By Glen Mckee, AngelsWin.com columnist
Look on the bright side!
As I write this it is overcast outside in Southern California, and I’m enjoying the change in weather. What I’m definitely not enjoying is Angels baseball. I did enjoy the game I went to Friday night, thanks to surprise tickets from my girlfriend, but that was the exception. That was a well-played game in every aspect, perhaps the best one the Angels have played this year. After the fireworks went off, though, the Angels promptly forgot about that game and returned to their wretched ways. Two consecutive losses after coming from behind to tie or lead the game, two more reminders of how dreadful the bullpen is and the team in general. However, just as the sun is hiding behind the clouds out here in California there are always bright sides, even with this team. Let me share a few of them with ya.
Mike Trout – Like most of the rest of the team he started out slow but he’s really picked it up over the last handful of games. I don’t have the exact stats, but he’s hitting close to .578/.700/.650 since April 30. Mike Trout is becoming MIKE TROUT! once again. It’s a joy to watch.
Mark Trumbo – He’s been one of the few Angels doing well since the season started. The other guy is the ballboy; I haven't seen the ump run out of balls yet this season. Dude is a shoe-in for the coveted Ballboy of the Year award – the statue is two balls linked together, representing a ball and a strike. Anyways, Trumbo…after the end of last year there was legitimate doubt about him but he’s been excellent so far this year and is going on a power bender.
Mark Langston – I catch a lot of the games on radio so I get to hear Langston a lot. I do miss Jose Mota sometimes but Langston is a fresh voice that isn’t afraid to criticize the Angels organization. And, he looks like David Bowie. That’s kinda cool.
Angels Talk – I don't get to listen to this much but I bet it’s great right now. I'm guessing two “fire Scioscia!” calls followed by somebody saying it’s still early and we need to back our team, and then a nine-year-old kid saying Trout is great. I always imagine Terry Smith doing this show and drinking a la Bob Uecker in “Major League.” I know I would.
The starting pitching is getting better – Baby steps. Jason Vargas pitched a complete-game shutout against a good offensive team and the quality starts are starting to accumulate.
My Angels pushup program is yielding dividends – Ten for each run the Angels score, five for each run their opponents score. My chest is seriously yoked already.
Uh…I just saw the Head & Shoulders commercial with CJ Wilson – Okay, that isn’t a positive. Just thought I’d mention it.
I’m not spending much money on the Angels this year – That means more money for other important stuff like music and date night with my girlfriend. Get ready baby, we’re upgrading from Sizzler to Golden Corral!
At some point, the team has to get better – Right now this team is the baseball equivalent of this Hank Hill gem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx7Z5B3wWmE Every time I think the team has hit rock bottom, they find another embarrassing way to plumb the depths. They haven't hit rock bottom yet and it might take a while longer for them to do so, but eventually they will and then they'll start to improve.
Well…we have playoff basketball to watch! – Ha ha, just kidding. Basketball sucks more than this team does. And don't even mention soccer. It’s like basketball with no hands.
So there you have it. You can be a Debbie Downer and swim in the negativity of the team thus far, or you can join me in taking a cue from Monty Python and looking on the bright side of life. There are plenty of reasons to be hopeful; feel free to share your own!