MLB Playoffs 2014 – Best to Worst Scenarios (Angels Edition)

By Glen McKee, AngelsWin.com Senior Humorist

The playoffs are finally here and for the first time since Obama was still a rookie, the Angels are back in the playoffs.  Time for the hacks to bust out their “LA Angels of Anaheim of Los Angeles of California of the USA of Earth!  LOL!” lame-assed jokes.  It’s also time for predictions – mine at the end of this – and for an examination of the possible playoff scenarios.  From best to worst, here is what could happen in the playoffs and a helpful probability assessment of each scenario.  If I don’t list it here, it simply cannot happen.

1. Best-case scenario: The Angels beat the Dodgers in seven games in the World Series.  I know, I hear you asking “but Glen, isn’t the best case scenario the Angels sweeping the Dodgers?”  No, that isn’t, because that doesn’t give the Dodgers any hopes to be dashed in the last game, in Anaheim.  To make this scenario even better, imagine CJ Wilson outdueling Clayton Kershaw in Anaheim for the game seven win.  Beautiful, ain’t it?  Dodgers’ fans would be crushed.  There is no scenario better than this.  Probability: slightly better chance of happening than California having better-than-average rainfall this year.

2. Next-best-case scenario: The Angels sweep the Dodgers in the WS.  This is second-best scenario only because the Dodgers would have no hope and the win would occur on their field.  That would still be pretty sweet, but not as sweet as watching the hope slowly drain from their faces at the Big A.  Probability: the same as Kate Upton dumping Justin Verlander and hopping aboard the Glen Train.

3. Third-best case scenario: The Angels beat the Dodgers in six games. I’m sure you’re seeing the common theme in the best-case scenarios: beating the Dodgers.  That in itself would be great but it’s even greater doing it at home, because if it happens in the Latrine the Angels might not get out alive.  Probability: greater chance of happening than of anybody saying Joe West is a good umpire

4. The Angels beat Dodgers in the WS in five games.  They’ll need a police escort out of the stadium.  Probability: even odds with Arnold Schwarzenegger ever again starring in a good movie.  I miss you, Good Arnold.

5. The Angels beat the Nationals, Pirates, Cardinals or Giants in the WS.  The amount of games and the opponent don’t matter in these scenarios.  Winning a WS would be fantastic no matter which team the Angels beat, but the preferred NL opponent would be the Dodgers.  Although you can make arguments for certain matchups having a bit more oomph: beating the Nationals because of Trout versus that one kid everybody used to talk about, beating the Cardinals because of Albert Pujols, or even beating the Giants again.  I’d actually be a bit sad to see an Angels/Pirates WS because the Pirates are fun to root for.  Probability: better chance of one of these happening than there is anybody remembering U2s new album after this year is over.

All of those are variations of best-case scenarios.  What about the worst-case scenarios?  Glad you asked.  There are only a few to care about.

1. The Angels get to the WS and lose to the Dodgers, any amount of games. Self-explanatory. That would suck more than a million jet engines in front of a black hole.  Probability: one percent chance of happening.  If the Angels and Dodgers make it to the WS then that proves the existence of Baseball God and there’s no way, barring a lapse in attention, that Baseball God would let the Dodgers win that WS.  Inconceivable!

2. The Angels don’t advance to the ALCS.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad the Angels ended their playoff drought and also glad it happened in a year without the Red Sox AND Yankees in the playoffs.  However, now that they are back in the playoffs, having it end so abruptly would suck. There’s no other word for it, even with all the injuries to the pitching staff for the Angels.  Wow.  Just imagining it bums me out a bit.  It doesn’t matter who our opponent is, but if it’s the A’s it would suck even more.  Gah.  Give me the willies, thinking of that does.  Probability: even odds.  Playoffs are a crapshoot, every year there are surprise eliminations, blah blah blah.  

3. The Angels get to the WS and then lose.  This is only slightly less bad than the first scenario, but it is pretty bad.  Getting to the WS would fire up all of the 2002 comparisons all over again, and to have the season end differently would make people remember the hell that was 1986 (yes, I know that wasn’t the WS, but yeah).  So close but so far away is worse than not close at all.  Probability: Worse chance of happening than of seeing Tony Romo in a playoff game in 2015.

4. The Angels get to the ALCS and then lose.  Getting out of the ALDS intact would be great, but then blowing it directly after that would hurt.  Not as much as getting to the WS and losing or not even getting to the ALSC, but close.  I’d still consider it a good season if this happened.  Probability: slightly better odds than of the new Bill & Ted movie being funny.  Man, I don’t want to get my hopes up, but…

5. The Angels don’t get to the WS, and either Oakland or the Dodgers wins it all.  Imagine Oakland winning and everybody slobbering all over Billy’s Beane all over again, and all offseason long.  Imagine the Angels not making it to the WS and the Dodgers winning it all.  I’d rather be repeatedly kicked in the nuts by Shaquille O’Neal wearing steel-toe sneakers for an hour straight than have either of those happens, and I’m not exaggerating.  It’s OK, I’m already sterilized, so I wouldn’t be losing anything and after the first kick I’d be numb.  It’s still suck, though.  Probability: even odds with another El Nino happening this year.  

6. The Angels don’t make it to the WS and any other team besides the Dodgers or A’s wins: This is the best of the worst-case scenarios.  If the Angels don’t win and the Dodgers and A’s don’t win either, I’m making the De Niro “ehh, not bad” face.  Sucks, but at least neither of those other teams took the championship either.  I could live with that, kinda like mushrooms on a pizza.  Not what I want, but tolerable.  Probability: much better chance of happening that Trout’s first AB in the playoffs resulting in a K looking.

  

Of course there are other playoffs scenarios, but none of them really fit into best- or worst-case for the Angels and their fans.  These are the best of the best and the worst of the worst.  As for my prediction: nobody will accuse me of Homerism, other than for constantly using Homer as my avatar on the message board.  I’m going with worst-case #4.  The Angels will have enough magic to get past the first round but their starting pitching will ultimately betray them, and the offense won’t have enough left in the tank to bail them out.  Still a good season, and I hope I’m wrong.  

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Point/Counterpoint: Mailbox Time!

By Nate Trop and Glen McKee, AngelsWin.com SATIRE Columnist

Nothing says, “We’re out of ideas” quite like a fan mailbox piece.   Errrrrr … we mean … 

Here at the Point/Counterpoint Headquarter locations, in a secret vault somewhere on Edwards AFB and out in the wilds of Wisconsin, we have so much mail piling up that we need to go through some of it.  You have questions, we have the definitive answers.  So without further ado, your mail!

From A. Dodge, Lake Forest CA - “Why aren’t there more Asians on the team?  Conger’s suckiness aside.”  

Glen:   Good question, A. Dodge!  I think it’s because, unlike math, Asians are generally not good at baseball (see: Conger).  Another obvious reason is that Scioscia speaks Spanish and loves the brown dudes, and there’s only so much room for minorities on any team.

Nate:  I think our international scouting has really taken a nose dive over the last few years, with the biggest omission coming from Asia.  The Angels seem to be completely absent from this market. Mr. Dodge, I nominate you to become the new Asia/Pacific Islands scouting director.

From A. Oracle, LONG BEACH STATE, CA!!!!!!!   “Is the bullpen going to completely melt down in the playoffs (of COURSE it is!) and why didn’t Dipoto get some starting pitching before the deadline?”

Nate:  Well, Mr. Oracle, it is hard to say.  There was no way the bullpen could keep performing at the high level they were.  I think they were over used, out of necessity, because of the starting pitching depth issues that the Angels faced over the last six weeks, as well as purely because the Angels won so many games.  You manage your bullpen different in games you can win.  With that said, I think the pen will be fine.

Glen:  Bullpens tend to be cyclical and we’re on a good cycle right now, we just need to keep on riding it.  Grilli is taking the Shields spot of “un-athletic pen guy” and Street is like Percy with fewer walks and stress.  Not much could have been done about the rotation without screwing up the lineup, so we gotta dance with who brung us.  I trust Dipoto will make a few moves in the offseason to strengthen the rotation.

From T. Daddy, Dodgertown, CA – “Do you think the Dodgers will win the WS this year?”  

Glen: I think what you’re really asking is if you should get rid of your Dodgers’ jerseys.  Stay the course, they’ll have some slight worth again soon.

Nate:  Is Puig better than Trout?  Are RBIs a good stat?  Should the wins leader win the Cy Young Award?  The answer to all of them is $#*@ NO!

From F. Grimes, Springfield, MA … or IL … or wherever – “Does Mike Trout really eat at Subway?”

Nate:  If you believe in Jared’s amazing weight loss then I think you have to believe that Mike eats at Subway.  There is no other explanation for his body transformation from last season.  You have to wonder though, how does Jersey Mike’s feel about their advertisement on the left-center field wall when Mike is showing up on TV every day representing Subway?  I bet they thought they were so lucky.  “OMG!!!  The Angels have the best player on the planet and his name is Mike and he is from Jersey.”  Then Subway was like, “$money!!!”   And Jersey Mike’s was like, “WTF?!?!”

Glen:  He’s certainly eating a lot of something.  

From T. Dawg, East Coast, USA – “With the new car smell wearing off of Mike Trout, what up-and-coming Angel gives you that feeling like when you climbed the rope in gym class?”  

Glen:  I’m saving my Angels’ broner for whatever starting pitcher(s) Dipoto brings in during the offseason.  He did well with keeping Richards and getting that dude we lost to TJ surgery (you know, Kunta, lives upstairs).  I’m eager to see what he does this year.  I think there’s still some magic left in his wand.  (If you know what I mean.)  

Nate:  It has to be Shoemaker.  That beard is an aphrodisiac of epic proportions.  In fact, the Angels should start bundling replica beards with his jersey.  It would be the best selling jersey in history.  I would buy seven so I would have a beard for every day of the week.

From S. Stradling, In-N-Out, CA – “If the Manager of the Year voters don’t choose Scioscia, then they aren’t real fans, right?”  

Glen:  Yes!  Or no.  Check with me after the playoffs because my answer may change.

Nate:  You would have to figure he is in the top three.  In the end, I think us “real fans,” who never doubted his ability, are going to be disappointed.  You have to give it to Yost or Showalter.  Like it or not, those two managers have done more with less.

From T. Stoddart, Fort Collins, CO – “Is Jason Grilli the most attractive baseball player of all time?”  

Glen:  I don’t know about that, but I do know that if he was in the band Chase, he’d certainly score the most babes.

Nate:  I do enjoy a good beer belly, but there is no man on the planet who gives my heart flutters like my man Aybar.  I love that ugly tobacco stained mug of his.

From K. Olbermann, Doucheville, North Korea – “Who is the best player of the last 5 million years?”  

Glen:  Aw Jeet Jeet Jeet Jeet!  

Nate:  We all know it is Mike Trout.  I have a question for you, Mr. Olbermann, “are you the most annoying sports reporter of the last 5 million years?”

From J. Mathis, Miami, FL – “How can I hack Mr. Dipoto’s cell phone for compromising pictures so I can get my starting job back?”  

Nate:  Um, that is illegal.  We’re an upstanding organization here, not the NSA.

Glen:  Dude, you already have Scioscia’s hack.  Not that you need it, but yeah.

M. Napoli, Boston, MA – “Can you please tell Scioscia that CERA is a false stat?” 

Glen: OK Mike, I know you’ll be familiar with this scenario:  Say you have an old conquest that you accidentally gave your real phone number to.  She was great for a night, but then she kept calling and texting you and never got the message, even after you didn’t respond for a month.  She’s probably deteriorated a lot in the intervening few years and getting back with her, while tempting from a nostalgia standpoint, is ill-advised at best.  What I’m saying, Mike, is that you are that booty call. Please delete the Angels from your contacts and move on.  

Nate:  Mr. Napoli, we have heard this argued quite a bit.  I still believe that CERA can be an important and revealing stat.  The only time it is unfortunate is when it is used to start Mr. Mathis.

And there you have it.  Thank you all for the great questions, and please keep them coming!  (If you know what I mean.)

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AngelsWin.com's 10th Anniversary Member Appreciation Interview with Brandon

This week we celebrate our 10th anniversary with an interview with long time member, Brandon. "B" has been as active as they come in the way of forum discussions for many years, has participated in many of our events and even represented us well with a Media Credential to cover the Angels (more on that in our interview below). Gibson is a great story teller and good guy to catch a beer with at the ballpark or your favorite pub. 

Let's dig right in and get to know Brandon Gibson better, in this week's member appreciation post. 

AngelsWin.com: When and how did you first come to AngelsWin.com?

Brandon Gibson: I came over with the mass migration from ESPN. I'm a life long Angels fan and after the WS and a new owner, that was looking to spend money to keep a winner, I got real interested in following up to the minute moves and rumors and back in 2003 the community there, that ended up here, seemed to beat the major news outlets to stories. So I was able to follow closely that Carlos Beltran rumor that never happened. 

AngelsWin.com:  What keeps you coming back to the site?

Brandon Gibson: The community and access/breaking news of moves or team dealings. Between ESPN, but mostly here, it was my first message board experience so I really took to being an active member, for better or worse. Because we have a friendly community aspect that gets into our personal lives at times or outside of the team with commonalities, I have had the privilege of so many member interactions with everything from serious events likes weddings and charity events to casual get togethers like poker/Vegas trips, beer tastings, or viewing parties. I've created life long friendships because of the site and it feels like talking Halos with your buddies or family members on a daily basis. 

AngelsWin.com:  What have been some of your favorite articles and threads?

Brandon Gibson: Man, where to begin with this one. The group process of the 50 greatest moments in Angels history was beyond cool and memorable. More for the experience, but the chance to represent Angelswin during a day game and be a part of the media for a day was a blast. Doing those articles/"at the game thread" with Victor Rojas, Orlando Merced, and the board that were fun.

As for threads, there were countless. I think everyone agrees "Common Courtesy" is tops. One of my first memorable threads was Adam doing a whole story about a gift exchange with some dude at work that gave him The Manchurian Candidate. I chimed in and we became buds after that. Others include "furniture sex", Kelvim Escobar tripod thread, I started a thread messing with Google called "Black guy.....stole my bike" that lead to all of us messing with Google and letting it finish sentences. There was also a graph website that had graphs for song lyrics among other things...that was a long gem. 10 years wiser I like the Soccer Forum and movie threads the most these days. 

AngelsWin.com:  What in-person events have you attended from AngelsWin.com (Spring/Summer Fanfests, Charity Golf, Charity Softball)?

Brandon Gibson: Just about everything. I was there at the first softball event, first viewing party, first Fan Fest, first poker get together, first golf event, all the events at Throwbacks. The website has been absolutely great in people simply proposing an idea and making it happen, no matter how big or small. The only thing I haven't done is Spring Training. My favorite to this day is the playoff viewing party in 2009 where we finished off the Red Sox. We packed it to be standing room only and one of my favorite sports memories was Vlad hitting that single up the middle and there was an initial gasp by everyone then the place absolutely erupted like I've never seen or heard before. While I was cheering with Hot Damn as everyone was jumping up and down, I feel a hand on my shoulder and it's Blarg pulling himself up onto the top of the bar and jumping up and down. It was one of the most ballsy things I've seen done, but everyone was so elated no one cared to tell him to stop which makes it awesome. Then champagne went everywhere. 

AngelsWin.com:  Why is AngelsWin.com your internet home for the Angels?

Brandon Gibson: The access and professionalism on the back end of the site to have the relationships we do here is second to none. I was lucky enough to experience it first hand, but even having things like players or family members come around is just great for the fan experience here.....it's really just more than a website to discuss lineup changes and trades. Plus, aside from viewing parties or going to games with members here, on random weekday games simply hopping into the chatroom to watch games in real time with other Halo fans like we would at any other event is sweet. You really get an experience here opposed to just another message board. Oh, and after many, many years I found out Riley Breckenridge of Thrice was not only an Angels fan, but someone I would chat with a bunch here! 

AngelsWin.com:  In your opinion, what is AngelsWin.com’s best feature: the articles, charitable events, game-day chat, message boards, Fanfests, podcasts, etc?

Brandon Gibson: Tough answer because you can make a case for any and all features. I'm partial to the chartiy events we have done over the years and the impact that has had. The first inception of the game day chat was a blast that I liked to moderate back then.....it was all the people I went to games with or viewings, but we were in the comfort of our own homes. These days I really enjoy the more bountiful articles, mainly the saber stuff. Ironically, I was against playing games on paper but through the site, even being a math guy, grew to appreciate what a small collective here bring in terms of numbers and player classification. 

  

Ligther Side

AngelsWin.com:  Where do you live and what do you do?

Brandon Gibson: I live in Southern California. I guess I fall under the category of entrepreneur/self employed. I have my hands and cut my teeth in Real Estate and have created, owned, or managed projects from data storage, alternative medicine, investing/venture capitalist, and healthcare is my main focus these days. Funny thing is because of this site I have  been fortunate to help others here and even reconnected with an old business associate through the site events that I started working with on a project of theirs. 

AngelsWin.com: Why are you an Angels fan?

Brandon Gibson: Local/hometown team and just grew up rooting for them. It's been a very rewarding experience going from the early 90's to a World Series to consistent success and expectations to succeed. Going through the 90's as an Angels fan you wouldn't ever think we would be competing yearly like we do now. 

AngelsWin.com:  What was your first Angels game that you remember? Who’d you go with?

Brandon Gibson: I had gone to a few random games as part of playing Little League, but my first memory was I had a neighbor across the street when I was young that kind of acted like an older brother. My parents left for vacation and asked him if he would watch me for the weekend, he did and that first night he took me to the batting cages, then to get and Angels hat, and to the game that night against the Rangers where my most vivid memories were a fan climbing the left field foul pole and some random dude in front of me heckling Otis Nixon as he kept yelling that the base path lines would disappear if he ran the bases.....I think some of the older dudes will get the heckle. 

AngelsWin.com:  Who have been your favorite players? Why? Any great stories or interactions with them?

Brandon Gibson: Tough question. I remember players in my early days like Wally Joyner or Jim Abbott, but my first favorite player was Jim Edmonds. I'm partial to five tool type guys like he used to be, Garret Anderson used to kind of be one, and now we have the luxury of Trout. My first interaction I remember was getting a California Angels ball signed by Troy Percival and Mike James at a game while trying to get Edmonds around '94 or '95. I'm fortunate to have a business relationship with Jason Brennan of Angels Talk from years past, so I've been in situations of meeting front office people or running into players. A pretty unique one is we used to have season seats in front of Vlad's family suite and through that I had a family member that dated Vlad's cousin. This meant after games we would go with the family down through the tunnels and visit the players leaving the clubhouse and hangout in the parking lot after. I also got to hangout with Vlad a few times, dude likes his rum.

The funniest one and a good board joke is Chuck allowed me to represent the website with a press pass years ago, but it was complete last minute because it was a day game that the regular reporter couldn't make. I've never been remotely close to this position and am a mere fan, but take the job seriously of getting the site content....but have no clue what I'm doing. Luckily, when I get there I run into Jason Brennan and Eric Denton who give me a mild run down of how things work, but I don't have clubhouse access so I am not with them to follow around. I'm actually kind of lost in the tunnels but see Mickey Hatcher throwing BP to Kendry Morales, I figure this is a good time to take a pic for the site. Like a dumb rookie I take the pic, but the flash is on and goes off during the pic. I do the apologetic face/ hands in the air thing of apology while Hatcher looks at me like he wants to kill me, but Kendry actually starts posing, totally hamming it up for the camera and motions for me to take another. Hatcher jokingly tells him to stop messing around and I head off. During the day time BP I'm on the field, but the players avoid the media like the plague and we are only allowed to talk to them or go to certain areas based on what they do to let us know they are open for questions. Victor Rojas sees a rookie struggling and calls me over to chat, we both have ties to Kansas City so we chat it up and I tell him why I'm there, but have no clue what to do. He let's me interview him but is super cool in working with me (I wasn't sure what to expect and prepped to ask players questions, so I flew by the seat of my pants with him) and letting me work through the jitters and questions. Later was the second BP when the fans are in the stadium, so access is a little more limited, but I still get to hangout in the dugout. The bullpen coach comes out and I interview Orlando Merced. We go through some questions for the site but then get to talking casually as I remember him on the Pirates in the 90's. He appreciates that I remember and we talk about his playing days. Then the players start coming out and I think this is my last chance to get a player for the site. Kevin Frandsen sits next to me and I ask him but he shakes me off. The other bench guys come out and then out walks Jered Weaver. Me having no shame and willing to talk to anyone walk up to him and ask if I can ask some questions for the site, he replies with, "I'm pitching today, bud" and the bench guys kind of chuckle at my expense and I kind of just walk out of the dugout with my tail between my legs  and up to the press area above the Diamond Club. 

AngelsWin.com:  How do you survive the offseason?

Brandon Gibson: The offseason is actually my favorite time of the year. I feel like we all watch the same games, same slumps, errors, or game winning homeruns so I don't comment too much during the season because there isn't much to add that hasn't already been said about a poor pitching performance or specific play that we all don't see. But during the offseason we seem to get pretty creative and it gets exciting with trade rumors or free agent signings. I get into the comings and goings of the club. Off the site, I'm really into all sports and grew up a lot of them at high levels, so I follow other sports or participate myself. Outside of that I'm big into my friends and family time. 

AngelsWin.com: What’s one thing you’d like everyone in AngelsWin.com to know about you?

Brandon Gibson: Ironically, I think too much has come out during the years, whether my fault or others haha. I'd like to think I come off more casual and joking, I hope that comes off and that I don't take much too seriously. I'm always there for charity events, putting together events, helping people personally, or supporting or promoting other peoples ventures from the site. I hope that part of my character is seen opposed to what I think of people that overly complain :)

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See You in the Postseason

By David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer

For so many years, Angels fans could only dream of saying that. Every spring, we’d go to Angels Stadium filled with hope. Every September, on a Sunday, the reality sank in: Baseball was done for the year. The last home game of the year had been played, the last out had been recorded.

Then 2002 happened. And, for nearly a decade, it seemed that every year, Angels fans could say it. It almost became rote.

Like the rain in California, the inevitable drought came. If absence makes the heart grow fonder, then prolonged absence nearly breaks it. It has been too long since we’ve been able to say those six magical words.

For many, the post season is validation for all their time spent in the summer. It’s their “reward” for passionately following a team through the ups and downs of 162 games.

For others, it’s a chance at glory—to see something special happen for their town, their team, their community. It’s a chance to say “I was there, and I was a part of it.”

For me, though, it’s something else: it’s a chance to extend that hope from spring for a few more weeks into the fall. Although fall is my favorite season of the year, it is a bit bittersweet because it always means the end of the baseball season. And, it means that it will be another 4 months until I can hear that sweet sound of a ball hitting a bat, the pure joy of baseball chatter, and the thrill of listening to an inning of baseball.

Like many, I go into a bit of a depression brought on by baseball withdrawal. Sure, I enjoy good football games, and have fun at hockey games, but neither is the same as baseball. I’m always happier at Angels stadium than at any other sports venue.

Today was the Angels’ last regular season home game. I took my sons to the game because seeing the last out of the season is a tradition. But, unlike so many years in the past, the game wasn’t a melancholy occasion; instead there was joy amongst the fans.

Thanks to events earlier in the week, there was a buzz in the crowd—a feeling of hope. Even though the Angels lost the game to the Rangers, the fans were upbeat and buoyant.

Angels fans are a family. We know each other. We take care of each other. We get to know the people who sit around us and work at the stadium. We take pleasure in seeing the kids in the row ahead of us grow up. We feel old when they are so old that they are bringing their kids to the stadium. During the season, we may go to eat lunch or dinner before a game with our Angels family or celebrate with drinks after an especially good game. We share the ups and downs of the season over countless conversations during the games.

On so many occasions, the last game of the season meant saying goodbye to all those friends. It was like the end of a good long visit with family—you wanted it to last a bit longer, but knew you had to go. There would be the hugs goodbye and the ever present “see you next year.”

But today, that wasn’t the case. Today, hope remains strong. The regular season may be over, but the post season is yet to come.

As my sons and I walked out of the stadium, we heard it over and over again. From one fan to another, and from fans to stadium employees, it almost sang out: “See you in the post season” meaning there’s still more Angels baseball to come this year. We still have more time to enjoy our baseball family. The last out of the season has yet to be recorded.

So as the final week winds down, and the Angels play for home field advantage, I will be happy because I know one thing—I will see you all in the post season.

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How The West Was Won!

Watch this amazing video put together by our friends at the MLB Network, on the Angels Path to the Postseason.

Congratulations to the Angels and all of their fans worldwide!

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Karma – She’s No Lady, She’s a…Well, You Know

By Glen McKee, AngelsWin.com resident grudge-holder - 

Karma is an interesting concept.  If you go by the Buddhist definition, what we do in this life is repaid to us in the next.  If you extrapolate that to baseball, it means that what a team does in the current season will be repaid to them in the next.  Not this one, but the next.  That seems pretty simple but it is apparently hard for fans and/or writers of/for some teams - let’s just call them Shoakland – to grasp.  That’s why I’m here, folks.  I have some ‘splainin’ to do.

There were two distinct instances recently where some people questioned if the Angels were messing with their karma.  The first was on July 21, when Mike Trout and Albert Pujols mocked the Mariners’ closer and annoying-hat-wearer Fernando Rodney, by firing imaginary arrows at him after he’d fired one into the dugout the inning before (Or in the stands, if you believe Rodney.  It’s possible, given that he can’t even get his hat on straight, but I still don’t believe him.).  Some people (as in at least one) on this very message board were certain that this taunting would doom the Angels.  Nope.  Enough said about that, other than watching the gif again because it’s right up there with the Aybar dance:

The second incident was on August 29.  It was actually two incidents.  The first was the Angels, playing Shoakland in a tense game, encouraging the fans to do the light wave.  This was something that had been done before and nobody had complained about it, but suddenly Shoakland fans were as up in arms as if one of their many cats had knocked over their bowl of Coco Krispies.  It was a geographically-concentrated outrage!  Shortly after that there was a controversial play where Aybar was running to first and his path was blocked by two Shoakland players.  Rather than exit the basepath and be out, he decided to barrel through them, and was correctly awarded 1B.  More outrage!  It took about 10 minutes before Scarecrow Melvin left the field, and he filed a protest which he later withdrew.   It was a bold move, Cotton, but it didn’t pay off.

Now is when it gets personal, and where the instruction comes in.  If you followed me on Facebook you probably still wouldn’t know that at the time I was friends with somebody who does some writing for the A’s.  I’m not gonna name names, so let’s call her Judy Stormliquid, or Judy for short.  Judy had seen a piece I wrote for aw.com and liked it, and I thought it couldn’t hurt to have some writing contacts outside of the Angels baseball bubble.  We exchanged some posts a few times, nothing serious or even noteworthy.  However, after that game Judy went on a rant about how the Angels were cheaters and karma would bite them and their fans square in the keister.  This was in a facebook post, so I politely responded that there was no rule against the light wave and that it had been done before without complaint, and I mentioned why I thought the Aybar call was acceptable.  A friend of hers jumped all over me.  It was semi-polite at first but then she devolved into name-calling.  The whole time I was polite and respectful, while disagreeing.  That is possible, you know.  It was a back-and-forth between me and her friend that eventually stopped when both of us found something better to do.

Well, the next morning there was a message in the thread from Judy to me.  How DARE I talk to her friends and DISRESPECT THEM LIKE THAT!  I WAS A TOTAL A-HOLE!  Even though I was never disrespectful and I never stooped to name-calling.  It was a short but furious rant, with bouts of all-caps and promises that…wait for it…karma would bite me and the rest of the Angels fans in our hindquarters.  I wanted to get a screen capture but she unfriended me (insert sad trombone here).  Her ignorance of karma was matched only by her self-righteousness.

And here we are not even a month later.  The Angels, supposed future victims of karma, have just wrapped up the division and have their eyes on home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.  The team looks good, and Shoakland is fighting for their playoff life.  Since the karma game the Angels have averaged about 20 runs per game, and Oakland about -0.8.  The Angels look to be in a good position for an extended postseason run.  Hey, I get that this is baseball and anything can happen – I’m sure Baltimore fans and Washington fans feel pretty damn good about their teams and rightfully so, they are very good.  It’s not tempting karma to recognize how your team is doing and have high hopes for the rest of the season.  And even if that was tempting karma, it wouldn’t haunt us until the 2015 season, and that’s not even on my radar at the moment.  The point is: don’t invoke karma if you don’t know what you’re talking about.  It just might be bad karma to do that.  If you don’t believe me, let’s see what Erick Aybar has to say about it:

Yes, I know that’s from another celebration but Aybar don’t care.  He’s celebrating again, and so am I. Karma be damned.

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Angels Mike Trout joins elite company

By Jonathan Northrop, AngelsWin.com Staff Reporter - 

Mike Trout is going to finish the year first in fWAR again - he's at 7.8 right now, with #2 being far behind at 6.2 (Jonathan Lucroy). For those who prefer rWAR, he's also at 7.8 but Donaldson is much closer at 7.3, so it isn't quite a lock but it is close.

Anyhow, this will be the third year in a row that Trout has been #1 in fWAR. Aside from the amazing fact that he's done it not just any three years, but his first three years (and will presumably have more years of being #1 ahead), the list of players who have led the majors in fWAR three or more times is relatively small. Here it is, from 1900 to the present (I was going to pick 1901 because that's the year we had two leagues, but I added 1900 to give Honus Wagner his full array):

10 Ruth

8 Wagner, Mays

7 Bonds

5 Cobb, Williams

4 Mantle

3 Hornsby, Musial, Yasztremski, Schmidt, Boggs, Henderson, Ripken, Rodriguez, Pujols, Trout

In other words, Trout is the 17th player to do it. That's pretty good company. Of note are some pretty amazing players that did not make the cut of 3, including Tris Speaker, Eddie Collins, Mel Ott, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Joe DiMaggio, Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Frank Robinson, Joe Morgan, and a bunch of other greats and Hall of Famers.

Now again, Mike is just getting started. While we can't expect him to lead the majors in WAR every year, at least not forever, it would seem that he is like to at least surpass Cobb and Williams, and maybe vie with Bonds, Wagner, and Mays. Ruth? Let's see how things look in a few years. Consider it like a no-hitter alert - you can't really start taking it seriously until the 6th or 7th inning. I think in order for him to have a legit shot at Ruth, he's going to have to enter his 30s with at least 7 - that would mean winning it 4 out of the next 7 years. Possible!

Mike Trout | FindTheBest

Mike Trout Wins Above Replacement by Season | FindTheBest

Mike Trout - Advanced Stats | FindTheBest

Mike Trout Batting Average and Home Runs by Season | FindTheBest

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Joe McDonnell Sits Down With Possible GM Of The Year, Jerry Dipoto

By Joe McDonnell, AngelsWin.com Columnist - 

A year ago if you walked into the Angels' clubhouse, you immediately sensed that it was not the happiest place on earth. 

The Angels were finishing up one of the most disappointing seasons in their history, leaving owner Arte Moreno angry and frustrated with a fourth straight year of missing the playoffs. He had to be wondering why after spending nearly a half billion dollars to sign Albert Pujols, CJ Wilson and Josh Hamilton--his team was on the outside looking in, Again.

Speculation had both Manager Mike Scioscia and GM Jerry Dipoto on the chopping block, even though Moreno gave them the usually-fatal vote of confidence, they were both brought back with mandate of "Win Now."

They have responded, the Halos have clinched a playoff spot and both are serious candidates for post-season awards.

In his 15th year,  former catcher Scioscia has done one of his finest jobs, blending new players with the old players and keeping the team's confidence high during a serious run of injuries to the pitching staff. Garrett Richards and Tyler Skaggs were lost for the year and rookie sensation Matt Shoemaker is a question mark after an oblique injury Monday night.

This is where Dipoto has shined, when the bullpen needed rebuilding, he did it, acquiring Houston Street and Jason Grilli. Before the season he shored up roster depth and the bench, including a good veteran player and great teammate, John McDonald. Within a year, Dipoto has gone from getting crushed by the media & fans from being the favorite to win the Executive of the Year Award.

I sat down with Dipoto and we talked about the state of the Angels,

Joe McDonnell -- Quite a difference from a year ago, You must be thrilled,

Jerry Dipoto -- Certainly feel good about it and we're confident with where we are, I think the key to our season was starting off a little better than we have in the past few seasons, We had to battle through some injuries and adversity early and some significant injuries with Garrett and Tyler Skaggs going down, There's really something special about this team character-wise and Mike and his staff have done a great job keeping them all together,

Joe McDonnell -- How much of a factor is a player's character when you' putting together a roster?

Jerry Dipoto -- It's huge. It dates back to the off-season when we were formulating out plan for the roster, We wanted to add "makeup" to this club in guys like Raul Ibanez, Johnny McDonald. Houston Street and Joe Smith. players who were off-season and in-season acquisitions, And also Jason Grilli who brings that great personality to the team, There's so much quality and character that we brought in to go along with who we already had here.and it's manifested into such a good group. 

Joe McDonnell -- Just watching them interact on and off the field shows that they really get along.

Jerry Dipoto -- This may be the most cohesive group I've been around. This is the 26th different team I've been associated with in my career, and the way this group gets along, the way they pull for each other and pick each other up when they're down is extraordinary.

Joe McDonnell -- You took a lot of heat from the media and fans the past two years. Would you consider this a season of redemption?

Jerry Dipoto -- That's just part of the gig. You are going to take heat. And next year if we don't (win) I'll take heat again. That's the nature of the business. I always tell the players that pressure is what you make of it. Pressure, to me, is not being able to pay the bills. The guy who doesn't quite make enough money and has to live paycheck to paycheck. That's pressure. What we do here is fun. I'd be lying to you if I said there were never times when I'm a little edgy. There are. But when you have a job in the public eye you have to let stuff roll off  of you. Me, Mike Arte--we're going to get criticized. But we pick each other up and play as hard as we can and hopefully we win.

Joe McDonnell --  There's been lots of talk that you and Scioscia don't get along. True or false?

Jerry Dipoto -- I think what a lot of people don't know is that the first day Mike and I met was the first day we worked together. I came in with philosophies and ideas  from my baseball life and Mike came in with the things he had done in his baseball life. He believed firmly in the things he believed in and I believed firmly in the things I believed in, and we had to figure each other out along the way. That doesn't happen in a day or even a month, but we got to know each other along the way. I don't think we ever had a problem with each other personally and frankly I think we got along fine personally. Once we started to understand each other's baseball, everything became balanced.

(After the interview with Dipoto, I asked Scioscia the same question.)

Mike Scioscia --You have guys with strong opinions in Jerry and I, and a lot of that is healthy. Its's said that we don't get along and that's erroneous. There are some things we talk about that we don't agree on, much like any manager and GM, I think we've become a better team in terms of our manager-general manager relationship. The lines of communication are kept open and I think it's worked out just fine.

Joe McDonnell -- Why has this team been successful in 2014?

Jerry Dipoto -- A lot of factors have made us successful. Mike and his staff have been great. They have so much knowledge. They've payed the game, coached the game and managed the game. We have people in the front office who understand the game, know how the read the numbers, make judgments and get us the right players. And of course the players themselves. We've got a great bunch of guys who play hard every game and all of them have made big contributions. The Mike Trouts', Albert Pujols' Josh Hamitons', Jered Weavers' and Garret Richards are great players and get well-deserved recognition. But this is a TEAM, and if we keep playing like we have, this could end up being a very special year. That's what we're hoping for.

See AngelsWin.com's Q & A session prior to the start of the 2014 season held in Tempe, AZ, at our Spring Fanfest Event. https://vimeo.com/89400552

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AngelsWin.com's 10th Anniversary Member Appreciation Interview with AngelsJunky

 

This week we celebrate our 10th anniversary with an interview with long time member, AngelsJunky. The New Hampshire resident is a passionate Angels fan who brings intelligent topics for discussion to our forum and has posted some of the most in-depth blog articles over the years at AngelsWin.com. 

Let's dig right in and get to know AJ better in this week's member appreciation post. 

AngelsWin.com: When and how did you first come to AngelsWin.com?

Angelsjunky: I was a fellow participant with Chuck Richter on an old site called "BigDel's LATimes Angeltalk Refugees Board," which was just that - a place for folks that got displaced when the old LA Times board went down – about 15 years ago, I think. I can't remember for sure, but I think I had just started up at the LA Times board so I followed the migration led by BigDel.

Anyhow, I hung out there for a few years--including enjoying 2002 with that community--and then eventually moved over to Angelswin; I think it must have been in 2005 or 2006, a year or two after Chuck opened his doors.

AngelsWin.com: What keeps you coming back to the site?

Angelsjunky: First and foremost the community, in particular on the forums. It is a fun place to hang out, to laugh and cry, and follow the Angels together through all the ups and downs. Furthermore, I enjoy the diversity of perspectives found there. While there are certainly different "fan temperaments," and you get to know the cast of characters of the forums over time, there are a wide enough range of participants that it doesn't get boring. Also, while people squabble there's an underlying sense that, in the end, we're all Angels fans.

AngelsWin.com: What have been some of your favorite articles and threads?

Angelsjunky: It is probably too difficult to pick out just a few, and as soon as you do that you start unintentionally forgetting people. Let's just say that while I'm often considered a stat guy, I appreciate the fact that there are some writers and participants who focus on the more human aspects of the game, and I enjoy reading that stuff as it is all too easy to forget about the real human beings wearing the uniforms.

AngelsWin.com: What in-person events have you attended from AngelsWin.com (Spring/Summer Fanfests, Charity Golf, Charity Softball)?

Angelsjunky: Seeing as I live on the east coast, behind enemy lines in "Red Sox Nation," I don't get a chance to be at any of these events. Still, I hope to someday be able share a beer or two with everyone.

AngelsWin.com: Why is AngelsWin.com your internet home for the Angels?

Angelsjunky: I covered some of this above, but it is THE community to talk about Angels baseball. I also like the fact that while there are sometimes disagreements on the boards, Chuck and the moderators are always willing to listen. They really do care about the community.

AngelsWin.com: In your opinion, what is AngelsWin.com’s best feature: the articles, charitable events, game-day chat, message boards, Fanfests, podcasts, etc?

Angelsjunky: There are lots of good features but as I said above, it has to be the message boards. By way of example, it is an amusing experience to get in on the Gameday thread to complain about, say, Pujols grounding into a double play with one out and the bases loaded, and then seeing that in the time between when you pressed "reply" and "post," there were a dozen other posts made - all some kind of anguished rant. There is shared comaraderie in suffering.

Lighter Side

AngelsWin.com: Where do you live and what do you do?

Angelsjunky: New Hampshire* currently, although I lived out west in Colorado and Oregon for about fifteen years so feel equally at home on both coasts. I am a teacher and counselor at a small private high school.

(*That's right, tdawg87, you're not the only Angelswin.com NHite)

AngelsWin.com: Why are you an Angels fan?

Angelsjunky: I'm one of the rare Angels fans that didn't grow up in Southern California. But my story, in brief, is that I went to visit my grandparents in Palm Springs back in 1980 when I was a little kid. It was spring training and the Angels were there for part of it and when I saw all of the paraphernalia, I was mesmerized. I had grown up listening to my father and older brother talk baseball (mainly Red Sox, as we lived in Vermont at the time), and so was just getting into it; the Angels just imprinted on me and it has been love ever since. Yes, I am a native New Englander who is a fan of the Angels. We must be few and far between.

Anyhow, it wasn't until 1987 when I was 13 years old, though, that I got really serious about following baseball. As long-time fans know, from 1987-2001 was a bit of a dark age for the Angels, and I remember once or twice trying to switch allegiances to a more successful franchise. But I couldn't do it and quickly gave up and accepted my fate as a life-long Angels fan, and was eventually rewarded for it in 2002.

AngelsWin.com: What was your first Angels game that you remember? Who’d you go with?

Angelsjunky: I've actually never been to Anaheim, so have never seen them on their home turf. But the first time I saw them was during Spring Training in 1989. I was visiting my grandfather in Palm Springs for a week and he got me tickets for the whole week. It was a lot of fun; I remember being impressed by Devon White, and also seeing a 19-year old Ken Griffey Jr.

But I don't think I went to see the Angels in a regular season game until 1995 (yes, I mentioned The Year That Should Never Be Spoken Of Again). It was September 3rd and the Angels were amidst their historic collapse. I went with my girlfriend and we sat in the Fenway bleachers. I was probably the only Angels fan there and when I cheered after the Angels scored their only run in an 8-1 loss—their 15th of the last 18 games--a snotty-nosed punk of a Red Sox fan (that is, a 13-year old kid) in front of us complained "the only Angels fan in the park and he has to sit behind me." My girlfriend, irritable in the sun and not at all a baseball fan, told him "If you don't like it, you can leave." He didn't, but didn't peep another word for the rest of the game. Sort of a fond, funny memory amidst an otherwise horrible couple months of baseball.

AngelsWin.com: Who have been your favorite players? Why? Any great stories or interactions with them?

Angelsjunky: Growing up I liked Rod Carew and Bobby Grich, then Wally Joyner and Devon White. But then in the 90s it was Tim Salmon, Jim Edmonds, and Darin Erstad, and of course Chuck Finley was the old standby and I loved watching Chili Davis hit, as well as Tony Phillips' Rickey Henderson-esque performance in 1995. A bit later, Troy Percival was so much fun to watch. Of the current team, aside from the obvious Mike Trout, I really enjoy Kole Calhoun, who I've had my eye on since he was drafted and always had a hunch would be good. For pitchers I just love watching Garret Richards, and Matt Shoemaker has really grown on me.

AngelsWin.com: How do you survive the offseason?

Angelsjunky: The offseason in NH largely means "winter," so I've got bigger problems to deal with than the lack of baseball. But aside from other non-sports related interests, in the sports world I also enjoy football and tennis, and of course there's always Hot Stove season!

AngelsWin.com: What’s one thing you’d like everyone in AngelsWin.com to know about you?

Angelsjunky: Ha ha, I'll have to sleep on that. But probably the less the better.

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Top Los Angeles Angels Minor League Performances of 2014‏ & Final Affiliate Report

By Adrian Noche, AngelsWin.com Staff Reporter - 

1. Cam Bedrosian, Relief PItcher, Salt Lake Bees

2014 Minors: 2-1  2.00 ERA  18 SV  45.0 IP  16 H  18 BB  82 SO  0.75 WHIP  .109 AVG

Cam Bedrosian might have had one of the most dominant seasons as a reliever in minor league history. You could play a baseball video game on the easiest difficulty and still struggle to put up the numbers Cam has put up this year. In 45.0 IP, Cam was able to strike out 82 batters which is good for a SO9 of  16.4. Cam also kept his walks overall at a decent level with a 3.6 BB9. Opponents hit for a .109 average against him this season. Despite the struggles in short stints with the big club, people have to keep in mind that Cam was barely converted to his relief role a little over a year ago. His stuff is too good to not play a major role in the Angels' bullpen as soon as next season or even this September.

2. Michael Roth, Starting Pitchers, Arkansas Travelers

2014 Minors: 11-7  2.62 ERA  140.2 IP  121 H  54 BB  79 SO  1.24 WHIP  .238 AVG

Michael Roth finally put it all together this season for the Arkansas Travelers. Roth was one of the Texas League’s finest, placing himself among the leaders in numerous pitching categories: Wins (T-3rd), ERA (2nd), WHIP (8th). Roth has also induced almost twice as many ground balls as fly balls this season (26% FB-rate: 51 GB-rate). These numbers could be a product of Roth deciding to pitch to contact more this season, something that made Roth one of the most dominant pitchers in college. It’s hard to get a gauge on if the Angels ultimately see Roth as a starter or reliever, but it would be hard to stick him in the pen if he continues to put up seasons like this.

3. Dennis Raben, 1st Baseman, Inland Empire 66ers

2014 Minors: .292/.362/.579  116 H  15 Doubles  3 Triples  31 HR  94 RBI  38 BB  96 SO  4 SB  63 R  

Although many may be quick to point at that Dennis Raben is a 27 year old in High-A Ball, it’s hard to argue that Raben made a mockery of the Cal League this season. Despite an extremely slow start that saw him batting below .200, Raben still managed to hit .292 this season. Raben also flashed his plus-power with 31 home runs and an .ISO of .287. Raben was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2008 Amateur Draft by the Mariners but eventually saw himself playing for Independent Ball until the Angels signed him this season. 

4. Drew Rucinski, Starting Pitcher, Arkansas Travelers

2014 Minors: 10-6  3.15 ERA  148.2 IP  142 H  41 BB  140 SO  1.23 ERA  .257 AVG

Drew Rucinski is another former Indy League ball player rising from the ashes with the Angels organization. If you missed one of my earlier articles, this is an excerpt of Ruciknski’s path back to the Majors: 

"Drew Rucinski was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cleveland Indians in 2011 and was released after just one season. Rucinski eventually found himself as one of the best pitchers in Indy-Ball, posting a 3.13 ERA and 91 strikeouts in 103.2 innings with the Rockford Aviators in 2012. After another successful season in 2013, Rucinski signed a minor league contract to join the 66ers in the latter half of their season. Rucinski immediately established himself as a key component of the Inland Empire 66ers strong season and postseason run, posting a 1.86 ERA in 5 starts for the Angels’ High-A affiliate.“

Rucinski and Roth were a great 1-2 punch for the Travelers this season. Rucinski won 10 games this season while boasting a 3.15 ERA. Drew also posted strong strikeout and walk numbers with a SO9 of 8.5 along with a BB9 of 2.5. Rucinski should help eat innings out of the pen for the Angels this September and should vie for the 5th rotation spot for the big league club next season.

5. Tyler DeLoach, Starting Pitcher, Arkansas Travelers

2014 Minors: 14-4  2.99 ERA  147.1 IP  104 H  66 BB  161 SO  1.15 WHIP  .198 AVG

Tyler DeLoach put himself on the radar this year with strong years in both Inland Empire (High-A) and Arkansas (Double-A). In both levels, DeLoach struck out near 10 batters per 9 innings but faced some control problems with 66 BB in 147.1 IP. Nonetheless, the southpaw was arguably dominant this season as he held batters to an average of .198. Tyler also helped bolster a Travs rotation which led them to the playoffs. Tyler started 6 games (all quality starts) for the Travelers since a mid-season call up and had a record of 4-0 with a 2.29 ERA.

6. Harrison Cooney, Starting Pitcher, Burlington Bees

2014 Minors: 9-8  2.65 ERA  1 SV  129.0 IP  108 H  51 BB  91 SO  1.23 WHIP  .227 AVG

Harrison Cooney was the ace of the Bees staff this season. Cooney led Bees’ starters with 9 wins, an ERA of 2.65 and 1.23 WHIP. There were questions as to whether Cooney would be a reliever or starter after being drafted in the 6th round of the 2013 Amateur Draft. Cooney might have helped answer those questions this season, leading the team with 22 starts and 129.0 innings pitched. Cooney’s arsenal mainly consists of a low-90s fastball with huge “arm-side” run and a plus slider. Despite this arsenal, Cooney only struck out 6.3 batters per nine innings. 

7. Bo Way, Outfielder, Burlington Bees

2014 Minors: .347/.410/.510  85 H  16 Doubles  6 Triples  4 HR  37 RBI  21 BB  29 SO  13 SB  50 R

Bo Way never stopped hitting after being drafted by the Angels in the 7th round of the 2014 Amateur Draft. His first stop: Rookie League Orem. Way had his way with the Pioneer League, hitting .354 and slugging .554. Next stop: Low-A Burlington. Way kept hitting despite the higher competition with a .354 batting average and .461 SLG. Across to levels this season, Way has a K:BB ratio of 29:21. Just for good measure, toss in 6 outfield assists for Bo as well. Way did as much as he possibly could with his limited time with the Angels organization this season and should be rewarded with some mentions in future top prospect lists.

8. Nate Smith, Starting Pitcher, Arkansas Travelers

2014 Minors: 11-6  2.97 ERA  118.0 IP  89 H  44 BB  118 SO  1.13 WHIP  .210  AVG

Nate Smith had himself a breakout year this season. After dominating hitters in the Cal League, Smith earned himself a promotion to Double-A Arkansas. For the Travs, Smith upped his strikeout numbers from a SO9 of 8.2 with the 66ers to 9.7 for the Double-A affiliation. On the other hand, the southpaw’s walks increased as well: from 2.3 to 4.3. An unlucky injury (broken pinky finger) has left Smith on the shelf for a little over a month but you can expect a strong return to the mound and possibly a Major League debut for Smith next season.

9. Jairo Diaz, Relief Pitcher, Arkansas Travelers

2014 Minors: 4-4  3.48 ERA  15 SV  64.2 IP  61 H  22 BB  85 SO  1.25 WHIP  .248 AVG  

Lost in the organization limelight behind the Bedrosian’s and “formerly” Alvarez’s of the world is Jairo Diaz. Diaz cranks up his fastball in the high-90s and can even touch triple digits. Diaz started off the year in Inland Empire and pitched a lot better than his numbers would suggest. Diaz posted an ERA of 4.78 but his FIP was 3.28. The Angels noticed this and gave him a promotion to Arkansas. Jairo was lights out after his promotion, with a SO9 of 13.2 and BB9 of 2.8. A September call-up wouldn’t be out of the question this season for Diaz, and don’t be surprised to see him dominate Major League hitters with his deadly fastball-slider combo a la Francisco Rodriguez 2002.

10. CJ Cron, 1st Baseman, Salt Lake Bees

2014 Minors: .316/.385/.511  14 Doubles  1 Triple  7 HR  33 RBI  2 SB  30 Runs  19 BB  40 SO

Many expected a hitter like C.J. Cron to completely annihilate the PCL this season. Although he did not, Cron still managed to put up strong numbers in his time with the Salt Lake Bees. Cron managed to improve on every statistical category from 2013 to 2014. The main thing that stands out was Cron’s plate discipline: in 2013 Cron managed to walk only 23 times in 565 plate appearances, in 2014 Cron walked 18 times in just 213 plate appearances. 10 of those walks were in the 18 games that came after his demotion from the big club. Cron showed flashes of his plus-bat in his stint with the Angels and should be a huge help for the big league team this September.

11. Sherman Johnson, 2nd Baseman, Inland Empire 66ers

2014 Minors: .276/.382/.465  146 H  23 Doubles  13 Triples  17 HR  78 RBI  88 BB  104 SO  26 SB  107 R

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: Sherman Johnson did it all for the Inland Empire 66ers this season. Did you need a table setter and leadoff hitter? Johnson had 88 BBs, stole 26 stolen bases and scored 107 runs for the 66ers, all of which led his team. Did you need a run-producer? Sherman slugged .465 while driving in 78 runs. Did you need defense? Johnson only committed 4 errors at 2nd base this season while also playing 3rd base, shortstop and outfield this year. 

12. Alex Yarbrough, 2nd Baseman, Arkansas Travelers

2014 Minors: .285/.321/.397  155 H  38 Doubles  4 Triples  5 HR  77 RBI  33 BB  124 SO  6 SB  66 R

Alex Yarbrough was just named Texas League Player of the Year. Don’t think that Yarbrough had a huge breakout year but it was still a strong season for the second baseman. Yarbrough smacked a league leading 155 hits, 38 doubles and was second in the league with 77 RBIs. Yarbrough was also an ironman for the Travelers this season, playing in a league leading 136 games.

13. Eric Aguilera, 1st Baseman, Burlington Bees

2014 Minors: .291/.340/.438  149 H  25 Doubles  4 Triples  14 HR  73 RBI  39 BB  111 SO  17 SB  62 R

Eric Aguilera was rock solid for the Bees’ lineup this season, leading the Bees in offensive categories such as home runs (14) and RBIs (71). Eric also hit for a solid average of .291 while flashing his speed with 17 stolen bases. Aguilera should continue his steady climb up the organizational ladder as an above-average hitter from the left side of the plate next season.

Final Minor League Affiliate Report of 2014

Triple-A Salt Lake Bees

The Bees went 3-5 in their final 8 games of the season to give them a final record of 60-84. Grant Green collected 10 hits to go along with 3 doubles and a home run. Outfielder, Brennan Boesch added to his home run total of the season, smacking 3 and giving him a season total of 25. Brennan Boesch was also named the 2014 PCL Batting Champion after leading the league with a .332 batting average. Unfortunately, the Bees will not be playing in the playoffs this season and 11 players received the call up to Anaheim: Cam Bedrosian, Vinnie Pestano, Cory Rasmus, Wade LeBlanc, Brennan Boesch, Tony Campana, C.J. Cron, Luis Jimenez, Shawn O’Malley, Efren Navarro, John Buck.

Double-A Arkansas Travelers

The Travelers went 5-3 in their final 8 games of the season, giving them an overall record of 75-65. The Travelers will be facing Tulsa in the first round of the playoffs starting on Wednesday, September 3rd. 1st baseman, Brian Hernandez, was named the Texas League Player of the Month after slashing a line of .364/.458/.535 for the month of August. Hernandez also slugged 3 home runs and drove in 18 RBI’s for the Travs this past month. Eric Stamets, chipped in another 8 hits and 2 home runs, giving him a .330/.340/.515 slash line for the month of August. Buddy Boshers continued his strong pitching with 0 earned runs allowed in 5.1 innings pitched with 5 strikeouts this past week. Jairo Diaz saved 4 games, striking out 6 in 4.0 innings pitched (1 ER  1 BB). Drew Rucinski pitched 6.0 innings of one run ball, only allowing 6 hits and no walks while striking out 1.

High-A Inland Empire 66ers

The 66ers bounced back with a second half record of 37-33 and will be headed to the playoffs. Sherman Johnson was awarded Player of the Week Honors after hitting .469 this week (15-32) along with 5 home runs, a triple and a double. Johnson also scored 11 runs and drove in 9 himself. Dennis Raben hit another 3 home runs this week, giving him 31 on the season. Angel Rosa collected 12 hits this week, giving him a season average of .348. Outfielder, Mark Shannon, ended the season with a 6-game hitting streak where he had an average of .444 (12 for 27). Austin Wood continued to pitch well after his injury as he pitched 2.1 innings of shutout baseball while giving up 3 hits and no walks to go along with 3 strikeouts.

Low-A Burlington Bees

The Low-A Bees went 3-5 to give them an overall record of 68-71. However, they will be headed to the playoffs since they clinched a playoff spot in the first half of the season. Second baseman, Kody Eaves, has 13 home runs on the season after hitting 2 this week. Bo Way collected 9 hits in 27 at bats to go along with 4 walks. Sean Newcomb pitched brilliantly on the 27th, striking out 10 in 4.0 shutout innings while only giving up 2 hits and no walks.

Class-A Short Season Orem Owlz

The Owlz currently have 2 games left to be played this season but will face the Ogden Raptors in the first round of the playoffs. Catcher, Michael Strentz, is currently on a 10-game hitting streak where he is hitting .410 to go along with 2 home runs and 5 doubles. Wade Wass is currently swinging a hot bat as well with a .419 average in his last 10 games. Second baseman, Andrew Daniel, is the current owner of an 8-game hitting streak where he has 13 hits in 32 at-bats. Keynan Middleton has been throwing the ball well, with just 3 earned runs and 0 walks allowed in his last 2 starts (10.0 IP  8 H  7 SO). Arjenis Fernandez has allowed just 3 earned runs in his last two starts as well (11.2 IP  12 H  3 BB  6 SO).

AZL Angels

The AZL Angels went 2-3 in their final 5 games of the season. After clinching a spot in the first half, the Angels will be headed to the playoffs as well with an overall record of 30-25. Second baseman, Juan Moreno, collected 8 hits in 18 at-bats and was promoted to the Orem Owlz following the conclusion of AZL’s regular season. Ricardo Sanchez pitched 4.0 innings of shutout baseball on the 26th, giving up a pair of hits and walks while striking out 3.

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Let’s Finish This!

By Geoff Stoddart, AngelsWin.com Vice President of Marketing & Communications

It’s Monday morning.  

It’s September 1, 2014.  

It’s Labor Day.  

I’m sitting on my back deck, drinking coffee and staring out west towards the Rocky Mountains.  The sky is blue and there are a handful of puffy white clouds positioned above just perfectly.  Yet, amidst all of this beauty, the only thing I can think of is the amazing weekend of baseball that Angels’ fans just witnessed. 

The Angels just completed a four game sweep of the Oakland A’s, the team we’ve been chasing all year for control of the American League West.  On August 16th, we caught them.  On August 18th, we passed them. And entering this four game series, we held a one game lead.  

The weekend was full of amazing moments …

• The A’s media and fans lost their minds over Angel fans doing the Light Wave.  They claimed it was 1) tacky, 2) cheating and 3) akin to shining a laser-pointer in their player’s eyes.  (Shout out to @CSNAthletics, @brodiebrazilCSN and @OakAsSocksGrl for some top-notch drama.)

• Angel fans who previously hated the Light Wave and thought it was dumb, suddenly loved it because it pissed off the other team’s media and fans.  (Shout out to … ummm … me.)

• A’s players came out and said 1) they didn’t even notice the Light Wave when they were batting and 2) the Light Wave was “actually kind of cool.”  (Shout out to Stephen Vogt and Brandon Moss.)

Of course, there were amazing moments on the field as well.  

• The Angels outscored the A’s 18-4 over the four game series.

• The Angels shutout the A’s two of the four games.

• The Angels pitching staff held the A’s scoreless for 29 consecutive innings.  (The 2nd most in A’s team history.)

• With Garrett Richards out for the rest of the season, the Angels were forced to do a “bullpen start” on Saturday, using a club record 8 pitchers (in a 9 inning game).  Led by Cory Rasmus, the staff shut the A’s down, holding them to just 3 hits.

It was a glorious weekend, and today is a glorious day!  The Halos now hold a 5 game lead over the A’s in the AL West and boast the best record in all of baseball, 83-53.  What could be better?!?!

Well … finishing.  

Finishing could be better. 

I’m keenly aware that many Angel fans don’t have much history with the team prior to 2002.  That’s fine.  Nothing breeds success, interest and an increased fan base like winning, and the 2000’s have been certainly been the golden age of Angels baseball.  (The last four years not withstanding.) 

However, the 1990’s were not as golden.  

On the morning of September 1, 1995, the Angels held a 7.5 game lead in the AL West.  All they had to do was not throw-up on themselves for the final 27 games and they’d make the post-season for the first time since 1986 (another year when finishing was an issue).  

Playing .500 ball that September would have done it.  Instead the team went 11-16, forcing a one game play-in game with Seattle.  Randy Johnson threw a near no hitter, and the Angels lost 9-1.  

In baseball, as in all sports (hell … as in life!), you have to finish!  

It was an amazing weekend of Angels’ baseball, but the job is far from over.  In fact, one could argue that the real work is just beginning.  So let’s get after it! 

Now, I’m not going to go all Karate Kid on you and bust out a “finish him” or “sweep the leg” quote.  That would be too cheesy.  Besides, when Sensei John Kreese uttered those words to his fighter, the guy lost.  

Instead, I’ll wish you all a wonderful Labor Day!  

Enjoy the time off.  Enjoy the afterglow of an amazing weekend of baseball.  Prepare for the home stretch.  

And for heaven’s sakes keep those cellphone batteries charged!  Apparently the Light Wave causes great emotional stress and mental anguish to the other team!  

If not to their players, at least to their media and fans!

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