Yesterday the Angels defeated South Africa 13-6 in exhibition play.
Mike Scioscia praises Jeff Mathis' defensive abilities and says it will earn him playing time. Apparently Sosh has forgotten all about Mathis' 13 errors last season.
My take. I hope Scioscia is just attempting to boost Jeff's confidence because it is not out of the realm of possibility that the Angels will have a problem scoring runs in 2009. It's likely the Angels will open the season with an infield of Kendry Morales, Howie Kendrick, Erick Aybar & Chone Figgins. That group combined for only TEN home runs last year. While it's legitimate to believe that Morales is capable of 15-25 homers the rest of the group are unlikely to reach double digits. Because of this the Halos need to find power wherever they can. That means Mike Napoli has to play almost everyday behind the plate with Juan Rivera, Bobby Abreu & Vladimir Guerrero rotating at the DH spot.
Napoli is surprised by his arm strength and he appears to be progressing nicely with his throwing program.
John Lackey's agent and the Angels will soon have preliminary talks regarding a contract extension to keep the staff ace in Anaheim after the 09 season. Lackey knows he will be the best starter on the market next winter.
"If you look at the guys who can be free agents, I think I know where I stand. I should be OK"
My take. It would behoove the Angels to make a serious preemptive strike (at least what the Yankees gave AJ Burnett, 5 years 82.5 million) and not expect any "hometown discount" from Lackey.
More encouraging news regarding Kelvim Escobar. "Escy" tells Lyle Spencer he feels almost "too good".
Reggie Willits might want to ask the Angels to rethink where the players parking lot is at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
The Angels will face Seattle today in Peoria: RHP Shane Loux vs. LHP Erik Bedard.
Mike Scioscia praises Jeff Mathis' defensive abilities and says it will earn him playing time. Apparently Sosh has forgotten all about Mathis' 13 errors last season.
My take. I hope Scioscia is just attempting to boost Jeff's confidence because it is not out of the realm of possibility that the Angels will have a problem scoring runs in 2009. It's likely the Angels will open the season with an infield of Kendry Morales, Howie Kendrick, Erick Aybar & Chone Figgins. That group combined for only TEN home runs last year. While it's legitimate to believe that Morales is capable of 15-25 homers the rest of the group are unlikely to reach double digits. Because of this the Halos need to find power wherever they can. That means Mike Napoli has to play almost everyday behind the plate with Juan Rivera, Bobby Abreu & Vladimir Guerrero rotating at the DH spot.
Napoli is surprised by his arm strength and he appears to be progressing nicely with his throwing program.
John Lackey's agent and the Angels will soon have preliminary talks regarding a contract extension to keep the staff ace in Anaheim after the 09 season. Lackey knows he will be the best starter on the market next winter.
"If you look at the guys who can be free agents, I think I know where I stand. I should be OK"
My take. It would behoove the Angels to make a serious preemptive strike (at least what the Yankees gave AJ Burnett, 5 years 82.5 million) and not expect any "hometown discount" from Lackey.
More encouraging news regarding Kelvim Escobar. "Escy" tells Lyle Spencer he feels almost "too good".
Reggie Willits might want to ask the Angels to rethink where the players parking lot is at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
The Angels will face Seattle today in Peoria: RHP Shane Loux vs. LHP Erik Bedard.
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