(Adam Greenberg Photo by Larry A. Woolis)
By David Saltzer - Angelswin.com Columnist
1. Adam Greenberg, OF, Class AA Arkansas Travelers
For the Week: 12/35 (343), 4 Doubles, 0 Triple, 0 HRs, 8 Runs, 5 RBIs, 2 SBs
Overall: 343/425/457 2 SBs
On May 10th, the Travellers signed Adam out of an independent team in Bridgeport to replace the injured Cody Fuller in centerfield. Since then, the Travelers went on a 7 game winning streak, which unfortunately snapped on Sunday.
Originally drafted in the 9th round in 2002 by the Cubs, Greenberg’s only ML experience resulted in a beaning in 2005 that left him with a bad case of vertigo. Greenberg brings a mix of power and speed (stealing 23 bases and hitting 8 dingers last year) as well as a good eye at the plate (74 walks last year).
2. Jordan Czarnieki, OF, Class AA Arkansas Travelers
For the Week: 11/26 (423), 3 Doubles, 1 Triple, 0 HRs, 8 Runs, 1 RBIs, 1 SB
Overall: 308/413/439 5 SBs
The very first question in the 5-Key Questions column for the Arkansas Travelers was will this team be able to score some runs. At the time, it appeared that the offense was stagnant and in need of an infusion of talent in order to bolster its prospects on the field. Although I thought the talent might be arriving a bit later from internal promotions, the Angels stepped up to improve the team at AA and signed a former Jordan Czarnieki, Texas League All-Star, on April 11 after Jordan Renz was given his unconditional release. Originally drafted in the 25th round out of Tennessee by the Colorado Rockies, he was picked up by the Angels after being given his release in Spring Training. Since coming aboard, he definitely has been giving the team a boost with a week like this.
3. Ben Johnson, C, Class AA Arkansas Travelers
For the Week: 11/31 (355), 2 Doubles, 0 Triple, 4 HRs, 6 Runs, 10 RBIs, 1 SB
Overall: 259/320/494
Last year, Johnson was a catcher without a home. He jumped from Rancho to Salt Lake, back to Rancho, up to Arkansas, down to Rancho and then back to Arkansas for the rest of the season. That’s hardly the way to maintain a consistent routine for a player. This year, though, it seems that he is finding a home. He’s showing an improved power at the plate. He leads the team with 9 dingers and a 494 SLG %.
4. Michael Collins, 1B, Class AA Arkansas Travelers
For the Week: 9/24 (375), 3 Doubles, 0 Triple, 0 HRs, 6 Runs, 8 RBIs, 1 SBs
Overall: 280/365/441
As one of our Aussie prospects, Collins has been a big part of the offensive resurgence in Arkansas that led to the 7 game winning streak this past week. Collins is definitely improving this year by repeating his experience at AAA. And, with some support from the newly signed OFers, he is definitely getting to see better pitches. Collins is still hitting Lefties better than Righties, but, the difference between the numbers is nowhere near as dramatic as last year.
5. Michael Anton, SP, Low Class A Cedar Rapids Kernels
For the Week: 1-1 in 2 starts 0.59 ERA, 15.1 IP, 9 H, 4 BB, 12 K, 0.85 WHIP
Overall: 5-2, 2.01 ERA, 53.2 IP, 41 H, 13 BB, 36 K, 1.01 WHIP, 215 BAA
Michael lost a tough one on May 14th, giving up 1 earned run in an eventual 2-0 loss. But, we shouldn’t let his W/L record diminish the fact that he’s been lights out this season. In 6 out of his 8 starts he’s allowed 1 or no runs at all. After a bad first game, in which he allowed 4 runs in 5 innings, the most he’s allowed since then has been 3 runs in 7.2 innings. That’s some dominance. Michael has been pitching deep into games—going 6 or more innings in 7 out of 8 starts, and including a complete game shutout! While a lot of press and attention has been focused on Walden and Tobin, the lefties at Cedar Rapids are showing that they’re a force to be reckoned with.
6. Trevor Bell Rancho, SP, Class A Cucamonga Quakes
For the Week: 1-1 in 2 starts 2.45 ERA, 11 IP, 11 H, 2 BB, 5 K, 1.18 WHIP
Overall: 4-3, 3.45 ERA, 47 IP, 43 H, 13 BB, 34 K, 1.19 WHIP, 242 BAA
Trevor isn’t just making a case to be a player of the week—he’s making a case to be the organization’s pitcher of the month (although Michael Anton is giving him a run for the money). After a rough April, Trevor has just dominated in May, going 3-1, giving up a total of 3 earned runs for the month and pitching 25 innings. Since May 1st, he’s sporting a 17:3 K:BB ratio and given up just 17 hits in those 25 innings. This has included some games in some of the league’s notorious launching pads. He’s inducing plenty of groundballs overall, sporting a 2.09 GO/AO ratio which will help him in the high-octane California League.
7. Bobby Wilson, C, Class AAA Salt Lake Bees
For the Week: 11/26 (346), 3 Doubles, 0 Triple, 0 HRs, 2 Runs, 3 RBIs, 0 SBs
Overall: 320/394/418
If the Angels decide to make Napoli a DH, it might have a lot to do with whether or not they see Wilson as a capable replacement as a catcher. So far, Wilson is making the most of his opportunity by hitting steadily at AAA and doing a good job behind the plate. While no one could expect the Bees to continue the torrid pace they set at the start of the season, their record is now 31-11. Wilson, as one of the few who has not ridden the expressway between Salt Lake City and Anaheim has been one of the reasons why our team at AAA has been able to shuffle players back and forth and still maintain such a strong record.
8. Kendry Morales, 1B/RF, Class AAA Salt Lake City Bees
For the Week: 8/20 (400), 2 Doubles, 0 Triple, 1 HR, 2 Runs, 2 RBIs, 0 SBs
Overall: 306/342/486
When Kendry catches fire, he can carry a team for a few weeks at a time. After a very slow start, Kendry seems to be heating up faster than an Angels fan baking in the sun over the weekend. What’s interesting to note is that Kendry is getting more and more playing time in Right Field. While the FO won’t say anything about GA’s option, it seems that the team is getting some options ready to get Kendry’s bat into our lineup.
9. Jordan Walden, SP, Low Class A Cedar Rapids Kernels
For the Week: 1-1 in 2 starts 1.54 ERA, 13.0 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 9 K, 0.54 WHIP
Overall: 2-4, 2.76 ERA, 45.2 IP, 36 H, 14 BB, 36 K, 1.09 WHIP, 208 BAA
On May 13th, Jordan had a 1 hitter going through 6 innings. The rest of the damage was done today (Sunday the 18th) when he gave up 3 runs and 4 hits in 7 innings—still a quality start in anyone’s book. At the end of April through the beginning of May, Walden hit a bit of a skid where he became hittable. He had a run of 4 bad starts. But, since then, he’s rebounded nicely. What’s interesting is his GO/AO rate—it’s up to 2.38. It will be interesting to see if he can continue to induce as many groundballs as he moves up in the levels.
10. Peter Bourjos, OF, Class A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
For the Week: 11/32 (344), 1 Doubles, 1 Triple, 0 HRs, 5 Runs, 3 RBIs, 2 SBs
Overall: 335/367/468 24 SBs
Although Peter cooled towards the end of this week, at the end of last week through the beginning of this week he was blazing hot. He was 13 for 26 (.500) with 5 SBs from May 9th through the 14th. Not bad at all for a leadoff hitter. The best part about Peter’s speed is that he is learning when to use it. He’s stolen 24 bases in 26 attempts—a 92.3% rate. He’s getting on and getting the job done. A mid-season promotion might not be out of the question for him.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Angelswin Prospect Hotlist - May 19th, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
This Week in Angels Baseball (Week of May 19th)
By Victor Varadi - Angelswin.com Columnist
Overall Record: 26-20 Games Ahead: 1.5 Week Record: 4-3
Week in Review:
Jered Weaver may have some of the uglier starts week in and week out, but it is hard to argue with his line. Weaver has not fared well thus far in the win column, but he continues to post solid outings and keep his team in games. This week was no different; Weaver gave up 2 earned runs in 12 1/3 innings. Jon Garland has shown better form of late even though he had little to show for it this week, garnering a no-decision in a quality start versus his former team. There aren’t very many teams that wouldn’t love to have Weaver and Garland anchoring the back-end of their rotations.
Ervin Santana didn’t have his best outing of the season, allowing 4 runs in 6 innings against the Dodgers, but he showed some serious moxie after getting into trouble early. Ervin continues to impress and is making a case for staff ace. Joe Saunders got his seventh win of the season in dominating fashion. The Dodgers scattered 5 hits and 2 runs over 7 1/3 innings against the Angels lefty. Finally, Angels fans got their wish this week with the long overdue 2008 season debut of John Lackey. Big John proved why he is the staff ace; Lackey threw 7 innings and gave up only one run but received a no-decision.
Honorable Mention: Nick Adenhart. In his last start before being shipped off the Salt Lake in order to make room for John Lackey, Adenhart FINALLY got his first major league win. Highly touted prospect Adenhart’s overall performance while up with the big club went a long way to proving that GM Reagins was on to something when he traded for what seemed like an over abundance of starting pitching. While scouts may continue to dote on baby-faced Nick, he still has a lot to prove before he can start shopping for real estate in the O.C.
Offensively, Garret Anderson went 14 for 28 (.500), 4 runs, 4 RBI, 2 doubles and a triple, rewarding Mick Scioscia for not benching him when some fans were calling for his early retirement. Casey Kotchman has had a slow start to May but he has rebounded in the last couple of games. All in all, Kotch has provided pop and depth to a lineup suffering from a lack of output from Vlad Guererro.
There has been some talk that Mike Napoli is a candidate for the DH position. In Sunday’s game versus the Dodgers, Naps homered, singled and homered again, driving in 5 runs in the Sunday blowout. What is most startling about Napoli’s numbers is that he has 23 hits so far this season and 10 of them are home runs. His average is above the .250 mark, and coupled with Gary Matthews’ slide into the abyss, the DH role for Napoli might be just around the corner.
The Bottom Line: John Lackey returned to the rotation this week and showed little signs of the injury that kept him out the first 6 weeks of the season. Lackey’s injury not only allowed Santana and Saunders to shine, but it might also mean that big John is a little bit fresher come game 1 of the ALDS. A top 3 of Lackey, Santana and Saunders is exactly what a Championship is made from.
The Week Ahead:
The Angels go on the road to Toronto where they struggled mightily last season. However, they may luck out and not have to face Blue Jays ace, Roy Halladay. The Angels will send Lackey, Garland and Saunders to face a possible threesome of McGowan, Marcum and Litsch. After visiting Toronto the team heads to Chicago for a 3-game series against the surging White Sox. This will be a tough week on the road for the Angels and a 3-3 trip would have the team sleeping well on the flight back to California.
Friday, May 16, 2008
WHAT RIVALRY?
Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia, left, talks with Los Angeles Dodgers
manger Joe Torre before a spring baseball game in Phoenix, Ariz. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Angels Look to Continue Dominance over Dodgers
By Adam Dodge - Angelswin.com Senior Writer
As the Angels and Dodgers get set to do battle this weekend in interleague play the local radio stations, sports broadcasters and writers will try and sell the series as a “cross-town battle” or a “bitter rivalry.”
What rivalry?
A battle between rivals has traditionally included a level of competitiveness, something that has been missing between the Angels and Dodgers since interleague play began in 1997.
The Angels hold a 35-27 edge in the all-time series and have lost the season series to the Dodgers just once in the eight years that Mike Scioscia has managed the club.
In 2007 the Angels outscored the Dodgers 34-10, taking five of the six games.
Head to head the Angels have reigned supreme. They also hold the edge in overall success. The Angels won the World Series in 2002, Division championships in 2004, 2005 and 2007, and lead the AL West heading into tonight’s game. Conversely, the Dodgers have won just one playoff game since beating the Oakland Athletics in their last World Series twenty years ago, and are currently 4.5 games behind the NL West leading Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Dodgers may still be the more recognizable franchise nationally, and even in Los Angeles, but Arte Moreno has been successful in closing the gap. That the Angels are the “red-headed stepchild” of the Dodgers is an afterthought. Prolonged success on the field, the expansion of television and radio coverage, and Moreno’s ability to enhance the fan experience at Angel Stadium into one of the very best in all of sports have allowed the Angel franchise to amplify its identity geographically and in the world of baseball.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers seem to be headed in the opposite direction. Sure, they are a second place team and definitely in the “hunt” but there is reason for concern – primarily, the Arizona Diamondbacks, who look to be much better equipped to the win the National League West, especially in the starting rotation. And one can only scratch his head when trying to figure out the thought process behind the Dodgers’ recent free agent acquisitions executed by General Manager Ned Colletti.
After signing the slap hitting, impatient at the plate, poor defensive outfielder Juan Pierre and often injured Jason Schmidt to high dollar, multi-year contracts a season ago, Colletti trumped himself when he gave former Braves outfielder Andruw Jones $36 million for two years this past off-season. Jones hit just .222 in 2007 and showed a great decline athletically.
Consider that both LA franchises signed free agent centerfielders in the off-season, and you’ll see a metaphor for the direction of the two teams. The Dodgers inked Jones, who has continued his regression, hitting under .200 with just 1 homerun in 2008, while the Angels added former Twins’ All-Star Torii Hunter, a player in his prime and without any of the athletic or attitude concerns of Jones. Hunter is on pace to hit over .290 with 20 homeruns, 40 doubles and 90 RBI and has already shown a flare for the dramatic by hitting a walk-off grand slam against Cleveland a few weeks ago.
It doesn’t take a genius to see which team made the better move. Sadly for the Dodgers, it didn’t take a genius to see it then either.
But Jones and Hunter are each just one man on their respective teams, which will play the first on two three game series’ this weekend.
It seems pointless to make series predictions in May. The Angels, without lead-off man Chone Figgins and hot hitting second baseman Howie Kendrick should still have enough to take two of three.
While the freeway series may be new to Torre, facing the Angels isn’t. The Angels went 61-55 against Torre’s Yankees from 1996-2007 - making them the only AL team with a winning record against him in that span - and also eliminated New York from the first round of the playoffs in 2002 and 2005.
But regardless of the outcome, it’s clear that the Angels are as relevant now as they have ever been, both nationally and in Los Angeles. And the Dodgers? If they’re not careful “blue-headed stepchild” may just make its way into the local sports nomenclature.
The Oakland A's - Why they may not be the AL Worst
By Eric Denton - Angelswin.com Senior Writer
It wasn’t supposed to be the Oakland Athletics in second place only a half game back of the Angels for first place in the AL West.
The Mariners were the trendy pick to unseat the Angels in 2008; however they currently occupy last place ten games under .500 already 7.5 games behind.
How are the A’s doing it?
Oakland is fourth in the American League despite a pedestrian .689 OPS (on base + slugging percentage). Their team defense is also nothing to write home about (11th out of 14 teams, fielding percentage of .982).
Emil Brown (who?), leads the A’s in most offensive categories. Two of their best hitters in 2007, Jack Cust Mark Ellis have not gotten off to good starts. Former Royal Mike Sweeney appears rejuvenated, but his health is always a question mark. The recently acquired Frank Thomas has yet to get it going, and third baseman Eric Chavez has yet to play this season.
The answer is pitching, pitching and more pitching.
Oakland is second in the league with a 3.32 era. Rookies Dana Eveland (3.23 era) and Greg Smith (3.26 era) have been outstanding out of the gate. So has reliever turned starter Justin Duchscherer who leads the team with a minuscule 2.22 era. Joe Blanton has been solid as well. All of this has been done without the aide or Rich Harden who has already made his annual trip to the disabled list.
Their bullpen has also gotten outstanding efforts from Joey Devine, Santiago Casilla, Kirk Sarloos and one of the team’s few veterans Alan Embree.
General Manager Billy Beane probably didn’t expect this team to play so well to start the year. Once the Athletics start to fade, expect Beane to deal off the his veteran players in an effort to continue his rebuilding plans. It will be very surprising if Joe Blanton, Huston Street and Mike Sweeney remain in Oakland all season. However, if their rotation and bullpen remain dominant all season long, plans could change.
Now the question remains, can the A’s sustain their play for an entire season and give the Angels a run for their money?
My feeling is no, they will not. Eventually their rookie pitchers will go through the league a few times and will start to struggle.
The AL West is still the Angels to lose.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Angels add an ACE
Lackey to Return to Rotation Wednesday
By Adam Dodge - Angelswin.com Senior Writer
When it was learned during Spring Training that John Lackey would miss the first six weeks of the 2008 season, many felt that if the Angels could just plat .500 baseball while he was out it would be a great accomplishment. Factor in the loss of Kelvim Escobar for what could be the entire season and a win one – lose one pace in the early going would be gladly accepted by the team and its fans.
Lackey has fully recovered from a stiff forearm and strained triceps, has completed his rehabilitation assignment with the Angels’ A affiliate, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. He takes the mound for the Angels tonight for the first time since 2007 – his best Major League season, which saw him win 19 games for the AL West champs and post the American League’s best ERA at 3.01.
When he does take the mound it will be for a first place team. The Lackey-less Angels exceeded expectations through their 41 games, posting a 24-17 record. In fact, the “ace” they’ve been missing will be hard pressed to match the performance of fellow staff members Joe Saunders and Ervin Santana. Saunders is 6-1 and Santana, 6-0. Both pitchers have ERAs under 3.00. Consider that Jon Garland has given up just one earned run in his last two starts, Jered Weaver tossed seven scoreless innings last night and it appears the Angel rotation is rounding into form.
And it couldn’t have happened at a better time.
The fifth spot in the rotation has been anything but good thus far. Dustin Moseley and Nick Adenhart combined to go just 2-3 with a handful of no-decisions and an ERA over 8.00. Neither had been able to go deep into games.
Lackey’s return balances the rotation and gives the Angels five guys capable of throwing a lot of zeros on the scoreboard. It should also allow Mike Scioscia to align the bullpen, which has been overused at times, and without defined roles at others. Good news for the Halos, bad news for their opponents. Instead of relying on Chris Bootcheck and Dustin Moseley to pitch the Angels through important moments, they can be used in long relief stretches, which should occur less and less often.
With Lackey, the Angels also get back a team leader and a source of energy that seems to motivate his teammates to compete at their best. While it would be foolish to expect Big John to pick up where he left off in 2007 immediately, his presence on the Angel roster can only have a positive effect on a team looking to pull away from their division foes.
As Chone Figgins and Howie Kendrick are close to returning to the Angel line-up, it’s scary to think how good the Angel team will be when they hit their stride.
Behind John Lackey, the Angels look to take step one tonight.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Angelswin Prospect Hotlist - May 12th, 2008
By Jason Sinner - Angelswin.com Columnist
1. Peter Bourjos, CF, Class High A, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
Season Totals: .354avg, 9 dbls, 3 tpls, hr, 17rbi, 23sb/1cs, 7bb/24k, .881ops
If there was any question as to who would be #1 on the hotlist this week, Peter erased all doubt by going 4-4 today with another stolen base. The defensive stud had a monster weekend going 9-14 (.643) with four steals in his last three games. Over his last ten, he has amassed seven multi hit games raising his overall average by 55 points. During that span he also has 4 doubles, 2 triples, a hr, 7 rbi, and 6 steals.
2. Michael Anton, SP, Class A, Cedar Rapids Kernels
Season Totals: 5-1, 2.09era, 47.1ip, 36h, 11bb/32k, .213baa
Mike performed a somewhat unusual feat for a player at his level. In his last start, he pitched a 4 hit, CGSO. Unusual because a player of his age is typically on a fairly strict pitch count. If not for a mediocre first outing, the lefties era would be microscopic.
3. Kendry Morales, 1b, Class AAA, Salt Lake Bees
Season Totals: .297avg, 7 dbls, 5 hr, 31 rbi, 8bb/18k, .802ops
Although a recent call up, a patented Kendry hot streak certainly qualifies him for the list. The vast majority of his damage came in two games in which he went 6-9 with 2hr, 3dbls, and 5rbi. It’s almost like a switch flips and all of sudden Kendry becomes unstoppable. Let’s hope the switch remains in the on position for the Halos assuming he can find his way into the lineup. (Perhaps to take a few abs from the struggling Matthews?)
4. Trevor Bell, SP, Class High A, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
Season Totals: 3-2, 3.75era, 36.0ip, 11bb/29k, .232baa
After hitting a rough spot from the middle to the end of April, Trevor has rebounded nicely with two terrific starts in a row. He went 7ip in each of his last two outings without giving up an earned run. He also only gave up 6 hits, and one walk while striking out 12 over that period.
5. Ryan Brasier, RP, Class A Cedar Rapids Kernels
Season Totals: 0-1, 0.98era, 7saves, 18.1ip, 8bb/16k, .179baa
Ryan has had one bad outing all season which is responsible for both of his earned runs, and three of his walks. Even with that, he has been outstanding in his closers role for the Kernels. In his last five appearances (5.2ip) he has given up three hits, walked one, and struck out 7.
6. Kevin Jepsen, RP, Class AA, Arkansas Travelers
Season Totals: 1-0, 5saves, 1.89era, 19.0ip, 12bb/24k, .179baa
Another closer makes the list as Kevin has been terrific in finishing games for the Travs. Although a bit erratic at times, the young fireballer appears to be poised to make the big turn in his career.
7. Barret Browning, RP, Class High A, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
Season Totals: 0-1, 4saves, 2.84era, 19.0ip, 6bb/20k, .206baa
Barret is an Angel organization unicorn. A true lefty specialist in the making. Although he has performed capably against all comers, the Florida State graduate has held lefties to a .118baa with only 4 hits and 14 strikeouts in 10ip.
8. David Austen, SP, Class AAA, Salt Lake Bees
Season Totals: 0-2, 3.04era, 23.2ip, 24h, 4bb/16k, .261baa
Davis was a recent call up to the Bees where he was converted into a starter for the first time in his long minor league career. He has done a terrific job in his first two outings going 10ip, while giving up 8 hits, 1er, walking 2, and striking out 7. He sat out all of 2006 and much of 2007 due to injury so he is likely still getting his arm strength back.
9. Jose Arredondo, RP, Class AAA, Salt Lake Bees
Season Totals: 1-1, 10saves, 2.12era, 17.0ip, 12h, 4bb/15k, .203baa
A small bump in the road won’t drop Jose off the list. After a rough outing (2ip, 2er), he came back in his next appearance to strike out the side and notch another save. Those two runs were his only two in his last ten outings (12.0ip).
10. Corey Smith, 3b, Class AA, Arkansas Travelers
Season Totals: .254, 7dbls, 1triple, 5hr, 21rbi, 13bb/21k, .798ops
After a slow start, the former #1 pick of the Indians is doing his best to keep himself somewhere on the depth chart. Over his last 7 games he is 10-27 (.370) with 2hr, 3doubles, and 5rbi. His bb/k ratio has been very good regardless as he keeps that OBP nearly 100 points above his average.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Smoking Aces
By Chuck Richter - Angelswin.com Executive Editor
Going into the season most thought John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar would be counted on again as aces of what was to be a solid rotation, but 6 weeks into the season neither of them have thrown one pitch in big league action due to injuries.
Amazingly enough, none of the starting pitchers who were counted on to perform and tagged as Aces of the staff at one point or another in their careers, have come out of the gate strong to begin the 2008 season. Lackey has been injured so he gets a pass, but Jon Garland and Jered Weaver early on have been anything but spectacular.
Outside of two 8 inning 1 run efforts against the Twins and Orioles, Jon Garland has been hit hard thus far, posting a 5.08 ERA with a .309 BAA. His sinker isn't sinking as he's given up more fly balls than ever, while his walks to strikeout rate is at an awful 13/10 ratio. But Jon who was the ace of the White Sox staff at one point in his career isn't this bad and going forward he should anchor the back of the rotation, hopefully moved to the 5th spot after the All Star Break so he can oppose other club's 5th starters. If I'm a betting man I'd say we'll see more ground ball outs from Garland from here on out instead of the pitches he's elevated early on. He needs to realize the defense behind him in the infield and Torii in centerfield are some of the best in Baseball.
Jered Weaver dominated at Long Beach State, made minor league hitters look silly and after his big league promotion dominated in '06 after replacing his brother in the rotation, Jered in '08 has been more Jeff-like early on. Jered is 2-5 with a 5.59 ERA through 8 starts and has given up more hits (55) than innings pitched (46 2/3). Weaver does have 4 quality starts out of 8 however and for Jered it's all about location and right now he's not hitting his spots. Jered is not this bad and should post totals similar to his 2007 totals.
John Lackey who led the American League last season in ERA (3.01) going 19-9, came up with a triceps injury in Spring Training that derailed this Texan's locomotive from going full steam ahead into the 2008 regular season. The plan is for Lackey to stretch out to approximately 80 pitches, then make his season debut in the Angels' rotation Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox. The Angels will welcome back their ACE of the staff with open arms as he replaces an unproductive Dustin Moseley and the unpolished Nick Adenhart who filled in for him while he was out.
The Angels have had some good stories so far this season. The solid 22-14 start, Torii Hunter's contributions, the defensive gems at SS from Erick Aybar, the home run power the club has displayed early on, and Francisco Rodriguez league lead in saves with 14, to name a few.
But no, it is none of those. The headline story has been the Santana - Saunders 1-2 punch in the rotation. Both hurlers have gone 6-0 to start the season, posting sparkling ERA's and giving the Angels a boost in what was their main flaw heading into the season according to the pundits.
Santana currently sports a 2.02 ERA, a 0.88 WHIP and has walked just in 9 in 49 innings, fanning 38 batters. Opposing batters are hitting just .193 off him. The reason for Ervin's success is quite simple as he's always had the stuff. He's locating his 93-98 MPH fastball, incorporating the use of his secondary pitches more (above average slider & changeup) and he's driving towards the plate more, a simple mechanical flaw that Butcher worked out with him in the offseason which also saw him accomplish positive results in winter ball.
No longer is pitching on the road a burden for Ervin. He's a man on a mission that intimidates the opposition no matter where the ball game is played. What we're seeing from Ervin is what you see from a #1 starter and ace of ones rotation. He has shown that he can dominate a good offense.
Joe Saunders has been the other bright spot. The former #1 pick of the Angels in the 2002 amateur draft, has paid 1st round dividends. Joe like Ervin has gone 6-0 and has posted a 2.61 ERA. Saunders has done a great job moving the ball around the strike zone, giving opposing hitters fits. The southpaw from VT looks poised for a great season and one that the Angels needed from both him and Santana.
The job has been given and the contracts have been signed. Five adorned in red, equipped and armed differently, yet extremely talented to get the job done and shut down the opposition. These Smoking Aces will rise to the challenge and help the Angels make it to the top and accomplish the task at hand. A task that should be completed and celebrated in late October.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Welcome Back to Salt Lake DMac
By Kevin Mark - Angelswin.com Minor League Contributor
One of the best players in the history of the Salt Lake Bees franchise returned to Franklin Covey Field Tuesday night. 2004 minor league player of the year Dallas McPherson is now in the Florida Marlins organization, playing 3B for the Albuquerque Isotopes. Since AAA returned to
Since the end of the 2004 season McPherson has had three major surgeries, one on his hip and two on his back. He missed the entire 2007 season recovering from the latest back surgery. All of the reports on McPherson indicated the surgery corrected his back problems and he would be ready to go at the beginning of the 2008 spring training. Despite the positive outlook on McPherson's health, the Angels released him. McPherson signed a free agent contract with the Marlins and is currently putting up very good numbers for their AAA team.
After watching McPherson play this week against the Bees I am convinced he is healthy and ready to be a productive Major League hitter. In the two games against the Bees, DMac is 4-8 with 2 runs scored and 3 RBI. He has made two outstanding plays at 3B and is running the bases without any noticeable problems. For the year McPherson is hitting .302 with 10 homeruns. He is always going to be a high strikeout hitter and so far this season he has K'd 41 times. But he has also walked 19 times and his OBP is a sparkling .414. He has an OPS of 1.049 and is hitting the ball with authority almost every time up.
McPherson has reached the limit of what he can accomplish and prove in the minor leagues. It is time for him to get an opportunity to play every day in the Major Leagues but I don’t see it happening with the Marlins. Jorge Cantu and Mike Jacobs have the corner infield positions locked up. But there are other teams that could use a power hitting corner infielder and, if the Marlins aren't going to give McPherson a chance, I hope they will trade him to a club that will. Dallas McPherson is now ready to fulfill the promise of being a solid Major League power hitter. Hopefully the opportunity comes this season.
Monday, May 5, 2008
This Week in Angels Baseball (Week of May 5th)
By Victor Varadi - Angelswin.com Columnist
Overall Record: 20-13 Games Ahead: 1 Week Record: 4-3
Week in Review:
Jon Garland started the week by getting shellacked by the Oakland A’s but he finished his week on a high note by going 8 innings and giving up only one run in a win over Baltimore. Pitching Coach Mike Butcher gave Garland a DVD to study, a recording of one of Garland’s career highlights, a complete game win in Game 3 of the 2005 ALCS…against the Angels. It could prove to be the turning point in Jon Garland’s season. Stay Tuned. Meanwhile, Joe Saunders improved to 5-0 on the young season while Ervin Santana dominated the A’s through 6 2/3 innings. Nick Adenhart was given a rude awakening in his MLB debut while Jered Weaver turned away any comparisons to his older brother by shaking off a rough start to go 7 innings against the O’s.
Honorable Mention: Francisco Rodriguez. Say what you want about this guy, but he takes the ball and gets it done. He started off the season looking like he might have aged a decade over the winter; his fastball was slow, his slider lacked bite and I doubt could have found the strike zone during BP. This week, Franky recorded 3 saves while giving up only one hit.
Offensively, Casey Kotchman has settled into the 4-hole and seems a lock to stay there as long as he continues to hit and drive in runs. Torii Hunter continues to provide a legitimate power presence in the 5 spot and Erick Aybar is showing why the Angels could so easily trade away one of the best shortstops the organization ever had in Orlando Cabrera.
The Bottom Line: The fact that the Angels are hitting all those homeruns and scoring all those runs without a productive Vladimir Guerrero or Garret Anderson is only a testament to how good this offense is. The team is near the top in all major offensive categories and there is no reason to think that this won’t continue.
The Week Ahead:
The last 2 weeks provided the answer as to how good this Angel team really is; going to Boston and Detroit and handling them, and then coming home to face the Oakland A’s and the AL east leading Baltimore Orioles was no easy task. While the A’s split the series they did so by beating up on a Triple A pitcher in his MLB debut on 3 days rest. The A’s are good, but they aren’t THAT good. This week should prove a little bit easier. The Angels travel to Kansas City and Tampa Bay for 3 game sets each. Although the Royals and Rays are playing good ball, they are still, after all, the Royals and the Rays. Anything short of 4 wins would be a tragedy.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Angelswin Prospect Hotlist - May 5th, 2008
Catching Prospect Anel De La Santos tops the Prospect List this week
By Chuck Richter - Angelswin.com Executive Editor
Once a week (Every Monday) AngelsWin.com will cover the top 10 hottest prospects in the organization. We will list their current stats and feats with a little blurb on each player. This is a great way for you Halo fans to find out who's hot in the Angels organization. It is important as a fan to know who is up and coming in the organization because prospects not only strengthen our team in the future, but they also become trade fodder for teams looking to rebuild who might give up an established player in the big leagues.
The Top 10 Angels Prospect Hotlist
1. Anel De Los Santos, C, Low-A Ball Cedar Rapids Kernels
Season Totals: (.263, .296, .408 - 2 Hr's, 11 RBI's)
The top defender behind the dish in the Angels organization, known for his defensive ability behind the plate has started to heat up on the offensive side after an extremely slow start with the bat to start the season.
Anel, hit .350 in his last 10 games and that comes with 4 multi-hit games in that span along with 2 Home Runs. Scouts love his bat speed, but he still needs to be a bit more selective at the plate as he's walked just 3 times vs. 24 strikeouts. Scouts believe Anel can develop into a .250-.265 hitter with 15-20 homers a year, but because of his tremendous defensive abilities, anything Anel provides on the offensive side is a bonus.
2. Nick Green, SP, Triple-A Salt Lake Bees
Season Totals: (3-0, 2.78 ERA, .263 BAA - 35 2/3 innings, 23 K's, 11 Walks)
This Nick, not Adenhart, was suppose to get the call last Thursday in place of Dustin Moseley, but that didn't happen. Perhaps the Angels made the wrong move because on Green's scheduled day to start he blanked a good hitting Memphis club through 6 2/3 innings, giving up just 3 hits. Ooops?
3. Peter Bourjos, OF, High-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
Season Totals: (.320, .360, .456 - 8 2B's, 3 3B's and 18 SB's)
Bourjos hit a solid .359 over his last 10 games, notching his 3 triples over that same stretch, along with 5 doubles. Peter is 2nd in the CAL League in stolen bases (18) despite missing nearly a week with the Quakes earlier in the season with a minor injury.
4. Matt Brown, 3B, Triple A, Salt Lake Bees
Season Totals: (.407, .451, .743 - 7 HR's, 11 2B's and 24 RBI's)
Brown got a call up to the big leagues and looked awful in his first start against the A's last week. However, he did manage to get his first Major League hit in the late innings of a blow out game with an 2 RBI double. Brownie was back in Salt Lake over the weekend and back on track as he inched closer to PCL leader in Slugging pct. (Nelson Cruz) posting a .743 Slugging pct, after hitting his 7th HR of the season on Saturday.
5. Dan Denham, SP, Double-A Arkansas Travelers
Season Totals: (1-3, 0.39 ERA - 14 K's, 13 Walks in 23 Innings)
One of 4 former 1st round picks from other clubs that the Angels have signed to a minor league contract over the winter, Denham the Indians 1st rounder in 2001 has begun to resurrect his career with the Double-A affiliate Arkansas Travelers.
The control artist through 4 starts has posted a 0.39 ERA, with his last start against Tulsa (Rockies Double-A affiliate) being the best. Denham hurled 8 innings of shutout ball, fanning 7 hitters.
6. Michael Anton, SP, Low-A Ball Cedar Rapids Kernels
Season Totals: (4-1, 2.58 ERA - 38 1/3 innings 24 K's, 9 Walks)
The southpaw from Stuttgart, Germany, has given up just 1 run in 4 of his 6 starts this season, one of those on Sunday as he threw 6 2/3 innings, giving up just 1 run while fanning 6. Anton and Nick Green have the two best changeups in the organization.
7. Giancarlo Alvarado, SP, Triple-A Salt Lake Bees
Season Totals: (2-0, 2.60 ERA - 27 2/3 25 K's, 11 Walks, .182 BAA)
Outside of one bad start, the free agent Puerto Rican has been solid for the Salt Lake Bees in 2008. In Alvarado's last two starts he's given up no runs through 12 2/3 innings, giving up just 6 hits in those two starts, while fanning 11.
8. Clay Fuller, OF, Low-A Ball Cedar Rapids Kernels
Season Totals: (.258, .318, .443 - 5 2B's, 5 3B's, 1 HR and 4 SB's)
Fuller hit .361 over his last 10 games, while pounding out 3 doubles, 2 triples and his first home run of the season. Clay started off the season slowly, but he's coming around of late, especially when runners are on base. Fuller has driven in 10 runs in his last 10 games.
9. Terry Evans, OF, Triple-A Salt Lake Bees
Season Totals: (.305, .389, .453 - 2 HR's, 8 2B's and 2 SB's)
Evans has hit .366 in his last 10 games, one of those games was a 4-4 contest against Memphis last week. Though he's hitting well for average, one has to worry about his lack of plate discipline (13 walks, 29 strikeouts) and power, as he clubbed just 15 HR's last season and he's only got 2 thus far with Salt Lake.
10. Mason Tobin, SP, Low-A Cedar Rapids Kernels
Season Totals: (2-0, 1.23 ERA - 22 Innings, 10 K's, 6 Walks, .171 BAA)
Mason started off the season with a 15 scoreless innings before he gave up 3 earned runs in 7 innings in his last start. Mason pounds the strike zone with an action fastball in the 90-93 MPH range. He's also shown tremendous strides early on with his slider and changeup. As you can see in the video below provided by area scout Phillip Richmond, his delivery is effortless and he hides the ball really well.
On the Outside Looking In
Triple-A Salt Lake City notables
Freddy Sandoval, 3B, U - .361, .402, 598 - 4 HR's, 9 2B's, 18 RBI's and 2 SB's.
Brad Coon, OF - .324, .419, .378 - 6 SB's, 5 CS's.
Bobby Wilson, C - .320, .386, . 400 - 6 2B's
Kendry Morales, 1B - .259, .287, .370 - 3 HR's, 3 2B's, 25 RBI's
Jose Arredondo, RP - 1.50 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 8 Saves, 12/9 Inn to K ratio
Rich Thompson, RP - 3.86, 9.1 Innings, 10 strikeouts
Double-A Arkansas Travelers notables
Michael Collins, 1B - .298, .385, .457 - 2 HR's, 7 2B's, 5 SB's
Ben Johnson, C - .250, .303, .463 - 5 HR's, 24 RBI's
Brok Butcher, SP - 4.05 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 33.1 Innings - 24 strikeouts, 14 walks
Kevin Jepsen, RP - 2.20 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 16.1 Innings - 22 strikeouts, 4 Saves
Stephen Marek, RP - 3.75 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 12 Innings - 14 strikeouts, 1 Save
High-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes notables
Brian Walker, C - .318, .362, .494 - 3 HR's, 6 2B's
Mark Trumbo, 1B - .291, .341, .530 - 6 HR's, 8 2B's
Anthony Norman, OF - .301, .420, .578 - 4 HR's, 8 SB's
Sean O'Sullivan, SP, - 4.88 ERA, 1,28 WHIP, 31.1 Innings - 24 strikeouts
Barret Browning, RP - 2.87 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 15 2/3 Innings - 18 strikeouts, 3 Saves
Low-A Cedar Rapids Kernels notables
Efren Navarro, 1B - .329, .416, .459 - 1 HR, 8 2B's and 17 RBI's
Jordan Walden, SP - 3.03 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 32 2/3 Innings - 27 strikeouts
Trevor Reckling, SP - 4.01 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 24 2/3 Innings - 22 strikeouts
Robert Fish, SP - 4.13 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 28.1 Innings - 32 strikeouts
Ryan Braiser, RP - 1.10 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 16.1 Innings - 13 strikeouts
Friday, May 2, 2008
Patience Grasshoppers
By Eric Denton - Angels Win.com Senior Writer
May 2, 2008. The Angels have played 30 games and are 18-12 sitting atop the AL West with the Oakland Athletics and the fans here on the AngelsWin.com message board are already ready to bench two starting players. Garret Anderson and Gary Matthews Jr.
Seriously, you say ?
Yeah, seriously...
But they've got Reggie Willits with his .400 ob% . Juan Rivera hit 23 homers in 2006. Kendry Morales is a star waiting to shine. Posters who are advocating for these players to get a shot aren't wrong. Their points are well taken but let's face some facts.
1. The Angels are winning and are in first place.
2. It's May 2.
Not to be cliche but I think it's time to steal one from color commentator Rex Hudler. "It's not how you start, it's how you finish."
The poster boy for that saying is fan favorite, former Angel Tim Salmon. Salmon was a notorious slow starter. Every manager he played for saw him struggle early and let him play through it. And every year, Salmon would finish with his typical numbers of .290 25 hrs 90 RBI.
There is no doubt that Anderson and Matthews are not playing up to their potential at this point in time. Anderson is hitting a meager .223 and Matthews a similar .229 (though to be fair he does lead the team in RBI).
Do fans really expect that both of these players are going to finish the year with batting averages in the .220's ? Conversely, do Angel fans really expect that our hot hitters like Casey Kotchman and Erick Aybar are going to hit near .330 all season ? Are Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders going to finish the year a combined 66-0 ?
The answer is "unlikely".
The team's biggest superstar Vladimir Guerrero isn't off to the hottest start either, yet there are no calls for his benching. Why is that ? Probably because at any given time Vlad is capable of changing the game with one swing of the bat. Guess what though. Every player is capable of that. Erick Aybar's surprise 3-run homer last night is proof of that. Torii Hunter's two HR, walk off Grand Slam game is proof of that.
One of the best things (and possibly worst things) about baseball is looking over the numbers the players put up.
Something to remember about statistics however is they only tell you what has happened in the past, they do not tell the future. Just because Gary Matthews is having a bad week doesn't mean he wont have a big road-trip. Just because Garret Anderson went 0-3 last night doesn't mean it's impossible for him to go 3-3 tonight.
Each game is it's own separate entity. It would seem that the Angel fans have lost focus of the "One Game At A Time" mantra that served this organization so well in 2002.
