April and May Vernon had. Just when it looked like he was about to get hot, he gets hurt.

Tony Reagins looked like some kind of jerk, Arte says to the media "Don't spend anymore of my money!" And it looked like the Angels might become sellers.

Not so fast pessimists. Vernon Wells is starting to come around. Is he worth the contract he's getting paid, hell no. But is he helping this team win... he's starting too. It just took him two months to get ready. In the last month, Wells has been hitting .288, 13 Runs off 21 hits, a double and 6 dingers. Grab your magnifying glass, because in the past 14 days Vernon hit the ball 15 times with 48 at bats, with 7 Runs, 1 double, 4 Homers, 10 RBI and batting .313. Is VW heating up? He's certainly going the right direction. Vladimir Guerrero was notorious for starting late, maybe VW does to. I'm no stat guy, but can anyone tell me if this is typical of Wells?

Either way, with Wells' bat becoming more productive this team can only get better. His performance will start to impact the entire line up, winning is contagious and so is hitting.

Go Halos

Here's what the Angels really need...

2011-06-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

"You don't want to promote violence," he said. "I want to apologize to the fans for my temper flaring."

--Torii Hunter

Wrong Torii! That's exactly what this team needs. I'm tired of looking at batters being overwhelmed in the batters box and making mediocre pitchers look like Cy Young.

How long has it been since the benches have cleared in Anaheim. The Halos are in a slump and since there isn't a golden speedo in the locker room, as far as we know, its time for a scuffle. This team has been getting it's ass kicked on the field. There isn't a nice way to say it. The Halos are looking overwhelmed, period.

To be honest, I haven't heard any player make excuses. But I have heard from the talking heads in the media who keep reminding us that the Halos are missing their MVP Caliber First Baseman. If this team really put all of their marbles in the Kendrys Morales basket, knowing he was experiencing setbacks in the fall, then someone should lose their job. This isn't a bad team. But they are carrying bad ju-ju. Or just aren't gelling as a team. I hate to bring up the Nick Adenhart tragedy, but in 2009, following a scuffle with the Red Sox, the Halos got passionate about winning.

Its time this team gets passionate about winning. If they can't win the game, at least win the fight. We want to see the passion in the eyes of these millionaires, I'm looking at you Torii Hunter, Vernon Wells, and anyone else who is failing to produce. I want to see something against the Mariners. Mariners are playing good ball, let's hope the Halos can deflate them this week.

Go Halos

I consider CJ Cron as insurance.

2011-06-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

With the Halos first pick in the 2011 draft, the Halos selection was a power hitting, right handed first baseman, who just so happens to have a torn labrum. What does this mean for Kendrys Morales and or Mark Trumbo?

Some have said this pick is an indicator of waning faith in Kendrys Morales by the Angels as Cron is a slugging monster 1B whose stint in college at Utah puts him close to the bigs. It wasn't too long ago that the Angels were negotiating with Scott Boras for the services of Mark Teixera, but had a wild card in their back pocket in the name of Kendrys Morales. Halo Fans everywhere were devastated by Teixera picking New York over Anaheim, that is until Morales started going deep. What would the Angels have done had Teixera agreed to return to Anaheim? Morales would have either played left or become a regular DH.

I don't see Cron as a tip that the Angels are "waning in faith" on Morales. I think this is a very inexpensive insurance policy. Looking at 2011, Morales hasn't played a single game in over a year. Even with the remainder of 2010 on the spent on the DL, the Halos offered Morales arbitration, which they agreed to. Morales will more than likely be offered arbitration again in 2012. I just can't believe with the kind of year Morales was starting to have in 2010 and the year he had in 2009, that the Angels won't at least offer him arbitration in 2012. Ideally the Angels front office offers a multi-year deal that's back-loaded with incentives for plate appearances and MVP votes. Team Morales knows that his stock is very low right now and he might not get a better offer in 2012. The Angels could also just offer arbitration, which I believe is the most likely scenario. Team Morales agrees and the Angels and Boras come up with a figure both parties can agree upon. Morales declines, the Halos get draft pick compensation to the team who is willing to take a risk on him. If Morales does sign somewhere else, the Halos have Trumbo and Cron will be waiting in the wings.

What this draft pick mostly means is that the Angels will probably not be in the discussion for either Prince Fielder or Albert Puljous. Of course you never say never, either one of those guys would certainly give some much needed pop to this line up and in the later part of their careers become more suited for Designated Hitter role anyway. It also serves as an insurance policy if Morales does go elsewhere.

But here is hoping Cron has a very successful surgery and we see him help the franchise much sooner than later.

Go Halos

Life after "The Dirtbag".

2011-06-02T10:03:00.000-07:00

Jered Weaver

Shortly after the 2010 Major League Baseball season ended, talk spread like wild fire that Jered Weaver's management were already in talks with the Angel Front Office about a new contract. Prior to the Opening Day 2011 festivities at Angel Stadium, Arte Moreno expressed that the Angels have intent on re-signing Weaver and didn't expect a home town discount.

But does that fit with the current Angels Front Office operating model? The Angels over the year haven't exactly been known to pay the big bucks on their own players who reach free agency. They were outbid by the Mariners and the Red Sox for Figgins and Lackey (although both were probably for the best,) and didn't even attempt to re-sign Vladimir Guerrero or Darren Oliver. And lets not forget after the 2008 season, Arte was very vocal about re-signing Mark Teixera and was outbid by the Yankees.

The Red Sox and Yankees both have the money and the need of a pitcher the caliber of Jered Weaver. Could you imagine a one two pitch of Sabathia and Weaver or rotation of Lester, Beckett, Buchholz, and Weaver? I hope that Jeff Weaver's years in New York left a bad enough taste in the mouth of the Yankees that they won't consider his little bro. As seen by Cliff Lee, money isn't always the determining factor of where a player ends up, but not everyone is Cliff Lee.

Weaver had emerged as the ace of this team even before Lackey fled to Fenway. Weaver became a leader on the pitching staff after the passing of Nick Adenhart. Jered was elected to the All Star Game last year, but could not pitch. Weaver led all of Major League in strikes outs in 2010 with 233, just edging out the Cy Yong Award winner, Felix Hernadez.

Deciphering Weaver's next move is a lot like listening to the Clash. "Should I stay or should I go now." The Angels have a great relationship with the Angels but not so great with his agent. The Owners has said he wants Weaver to stay, Weaver has said he wanted to stay, but he even alluded to on the Petros and Money Show interview from Fox Sports Radio, that he wasn't sure he'd be back in 2012.

Replacing Weaver isn't going to be easy. When you look at the young bucks of the Halos Rotation, you realize Chatwood baring any injury will be a real good pitcher for the this team. Haren and Santana are both locked up for the 2012 seasons and have options for 2013. Piñeiro will more than likely reach free agency after this season, although he is having a pretty good year and miracle withstanding, Kazmir will not return to the Halos in 2012.

The team traded away a couple of potential starters last year in Sean O'Sullivan and Tyler Skaggs. Trevor Bell is currently in the bullpen, but hasn't been all that impressive. Two top pitching prospects currently in AA are Garret Richards and Trevor Reckling. But jumping from AA to the Majors is a big leap. I'd like to tell you life after the Dirtbag will be fine. But I'd rather make a final plea to the Halos Front Office to re-sign Weaver.

Go Halos

Branyan, really?

2011-05-27T14:02:00.000-07:00

I was very excited to hear that Russel Branyan was to be an Angel. Then someone pointed out to me that Branyan isn't engaged to Katy Perry or even been in a movie. As I told Jason Brennan on Angels talk yesterday, I don't like this move, but I understand it.

When the idea was even suggested by Ken Rosenthal that the Angels may acquire journeyman Russel Branyan, I thought it was total utter bull malarkey. When someone from Yardbaker echoed the sentiment, I was even more enraged, read my comments after the column

Trumbo ...[is] playing better than Branyan already, wasn't he released, probably a good indication his performance isn't up to the D-Backs standards. And have you looked at the offense that Callaspo is providing at 3rd. Why would Regains assume more salary to add what would essentially amount to a bench player. Plus they would either have to drop one of their catchers or drop some of their bullpen to make a spot available for either Betemit or Branyan.

--My Take on the Branyan Signing

This move seems so uninspired to me. How long is Howie on the DL for? How much longer will Wells be on DL? I know Trumbo isn't Morales, but do the Halos really want to platoon 1st? Wouldn't it make more sense to get perhaps Wilson into the line up for days when Trumbo needs off. Or move Abreu to left and get Conger at bats at designated hitter. Looking at this team, depth really isn't an issue, is it? Our infield of Izturis, Callaspo, and Aybar nearly seem to be mix and match pieces. They can easily handle 2nd base and when one of those guys needs a rest day you can mix in Armista, right?

I've read on the net and heard on the radio that Branyan has some pop in his bat and can help score runs. What people are missing is that he was hitting .211 with 1 home run in a National League Hitters park. How will that translate to Anaheim, a pitchers park for sure? Yesterday it translated into a 390 ft. long out. When Wells and Kendrick come back from the DL, where is Branyan going to find at bats? I hope he proved me wrong, but this wasn't the right move for the Angels.

Morales is out for the year?

2011-05-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

Morales will be out for all of 2011

Do you remember how you felt when you found out the Tooth Fairy wasn't real? Or that Santa Claus was actually mom and dad? I do. It was like the wind was taken from my sails. Last night after I made a delicious dinner for my daughter and I, I was scouring the internet for news and notes for the Angels. I wanted to see what the score was, I hadn't been listening or watching the game. Prior to heading to MLB.com I was checking out twitter when I saw this.

Kendrys Morales done for the year. Will have a second surgery. #Angels #MLB

-- Scott Miller CBS Sports Los Angeles (@ScotMCBSSports)

I even messaged him back "I wish you were lying!" He replied with "Sorry, so do I!" That didn't make me feel better. I even reached out to my BFF Roger Lodge and asked him if he had "any comments of the biggest disappointment for the 2011 season?' His reply was an optimistic "That's rough! But let's see what Trumbo can do!!!" And although I'm more than willing to give Trumbo an opportunity to play first base every day, he can't be expected to produce the way Morales on his 2009 campaign, where he had seen 152 starts, 566 at bats, 45 doubles, 34 home runs, 106 RBI, and average of .306, slugging .596 and and OPS of .924

Lets not forget it was nearly one year ago where on a Saturday Afternoon, Kendrys Morales Walk Off Celebration changed the face of the franchise for all of 2010 and now 2011 as well. When Morales comes back it will be two years since he has faced major league pitching and to compound that, he will be an unrestricted free agent. Of course the Angels will offer him arbitration, he will have a lot to prove when he comes back, if he comes back as an Angel.

Not only does this affect the Angels plans this season, but certainly next years as well. Something that has been in the back of my head since the announcement of the second surgery is a lot of the pre-season talk from Arte, Tony, and Scioscia has been about getting Morales back mid-season would be like a huge acquisition, where we didn't have to give up any players. This setback must certainly alter some of the front office planning. Obviously their is pressure on the Front Office to make a deal for a big bat and it doesn't necessarily have to be a first baseman, but aren't Fat Albert and Cecil's Kid up for free agency next season?