Presenting the "All-Mike's Guys Team"

By Geoff Bilau - AngelsWin.com Senior Editor

Over the span of Mike Scioscia's 10 1/2 seasons at the helm of the Angels, there have been a select number of players about whom many fans of this Website have scratched their heads and wondered aloud (or ad nauseum) "Why is he still on the team?" and "What does Mike see that we don't?" or "What is Mike doing in the incriminating photos that Player X must have?!"

In time, these players became known as "Mike's Guys," the cream of the crop — a crop of what we don't know, but there are probably locusts or some other plague involved.

Here then, with tongue firmly in cheek, is the official "All-Mike's Guys Team" from 2000-2010:

1B – Robb Quinlan

He's not only the first baseman; he's the poster boy and mascot. The second longest tenured Angel showed up in 2003 and, like that one friend at 1:45 a.m. early Sunday morning, he just won't leave.

2B – Benji Gil

Gil turned himself into a valuable platoon player in 2001 and batted .800 in the 2002 World Series, but in 2003 he obviously remembered that he's Benji Gil. Despite starting the season 0-for-14 and carrying a woeful .146 batting average into June, Scioscia continued to give Gil starts. And Gil continued to give fans indigestion.

SS – Middle-of-the-Order Batting Maicer Izturis

The Angels have actually been pretty blessed at shortstop under Scioscia's leadership. From David Eckstein to Orlando Cabrera to Erick Aybar, there's been a minimal amount of head scratching at this key middle infield spot — with one exception: "Batting third, the shortstop, Maicer Izturis."

On July 1, 2008, Scioscia inexplicably batted the 150-pound Venezuelan third, in front of Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter. The Angels won the game, 5-3, so Scioscia did it again on July 4 and 5 ... and 11 more games in July. Izturis batted .273 with zero home runs and eight RBI in the month, but the Angels went 13-6 in July, so Scioscia must've figured it was working.

3B – Edgardo Alfonzo

They say when life hands you lemons, you make lemonade. Likewise, when life hands you Steve Finley, you turn it into Edgardo Alfonzo. (More on Finley in a bit.)

As an attempt to recoup something of value from the disastrous signing of Finley in 2005, Angels General Manager Bill Stoneman swung the 41-year-old outfielder over to the Giants for 32-year-old former All-Star infielder Alfonzo. Unfortunately, he, too, wound up playing like a 41-year-old.

Despite his .188 batting average, Alfonzo started eight games between April 26 and May 16. He was batting .100 when the Angels finally released him on May 21.

C – Jeff Mathis

A career .203 hitter, Mathis has started 252 games over six seasons with the Angels — perhaps the longest leash in franchise history.

He sure knocked the crap out of the ball in the 2009 ALCS, though, didn't he?

LF – Darin Erstad

He played more games in an Angels uniform than all but four players and ranks No. 4 on the franchise list for hits, runs scored and doubles, but Erstad's final two seasons in Anaheim were a source of much consternation for many Angels fans.

Despite his .370-ish slugging percentage, Scioscia insisted upon batting Erstad third or fifth for much of the second half of 2005. Erstad ended that season with seven HR and 66 RBI.

Erstad moved down to sixth and seventh in 2006, but his slugging percentage (and batting average) followed suit, dipping to .326 and .221, respectively, by the time injuries finally ended his season — and his Angels career — in late September.

CF — Steve Finley

Finley and his "magic crystals" arrived in December 2004 on the heels of a remarkable season that saw the 39-year-old belt a career-high 36 home runs for the Diamondbacks and Dodgers. Despite his near-AARP status, Stoneman gave Finley a two-year, $16 million contract. Disaster ensued.

Finley got off to a horrendous start, batting .149 in April. He rallied for an .875 OPS in May, but the wheels fell off in June and July as he slumped to .656 and .591, respectively. Scioscia kept running him out to center field in August, however, and Finley rewarded his persistence with a jaw-dropping .378 OPS in the month.

The worst, of course, was yet to come as Finley's poor season prompted the Angels to dive back into the free agent center fielder market later that winter. ... shudder.

RF – Jeff DaVanon

As mascots go, DaVanon was the Scoop to Quinlan's Clutch. (Or the Ribbie to Q's Southpaw, depending on your preference.)

DaVanon hit six home runs over a three-game span in July 2003. And 22 in the other 399 games he played for the Angels. But, hey, his called-third-strike head hang is the stuff of legend.

Bench – Reggie Willits

If you're reading this, you have hit at least as many Major League home runs as Willits.. A pinch runner who gets picked off in playoff games, Willits' bench warming intangibles are apparently off the charts.

SP – Jeff Weaver

Even though he was 6-0 with a 1.12 ERA after his first six Major League starts, Jered Weaver got sent back to AAA (for the second time) in July 2006 so that his older brother and his 3-10 record and 6.29 ERA could return from the disabled list.

Enough said.

RP – Brian Fuentes

With a vesting option on his 2011 contract looming, Scioscia continues to run the soft-throwing lefty onto the mound to finish games. After a season and half in Anaheim, Fuentes sports a 4.19 ERA and has blown 10 of 72 save chances.

At the moment, however, it's kind of difficult to fault Scioscia on this one; none of the other options look any better.

Foe Fodder: Everything's Big in Texas ... Including the Delusions

By Adam Dodge - AngelsWin.com Senior Writer

“The Stars at Night are Big and Bright, Deep in the Heart of Texas.” This gem of lyrical genius is plastered on just about everything it can be in the state of Texas, as I recently found out when I made my first trip to the Lone Star State just a couple weeks ago. Unfortunately, that trip was not my first taste of what Texas had to offer.

I arrived in the small town of Maryville, Mo., in August of 1997. It was an exciting time for me. I had accepted a football scholarship to Northwest Missouri State University. One of the graduate assistants picked me up from the Kansas City airport and drove me the 90 or so minutes to campus and my dorm building. During the trip, he educated me some on the school, the football team and the town of Maryville. He made mention that he had arranged for me to room with another Junior College transfer — a tight end from Texas. “You’ll like ‘Tex.’ I picked him up from the airport yesterday,” the coach said.

He dropped me at my hall around 8 p.m. that night and I made my way to room 303. The door was cracked, so I just walked right in. What I saw, I’ll never forget. “Tex” was standing in the middle of the room wearing nothing but some faded tighty-whities and a cowboy hat, talk’n to his ma and pa on the telephone. He didn’t immediately acknowledge my presence, so I scoped out the room to see which bed he had left for me. It was pretty easy to spot, since above his bed hung a large, crooked Texas flag.

In the months following, I would come to learn a lot about Texas from Tex, who shared a nickname with every other person who was born in Texas but dwelled outside of it. Here are some of the important lessons Tex fanatically bored me with while we lived together for a few months.

“Hadam (translated from hick to English as “Hey, Adam”), d’ya know that the first word spoken from the moon was ‘Houston’?”

“Hadam, we can secede anytime we want.”

“Hadam, we got more millionaires in Texas than any other place in the world.”

“Hadam, we got more bat species than any other state in the country.”

“Hadam, our state bird is the mock’n bird.”

“Hadam, we can secede anytime we want.”

What I remember most about Tex was that no matter what we were doing, where we were eating, what we were drinking, which girls we were seeing or where we were going, it would most certainly be better if we were in Texas.

What Tex failed to mention, that I quickly learned upon arriving in Dallas and which was reinforced as I made my way to Austin and San Antonio, is that Texas is completely and inarguably miserable.

If a man were able to be magically minimized to the size of a hair and were to dwell between the thighs of James Gandolfini, he would find it cooler and more comfortable than the late spring Texas climate.

Texans are delusional. Look no further than beautiful Texas Hill Country in central Texas, which has a little bit of everything except for, of course, hills.

As the Texas Board of Education attempts to write Thomas Jefferson out of the history books the Texas Rangers look to rewrite the balance of power in the American League West. Rangers fans are believing.

Unfortunately for the irrelevant Rangers, who have won just one playoff game in their history, and for their fans, which pound their chests like only Texans can, 2010 will end in much the same way that the last several years have ended — with the Angels on top, the Rangers sputtering toward the finish line.

Some say the Rangers falter in the heat of Texas. Others say the pitching just can’t hold up. Maybe this year it will be the financial status of the club and its owner. Whatever the case may be, the Rangers will find a way to drift back into obscurity once again.

Upon returning from my trip to Texas, a good friend asked me: “Did you find any place you’d want to live?”

Yes. I did find a place I’d like to live: Southern California. Likewise, the American League West crown won’t be moving anytime soon.

Los Angeles Angels 2010 Mid-Season Prospect Performance Grades by AngelsWin.com

Los Angeles Angels 2010 Mid-Season Prospect Performance Grades

Feature by Chuck Richter – Executive Director

and David Saltzer – Angelswin.com Senior Columnist

As the Minor League seasons reach the midpoint, with many leagues holding the All-Star Breaks, it’s time for AngelsWin.com to review and evaluate how the players throughout the organization have done so far. For a refresher as to where each of the prospects ranked at the start of the 2010 season, please click here.

Unlike the 2010 Top-50 Prospects List which we produced in January, the Mid-Season Performance Grades are not an absolute ranking of the prospects within the organization. Instead, it is a letter grade evaluating the prospects development and future potential as demonstrated by their performance to date. The players are listed alphabetically specifically to avoid confusion about their rankings.

These performance grades will help determine the prospects rankings for next year’s Top-50 Prospect List, but we recognize that there will be more movement as players return from injury, adapt and adjust to new leagues, refine skills, etc. As with any formative evaluation, this will become a part of our summative evaluation at the end of the year.

At AngelsWin.com, we consider a variety of factors when making our rankings. We base our rankings on our own direct observations of the players, the comments that we have heard from Angels’ personnel, and the comments we have received from scouts outside of the organization. We consider the age of the player, the league in which he plays, the position he plays, the player’s potential to be a Major League player, and the player’s potential ceiling as a Major League player. In short, we consider more than just the raw statistics.

Our grading scale for the Mid-Season Top-50 Performance Grades is based on what the player is showing definite signs of becoming and is as follows:

Read more »

This Day in Angels Baseball: June 29th, 1983

June 29, 1983 the California Angels beat the Texas Rangers 2-1 at Anaheim Stadium. Tommy John pitched 8 innings, allowing 1 run on 5 hits while striking out 5 and Luis Sanchez picked up his 8th win in relief. Tim Foli and Bob Boone both were 3-4 in the game each knocking in Ellis Valentine once. Bob Boone was sold to the Angels at the end of the 1981 season and would remain their starting catcher for 7 years. In his first year with the Angels he threw out 21 of the first 34 runners attempting to steal a base and would end up throwing out 47% of the runners trying to steal on him during his Angel playing days. While Boone was known for his defense behind the plate more than hitting he ranks first all-time in an Angel career for sacrifice hits with 90. Boone caught Mike Witt's perfect game in 1984 and would make his fourth and final All-Star game appearance in 1983 as an Angel. Bob Boone along with his father, Ray and sons Brett and Aaron would all be major league All-Stars in their playing careers.

This Day in Angels Baseball: June 28th, 1997

June 28, 1997 the Anaheim Angels beat the Seattle Mariners 6-1 at the Kingdome. Allen Watson pitched 8 innings, allowing 1 run on 3 hits and striking out 6, picking up his 7th win of the season. Pitching for the Angels that year, Watson would set career highs in games started (34), wins (12), innings pitched (199) and strikeouts (141). During the Angels 4 run 7th inning they set a single game team record with 4 stolen bases in the inning. Luis Alicea would steal second and third before scoring his second run of the game and Tony Phillips followed with steals of second and then home. The Angels finished 1997, second in the American League West at 84-78, their first year under control of The Walt Disney Company and known as the "Anaheim Angels."

AngelsWin.com Interview: Michael Kohn

Interview conducted by Rick R. Dykhuizen 

June 27, 2010

Bats: Right Throws: Right 6’2’ 200 lbs. DOB: 06/26/1986

2010 Arkansas (Double-A):
2-2 with 3 Saves, 2.45 ERA, 25 strikeouts, 8 walks, 18.1 IP, .194 BAA

2010 Salt Lake (Triple-A): 
2-1 with 6 Saves, 1.65 ERA, 23 strikeouts, 8 walks, 16.1 IP, .113 BAA

2010 Overall:
4-3 with 9 Saves, 2.08 ERA, 48 strikeouts, 16 walks, 34.2 IP, .157 BAA

Coming into the 2010 season, Michael Kohn ranked as the AngelsWin.com Number 10 prospect within the Angels’ organization. Below is our 2010 Scouting Report for Kohn (pronounced Kahn, like James Caan the actor).

If there's an organizational award for player, pitcher and defensive minor leaguer of the year, there should be one for organizational relief pitcher of the year. If it did exist, the award would go to Michael Kohn hands down. Kohn posted a 2.19 ERA for the Cedar Rapids Kernels over 28 games and in 37 innings he struck out 60 Midwest League batters, holding the opposition to a .161 batting average. Promoted to High Class-A ball in July, Kohn continued to dominate, posting a sparkling 0.94 ERA in 24 games while fanning 43 batters over 28 2/3 innings of work. Kohn gave up just one home run all season and finished with a sensational .153 BAA.

Kohn comes at opposing hitters with a heavy 94-98 mph fastball and a plus slider. The slider still needs work in terms of consistency, but when it's on he's just filthy. There were a lot of late inning contests in which Kohn dominated the opposition with just his fastball that explodes out of his hand. Taking up pitching for the first time in 2008 for the College of Charleston, Kohn pitched just 13 amateur innings before being signed by the Angels.

The Angels will most likely start Michael Kohn in Double-A Arkansas as the Travelers' closer. If the breaking pitch is there we are willing to bet that fans will see Kohn in the big leagues before the 2010 season is over. The consistency of his slider will determine whether Kohn profiles as a future setup man or closer down the road. Just ask Matt Anderson if you can get away with just a good fastball in the big leagues.

Kohn’s stock has definitely gone up this year as he has continued to impress at Double-A Arkansas and then posted even better results at Triple-A Salt Lake. When AngelsWin.com recently talked with Abe Flores, Director of Player Development for the Angels, Abe had the following to say about Michael Kohn:

AngelsWin.com: What about Michael Kohn? He looks like he’s forcing his way up through the organization as a reliever.

Abe Flores: He’s had success at every level and so his time will come. He’s done very well.

AngelsWin.com: Is there anything additional that he should be working on, or keeping it up at the same level?

Abe Flores: He knows what he needs to work on. It’s continuing to improve his breaking ball—the action and the shape of it. Otherwise, he’s been a very good strike thrower. He’s been very poised in that role—the end of the game type role. He’s come a long way quite quickly.

AngelsWin.com Rick R. Dykhuizen recently sat down with Michael Kohn and got his impression on his season, his teammates, baseball in general and the lighter side of the young reliever. Click below to listen to Michael Kohn in his own words, or read the text version.

AngelsWin.com: Michael, you have moved up a level in each of the last two seasons. Tell us a little bit about your ascent to the big leagues and what it has been like?

Well first off I have been very blessed the last two season to enjoy a mid-season promotion last year with Rancho and this year with Salt Lake. So far it's been great but, still have a long ways to go and just have to keep working hard.

AngelsWin.com: When did you start playing baseball?

Michael Kohn: I first started playing baseball when I was about 4 years old.

AngelsWin.com: You were a hitter and pitcher in college, do you think being drafted as a relief pitcher was the right move?

Michael Kohn: Haha.. Yea being drafted as a pitcher was def the right move. Most of my teammates will tell you that I still think I can hit but I have put the bat down for a golf club.

AngelsWin.com: Who has been the most influential person (coach and personally) to the success you're having thus far?

Michael Kohn: Well, I have been blessed with a great family. My two great parents my Father Thomas Kohn, and my Mother Rebecca Sheheen along with my two great sisters Jessica and Mary. But if I had to say one person in my life who has inspired me the most I would have to say my Father because growing up and watching the work ethic he has and what he taught me I couldn't ask for a better role model. If I grow up to be half the person he is then life will be great..

AngelsWin.com: What part of your game do you take the most pride in?

Michael Kohn: Well, I take pride in all aspects of my game. So I don't think there is one that is bigger than the other.

AngelsWin.com: We hear that your fastball has some rise to it, that it's hard to hit. What's the highest speed on the radar that you can dial your fastball up to?

Michael Kohn: (Laugh) The highest I have ever hit was 97 mph.

AngelsWin.com: How is the breaking ball coming along? Do you see it as a true swing and miss, strikeout offering?


Michael Kohn: I have been extremely pleased with my new slider that I learned this year in big league camp. I still have some work to do with it but I guess you can say its a swing and miss pitch.

AngelsWin.com: What are the things you believe need the most work?

Michael Kohn: I am a firm believer of never being satisfied so in saying that all aspects of my game need work. I always say the day I am satisfied is the day I will hang it up.

AngelsWin.com: Which teammate and opponent in the Texas League and Pacific Coast League is in your opinion a future major league star?

Michael Kohn: That's a tough question since there are so many great players I have played with and against. As far as the Texas League Jordan Walden throws 100 mph so I can see him being a great major league player. Mike Moustakos is a pretty good hitter so I could see him doing great things in the big leagues.

I have so many good teammates in Salt Lake it would be pretty hard to pick one. I mean you got the Pete Bourjos who runs like a deer, Mark Trumbo who hits balls 500 feet, but if I had to say one guy who has a very bright future in my mind I would say Will Smith. He is only 20 years old and pitches like he has been around a long time. He is very hunger to do well so I can see him being a great starter in the big leagues. As far as opponents I haven't been here long enough to see all the teams but the young kid who just pitched against us in Tacoma, Michael Pineda I think is his name. He is also 20 years old and throws 98 mph and doesn't walk guys, so that's pretty impressive to do at 20.

AngelsWin.com: Which hitter in the Texas League and PCL have been the toughest get out so far this season?

Michael Kohn: Ha, they are all hard to get out.

AngelsWin.com: On the lighter side, what are some of your hobbies outside of baseball?

Michael Kohn: I love to hunt, play golf, and especially watch college football.

AngelsWin.com: What kind of music do you listen to?


Michael Kohn: I listen to all kinds of music country, R&B, rap, rock. Listen to it all

AngelsWin.com: What is your favorite movie?

Michael Kohn: I would have to say TinCup. Always loved that movie.

AngelsWin.com: Who is your biggest fan and the first person you call when you get promoted to the big leagues?

Michael Kohn: I am going to get in trouble for leaving some people off this list so forgive me. But my parents will get the first phone calls. After them will definitely be my best friend and my biggest fan Matt Sheheen. I talk to him along with my dad after every game good or bad. They are pretty much the only people I talk to if I do bad. Sorry Mom.


Thanks Chuck for having me. Take Care Michael Kohn.

AngelsWin.com Mid-Season State of the Farm interview with Abe Flores - Los Angeles Angels Director of Player Development

Mark Trumbo has blossomed into the slugger the Angels hoped


Interview conducted by David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Columnist

June 27, 2010

With most of the Minor Leagues reaching the midpoint to their seasons, AngelsWin.com had the opportunity to sit down with Abe Flores, the Director for Player Development for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to get an update on the players throughout the organization. Abe Flores is a wealth of information, able to give scouting reports on all the players throughout the organization with ease. He gives insight into how the Angels develop and prepare players for a Major League career and what the Angels expect the players to develop and work on as the mature through the system.

Read more »

This Day in Angels Baseball: June 27th, 2005

June 27, 2005 the Angels beat the Texas Rangers 13-3 at Ameriquest Field in Arlington, Texas. Bartolo Colon went 8 innings, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits while striking out 5. The Angels would get 20 hits in the game, of which 7 were doubles. Vladimir Guerrero went 3-4 with 2 doubles, a home run and 3 RBI; Adam Kennedy was 2-4 with a home run and 3 RBI; Darin Erstad was 2-5 with 2 doubles and 3 runs scored and Juan Rivera was 4-5 with 3 doubles. Juan Rivera was traded with Maicer Izturis from the Washington Nationals at the end of 2004 for Jose Guillen and would become an everyday player in 2006, where he hit .310 with 23 home runs and 85 RBI. Rivera broke his leg playing winter ball in Venezuala in 2007 but in 2009 would come back strong hitting .287 with 25 homers and knock in a career high 88 runs.

This Day in Angels Baseball: June 26th, 1970

June 26, 1970 at Municipal Stadium in Kansas City the Angels beat the Royals 5-4. Steve Kealey picked up his only win of the season in relief of Rudy May and Eddie Fisher would pitch the last 4 innings for the save. Jim Fregosi drove in 2 runs with a double and Joe Azcue went 4-5 and hit a home run to put the Angels ahead for good. In the game the Angels would turn their first ever triple-play in the bottom of the 5th inning. With runners on first and second, Amos Otis of the Royals hit a grounder to Chico Ruiz at third who stepped on the bag and threw to Sandy Alomar, forcing the runner at second and then threw to Billy Cowan at first. After losing 95 then 91 games the previous two years the Angels would rebound in 1970 to finish 3rd in the American League West at 86-76 and also have their first American League batting title winner in Alex Johnson. 

This Day in Angels Baseball: June 25, 1986

June 25, 1986 the California Angels beat the Texas Rangers 7-1 at Arlington Stadium. Kirk McCaskill would throw a complete game on 1 hit while striking out 10 for his 8th win of the year. Wally Joyner went 3-5 and drove in 2 and Rick Burleson was 2-4, 2 doubles and an RBI. McCaskill only gave up a solo home run in the bottom of the 3rd inning in the game and had career highs in wins(17), strikeouts(202) and complete games(10) that year.

The AngelsWin.com Summer Fanfest is NIGH

The AngelsWin.com Summer Fanfest is coming soon! Next weekend, July 3rd more than a hundred AngelsWin.com members will gather in one accord in three separated events over the course of a full day.

First, in the morning at Hart Park in Orange County, four teams on two fields will go at it in tournament style softball. With 11 players on each team, the two teams that win the morning game which starts at 8:00 AM will face off against each other at 11:00 AM in the championship game.

Then at 2:00 PM to the right of Douglas entrance (off Katella at the Honda Center) in an area sectioned off with police tape, AngelsWin.com will host yet another massive tailgater. For the last three years, Tim Mead (Vice President of Communications) has come by to give a live Q&A with the AngelsWin.com members and fans in attendance. Be sure to stop by if you're not on the list to meet the writers, contributors and fans of AngelsWin.com as we enjoy good food, cold drinks and music provided by Geoff Bilau.

Lastly, several members will be watching the game in a suite we purchased for the night to take in the Angels vs. visiting Kansas City Royals. I also hear rumors of a post game party after the game is over. Be sure to ask about that when at the tailgater.

Here's some pictures from past softball games over the last four years for your enjoyment.

This Day in Angels Baseball: June 24th, 1991

June 24, 1991 at Royals Stadium the California Angels beat the Kansas City Royals 9-4. The Angels got 18 hits off Royals pitchers, including 5-5 with 3 runs scored and 3 RBI by Dave Winfield as he became the 3rd of 5 Angels players to hit for the cycle in a game. Chuck Finley went 8 innings, allowing 2 runs on four hits, for his 11th win of the season against 3 loses. Finley finished 1991 with his second straight 18-9 season and joined Jim Abbott (18-11) and Mark Langston (19-8) as three Angel pitchers to reach 18 wins that year. Even though Winfield would hit 28 home runs and knock in 86 that year, other older veterans like Lance Parrish, Dave Parker and Gary Gaetti could not provide enough offense and the Angels would fade as the season went along, finishing at 81-81, but last in the American League West.

This Day in Angels Baseball: June 23rd, 1974

June 23, 1974 at Arlington Stadium in Texas the California Angels beat the Texas Rangers 10-2. Andy Hassler pitched 7 1/3 innings allowing 1 run on 3 hits for his first win of the season. Leroy Stanton was 4-5 with 3 RBI and a home run and Frank Robinson went 2-5 with 3 RBI and added a home run in the game, his 10th of the season. After 17 years in the majors Robinson was traded to the Angels with Bill Singer, Mike Strahler, Billy Grabarkewitz and Bobby Valentine from the Los Angeles Dodgers for Andy Messersmith and Ken McMullen. In 1973 at the age of 38, Robinson would still hit 30 home runs and have 97 RBI while with the Angels and in 1974 would make his last of 14 All-Star game appearances in an Angel uniform.

*Programming note: Due to technical difficulties we were unable to post the previous 'This Day in Angels Baseball' features the past few days. Below are the ones which were to be posted on those missed days.

June 22, 1966 at Anaheim Stadium the California Angels beat the Minnesota Twins 4-1. Dean Chance went the distance in the game, allowing 1 run on 6 hits, with 5 strike outs. Jose Cardenal and Bobby Knoop would each hit a home run in the game to lead the Angels scoring. It was Knoop's 11th home run of the season to date. Knoop was selected by the Angels at the end of 1963 in the Rule 5 major league draft and would become the Angels regular second baseman from 1964 until May of 1969 when he was sent to the Chicago White Sox in the Sandy Alomar trade. 1966 would be Knoop's best year with the Angels posting career-highs of 17 home runs, 72 RBI, 54 runs and 11 triples (led the American league that year). In 1966 he also set an American League record with 6 double plays in a game. Knoop would win gold gloves with the Angels from 1966-1968 and teamed with shortstop Jim Fregosi, they were one of the top double play combinations in baseball, both joining a select group as second base/shortstop to win the award in the same year on the same team in 1967. Knoop would return to the Angels in different coaching capacities from 1979-1996.

June 21, 2008 the Angels beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-2 at Citizens Bank Park. Vlad Guerrero would homer twice and drive in 2 and Erick Aybar would also hit a home run and have 2 RBI's. Joe Saunders pitched 7 innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits for his 11th win of the year and Frankie Rodriguez would record his 29th save during the Angels club record 100 win season. Saunders was the Angels first-round (12th overall) pick in the 2002 draft and made his major league debut in 2005. In 2008 after Angels pitchers John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar were injured, Saunders would assume a full time role and have his best year going 17-7 with a 3.41 ERA. Both Saunders and Ervin Santana would start off 2008 with 5-0 records, tying Frank Tanana with 5-0 starts to a season as an Angel. On this date Saunders would become the first American League pitcher to record 11 wins and in 2008 would be an All-Star game selection.

June 20,1980 at Fenway Park in Boston the California Angels beat the Boston Red Sox 20-2. Frank Tanana pitched a complete game allowing 2 runs on 5 hits with 5 strikeouts, earning his 3rd win of the year in what would be his last season with the Angels. The Angels batters in the game would feast off Boston pitching, setting or tying club records with 26 hits, 52 total bases and 13 extra base hits. The Angels had 13 singles, 6 doubles, 1 triple and 6 home runs in the game. Carney Lansford, Rick Miller and Jason Thompson would each homer while Freddie Patek (known as the smallest player in the majors and for his speed more than his power) would hit 3 home runs, drive in 7 and have 14 of the 52 total bases himself, only 1 off Dave Winfield's Angel club record in a game. Patek signed with the Angels as a free agent before the 1980 season and would play in a utility role before retiring after 1981.

Pil Joon Jang wins in Orem Owlz season opener

AngelsWin.com Minor League Report: 6-22-2010

Salt Lake Bees
Box Score 

There's not much to report on the Bees performance on Monday night as they lost 4-0. The Bees had just five hits, all singles. Mark Trumbo committed two errors (7,8) and Conger had a throwing error (5). Rich Thompson faced one batter and struck him out. Thompson is sporting a nifty 0.72 ERA out of the bullpen.  Fernando Rodriguez (5.98) gave up two earned runs in 5 2/3 innings, striking out nine batters. Minorleaguebaseball.com reports that Reckling will start tonight after hearing that he had been sent to the bullpen last week. It appears that Reckling may have just been skipped in the rotation to work some mechanical things out.

Arkansas Travelers
Box Score 

Tyler Chatwood's Double-A debut didn't go the way he hoped, as Chatwood gave up six runs on eight hits, three walks while failing to get to the third inning. Recently promoted Andrew Taylor (0.00) pitched an inning and 2/3 of scoreless ball on Monday, while Jordan Walden (4.13) struck out out the side in the ninth. Robert Fish gave up a run in an inning of work on one hit, including issuing three free passes and striking out three. Clay Fuller hit his fourth home run of the season.

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
No Game on Monday or Tuesday (All Star Break)

Cedar Rapids Kernels

No Game on Monday or Tuesday (All Star Break)

Orem Owlz
Box Score

Tom Kotchman knows winning so it's no shock that the Owlz won their season opener with an 8-3 win. Pil Joon Jang, who had pitched well in two starts with the Quakes, had a solid start for Orem, going six innings without allowing an earned run. In fact, the Orem pitching staff Matt Oye and Mike Piazza combined to strike out eight and walk just one. Centerfielder Travis Witherspoon homered with his lone hit from the leadoff spot and first baseman Nicholas Farnsworth went 3 for 3 with a walk. 2B Wes Hatton had a triple in three at bats for the Owlz.

AZL Angels
The Arizona Angels Short Season A-Ball club plays tonight in their season debut

Prospect of the Day: Pil Joon Jang, Orem Owlz

Happy Fathers Day

By Coral Marshall - AngelsWin.com Columnist

My passion for baseball is something that runs deep through my veins, there is not a doubt in my mind that I was born with an innate love for the game that simply cannot be learned. With that having been said, there is one person I must attribute with helping me discover this passion. That person is, for me, like many others, my Dad.

As any Dad knows, according to American culture, the one day a year they get to be celebrated is Father’s Day. And as many Angels’ fans know the one day a season they truly get to celebrate amongst their own kind is the AngelsWin.com FanFest.

Last year, I decided to combine the two by giving my Dad two tickets to the game the day of the Fanfest, and I can honestly say it was his favorite gift he has received in the many years since he became a dad. My Dad was born the same year the Angels’ became a Major League club, and has followed them since he was old enough to understand the idiosyncrasies of the game. With favorites ranging from Dean Chance to Bobby Grich to Jim Edmonds to Adam Kennedy, it is a rare day when fellow fans of the team can keep up with my Dad and his knowledge of their history.

And so, the tickets to the game were the perfect gift. My dad had read countless articles and postings on the AngelsWin blog and message boards, but never interacted with the other fans. Once we arrived under the Big A on that sunny day last summer, we were welcomed by dozens of halos fans, and the largest assortment of baseball food I have ever seen. These were not your typical baseball fans, but rather people who could recite facts and tell stories about games from this season to as far back as anyone could remember. Fans who had suffered through the few and far between win seasons, and rejoiced in the 2002 World Series Championship. In short, real Angels’ fans who simply wanted to include new friends and talk about baseball.

This year, my Dad only wants one thing for Fathers’ Day, not a tie, or a coffee mug, or even a new barbecue, but instead, a repeat of last years gift.

And that is exactly what he is getting. While he will have to wait until July 3rd to redeem this gift, what could be better then giving the person who helped me establish my love of the game the ability to talk with fellow fans, join in amazing food, and watch a game with the team we both love?

For my Dad, and others like him, the answer is: Nothing.

FOE FODDER - CUBS WIN, CUBS WIN, HUH?

Cubs Win, Cubs Win, huh?

By Bruce Nye - AngelsWin.com Columnist

This weekend the Angels storm into the northside of Chicago for a three game set with the Cubs. The Cubs are a storied franchise. It won’t be easy for the Angels. They have never played in Wrigley Field. Despite the storied history, the jokesters have had their way with the Cubbies.

Do you know what the Cubs fans call a winning team? Visitors

What do the Cubs and Twins have in common? Neither has won a World Series in their new stadium.

Okay, that’s unfair but consider this, since the Cubs last won the World Series:

· George Burns celebrated his 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th, 90th and 100th birthdays.

· Harry Caray was born and died.

· Man landed on the moon as did several home runs given up by Cubs pitchers.

· Prohibition was created and repealed.

· Alaska, Arizona, Oklahoma, Hawaii and New Mexico were added to the Union.

· There have been 13 Triple Crown winners and almost all credited Cubs pitchers.

· Flag poles that were erected to fly Cubs World Series pennants have rusted and been taken out.

Major League baseball got the idea of voting more than once on an All Star ballot from the city of Chicago. Vote early and vote often.

This weekend could be difficult for the Angels (they already won game 1 on Friday) because of Carlos Zambrano, the ace of the Cubs…..oops…. he is now in the bullpen. With Carlos Silva (he lost today) and uh….Ted Lilly who pitches tomorrow the mediocre Cubs will be….uh..interesting.

The club got rid of Milton Bradley last winter and was expecting to see a nice improvement in the club’s performance . Hmm….maybe it wasn’t Bradley after all. The Cubs are 30-37.

Okay, maybe this weekend won’t be too difficult after all. Hey Angels players and their fans, don’t miss Rush Street.

Michael Kohn slams the door on PCL hitters

AngelsWin.com Prospect Hotlist: 6-18-2010

It is with great pleasure that AngelsWin.com presents another Hot Prospect List for the Angels.  In our weekly column, we take a look at who has been hot down on the farm.  Unlike our annual Top-50 Prospects, our Hot Prospects List is not ranked based on the ceiling of the prospect or the likelihood of him achieving that ceiling.  Instead, it is weekly snapshot that reflects the players’ accomplishments based on their performances against their competition.  This year, AngelsWin.com will be presenting the Hot Prospect List every Friday throughout the Minor League season.

1. Michael Kohn, RHP, Triple-A Salt Lake Bees

Past four appearances: 1-0, 2 saves, 6 IP, 0 ER, 4 BB, 7 K's
Overall: 4-2, 2.08 ERA, .152 BAA, 30.1 IP, 39 K's

What’s Up: King Kohn has been mowing hitters down since the beginning of the 2009 season and has skipped a level twice in each of  his last two seasons, now knocking on the door to Anaheim's bullpen. Kohn's 93-96 MPH rising fastball gives hitters fits, even when they're sitting dead red fastball. Kohn's breaking ball gives hitters something else to think about as it's a true swing and missing offering. Opponents are hitting just .152 against Kohn this season and in his last four appearances Kohn has a win, two saves and seven strikeouts over his last six scoreless innings.

2. Tyson Auer, CF High-A RC Quakes

Past 10 Games: .450, 18 hits, 7 SBs

Overall: .325/.379/.439 with 2 HRs and 38 SBs

What’s Up: Tyson Auer is as hot as anyone in the minors with 18 hits over his last ten games, swiping seven bags along the way. Auer leads minors with 38 stolen bases now and is 4th in the California League in runs scored with 54.

3. Will Smith, LHP, Triple-A Salt Lake Bees

Last Start: W, 8.2 IP, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K's
Overall: 4-6, 4.99  ERA, .293 BAA, 57 K, 24 BB

What’s Up: Will Smith looked like Hancock on the mound in his last start, completely dominating the opposition through 8 2/3 innings pounding the strike zone, giving up just one run (a home run). without walking a batter. Speaking of which, Will Smith has walked just two batters over his last four starts.

4. Mark Trumbo, 1B Triple-A Salt Lake Bees

Past 10 Games: .350, 3 Doubles, 1 Triple, 4 HRs, 8 Runs, 14 RBIs

Overall: .285/.328/.554 with 16 HRs and 55 rbi

What’s Up: Trumbo has been murdering the ball over his last games ten games, clubbing four home runs, three doubles and a triple, while knocking in 14 runs. While Napoli should see a good share of starts now at first base with Mathis up with the big league club, Trumbo could be the next in line for a promotion if the streaky Napoli struggles on both offense and defensively at first base.

5. Jeremy Moore, CF, Double-A Arkansas Travelers

Past 10 Games: .417, 2 HRs, 8 RBI

Overall: .271/.335/.391 with 5 HRs and 10 SBs

What’s Up: Jeremy Moore has four multi hit contests out of his last ten games, including a 4-5, two home run performance on June 14th. Moore got off to a slow start hitting .207 in April and .247 in May, but so far this month the toolsy outfielder is putting it all together hitting .385 a .448 OBP and slugging .596.

6. Peter  Bourjos, CF Triple-A Salt Lake Bees

Past 10 Games: .326, 1 Triple, 3 HRs, 8 RBI, 6 SBs

Overall: .267/.313/.409 with 5 HRs and 14 SBs

 

What’s Up: Bourjos has hit more home runs (4) so far this month than he had the previous two combined and has as many stolen bases (7) this month as he did the previous two months as well.

7. Garret Richards, RHP Low-A Cedar Rapids Kernels

Last Start: 1-0, 6 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K's
Overall: 6-3, 3.08 ERA, .235 BAA, 1.13 WHIP, 79 IP, 74 K 

What’s Up: Richards last start was one of his best of the season, giving up just one hit over six innings, while issuing no walks and striking out four. Richards who was drafted out of college in last years' amateur draft pitches today for the Kernels and if he does well, his next start could be as a member of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.

8. Paul McAnulty, 1B/3B/OF Triple-A Salt Lake Bees

Past 10 Games: .342, 1 Double, 1 Triple, 1 HR, 8 RBI

Overall: .332/.410/.598 with 15 HR and 36 RBI

What’s Up: McAnulty who leads all Angels minor leaguers with a .598 slugging pct, hit .342 with a double, triple and home run, driving in eight over his last ten games. McAnulty could prove to be a solid lefthanded power bat off the bench for the Angels later in the season as he can play both corner positions and outfield corner positions.

9. Luis Jimenez, 3B High-A RC Quakes

Past 10 Games: .297, 1 Double, 1 Triple, 1 HR, 6 Runs, 3 RBI

Overall: .308/.351/.498, 4 HR, 19 Doubles and 44 RBI

What’s Up: The Angels lost 3B prospect Matt Sweeney in the trade for Scott Kazmir late last season, but they knew they had depth at the position with Brandon Wood coming into the season and Luis Jimenez who was a year removed from leading the Pioneer League in home runs and total bases. Jimenez was promoted to Rancho Cucamonga after the wrist injury to Dillon Baird a month ago and Jimenez has responded by hitting .348 and slugging .551 over 18 games. Jimenez has a solid 4:6 walks to strikeouts ratio too.

10. Andrew Taylor, LHP, Double-A Arkansas Travelers

Past 3 Appearances: 1-0, 5 IP, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K's
Overall: 4-2, 2.06 ERA, .186 BAA, 35 IP, 39 K's

What’s Up: Andrew Taylor was promoted to Double-A earlier in the week after posting solid totals out of the bullpen with the Quakes. The hard throwing southpaw has limited opposing hitters to a .186 batting average, while fanning 39 over 35 innings pitched. Taylor joins Robert Fish, another hard  throwing southpaw in the pen for the Travelers, already with flame throwing righthander Jordan Walden closing games out. Taylor has given up just three home runs in his last 92 innings of relief work.

Trevor Reckling moves to the bullpen

According to my source, Trevor Reckling has been moved to the bullpen to "work on some things". Most of which is the command of his pitches which many feel is a result of the mechanics of his delivery.

The AngelsWin.com top prospect going into the season has failed to get ahead of hitters, getting himself in "hitters counts" the majority of the time while walking 48 vs. 45 strikeouts in 65 1/3 innings of work and getting pounded at the tune of a 7.99 ERA. Opposing batters hit .332 against him in the PCL in 2010.

Reckling will be replaced in the rotation with Amalio Diaz who has been solid in relief this season, posting a 2.83 ERA between Double-A and Triple-A this season. Diaz currently sports a 3.32 ERA as a member of the Salt Lake Bees.

Luis Jimenez scores four runs, goes 3-4

AngelsWin.com Minor League Report: 6-16-2010

Salt Lake Bees
Box Score 

The Good: Paul McAnulty (.311) who played third base for the Bees went 2-4 on Tuesday. Corey Aldridge (.302) went 2-4 with a home run (10) and 2B Drew Sutton (.297) went 2-4 with his 11th double on the season. Conger went just 1-4, but he drove in a run (his 19th). Southpaw Daniel Davidson (5.15) pitched a solid six innings, giving up two runs, while striking out five.

The Bad: Mark Trumbo (.281) and Peter Bourjos (.265) both went 0-4 on the night.

Noteworthy: Paul McAnulty played third base for the Bees on Tuesday, making one wonder if the Angels may look to McAnulty to provide some pop from the hot corner later on this season. The Angels have registered just four home runs at the position this season thus far. The lowest total among all AL teams. The 28-year old Paul McAnulty has clubbed 15 home runs and has sported a .596 slugging percentage between two stops in 2010.

Arkansas Travelers
Box Score 

The Good: Brian Walker (.256) hit his third home run of the season, a three run shot. Not much else good to report, check back tomorrow.

The Bad: Taylor Wilding gave up five runs on 10 hits in just 4 1/3 innings of work. Jordan Walden gave up a run (a home run) in an inning and 1/3 of work. He did strike out two batters. The offense had just six hits on the night.

Noteworthy: Jeremy Thorne (2-2, 4.50) takes the ball tonight for the Travelers in the series finale against the Springfield Cardinals.

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
Box Score

The Good: Luis Jimenez (.355) continued his hot hitting by going 3-4 on the night with four runs scored. Jimenez walked and drove in a run and has posted a .984 OPS since joining the Quakes. Eric Oliver (.326) went 2-4 on the night and drove in four runs. Gabe Jacobo (.312) posted his sixth multi-hit contest out of his last ten. Reliever Steven Geltz (3.98) struck out five over two and a 1/3 innings of work. Orangel Arenas was one out away from recording a quality start. Arenas went 5 2/3 innings, giving up two earned runs, while striking out four.

The Bad: Alexi Amarista (.316) went 0-4 on Monday and is 0 for his last 13 was given the day off.

Noteworthy: The Quakes (38-28) are back to ten games over the .500 mark, heading into the rubber game of the three-game set on Wednesday night against the Storm. Tyler Chatwood (8-2) takes on Storm right-hander Erik Davis (6-2) at 7:05pm.

Cedar Rapids Kernels

Box Score 

The Good: Mike Trout (.365) had two hits, a double and drove in his 34th run. Jean Segura (.299) had three hits on Tuesday and stole his 27th base. Segura has been caught just three times out of 30 attempts. 3B Jeremy Cruz (.306) posted his fifth multi-hit contest out of his last ten by going 2-4 with an RBI. South Korean Young-Il Jung made his 2010 debut and pitched a scoreless inning, walking one.

The Bad: Casey Haerther went 0-5, dropping his batting average down to .316 on the season. Ariel Pena gave up six runs on eight hits in just four innings of work.

Noteworthy: The Kernels played an early game on Wednesday and early on, Tyler Skaggs  (3.63) was hit hard for the first time this season. In four innings of work, Skaggs gave up eight runs on ten hits, giving up two home runs, while walking two.

Prospect of the Day: Luis Jimenez, 3B RC Quakes

This Day in Angels Baseball: June 16th, 1989

June 16, 1989 at Tiger Stadium in Detroit the California Angels beat the Detroit Tigers 9-4. Chili Davis would hit a 3-run home run and Jack Howell would add a home run and score twice. Bert Blyleven went 7 2/3 innings, allowing 3 runs on 9 hits to run his record to 7-2. Bert Blyleven came to the Angels at the end of the 1988 season in a trade for Paul Sorrento and Mike Cook with the Minnesota Twins in his 22nd year in the majors. In 1989 Blyleven would go 17-5 with a 2.73 ERA and win the AL Comeback player of the Year award. His .773 winning percentage that year was one of the tops in the majors and ranks in the top 7 all-time for an Angel in a single season. Blyleven would pitch for the Angels in 1990, miss the entire 1991 season after rotator cuff surgery and pitch for them again in 1992 before ending his career at the end of the 1992 season. Blyleven would throw his only no-hitter against the Angels in 1977. Blyleven would help the Angels to a 91-71 record in 1989 but it was only good enough for 3rd place in the American League West, finishing 1 game behind the Kansas City Royals for 2nd. In 1989 the Angels would hold the 60th All-Star game at Anaheim Stadium.

This Day in Angels Baseball: June 15th, 1962

June 15, 1962 at Comiskey Park the Los Angeles Angels lost to the Chicago White Sox 7-6. Kem McBride went 7 innings, allowing 4 runs on 8 hits but Tom Morgan came on in relief and gave up 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th for the loss. The Angels would get home runs from Leon Wagner, Felix Torres and Billy Moran in the game. Moran came to the Angels in a trade from Toronto (AAA International league) and would play 2 seasons as the Angels starting second baseman before Bobby Knoop arrived in 1964. Moran had his best year in the majors in 1962 when he hit 17 home runs, had 90 runs, 74 RBI's and batted .282. His 659 at bats that year have only been bettered by Sandy Alomar, Garret Anderson and Darin Erstad in a season for the Angels.

Jeremy Moore clubs two home runs, goes 4-5

AngelsWin.com Minor League Report: 6-15-2010

Salt Lake Bees
Box Score 

The Good: Mark Trumbo played right field and went 2-3 with a home run (15) and four RBI's. Peter Bourjos (.269) clubbed his third home run out of his last seven games, going 1-4 on the night. Bourjos has five home runs now on the season. The Angels have no plans of sending Will Smith back to Rancho Cucamonga where he started the season due to an increase in velocity (89-93 MPH) and superb command of his offspeed pitches. Smith (5.36) was one out away from notching a complete game on Monday. It was Smith's best performance to date in Triple-A, going 8 2/3 innings, giving up just one earned run (a homer), walking none and striking out five.

The Bad: Brandon Wood went 0-3 with a walk and a strikeout and is hitting just .196 while with the Bees.

Noteworthy: Jeff Mathis (.259) had a great game offensively on Monday, going 2-3 (a double and triple) with a walk and two runs driven in. Look for Mathis to be promoted to the big league club any time now.

Arkansas Travelers
Box Score 

The Good: Jeremy Moore (.276) continued his hot hitting by going 4-5 with two home runs and three runs driven in. The toolsy centerfielder is hitting .515 over his last ten games. Julio Perez (.252) also knocked out two homers on Monday, giving him four on the season with a 3-4 performance. If it wasn't enough, Ryan Mount (.263) socked his seventh homer on the season en route to a 11-4 victory over Springfield. The Travelers as a team had 17 hits on the night.

The Bad: Jeremy Haynes (7.15) gave up just one run in two innings of relief work, but he walked four giving him 16 walks vs ten strikeouts with the Travelers. Clay Fuller (.170) went 0-4 with four strikeouts on the night.

Noteworthy: The recently signed veteran Daniel Cabrera (0.00) pitched another scoreless inning of relief on Monday. He walked one and gave up one hit.

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
Box Score

The Good: Luis Jimenez (.328) clubbed his second home run as a member of the Quakes, going 2-4 on the night. Angel Castillo (.220) went 2-3 with a home run, his fifth of the season. Jeremy Berg made his debut for the Quakes and pitched two scoreless innings of relief, striking out two.

The Bad: Alexi Amarista (.316) went 0-4 on Monday and is 0 for his last 13. Matt Shoemaker struck out seven in six innings of work, but he gave up five runs on eight hits, raising his ERA to 4.26 on the season.

Noteworthy: Orangel Arenas (1-0, 6.32) takes the ball tonight for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. Here's a video we took of Arenas a month ago when he was dominating the Midwest League batters.

Cedar Rapids Kernels

The Kernels had the day off on Monday.

Prospect of the Day: Jeremy Moore, CF Arkansas Travelers

Tyler Chatwood continues dominance over CAL League hitters

AngelsWin.com Weekend Minor League Report: 6-14-2010

Salt Lake Bees
Sunday's Box Score 

The Good: Peter Bourjos (.270) is heating up, clubbing a home run on Friday and another one on Sunday, giving him four on the season. Bourjos also tripled (7) on Sunday and stolen five bases in his last ten games, giving him 12 on the season. Hank Conger had three hits out of seven at bats over the weekend. Conger has 24 walks vs. 25 strikeouts, boasting a solid .373 on base percentage. Michael Kohn pitched two scoreless innings of relief work on Sunday, striking out three and earning his second win since being promoted to Triple-A.

The Bad: After a hot week from Trumbo approaching the weekend, the slugging first baseman didn't help his cause for a promotion to the big leagues after going 0-10 with four strikeouts over the weekend. Trevor Reckling gave up 11 earned runs on eight hits, six walks in just 3 1/3 innings. Reckling's ERA is sitting right at 7.99.

Noteworthy: In his first start of the season, reliever Fernando Rodriguez went a solid six innings, giving up no runs, while giving up just two hits and a walk. Rodriguez struck out seven. Rodriguez last start was back in 2008, as he was converted to a reliever going into the 2009 season.

Arkansas Travelers
Sunday's Box Score 

The Good: Jeremy Moore had a solid weekend, going 8-14 with four runs driven in. Jeremy Moore is hitting .419 over his last ten games. Jordan Walden (4.13, 24 K's, 24 innings) pitched two scoreless innings on Friday, striking out two. Tim Kiely (4.42) struck out eight batters over six innings on eight innings. Kiely didn't allow a walk and gave up four runs.

The Bad: The Travelers lost three out of four games over the weekend, including a doubleheader on Friday. After hitting .342 in the California League, while sporting a .952 OPS, Roberto Lopez (.071) has just four hits in 42 at bats with the Travelers.

Noteworthy: The recently signed veteran Daniel Cabrera pitched a scoreless inning of relief over the weekend. He walked one and gave up one hit.

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
Sunday's Box Score

The Good: Tyler Chatwood pitched a gem on Friday. Chatwood (1.67) pitched eight scoreless inning, striking out six, while walking none. Besides just giving up just three hits, Chatwood gave up no walks and 11 of his 16 outs were ground ball outs.Gabe Jacobo (.311) clubbed another home run, his 8th, while driving in six runs over the weekend. Tyson Auer may be old for High-A ball, but he's as hot as any player in the minors right now. Auer stole five bases over the weekend, giving him a minor league leading 36 on the season. Auer is hitting .475 over his last ten games. 1B/LF Eric Oliver went 4-4 on Saturday, raising his average to .317.

The Bad: Alexi Amarista went just 1-12 over the weekend, lowering his batting average down to .321. Pat Corbin gave up four runs over five innings on Sunday, the second start in a row in which Corbin gave up four runs.

Noteworthy: Jeremy Berg was promoted from Cedar Rapids Kernels to the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes over the weekend. The MWL All-Star sported a 1.17 ERA and four saves while with the Kernels.

Cedar Rapids Kernels
Saturday's Box Score 

The Good: Garrett Richards (3.08) gave up just one hit, no runs in six innings of work. Richards walked none and struck out four. Mike Trout (.364) went 3-9 with two doubles, two walks and stole his 32nd base of the season.

The Bad: Casey Haerther (.324) who topped our Prospect Hotlist going into the weekend, went just 1-8 Friday and Saturday.

Noteworthy: Young-Il Jung took the roster spot of  Jeremy Berg and should work out of the bullpen to start his 2010 campaign.

Prospect of the Weekend: Tyler Chatwood, SP RC Quakes

This Day in Angels Baseball: June 14th, 1974

June 14, 1974 at Anaheim Stadium the California Angels beat the Boston Red Sox 4-3 in 15 innings. Denny Doyle went 3-6, knocking in 2 runs, including a game winning double in the bottom of the 15th. Barry Raziano would pick up the win in relief of Nolan Ryan. This would be the only win for Raziano in his short MLB career. Nolan Ryan would pitch the first 13 innings, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits, walking 10 and striking out 19. This would be the first 19 strikeout game of four for Ryan as an Angel. Ryan would strike out 19 in games twice more in 1974. What was most unusual in this game compared to today is while Ryan threw 13 innings, his opposing starting pitcher Luis Tiant would go 14 1/3 innings before Doyle's game winning double. Ryan would strike out Cecil Cooper 6 times and throw an unheard of 253 pitches in the game. Ryan would tie Clyde Wright's club record with 22 wins in 1974, however, he would lose 16 games that year even though he had a 2.89 ERA and 26 complete games as the Angels would only win 68 games and take last in the American League West.

This Day in Angels Baseball: June 13th, 1999

June 13, 1999 at Edison International Stadium the Angels lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-1 in 13 innings. Mark Petkovsek would take the loss in relief and Omar Olivares pitched 8.1 innings, allowing 1 run on 6 hits and striking out 5. While Olivares pitched well in the game he would also tie an Angel single game record hitting 4 batters. Olivares signed as a free agent with the Angels after the 1997 season and would play two seasons compiling a 17-18 record with a 4.04 ERA. Olivares would be traded with Randy Velarde mid-season 1999 to the Oakland A's in the deal which brought Jeff DaVanon to the Angels. 1999 was a frustrating year for the Angels as injuries would hurt them throughout the year including 1998 free agent signee Mo Vaughn in the first game of the season. Also manager Terry Collins would resign with 29 games left in the season as the players petitioned GM Bill Bavasi to fire him. The Angels would finish 1999 at 70-92, last place in the AL West. The Angels have not finished last in the league since 1999.

This Day in Angels Baseball: June 12th, 1965

June 12, 1965 the California Angels beat the New York Yankees 13-3 at Dodger Stadium. Rudy May pitched a complete game, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits with 9 walks and a strikeout, to get the win. The Angels were led in scoring by Willie Smith (3-5, 3 RBI); Vic Power (2-5, 2 runs, 3 RBI) and Buck Rodgers (2-4, 5 RBI). Buck Rodgers would be signed by the Los Angeles Angels in the 1960 expansion draft as a catcher and would play his entire 9 year MLB career (1961-1969) with the Angels, hitting 31 home runs, scoring 259 runs, knocking in 288 with a .232 average. Rodgers would catch Bo Belinsky's no-hitter in 1962. After his playing days with the Angels, Rodgers would go on to a managerial career in baseball, winning the NL Manager of the Year award with the Montreal Expos in 1987. Rodgers would come back to the Angels in August of 1991 to manage, after the Angels fired Doug Rader. Only a quarter of the way into his first full season as manager of the Angels, Rodgers would be seriously injured on a New Jersey Turnpike after one of the team buses went off the road, and would miss most of the 1992 season and the Angels would finish the year at 72-90. 1993 would go no better for the Angels and Rodgers as they took 5th in the American League West for the second straight year, finishing at 71-91. After a slow start to the 1994 season, the Angels would replace Rodgers with Marcel Lachemann in May of that year. Rodgers would have a 140-173 record while managing the Angels.

Foe Fodder: Let the Annual Freeway Series Begin

By Bruce Nye - AngelsWin.com Columnist

Imagine my surprise while shopping at Mervyn’s today and bumping into Jamie (Dress Size 0) McCourt. She was doing some last minute shopping for her upcoming trip to the south of France (accompanied by a young Dodger PR guy) where they hope to see some right-handed relievers. She was friendly and admitted that Versace and Bruno Magli have now been replaced by cotton house dresses and Vans. Frank McDivorce has her on a budget and still won’t let her attend the games but she still is an avid fan.

I had to ask the question about the draft pick Zach Lee. “Do the Dodgers really anticipate signing the two-sport high schooler who has signed a letter of intent to attend LSU,” I asked. Jamie (Dress size 0) said, “Absolutely. Zach was a flip of the coin. The other choice was LeBron James.” As I watched Jamie try on a few things, I couldn’t help but think she would have a star role in “Sag in the City.”

So it is on to the Latrine for a weekend 3-game series ending a long 14 game road trip for the travel weary Angels . The Angel players look forward to playing the Dodgers and can’t wait to say hello again to Big Mope Weaver and fan favorite Garret Anderson.

We, of course, anxiously await the series so we can tune into the living legend Win Sculby and listen to him butcher the names of the Angels. It should be easier this year for Win, because Chone Figgins is no longer an Angel, however Win might have some fun with Fransden and Matsui. I only hope Win is wearing one of his used Century 21 sports coats which a dozen or so polyesters gave up their lives for.

We also hope to see Fem-Ram and get to see the 38 year-old DH in the National League who is still a wounded soul since his suspension last year. One final item to report: The Phillies contacted Mike Scioscia and was told to keep the pressure on the Dodgers, or as the Phillies GM put it, “You know the Dodgers are our b1tches, dontcha?”