First2Third.net

2012 Los Angeles Angels are driving me mad...

2012-08-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

If you've never lost your mind then you've never followed your heart.

A quote my friend, Marta who recently put on it on her facebook page. I read that quote and liked it. Not because that's what a good friend is supposed to do (proper social media etiquette), but because that quote pretty much depicts my feeling with these Angels.What a maddening fiasco this season has been.

Every time I begin to think they've got this season turned around, it flips flops. Weaver looks locked in and then falls apart on his next outing. Santana looks awful nearly all season and in the month of August becomes the most resilient. Greinke looks like he is having control issues and is in over his head, then comes back and looks dominant. There will be nights when guys like Morales and Wells looks like they should be starting every night and others when you wonder why they are still on the pay roll. And please don't even get me start on the bullpen.

It was just a month and a half into the season when Dipoto and Moreno pulled the trigger on long time hitting coach Mickey Hatcher. The first six weeks of the season, the offense was looking to find some consistency, which would come later in the form of Mike Trout and his awesomeness. With the struggles of the bullpen, pretty much all year, how does Butcher avoid the same chopping block? And it starts to appear that the Angels just can't string together a good rotation. CJ Wilson hasn't won a game in two months and even when he goes out in the sixth with a fair outing, the bullpen finds away to lose the game for him. Even last night Weaver struggled against a meager Red Sox offense. The Angels are already 10 games back of the Texas Rangers who look to be on fire and still can't catch a game in the Wild Card Division.

But then, they find away to suck me back in. I've counted this team out 10 times this year. I've probably developed more ulcers than a man my age should watching this season unfold. Regardless of the pitching woes, the Angels found a way to win again last night in dramatic fashion, after having 2 rough outings in Detroit. They finish up their next two in Anaheim against the BoSox, the on a road trip for 3 in Seattle, 3 in Oakland, back home for 3 against the Tigers, 4 against the As, on the road for 3 against the Royals, home for 3 against the Rangers, 3 against the White Sox, and 3 against the Mariners. Last 3 games of the season, will be in Texas. In reality the Angels are poised to play Spoiler by impacting the AL Central more so than anything else. But, yet there is still a chance. No matter how slim, there is still a chance. Last year Cardinals had no shot at making the playoffs and they won the whole thing. Last year we all celebrated the historic collapse of the Red Sox (its repercussion still being felt as of Saturday.)

The only way the Angels will make it to the playoffs is by putting up Wins. It is all about when you get hot, not how you do it. Another sweep of the Red Sox can get that momentum going. Winning every series on the way to October could give them a chance. And on the backs of Mike Trout and Albert Pujols this team can do it. But it has to start tonight and every night until October. God Speed Halos, nothing is over.

Go Halos

CJ Wilson vs. Yu Darvish

2012-08-08T08:53:00.000-07:00

CJ Wilson vs. Yu Darvish

Wilson with his best Duck Face

I find it laughable when Texas Ranger Fans comment on how great Yu Darvish is versus CJ Wilson. "Well the Rangers seemed to be ok with taking a chance on a rookie rather than giving away playoff games with CJ," was a post from a dear friend who has the tragic illness of being a Ranger fan. The most alarming thing to me is that there is a perception that Darvish is better than Wilson because of Wins versus Loses. I have never claimed to be a huge stat guy. But I did a quick look on some measurables. And as of last nights disapointing loss to Oakland you can compare the two pitchers and it isn't as one sides as Ranger Fans would lead you to believe. Darvish has 68 Earned Runs, Wilson is at 55. Darvish has given up 12 HR, Wilson is at 11. Darvish has thrown a lot more strikes, but the he's also walked 14 more batters and his ERA is 4.57 to CJ's 3.34

How quickly the Ranger Fans forget how CJ carried that team to the World Series last year and was an important part of getting them their in 2010. Now grant it, I wouldn't say Darvish is a horrible pitcher. He's actually a pretty solid pitcher. He was the Ace of the Japanese Staff in the final Olympic Baseball game played in 2008. And was a part of the Japanese Team that won the WBC Championship, prior to coming to the states. It is said in a first time match up between a pitcher and a hitter that the pitcher always has the advantage, the batter can always make adjustments for his next at bat. Darvish came into the league and very few players had faced him. Darvish benefited from that. Both Darvish and Wilson had very good starts to the year, but both of them have struggled and both looks bad in their last outings.

CJ Wilson is signed to the Angels for the next 5 Years making roughly 15 Million a Year. Yu Darvish is signed for 6 Years and is making roughly 9 Million a Year, however when you include the posting fees the Rangers had to pay 51.7 Million Dollars to Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, it cost the Rangers roughly 17.61M a year. There is roughly 40 Games left to the season, each pitcher will probably have 8-9 more starts before the post season.

In conclusion the Rangers are paying nearly 3 Million dollars more a year for 2 more wins and 28 more strike outs, really doesn't make a lot of fiscal sense to me.

Go Halos!

And Then... There was Trout

2012-08-01T11:48:00.002-07:00

So much for the MVP

Mike Trout is batting a .353, 18 Home Runs, 31 stolen bases only the 2nd play in MLB History with a batting average higher than .350, 15 plus home runs and 30 steals before August 1st. The First Person, Ricky Henderson, in 1985

Lily on AM830's Angels on Deck with Roger Lodge

2012-07-25T19:06:00.001-07:00

Let's Go Trout...

2012-07-24T09:16:00.001-07:00

Mike Trout... a name that strikes fear into the heart of every pitching/catching battery in the league, not wearing a Halo Uniform. And with just cause, with 31 stolen bases in 4 months of his rookie campaign, #27 has played in only 75 games.I've said many of times, I'm not a stat guy... my brain just doesn't have the capacity, but when you look at the Stole Base number of 31, it leads all of Major League Baseball. Its better than Dodger's Gordon (who is on the DL), better than the Brave's Bourn. When you take into consideration that Trout also leads the league in hitting, pitchers who mistakenly walk the guy (and he's walked 30 times this season), could potential turn that free base into a double. The scary thing is, the pitchers know it, the catchers know it, and there is nothing they can do to prevent it. It happens.

The other amazing thing is, Trout isn't putting up Rookie of the Year numbers, he is putting up MVP numbers. With only 75 games played in his 2012 Campaign, he's have over 100 hits, 15 Home Runs and 30 Stolen bases. Everybody's favorite Radio Show host, Roger Lodge pointed out this morning on the Sports Lodge that if Mike Trout maintains his .357 batting average or at least above 340 and drives in 5 more home runs, and rip 9 more bags, Trout will stand alone as the only player to hit that high of an average with 20 HR and 40 SB. It's an awful lot of pressure for a 20 year old, but nothing about #27 has the feel of a 20 year old. He would be an elite company... because he'd stand alone.

And Ron Washington would have to shut his face and eat some humble pie, because Mike Trout is a legitimate, not only an All-Star but quite possibly the Face of the Franchise.

Let's Go Halos

Angel Bloggers for Frieri

2012-07-03T07:53:00.001-07:00

#VoteFrieri

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2012/fv/ballot.jsp

He's Pitched 36 Innings, he has 1 Win, 10 Saves, 60 Strike Outs, and ERA of 0.75, a WHIP of 0.97... and he hasn't given up a run since coming to The Angels... Do you want to win the All-Star Game, or do you want to vote for your favorite player?

Vote for an American League Win, for Frieri.

Pujols to 3rd!?!

2012-06-07T08:14:00.000-07:00

The 250M Dollar Man is going from right to left manning 3rd Base this weekend when the Angels start an Inter-league Series with the Colorado Rockies and the Los Angeles Dodgers. This will mark the first time since his career threatening injury that Morales will be out on the field.

How does the rest of the roster shuffle out for this weekend. Clearly Pujols and Morales will be 3rd and 1st. More likely than not, the catching duties will go to Hank Conger. I'd guess that Trumbo goes Left, Trout goes Center and Hunter goes Right. But could Middle Infield be up for debate? Howie has been kind of slumping lately. Why not play Izturis at 2nd with Aybar at Short.

The line up could look like:

CF Trout
2B Izturis
3B Pujols
1B Morales
LF Trumbo
RF Hunter
SS Aybar
C Conger
P (Starting Pitcher)

This affords you the opportunity to use Kendrick of the bench.

Thanks for Lunch Pujols

2012-05-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

I should have know it was some kind of omen. When my bro offered to take me to game to get a Peter Borjous bobble head, I was excited to add yet another Halo to my ever impressive growing collection of Halo Collectibles. Upon handing me my ticket I should have known... I should have known that Albert was due for something big, #5 was on the ticket. If you would have told me the Angels were going to win the game tonight, I would have been happy. If you would have told me that Albert would drive in 3 RBI I would have been excited. If you would have told me that Pujols would do that with at one at bat by putting one over the outfield wall. The Machine drove in 3 Runs in epic fashion. And sitting in the winning section P238, his mash won everyone in the section 238 a Free Sourdough Jack. I'm sure Victor Rojas called it a 3 Run Jimmy Jack, but sitting in the bleachers when the crowd erupted, fire works shot off, and AP crossed home plate, you're going to have to call this one a 3 Run Sourdough Jack!

Thanks Albert for lunch, the win, and go do it again today!

Game #5 Results

2012-05-16T22:06:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately I still hold a losing record when attending Angel Games, but this was probably the best game of the year. Jerome Williams had a few shaky innings, but pitched very well late into the game. And Vernon had a meaningless Jack that deflated the Sox. Trout did a great job of getting on base and working pitch counts too. But the big winner of the night was Albert Pujols who crushed, absolutely crushed a ball to center field scoring 3. Once the ball was hit, you knew where it was going. This needs to become a more regular thing for the Halos.

What Me Worry? May starts off with a No Hitter and a Pujols Home Run

2012-05-07T14:25:00.000-07:00

April was an ugly month. April gave me the hives. April the Halos struggled to not only win games, but to throw strikes, to get runs, to do anything really. But May... May our team is off to a good start. Although the Halos are still dwelling in the cellar, the Machine has finally did it. He finally hit a home run. And Mr. Jared Weaver has finally got credit for a No Hitter.. Dodger fans know he had one just a few years ago. Is there cause for concern? Absolutely. Is there reason for panic? I don't think so. There are a couple of things that needs to happen and it'll spark the team. And if you have been paying attention... they have been.

The Bullpen Depth has been addressed. DiPoto wisely jettisoned Alexi Amarista and Donn Roach to the Padres for Ernesto Frieri. This move looked good before Hawkins injured his pinky and Downs came up gimpy in a closing situation. And with the way Frieri has pitched, it looks down right genius. And as much upside Amarista had for the Angels, they have plenty of middle infield depth and with the extension of Kendrick and Aybar, the guy was blocked. Here's hoping Amarista gets into a starting position besting Hudson or Bartlett soon. It was also announced today that in response to the injuries in the bullpen, the Angels have reacted by calling up David Pauley and Garrett Richards. But it looks like Downs is available to pitch tonight. Jepsen has been a problem and he's back in the Minors. Takahashi must be on the chopping block next as the only shinning beacon of hope in the bullpen has been Scott Downs and now with Frieri coming in along with a healthy Hawkins, this bullpen might just work out. Of course guys like Walden must be ready, but Pauley and Richards could be getting some junk time if games get out of control.

Mark Trumbo has to be in the line up every day, despite a few throwing errors at third, Trumbo's bat is too damn valuable to be on the bench or to pinch hit late in the game. His stat line for the season looks something like batting .313 with 12 RBI, 4 Home Runs, 4 Doubles, 11 runs scored, and even a stolen base. When the bats are having difficulty scoring runs, you can't afford to leave this power on the bench.

Consistency in the batting order, with Mike Scioscia at the helm might not ever be too consistent. However Pujols who DID just hit his first home run has been consistent at batting 3rd. I still think Scioscia should commit to an everyday batting line up, but he's won a hell of a lot more baseball games than I ever have. Trout was looking pretty good leading off.

Here is what worries me... Scioscia has been loyal to his veterans to a fault. At some point the Angels need to poop or get off the pot with Wells. Obviously he isn't the player they were hoping for. And its beginning to look like he won't ever be that player. The outfield is extremely too crowded right now. If Trout is to play, Borjous sits and vice versa. Time to clear the path and make Trout your full time Left Fielder. Otherwise, deal Petey for pieces to win now.

The Halos Must Make a Sacrafice...

2012-04-26T11:38:00.005-07:00

I recently posted the question the First2Third.net Facebook Friends and Twitter Followers:

Would you sacrifice Peter Bourjos' at bats for Mark Trumbo's at bats?

Jam Eson on Facebook: No.
Mitul on Facebook: Go with jumbo trumbo, we need power.
CoachTom966: I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Mark Trumbo hit 29 Home Runs last year. No doubt about it, if he plays everyday Trumbo could probably exceed that number. So the question isn't Trumbo for Bourjos, because either way Trumbo should be in the line up. The question is should Trumbo take at bats away from someone in the outfield or third base.

Here's specifically what I'm thinking. Vernon Wells has proved over his past few starts in Center Field that he can still handle playing in the middle. Mark Trumbo makes better sense in the outfield than he does at Third Base. Playing the hot corner has netted 3 errors for Trumbo. It's obvious that the better solution for Third Base at this time is Maicer Izturis, batting over 400 and solid D. So what it comes down to is, who benefits the offense more... Izturis or Bourjos? Petey has speed and causes chaos on the base path. But Maicer has wheels to and can grab a bag. Maicer can also get on base. And Maicer has proved to be more clutch at getting a hit. By moving Bourjos into that elusive 4th OF spot, gives plenty of rest to the likes of Vernon and Torii, it gets Trumbo in the lineup.

Trumbo needs to play every day, in the outfield. This will hurt Bourjos at bats, but will better the team.

What do you think?

Game 4 Results

2012-04-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

Season is certainly off to a rough start. At least with this game we saw Haren look nearly electric. Going nearly 8 innings, Haren had the O's guessing most of the game. Howie Kendrick had the timely hitting. However the bullpen let us down, The Machine is in need of an upgrade in the batters box. I don't believe the Halos will finish the year in the cellar, but if they don't start winning soon, they're not even going to be in contention for the Wild Card.

Game 3 Results

2012-04-18T22:36:00.001-07:00

Game 3 for Team First2Third.net was brutal. Ervin Santana really only had one bad inning, but you can't win a game without putting some runs on the board. Vernon Wells flashed a lot of leather out in Center Field, he can certainly still go there. Aybar pinched hit in the 8th and got a nice Ground Rule Double, but not much happened after that.

Game 2 Results

2012-04-17T22:30:00.000-07:00

The Halo Bullpen really let Dan Haren down. Halos had to manufacture runs in this one. Vernon did hit a huge homerun. Nobody is saying anything about how well VW is playing.

Game 1 Results

2012-04-16T22:30:00.002-07:00

I'm not going to lie, its a great feeling coming to the ballpark and watching the Halos tie one on. Weaver looked like Weaver, we need more starts like that. Kendrick and Pujols got on base, but the real hero of the game came through in the first when he sent a ball over center field. Kendrys Morales, you're officially back... now go hit 39 more this year.

Never Forgeting #34 Nick Adenhart 1986-2009

2012-04-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

Today Marks the 3 Year Anniversary of the tragic night that took Nick Adenhart, Courtney Stewart and Henry Pearson away from their friends and family.

Although brought to justice, the malicious drunk driver's prison sentence does little to help with the heart ache of those who were lost. I have written before that I only ever saw Nick pitch once. I didn't follow his minor league career, but you could tell that night, he had great stuff and it is a shame we never got to see him throw again. Obviously the losses for the families of Adenhart, Stewart, and Pearson were far more affected than I will ever be.

I will never forget Nick. I will never drink and drive. I will never hurt someone the way those families were hurt. Here are some links that we've posted on First2Third over the years. Torri talking about Nick Adenhart, Dustin Moseley Remembering Nick, First 2 Third Remembering Nick 2010, Remembering #34 2010

Arte Moreno on the Sports Lodge: recap and thoughts...

2012-04-06T11:40:00.000-07:00

What has become a regular appearance for the owner of your Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Arte Moreno joined Roger Lodge's Sports Lodge on AM830 as part of the pre-opening day ceremonies, underneath the hats. Here's a recap from the owner via a phone...

On the Season Opener
I'm fired up. They worked hard in Spring Training, they're having fun, Mike's tough, he's fine tuning them, but I think they're ready to play.

On Albert Pujols
He is nicknamed the Machine because of his work ethic. First to arrive and last to leave. He works with the younger guys and is quite the gentleman. Great players are disciplined, strong will and a high level of concentration. Pujols, Morales, and Trumbo got to Spring Training a week early, fine tuning things.

Scoiscia's added pressure to win
"Mike is highly competitive, you want to prepare your team, but at the end of the day, the players need to play. You have to do the best you can, with the tools you have."

Getting Mad at Players
You never want to see someone get picked off or cause the final out on 3rd base. I don't get mad at my players, but I don't like to lose.

I remember last year on opening day. I was driving my daughter to her school. I live in Anaheim. She goes to school in Los Angeles County. Needless to say it is a very long drive. But I didn't mind the drive that day. Because everybody's favorite Uncle, Arte Moreno joined the Sports Lodge. Arte dropped hints about Weaver (and hoping to extend him), his thoughts on what happened with Teixera a few years before. He tried to defend the decision to trade Napoli to the Blue Jays for Vernon Wells (still wasn't a smart business decision). And he also spoke of the progress of Kendrys Morales bum foot.

Arte's Favorite Non-Angel Players...
Although it turned into more of a great player around the league as opposed to favorite players....
Yankees (Derek Jetter & Robinson Cano), Red Sox (Dustin Pedroia & Adrian Gonzalez), Dodgers (Clayton Kershaw, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Dee Gordon), Tampa (Longoria), & the Rangers (Andrus, Beltre, Kinsler, Hamilton, Cruz --didn't mention Napoli)

The Halos... questions answered.

2012-04-05T09:31:00.001-07:00

Off the 710 Freeway

Its the dawn of a new era for Angels Baseball. There has been a lot of hoopla and a hype with regards to the 2012 season of Major League Baseball for your Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, but we're just a little more than 24 hours away from the Season Opener for the Angels as they take on the Royals of Kansas City. Spring Training answered a lot of questions, as least for me. Mark Trumbo at the very least will be serviceable at third base, potentially adding another 25+ home runs into that line up. Another questions that was answered for me was that foot of Kendrys Morales. I don't expect Morales to field one iota, but I think he's going to be a great contributor in the Designated Hitter position. This team looks like the team I had hoped and dream for. The Angels are all in and it looks like I'm not the only one thinks so. Buster Onley said "The Angels Look Tremendous." Mark Gonzales of the South Bend Tribune picked the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to run away with it all, with that pitching rotation, "CJ Wilson as your 4th man in the rotation, that's saying something" He also picked Giants Angels in the World Series a repeat of the World Series that took place 10 years ago. AM830 host Roger Lodge is calling his World Series prediction The Angels vs. The Phillies. Google MLB 2012 Post Season Predictions... and you'll see that the Angels have caught the eye of a lot of handicappers and members of the media.

Cactus League is done, no more Exhibition games... It's Here Opening Day. Today is the third opening day for the 2012 season... but its all about tomorrow. Opening Day!

Frank McCourt to the Los Angeles Dodgers "I Drink Your Milkshake!"

2012-03-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

It was reported last night that 'Magic' Johnson a Hall of Fame Basketball Player with the Los Angeles Lakers, a studio analyst for ESPN, and a business mogul. Now in the portfolio of one Magic Johnson is countless Fat Burgers, Starbucks, and Movie Theaters, are the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Very happy to Dodger fans everywhere as now they have an owner to be proud of and an owner who ultimately help the Dodgers to become relevant (by relevant, I mean competitive) in baseball. Major League Baseball is better when the Dodgers are relevant. However, it has to be a bittersweet day for Dodger fans. Because yes... the bad man Frank McCourt can't hurt you anymore... but... he definitely got over on you.

McCourt paid $430 million in 2004 to buy the team, Dodger Stadium and 250 acres of land that include the parking lots, from the Fox division of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp., a sale that left the team with about $50 million in cash at the time. The team's debt stood at $579 million as of January, according to a court filing, so McCourt stands to make hundreds of millions of dollars even after a $131 million divorce payment to former wife Jamie, taxes and legal and banking fees.
Yahoo Sports

McCourt bought the Dodgers, used them as an ATM Machine, financed a wealthier lifestyle than his previous Boston Based Parking Garage would have ever allowed him, gave his kids jobs earning millions for nothing. Basically he treated your beloved franchise like a woman of the night, without so much as leaving a tissue paper to clean up the mess. He didn't spend to keep your team competitive, he put your safety in jeopardy, he really hurt the credibility of the Dodgers. Magic really does have his a lot of work to do to help restore the image. Plunking down 2 Billion Dollars is just the beginning. But where McCourt gets over is, he will walk away a richer man for pissing on the heritage of the Dodgers than he did before he purchased the team. And he'll continue to get paid for you Dodger fans when you frequent the shopping centers, or the parking lot.

Frank McCourt says to you Dodgers, the City of Los Angeles, and more importantly Dodgerfans... "I drink your Milkshake, I drink it up!!!"

... The Angels Look Tremendous...

2012-03-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

Hearing from a bunch of Cactus League scouts and evaluators that the Angels look tremendous.

--Buster Onley

I believe the last time I was this confident of an Angel team, I believe Vladimir Guerrero was still on this team. Obviously everybody's Uncle Arte Moreno went out and made more of a splash this off-season than any fan could have anticipated. The Angels signing/trading for Albert Pujols was a pipe dream that I had for a long time, but never did I really think that was going to happen. But then again I never thought the Angels would have at least 3 legitimate Aces in the starting rotation, with a no. 2 guy who pitched a no hitter last year. I never thought that the Angels would go into the season with the kind of depth they have. And frankly, I'm still not sure how it'll all gel over 162 games.

It seems like Alberto Callaspo might be loosing his starting position to Mark

Trumbo, which in itself sounds a bit ridiculous. Lil Albert had a good season in 2011, a .298 Batting Avg., he legged out 23 doubles, ripped 8 bags, drove in 6 over the fence and even managed to have 46 RBI with only 475 at bats. The guy replacing him isn't a slouch although his batting average is much lower his production over all is much higher. 29 Home runs is nothing to balk at. But still, Callaspo, who's had a pretty solid spring is essentially going to be an off the bench player. And a lot of people thought Trumbo was trade bait.

Looking at this line up is sick. Especially with the news that Mr. Kendrys Morales has finally found his way back into the Angels line up. Well maybe he has exactly made his way back into the line up yet and maybe Kendrys 2-5 against a combo of AA & AAA players doesn't mean a ton, but I'm under the impression that when Morales gets out their on the field and you bat him near either Trumbo or Pujols, you're going to see a masher. IF this Halos line up stays healthy and IF there is no regression, you can see a guy like Wells rebound huge in 2012.

No World Series Ring was won in November or December. But These Angels look good. Even Buster says so. With that being said...

Go Halos

The Taiwanese Love the Halos

2012-03-16T14:24:00.000-07:00

I know I'm late to the game, but this is incredible. The Taiwanese Media loves the Angels too, with this animated video portrayal of the Halos signing both CJ Wilson and Albert Pujols. I've watched several of these videos in the past. This is by far my favorite.

First Angels Pre-Season Game 12PM Pacific...

2012-03-05T08:57:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of @billplunkettocr

The line up sheet is written. As expected Pujols will be batting 3rd in the line up. As I also expected Trumbo isn't quite ready to go at 3rd nor is Morales ready to start at DH. Some surprises in the batting line up are Hunter hitting 4th. Now for me, I was expecting Morales there when he's healthy. If I was writing up this line up I probably would have put Wells there. But in all honestly, it doesn't matter. Pre-season, listen to the game on KLAA or MLB's Gameday. I'm just excited for the new season...

Go Halos

Angels Owner says "End of the day, you wanna win" on the Jungle

2012-02-27T11:58:00.000-08:00

Angels Owner Arte Moreno rarely makes radio appearances on the local radio market. But when he does, he has a lot of insight to the franchise. Moreno appeared on the Jim Rome Show today in the 2nd hour of the show. Rome was quick to point out that the Halos won 86 games, a pretty good season, why spend the cash on Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson? Arte recapped that the Angels had a lot of priorities going into the off season. They needed more offensive help (they had hoped for a healthy Kendrys Morales in 2011,) the Angels left too many men on base, help behind the dish, and more bullpen depth. Moreno even said they "got real lucky" in addressing their priorities.

Rome questioned if this year was "World Series or bust?" Arte implied if he said that, he'd have to answer to Scioscia. "You can't win until you play," is how Moreno replied, but "but you want the opportunity." When Rome asked why Arte decided to spend that much money, Arte mentioned that it isn't the first time I've tried and Albert Pujols is one of the best players in baseball. The host of the jungle also made reference to the end of the career of Pujols, noting that his productivity could be far below what they are paying for. Arte was clear that is always a risk in an investment, but Arte's more concerned with today, (day to day, week to week) and in reality the Halos have a 20 year deal with AP, with a 10 year Personal Services agreement worked out after his on field career. But even late into his career, the American League as a Designated Hitters position that #5 can slide into. Jim then shifted to the "El Hombre" campaign which Arte was quick to point out that the poster had nothing to do with the St. Louis heritage and won't be a part of the campaign going forward.

Pujols at the formal introduction to the Los Angeles Angels.

Rome had asked Moreno is the Angels are treated like any other business. 90% of the time it is just business. "At the End of The Day, you want to win. You want to be associated as a winner."

Rome wanted to know about Kendrys and how he fits in with the current direction of the roster. Arte was quick to note that Morales was expected to play last year and without him in the roster it affected the team. They expected him to drive in 20-25 home runs and be a 100 RBI guy. The team is very optimistic about his return, Arte thought he looked great. The owner added that "Trumbo is taking ground balls to third, CJ is fitting in well with Haren and Weaver (they're all Southern California natives), Ianneta looks good. And he also mentioned that Trumbo has a great attitude.

Lastly, Arte Moreno doesn't feel like his opposition is the shared market of the Dodgers, but more so his opposition is in Arlington, Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, and Detroit.

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.