Angelswin.com - ALDS Preview

Angels Face Boston for Third Time in Five Seasons
By Adam Dodge - Angelswin.com Senior Writer

The Angels won a franchise record 100 games and finished with the best record in all of baseball. What did it earn them? A date with the defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox, which swept the Angels out of the post-season in the 2004 and 2007 ALDS. In total, Boston is 3-0 against the Angels in playoff series, including a miraculous comeback in the 1986 American League Championship series, which saw the Red Sox down three games to one and one strike away from elimination.

In all, the Angels have lost nine consecutive post-season games to the Red Sox.

After blowing a 5-1 lead in the first game of the season series at Fenway Park and losing 7-6, it appeared that 2008 would be yet another season that would conclude unfavorably at the hands of Red Sox. But the Angels rebounded, taking not only the final two games of that April series, but the final eight games in total. The Angels dominated their nemesis, outscoring the vaunted Sox 61-33 in the season series.

While the Angels have an impressive regular season resume, especially against the Red Sox, the records going into Wednesday’s series opener are all square at 0-0.

PITCHING

Edge: Angels

John Lackey (12-5, 3.75) will face Jon Lester (16-6, 3.21) in game one. Despite getting pounded in his final regular season start, Lackey was Ace-like most of the season, is playoff tested and was 2-0 with a 2.81 ERA against the Red Sox in the regular season. And while, Jon Lester’s 2008 resume is more impressive he was just a .500 pitcher on the road with an ERA more than a run and a half higher away from Fenway Park. The Angels managed four runs against Lester in his lone start against them.

In game two the Angels will send Comeback Player of the Year candidate, Ervin Santana (16-7, 3.49) to the mound against Daisuke Matsuzaka (18-3, 2.90). The Angels scorched Dice-K for 6 runs in 5 innings in his lone start against them, while Ervin Santana did not face the Red Sox in the regular season. He did shut out the Red Sox for two innings out of the bullpen in the playoffs a season ago.

In game three, the Angels will send Joe Saunders (17-7, 3.41). It’s appropriate for Saunders to start the first game at Fenway for the Halos. He was 2-0 at Fenway park this season, holding the Sox to just 5 runs in 12 innings pitched. Josh Beckett (12-10, 4.03) may or may not go in game three for Boston. A post-season hero from seasons past, Beckett has struggled with multiple injuries in 2008, including an oblique strain, which may force Terry Francona’s hand in this series. If Beckett is able to go, the Angels should be confident. The Angels beat him twice this season as Beckett posted a robust 7.42 ERA. If Beckett cannot go the Angels could see either Paul Byrd or Tim Wakefield, both pitchers the Angels have had success against in the past.

The stability in the Angel rotation, and the restructuring of the Boston rotation due to Beckett’s health should prove to be key in a short series.

Give the Angels a slight edge in the bullpen, where the roles are well defined. Darren Oliver and Jose Arredondo have been outstanding late in games. Scot Shields has bounced back to have a very strong 2008, and the all-time single season record holder for saves, Francisco Rodriguez is no stranger to post-season success. Mid-season it looked as if the Red Sox bullpen would be their downfall, but Hideki Okajima has rebounded in the second half, posting another solid season. Jonathon Papelbon is as good as it gets in the ninth inning, especially against the Angels. Papelbon has never allowed a run to the Angels in 17.1 career innings.

Offense: Wash

The Angels outscored the Red Sox in the second half 356-350, and were even better after adding slugger Mark Teixeira. In contrast, the Red Sox traded Manny Ramirez in a three team deal. While Jason Bay is a nice player, he’s no Manny. And no Teixeira for the matter.

David Ortiz had a down year as a result of some nagging injuries. Ortiz hit just .264 with 23 homeruns in 419 at-bats. Kevin Youkilis picked up the slack, posting his best season in the Majors. But injuries to Mike Lowell and JD Drew have slowed down the Red Sox attack considerably. Drew and Lowell have just 5 combined at-bats since September 24th. But Dustin Pedroia may present the biggest obstacle, as he scorched Angel pitching in 2008. The Angel pitchers will need to go right after the patient Red Sox and avoid free passes as much as possible. With no Manny Ramirez, the Angels should find the Sox line-up a bit easier to navigate.

For the Angels, they get back Howie Kendrick just in time for the playoffs. No one in baseball is as hot as Mike Napoli, who led MLB with a homerun every 11.8 at-bats. Garret Anderson and Vladimir Guerrero put up huge second halves, and Torii Hunter is a power bat with post-season experience, and success against the Red Sox.

Conclusion

As the 2008 Los Angeles Angels continue their quest for a World Series title, they will immediately have the opportunity, to not only send the defending champs home, but also to act out some sweet revenge against the team they’ve had more trouble against than any other, specifically in October.

Prediction: Angels in 5

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That was Then, This is Now, Part Deux!

By Mark W. Bender

AngelsWin.com Columnist / BleacherReport.com LA Angels Co-Community Leader.

At this time of the Major League Baseball season last year, the Boston Red Sox were the team taking major strides towards the playoffs. The LA Angels were the team that was “banged up”, and physically challenged as they battled for their playoff spot. The Red Sox held home field advantage against the Angels, and history has told the story of the struggling Angels and the soon to be World Series Champion Red Sox.

What a difference a year makes! In 2008 it’s the Angels who are the dominant “fully rested” team, and the Red Sox are the “banged up” ones. And, as luck would have it, the Angels are now the team with home field advantage against the Red Sox. Red Sox manager, Terry Francona, must make the hard decisions between playing to win the division versus resting his players in preparation for the wild card spot in next week’s playoff games. Similar to last year when Mike Scioscia and the Angels lost momentum in the playoffs after resting their “banged up” players the last week of the regular season. It’s really a tough call in these cases. But that’s what makes everything so much fun this time of year. You’ve gotta love baseball with all the guessing games that go on!

Out since August 17th, J.D. Drew has recently returned to the Red Sox lineup, but sometimes a player doesn’t “play up to their potential” when they return from the DL. Mike Lowell is having his share of physical problems and is currently due back in the lineup this week. It will be interesting to see how they do.The Angels clinched their division more than 15 days ago on September 10th. Mike Scioscia has since been able to give his bench players like Reggie Willits, Gary Mathews Jr., and Rob Quinlan a chance to play on a regular basis, while giving his everyday starting players a well needed (and deserved) rest from the long season.

Over the course of the 2008 MLB Playoffs, I will be writing a series of articles that are being jointly published on http://www.angelswin.com/ and http://www.bleacherreport.com/ I look forward to an exciting playoff season, and sharing my experiences with my fellow sports fans.

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That was Then, This is Now!

By Mark Bender - Angelswin.com Contributor

Many things have happened this season in Major League Baseball. The Cubs are in the playoffs, the Yankees are out, and both the Dodgers and the Angels will be in the post season at the same time.

Back in September 2002, no one other than the “die hard” Angels fan had ever heard of some pitcher named “Frankie Rodriguez”. He was a last minute addition to the playoff roster replacing another player on the 40 man roster. That September he made his first appearance in Oakland on 9/18/2002. No one was expecting anything from the Angels in the playoffs that year. Neither the Yankees nor the Twins knew who they were going to play in the 2002 playoffs.

The 2002 Angels were a very “special” team that had a remarkable season. Amazing defense, walk off hits, and the 2002 Anaheim Angels were going to show the world that you can never rule out the wild card team in MLB. Every player on the roster, along with all of the coaches played a vital part in that “special” team. Mike Scioscia had two of his coaches eventually get their chance to manage at the Major League Level. Bud Black in San Diego, and Joe Maddon in Tampa Bay.

Fast forward to 2008! Angels finally made the “big move” with adding Mark Teixeira to their lineup. The Yankees have gone from being playoff favorites to a “when’s my tee time?” team. The team that is being discounted in the playoffs certainly isn’t the Angels this year. The Angels have taken their place as the playoff favorite’s right along with the Chicago Cubs and the Boston Red Sox, but the team that is “flying under the radar” is the Tampa Bay Rays. With Mike Scioscia’s former bench coach Joe Maddon at the helm, the Rays are a team to contend with this post season.

Even with the Angels having clinched their playoff spot on September 10th, the conclusion of their regular season hasn’t been a time to “take a breather” for the team. With a well stocked bench, Mike Scioscia has been able to rest Vladimir Guerrero, Garrett Anderson, Torii Hunter, Howie Kendrick, and Erick Aybar amongst many other players in the Angels system. The Angels certainly will be a tough team to beat this post season with well rested players and more than likely Home Field Advantage.

The Tampa Bay Rays are having a season similar to the 2002 Anaheim Angels. No one had heard of the Rays before this season. Even if you were a Rays fan, you certainly could not have predicted that the Rays would be in playoff contention this late in the season, let alone challenging the Angels for Home Field Advantage in the playoffs. I fully expect the Rays to do well in the playoffs, and any team that is going to beat them is certainly going to have to “earn it”.

Sometimes the student out performs their teachers expectations. The Angels certainly have high expectations based upon the medias outlook for them, but the best is yet to come. Exactly who the teacher is, and who the student will be is a good question. Joe Maddon has certainly done a great job, and had the opportunity to work with one of the best baseball coaches in the past decade. I look forward to a very exciting playoff season this year. Now it's time to play some baseball!

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Why 2008 is Special

(AP Photo)

By David Saltzer - Angelswin.com Columnist


There’s a certain amount of onomonopeia in the word “clinch”. It sounds like a perfection combination of being a “cinch” to do, and something that we could “clench” from the get-go.

We all know that wasn’t the case, with the key injuries to Escobar, Lackey, Figgins, Kendrick, and Napoli (just to name a few). And we all remember that many of the pundits didn’t pick us to win the division. According the talking-heads, the Mariners were supposed to be the class of the division. We were supposed to be happy with a valiant fight for a Wild Card spot.

But, there we were on Wednesday celebrating after we clinched our 4th AL West title in 5 years. We were the first team to clinch and did it at home. We did it against the Yankees, which made it all the more special.

As I watched the team celebrating on the field, I realized that winning the division this year meant something extra special to me as a fan. Winning the AL West this year fundamentally changed the way I viewed the team’s history as a franchise.

I was born in 1972, and have been a life-long Angels fan. I remember watching the team win its first AL West title and listening to the older fans explain how winning changed everything. For them, winning the first title meant the team had a history—a time before a title, and a time after it.

I remember watching the team win its second AL West title in 1982. Again, I remember listening to the older fans explain how the second title in 3 years changed everything. For them, winning a second title meant that the team had a chance at being a dynasty. The Cowboy had brought in the free agents to do a job, and it looked like they could do it fairly easily.

I remember 1986, like it was yesterday. I celebrated when we won our 3rd AL West title. At age 14, I was old enough to know that our third title was going to change everything. The team in 1986 was magical. It had it all. They were the comeback kids. There was no deficit that they couldn’t surmount. There was no team that scared them. They were the team that was going to win it all. I was there in the stands ready to storm the field when the fateful pitch was thrown.

From 1987-2001, there were some highs, but mostly, there were lows. There were no more banners to be flown, there were no more major free agents to be signed. Cost efficiency became the operational goal, and winning took a back seat. We nearly drifted into contraction.

As the years wore on, the joy of 1986 faded. Each year it seemed like we would never recapture the glory and potential that we had in 1986. Each year, I wished a little bit more that it the pitch had been called strike 3 instead of a being hit as a homerun. Each year I wondered how much more different things would be had we won it all that year. For fourteen seasons, it seemed that 1986 was the peak of our accomplishments, and each season took us further and further away from the top.

When 2002 rolled around, I honestly did not believe that we had a chance to win it all. Our payroll paled in comparison to the Yankees. Our pitchers were good, but not the aces of other organization, and our hitters were solid, but not the sluggers that we faced on a nightly basis.

I remember the prayer I said at the start of each round in the post season: “Please G-d, let us win at least 1 game in this round to prove that we belong here.” As long as we weren’t swept, I told myself that I should be happy.

Winning the World Series in 2002 changed everything for the Angels. We became a team with a national history. Our attendance immediately shot up by over 700,000 fans, and crossed the 3 million mark for the first time. All of a sudden, we changed from being an invisible team with almost no fans into a sea of red. Whereas before the World Series you might occasionally see an Angels cap around Orange County, after winning the World Series, you saw red everywhere.

So then, what is so special about winning the AL West in 2008? Why should fans revel in 2008’s success so far? Shouldn’t we wait to see if we win the World Series before declaring 2008 a major success for the organization?

In short, winning the AL West in 2008 proves to the fans is that 2002 was not the Mt. Everest of our history—it was the fulcrum upon which our organization balances. Consider this: In the 41 years prior to 2002, we won 3 Division titles; in the 6 years since 2002, we’ve won 4. In the 41 years prior to 2002, we had 1 AL MVP and 1 Cy Young pitcher; in the 6 years, we’ve had Vlad and Bartolo. In the 41 years prior to 2002, we watched Nolan Ryan set the ML record for strikeouts; in the 6 years since 2002, we watched K-Rod break the ML record for saves.

At this point, it’s clear to say that we’ve set as many team and individual records in the 6 years since 2002 as we did in the entire 41 years prior to 2002. And, at this point, it’s clear to say that our glory is not behind us. Our glory is as much now and in the future as it is in the past. Unlike the 1979-1986 stretch that seemed like the golden years for so long, our future is still bright. No longer do we have to hope to spend some time playing in October; we now expect that we will be.

I’m now the proud father of 3 wonderful sons. What 2008 means to me is that my sons will grow up with an entirely different Angels’ history than I had. My sons will never have to pray to “win just 1 game to prove we belong here.” With the way we’ve played this year, we are the class of the majors. With the way our organization is run, we will remain so for years to come.

This truly is a good time to be an Angels fan. And that is why winning the AL West in 2008 is special.

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The Angels shape up for October

The AL saves leader - Francisco Rodriguez looks to be a force yet again in October

By Jacob Kagi - Angelswin.com Columnist

With a postseason appearance now assured, Angels fans are running through our 40-man-roster to decide which group of 25 players we should use to attempt to propel us to a second World Series championship.

Having used a relatively large group of players this year and with an incredible amount of talent throughout the system there are tough choices that must be made by the Angels management heading into October.

The Angels will almost certainly only carry two catchers into the postseason, and barring injury, those two will be Jeff Mathis and Mike Napoli. Carrying Bobby Wilson as a third catcher could be an option due to his excellent season at Salt Lake, but most likely the Halos will choose not to. Wilson is certainly an intriguing talent, and had he been given time earlier in the season (which they weren’t able to do because of his injury) he would have had a real shot, but it would be a mistake to carry a catcher into the postseason who had not really worked with the big league club’s pitching staff before.

Mark Teixeira, Howie Kendrick, Erick Aybar and Chone Figgins will obviously be on the roster if not for an injury. Robb Quinlan should and will make the roster, providing an option in the corner infield and outfield spots. The club will also need a backup middle infielder, and as a result Sean Rodriguez should also make it to October, especially after his strong performances as of late. It’s probable that the Angels will carry seven infielders into the postseason, meaning Brandon Wood, Matthew Brown and Kendry Morales all have a good shot, but more on that later.

Obviously Vladimir Guerrero, Torii Hunter, Garret Anderson and Juan Rivera will be around come October. Reggie Willits provides adequate offense and defense in all three outfield spots and is also an excellent pinch-running and hitting option, making him a likely choice for the roster. Gary Matthews Jr. would be an unpopular choice with the fans, but there are reasons why he would be good to take, which we will cover later.

Barring injury, John Lackey, Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders and Jon Garland will constitute the Angels starting rotation come October (although they may skip Garland’s start in the ALDS). This will leave Jered Weaver to act as a long reliever, a position that the Angels have struggled to fill this year.

Francisco Rodriguez, Scot Shields, Jose Arredondo and Darren Oliver all warrant a bullpen spot, and will all be around come the Division Series. That covers nine of the probable ten pitching spots, so the battle for the last spot should be between Justin Speier, Jason Bulger and Darren O’Day. Speier has the experience but has struggled incredibly all season, meaning it would be a big mistake to take him into the playoffs. Of the other two, Bulger should be given the edge. In 4.2 innings since being called up from Salt Lake, where he had an excellent season, he has allowed only two base runners without conceding a run. Since an early honeymoon period O’Day has struggled. This should mean that Bulger wins the battle and plays a part in the postseason.

That leaves two roster spots to fill. It is possible that the Angels will decide to carry an eleventh pitcher, most likely either O’Day or Speier, but at this stage it appears unlikely.

The most likely candidates to fill the two remaining roster spots are Wood, Brown, Morales and Matthews. They will certainly take another infielder in, and Wood, Brown and Morales have the best numbers of the candidates. Wood has recently found his feet at the big league level and this will probably see him make the postseason roster. Matthews would be a very unpopular choice with the fans, but carrying an extra outfielder would be very useful as it would allow Mike Scioscia to replace Guerrero, Anderson or Rivera late in a tight game. Gary has been starting to turn things around as of late, hitting .314 in his last 10 games. Due to this resurgence and the flexibility it gives the Angels with two outfield defensive replacements on the bench (and the best CF option we have if Hunter goes down), he should get over the line, even though he will see limited action in the playoffs.

Having narrowed it down, the best roster that the Angels can take into the playoffs is:

Catchers: Napoli, Mathis
Infielders: Teixeira, Quinlan, Kendrick, S Rodriguez, Aybar, Wood, Figgins
Outfielders: Guerrero, Hunter, Anderson, Rivera, Willits, Matthews.
Pitchers: Lackey, Saunders, Santana, Garland, F Rodriguez, Shields, Arredondo, Oliver, Weaver, Bulger.

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From Neglected to Never in Doubt

By Jason Sinner - Angelswin.com Columnist

Well, that was easy. Uh, um, ok, maybe not. The year began with the Halos top two starters on the shelf and many ‘experts’ clamoring over the improved Seattle Mariners. Predictions of a tight AL west race were made with many believing that the M’s would eventually come out on top. Those thoughts flew out the window after about a month as the paper tiger Seattle squad imploded early and often. Yet it was apparent that the Halos were not without their own holes to fill as they battled injuries, offensive woes, and the upstart A’s in what was turning out to be a fairly close battle nonetheless. After a July 11th loss and just two games prior to the all star break, the Halos found themselves with just a four game lead.

A month later, the lead was 15 games and everything was coming together. The pitching maintained its form, the offense started to click, and the front office rewarded the team with that elusive and coveted big bat in the form of Mark Teixeira that all had been pining for. From that point forward it was less a matter of if and more a matter of when the Angels would clinch their 4th division title in the last five years.

So on September 10, 2008 the Halos did just that. As I watched the guys celebrate and cover one another with beer and champagne while they jumped around with ear to ear smiles on their faces, one thing became readily apparent. This was a true team accomplishment with contributions across the board. There is no Cy Young or League MVP nor Rookie of the year but a collective effort by one and all.

Soon, the coaches, players, and fans will begin to talk about the next step of what is still a long, hard road to the ultimate goal. But, for now, let us all relish in the fact that tonight the Halo shines extra bright as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are division champions once again.

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Angelswin.com Prospect Hotlist - 2008 Final Edition

(Orem Owlz - Roberto Lopez)

By Chuck Richter - Angelswin.com Executive Editor

Once a week (Monday) AngelsWin.com will cover the top 10 hottest prospects in the organization. We will list their current stats and feats with a little blurb on each player. This is a great way for you Halo fans to find out who's hot in the Angels organization. It is important as a fan to know who is up and coming in the organization because prospects not only strengthen our team in the future, but they also become trade fodder for teams looking to rebuild who might give up an established player in the big leagues.

Covering the minor leagues has been something we at Angelswin.com enjoy doing for for the fans and parents of the Halos minor leaguers, giving recognition to top performers for the previous week . The top 10 hottest future Halos will be covered here, but if you have any questions on other prospects in other organizations or if want to send your comments on our weekly lists, send me an email at chuck@angelswin.com and I will respond in a timely manner.

Now, on to this weeks' Angelswin.com Prospect Hotlist, the final prospect hotlist of 2008.....


1.) Roberto Lopez, 1B, Short Season A Ball - Orem Owlz
Season Totals: .400, .480, .667, 14 HR's & 72 RBI's

Former USC outfielder Roberto Lopez was named most valuable player of the Pioneer League after finishing the regular season with a .400 batting average (108-for-270) for the Orem Owlz, ends the season topping the Angelswin.com Prospect Hotlist. Lopez, who played for USC from 2005-08, was among the league leaders for almost every major category.

A native of La Mesa, Calif., Lopez recorded 28 doubles, one triple, 14 home runs and 72 RBI while playing first base for the Owlz. He went 1-for-2 in his final game to reach the .400 plateau before sitting out the regular season finale. Lopez was a 25th round selection of the Los Angeles Angels and began the season with a 24-game hitting streak.

2.) Rafael Rodriguez, RP, Double-A Arkansas Travelers
Season Totals: 2.79 ERA, 11 saves, 56 K's in 67.2 innings

Something has clicked for the hard throwing Rafael Rodriguez after he was sent back to Arkansas, posting a 1.86 ERA, while holding opposing hitters to a .237 batting average, and fanning 14 over his last 13 innings (0.68 ERA during that span).

When the Angels lost Stephen Marek via a trade for Mark Teixeira along with Casey Kotchman, they had the depth to make that trade with the likes of Rodriguez, Arredondo, Bulger, Jepsen, Aldridge and Herndon in the fold. Rafael who lost a few MPH off his fastball the last couple years after hitting 99 MPH as a teenager a few years back, has regained that high velocity this year, but he's also commanding his heater and slider a lot better, giving the Angels another late inning option in the near future.

3.) Freddie Sandoval, 3B, Triple-A Salt Lake Bees
Season Totals: .335, .389, .514, 45 2B's, 15 HR's, 88 RBI's

Sandoval finished the season on what was another of his many hot streaks during the '08 season, hitting .425 in his last 10 games. Sandoval has proved to the organization that he deserves a spot on the Angels roster in 2009, most likely taking the role of Rob Quinlan, if not claiming a starting job if an injury or door opens up for him another way.

There is no question Sandoval could be one of the best utility players the Angels have had since Chone Figgins, before he claimed a starting role a few years back. Something Sandoval could easily accomplish as well.

4.) Hank Conger, C, Double-A Arkansas Travelers
Season Totals: .303, .333, .517, 13 HR's, 75 RBI's

Hank Conger in what was just a half season of Baseball and his first taste of High-A Ball, turned out to be a tremendous accomplishment. Conger provided some punch in the middle of the order for the Quakes, which helped force a 1 game playoff game between the Inland Empire club.

Hank got the call after his season with the Quakes was over to the Double-A Arkansas Travelers club and last night he went 3-5 with a double, HR and 4 RBI's against the NW Arkansas club.

5. Luis Jimenez, 3B/1B, Short Season A Ball Orem Owlz
Season Totals: .331, .361, .630, 15 Hr's, 65 RBI's

The slugging corner infielder finished the season as the HR leader (1 more than Lopez) for the Orem Owlz club, and with a incredible .630 slugging pct. In Jimenez last 10 games he's hit .405, providing the Owlz with a middle of the order threat with Lopez in hopes of capturing another Orem championship.

6.) Bobby Wilson, C, Triple-A Salt Lake Bees
Season Totals: .312, .386, .435, 20 2B's, 4 HR's, 45 RBI's (72 games)

Wilson, who hit just 4 HR's in 72 games with Salt Lake during the regular season, clubbed 3 HR's in the short series against Sacramento, hitting .500 before the Bees stellar season was cut short. Bobby Wilson could be the best all around catcher the Angels don't have on their current roster.

7.) Gabriel Jacobo, 1B, Low-A Ball Cedar Rapids Kernels
Season Totals: .324, .357, .556, 10 HR's, 56 RBI's (just 70 games)

Jacobo has made quite an impression after being drafted in the 10th round of the '08 amateur draft. The power hitting 1B has been productive in both stops (Orem & Cedar Rapids) this season, and is someone to keep an eye on going forward, besides his 10 HR's, Jacobo also clubbed 28 doubles.

8.) Anthony Ortega, SP, Triple-A Salt Lake Bees
Season Totals: 3.46 ERA, 14-7, .256 BAA

Anthony Ortega posted a solid ERA of 3.73 in Double-A Arkansas, but his performance in Triple-A has earned him what could be a spot start or two with the big league club in September. Ortega won 5 out of his 6 starts with the Triple-A Bees, posting a solid 2.52 ERA, hurling 5 straight QS's to end the season.

Ortega possess a solid set of average pitches (88-92 MPH fastball, curve, slider & changeup) that he uses to keep opposing hitters guessing at the plate.

9.) Peter Bourjos, OF, High A Ball Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
Season Totals: .295, 29 2B's, 10 3B's, 9 HR's & 50 SB's

Bourjos was hitting over .300 (as high as .349 in June) for the majority of the season for the Quakes and was on pace at one time to steal over 70 bases, but a bad month of July and half of August saw Bourjos average drop 60+ points. With a 2 week surge to end the season, Peter improved his average, showed more power (4 HR's) and finished at .295, while stealing his 50th base.

Peter is the best athlete and outfielder in the farm system, but his plate discipline suffered in the final 2 months of the season (19 walks/96 strikeouts) so he'll need to improve that area going forward so he can use his blazing speed on the bases.

10.) Robert Fish, LHP, Low-A Ball Cedar Rapids Kernels
Season Totals: 4.85 ERA, 10-4, 138 K's in 143 innings

The southpaw Robert Fish exited the 2008 season fanning 20 batters in his last 3 appearances. Fish needs to keep the ball down and command his secondary pitches better, but he does have dominant stuff at times, a result of what was the best strikeouts to innings rate among hurlers with more than 100 innings. Keep an eye on him in Rancho next season, but it could ugly in the Cal League if he doesn't keep the ball down.

11.) Jose Perez, SP, Low-A Ball Cedar Rapids Kernels
Season Totals: 3.55 ERA, 7-4, 99 K's in 91 innings

Jose Perez is a fireballer to keep an eye on as he's managed to use his mid 90's fastball (at times hits 96-98 MPH) to fan 99 batters in 91 total innings this season, across 3 stops. Perez finished the season well, posting a 2.79 ERA with the Kernels in 5 starts, one of which he fanned 1o batters in 8 scoreless innings, only to throw another 7 scoreless innings in his next start.

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The Troops Keep Marching

Steve Tadusiek gets the crowd going at Anaheim Stadium

By Mark Ufkes & Orash Eftekhari - Angelswin.com contributors

An army at Angel Stadium of Anaheim? Those rumors you heard about a roving band of rabid Angel fans on the View Level are true. And the group known as the '"Halo Troops" are led by the founder and lead man on the drumsticks: Steve Tadusiek.

Since 2003, the man known to Angels fans as “Tadeus" (or "that guy with the drumsticks"), has commanded the Halo Troops as they've become recognized as the some of the most loyal Angels fans you will see when you find yourself on the View Level to watch the Angels. And we haven't even gotten into the Championship belt.

Season ticket holders and frequent visitors to the View Level know them. They are the kids who walk back and forth on the View Level walkway, pounding on drumsticks to the beat of "Let's Go Angels." Their efforts are often rewarded by the quiet crowds, with cheers and chanting. It's not a surprise that Steve credits Rex "The Wonder Dog" Hudler as an inspiration.

Although considered by many to be a refreshing and entertaining bunch of die-hards, they aren't without controversy. There have been rumblings that the ushers simply tolerate them, and that some in the crowd ask "why can't they just sit and enjoy the game?" But the Halo Troops will tell you: They're just having fun.

So who is this band of rabid Angel fans? Well, there's Steve, of course, or the "Tuz" as I like to call him. There's Megan, Steve's #1 partner in cheering and "Monkey Girl". And on many nights the army of Halo Troops often grows with a parade of young fans joining in the fun.

Well good for them right? Sounds like good, clean, safe fun right? Well, not really, if you're an Angels usher. It seems that on a night that Tuz and the bunch were not around, an imposter attempted to use the Halo Troops tactics and get the crowd going. Unfortunately, according to the reports from the ushers, a drumstick broke and may have hit someone. No injuries were reported. But, apparently the powers that be got together and implemented a new rule: No drumsticks. And the Troops were silenced. Kinda.

Now, we can ignore the fact that red Angel drumsticks were once sold in the Stadium store. And we can ignore that the miniature toy bats still sold are nothing more than glorified drumsticks. But seriously, the Troops have been doing their thing since '03 without an incident. One isolated incident, which didn't involve them, and the Troops signature instrument is banned?

So, at the most recent games the Troops turned to Thuderstix as their noise makers. The results were satisfactory, but Thunderstix aren't really re-usable and the Troops supply is dwindling.

Even if the ushers don't re-examine and reverse the decision to ban the drumsticks, don't worry about losing Steve and the Troops. "I’m still going to be out there cheering at the Angel games I go to in some form or manner, whether it be Thunderstix, clapping hands, etc. There is nothing that will stop the Halo Troops from doing what we do best, and that is cheer and get the crowd pumped up." Good news.

So the next time you find yourself on the View Level and you see the man in the red bandanna, WWE style Angels championship belt and his crew behind him, don't be shy, put your hands together and give a few shouts. Because regardless of your opinion on the drumsticks, one thing is undeniable: A little more noise at the Stadium isn't going to hurt anyone.

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