The list of injuries so far for the Angels in the first month of the season is atroscious. Starters Weaver, Aybar, Pujols, Callaspo, and now Borjous have all missed time for one thing or another. Pujols continues to show up in the lineup but we all know that heel has yet to heal. Even with all these players missing time, Trout, Hamilton, and Trumbo are all still healthy and in the lineup. You would have to think it's still one of the most powerful lineups in the bigs. Additionally, Pujols is still hitting 3rd.
If the big hitters in the lineup were down and on the DL, it would be up to the scrappy end of the lineup to step up and provide the offense to support the pitching staff. But what do you say if it is the scrappy guys in the lineup who are out? Yes, they provide something the backups can't, but all four of your 30+ home run hitters are still going back to back to back to back in the lineup every day. In the three losses to Seattle, the Angels combined for a total of three runs. I can go into the percentages of RISP, strikeouts-to-walks, etc, but the one stat that made me shake my head was on Sunday, when every single man in the Angels lineup had strucken out. Not one player who came to the plate that did can not say they did not strike out. The Angels have always had an aggressive approach, but it's starting to get rediculous. Only three players have more than 10 walks in roughly 100 at-bats while five of them have more than 20 strikeouts. If you like math, go to the stat page and do the numbers for each starter. What are they on pace for if they get 550 at-bats? Here's a fun one: Hamilton strikes out six times for every time he reaches base for free. Pujols the only positive starter with more walks than strikeouts. Ianetta is okay at 11BB and 9K's. With all the career numbers, this is why Pujols is such a great hitter, even with the heel.
Wilson, Blanton, Vargas, and the bullpen pitched fabulous against the Mariners. For a team who is doing what they can to get an offense, the pitching staff for the Angels continue to show positive signs. The staff will pitch great for four days, then have two bad days and repeat. However with that supposedly being the weakness of this team, I personally will take four out of six. That's winning two three game series. No starter is completely dominating, but that is Weaver's job. They are pitching well enough to give their offense a chance to win games, which is what they are paid to do.
I am throwing Monday's game out the window because Hamilton and Trout combined for 1-16. Additionally Roth needs to go. Everyone who makes it to the bigs has talent and deserves to be commended for their efforts to get this far. However not everyone deserves to stay. 19 innings is an ugly game from both sides. The way this early season has gone, of course the Angels weren't going to come out on top. The last day of April was just as hard as the Angels had another tough loss to Oakland.
Trout continues to sink down in offense. I love Trout just as much as the next baseball fan and have nothing but respect for the next Mickey Mantle, but something is wrong at the plate. I can't quite put my finger on it because every at-bat has a different feel to it, but it's never a comfortable feel like it was in the middle of last season. Last year he was neck and neck with a triple crown winner. This weekend, Miguel Cabrera came up in the pouring rain with two runners on and had a 3-0 count when the Tigers were up 5-3. There was a feeling of "he's gunna swing, he's got this." A feeling of comfort. The next pitch he hit a home run 10 rows deep into right field. Cabrera just made it look so easy, so relaxed and confident at the plate. Easy approach, easy swing. That's an at-bat anyone can learn from. That's why he is the triple-crown and MVP champ.
Saturday Angels traded away Chris Snyder to Baltimore for LHP Rob Delaney. I completely disagree with this trade although I understand for bullpen needs. Snyder was beaten out by Conger this spring in good competitive competition. Conger more than deserving, had Snyder sent to AAA Salt Lake. Currently Snyder is hitting .342. Rob Delaney has hardly any major league experience and has struggled so far this year. I don't like the trade because I feel like Snyder is more valuable than what they received out of the deal. I hope Delaney proves me wrong when he gets his chances.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Sunshine breaks through during weekend
It was great to see Torii Hunter back at the Big A and receive a well-derserved warm welcome by Angel fans and players. Torii had a huge smile like always. Hunter came into the series hitting over .400 and just got his 2,000th career hit in Detroit this past week. This series wasn't about Torii though, it was about the Angels playing solid baseball versus a World Series favorite.
16 hits Friday night handed Anibal Sanchez his first loss of the year. Sanchez did not allow more than five hits in his previous three starts. The Angels aggressive approach at the plate paid off agianst a guy who is always around the plate. Zero walks were issued by Sanchez through 6 2/3 innings. The Angels were able to get a couple runs for Tommy Hanson, who pitched well through six, but even better when he got into jams. Four relievers were used for the Angels to finish off the game with the help of a five-spot put up in the bottom half of the 8th.
Saturday night's first inning is what I've been waiting for this season. An absolute offensive outburst early in a game against a starting pitcher. NINE RUNS in the Angel's first at-bats was capped off by a Mike Trout grand slam to center field off a hanging curveball by Porcello. Although the rest of the game was fairly flat, that inning showed the potential of what this offense can do 1-9. Saturday also marked the first time the top three hitters in the Angels lineup were all over .300 for the season. Skip Hamilton and you can also include Mark Trumbo in that category.
We also witnessed the best start that Garrett Richards has had at the major league level. Whether the nine runs depleated the Tigers or not, there is still a plethora of talent in that lineup. Richards seven innings and two hits was even more impressive because he did not walk a single batter. Between Hanson and Richards this weekend, we witnessed back to back shut down starts for the first time in 2013. With Weav on the DL, it was refreshing to see two guys step up and stop the bleeding.
With the Angels going for their first sweep of the season Sunday, the Laker game seemed irrelevant to Angel fans who enjoy the NBA. CJ Wilson had another average start with four walks, but the fifth inning was the 3rd time through the lineup and Prince hit a towering shot after Cabrera struck out. CJ did bounce back in the 6th which was good to see. The Angels had more chances to score in the 3rd inning, but you can't complain when they score three. They put the ball in play and made the defense make plays. Staying out of the air and not striking out were two big positives that came out of that inning.
Frieri scares me, but don't most closers? In a tie game in the 9th, Frieri loads the bases. With two outs and two strikes on the lefty Victor Martinez, Frieri gets Martinez to fly out on a pop-up to left field and gets out of the jam. It took more than 30 pitches in the inning, but the game remained tied. However, Angels could not figure out Tigers relief pitcher Al Alburquerque, who struck out five out of six batters with 20 pitches in the 8th and 9th. Trout leadoff with a single in the bottom of the 10th off Joaquin Benoit, then stole 2nd with Pujols up. Pujols popped up, then Hamilton struck out swinging, bringing up Mark Trumbo with two outs and Trout still on 2nd. Trumbo was intentionally walked to bring up Howie Kendrick. (That shows you the respect Hamilton has not earned yet this year.) Howie couldn't put the ball in play and the game continued into multiple extra innings. Then in the bottom of the 13th, Trumbo launched a ball deep over the left field wall to give the Angels the win and the sweep of the Tigers.
Obviously this is the best series the Angels have played this year. Starting pitching was strong, bullpen looked good, and the offense put up 21 runs and hit well with RISP. The Texas Rangers come to the Big A next, and the Angels should be hungary for a little revenge, especially Josh Hamilton. All eyes will be on Hamilton, and I hope this is the series that Josh gets hot. He's really the only man in the lineup who hasn't gotten up to speed. He has had plenty of chances to cash in and give the Angels big innings. What a pick-me-up it would be for the whole team to have him join the party.
My player of the Detroit series is Peter Bourjos who had seven hits in the three games and has established himself as the new leadoff hitter with Aybar out, moving Trout to the two-hole, right in front of Pujols. Bourjos went 3-4 both Friday and Saturday night in the Angels routes of the Tigers. Bourjos can bunt as good as anybody, and will do it multiple times if the situation presents itself. Trout looks as though weight has been lifted off his shoulders hitting second. With his ability to hit the ball to right field, Borjous should be at 3rd more times than not when Pujols comes up. Although Trout's bat is coming around, I would still like him to take advantage of bunting situations. In the 7th inning Sunday with the game tied 3-3, Luis Jimenez got hit to leadoff the inning. Bourjos laid down a sacrafice bunt, but was able to beat it out for a hit. With runners on first and second, no outs, and Price Fielder playing back behind Bourjos at first, Trout had a great opportunity to show his small ball skills and speed. Worst case senario would've been a sacrafice, Pujols' intentional walk would've loaded the bases, and Hamilton's lineout to center would've scored a run. Its not taking the bat out of Trouts hands, but instead using his baseball IQ and abilities. Trout grounded into a double play and the Angels did not score.
16 hits Friday night handed Anibal Sanchez his first loss of the year. Sanchez did not allow more than five hits in his previous three starts. The Angels aggressive approach at the plate paid off agianst a guy who is always around the plate. Zero walks were issued by Sanchez through 6 2/3 innings. The Angels were able to get a couple runs for Tommy Hanson, who pitched well through six, but even better when he got into jams. Four relievers were used for the Angels to finish off the game with the help of a five-spot put up in the bottom half of the 8th.
Saturday night's first inning is what I've been waiting for this season. An absolute offensive outburst early in a game against a starting pitcher. NINE RUNS in the Angel's first at-bats was capped off by a Mike Trout grand slam to center field off a hanging curveball by Porcello. Although the rest of the game was fairly flat, that inning showed the potential of what this offense can do 1-9. Saturday also marked the first time the top three hitters in the Angels lineup were all over .300 for the season. Skip Hamilton and you can also include Mark Trumbo in that category.
We also witnessed the best start that Garrett Richards has had at the major league level. Whether the nine runs depleated the Tigers or not, there is still a plethora of talent in that lineup. Richards seven innings and two hits was even more impressive because he did not walk a single batter. Between Hanson and Richards this weekend, we witnessed back to back shut down starts for the first time in 2013. With Weav on the DL, it was refreshing to see two guys step up and stop the bleeding.
With the Angels going for their first sweep of the season Sunday, the Laker game seemed irrelevant to Angel fans who enjoy the NBA. CJ Wilson had another average start with four walks, but the fifth inning was the 3rd time through the lineup and Prince hit a towering shot after Cabrera struck out. CJ did bounce back in the 6th which was good to see. The Angels had more chances to score in the 3rd inning, but you can't complain when they score three. They put the ball in play and made the defense make plays. Staying out of the air and not striking out were two big positives that came out of that inning.
Frieri scares me, but don't most closers? In a tie game in the 9th, Frieri loads the bases. With two outs and two strikes on the lefty Victor Martinez, Frieri gets Martinez to fly out on a pop-up to left field and gets out of the jam. It took more than 30 pitches in the inning, but the game remained tied. However, Angels could not figure out Tigers relief pitcher Al Alburquerque, who struck out five out of six batters with 20 pitches in the 8th and 9th. Trout leadoff with a single in the bottom of the 10th off Joaquin Benoit, then stole 2nd with Pujols up. Pujols popped up, then Hamilton struck out swinging, bringing up Mark Trumbo with two outs and Trout still on 2nd. Trumbo was intentionally walked to bring up Howie Kendrick. (That shows you the respect Hamilton has not earned yet this year.) Howie couldn't put the ball in play and the game continued into multiple extra innings. Then in the bottom of the 13th, Trumbo launched a ball deep over the left field wall to give the Angels the win and the sweep of the Tigers.
Obviously this is the best series the Angels have played this year. Starting pitching was strong, bullpen looked good, and the offense put up 21 runs and hit well with RISP. The Texas Rangers come to the Big A next, and the Angels should be hungary for a little revenge, especially Josh Hamilton. All eyes will be on Hamilton, and I hope this is the series that Josh gets hot. He's really the only man in the lineup who hasn't gotten up to speed. He has had plenty of chances to cash in and give the Angels big innings. What a pick-me-up it would be for the whole team to have him join the party.
My player of the Detroit series is Peter Bourjos who had seven hits in the three games and has established himself as the new leadoff hitter with Aybar out, moving Trout to the two-hole, right in front of Pujols. Bourjos went 3-4 both Friday and Saturday night in the Angels routes of the Tigers. Bourjos can bunt as good as anybody, and will do it multiple times if the situation presents itself. Trout looks as though weight has been lifted off his shoulders hitting second. With his ability to hit the ball to right field, Borjous should be at 3rd more times than not when Pujols comes up. Although Trout's bat is coming around, I would still like him to take advantage of bunting situations. In the 7th inning Sunday with the game tied 3-3, Luis Jimenez got hit to leadoff the inning. Bourjos laid down a sacrafice bunt, but was able to beat it out for a hit. With runners on first and second, no outs, and Price Fielder playing back behind Bourjos at first, Trout had a great opportunity to show his small ball skills and speed. Worst case senario would've been a sacrafice, Pujols' intentional walk would've loaded the bases, and Hamilton's lineout to center would've scored a run. Its not taking the bat out of Trouts hands, but instead using his baseball IQ and abilities. Trout grounded into a double play and the Angels did not score.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Not pretty, but we will take the wins
After getting shutout Friday night in a disappointing loss to the Astros, the Angels showed signs of light both Saturday and Sunday night. In this post we are staying all positive. It might take longer than we want for this team to start clicking on all cylinders at once, but the two wins included Trout's first homerun, Hamilton's first two homeruns, and a good start by CJ Wilson.
The Astros will finish in last place in their new division. It will be a battle between them and the Marlins for most losses this year. The Angels did what they had to do to win the series after losing the opener. Garrett Richards took the ball Saturday night and did exactly what you would expect from a spot starter; 6+ innings, four runs. Hamilton got his first dinger and the Angels had 13 hits to the Astros four, but still need Pujols to come up in the clutch to win the game. Pujols needs to be that guy like he was with the Cardinals since he came into the league in 2001. Sunday wasn't pretty but Wilson only gave up one run through six innings and both Trout and Hamilton went deep. Wilson had to throw 115 pitches to get through those six innings while walking four. Against the Astros it worked.
In the last post, I expressed my feelings that the Angels needed to blow out the American League minor league team. Offensively, it seems as though it might be a few weeks before the hits start coming in bunches, especially hits with runners in scoring position. The bullpen did not give up a run in all three games. Two of the four series thus far, the guys beyond the left field wall have been lights out. With the offense not overpowering teams, the defense 27th in fielding, and with Weaver out no other starter showing consistency, the bullpen has been the nice surprise. Winning two out of three is a positive series. The Angels next opponent are the Twins in Minnesota. Following the quick trip to the twin city is a couple of tough weeks. To see a couple of high scoring affairs before the Tigers come to town would be nice. You know that Detroit will bring the lumber. They just scored 20 runs in three games in Oakland.
I know I said only positive in this post but I lied. Here's a fun stat so far this season: Out of the 12 games so far, the only times the Angels have two hits in a game with runners in scoring position, they were 2-14 and 2-16. One-fers have been popular, and that's not a good thing. If you don't like cringing, dont crunch the batting average with RISP.
I would like to take this time also to congratulate Roy "Doc" Halladay on win #200 today against the Miami Marlins. Even though he hasn't gotten off on the right foot this year, he has been one of the faces of MLB pitching for the last decade. Also, I would like to wish everyone a happy Jackie Robinson day. If you have not seen the movie, 42, go check it out. Not only did Jackie break the color barrier and take on the world's racism, but he also was named Rookie of the Year. Here's to one of America's greatest idols and pioneers.
The Astros will finish in last place in their new division. It will be a battle between them and the Marlins for most losses this year. The Angels did what they had to do to win the series after losing the opener. Garrett Richards took the ball Saturday night and did exactly what you would expect from a spot starter; 6+ innings, four runs. Hamilton got his first dinger and the Angels had 13 hits to the Astros four, but still need Pujols to come up in the clutch to win the game. Pujols needs to be that guy like he was with the Cardinals since he came into the league in 2001. Sunday wasn't pretty but Wilson only gave up one run through six innings and both Trout and Hamilton went deep. Wilson had to throw 115 pitches to get through those six innings while walking four. Against the Astros it worked.
In the last post, I expressed my feelings that the Angels needed to blow out the American League minor league team. Offensively, it seems as though it might be a few weeks before the hits start coming in bunches, especially hits with runners in scoring position. The bullpen did not give up a run in all three games. Two of the four series thus far, the guys beyond the left field wall have been lights out. With the offense not overpowering teams, the defense 27th in fielding, and with Weaver out no other starter showing consistency, the bullpen has been the nice surprise. Winning two out of three is a positive series. The Angels next opponent are the Twins in Minnesota. Following the quick trip to the twin city is a couple of tough weeks. To see a couple of high scoring affairs before the Tigers come to town would be nice. You know that Detroit will bring the lumber. They just scored 20 runs in three games in Oakland.
I know I said only positive in this post but I lied. Here's a fun stat so far this season: Out of the 12 games so far, the only times the Angels have two hits in a game with runners in scoring position, they were 2-14 and 2-16. One-fers have been popular, and that's not a good thing. If you don't like cringing, dont crunch the batting average with RISP.
I would like to take this time also to congratulate Roy "Doc" Halladay on win #200 today against the Miami Marlins. Even though he hasn't gotten off on the right foot this year, he has been one of the faces of MLB pitching for the last decade. Also, I would like to wish everyone a happy Jackie Robinson day. If you have not seen the movie, 42, go check it out. Not only did Jackie break the color barrier and take on the world's racism, but he also was named Rookie of the Year. Here's to one of America's greatest idols and pioneers.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Friday, April 12, 2013
A's make it time to worry
Well I was wrong about a few things. Weaver's left elbow was more than a few days and coming back home didn't work. Opening day at Angels Stadium on Tuesday in front of a "sold-out" crowd left fans with more doubt than they had while the team was on the road. Opening day was also my dad's birthday so we did what any fans would do, celebrated at the stadium. Sitting in section 522 high above home plate, was a feeling of ease and comfort. It was good to be back at the big A.
CJ Wilson got off to a slow start once again giving up a big first inning via the walk. Angels had plenty of chances to respond, but once again could not cash in with runners in scoring position. Additionally, Hamilton had another chance with the bases loaded and less than two outs, and hit a dribbler back to the pitcher. Howie Kendrick had a big two-RBI double, but then Jepsen gave up a couple home runs in a five-run inning to blow the game open. Wednesday and Thursday's games aren't even worth discussing. The scores tell the story.
While the A's lead the entire league in runs batted in, the Angels are below the medium at #19. The Angels are supposed to be the team with the boom sticks. Angels are #19 again while the A's lead the bigs. Oakland leads in most offensive categories: runs, hits, doubles, walks, home runs, runs batted in, slugging, on base plus slugging, total bases, and extra base hits. The team who won the west seems hungrier out of the gate than the team who needs to prove they are worth the money.
The Halos getting swept by the A's was even worse because two of the three games were decided by more than a grand slams worth of runs. The only guys who have shown up to start the season are Aybar, Bourjous, Trumbo, and Kendrick. Aybar tweaked his leg on Tuesday and will miss sometime. The bottom of the lineup has seem to do its job, getting on base and even knocking in runs. Trumbo leads the team in RBI's and seems to be more comfortable with the strike zone. Trout however has already K'd 10 times this year, only second to Hamilton. His short compact swing is still there, but looks to be just missing his pitch each at-bat. Look for him to be more aggressive against Houston this weekend.
Yes the Angels do get Houston this weekend. Houston, a team with a new manager, new uniforms, and a new mascot, currently has one more win than the Angels. I thought opening night would be the only time that would happen since the Astros and Rangers were the only two teams that played. Hanson, Richards, and CJ are the projected pitchers up against Norris, Harrell, and Humber. All six of these pitchers combined are 2-5. I am interested to see how Garrett Richards handles his first start of the year. I believe Jerome Williams is a better starter than Richards, but the Angels believe in his "potential" because of his stuff. Richards will miss spots and give up big hits, whereas Williams is usually solid the first two times through the lineup, until that 3rd time where the opposing lineup figures him out. Pitch Williams five innings, even if he has a good start, pull him and take your chances with the bullpen like a D1 NCAA Sunday starter.
The Angels need to get the bats going against Houston and at Minnesota to get their confidence up before facing the high powered Detroit Tigers. Beating the Astros 2-1 will not do the trick. They need to do to Houston what the A's did to them. 150+ games left, but April counts just as much as August.
CJ Wilson got off to a slow start once again giving up a big first inning via the walk. Angels had plenty of chances to respond, but once again could not cash in with runners in scoring position. Additionally, Hamilton had another chance with the bases loaded and less than two outs, and hit a dribbler back to the pitcher. Howie Kendrick had a big two-RBI double, but then Jepsen gave up a couple home runs in a five-run inning to blow the game open. Wednesday and Thursday's games aren't even worth discussing. The scores tell the story.
While the A's lead the entire league in runs batted in, the Angels are below the medium at #19. The Angels are supposed to be the team with the boom sticks. Angels are #19 again while the A's lead the bigs. Oakland leads in most offensive categories: runs, hits, doubles, walks, home runs, runs batted in, slugging, on base plus slugging, total bases, and extra base hits. The team who won the west seems hungrier out of the gate than the team who needs to prove they are worth the money.The Halos getting swept by the A's was even worse because two of the three games were decided by more than a grand slams worth of runs. The only guys who have shown up to start the season are Aybar, Bourjous, Trumbo, and Kendrick. Aybar tweaked his leg on Tuesday and will miss sometime. The bottom of the lineup has seem to do its job, getting on base and even knocking in runs. Trumbo leads the team in RBI's and seems to be more comfortable with the strike zone. Trout however has already K'd 10 times this year, only second to Hamilton. His short compact swing is still there, but looks to be just missing his pitch each at-bat. Look for him to be more aggressive against Houston this weekend.
Yes the Angels do get Houston this weekend. Houston, a team with a new manager, new uniforms, and a new mascot, currently has one more win than the Angels. I thought opening night would be the only time that would happen since the Astros and Rangers were the only two teams that played. Hanson, Richards, and CJ are the projected pitchers up against Norris, Harrell, and Humber. All six of these pitchers combined are 2-5. I am interested to see how Garrett Richards handles his first start of the year. I believe Jerome Williams is a better starter than Richards, but the Angels believe in his "potential" because of his stuff. Richards will miss spots and give up big hits, whereas Williams is usually solid the first two times through the lineup, until that 3rd time where the opposing lineup figures him out. Pitch Williams five innings, even if he has a good start, pull him and take your chances with the bullpen like a D1 NCAA Sunday starter.
The Angels need to get the bats going against Houston and at Minnesota to get their confidence up before facing the high powered Detroit Tigers. Beating the Astros 2-1 will not do the trick. They need to do to Houston what the A's did to them. 150+ games left, but April counts just as much as August.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Frustration near Forth Worth. Time to return home.
1 for 10 with runners in scoring position isn't going to win you many games. That's what the Angels did with a plethora of chances to score on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball game. A 2-0 lead before Weaver threw a pitch seems like a great start, but it would've been a much bigger margin. Weaver, who didn't even make it to 80 pitches was stamped with his first loss of the year. Angel fans had to feel good with Weaver and a 2-0 lead. Two home runs in the bottom in the first ruined that quickly. In the top half, Angels had the first three runners reach base without having to put a ball in play. Hamilton, who had three hits in the game, missed a big opportunity in which he probably would give up those three hits for a hit in the first. A bases loaded double play is the ultimate rally killer. Thank Trumbo for stepping up and roping a two-out knock to give the Angels their second run.
When Weaver came out to take the ball, it was a comfortable feeling, until he walked the leadoff hitter. After giving up two home runs to right center, it was a 3-2 Texas lead, and Weav couldn't get comfortable the rest of the game, missing all over the plate. He did get a line drive off the left elbow later, but it shouldn't be anything too serious. Weaver hasn't had much success in Texas, and not many pitchers have. Weaver has faced some of the Ranger's hitters over 50 times now. They have seen all of his pitches in his arsenal. Weaver has had his average speed of his fastball decline nearly four miles per hour over the last four years. Because he is a pitcher and not just a thrower, it shouldn't have too much effect throughout the year, but if you miss against the Rangers in Texas, they will make him pay, and they did.
The Angels had plenty of opportunities to score more runs and failed to do so...again. 1-10 with RISP, most notable (other than the first inning) came after a Josh Hamilton double that put runners on 2nd and 3rd with nobody out. Trumbo and Kendrick struck out, and Callaspo flew out. Even when the Angels beat the Rangers Saturday, they were 1-9 with RISP. Additionally, this was another game of 10 strikeouts or more. This team is going to hit. Like all the coaches and analysts say "they will get their numbers." I will tell you it's not about their numbers, it's about timely hitting and good situational at-bats. Lets remember, the Athletics won the AL West last year. Not the Rangers and obviously not the Angels. In seven games, the Athletics have struck out 39 times as a team, the Angels have struck out 56 times in six games.
So at 2-6, what can we say for positives thus far? Well the Angels finally return home to open up at Angel Stadium against the Athletics and the first of many Trout giveaways will take place. The fans will come out and pack the park. It's been a long time since a ball game has been played at the big A and the fans are anxious to see if this team can redeem themselves from not overcoming a slow April in 2012. With all the money being spent, you want to see this team play well. It's a win now atmosphere with the farm system ranked in the bottom five in the league. We wear our red proudly and will cheer our guys on until the end, but we want a show in return. The last thing Angel fans need is to see an overpaid team not produce when the 2002 Angels who won the World Series were led by guys like Jared Washburn, David Eckstein, Adam Kennedy and Darin Erstad who would've cared less how much they were paid, as long as they were able to run through walls to help the team win. No longer are the Angels considered fun, scrappy, and fearless. With this new lineup, batters need to be patient and swing at their pitch. The fun, big innings will come when the right-center gap becomes a game of pepper. The lineup is ideal to any manager, but you can't win by guessing, chasing, and trying to pull. We want to believe in this team so bad, but we as fans need to be patient too. It is however, a marathon.
When Weaver came out to take the ball, it was a comfortable feeling, until he walked the leadoff hitter. After giving up two home runs to right center, it was a 3-2 Texas lead, and Weav couldn't get comfortable the rest of the game, missing all over the plate. He did get a line drive off the left elbow later, but it shouldn't be anything too serious. Weaver hasn't had much success in Texas, and not many pitchers have. Weaver has faced some of the Ranger's hitters over 50 times now. They have seen all of his pitches in his arsenal. Weaver has had his average speed of his fastball decline nearly four miles per hour over the last four years. Because he is a pitcher and not just a thrower, it shouldn't have too much effect throughout the year, but if you miss against the Rangers in Texas, they will make him pay, and they did.
The Angels had plenty of opportunities to score more runs and failed to do so...again. 1-10 with RISP, most notable (other than the first inning) came after a Josh Hamilton double that put runners on 2nd and 3rd with nobody out. Trumbo and Kendrick struck out, and Callaspo flew out. Even when the Angels beat the Rangers Saturday, they were 1-9 with RISP. Additionally, this was another game of 10 strikeouts or more. This team is going to hit. Like all the coaches and analysts say "they will get their numbers." I will tell you it's not about their numbers, it's about timely hitting and good situational at-bats. Lets remember, the Athletics won the AL West last year. Not the Rangers and obviously not the Angels. In seven games, the Athletics have struck out 39 times as a team, the Angels have struck out 56 times in six games.
So at 2-6, what can we say for positives thus far? Well the Angels finally return home to open up at Angel Stadium against the Athletics and the first of many Trout giveaways will take place. The fans will come out and pack the park. It's been a long time since a ball game has been played at the big A and the fans are anxious to see if this team can redeem themselves from not overcoming a slow April in 2012. With all the money being spent, you want to see this team play well. It's a win now atmosphere with the farm system ranked in the bottom five in the league. We wear our red proudly and will cheer our guys on until the end, but we want a show in return. The last thing Angel fans need is to see an overpaid team not produce when the 2002 Angels who won the World Series were led by guys like Jared Washburn, David Eckstein, Adam Kennedy and Darin Erstad who would've cared less how much they were paid, as long as they were able to run through walls to help the team win. No longer are the Angels considered fun, scrappy, and fearless. With this new lineup, batters need to be patient and swing at their pitch. The fun, big innings will come when the right-center gap becomes a game of pepper. The lineup is ideal to any manager, but you can't win by guessing, chasing, and trying to pull. We want to believe in this team so bad, but we as fans need to be patient too. It is however, a marathon.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Missing the "Big Inning"... Bullpen makes a stand.
One series in the books folks. So what exactly can you learn in three of 162 games? Well for one, that there's a lot of baseball left. However, it seems as though the Angels have left off right where they fell short last season. With a line-up so powerful, even pre-Hamilton, the Angels struggled in scoring a hand-full of runs together. Too many times last year, and again in the series of Cincinnati, we would see a runner on second, or runners on first and second with no one out, and it would be a treat to score one run. One out would occur, then a sac-fly would take place, then another fly out and the inning was over. Give the Red's pitching staff some credit. They had to make pitches, and they return a solid staff from last year.
Another thing that was a recurrence this year already was CJ Wilson missing the strike zone in his start. We'll see how he bounces back as he is the potential starter for the Angels home opener on April 9th.
You look at the roster and the "big inning" should seem inevitable almost once a series where the Angels string together five hits out of six batters. Against Cincinnati in 40 degree weather, the Angels left 27 men on base as a team. Opening day, the first five batters went 2-25 with zero RBI's. Game two they were 4-20, but combined for seven strikeouts. The rubber match was a slight improvement, but were playing from behind the entire game. Three Angels hit three home runs during the series, solo shots of course, but came from the 6-7-8 hitters. Iannetta, Callaspo, and Kendrick. We can look at this as a positive note, that the bottom in the lineup is very capable of picking up the slack. When everyone starts clicking, it will tough to beat this one through nine order. When the Angels went the other way with pitches, the hit the ball hard. You can tell they were antsy at the plate, all the way up until the 2nd half of game three, trying to pull outside pitches.
The better side of things is the bullpen pitched extremely well in the first series, holding the Reds to one run in 12+ innings. The only run given up by Scott Downs to Joey Votto for a game winner in the second dog fight. Remember, Downs didn't give up a run until after the All-Star break last season. With the bullpen being the main concern of this team for most fans, they made a strong stand against a very good Reds lineup. Give the guys in the pen a lot of credit. Frieri, Lowe, Richards, Jepsen, and Burnett all showed up for their 2013 debuts. 15 strikeouts to five walks and only giving up one hit. Ryan Madson still yet to come. The bullpen is like an offensive line in football; 90% of the time, when you hear about them is when they make mistakes. They earned their 10% in Cincinnati.
Fans love to compare Trout and Harper, Harper and Trout. When asked what do you expect to do this year, Harper basically said he could not say what numbers he expects from himself because people would think he's crazy. Well, he's off to a hell of a start, especially after hitting two homers on opening day and 4-8 through three games. People cringed when Trout gained 15 lbs in the off season. He already looks like a military Sargent. Even though he K'd five times against the Reds, he did turn a single into a lead off double showing that he still has the speed. It will be interesting how these two pan out for the sophomore of the year award.
Another thing that was a recurrence this year already was CJ Wilson missing the strike zone in his start. We'll see how he bounces back as he is the potential starter for the Angels home opener on April 9th.
You look at the roster and the "big inning" should seem inevitable almost once a series where the Angels string together five hits out of six batters. Against Cincinnati in 40 degree weather, the Angels left 27 men on base as a team. Opening day, the first five batters went 2-25 with zero RBI's. Game two they were 4-20, but combined for seven strikeouts. The rubber match was a slight improvement, but were playing from behind the entire game. Three Angels hit three home runs during the series, solo shots of course, but came from the 6-7-8 hitters. Iannetta, Callaspo, and Kendrick. We can look at this as a positive note, that the bottom in the lineup is very capable of picking up the slack. When everyone starts clicking, it will tough to beat this one through nine order. When the Angels went the other way with pitches, the hit the ball hard. You can tell they were antsy at the plate, all the way up until the 2nd half of game three, trying to pull outside pitches.
The better side of things is the bullpen pitched extremely well in the first series, holding the Reds to one run in 12
Fans love to compare Trout and Harper, Harper and Trout. When asked what do you expect to do this year, Harper basically said he could not say what numbers he expects from himself because people would think he's crazy. Well, he's off to a hell of a start, especially after hitting two homers on opening day and 4-8 through three games. People cringed when Trout gained 15 lbs in the off season. He already looks like a military Sargent. Even though he K'd five times against the Reds, he did turn a single into a lead off double showing that he still has the speed. It will be interesting how these two pan out for the sophomore of the year award.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Why this is Weaver's year for the Cy Young
2010-2012 Cy Young winners: Felix Hernandez, Justin Verlander, and David Price. Jered Weaver's Cy Young finishes the last three years: 5th, 2nd, 3rd. How to win the Cy Young: Throw 200+ innings with the lowest ERA in the league.
That's what the past three gents have done to clinch the award for best pitcher in the bigs. Weaver had a career best 20 wins last season, but so did 2012 Cy winner David Price. When Felix won it in 2010, he had a 13-12 record. However, he had a 2.27 ERA. Hernandez plays for a Seattle team who finally made some moves to provide some offense this season while also moving the fences in. Seattle finished in the bottom five of offensive runs produced in 2010. That year Felix threw 249 innings with six complete games.
The next year was Verlander's year. 2011 for Justin looked like the Pedro Martinez of 1999. Absolutely unhittable. Only the 10th player to win the Cy Young and MVP, the first since 1992. Don Newcombe was the first to do it in 1956; the first year of the Cy Young. It is fair to say that Verlander has established himself as the most dominant figure on the mound in the game today. That 2011 season when Verlander didn't seem human, Weaver finished right behind him.
David Price was the 2012 winner and it's okay to call it controversial. A fabulous year no-doubt, but the only pitching category he led in was ERA. It was only .08 points lower than Verlander, and Verlander led in innings pitched and strike outs. Weaver missed 3-4 starts last season due to a few nagging injuries and still had a career best in wins.
A solid start on opening night didn't get him the win, but he did his job. Six strong, giving up one run, but was pinch-hit for because the Angels had a chance to score in the top of the 7th. Weaver will only be pitching in National League parks maybe once or twice more (at Dodgers, Cubs, & Brewers). American League park, he stays in the game. With a high powered offense, the hope is to get runs on the board early and often. On paper they look great, but they still have to produce. If this offense can produce as they should, Weaver will be pitching with leads and an ample of opportunities to win multiple games without trying to win them himself. If you ask any pitcher, pitching with a one or two run lead is a lot easier than pitching with a tie game or down a run. It's hard to get to Weaver when he's in cruise control.
"Well what about Felix with that sorry Mariners offense in 2010?" Without Felix they would've lost 125 instead of 101. He was all they had and that's why he had to go the distance every time out. Plus he pitched at Safeco, which up until this year was one of the bigger parks in the bigs. Finishing in the top five of the Cy Young finalists the last three years in admirable. After the top five great pitchers in the American League, there is a drop off to the pretty good pitchers. The last two years Weav has had a sub two ERA. With the Astros now in the west and Texas losing some big players, it's Weavers time to take the crown.
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