Angels v. White Sox

Angels v. White Sox

Santana v. Contreras

Someone has fallen asleep over on the official Angels baseball website. The team has been scoring runs at a clip that would make even the Yankees blush and the highlight clips show Colon fanning 11 and Lackey striking out 7. What’s an offense do to get some love! But, seriously, those highlight clips are also a testament to just how good our pitching staff was and has been. Offense scores 11 runs, Colon strikes out 11. Hard to compete.

On the mound tonight for the Halos is none other than our very own version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Ervin Santana. His splits suggest that this could be a very short night for Ervin, but his stuff is good enough if he can get his head around pitching away from the Big “A.” Going up against Santana and the Angels tonight is Jose Contreras, who is 1-2 with a 6.16 ERA. But don’t let those numbers fool you. Since his first start disaster where he gave up 7 runs in one inning, he has settled down and given up 6 runs in his last 3 starts. Albeit, 5 of those 6 runs came against him in his last start where he went 7 innings in a loss at Detroit. If he can go 7 and only give up 5 he could have a chance with what is on paper, a very good line up.

If the Angels offense can continue to be more patient at the plate as it has been in this past week they should continue to hit the ball well. We all know how good Vlad is but this offense has seemed to go as far as Gary Matthews can take them in that when he gets on base enough, this team seems to score runs.

If “little Sarge” can continue to see some good AB’s and get on in front of Cabrera and Vlad, they should be able to continue to score runs.

If Santana can find his groove then the Angels should win this game handily. Otherwise, they will have to rely on the bullpen and the offense.

I think Ervin puts it together tonight.

Angels win.

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FLYING HIGH

FLYING HIGH
Angels Continue Dominance at Home; Hit Road Again
By Adam Dodge

After a season opening 5-2 homestand, followed by a horrendous 1-7 road trip, the Angels put the finishing touches on an outstanding 6-1 homestand yesterday with an 11-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The Angels sit atop the American League West with a 12-10 record – a game better than the Oakland Athletics.

Everyone contributed for the Angels, who scored no less than 5 runs in any of the seven games. Over-aggressiveness and poor production with RISP gave way to patience at the plate and frenzy hitting. Gary Matthews Jr., Vladimir Guerrero and Shea Hillenbrand led the charge, each hitting over .400 during the stretch.

The homestand also saw the return of Bartolo Colon, who pitched a total of 14 innings in two games, both of which he won. Fans saw vintage Colon, who attacked the corners with 95 MPH fastballs, and knee-buckling two-seamers.

For seven games the Angels played the way we all hope they will for the remainder of the season. The team takes its hot hitting to Chicago and Kansas City on a seven game road trip, which begins tonight against the White Sox.

In a rematch of the 2005 ALCS, the Angels will send Ervin Santana, Jared Weaver and Kelvim Escobar to the mound against Jose Contreras, Jon Garland and Mark Buehrle, all quality match ups.

Much like the Angels, the White Sox have struggled to find consistency early this season. Paul Konerko has been in a funk, and Jim Thome is not off to the start he was off to a year ago. Offensively as a team, the Sox are not nearly as good as they were a year ago. Contreras, who was unhittable for much of last season, has come down to Earth. Garland is still looking to find his form of a couple years ago, and Buehrle, who was awful in 2006, has already tossed a no hitter this season.

If Santana can pitch effectively tonight, I like the Angels to continue their winning ways, with the memory of their last road trip fresh in their minds.

Prediction – Angels win series 2-1

The Kansas City Royals may not be laughing stock of baseball in 2007, but they’re close. The Washington Nationals should take that honor. The Royals have improved as their young players are beginning to round into Major Leaguers. But without an above average starter, and with a poor bullpen, the Royals are destined for another 90+ loss season.

The Angels haven’t really played well against the Royals in recent years, but they have been able to win ugly. I can’t see the Royals taking more than a game against the Angels, who will send Lackey, Colon, Santana and Weaver to the hill over the four games.

Prediction – Angels sweep series 4-0

I think that the 9-8 victory over Detroit on Tuesday afternoon, in which the Angels blew a 7 run lead, only to come back and win in extras, is the type of win that gives a team a lot of confidence, which they can carry with them for a long time. As evidenced by the absolute pounding they put on the Devil Rays, who, ho hum, had just swept the Yankees, the Angels are clicking on all cylinders. A 4-3 trip would be disappointing. Look for the Angels to take at least 5 of the 7 games.

Players to Watch

Brandon Wood – After going 0 for 4 in his Major League debut, Wood will continue his presumably short stretch with the big club. I would not expect him to get too many starts on the trip, but it should be a thrill to see Wood get his first Major League hit. He’ll certainly have enough opportunities for that.

Scot Shields – Shields is struggling a bit in the early going, especially considering how dominant he has been in the past. Being successful in key situations on this road trip could get him back on track, and would allow the Angels and their fans to breathe a sigh of relief.

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Something is brewing

After speaking with a scout, a Triple A affiliate GM and friend of Kendry Morales I feel that something is cooking.After speaking directly with a close friend of Kendry Morales. Who is always with him, so I take what he told me as truth. Kendry has heard that he might be traded and he would welcome a trade. He doesn't feel he is ever going to get a real chance with the Angels with Kotchman at 1B and with guys like Hillenbrand being signed.

His friend's comment was this: he [Morales] left his family and friends in Cuba and can never return because he wants to play Major League baseball. He is frustrated that he is not given a chance.I also spoke with a GM of a Triple-A affiliate, and he said he has heard the Angels are trying to move Jose Molina because they [Angels] believe that Mathis and Napoli could handle the catching duties. He wasn't sure what team or teams have any interest in Molina.

The GM said there was some talk about Evans being traded, but he doesn't think the Angels would pull the trigger on an Evans trade right now. Finally, he said he expects Wood back when Figgins comes off the DL.I never hide the things I've learned from you all, but again, this is just me passing along what I heard, not me predicting what will take place (Someone caught on the I-5 or any "ink is dry" statements).

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Angels v. Devil Rays

Angels v Devil Rays

Lackey v. Jackson

The Devil Rays come to town hot on the heels of thoroughly trashing the New York Yankees and they will look to ride that momentum with an abbreviated 2 game series at the Big A starting tonight. But, the Angels have history and a recent flair for the dramatic on their side. The Angels have not only been fantastic at home thus far but they have also been dominating at home against the Devil Rays in winning all but 5 of the last 29 meetings between the two teams.

Look for Lackey to go to work against a tough Devil Ray offense that has been scoring runs at such a clip that would make even the most ardent Yankee fan proud. But, as the old adage goes, good pitching beats good hitting and Lackey may be one of the best in baseball. The Devil Rays will counter tonight with the former Dodger prospect Edwin Jackson who will still be looking for his first win after tonight.

The Angels bats have been alive at Home and I see no reason for things to change. As if they heard what we’ve been saying on the board, Angels hitters have been patient and looking for pitches, even going to town on another one of the game’s rising stars, Jeremy Bonderman.

Adam has boldly predicted that Shea will go downtown, not once, but twice, tonight. If he gets it out of the infield I will be surprised.
Vlad has been on a tear. Maddon shouldn’t pitch to him tonight, which means GA needs to step it up.
GA goes 2-4 with a couple of runs batted in and Lackey goes 7, preserving our bullpen for another day.

Angels win.

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Angelswin Prospect Hotlist, 3rd edition

1. Nick Adenhart
SP, Class AA Arkansas (Angels)

Adenhart’s last two starts have been incredible. He’s given up 2 runs in 15 1/3 innings, striking out 13 batters. His season ERA rose to 1.01. Adenhart’s velocity has been clocked in the mid 90’s late in the game and his plus curve/changeup combo has been really effective. Nick’s presence in the organization could force a trade at the deadline of one of the Angels current members of the rotation to bring in a bat.

2. Christopher Pettit, OF, Low Class A Cedar Rapids (Angels)

Pettit has picked up his game significantly in the last 2 weeks, showing tremendous patience at the plate (.413 OBP), while flashing his speed/power combo. Pettit has 4 2b’s, 3 Hr’s and 7 stolen bases, while hitting .313 through 14 games. Look for a promotion to Rancho Cucamonga before mid season for Pettit.

3. Terry Evans, OF, Class AAA Salt Lake (Angels)

Speaking of future 30/30 men, Evans is on pace for yet another 30/30 minor league season. With his 3 home runs & 5 stolen bases, Evans is starting to make a believer out of everyone as a possible late bloomer. Unlike toolsy outfielder Christopher Pettit, Evans needs to be more selective at the plate, his walks to strikeouts (4/22) is still cause for concern. Still, Terry is hitting at a .338 clip and he continues to build off a fantastic 2006 season.

4. Bradley Coon, OF, Class A, Rancho Cucamonga (Angels)

You’re not going to find a hound that will catch this Coon. Bradley Coon who is extremely fast, leads the league in stolen bases with 12. It isn’t just his base stealing ability that has caught my eye, but he puts the bat on the ball and he’s got an excellent eye at the plate. Coon is 2nd among all future Angels with a .352 batting average, posting a .418 OBP (6 walks, 8 strikeouts).

5. Sean Rodriguez, SS, Class AA Arkansas (Angels)

Alright, so enough of S-Rod for now, we’ll come up with something better down the road for Sean. Rodriguez is hitting a .322 clip with 5 doubles and 4 Hr’s through 17 games. Against Wichita 3 nights ago, Sean clubbed two home runs and drove in 3. We’ll be talking a lot about this underrated prospect throughout the season so stay tuned.

6. Nathan Haynes, OF, Class AAA Salt Lake (Angels)

Boy, Haynes is on fire and another week of this and he’ll shoot to the top of the list, despite his age (26). Nathan is leading all future Angels in BA/OBP, posting a .387 batting average and a .486 on base percentage (11 walks, 12 strikeouts). With his range in the outfield and his ability to get on base and steal a bag (8 stolen base). Haynes could be dealt to a team that can’t afford to spend 50+ million dollars to a player of the same caliber. Haynes isn’t exactly a slap hitter either. He has 2 doubles, 2 triples and 2 home runs as well.

7. Jeff Mathis, C, Class AAA Salt Lake (Angels)

Mathis is on fire of late and if he continues to hit, he’ll be up with the big league club soon. Mathis is hitting .328 through 16 games, after starting the season slow. Jeff has clubbed 2 home runs and smacked 5 doubles thus far, while only fanning 10 times. His arm strength and accuracy is a lot better than Napoli’s so if he hits, he’ll be up soon. Not like Napoli has been doing either with the Angels.

8. Douglas Brandt, SP, Low Class A, Cedar Rapids (Angels)

Pitching in relief for the AZL Angels in ’06, the southpaw Brandt was moved to the rotation after starting the season as a reliever with CR and in 4 innings last night, he didn’t give up a run and fanned 6 batters. Brandt has good stuff and we’ll continue to keep an eye on him as a possible sleeper. He’s fanned 15 batters through 12 2/3 innings.

9. Timothy Schoeninger, SP, Low Class A, Cedar Rapids (Angels)

Drafted out of the University of Reno, Schoeninger hurled a gem on Monday night, notching a complete game (9 inning) shutout, fanning 8. Through 3 starts, Timothy sports a solid 2.14 ERA and has struck out 18 in 21 innings.

10. Brok Butcher, SP, Class A, Rancho Cucamonga (Angels)

The sinker, slider artist has looked real good in the notorious California League for hitters. Sporting a 1.33 ERA, Butcher has held Cal League hitters to a .227 batting average against. Not only does he have a complete game and 2 wins through 4 appearances, but he also has a save to his credit. Butcher through 4 starts in ’06 with the AZL Angels had a 1.56 ERA and working as a reliever/starter with Cedar Rapids, he posted a 3.94 ERA.

Keep an eye on: Stephen Marek – He’s back!! Marek who was held back in Arizona (Instructional League) to work on his command, especially of his secondary pitches, has returned to Rancho Cucamonga where he finished in ’06. Marek looked real good in his 2nd start of the season with RC, hurling 6 scoreless innings, fanning 5. Marek, could join Adenhart in Arkansas with a few more of these types of outings. He’s one to keep an eye on, he’s got a nice fastball, but his off speed pitches will determine with he ends up as a start or reliever in the future.

On the outside looking to get in soon:
Brandon Wood, Matt Brown, David Herndon, Robert Mosebach, Ryan Aldridge, Nick Green, Peter Bourjos, Matthew Sweeney, Jose Arredondo, Sean O'Sullivan, Jeremy Haynes, Steven Shell, Trevor Bell, PJ Phillips, Amalio Diaz, Nick Gorneault, Hank Conger, Jordan Renz, Andrew Hill, Michael Collins, Mark Trumbo, Anthony Ortega, Kevin Jepsen, and Hainley Statia.

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Angels v. M's

Angels v. Mariners

Colon v. Ramirez

You read that right. Tonight marks the return of former Cy Young award winner Bartolo Colon to a major league pitching mound. Coming off of last night’s much needed win, Colon will look to keep things going in this second of a 3 game series. I don’t know much about Colon and how he has progressed from the his off season shoulder rehabilitation program. But, all indications are that he is strong and throwing hard. Obviously, one start can not begin to answer all the lingering questions in the back of Halo fans minds; has he still got the goods? Can he lead us into the playoffs? Can he be the Bartolo of old? But, a strong showing tonight should go a long way towards building back the confidence this team obviously lost on its disastrous road trip east.

And the Angels are indeed coning off of a big win last night where they almost scored as many runs as they did in the 9 games played on the road trip. Vlad was back in the lineup after being beaned in the hand by Josh Beckett and he only had his best night of the young season, coming up only a triple shy of hitting for the cycle. My only regret was that I kept Vlad out of my fantasy league team. Oh well, there is always tonight.

If Colon can give them 5 strong innings I look to the Angels to build on that momentum and lay another butt whupping on the M’s. My only other regret is that Lackey won’t take the mound in this series because I am dying to see that bum Jose Guillen even think about rushing out to Big John. My only other gripe is that Hillenbrand will probably get another shot in the lineup tonight after having one of the luckiest 2-hit-2RBI nights in baseball history! Okay, maybe a tad overstated.

Anyway, I like the Angels to continue their strong play in tonight’s game.
I see GA’s bat coming to life and here’s to Bartolo Colon to go 5 and pick up the win

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Time For A Change

Generally, I am of the opinion that a coaching staff can only do so much with the roster they have. It is the general managers job to acquire a variety of different type of hitters, not too many of the same type of player as is the case with Bill Stoneman.

"We had guys who liked to swing then too, but you had Tim and you had Troy who would foul off a lot of pitches," Garret Anderson said in today's Orange County Register. "And if they didn't get the pitch they were looking for, they'd spit on it and take their walk."

While it wasn't specifically said by Anderson, the implication was, the Angels haven't replaced Glaus or Salmon with similar on-base/power hitting type of players. This is a fault of Bill Stoneman, there is no question he has let the team down (with an honorable mention to Juan Rivera's broken leg). However, at the end of the day, you have to play the cards you're dealt. As the cliche goes, "if you have lemons, make lemonade".

This all said. Something has got to give when it comes to the Angels batting instructor Mickey Hatcher. Bashing Hatcher has become a favorite past-time for Angel fans over the past few seasons. Some of this is just fans venting and taking it out on a target. However, there has been a disturbing tend developing.

Offensively, the Angels have struggled mightily since the 2005 season. But overall, since 2002, the Angels team OPS (on-base + slugging), has hovered in the mid 700's. Peaking at .773 during the 2004 season when the roster featured Jose Guillen and Troy Glaus.

Fans see the Angels go up to the plate swinging at everything. The team does not take it's walks nor do they work the count. The Elias Sports Bureau say the Angels have seen only 3.94 pitches per at-bat during the first 15 games of the 2007 season. Fans see this as a problem, especially when they watch the Angels arch-rivals Oakland Athletics taking pitches, working counts and hitting the well timed 3-run homerun.

Unfortunately, the person in charge of the Angels hitting doesn't see that as a bad thing.

"More selective?" Hatcher said. "Everybody comes to me and says, 'Why aren't you more selective? You guys are too aggressive.' Do you see how many pitches we take for strikes? We take a lot of strikes. We're 0-and-1, 0-and-2 a lot of times. A lot of times. That's the frustrating part."

"We've got to get in there and be ready to compete, and when you get your pitch, be ready to hit it. We can't be up there in situations where we take a pitch to hit the next pitch. We've got to get in there and start competing."

Essentially, Hatcher is saying the Angels are not hitting well because the opposing pitcher is throwing strikes. Isn't that the pitchers job? To throw strikes and get outs? The Angels problem isn't that they aren't aggressive enough, it's that they are too aggressive. Since 2005 the Angels hitters have been doing a fabulous job of making the pitchers job easier. How many first pitch pop ups or double-plays do the fans have to see before these comments become nothing but rhetoric?

Which brings me to my point. By no means is this an attack on Hatcher's work ethic or respect in the clubhouse. From all accounts, the players love him and nobody feels worse about their performance than Mickey. This is all fine and good, but is it a reason to keep him around? The question is how long can the same group of hitters listen to the same person everyday until it's in one ear out the other. It is time for a new voice in the clubhouse.

The best choice would have been to make this move last winter, with the promotion of former Angels roving hitting instructor Ty Van Burkleo who is now the hitting coach for the rival A's. The relationships he had built up with the young hitters in the system would be beneficial now that Howie Kendrick, Mike Napoli and Casey Kotchman are here to stay with Brandon Wood on the way. Since Ty is unavailable, the promotion of Salt Lake City hitting instructor Jim Eppard would work just as well.

Hatcher has been the team's hitting instructor since Mike Scioscia's first season in 2000. They are old friends from their Dodger days. Hatcher's removal would be hard for the Skipper.
It's been hard on the clubhouse to lose Troy Percival, Darin Erstad, Adam Kennedy and Troy Glaus. Isn't it time Mike Scioscia and Bill Stoneman make another hard decision and let go of Hatcher. Things have changed since 2002 and what worked yesterday isn't working today.

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HOME SWEET HOME

HOME SWEET HOME
Angels Return to Anaheim After 1-7 Road Trip
By Adam Dodge

After starting the season 5-1, the Angels looked absolutely clueless on the road, winning just once in eight games. It could have been worse. Without the rainout last Sunday in Boston they could have easily won just one of nine.

Other than Ervin Santana’s two miserable starts, that starting pitching was good. It was the lack of offense that did the Angels in, just as it has done the previous two seasons. The Angels have been a low octane offensive club since the start of 2005, but I can’t remember any stretch quite as bad as we saw during this past road trip. Aside from the six runs they put up in the loss to Cleveland to open the trip, the Angel hitters were pathetic, scoring about a run a game the remainder of the trip.

Returning home after a day off on Thursday, and sporting a 6-9 record, good enough for last place in the AL West, the Angels are set to battle Division rival Seattle for three games over the weekend, before playing a pair against both, Detroit and Tampa Bay.

Say what you will about Mike Scioscia. Maybe he’s too patient with struggling hitters. Perhaps he’s too loyal to aging veterans. And sometimes, he’s too stubborn with how he uses the bullpen. All are valid observations if not, reasonable complaints. However, we must also admit that Scioscia is a master at preparing his players mentally when adversity arises. The Angels have bounced back time and time again under his leadership. Their ability to move forward and forget the past has been a huge reason for the success of the team under the Howard’s TV pitch man.

And adversity has certainly hit the Angels. After Vlad Guerrero missed the final two games of the road trip with a bruised wrist, after being plunked by Boston’s Josh Beckett, Howie Kendrick was hit with a pitch in the final game vs. Oakland. But unlike Guerrero, who is expected to be in the line-up this weekend, Kendrick is expected to miss considerable time after breaking the middle finger on his left hand. With their second best hitter on the disabled list for 3-5 weeks, the Angels have yet to make a roster move, but are expected to today, and it appears that it could very well be the top Halo prospect, and one of the most highly thought of prospects in all of baseball, third-baseman, Brandon Wood, who after a slow start in Salt Lake City has been scorching the baseball in the last week.

Wood makes sense, as the Angels are thin in the infield after placing Kendrick on the DL. This would allow Scioscia to put Maicer Izturis at second base.

While it does not appear that Brandon Wood is ready to make a permanent jump to the Major Leagues, a three week audition with the big club could only make things easier for him when he is. Wood also makes sense in that he has the one thing the Angels line-up of punch-and-judy’s does not – King Kong power.

The dangerous scenario of course is that Wood struggles mightily. So what! Robb Quinlan and Erick Aybar are still on the roster. Chone Figgins could be back within two weeks. Just because Wood is brought up, doesn’t mean he has to be penciled in everyday.


And crazier things have happened. 19-year old Miguel Cabrera made an immediate impact for the Marlins during Florida’s run to the World Series in 2003.

The Angels should bring Wood up if nothing more than to give him experience, which will be beneficial to him down the line. And, who knows, the Angels may just catch lightening in a bottle.

Kendry Morales is also an option for the Angels, and could accompany Wood to Anaheim this weekend in a two player roster move. Morales has also been hot in Salt Lake, and was productive for stretches with the Angels in 2006.

There has been speculation that the Angels may call up Terry Evans, a hot hitting outfielder. Evans was pulled from Salt Lake’s game in the fourth inning on Wednesday, and was not in the line-up last night. Evans is not injured. While it’s certainly possible that Evans is the Angels’ man, it makes little sense that he would be pulled from the game just to make sure he’s healthy enough to ride the bench for the Angels, who already have plenty of outfield depth already. Rather, Evans being pulled may suggest a trade in the works. Trades are typically not made in April, however, if I’m Arte Moreno I’m very concerned with the lack of offense, and the overwhelming response of dissatisfaction from the fans on message boards like ours and through local media outlets, especially considering the “Big Splash” promise made this past off-season.

Something has to be done. While many of us quip that Stoneman will choose to trade for a “professional hitter,” the likes of Jeff Conine or Kevin Millar, Moreno ought not let this happen, as the outspoken fans will only become more infuriated and even more outspoken, combine that level of rage with the consumption of lower-priced alcohol at the stadium and violence is certain to occur should the Angels continue to throw goose eggs on the scoreboard. Rumor has it that Mickey Hatcher has begun to sport Kevlar under his home whites.

Seattle has its own injury problems as young fireballer and Ace, Felix Hernandez has gone down for at least two starts with a tight elbow. The Mariners stop in Anaheim this weekend also marks the return to Angel Stadium by Jose Guillen, who is certain to hear deafening boos each time his name announced.

The Angels will send Joe Saunders, Bartolo Colon and Ervin Santana to the mound this weekend. The Mariners counter with Miguel Batista, Horacio Ramirez and Jeff Weaver. Like most all series, the Angels have a serious edge in the pitching department. Joe Saunders has been solid, but struggled last season in his only appearance vs. Seattle.

Saturday night will see the Angels pitch Bartolo Colon for the first time since last summer as the burly right hander has been out with a shoulder injury. Colon, 2005’s AL Cy Young winner, has looked awesome in his three rehab starts and could provide the Angels with a big morale boost, with a healthy and productive return.

Ervin Santana escapes his nemesis, which is any pitching mound outside of Anaheim, apparently. He does have to pitch during the day, but we can expect a much better Santana than the one we saw this past road trip. Jeff Weaver will oppose him on Sunday, marking his return to Anaheim after a terrible half season for the Angels a season ago, after signing a big money one year contract.

The Mariners, after a good start, seem to be heading in the opposite direction. Vlad goes crazy, and Matthews Jr. finds his power stroke. Angels break out of their slump.

Prediction – Angels take series 2-1

Visiting on Monday and Tuesday are the American League Champion, Detroit Tigers. Monday’s match-up is a good one. Jeremy Bonderman opposes the Angels’ Jered Weaver. Probable Tuesday are Justin Verlander for the Tigers, and John Lackey for the Angels, another outstanding match-up of power right handers.

The Angels have done very well against the Tigers over the past few seasons, and if history is an indicator they should at least split the series.

Prediction – Angels split series 1-1

Joe Madden brings his Tampa Bay Devil Rays to Angel Stadium for another mini two game series beginning on Wednesday. The Devil Rays are a team the Angels should sweep, despite the fact that the Rays are leading the AL in scoring. They’ve been horrible on the road for their entire existences and don’t have nearly enough pitching to legitimately compete with the Angels.

Prediction – Angels sweep series 2-0

So I’ve got the Angels going 5-2 on this home stand, which admittedly is optimistic considering their poor performance over the past 10 games. With last year’s 5-18 stretch during April and early May, I have to think that is on the Angels’ minds and a sense of urgency will resonate with the players and coaching staff and the Angels will find a way to grind out some wins as they search for an offensive identity.

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2007 Angelswin Prospect Hotlist, 2nd edition

1. Terry EvansOF, Class AAA Salt Lake (Angels)
Evans is on pace for another 30/30 minor league season. With his 3 home runs & 4 stolen bases, Evans is starting to make a believer out of everyone as a possible late bloomer. The only flaw in Terry's stat line is his walks to strikeouts (3/18). With the Angels inability to score runs and form a lineup with power hitters, but not take away from their ability to swipe a bag, Evans might see himself in an Angels uniform, making his debut sooner, than later.

2. Sean Rodriguez, SS, Class AA Arkansas (Angels)
Rodriguez can hit! Something the parent team can't do very well (did I mention that yet?). S-Rod who was top of the list last week took a step down to #2, but that's no knock on him. Hitting .343, a .489 OBP, 4 2B's and 2 HR's, he'll be up around the top of this list all season long.

3. Nick Adenhart, SP, Class AA Arkansas (Angels)
Thought it's early, a 0.79 ERA and 10 K's in 11 innings (2 starts) is not a bad way to start the season. Adenhart can make guys like Colon, Santana or Escobar expendable at the trading deadline to acquire a big bat.

4. Hainley Statia, SS, Class A, Rancho Cucamonga (Angels)
With 4 hits last night vs. Lake Elsinore, Statia raised his average up to .333. With the depth in our system at the MI position, his ability and talent to speak multiple languages, he's a guy that can be packaged in a trade later on in the season for possible a Jason Bulger/JC Romero type. [Sarcasm on].

5. Kendry Morales, 1B/DH, Class AAA Salt Lake (Angels)
Morales had a strong spring offensively but started slow at Salt Lake for the Bees. Lately however he's hitting the ball really well, which includes a 3-5, 5 RBI performance last night vs. Tucson. With farmer Shea looking more like a guy that should stack bales of hay rather than play Baseball, Kendry could provide a boost to the lineup. But we're getting a whole of production from T. Murphy so that probably won't happen for a while.

6. Brandon Wood, 3B, Class AAA Salt Lake (Angels)
We all realize that Brandon Wood isn't Major League ready as of now, and after a slow start in Salt Lake, he too has turned it around as of late. Hitting .264 with 3 dingers & 4 doubles, Wood has also drawn 7 walks. From all the reports I'm getting, he's looked very good defensively at third base as well. If the Angels fail to get production out of Figgins by June and Wood continues to show why he's one of the top prospects in all of baseball, he'll be up by summer!

7. Christopher Pettit, OF, Low Class A Cedar Rapids (Angels)
Pettit is tied with Coon for the lead in stolen bases with 7 and he's been red hot of late which has raised his average to .300. Pettit also has some pop in his bat (2 Hr's, 2 2b's early on). Christopher has shown in '06 and in the early parts of '07 a very good hitting eye and could move quickly through the system because of his age.

8. Nathan Haynes, OF, Class AAA Salt Lake (Angels)
Haynes leads all hitters in the organization with a .366 batting average. He also boasts a .458 OBP and has played a solid CF for the Bees. With Willits, Figgins, Haynes, Murphy, Aybar and even Evans who can play CF, its mind boggling as to why we signed Gary Matthews Jr. to roam CF for the next 5 years. Especially since there are some really good CF's hitting the free agent market after this season.

9. Peter Bourjos, OF, Low Class A, Cedar Rapids (Angels)
Eddie Bane loves this kid and is a 4 tool talent now, with his bat determining whether he'll be a 5-tool talent down the road. The bat look good last night however as Peter went 3-6 with a Hr and 2 Rbi's. Keep an eye on this kid because he oozes athleticism and talent.

10. Jeremy Haynes, SP, Low Class A, Cedar Rapids (Angels)
Haynes through 2 starts with the Cedar Rapids Kernels has boasted a 1.74 ERA and has 13 strikeouts in just 10.1 innings, posting just 2 walks. The Angels are high on this kid who looked real good in Orem last year with a 2.76 ERA and fanned 68 in 58 2/3 innings.

Keep an eye on: Rafael Rodriguez
The Angels have decided to move Rodriguez to the bullpen this year giving them two flame throwers in Arredondo and R-Rod to help out in the bullpen down the road. Rodriguez has some very good stuff and a mid 90's heater and through 4 games this year he's posted a 1.23 ERA and fanned 8 through 7 innings of work.

On the outside looking to get in soon:
David Herndon, Robert Mosebach, Ryan Aldridge, Nick Green, Brad Coon, Matthew Sweeney, Jose Arredondo, Sean O'Sullivan, Stephen Marek, Steven Shell, Trevor Bell, PJ Phillips, Amalio Diaz, Nick Gorneault, Hank Conger, Jordan Renz, Andrew Hill, Michael Collins, Mark Trumbo, Anthony Ortega, Kevin Jepsen, and Jeff Mathis.

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Angels v. A's (Game 1 of 2)

Angels v. A’s

Weaver v. Gaudin

I feel dirty after that weekend series. I feel like this weekend passed by without a game being played. And that feeling could stem from the fact that what the Angels did this weekend could hardly constitute playing a baseball game. The Red Sox played. Meanwhile, the Angels stood at the side of the road in much the same fashion as many a drunken Bostonian did Monday morning waiting for taxis to take them back to the bars for another session! And much like Red Sox fan the Angels would have been better off had they elected to stay in bed.

But, we have some positives. The first being that we didn’t in fact lose Vlad Guerrero for most of the season with what could easily have been a broken wrist. Hopefully he can return to the DH role for the weekend series against the Mariners. Another positive is the return of Jered Weaver or, as I like to call him, the Weaver that can actually pitch. Jered takes the mound tonight for his first start of the season and it couldn’t have come at a better time as we face off against Oakland A’s.

Normally I wouldn’t expect a high scoring game but I think tonight could be different. I think the Angels are going to break out of their offensive slump, Vlad or no Vlad. This will be the 2nd time in the young season that the Angels will be facing Gaudin and I look for them to get things going offensively. Without Vlad in the lineup I would love to see Kendrick in the 3 spot and Willits in right field. I like Willits and think he should be in the lineup as often as possible. How can you not dig the kids snarl? And who knows, maybe without their offensive juggernaut the Angels may look to be a little more patient at the plate.

The Angels win this one going away.

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They're Gonna Give It A Shot

Looks like the Red Sox and Angels will play today, despite the looming threat of bad weather.

With an expected window of just a coule hours to get the game in we can expect the ever aggressive Angels to be even more aggressive as a shortened game is more than likely. Expect Scioscia and the Angels to do whatever possible to get runs across. Sacrifice bunts, stolen bases, hit and runs and early entrances by Justin Speier and Scot Shields would not surprise me. We may even see a squeeze play early in the game, provided the Angels can actually get a baserunner to third base, something they have had difficulty doing against the Red Sox.

It will all be for not if Ervin Santana pitches the way he did early last week against the Cleveland Indians.

Halos win a strange one 3-2.

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Angels v. Red Sox

Angels v Red Sox (Game 3 of 4)

Santana v. Beckett

Things are not looking good for the Halos as they enter the 3rd game of this planned 4 game series. My only consolation at this point is that it could end up being one of the tougher road trips of the season; therefore, it’s a good thing to get it out of the way early. As I wrote before Game 1 I never felt like this was a series we could split. It was either going to be 3 wins for us or 3 wins for them.

Depending on how Ervin Santana can pitch today I may end up being right. I am trying not to laugh but today is a day game and we are on the road, 2 factors that separately weigh heavily against Santana. Combining those 2 factors might be too much for Santana to overcome. Then again, maybe those 2 negatives can create a positive!

And Santana will likely have to be lights out because it would appear that the team left its offense at the baggage check-in at John Wayne Airport. I don’t think that extra bat in the lineup, no matter whom it was, would help the Halos right now. They look lifeless at the plate. But I take some solace in the fact that this team has not been that great early in the season the last few years, a far cry from the teams that used to fly out of the gate and limp across the finish line. I KNOW we will heat up and get going. The key is to not slip so far like we did last year that even the best record in baseball over the last 3 months could do little to save our season.

Keys to this game? All together now…HIT, HIT, HIT.
If the day-road-game-Santana-curse can be avoided he will out pitch Beckett who is a DL candidate waiting to happen. Santana pitches well, we win this game.

No prediction for a score…I am too busy holding my breath.

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Angels v. Red Sox

Angels v. Red Sox

Lackey v. Wakefield

Looking to this series I think the Angels have a very good chance of taking 3 out of 4. I know that the Angels just don’t play well at Fenway and I also know that Lackey doesn’t pitch that well at Fenway, but this is the 2007 Angels and things are going to be different, starting with tonight. Maybe I should clarify a little bit. If we can win tonight’s game I think there’s an awful good chance that we could take 3 of 4. But, as I see it we either win 3 of 4 or lose 3 of 4, no split this weekend. Tomorrow’s game is a loss unless by some miracle Carrasco can out pitch Schilling. Who knows, maybe Schilling will eat one too many ice cream sandwiches on the way to the park and be too full to pitch effectively.

I like Lackey to pitch well in this one and do his best to keep those sleeping giants in the middle of the order in lock down mode. The key for the offense tonight is patience. Sit back and see if Wakefield is throwing that slop for strikes. Swinging early and often against a junk pitcher is not the best of strategies.

A little birdy told me that Vlad will go downtown tonight. He will need to.

This one stays close, Angels win 4-3

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Angels Vs. Indians (Game 3 of 3)

Dustin Moseley v. Jeremy Sowers

The Angels and Indians will play the rubber game of their 3 game series today, following a terrific performance by Joe Saunders and the bullpen last night. Dustin Moseley takes the mound for the first time since an outstanding season debut against the Oakland Athletics last Friday night.

Moseley has a tough task ahead of him as the Indians present one of the more formidable hitting line ups in all of baseball. The Angels would love nothing more than to leave Milwaukee with a series win, especially since they will spend the next four days at Boston's Fenway Park, against the Red Sox, who have handled the Angels over the past few seasons.

I expect a high scoring affair. Mike Scioscia finally received some clutch hitting from his offense yesterday and it appears as though the Angel bats are ready to explode. Vladimir Guerrero has been held in check over the past few games and could very well take out his frustration on Jeremy Sowers, the Cleveland starter. Howie Kendrick looks to be settling into the line-up and Garret Anderson need only some more RBI oppurtunities, as he is off to a good start with the bat.

So onto the prediction. I think the Angel bats will wake up and put up a crooked number for the first time this year. I'm feeling double digits. And they might need every run they score as Cleveland can be expected to get to Moseley at some point.

Angels take this one 11-7. Kendrick, Kotchman and Molina go deep.

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Angelswin Prospect Hotlist

Once a week (Every Wednesday) 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.

Covering the minor leagues has been something I've enjoyed doing for a long time. The top 10 hottest Angels will be covered here, but if you have any questions on other prospects in other organizations or if want to give me your comments on my weekly lists send me an email at chuck@AngelsWin.com and I will respond in a timely manner.

1. Sean Rodriguez, SS, Class AA Arkansas (Angels)

One of my favorite guys in the Angels organization, Sean Rodriguez is batting .429 with two homers and four doubles through six games. With the Angels keeping him at shortstop his value should be sky high if they decide to trade him at the deadline. S-Rod has enough flexibility to play other positions as well, so the Angels could move him to another position if they decide to keep him, if they feel Izturis/Aybar are the future at SS.

2. Terry Evans, CF, Class AAA Salt Lake (Angels)

Unfazed by Triple-A pitching thus far, Evans has 2 home runs, 2 stolen bases and is hitting .368 though 5 games. He needs to cut down on his strikeouts as he has 9 vs. 3 walks in those same 5 games. The Angels like his range and arm in the outfield and he could be up with the club later on this year if he continues to progress.

3. Nick Adenhart, SP, Class AA Arkansas (Angels)

Nick Adenhart looked fantastic in Arizona last month, shutting down major league hitters as if he was ready now. Starting the season in AA Arkansas, Nick hurled 5 1/3 innings of scoreless ball, fanning 8. Look for Adenhart to get half season of Double-A and then spend the final 2 months of the season in Salt Lake, if not in Anaheim.

4. Matt Sweeney, 3B, Low Class A, Cedar Rapids (Angels)

At 6’3, 210 lbs the Angels got themselves a future slugger in Sweeney. Though it’s only 3 games and 9 at bats, Sweeney is hitting .444 with 2 doubles and 2 walks vs. 2 strikeouts. Swinging from the left side of the plate, Sweeney could be what we all hoped Dallas McPherson would be, down the road a bit.

5. Hainley Statia, SS, Class A, Rancho Cucamonga (Angels)

Statia is hitting .400 and has been a wiz with the glove in Rancho. Just another quality player at all facets of his game at the shortstop position. The club is loaded at the position, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take notice.

6. Brad Coon, CF, Class A, Rancho Cucamonga (Angels)

Coon has been a catalyst in the leadoff spot for the Quakes. He leads the league in stolen bases with (5) through 6 games. He’s also getting on base, posting a .404 batting average and .480 OBP (2 walks, 2 strikeouts).

7. Nick Green, SP, Class AA Arkansas (Angels)

Green looked great in his first major league start in Arkansas, throwing 6 innings of 1 run ball. Equipped with a 4 pitch arsenal, Green has 11 strikeouts in 10 innings pitched thus far. The Angels are really high on him, and love the way he attacks the strike zone.

8. Brandon Wood, 3B, Class AAA Salt Lake (Angels)

Wood almost found himself off the Angelswin.com Hotlist until he busted out today, going 2-4 (1 2b, 1 Hr), putting himself in the lead (organizational) for home runs, with 3.

9. Robert Mosebach, SP, Class A Rancho Cucamonga (Angels)

Bane said Moseback is one to keep an eye on this year as he wooed the Angels pitchers and catchers in camp back in Feb with his bullpen sessions. Robert didn’t disappoint in his first start of the season, throwing 5 2/3 innings, allowing no runs.

10. Kendry Morales, 1B/DH, Class AAA Salt Lake (Angels)

With Hillenbrand hurting and possibly being placed on the DL, Morales hitting .333 through 7 games could be the power boost the Angels need in that DH spot in the lineup.

Keep an eye on: Nathan Haynes – Haynes is a guy that was traded along with DaVanon & Elvin Nina for Omar Oliveras from the A’s and was suppose to be the Angels future leadoff hitter, centerfielder. Haynes decided to hang it up a couple years ago, but after a stint with the Giants, the Angels resigned him late in the season last year to finish the season off in Arkansas. Impressive in spring training, Haynes is the starting CF in Salt Lake and so far, he’s looked good hitting .368 with 3 sb’s and a 6/4 walk to strikeout rate. Haynes is a guy that could be a very good late inning replacement in the outfield and potential pinch runner, if not starting CF on another team.

On the outside looking to get in soon:
Ryan Aldridge, Jose Arredondo, Sean O'Sullivan, Peter Bourjous, Trevor Bell, PJ Phillips, Amalio Diaz, Nick Gorneault, Hank Conger, Jordan Renz, Andrew Hill, Michael Collins, Mark Trumbo, Anthony Ortega, Kevin Jepsen, and Jeff Mathis.

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Angels v. Indians (game 2 of 3 game series)

Angels v. Indians

Saunders v. Westbrook

I know there are many that think Ervin Santana is nothing more than a decent pitcher with back of the rotation stuff and I have been one to disagree and back Ervin up. I will continue to back him because I truly believe he has the ability to be a great pitcher for many years. But I also cannot hide my frustration with his inability to pitch on the road. I thought we had gotten past the whole can’t-pitch-during-the-day thing with a fantastic outing in his first go round in the rotation, but we seem to be back at square one with a terrible, fastballs up-in-the-zone and right-down-the –middle, outing that has truly left me scratching my head. Oh well, we have Boston to try again!

I’m not even going to get into the whole Aybar-can’t-steal-2nd base thing because that might send me off the already very shaky precipice I am now currently residing on. Okay, okay, all I will say is that Figgins should never have been out on the DL with his broken pinky. Figgins should have been riding the bench precisely for these 9th inning, 2 outs, stolen base situations. Memo to Scioscia: just because you’re fast doesn’t mean you know how to steal bases. Okay, I’m done with that.

The Indians are a good team. The Indians are a very good team. If they had a bullpen worth mentioning, they would be a great team. Losing last night’s game seriously hinders the Angels’ ability to take this series. Why do I say that? Well…Jake Westbrook is on the mound for the Tribe tonight and he brings with him a history of being really good against the Angels. His record is 2-4 against the halos but he has a 3.27 ERA in that span. And, as I am sure most of you remember, he pitched a complete game shutout against the Angels last August. Westbrook was roughed up in his last outing but his comments after the game left that sinking feeling in my stomach. "It was a frustrating day in the sense that I felt good, I felt like I was locating my pitches.” Westbrook added that he “made some mistakes that cost a lot of runs." No need to worry here Jakey, the Angels suck at taking advantage of bad outings by pitchers.

Add to all of this the fact that we will be sending Joe Saunders to the mound tonight and the trepidation mounts. Don’t get me wrong, I like Saunders a lot, but I still don’t know how much I trust him to give the team a quality outing against a very good offensive team playing in a very hitter friendly Miller Park.

Keys to this game:

Vlad will need to get on track and get on base and the guys directly behind him, GA and Kotchman, will need to drive the runners in.

Molina behind the plate for this series and for the time being…at least until Napoli can get his throws to 2nd to not end up in centerfield.

Saunders pitches well and gets through 6 innings only marginally scathed.


With all the negativity I threw out there, I like the Angels to win this one, 8-5

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Angels v. Indians

Angels v. Indians (in Milwaukee)

Santana v. Sabbathia

Everyone knows this game was moved to Milwaukee for weather reasons so I see little point in riding that gravy train past the junction. That being said, even though this is a neutral site I really think this series should favor the Angels. First of all, The Indians haven’t played a game in almost a week. See Mariners-Red Sox game for example. I know, I know, the M’s had Mr. Pooka shells himself going a strong 2 innings to further my point but, you get the picture, right?

I did some research on Sabbathia and it turns out that the Angels have done pretty well against him in the past. And unlike some here on the board, I think Santana is the real deal and I look for him to shut down the Indians through 6. Angels bullpen = game over.

This whole series could be a real slugfest with the roof in Miller Park closed and 12,000 disinterested Brewer fans cheering for more brats and cheese on a stick.

Vlad and GA should DH during this stretch with Willits getting some more playing time.

We win this game tonight 4-2

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Angels Set to Hit Road for First Time in 2007

After a very successful 5-2 season opening homestand, the Angels head out on the road for their first and one of their more difficult road trips of the season. In all, the Halos will play nine games versus the Indians, Red Sox and Athletics.

First stop: Milwaukee. No, the Indians have not moved to Milwaukee. Due to horrid winter conditions in Cleveland, which forced the Indians to reschedule all games against the Seattle Mariners this past weekend, Major League Baseball has shifted the series to Milwaukee’s Miller Park.

The Angels will send Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders and Dustin Moseley to the mound against a powerful Indians’ line-up led by lead-off man, Grady Sizemore and the power hitting, Travis Hafner. I would expect the Indians to shuffle their rotation due to their unexpected lay-off. The Angels can expect to see CC Sabathia, Jake Westbrook and Jeremy Sowers. One name missing from the list is Cliff Lee, who is still on the Disabled list.

The Indians are the trendy pick this year to surprise baseball and make noise in October. Many publications have them ousting the Detroit Tigers. With good, but not great starting pitching and a very good offense, the Indians’ weakness lay in the bullpen. If the Angels can disallow Indian starters to go late into games, they’ll have a chance to put up a lot of runs and take the series.

Prediction – Angels take series 2 games to 1

The Angels will play four in Boston this weekend, concluding the series with a 7am (PST) start, Monday. The pitching match-ups are potentially outstanding, with the Angels sending John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar, Ervin Santana and Jered Weaver to the mound vs. Tim Wakefield, Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett and Dice-K.

The Red Sox are favored by many to finally dethrone the Yankees, who have won the last nine AL East titles. They are relying heavily on a starting staff with a lot of question marks. Schilling is old. Beckett is oft-injured, and Dice-K, no matter the hype, is still a rookie in the Major Leagues. Their bullpen is aging, other than young closer Jonathon Popplebon. Their line-up is one of the very best in all of baseball. Added to compliments the dynamic duo of Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz, were Julio Lugo, and J.D. Drew, who if healthy and motivated is capable of putting up big numbers.

The Angels have had trouble with Boston over the past few years, especially at Fenway. A split would be a huge step to a successful road trip, but might be too tough to come by.

Prediction – Red Sox take series 3 games to 1

As witnessed this past weekend, the Angels and A’s always seem to play hard fought, down to the wire games. The teams split a four game series in Anaheim, playing 3 one-run games. The Angels will conclude their first road trip with a pair of games in Oakland. Fans can expect more of the same between these clubs. It’s hard to imagine either team sweeping the abbreviated series.

Prediction – Split, 1-1

So when it’s all said and done, I’ve got the Angels going 4-5 on their first road trip of the season. A bit pessimistic? Perhaps. But the Angels are facing three quality opponents, who will present good starting pitching. If the Halos can manage a winning record on the trip, say 5-4 or even, 6-3, it will go a long way with confidence of the young players.

Players to Watch

Howie Kendrick – It’s not uncommon for young players to press early in the season, especially when so much is expected of them. It’s even more likely to occur in front of the home fans. I expect Kendrick to have a big road-trip, away from the hoopla surrounding Angel Stadium, on the road, where he can just play baseball.

Jered Weaver – Expected to make his first start of the season on Monday, April
16th in Boston, Weaver will look to continue the dominance he showed as a rookie
last season, and turn Boston partiers sour on Patriot’s Day.

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Angels - A's

Angels v. A’s (Game 2, Series at 0-1)

Moseley v. Kennedy

I need to say it. I hate Nick Swisher. I hate his smarmy face. I hate his long, greasy hair. And what’s with that hair? It looks like he’s got activator in that thing. Get a cut, buddy.

Okay, I can move on now. I have a bad feeling about tonight’s game, but that usually means we will win now. Without sounding gloom and doom like so many on this board, I think this is a must win in order to salvage a split with the A’s in this 4 game series. That being said, if we take tonight’s game I think our momentum could carry us through the weekend and a possible 3 game sweep. But, tonight first.

I know Kennedy has struggled again the Angels in his career but Gaudin wasn’t exactly lights out in his career against us and look at how well he pitched last night. With Moseley on the mound it is essential that the Angels put ‘em on the board early and often as we can’t be sure if Moseley is ready to take on the responsibility of being in our rotation, even if it is only for one game.

If Moseley gives the team 5 strong innings and can hand it over to the bullpen with a small deficit or a tie I think we have a shot. I also like our chances as we always seem to recover well after a loss to the A’s.

GA will go yard again tonight. Quinlan will go deep as well.

Angels win this one 7-5

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You see something new every year

Angels broadcaster Rex Hudler likes to say you can watch the game for years and eventually you will still see something you've never seen before. That exact saying came true on opening day.

For the first time that I can recall seeing, a pitcher gave up an unearned run on a home run.

In the third inning of Monday's game. Rangers second-baseman Ian Kinsler popped up into foul territory. Angels catcher Mike Napoli made an attempt to catch the pop up for the out. Napoli dropped the ball and on the next pitch Kinsler homered off John Lackey. Because Kinsler should have been out, the run was unearned.

That was a first for me. Feel free to share your experiences seeing something you considered out of the ordinary at an Angels game.

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Angels - A's

Angels v. A’s

Gaudin v. Saunders

The Angels come into this game having won their first 3 games of the season. It’s now official; we are on a winning streak. So let me get this out of the way. I WILL NOT pick the opponent to win a game when we are on a winning streak…I will not be responsible for jinxing our wicked hot winning streak…I JUST WON’T.

Now, on to the match up. Chad Gaudin takes the mound tonight for a “revamped” A’s rotation and I can honestly say that aside from his name sounding like something that would go really good with a nice pinot grigio, I know next to nothing about this kid. Well, that’s not true. I know he was in their bullpen last season and now he is starting! Conversely, Joe Saunders is on the hill for the Angels and he will look to continue the success that kept him with the big club last season. It doesn’t need to be said how close these teams play each other and I can’t see this game being any different. Angels hitters oftentimes struggle against the unknown pitchers but they have seen Gaudin before and have been moderately successful against him. In 6 WHOLE innings the Angels have scored 4 earned runs and walked 6 times. If Gaudin can’t improve on those numbers we should be able to easily continue our string of wins. Saunders has been good and bad against the A’s and here’s hoping to more of the good than the bad.

So where do we stand? The A’s are not nearly as good as they were last year and I can’t imagine that Piazza and the likes of Gaudin can make up for the loss of Frank Thomas and Barry Zito. That being said, they seem to be able to throw anyone out there against us and get good results. I think Saunders will struggle early and settle down to get through 5 innings. We pull away late and win this one 6-3.

GA still hasn’t homered but I like all those doubles just the same. Garret WILL homer on this home-stand, dangit!
With Kotchman in the 5-hole look for a ton of Angels base runners tonight.

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Rivalry Renewed

Granted, it's not exactly Yankees vs. Red Sox, but when the Angels take the field tonight for the first of a four games series versus the Oakland Athletics, it will renew a rivalry that has evolved into one of the best in baseball this decade.

Only once since 2000 has a team other than the A’s or Angels won an American League West championship. The teams have finished one-two in the division in four of the last five seasons, and head to head are separated in that stretch by just a handful of runs.

In 2002, fans were treated to a back and forth battle royale, which saw the A’s take the division in the end, with the Angels landing the Wild Card, and ultimately their first and only World Championship.

In 2004 and 2005, the Angels clinched Division championships in Oakland on the final weekend of the season.

Of course it was Oakland in 2006 that held off a second half surge from the Angels to capture the AL West crown.

While the Yankees – Red Sox rivalry is perhaps the greatest in all of sports, the west coast version may be as intriguing. If so, for different reasons. New York and Boston have a history behind them that need not be mentioned. The Bambino. Bucky Fn Dent. Aaron Boone. The 2004 ALCS. Okay, okay...it’s worthy of a short mention. But while, the east coast homers salivate over their Goliath vs. Goliath match-up, the west coast version may be a bit more authentic.

The Yankees and Red Sox are eerily similar in both make-up and organizational philosophy. Loaded with star power throughout their line-ups, the Yankees and Red Sox are a reflection of each other, combining to provide the American League with the bulk of it’s annual All-Star roster. Seemingly, it is only the uniform that distinguishes the two.

Both teams call historical landmarks home.

Off the field, their respective front offices are equally competitive in their pursuit of free-agents, trades and international talent.

Conversely, the A’s and Angels could not be more different.

The A’s, a small market team, who call a football stadium “home,” consistently play home games in front of less than 20,000 fans despite their prolonged on-field success. As a result, they have been forced to operate on a strict budget, which has been masterfully manipulated by General Manager, Billy Beane, who, despite his immediate disadvantages, has been able to develop talent through the draft and acquire bargain priced talent through free agency and trade.

The Angels face no such economic dilemmas. Arte Moreno has spent willingly on free agents to compliment home grown talent, which has been the staple of the Angels’ success since current General Manager, Bill Stoneman took the job in 1999. They play their games in a revamped, if not state of the art facility, located in the heart of southern California, in front of a consistent 40,000 fans. If that’s not enough, Moreno and the Angels secured their foreseeable financial future with a $500 million cable contract last season.

The A’s – Angels rivalry is indeed in the mold of David and Goliath.

But it is on the field, where the differences can truly be seen. Both teams rely heavily on pitching to win, and there is not another team in baseball that plays the game as stubbornly as these two. But that is where the similarities end.

Offensively, the A’s are the classic passive team, built around patience and power. The goal = Avoid outs at all costs. They rely on working counts, drawing walks, and the proverbial 3-run homer. They rarely steal, bunt, hit and run or aggressively run the bases. They are the epitome of a station to station offense.

The Angels, on the other hand may be the most aggressive team in all of baseball. They consistently finish near the bottom of the American League in on base percentage. The Angel hitters are hackers, reliant on frenzy hitting to produce offense. They bunt at the rate of a National League team, hit and run, steal bases, and pressure defenses by attempting to take extra bases whenever possible.

Also noteworthy - other than the fight of two years ago between John Lackey and Jason Kendall, the teams have been quite civil and complimentary of each other.

So more than just a battle of two teams, the A’s and Angels present fans with a battle of style and wills. And what a battle it has been! The teams have played virtually even since the start of 2002 and are once again expected to battle it out in a two team race this season.

What’s missing? Why hasn’t this rivalry garnered national attention? Well aside from the East Coast bias, which in inherent in all sports, and the longevity of other rivalries, notably Red Sox – Yankees, Cardinals – Cubs, and Dodgers – Giants, the A’s and Angels, despite their consistent status at the top of the AL West Division, have yet to meet in the post-season, for all the chips. Perhaps then will the baseball world recognize the fierce, yet respectful rivalry on the left coast.

Perhaps 2007 will be the season in which the best of the AL West meet in the ALCS. Perhaps this weekend’s series will be a preview of what’s to come. Regardless of where the teams end the year’s journey, fans are certain to see a competitive season series., beginning tonight at the Big A.

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Santana v. McCarthy

Angels v. Rangers

Santana v. McCarthy

So clearly everyone on this board will start hoping I pick the Angels to lose as it seems to hold some charm for them absolutely destroying whoever they happen to be playing. And believe me, if I thought that voodoo magic would work I would pick the Angels to go a perfect 0 and 162. But, I don’t possess those kinds of powers…yet.

When I saw who was pitching in this very odd, and very annoying I might add, mid-week day game my immediate reaction was that Scioscia was testing our young pitching phenom. After all, Ervin Santana has a hard time pitching during the day thus far in his career. His ERA is almost an entire point and a half better when he is NOT pitching during daylight. But, the way the Angels have been hitting the ball the first 2 days, we could be looking at a sweep to open the season.

The ball carries during the day and I think today is the day GA gets his first homer of the year. Vlad will probably be the DH today. That’s a good thing because Shea Hillenbrand looks like he is standing at the plate with blinders on. I would also consider moving Kotchman up a spot as it is fairly evident this kid came to play. I also gotta think Shields and Speier are off limits today.

I think we win this one if Santana can break the daytime curse. Otherwise I think the rangers open up a can. A little birdie mentioned to me that the Rangers win this one 9-4. I agree.

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So Far, So Good

You just get the feeling that when Bill Stoneman roamed the halls of the Angel Stadium front offices during and after the game last night he was greeted with high fives and the thumbs ups. Despite the questionable contract and the implication of performance enhancing drug use this spring, Gary Matthews Jr. has been everything the Angels had hoped he'd be through the first two games. Aside from a dropped fly ball on opening night, Matthews Jr. has been outstanding, making two terrific catches, working counts, drawing walks, and getting knocks in front of the hot hitting Vladimir Guerrero, who has driven him in.

He just looks confident at the plate. Very focused. Down in the count 0-2 in an at bat last night, Matthews battled, fouling off several pitches, laying off the pitchers' pitches,ultimately working a walk. Chone Figgins, take notes!

That approach from the lead-off spot could take the Angel offense from mediocre to above average.

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Escobar v. Padilla

Angels v. Rangers

Escobar v. Padilla

There is a lot of room in tonight’s game for hooks, crooks, and inside looks. First off, let me say that I have no idea what the hell that means. But this sort of thing pops into my head and I feel it’s worthy of mention.

I don’t think we will see much of Padilla’s intimidation tactics in tonight’s game simply because if he hits an Angel batter he might just be thrown out of baseball for stupidity. That being said, I can envision a scenario where Padilla comes off the plate and inside and some Angel batter has a coronary and that in turn leads to an eventual bench clearing slap fest involving Kelvim Escobar and Pedro’s ex-midget who now works for Padilla as his personal concierge.

If THAT scenario doesn’t play out I think Padilla could also end up throwing a few meatballs in an attempt to NOT go inside.

I think this game is a toss-up for the Angels. I like our chances if Escobar can go 6 and keep us in the game. Otherwise, I think the Rangers could bust out of their one game offensive rut and put up 6 or 7 tonight.

Wait a second Vic, aren’t you saying that the Angels could lose or they could win? Aren’t you essentially “covering all bases,” pun intended? Well, yes. I had very little doubt we would win last night’s game. Lackey is dominant and we seem to do well on Opening day. I also envisioned a good game from Matthews and he gave us exactly what we paid for. Tonight is different. It’s regular season game on. Besides, I can’t pick the Angels to win EVERY night.

Kotch goes 1-4 with a strikeout and Kendrick will struggle offensively for another night. Vlad continues to hit everything the Rangers throw at him, but it won’t be enough.

Prediction: Rangers win this one, 7-4, on the back of Michael Young. If Angels win this one it’s because Carrasco comes on in relief of Escobar and holds the Rangers down. I hope I am wrong. We lose tonight but likely take the series.

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Opening Day

Opening day.

I don’t know if it’s just because it’s opening day and the start of a new season that has me so excited but I feel different this year. I haven’t been this excited about the start of a season in quite some time. I mean, 2002 caught EVERYONE by surprise and by the time I woke up from my World Series bliss it was 2004, we had Vlad and we were one and done come post-season. 2005 played out more or less like I imagined and I am still trying to forget the defensive woes of last years team. But…this year…this year feels different.

Why? Well, first of all, Lackey takes the mound tonight and the Spring he had has made all of baseball pay attention. Every year, Lackey gets better a little earlier in the season. Could this be the first start of a 20 win season and a Cy-Young? More than a possibility. I say it’s likely that Lackey has another 3.5 ERA 200 strikeout type season with the 20 wins to match it this time.

I have also been listening to the nonsense being spewed by a large group of fans foreshadowing our apparent lack of offense. Hear me say this now, write it down, email it to yourself, tattoo it to your butt-cheek: the Angels offense WILL be better than last year. Stop crying like we will have to win every game 1-0. It’s pessimistic, annoying, and most importantly, it’s just wrong. How can you be so sure, Victor? Well, first of all, Howie Kendrick is playing 2nd base. All the kid has to do is hit 25 doubles and bat .275 and he is MILES better than Adam Kennedy. However, Kendrick will easily lace 50 doubles this year and will hit closer to .300 and probably finish up the season in the 2-hole.

Wait…there’s more. Casey Kotchman. This kid WILL hit 15 homeruns this season and hit about .275 AND he WILL play some super-duper-ice cream-scooper-style first base for us this year. I know everyone wants to bemoan the multi-year contract given Gary Matthews, Jr. but it is a safe bet that we will have the most offensive production from a center fielder since Matthew McConaughey was getting help from “angels in the outfield.”

I guess I am super excited for tonight because we finally have a leadoff guy that knows how to lead off, a 1st baseman that might hit more than 5 homeruns, and what some say could be the most prolific hitter in a decade manning the defensive 4 spot.

Now add to all of this the fact that Percival is throwing out the first pitch and retiring as an Angel and what could be better than opening night at the Big ‘A?’

My prediction: Angels win 6-2 and GA goes yard.

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2007 OPENING DAY ARRIVES

AngelsWin.com previews the first series of the season.
By Eric Denton - Angelswin Feature Writer

Angels Stadium, Anaheim, California

Texas Rangers (80-82 3^rd AL West) vs. Los Angeles Angels (89-73 2^nd AL West)

Monday, April 2nd. Kevin Millwood (16-12, 4.52) vs. Angels John Lackey (13-11, 3.56)

Tuesday, April 3^rd. Vincente Padilla (15-10, 4.50) vs. Kelvim Escobar (11-14, 3.61)

Wednesday, April 4^th. Brandon McCarthy (4-7, 4.68) vs. Ervin Santana (16-8, 4.28)

The Rangers will debut their off-season makeover. New manager Ron Washington takes the reigns after spending the past decade with the Oakland A’s.

Sammy Sosa will also be making his return to MLB as well as the Rangers, the team that brought him up to the big leagues in 1989. Sosa sat out the 2006 season after a disappointing ‘05 campaign with the Baltimore Orioles. Sosa says he’s “ready” after completing a strong spring training. He begins the 2007 season number five all time with 588 career home runs.

Also new to the Rangers is former Dodger Eric Gagne. However, the 2003 Cy Young winner will miss the opening series having not fully recovered from elbow surgery. Another former Dodger, Kenny Lofton tries to fill the void left by new Angel, Gary Matthews Jr. in centerfield.

The Rangers also feature new starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy. McCarthy was the top prospect in the White Sox organization the past couple of seasons. The Rangers hope they have acquired a future ace.

Projected Lineup

1. Kenny Lofton CF
2. Frank Cattalanotto LF
3. Michael Young SS
4. Mark Teixeira 1B
5. Sammy Sosa DH
6. Hank Blalock 3B
7. Brad Wilkerson RF
8. Ian Kinsler 2B
9. Gerald Laird C

Mike Scioscia’s club is looking to reclaim their AL West championship in 2007. This off-season saw the Angels allow long time team leaders Darin Erstad and Adam Kennedy leave the team. Replacing them are Gary Matthews Jr., Howie Kendrick.

The Angels are looking for healthy seasons from leftfielder Garret Anderson and first baseman Casey Kotchman. Anderson has missed 91 games over the past three seasons due to a myriad of aliments. Kotchman’s 2006 season was lost due to a bout with mononucleosis.

Pitching has been the Angels strength and this season should be no different. The rotation features John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar, Ervin Santana with Joe Saunders and Dustin Moseley holding down the fort until Jered Weaver and Bartolo Colon return in late April. If possible, the Angels bullpen is stronger than ever with Angels General Manager Bill Stoneman adding RHP Justin Speier and LHP Darren Oliver to the bullpen mix. Francisco Rodriguez along with reliable set-up man Scot Shields return.

Projected Lineup

1. Gary Matthews Jr. CF
2. Orlando Cabrera SS
3. Vladimir Guerrero RF
4. Garret Anderson LF
5. Shea Hillenbrand DH
6. Casey Kotchman 1B
7. Howie Kendrick 2B
8. Mike Napoli C
9. Macier Izturis 3B

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