Full Version: Angels 2004
Well, why not, all the other cool kids are doing it. I think I'm the only regular who's an Angels fan, so I hope others stop by and keep me company in here.
Jim, you may be the only regular who's an Angel fan, but I do get down to Anaheim for about half-a-dozen games...so I'll visit this thread fairly often.
~Adam
~Adam
I'll visit your house if you'll visit mine. 
Jim Allen, I'll be happy to pop you...I mean, pop into your thread.
And, in honor of the Angels being our rivals in the AL West, let me be the first to say... Angels Suck! Angels Suck! Angels Suck!
And, in honor of the Angels being our rivals in the AL West, let me be the first to say... Angels Suck! Angels Suck! Angels Suck!
Yay, an Angels thread!
I too shall visit the Angels' thread now and again. Perhaps only when it pertains to the Royals (Kidding. Really. ... Okay, not really.) And Jim Allen, why were you not foresightful enough to include an exclamation point in the thread title like Joe in Philly did. tsk tsk.
Did I mention in the Phillies' thread that I might be slightly intoxicated this evening?
I too shall visit the Angels' thread now and again. Perhaps only when it pertains to the Royals (Kidding. Really. ... Okay, not really.) And Jim Allen, why were you not foresightful enough to include an exclamation point in the thread title like Joe in Philly did. tsk tsk.
Did I mention in the Phillies' thread that I might be slightly intoxicated this evening?
Maxallen, I'm very excited about the Angels prospects this year but I've been a fan for too long to be that excited. Trying to remain on an even keel here. It's a loooonnnngggg season.
Internet rumor du jour:
John Lackey for Alfonso Soriano. If snorting in derision could be expressed in a newspaper, Bill Stoneman would do it; he said "Soriano can't play shortstop so we're not interested".
John Lackey for Alfonso Soriano. If snorting in derision could be expressed in a newspaper, Bill Stoneman would do it; he said "Soriano can't play shortstop so we're not interested".
As a follow on to Joe in Philly's comments about spring training being tossed aside due to injuries to Thome and Millwood, we can add Exhibit C: Brendan Donnelly is a putz:
[ March 10, 2004, 02:15 PM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
QUOTE
Angels reliever Brendan Donnelly underwent surgery Tuesday afternoon at Scottsdale Memorial Hospital to repair a broken nose after he was hit in the face by a batted ball during batting practice Tuesday morning.
Donnelly, expected to be closer Troy Percival's primary set-up man, was shagging balls in the outfield at the Angels' spring-training facility in Tempe when he was hit. He'll be re-evaluated in two days and there is no timetable for his return
Did no one think to yell \"Heads up!\"? And I like this: Donnelly, expected to be closer Troy Percival's primary set-up man, was shagging balls in the outfield at the Angels' spring-training facility in Tempe when he was hit. He'll be re-evaluated in two days and there is no timetable for his return
QUOTE
The Angels have had their share of freak accidents in spring training. In 1997, pitcher Chuck Finley was standing too close to the batting cage netting and was hit in the face by a foul ball, breaking the orbital bone around his eye. In 1999, shortstop Gary DiSarcina's forearm was broken when he got too close to coach George Hendrick, who hit DiSarcina with his fungo bat
*Sigh* I miss the Indian Burial Ground Curse.[ March 10, 2004, 02:15 PM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
OT, but what's a fungo bat? I asked a buddy last weekend but he had no idea either...
A fungo bat is a bat that's the standard length but it's considerably thinner for most of the bat than a regular Louisville Slugger; coaches use it to hit fly balls to outfielders. If you use a regular bat, it's too easy to get "good wood" on the ball and send it sailing over the outfielders heads.
[ March 10, 2004, 04:17 PM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
[ March 10, 2004, 04:17 PM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
Hmm, wouldn't know if I didn't ask, so thanks.
Now, back to the 2004 AL West Champs!
Now, back to the 2004 AL West Champs!
The usual bumps and bruises of spring--Troy Glaus twisted an ankle, for example--are taking their toll. Long article in the Los Angeles Times today about the outfield situation, but since it's a registration site, I'll just snip the best parts:
QUOTE
Having completed a week of spring training games without Garret Anderson in the lineup, the Angels are making contingency plans in case the All-Star's biceps tendinitis prevents him from being the opening-day center fielder.
One alternative would be moving left fielder Jose Guillen to center and replacing Guillen with Tim Salmon, but Chone Figgins and Jeff DaVanon are options that would allow Guillen to remain in left. The Angels liked what they saw of Figgins during the 40 games he played in center last season as a replacement for injured regular Darin Erstad but were disappointed by his decision to skip winter ball, which he attributed to his satisfaction with his performance. DaVanon started 26 games in center and displayed adequate range and arm strength.
Another scenario would be to start Anderson in left if he were unable to return in time to get comfortable with the transition to center and new outfield teammates Guillen and Vladimir Guerrero. But the transition should be eased by the fact that Anderson was the Angels' everyday center fielder in 2000 and has played there sporadically during other seasons.
\"It's not our preference [to have Anderson in left], but we have a lot of new dynamics on the club and we have to look at what's going to make us the best club. Those are the moves we're going to make.\"
Guillen, a career right fielder who played center occasionally with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds and Oakland Athletics, said he doesn't care where he plays \"as long as I get my at-bats and play every day.\"
I don't want Garret Anderson playing center field; he's an awful outfielder and his one season in center was awful. If he plays, stick him in left, where he can do less damage. If he doesn't play, use Figgins (who I think *should* have played winter ball) or the adorable Jeff DeVanon (that's him below) and leave Salmon at the DH spot. If Salmon gets hurt, move Anderson to the DH spot.One alternative would be moving left fielder Jose Guillen to center and replacing Guillen with Tim Salmon, but Chone Figgins and Jeff DaVanon are options that would allow Guillen to remain in left. The Angels liked what they saw of Figgins during the 40 games he played in center last season as a replacement for injured regular Darin Erstad but were disappointed by his decision to skip winter ball, which he attributed to his satisfaction with his performance. DaVanon started 26 games in center and displayed adequate range and arm strength.
Another scenario would be to start Anderson in left if he were unable to return in time to get comfortable with the transition to center and new outfield teammates Guillen and Vladimir Guerrero. But the transition should be eased by the fact that Anderson was the Angels' everyday center fielder in 2000 and has played there sporadically during other seasons.
\"It's not our preference [to have Anderson in left], but we have a lot of new dynamics on the club and we have to look at what's going to make us the best club. Those are the moves we're going to make.\"
Guillen, a career right fielder who played center occasionally with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds and Oakland Athletics, said he doesn't care where he plays \"as long as I get my at-bats and play every day.\"
Perhaps I spoke before knowing all the facts. Are the Angels the favorite in their division, or are the A's gonna take it (again)?
I would say that, due to their offseason acquistions, the Angels have to be favored in the West. Doug Miller at the MLB site seems to think so too.
I got a call from my pal Rod that I go to games with and we're both pumped; we're going to try to go to at least two of the Freeways Series games against the sad-sack Dodgers.
[ March 13, 2004, 09:04 PM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
QUOTE
Seattle is its usual self, a by-the-numbers, aggressive ballclub with quality all over the diamond. Oakland is itself, too -- brilliant starting pitching with enough of the rest of the puzzle to win a lot of games.
The Angels have it all -- plenty of offensive firepower, plenty of arms and innings and plenty of relievers to sew up victories early.
If they stay healthy, they'll cruise to the AL West title
As a long-time Angels fan, I would never use the word "cruise"--except what in the context of what I want to do to Eckstein, Donnelly, Erstad and DaVanon--but if everyone stays healthy for most of the year and has their normal years, they should do well. The Angels have it all -- plenty of offensive firepower, plenty of arms and innings and plenty of relievers to sew up victories early.
If they stay healthy, they'll cruise to the AL West title
I got a call from my pal Rod that I go to games with and we're both pumped; we're going to try to go to at least two of the Freeways Series games against the sad-sack Dodgers.
[ March 13, 2004, 09:04 PM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
I can see the Angels winning the divison but they won't "cruise" to the title. I don't know why that writer would say that.
[ March 13, 2004, 09:42 PM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]
[ March 13, 2004, 09:42 PM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]
It does seem a bit much, to claim the Angels will "cruise" to a division title. They're in a really tough division, probably the toughest outside of the loaded AL East, so it's not going to be a cakewalk.
Interesting story in today's Los Angeles Times (requires registration) about catcher Bengie Molina. I love him as a catcher; he's terrific. The only downside is that he's a bit injury prone. There's talk--mostly from the media--about the Angels letting him go at the end of the season because there's this guy Jeff Mathis in the minors that's supposed to be "can't miss" material. I think that'd be a mistake.
Interesting story in today's Los Angeles Times (requires registration) about catcher Bengie Molina. I love him as a catcher; he's terrific. The only downside is that he's a bit injury prone. There's talk--mostly from the media--about the Angels letting him go at the end of the season because there's this guy Jeff Mathis in the minors that's supposed to be "can't miss" material. I think that'd be a mistake.
QUOTE
Jim Allen:
I got a call from my pal Rod that I go to games with and we're both pumped; we're going to try to go to at least two of the Freeways Series games against the sad-sack Dodgers.
If you end up going to a game at Dodger stadium, let me know. Maybe we can get that group thing together with Jim and Brent, and any others interested.
I got a call from my pal Rod that I go to games with and we're both pumped; we're going to try to go to at least two of the Freeways Series games against the sad-sack Dodgers.
Will do. I'm still waiting to hear back from my friend.
I saw this in a Los Angeles Times article about how David Eckstein needs to have a good year for the offense to click:
So, this is the little slut he's dating, huh? Hmm...let's go to the interview:
[ March 17, 2004, 09:18 AM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
I saw this in a Los Angeles Times article about how David Eckstein needs to have a good year for the offense to click:
QUOTE
Isn't he dating actress Ashley Drane, who plays Muffy on the Disney Channel's \"That's So Raven\"?
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Not beautiful, sweet Eckstein! So, this is the little slut he's dating, huh? Hmm...let's go to the interview:
QUOTE
There's quite a story behind your relationship with David Eckstein. How did you two meet?
About three months ago, I was set up with the shortstop for the Anaheim Angels, David Eckstein. My publicist set us up and we’ve been dating. We just hit it off. My favorite number is 22, and his number is 22. And come to find out, we’re from the same hometown. We have so many friends in common, and we literally just hit it off right away. I love baseball – I’m the biggest baseball fan.
He’s awesome. He actually picked out this outfit for me tonight. So not only can he play baseball, he has fashion sense, which is crazy (laughing).
But can he cook?
He can cook! And he cleans and he loves kids, and he can pick out great outfits.
Buwhahahaha! Oh, Ashley, I hope you enjoy your time as a beard because as my friend Brent would say "Eckstein is gay gay gay gay GAY. GAY. GAY". About three months ago, I was set up with the shortstop for the Anaheim Angels, David Eckstein. My publicist set us up and we’ve been dating. We just hit it off. My favorite number is 22, and his number is 22. And come to find out, we’re from the same hometown. We have so many friends in common, and we literally just hit it off right away. I love baseball – I’m the biggest baseball fan.
He’s awesome. He actually picked out this outfit for me tonight. So not only can he play baseball, he has fashion sense, which is crazy (laughing).
But can he cook?
He can cook! And he cleans and he loves kids, and he can pick out great outfits.
[ March 17, 2004, 09:18 AM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
QUOTE
My favorite number is 22,
How does one come up with a favorite number of 22? Awfully convenient. wink[ March 17, 2004, 01:09 PM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]
It looks like the Angels roster is set. Salmon as the DH, cutie Jeff DaVanon as the outfield backup, Chone (pronounced Shawn) Figgins as the infield backup, who can also play center field. They sent down two really promising players Brian Specht, an infielder, and Jeff Mathis, the guy they think is going to be their long-term catcher in about 2 years, after he gets some more experience.
The lineup will be this:
1. Eckstein SS
2. Erstad 1B
3. Gurrero RF
4. Anderson CF
5. Glaus 3B
6. Guillen LF
7. Salmon DH
8. Molina C
9. Kennedy 2B
and the starters will be Colon, Escobar, Washburn, Lackey and Ortiz; Sele to the bullpen. Hottie Brendan Donnelly is out for a month or so with that weird nosebleed problem, but the bullpen is strong.
I can't wait for the season to start tomorrow.
The lineup will be this:
1. Eckstein SS
2. Erstad 1B
3. Gurrero RF
4. Anderson CF
5. Glaus 3B
6. Guillen LF
7. Salmon DH
8. Molina C
9. Kennedy 2B
and the starters will be Colon, Escobar, Washburn, Lackey and Ortiz; Sele to the bullpen. Hottie Brendan Donnelly is out for a month or so with that weird nosebleed problem, but the bullpen is strong.
I can't wait for the season to start tomorrow.
I went to my first game of the season last night, against the A's. It was a sellout, but lots of empty seats because it threatened to rain all day. The Angels played well; Vlad G. hit a rope for a home run; it barely got higher than the press box level and nearly took out the wall behind center field. People were "oohing" and "awwwing" after that. Nice to see that Troy Percival still makes a 4 run lead interesting.
The Angels lineup is solid, top to bottom. Even the 8 & 9 hitters, Molina and Kennedy, can hit the ball. They're going to live or die by their starting pitching; Washburn struggled and barely made it through the 5th inning; luckily the bullpen is kick-ass.
The Angels lineup is solid, top to bottom. Even the 8 & 9 hitters, Molina and Kennedy, can hit the ball. They're going to live or die by their starting pitching; Washburn struggled and barely made it through the 5th inning; luckily the bullpen is kick-ass.
I watched some of that game last night, Jim, and from here in The Shallow End I have just one question for you: Didn't Troy Glaus used to be cute? Wha' happened? Still, any time those two teams play it's a feast of eye candy. (And pretty good ball, too.)
DWB, sorry I didn't reply earlier. I felt like I didn't want to have a conversation with myself in this thread and haven't checked it out in a while.
Glaus has gone from "cute" to "ruggedly handsome". He's gotten a little puffy in the face. My new lust object is Jeff Davannon, the geek-boy reserve outfielder. He hit a shot for a HR yesterday, nice to see him do well.
I went to the game Saturday night. The Indian Burial Ground Curse, thought to be ended with the 2002 WS win, might be making a comeback. Erstad was rounding third, ready to score, and his tender hamstring gave out on his again. He limped to the plate, tried to bowl over the catcher, didn't and ended up writhing on the ground. Shane Halter has been doing a good job in reserve and hit a great grand slam. Colon really struggled early--by the end of the second inning he'd thrown 54 pitches--but did well.
Yesterday Jose Guillen totally f**ked his ankle on a slide in to second. Jeebus! The upshot of the Erstad injury is that the Angels called up Casey Kotchman, their #1 pick from a few years ago, who they've labelled as "can't miss". They were thinking of keepin him at AAA for the year, but figured now would be a good time to see where he's at. Salmon's still out and there's no date for Garret Anderson's return either, so the lineup will be in flux for a while. In the past, all the injuries would have spelled doom for the team, but they have some really strong bench players now.
Glaus has gone from "cute" to "ruggedly handsome". He's gotten a little puffy in the face. My new lust object is Jeff Davannon, the geek-boy reserve outfielder. He hit a shot for a HR yesterday, nice to see him do well.
I went to the game Saturday night. The Indian Burial Ground Curse, thought to be ended with the 2002 WS win, might be making a comeback. Erstad was rounding third, ready to score, and his tender hamstring gave out on his again. He limped to the plate, tried to bowl over the catcher, didn't and ended up writhing on the ground. Shane Halter has been doing a good job in reserve and hit a great grand slam. Colon really struggled early--by the end of the second inning he'd thrown 54 pitches--but did well.
Yesterday Jose Guillen totally f**ked his ankle on a slide in to second. Jeebus! The upshot of the Erstad injury is that the Angels called up Casey Kotchman, their #1 pick from a few years ago, who they've labelled as "can't miss". They were thinking of keepin him at AAA for the year, but figured now would be a good time to see where he's at. Salmon's still out and there's no date for Garret Anderson's return either, so the lineup will be in flux for a while. In the past, all the injuries would have spelled doom for the team, but they have some really strong bench players now.
More talking to myself.......
Jeebus, what a game tonight. The Angels score 9 runs in the first two innings, give up three in the ninth due to Troy "I Make 3 Run Leads Interesting" Percival and win it in the 10th. Even though they are wracked by injuries and players playing out of position, they just win, baby.
If they can get to late June in decent shape in the division, they should be OK.
Jeebus, what a game tonight. The Angels score 9 runs in the first two innings, give up three in the ninth due to Troy "I Make 3 Run Leads Interesting" Percival and win it in the 10th. Even though they are wracked by injuries and players playing out of position, they just win, baby.
If they can get to late June in decent shape in the division, they should be OK.
QUOTE
Jim Allen
More talking to myself.......
Jeebus, what a game tonight.
You're not kidding, Jim....how the hell does a light hitting slap hitter like Chone Figgins go 5 for 6 with 6 RBI!? eek! ....he single-handedly won the game for your Halos.More talking to myself.......
Jeebus, what a game tonight.
I know I said in spring training that the O's would be involved in some high scoring games (thanks to their impressive lineup and mediocre pitching staff) but after 4 of their last 6 games have been decided by scores of 10-7 (WIN), 12-11 (WIN), 15-0 (LOSS) and 10-9 (LOSS) I think it's time for Flanagan or Beattie to consider parting with one of their young studs (perhaps Gibbons or Bigbie, although Hairston is the most likely to go) in exchange for a quality arm or two.
Let's just see if DuBose or Ponson (who has gotten rocked in FOUR consecutive starts) can hold the Angels in check tonight or tomorrow (which is the ESPN Sunday Night game, btw).
Well, Ponson just schooled the Angels on Sunday.
Back home to face the Evil Empire tonight.
I hereby declare Troy Glaus the Jim "I don't need surgery in the offseason, I'll just let it get worse during the season and have to have surgery anyway" Edmonds of this team. Glaus is toast.
Back home to face the Evil Empire tonight.
I hereby declare Troy Glaus the Jim "I don't need surgery in the offseason, I'll just let it get worse during the season and have to have surgery anyway" Edmonds of this team. Glaus is toast.
QUOTE
Anaheim slugger Troy Glaus, a three-time All-Star and this year's AL home run leader, will have surgery on his right shoulder Friday and might be sidelined for the rest of the season. The 2002 World Series MVP was limited to 91 games last season because of a shoulder injury he sustained while trying to make a diving catch.
Glaus was taken out of the lineup in New York last Wednesday. The third baseman had been the Angels' designated hitter recently because of a sore shoulder. Glaus has hit 11 home runs in only 108 at-bats this season. The surgery will be performed by Angels team physician Dr. Lewis Yocum to repair fraying of the labrum and rotator cuff, and Glaus will be placed on the 60-day disabled list, the team said Monday.
*Sigh* And Shane Halter is awful. It looks like Chone Figgins is the 3B now. And Garret Anderson is still out, too; they don't know why he has persistent back pains and I'm really worried that they're going to announce he has cancer or something.
Glaus was taken out of the lineup in New York last Wednesday. The third baseman had been the Angels' designated hitter recently because of a sore shoulder. Glaus has hit 11 home runs in only 108 at-bats this season. The surgery will be performed by Angels team physician Dr. Lewis Yocum to repair fraying of the labrum and rotator cuff, and Glaus will be placed on the 60-day disabled list, the team said Monday.
Being a HUGE Troy fan, this is the most depressing thing that could've happened in such an important year for him. My first thought was that there's no way he'll be with the Angels next year, but will anybody give him a big contract after yet another season of missing more than half of the games? Maybe we'll have a chance to lock him up for less now.
As for the team I think as long as they play 500 baseball with the injuries they've got, they'll be in great shape. They just need to take it one day at a time as usual.
As for the team I think as long as they play 500 baseball with the injuries they've got, they'll be in great shape. They just need to take it one day at a time as usual.
The thing that most impresses me is the way Scioscia has the team playing differently depending on who they face. The Angels can be victorious with small ball--singles, hit-and-run, sacrifice bunts--or long ball, depending on the opponent's strength. Compare this to the Yankees (as an example) who are built to be a power team pure & simple.
~Adam
~Adam
QUOTE
Jim Allen:
And Garret Anderson is still out, too; they don't know why he has persistent back pains
Have they ruled out allergies and the common cold? And Garret Anderson is still out, too; they don't know why he has persistent back pains
Sebastian, the question is: will the Angels want him back? They're sky high on Dallas McPherson, who's tearing up AA and feel he'll be ready in two years, so Troy Boy might be expendable.
Adam, Scoscia has pushed all the right buttons, that's true--well, except for tonight (see below).
Joe, hahaha! The doctors are baffled; they're run a bunch of tests and haven't got a clue. That's why I'm really afraid it might be something really life-threatening.
Wow, what a game tonight. Superb pitching all around, for starters. I was screaming at the TV though when Scoscia pulled Guillen for the pinch runner Amezaga--who promptly gets picked off. D'oh! Poor Posada! Gets hit by a pitch on the foot--ouch. Playing the Angels might be hazardous for his health. But why did the Yankees third base coach send him home against Vlad? True, Vlad double hopped the throw, true, Posada touched the plate before Jose Molina tagged him but still.
I love Jeff DaVanon, in both senses. I think he's doing a good job and as such, there's no need to push the panic button about getting Anderson back or trading for help. I love Casey Kotchman too, though only as a player, not a lust object.
The Yankees are the Angels bitch.
[ May 18, 2004, 10:34 PM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
Adam, Scoscia has pushed all the right buttons, that's true--well, except for tonight (see below).
Joe, hahaha! The doctors are baffled; they're run a bunch of tests and haven't got a clue. That's why I'm really afraid it might be something really life-threatening.
Wow, what a game tonight. Superb pitching all around, for starters. I was screaming at the TV though when Scoscia pulled Guillen for the pinch runner Amezaga--who promptly gets picked off. D'oh! Poor Posada! Gets hit by a pitch on the foot--ouch. Playing the Angels might be hazardous for his health. But why did the Yankees third base coach send him home against Vlad? True, Vlad double hopped the throw, true, Posada touched the plate before Jose Molina tagged him
but still.I love Jeff DaVanon, in both senses. I think he's doing a good job and as such, there's no need to push the panic button about getting Anderson back or trading for help. I love Casey Kotchman too, though only as a player, not a lust object.
The Yankees are the Angels bitch.
[ May 18, 2004, 10:34 PM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
QUOTE
Jim Allen:
The Yankees are the Angels bitch.
There are so many different ways that can be taken. The Yankees are the Angels bitch.
Anyway, it sounds like I missed a well-pitched game on both sides even though my team was outscored 1-0. The one thing I was hoping for when I was checking the post-game stats this morning was that if the Yankees had to lose, Troy Percival would at least have gotten the late-inning win, since there was obviously no save situation as the Yanks didn't score. Percival is the main closer on my fantasy league team as a certain Pat125 already snapped up Mariano Rivera. But, alas I couldn't even get the Percival win. frown
QUOTE
There are so many different ways that can be taken.
I'm really liking the Angels v. Yankees series of the last few years.
Well, Cattledog, I thought the Angels had a chance in the 9th (i.e. a Troy Percival win situation) but Amezaga getting picked off put an end to that. The Angels have had an injury wave that even The Indian Burial Ground Curse didn't produce but they have a really solid bench and great pitching, so they haven't collapsed (yet
hahaha).
What a sloppy game by the Angels last night. First off, Shane Halter had me screaming at the TV for getting picked off from second in the 5th inning. They showed him talking to Mickey Hatcher afterwards and by lip reading, you could tell he was thinking that he had to run when Eckstein tried to bunt. Um, no, you doofus, even I remember from little league the dictum "Safety first".
Of course, giving up 11 walks isn't going to win you many games. Overall, a poor performance, but at least they have an idea about what's up with Garret Anderson: arthritis in his upper body. Rehab to start soon, hopefully he'll be back this season. Whew! I was dreading something like "GA has bone marrow cancer" or something.
Of course, giving up 11 walks isn't going to win you many games. Overall, a poor performance, but at least they have an idea about what's up with Garret Anderson: arthritis in his upper body. Rehab to start soon, hopefully he'll be back this season. Whew! I was dreading something like "GA has bone marrow cancer" or something.
Jim A: what do you make of the talk that Troy Glaus is done for the year and that the Angels will look at signing Aaron Boone? Is the Tmes blowing smoke about Glaus' surgey being season-ending?
Be glad the Angels' starting pitching is solid--unlike the Dodgers, where the starters are beginning to crack.
~Adam
Be glad the Angels' starting pitching is solid--unlike the Dodgers, where the starters are beginning to crack.
~Adam
The problem with the signing of Boone is that he's out still and will be coming off major knee surgery. After last night's 9th inning disaster, it's obvious that Shane Halter is not even a short term answer to the 3B issue. There's also no one ready to help from AAA so my thought is put Chone Figgins there.
Last night's game was a disaster. I think Percival is toast--they won't simply dump him, but it's obvious that Frankie Rodriguez should be the closer.
Last night's game was a disaster. I think Percival is toast--they won't simply dump him, but it's obvious that Frankie Rodriguez should be the closer.
I'm surprised no one's maentioned last night's 17-inning affair (if only some of my affairs would last 17-innings....)between the Angels and Brewers. Lasted 4 hours, 46 minutes (I do know something about that...) with the Brewers ultimately winning, 1-0. The Angels' were very quiet at the plate--managed just four hits (4-for-55) but, as is obvious from the score, the pitching was magnificent.
~Adam
~Adam
QUOTE
Adam:
I'm surprised no one's maentioned last night's 17-inning affair (if only some of my affairs would last 17-innings....)between the Angels and Brewers. Lasted 4 hours, 46 minutes (I do know something about that...)
Oh my! I wanna party with YOU, cowboy! I'm surprised no one's maentioned last night's 17-inning affair (if only some of my affairs would last 17-innings....)between the Angels and Brewers. Lasted 4 hours, 46 minutes (I do know something about that...)
wink Due to the length of the game and having been played in Anaheim it wasn't even in my paper this morning. I had to read about it online during the day. The Brewers hitters struck out 26 times (tying a record for extra-inning games) but still won. eek!
[ June 09, 2004, 09:10 PM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]
QUOTE
Adam:
Lasted 4 hours, 46 minutes (I do know something about that...)
~Adam
~Adam, are you really Sting? wink Lasted 4 hours, 46 minutes (I do know something about that...)
~Adam
...and as long as I'm in here: :cool: VLAD!!! :cool:
The Angels have suspended Jose Guillen for the rest of the season and playoffs without pay, and aren't saying specifically why, just saying it's related to conduct related to his being removed for a pinch-runner from Saturday's game. Guillen, judging from his actions prior to tonight's game and his demeanor during a taped interview with ESPN, had no idea it was going to happen. ESPN did an interview with the Angels' GM, who refused to provide any details. Then Joe Morgan said he appreciated their keeping the fans informed. What an idiot.
According to an account in this morning's NY Times it had to do with Guillen throwing his glove in the dugout in the general direction of Mike Scosia after being removed for a pinch runner. Apparently it's not the first time there's been this type of incident with him. The comments by some other Angel players were not particularly supportive of the move by the Angels front office.
There are reports that Guillen threw his helmet in Scioscia's direction (according to one report, towards Scioscia's head) and both Scioscia and Bill Stoneman--Angel GM--have both stated there are other incidents, though they did not elaborate. However, there have been difficulties before: in July, Guillen claimed he wasn't at a players' meeting called by Darin Erstad & then admitted he was at the meeting and publicly called it pointless; previously he publicly criticized his teammates for not retaliating when a Blue Jay pitcher threw at him.
~Adam
~Adam
Well, Mike Scoscia and Bill Stoneman will:
1. Be ripped to bits if the Angels lose the division race by 1 game (they have no chance for the wild card) or the offense gets shut out for 3 straight games because they basically told their second best player besides Vlad to f**k off OR
2. Be praised for putting team before individual. Guillen's been a headcase all season (there's a reason someone so talented has been such a nomad) and he's surely burned his bridges with another team. Kind of a dumb move on the Angels part in terms of dealing him, they've just lowered his market value considerably.
I hope it's 2, suspect it'll be 1 and just want this roller-coaster season to be over, playoffs or not.
At least Mike Scoscia isn't the weak and ineffectual Terry "Ball my eyes out at my final press conference" Collins. Not that there's anything wrong with men crying, mind.
1. Be ripped to bits if the Angels lose the division race by 1 game (they have no chance for the wild card) or the offense gets shut out for 3 straight games because they basically told their second best player besides Vlad to f**k off OR
2. Be praised for putting team before individual. Guillen's been a headcase all season (there's a reason someone so talented has been such a nomad) and he's surely burned his bridges with another team. Kind of a dumb move on the Angels part in terms of dealing him, they've just lowered his market value considerably.
I hope it's 2, suspect it'll be 1 and just want this roller-coaster season to be over, playoffs or not.
At least Mike Scoscia isn't the weak and ineffectual Terry "Ball my eyes out at my final press conference" Collins. Not that there's anything wrong with men crying, mind.
So far so good: a 5-3 win at Texas tonight.
So why couldn't they say what happened when announcing the suspension on Sunday night? All of this secrecy is stupid, and since the word gets out anyway it's doubly stupid.
So why couldn't they say what happened when announcing the suspension on Sunday night? All of this secrecy is stupid, and since the word gets out anyway it's doubly stupid.
QUOTE
So why couldn't they say what happened when announcing the suspension on Sunday night? All of this secrecy is stupid, and since the word gets out anyway it's doubly stupid.
Rumors of a confrontation in the clubhouse between Scoscia and Guillen after the game, \"no punches were thrown\", it's a body of work from Guillen not this one incident etc. Adam, did you see T.J. Simers column today? I thought he nailed it:QUOTE
I've never thought it worth the time to listen to anything Angel General Manager Bill Stoneman has to say, because he never has anything of substance to say. He confirmed this when he suggested the Angels were not sending a message to Guillen. Are we supposed to believe that Stoneman and Manager Mike Scioscia were just sitting around when one of them said, \"Hey, I've got an idea: Let's suspend Guillen for yuks.\"
Maybe Guillen took a swing at Scioscia or told Stoneman, \"You're no DePodesta,\" [JA here: yeah, that's right, Stoneman doesn't believe in that sabremetrics bullshit] because if the Angels suspended him for being a perpetual head case or because other players were tired of his act, they are all hypocrites. I know there are a lot of people tired of pro athletes who are praising the team for taking a tough stance and putting a spoiled athlete in his place, but the Angels signed Guillen, and cheaply by today's standards, because he was a head case.
How do you justify suspending a guy for the rest of the season for pulling just the kind of stunt you'd expect from a head case? How do you justify suspending a guy for a series of problems when you knew all along that's what you were going to get?
So he must have done something really outlandish that we have not been told about, or it's the Angels' over-the-top behavior that deserves to be challenged.
Yep.
Maybe Guillen took a swing at Scioscia or told Stoneman, \"You're no DePodesta,\" [JA here: yeah, that's right, Stoneman doesn't believe in that sabremetrics bullshit] because if the Angels suspended him for being a perpetual head case or because other players were tired of his act, they are all hypocrites. I know there are a lot of people tired of pro athletes who are praising the team for taking a tough stance and putting a spoiled athlete in his place, but the Angels signed Guillen, and cheaply by today's standards, because he was a head case.
How do you justify suspending a guy for the rest of the season for pulling just the kind of stunt you'd expect from a head case? How do you justify suspending a guy for a series of problems when you knew all along that's what you were going to get?
So he must have done something really outlandish that we have not been told about, or it's the Angels' over-the-top behavior that deserves to be challenged.
Guillen's appeal is scheduled to be heard Friday; I wonder whether more information about the action or actions that ultimately led to the suspension will be made public through that process. It is rather surprising that no one in the Angels organization--players or execs--is leaking negative reports about Guillen to press--especially since Scioscia is so highly regarded.
~Adam
~Adam
Meanwhile, the Angels are now tied with the A's for the division lead. It will come down to this weekend's series between the teams in Oakland...the Rangers are 3 games behind both teams and are in a real jam at this point.
Joe, Joe, Joe. *SIGH* This is the Angels. The team that has arguably the biggest choke in American sports history on its books (see: 1986). They still have two games against the Rangers to play and it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if they lose both of them 1-0, while Oakland wins their games against Seattle. They could go from being tied going in to that shithole called the Coliseum (or whatever it's called these days) to having to sweep to win the division.
The motto of Everton is "Nils Satis, Nisi Optimum" (Never Satisfied, Always Optimistic). If Angels fans were to adopt a motto, it would be "Easily Satisfied with 2nd Place, Never Ever Optimistic".
The motto of Everton is "Nils Satis, Nisi Optimum" (Never Satisfied, Always Optimistic). If Angels fans were to adopt a motto, it would be "Easily Satisfied with 2nd Place, Never Ever Optimistic".
After just winning it all a couple of years ago, you shouldn't be acting so negative. It's so....Philadelphian. wink And the Angels rallied to win again tonight. Seattle has just taken a 4-2 lead over Oakland in the 8th.
Oh, and the biggest choke in American sports? Ahem. 1964.
[ September 29, 2004, 09:27 PM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]
Oh, and the biggest choke in American sports? Ahem. 1964.
[ September 29, 2004, 09:27 PM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]
Oakland did lose. Must. not. believe. No, that way madness lies.
1964? [dismissive wave of the hand and derisive snort] The Angels were one strike away from making the World Series, lost the lead, tied it in the bottom of the ninth, had a runner on 3rd with one out, couldn't knock him in--thanks for nothing, you twat Doug DiCinces--lost in 11 and proceeded to go to Boston, still with a 3-2 series lead and got creamed in games 6 & 7.
Puh-leeze. 1964 [more derisive noise]. Not even a contenda. See also: 1982, went up 2-0 against the Brew Crew, lost 2 in a row, got totally mismanaged by Gene Mauch--at least 1964/82/86 have something in common--and lost in the 8th inning of the deciding game 5. See also: 1995. 11 game lead at the end of August, Gary DiSarcina breaks his wrist, team collapses, gets schooled by Randy Johnson in the one game playoff.
1964? Ha!
1964? [dismissive wave of the hand and derisive snort] The Angels were one strike away from making the World Series, lost the lead, tied it in the bottom of the ninth, had a runner on 3rd with one out, couldn't knock him in--thanks for nothing, you twat Doug DiCinces--lost in 11 and proceeded to go to Boston, still with a 3-2 series lead and got creamed in games 6 & 7.
Puh-leeze. 1964 [more derisive noise]. Not even a contenda. See also: 1982, went up 2-0 against the Brew Crew, lost 2 in a row, got totally mismanaged by Gene Mauch--at least 1964/82/86 have something in common--and lost in the 8th inning of the deciding game 5. See also: 1995. 11 game lead at the end of August, Gary DiSarcina breaks his wrist, team collapses, gets schooled by Randy Johnson in the one game playoff.
1964? Ha!
QUOTE
Joe in Philly:
After just winning it all a couple of years ago, you shouldn't be acting so negative. It's so....Philadelphian. wink
You mena the negative part, right? Certainly the winning it all a couple years ago isn't "Philadelphian"! After just winning it all a couple of years ago, you shouldn't be acting so negative. It's so....Philadelphian. wink
wink
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