Angels
Angels Part Deux - Their Three Man Starting Staff
08/16/11 19:31 Filed in: Baseball
Early last year, I discussed Tony Reagins' misguided decision to sign free agent pitcher Joel Pineiro ("Angels Pay, But Don't Learn Any Lessons" Jan 22, 2010). Pineiro was a decent 10-7, 3.84 in limited duty last year, but this season has reverted to his true form, compiling a 5-6 record and a 5.34 ERA, on the strength of a super impressive streak of six games over which he pitched 18-2/3 innings while giving up 27 earned runs, and losing his starting spot in the process. Add that to the Scott Kazmir debacle, and the Angels have the best top three starters in the American League, maybe on a par with the Phillies in all of baseball, and, in the words of CA governor Jerry Brown, "Smoke and Mirrors" in the rest of the rotation.
The result of the utter failure of Kazmir and the shoulda-seen-it-comming performance of Pineiro has been a rushed Tyler Chatwood getting a staring role, and the Garrett Richards debacle. Who knows who will be filling out the Angels' rotation over the next six weeks.
It is a testament to the talents of Mike Scioscia, the over-powering abilities of Jared Weaver and Dan Haren, and the incredible streak of brilliance that Ervin Santana has hit, that despite this, asI I said yesterday, were it not for the Vernon Wells trade, the Angels would be in first place in the AL West.
The result of the utter failure of Kazmir and the shoulda-seen-it-comming performance of Pineiro has been a rushed Tyler Chatwood getting a staring role, and the Garrett Richards debacle. Who knows who will be filling out the Angels' rotation over the next six weeks.
It is a testament to the talents of Mike Scioscia, the over-powering abilities of Jared Weaver and Dan Haren, and the incredible streak of brilliance that Ervin Santana has hit, that despite this, asI I said yesterday, were it not for the Vernon Wells trade, the Angels would be in first place in the AL West.
theHoundDawg |  |
|
The Angels Would Be in First Place, IF ....
08/15/11 13:42 Filed in: Baseball
..... Angel GM Tony Reagins had not made the trade I discussed on January 27:
Napoli: 76 games 240 ABs 18 HRs 48 RBI .288 Avg. .386 OBP .583 SLG.
Wells: 92 games 362 ABs 17 HRs 45 RBI .204 Avg. .236 OBP .373 SLG.
Note also 2011 season averages compiled by the Angel catching staff: Hank Conger .214 Bobby Wilson .190, and starter Jeff Mathis .181, and a total of 7 home runs between them.
The single biggest criticism of Mgr. Mike Scioscia this season has been his dedication to catcher Jeff Mathis, but in reality Mathis is a decent clutch performer and a lot of what he has done at the plate has been in key situations. Plus, no other catcher on the Angel roster has done much better, including the talented youngster Conger, who critics say should be doing the bulk of the catching. In all fairness, it is again Reagins who has failed to bolster the catching staff he decimated by giving away Napoli.
Rivera had a disappointing time in Toronto, but has been lights out with the Dodgers since they picked him up last month.
Productive catching (read "Napoli") and any decent two-bit, journeyman left fielder instead of the Wells deal, and Texas would be chasing the Angels, instead of it being the other way around.
Today, with 1/4 of the season left, Napoli and Wells have the following stats:"As time marched on towards spring training, he [Reagins] felt compelled to make a move, and a move he did make. Making probably the worst trade by a southern California team since the Dodgers gave away Mike Piazza, he traded Juan Rivera and Angel stalwart Mike Napoli for the over-priced, over-rated, and over-the-hill Vernon Wells. Wells' numbers last season were not too bad - 31 HRs and 88 RBIs, with a .273 average. However, that is one home run every 19 at-bats and an RBI every 6.7. Compare that to Napoli's home run every 17 at bats and RBI every 6.5 at bats. Compare all this further with the fact that before last season's "comeback", Wells had had three consecutive bad years, averaging only 17 home runs and 75 RBIs a year."
Napoli: 76 games 240 ABs 18 HRs 48 RBI .288 Avg. .386 OBP .583 SLG.
Wells: 92 games 362 ABs 17 HRs 45 RBI .204 Avg. .236 OBP .373 SLG.
Note also 2011 season averages compiled by the Angel catching staff: Hank Conger .214 Bobby Wilson .190, and starter Jeff Mathis .181, and a total of 7 home runs between them.
The single biggest criticism of Mgr. Mike Scioscia this season has been his dedication to catcher Jeff Mathis, but in reality Mathis is a decent clutch performer and a lot of what he has done at the plate has been in key situations. Plus, no other catcher on the Angel roster has done much better, including the talented youngster Conger, who critics say should be doing the bulk of the catching. In all fairness, it is again Reagins who has failed to bolster the catching staff he decimated by giving away Napoli.
Rivera had a disappointing time in Toronto, but has been lights out with the Dodgers since they picked him up last month.
Productive catching (read "Napoli") and any decent two-bit, journeyman left fielder instead of the Wells deal, and Texas would be chasing the Angels, instead of it being the other way around.
| theHoundDawg | |
Final Injury is the End for Jim Edmonds
02/18/11 16:21 Filed in: Baseball
For most of the past two decades, Jim Edmonds was not only the best centerfielder in baseball, but the finest defensive player in the game. Period. No argument.
Combine that with his power and overall hitting prowess, and above all, his selfless, fearless play, ever-willing to risk injury on every play, and he was one of the great stars of his generation.
He lost a lot of time due to his fearless play and the injuries he was never afraid of suffering. A severely injured Achilles injured last September has now resulted in his retirement today at the age of 40.
As stated in the following video, his highlight reel is never-ending. Featured at the end, is his catch from 1997 in Kansas City, that is quite likely the greatest catch ever made on a major league diamond. At least in the TV era.
Edmonds played center for the Angels for six seasons, for six amazing season. His March, 2000 trade to St. Louis, where he enjoyed his greatest successes, was a dark day in Angel history, as coming off an injury-riddled 1999 season, he was virtually given away, for a scrappy Adam Kennedy and one-year wonder, Kent Bottenfield, whose one year happened in St. Louis, not Anaheim.
It is fitting that Darren Erstad comments on the 1997 catch in the video, as he played left field next to Edmonds for a couple of seasons, and then replaced him in center beginning in the 2000 season, and always playing with the same reckless abandon as Edmonds, he too suffered numerous injuries in the course of his career. Playing daredevil in the field, Erstad came as close to the magic of Edmonds as any other outfielder in the first decade of the 21st century, but injuries ended Erstad’s career at age 35.
Jim Edmonds was one high-priced ballplayer actually worth the price of admission.
Combine that with his power and overall hitting prowess, and above all, his selfless, fearless play, ever-willing to risk injury on every play, and he was one of the great stars of his generation.
He lost a lot of time due to his fearless play and the injuries he was never afraid of suffering. A severely injured Achilles injured last September has now resulted in his retirement today at the age of 40.
As stated in the following video, his highlight reel is never-ending. Featured at the end, is his catch from 1997 in Kansas City, that is quite likely the greatest catch ever made on a major league diamond. At least in the TV era.
Edmonds played center for the Angels for six seasons, for six amazing season. His March, 2000 trade to St. Louis, where he enjoyed his greatest successes, was a dark day in Angel history, as coming off an injury-riddled 1999 season, he was virtually given away, for a scrappy Adam Kennedy and one-year wonder, Kent Bottenfield, whose one year happened in St. Louis, not Anaheim.
It is fitting that Darren Erstad comments on the 1997 catch in the video, as he played left field next to Edmonds for a couple of seasons, and then replaced him in center beginning in the 2000 season, and always playing with the same reckless abandon as Edmonds, he too suffered numerous injuries in the course of his career. Playing daredevil in the field, Erstad came as close to the magic of Edmonds as any other outfielder in the first decade of the 21st century, but injuries ended Erstad’s career at age 35.
Jim Edmonds was one high-priced ballplayer actually worth the price of admission.
| theHoundDawg |  |
Two Events That Shape LA Baseball
01/27/11 20:51 Filed in: Baseball
In the past few years, two watershed events occurred in Los Angeles baseball, forever changing the course of two successful franchises, previously competing yearly for division titles, and league championships.
Headlines for a year and a half now have detailed the facts, fictions, and fantasies of the event forever changing in ways not yet fully known, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hamstringing expenditures, the McCourt divorce has been the high-profile roadblock to Dodger spending, and Dodger success. Less noteworthy, but more relevant to the objective of on-the-field success, was the earlier event that forever changed the fortunes of the Los Angeles Angels, the retirement of General Manager Bill Stoneman.
For a year, the McCourt divorce handcuffed GM Ned Colletti, and the results were oh-so evident on the field during the 2010 season. But, low and behold, this winter the purse strings have miraculously opened, and the Dodgers have dramatically improved their roster. The addition of Jon Garland and the re-signing of Ted Lilly, Hiroki Kuroda and Vicente Padilla have transformed a questionable rotation into a solid, deep group of starters, and the signing of Matt Guerrier has added depth and solid set-up help to a bullpen that can dominate in the late innings. The signing of Juan Uribe to play second base gives the team the first solid, 3, 4, 5, 6 infield it has had in years. Re-acquiring Dioner Navarro solidifies a now deep and veteran catching corp, that should exceed the diminished play of the 2009-2010 Russell Martin (who I expect to have a big comeback in NY). The left field platoon of Jay Gibbons and Marcus Thames will provide a major improvement over last year.
The one deficit the Dodgers must try to overcome in their quest to return to NL West prominence, is, of course, the presence of Don Mattingly in the manager's seat. The hope here is that the start to the season will be so horrendous that Donny will swiftly be shown the exit, and that the guy who should have gotten the job, new 3B coach Tim Wallach, will then replace him. Should that occur, then the effect of the McCourt divorce will, at least for 2011, be minimal, and the Dodgers can enjoy a successful comeback from the disastrous 2010 season.
Now the Angels are another story.
The single most important even in Angel history was the hiring of Bill Stoneman as GM in 1999. His greatest move, of course, was the hiring of Mike Scioscia as manager, but for eight years, he made move after move, some under the radar, that built and maintained a solid contender, the 2002 World Champion, and a team that thereafter won the Western Division title on almost a yearly basis. Then following the 2007 season, he abruptly retired. The team and the system was so good, that his successor, Tony Reagins, could do little to harm Scioscia's Angels for the next couple of years, though any honest appraisal would reveal that the team was just not as deep and as solid and as special as the 2002-2007 teams.
In stark contrast to the low-key mastermind Stoneman, Reagins felt the need to make a splash, and his trademark became top-of-the-news trades and signings. Some early moves admittedly were not bad, most notably, the signing of Torri Hunter. Others, not so much, such as mortgaging the future with the rental of Mark Teixeira, knowing the impossibility of signing him for the following season. Following the 2009 season, the team was devastated by the free-agent losses of John Lackey, Vladimir Guerrero and Chone Figgins. As time went on, his moves became more and more desperate, such as trading for Scott Kazmir, and then trading for Dan Haren at the price of four young pitchers, including solid, proven starter Joe Saunders, over whom Haren is only a modest improvement, if an improvement at all. Major league rosters are laden with ex-Angel pitching prospects, never allowed to mature in Anaheim, but showing ability, talent, and bright futures elsewhere. That list includes Sean O'Sullivan, Darren O'Day, and Dustin Moseley, not to mention ex-Angel veterans Darren Oliver and Francisco Rodriguez.
And then came the 2010-2011 off-season. Full of promises to sign Adrian Beltre, Rafael Soriano, Carl Crawford, and maybe even Cliff Lee, Reagins was totally shut out. As time marched on towards spring training, he felt compelled to make a move, and a move he did make. Making probably the worst trade by a southern California team since the Dodgers gave away Mike Piazza, he traded Juan Rivera and Angel stalwart Mike Napoli for the over-priced, over-rated, and over-the-hill Vernon Wells. Wells' numbers last season were not too bad - 31 HRs and 88 RBIs, with a .273 average. However, that is one home run every 19 at-bats and an RBI every 6.7. Compare that to Napoli's home run every 17 at bats and RBI every 6.5 at bats. Compare all this further with the fact that before last season's "comeback", Wells had had three consecutive bad years, averaging only 17 home runs and 75 RBIs a year. Add in the fact that there are no assurances the Kendy Morales will be totally healthy at the start of the season and able to play first base every day. If he cannot, without Napoli, the Angels have NO back-up first baseman. Without Rivera, they do not even have a back-up designated hitter. And the Angels owe Wells $86 Million.
Despite one of the great managers in baseball, a starting staff with true quality at the top, and a tremendous defense, the Angels are headed for a bad season, with no light at the end of the tunnel.
Headlines for a year and a half now have detailed the facts, fictions, and fantasies of the event forever changing in ways not yet fully known, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hamstringing expenditures, the McCourt divorce has been the high-profile roadblock to Dodger spending, and Dodger success. Less noteworthy, but more relevant to the objective of on-the-field success, was the earlier event that forever changed the fortunes of the Los Angeles Angels, the retirement of General Manager Bill Stoneman.
For a year, the McCourt divorce handcuffed GM Ned Colletti, and the results were oh-so evident on the field during the 2010 season. But, low and behold, this winter the purse strings have miraculously opened, and the Dodgers have dramatically improved their roster. The addition of Jon Garland and the re-signing of Ted Lilly, Hiroki Kuroda and Vicente Padilla have transformed a questionable rotation into a solid, deep group of starters, and the signing of Matt Guerrier has added depth and solid set-up help to a bullpen that can dominate in the late innings. The signing of Juan Uribe to play second base gives the team the first solid, 3, 4, 5, 6 infield it has had in years. Re-acquiring Dioner Navarro solidifies a now deep and veteran catching corp, that should exceed the diminished play of the 2009-2010 Russell Martin (who I expect to have a big comeback in NY). The left field platoon of Jay Gibbons and Marcus Thames will provide a major improvement over last year.
The one deficit the Dodgers must try to overcome in their quest to return to NL West prominence, is, of course, the presence of Don Mattingly in the manager's seat. The hope here is that the start to the season will be so horrendous that Donny will swiftly be shown the exit, and that the guy who should have gotten the job, new 3B coach Tim Wallach, will then replace him. Should that occur, then the effect of the McCourt divorce will, at least for 2011, be minimal, and the Dodgers can enjoy a successful comeback from the disastrous 2010 season.
Now the Angels are another story.
The single most important even in Angel history was the hiring of Bill Stoneman as GM in 1999. His greatest move, of course, was the hiring of Mike Scioscia as manager, but for eight years, he made move after move, some under the radar, that built and maintained a solid contender, the 2002 World Champion, and a team that thereafter won the Western Division title on almost a yearly basis. Then following the 2007 season, he abruptly retired. The team and the system was so good, that his successor, Tony Reagins, could do little to harm Scioscia's Angels for the next couple of years, though any honest appraisal would reveal that the team was just not as deep and as solid and as special as the 2002-2007 teams.
In stark contrast to the low-key mastermind Stoneman, Reagins felt the need to make a splash, and his trademark became top-of-the-news trades and signings. Some early moves admittedly were not bad, most notably, the signing of Torri Hunter. Others, not so much, such as mortgaging the future with the rental of Mark Teixeira, knowing the impossibility of signing him for the following season. Following the 2009 season, the team was devastated by the free-agent losses of John Lackey, Vladimir Guerrero and Chone Figgins. As time went on, his moves became more and more desperate, such as trading for Scott Kazmir, and then trading for Dan Haren at the price of four young pitchers, including solid, proven starter Joe Saunders, over whom Haren is only a modest improvement, if an improvement at all. Major league rosters are laden with ex-Angel pitching prospects, never allowed to mature in Anaheim, but showing ability, talent, and bright futures elsewhere. That list includes Sean O'Sullivan, Darren O'Day, and Dustin Moseley, not to mention ex-Angel veterans Darren Oliver and Francisco Rodriguez.
And then came the 2010-2011 off-season. Full of promises to sign Adrian Beltre, Rafael Soriano, Carl Crawford, and maybe even Cliff Lee, Reagins was totally shut out. As time marched on towards spring training, he felt compelled to make a move, and a move he did make. Making probably the worst trade by a southern California team since the Dodgers gave away Mike Piazza, he traded Juan Rivera and Angel stalwart Mike Napoli for the over-priced, over-rated, and over-the-hill Vernon Wells. Wells' numbers last season were not too bad - 31 HRs and 88 RBIs, with a .273 average. However, that is one home run every 19 at-bats and an RBI every 6.7. Compare that to Napoli's home run every 17 at bats and RBI every 6.5 at bats. Compare all this further with the fact that before last season's "comeback", Wells had had three consecutive bad years, averaging only 17 home runs and 75 RBIs a year. Add in the fact that there are no assurances the Kendy Morales will be totally healthy at the start of the season and able to play first base every day. If he cannot, without Napoli, the Angels have NO back-up first baseman. Without Rivera, they do not even have a back-up designated hitter. And the Angels owe Wells $86 Million.
Despite one of the great managers in baseball, a starting staff with true quality at the top, and a tremendous defense, the Angels are headed for a bad season, with no light at the end of the tunnel.
| theHoundDawg |  |
Trades Solidify Division Leaders, Give Little Hope to Also-Rans
07/31/10 12:45 Filed in: Baseball
Chaos is the word to describe the flurry of trades coming seemingly every few minutes as the trade deadline approaches.
As of now, division leaders in the AL West and East and in all three NL divisions seem to have solidified their positions, with at least one cellar organization making a significant improvement in its outlook for the future.
At first look, it seems like the floundering Dodgers have significantly improved with the acquisitions of Scot Podsednik, Ryan Theriot, and Ted Lilly. With the likelihood of Podsednik being a solid replacement for the missing Manny, not to mention getting on base and stealing bases from the leadoff position, of the veteran Theriot solidifying the infield as the new second baseman, and of lefty Lilly providing a solid, inning-eating presence in the starting rotation, one would think the Dodgers are poised to make a real run at the Padres. BUT, look at what the pitching-rich but light-hitting Padres have now done: They’ve added power and run production in both the infield and outfield with the additions of Ryan Ludwick and Miguel Tijeda, while, unlike other National League contenders, giving up no players from their major league squad.
In the East, The Phillies have likely improved with the acquisition of Roy Oswalt, but that is not etched in stone. J.A. Happ was a key part of their run to the World Series last year, and his disappearance this season has been a real mystery. As soon as the trade was announced, Happ high-tailed it to the Astros, and pitched 6 shoutout innings, lowering his 2010 major league ERA to 1.27. Given his non-use in Philadelphia, the trade is a plus for the Phillies, but at this stage in their careers, and given their respective ages, I’d rather have Happ than Oswalt. And meanwhile, the first-place Braves have solidified their position with the acquisitions of SS Alex Gonzalez, OF Rick Ankiel, and relief pitcher Kyle Farnsworth.
In the Central, the Cardinals seemingly have been in the hunt for every available pitcher, and finally landed a good one in Jake Westbrook. If he stays healthy, he could be the difference in their fending off the Reds, who received their own rotation-boost by the return to action of Edinson Volquez after 1-1/2 years of inaction.
In the American League East, the yankee scumstripes landed not one, but two power-hitting outfielder/first basemen/dh-types, in Lance Berkman and Austin Kearns, to solidify their position in first., and Kerry Wood to add yet another are to their bullpen. But, Tampa is inching closer, and the Red Sox may soon have their load of injured players back. Nothing certain in that division, despite what the “experts” say.
In the Central, the White Sox took a giant step backward in trading for the over-rated, ineffective, and overpaid Edwin Jackson. Detroit was able to replace the injured Brandon Inge with Jhonny Peralta, but those other injuries to Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Guillen have not been addressed. The Twins, on the other hand, made the biggest deal among teams in the division, by acquiring a needed closer in Matt Capps. I’m sticking with them to win the AL Central.
And then there is the AL West. I picked the Angels to win the division again, but then when Kendry Morales was lost for the season, I said the Angels were through, that they could not win the division without his bat. Showing real panic, Angels GM Tony Reagins has made some deals that make on shudder, giving up far too much for far too little, and “solidifying” positions that did not need solidifying, all the while ignoring the hole at first base. Trading young starter Sean O’Sullivan for infielder Alberto Callispo may have been an improvement overall, but giving up the talented O’Sullivan when your pitching prospects are few and far between, without a first baseman in the deal, was mistake number one.
The major mistake, however, was the deal with Arizona, for Dan Haren. Haren is a terrific starter, with many excellent years ahead of him. But what did they give up? JOE SAUNDERS AND group of young prospects. You cannot tell me that Joe Saunders, over last three seasons, has not been just as effective a starting pitcher as Haren, and he is one year younger. At best, the trade is a wash, and given the Angels’ other needs, was a huge mistake. Couple all of this with the losses of starters Scott Kazmir and Joel Pineiro, Reagins and the Angels have mortgaged the future to try to win a division title that is out of their reach.
The Rangers, acquiring Benji Molina, Cliff Lee, Jorge Cantu, and now Christian Guzman to replace the injured Ian Kinsler, have a hugh, insurmountable lead, and the Angel organization should have realized that before trading away Joe Saunders.
The other team that did real well in the flurry of trades was the last-place Arizona Diamondbacks. They helped themselves immensely by ridding themselves of Edwin Jackson, and his $4.6 Million contract (How in the world???), and they acquired two young pitchers in the process, and they obtained a front-line lefty starter and a parcel of young talent in the Dan Haren-for-Joe Saunders deal. An added bonus is the fact that Saunders earns about 1/3 of what Arizona was paying Haren. Note their 2008-2010 W-L records: Haren 37-27, Saunders 39-24.
On a final note, with David DeJesus out for the year, and with the trades of Scot Podsednik and Rick Ankiel, who is going to play the outfield in KC for the rest of the season?
As of now, division leaders in the AL West and East and in all three NL divisions seem to have solidified their positions, with at least one cellar organization making a significant improvement in its outlook for the future.
At first look, it seems like the floundering Dodgers have significantly improved with the acquisitions of Scot Podsednik, Ryan Theriot, and Ted Lilly. With the likelihood of Podsednik being a solid replacement for the missing Manny, not to mention getting on base and stealing bases from the leadoff position, of the veteran Theriot solidifying the infield as the new second baseman, and of lefty Lilly providing a solid, inning-eating presence in the starting rotation, one would think the Dodgers are poised to make a real run at the Padres. BUT, look at what the pitching-rich but light-hitting Padres have now done: They’ve added power and run production in both the infield and outfield with the additions of Ryan Ludwick and Miguel Tijeda, while, unlike other National League contenders, giving up no players from their major league squad.
In the East, The Phillies have likely improved with the acquisition of Roy Oswalt, but that is not etched in stone. J.A. Happ was a key part of their run to the World Series last year, and his disappearance this season has been a real mystery. As soon as the trade was announced, Happ high-tailed it to the Astros, and pitched 6 shoutout innings, lowering his 2010 major league ERA to 1.27. Given his non-use in Philadelphia, the trade is a plus for the Phillies, but at this stage in their careers, and given their respective ages, I’d rather have Happ than Oswalt. And meanwhile, the first-place Braves have solidified their position with the acquisitions of SS Alex Gonzalez, OF Rick Ankiel, and relief pitcher Kyle Farnsworth.
In the Central, the Cardinals seemingly have been in the hunt for every available pitcher, and finally landed a good one in Jake Westbrook. If he stays healthy, he could be the difference in their fending off the Reds, who received their own rotation-boost by the return to action of Edinson Volquez after 1-1/2 years of inaction.
In the American League East, the yankee scumstripes landed not one, but two power-hitting outfielder/first basemen/dh-types, in Lance Berkman and Austin Kearns, to solidify their position in first., and Kerry Wood to add yet another are to their bullpen. But, Tampa is inching closer, and the Red Sox may soon have their load of injured players back. Nothing certain in that division, despite what the “experts” say.
In the Central, the White Sox took a giant step backward in trading for the over-rated, ineffective, and overpaid Edwin Jackson. Detroit was able to replace the injured Brandon Inge with Jhonny Peralta, but those other injuries to Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Guillen have not been addressed. The Twins, on the other hand, made the biggest deal among teams in the division, by acquiring a needed closer in Matt Capps. I’m sticking with them to win the AL Central.
And then there is the AL West. I picked the Angels to win the division again, but then when Kendry Morales was lost for the season, I said the Angels were through, that they could not win the division without his bat. Showing real panic, Angels GM Tony Reagins has made some deals that make on shudder, giving up far too much for far too little, and “solidifying” positions that did not need solidifying, all the while ignoring the hole at first base. Trading young starter Sean O’Sullivan for infielder Alberto Callispo may have been an improvement overall, but giving up the talented O’Sullivan when your pitching prospects are few and far between, without a first baseman in the deal, was mistake number one.
The major mistake, however, was the deal with Arizona, for Dan Haren. Haren is a terrific starter, with many excellent years ahead of him. But what did they give up? JOE SAUNDERS AND group of young prospects. You cannot tell me that Joe Saunders, over last three seasons, has not been just as effective a starting pitcher as Haren, and he is one year younger. At best, the trade is a wash, and given the Angels’ other needs, was a huge mistake. Couple all of this with the losses of starters Scott Kazmir and Joel Pineiro, Reagins and the Angels have mortgaged the future to try to win a division title that is out of their reach.
The Rangers, acquiring Benji Molina, Cliff Lee, Jorge Cantu, and now Christian Guzman to replace the injured Ian Kinsler, have a hugh, insurmountable lead, and the Angel organization should have realized that before trading away Joe Saunders.
The other team that did real well in the flurry of trades was the last-place Arizona Diamondbacks. They helped themselves immensely by ridding themselves of Edwin Jackson, and his $4.6 Million contract (How in the world???), and they acquired two young pitchers in the process, and they obtained a front-line lefty starter and a parcel of young talent in the Dan Haren-for-Joe Saunders deal. An added bonus is the fact that Saunders earns about 1/3 of what Arizona was paying Haren. Note their 2008-2010 W-L records: Haren 37-27, Saunders 39-24.
On a final note, with David DeJesus out for the year, and with the trades of Scot Podsednik and Rick Ankiel, who is going to play the outfield in KC for the rest of the season?
| theHoundDawg |  |
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
07/13/10 22:57 Filed in: Baseball
The Good: The National League, as predicted here, tonight snapped their 14-year, 13-concluded All-Star game losing streak, stunning the arrogant American Leaguers, 3-1, in the House that Autry build. The dead steinbrenner insipidness was kept to an acceptable minimum, and lo and behold, a member of the scumstripes was the losing pitcher.
the Bad: Dodger Hong-Chi Kuo's horrible throw halfway to the Honda Ponda cost the NL a run and gave the AL a 1-0 lead, and the Met's David Wright had a fifth-inning meltdown when he stole second and had his head up his ass as an errant throw from Joe Mauer went into right fied. Wright stood scratching his aforementioned ass instead of going to third, and when Dodger Andre Ethier singled to short right, Wright could then only go to third, instead of scoring, and the NL was denied the run when the next two batters made outs. Angel Torii Hunter went 0-2 and left three men on base.
the Ugly: Not since the dulcet tones of Carl Lewis and Roseanne wafted across stadiums and arenas has the National Anthem been so assaulted, diced, sliced, shredded, and crapped out, until this evening, when Fox, in their ever-vulgar self-promotion, put some 18-year-old talentless Fox TV performer center-stage before the sports world to fall miserably on her face.
That had to be the worse performance of the Star Spangled Banner ever performed by a supposed professional singer at a major sporting event.
But the game was, in the words of C. Montgomery Burns, Excellent!.
the Bad: Dodger Hong-Chi Kuo's horrible throw halfway to the Honda Ponda cost the NL a run and gave the AL a 1-0 lead, and the Met's David Wright had a fifth-inning meltdown when he stole second and had his head up his ass as an errant throw from Joe Mauer went into right fied. Wright stood scratching his aforementioned ass instead of going to third, and when Dodger Andre Ethier singled to short right, Wright could then only go to third, instead of scoring, and the NL was denied the run when the next two batters made outs. Angel Torii Hunter went 0-2 and left three men on base.
the Ugly: Not since the dulcet tones of Carl Lewis and Roseanne wafted across stadiums and arenas has the National Anthem been so assaulted, diced, sliced, shredded, and crapped out, until this evening, when Fox, in their ever-vulgar self-promotion, put some 18-year-old talentless Fox TV performer center-stage before the sports world to fall miserably on her face.
That had to be the worse performance of the Star Spangled Banner ever performed by a supposed professional singer at a major sporting event.
But the game was, in the words of C. Montgomery Burns, Excellent!.
| theHoundDawg | |
All-Star Game Tonight
07/13/10 14:57 Filed in: Baseball
With the game only a couple of hours away, I need to say that the managers and their boss made the right choices in adding some really deserving players in the last group of replacements, in particular Dodgers Rafael Furcal and Hong-Chih Kuo, and Angel Jared Weaver.
And the streak will end tonight - NL to win, NL to win!
And the streak will end tonight - NL to win, NL to win!
| theHoundDawg | |
Watch Your Step. Oh No!
07/09/10 23:34 Filed in: Baseball
How about an infield of Vic Martinez at first, Dustin Pedroia at second, Jed Lowrie as short, and Mike Lowell at third. You’ve got Jason Veritek behind the plate, and Jacoby Ellsbury and Jeremy Hermida in the outfield. Starting pitchers are Josh Beckett and Clay Buchholz, and there are Manny Delcarmen and Junichi Tazawa in the bullpen. Not to shabby of a major league team.
Well, it’s not a team, it’s the current Boston Red Sox disabled list.
How about this list of players: Jake Peavy, Grady Sizemore, Kendry Morales, Josh Fields, Greg Zahn, Joe Nathan, Kelvim Escobar, Justin Duchscherer, Travis Buck, J.P. Howell, Dustin McGowan, and Joel Zumaya.
Pretty good nucleus for a team? Or two?
Those are some of the major league players who this year have suffered season-ending injuries, some as early as spring training, some as recent as Jake Peavy’s injury this past week.
The Philadelphia Phillies played a big chunk of the season without Jimmy Rollins, and J.A. Happ has pitched 10 innings. Placido Polanco, Carlos Ruiz, and Chase Utley are currently disabled and will be for some time.
Starting pitchers Brandon Webb, Edinson Volquez, Eric Bedard, Chien-Ming Wang, and Jordan Zimmerman have yet to throw a pitch on a major league field this season, and Carlos Beltran has yet to step foot on CitiField this year.
The Braves are still in first despite injuries to Nate McLouth and rookie sensation Jason Hayward; the Orioles are still last despite injuries to Brian Roberts, Mike Gonzales, Luke Scott, Jim Johnson and Kevin Millwood. Injuries in the past few days have thrown the AL Central askew, with the White Sox losing Peavy and the Tigers losing Zumaya, for the duration, as did earlier the Twins lose Nathan. Had the last place Indians not lost Sizemore, Asdrubal Cabrera, and now Shin-Soo Chu, they might have been in that race.
I’ll hold off mentioning Dodger starting pitchers, Manny, and the Angels and Morales and Maicer Izturis, and..... Do I really have to go on?
When has there been a season with this number of major injuries? None that I can remember in the more than 50 years that I’ve been a fan.
A final note: HE DID IT AGAIN TONIGHT! Mario Solis on tonight’s late news sports segment, talking about the possibility of Derek FIsher signing with Miami, “quoted” Kobe regarding Fisher being indispensible to the Lakers, thusly: “Fisher’s significance cannot be understated.”
Well, it’s not a team, it’s the current Boston Red Sox disabled list.
How about this list of players: Jake Peavy, Grady Sizemore, Kendry Morales, Josh Fields, Greg Zahn, Joe Nathan, Kelvim Escobar, Justin Duchscherer, Travis Buck, J.P. Howell, Dustin McGowan, and Joel Zumaya.
Pretty good nucleus for a team? Or two?
Those are some of the major league players who this year have suffered season-ending injuries, some as early as spring training, some as recent as Jake Peavy’s injury this past week.
The Philadelphia Phillies played a big chunk of the season without Jimmy Rollins, and J.A. Happ has pitched 10 innings. Placido Polanco, Carlos Ruiz, and Chase Utley are currently disabled and will be for some time.
Starting pitchers Brandon Webb, Edinson Volquez, Eric Bedard, Chien-Ming Wang, and Jordan Zimmerman have yet to throw a pitch on a major league field this season, and Carlos Beltran has yet to step foot on CitiField this year.
The Braves are still in first despite injuries to Nate McLouth and rookie sensation Jason Hayward; the Orioles are still last despite injuries to Brian Roberts, Mike Gonzales, Luke Scott, Jim Johnson and Kevin Millwood. Injuries in the past few days have thrown the AL Central askew, with the White Sox losing Peavy and the Tigers losing Zumaya, for the duration, as did earlier the Twins lose Nathan. Had the last place Indians not lost Sizemore, Asdrubal Cabrera, and now Shin-Soo Chu, they might have been in that race.
I’ll hold off mentioning Dodger starting pitchers, Manny, and the Angels and Morales and Maicer Izturis, and..... Do I really have to go on?
When has there been a season with this number of major injuries? None that I can remember in the more than 50 years that I’ve been a fan.
A final note: HE DID IT AGAIN TONIGHT! Mario Solis on tonight’s late news sports segment, talking about the possibility of Derek FIsher signing with Miami, “quoted” Kobe regarding Fisher being indispensible to the Lakers, thusly: “Fisher’s significance cannot be understated.”
| theHoundDawg | |
All-Star Selections - Worse Than Ever?
07/08/10 23:29 Filed in: Baseball
Compare these two sets of stats:
PItcher One: W-L 9-4 IP 116.2 Ks 131 BB 48 ERA 3.16
Pitcher Two: W-L 9-4 IP 112.1 Ks 128 BB 50 ERA 2.96
Pitcher One is a National League All-Star. Pitcher Two will spend the All-Star break fishing back home in Texas.
Pitcher One is two-time NL Cy Young Winner Tim Lincecum. Pitcher two is LA Dodger Clayton Kershaw. Did the “name” Tim Lincecum or all that hardware enter into the selection? Explain that, Charlie Manuel. And while you’re at it, Omar Infante? And Michael Bourne?
Oh, and also compare these stats:
Center Fielder One: HR 15 RBI 59 SB 16 AVG. .267
Center Fielder Two: HR 16 RBI 49 SB 14 AVG .264
Not a whole lot of difference. Neither one screams out “All-Star”. But, while Center Fielder One is All-Star Chris Young, Center Fielder Two is much maligned Dodger Center Fielder Matt Kemp, who has been criticized all season for his underachieving and overall poor play.
Joe Girardi, you’re worse. You left off the AL’s best healthy pitcher, Angel Jared Weaver. (See my July 1, 2010 post.) Who is on the AL staff? Why Matt Thornton is. And Fausto Carmona. No Jared Weaver. And no Felix Hernandez.
You can’t please everyone; there are always worthy players left off, but there are some really bad selections this year - players that do not belong.
PItcher One: W-L 9-4 IP 116.2 Ks 131 BB 48 ERA 3.16
Pitcher Two: W-L 9-4 IP 112.1 Ks 128 BB 50 ERA 2.96
Pitcher One is a National League All-Star. Pitcher Two will spend the All-Star break fishing back home in Texas.
Pitcher One is two-time NL Cy Young Winner Tim Lincecum. Pitcher two is LA Dodger Clayton Kershaw. Did the “name” Tim Lincecum or all that hardware enter into the selection? Explain that, Charlie Manuel. And while you’re at it, Omar Infante? And Michael Bourne?
Oh, and also compare these stats:
Center Fielder One: HR 15 RBI 59 SB 16 AVG. .267
Center Fielder Two: HR 16 RBI 49 SB 14 AVG .264
Not a whole lot of difference. Neither one screams out “All-Star”. But, while Center Fielder One is All-Star Chris Young, Center Fielder Two is much maligned Dodger Center Fielder Matt Kemp, who has been criticized all season for his underachieving and overall poor play.
Joe Girardi, you’re worse. You left off the AL’s best healthy pitcher, Angel Jared Weaver. (See my July 1, 2010 post.) Who is on the AL staff? Why Matt Thornton is. And Fausto Carmona. No Jared Weaver. And no Felix Hernandez.
You can’t please everyone; there are always worthy players left off, but there are some really bad selections this year - players that do not belong.
| theHoundDawg |  |
Best Pitcher in the AL May Not Be Enough for Angels, and More Stuff
07/01/10 22:30 Filed in: Baseball
With Zack Greinke having returned to earth, Josh Beckett injured, and Ray Halliday in the National League, the AL's best pitcher could well be the Angels’ Jared Weaver. The 27 year old Weaver leads baseball in strikeouts, has an ERA of 2.82, and is the stopper every team needs to both avoid a long losing streak and prevent three-game sweeps at the hands of the team you’re chasing in the standings. After badly losing two in a row to the first-place Rangers, Weaver was dominant tonight, even to the point of blanking the red-hot Angel-killing Vlad the Destroyer.
The team chose not to re-sign the recently injury-plagued and aging Vlad, and he is paying off big-time for Texas, especially in their showdown with the Angels. But tonight he could not touch Weaver, and the Angels are back to within 3-1/2 of Texas.
Texas made a big move today, though, substantially upgrading their previously weak catching, by acquiring former Angel Benjie Molina from the Giants, for a journeyman middle reliever and a prospect. Vlad’s sensational comeback year coupled with the Angels’ loss of Kendry Morales may be more than even Weaver can overcome. By trading Molina, the Giants open up that spot for their phenom of the decade, Buster Posey, who had been playing out of position at 1B.
In another matter, on May 8, 2009, approximately 14 months ago, I wrote the following:
One bit of nice news out of the newest disaster in AZ., the D’Backs’ interim manager is to be Dodger icon Kirk Gibson.
The team chose not to re-sign the recently injury-plagued and aging Vlad, and he is paying off big-time for Texas, especially in their showdown with the Angels. But tonight he could not touch Weaver, and the Angels are back to within 3-1/2 of Texas.
Texas made a big move today, though, substantially upgrading their previously weak catching, by acquiring former Angel Benjie Molina from the Giants, for a journeyman middle reliever and a prospect. Vlad’s sensational comeback year coupled with the Angels’ loss of Kendry Morales may be more than even Weaver can overcome. By trading Molina, the Giants open up that spot for their phenom of the decade, Buster Posey, who had been playing out of position at 1B.
In another matter, on May 8, 2009, approximately 14 months ago, I wrote the following:
Well, today, Arizona team ownership fired not only Manager A.J. Hinch but also former golden boy GM Josh Brynes. The D’Backs will pay handsomely for last season’s impetuousness. Not only is the team in the dumpster, but they owe Hinch for 2-1/2 years, and Byrnes for 5-1/2 years, respectively, on their contracts.“Bob Melvin - 2007 Manager of the Year is Now Arizona Scapegoat
“In 2007, the season before last, the Arizona Diamondbacks had the NL's best record, and manager Bob Melvin was Manager of the Year. Now, with the team off to a 12-17 start, behind the stellar hitting of Chad Tracy (.221), Stephen Drew (.205), Chris Snyder (.204), Conor Jackson (.191), Chris Young .177), and Eric Byrnes (.139), and a team batting average of .222, plus the loss of ace starter Brandon Webb, on the DL with an era of 13.50, he no longer knows how to manage.“He brought the team back from oblivion in his first season as the Diamondbacks' manager, leading a 51-111 2004 team to 77 wins in 2005. His 2007 team won with mirrors, and Melvin's rare managerial talent, compiling a 90-72 record, despite being outscored for the season, by 20 runs. “GM Josh Byrnes and owners Ken Kendrick, Paul Schloss, and Jason Ellis should be ashamed of themselves. Melvin's replacement, former catcher A.J. Hinch, has zero managerial experience anywhere. Learning on the job, a team batting average of .222, and a disabled list loaded with key players, makes for a long season for Hinch and, unfortunately, for the D'Back fans.“All I can say is that what certainly seemed to be no worse than the second most talented team in the NL west is now no longer a threat to overtake the Manny-less Dodgers.”
One bit of nice news out of the newest disaster in AZ., the D’Backs’ interim manager is to be Dodger icon Kirk Gibson.
| theHoundDawg |  |
Joe Torre, the Dodgers, and Angels, and More
06/27/10 23:28 Filed in: Baseball
Throughout his tenure with the scumstripes, Joe Torre was perhaps criticized more for his handling of his pitching staff, and in particular his bullpen, than for any other aspect of his game. As the Dodgers looked like they were assured of taking two-out-of-three from those same scumstripes this weekend, it was Torre’s handling of the pen that again did him, and the Dodgers, in.
Totally wasting a fine effort from Clayton Kershaw, not to mention 5-0 and 6-2 leads, Torre chose to leave usually stellar closer Jonathan Broxton in throughout a disastrous ninth inning, throwing 48 pitches, and allowing four runs. Even a casual observer knew Broxton did not have it tonight, when he entered the game throwing 92 and 93 MPH fastballs, rather than his usual 96-98 “warm-up” throws. I don’t think he ever exceeded the occasional 97, let alone his usual upper-level range of 99-100. I guess Joe just didn’t see it, or was hoping Broxton would suddenly “click”, but the only “clicking” that was heard was the sound of scumstripe cleats hitting the plate, as they scored the four tying runs in the ninth.
Besides blowing a key game the Dodgers seemingly had locked up, Broxton now should not be anywhere near the mound for perhaps the first two games of the important series against the second-place Giants. The good news is that Chad Billingsley is back from the DL and rehab to start tomorrow.
The Angels start a series with Texas, that getting close to the midway point and the All-Star break, is key to their team morale, not to mention the numbers game, as they continue to trail the Rangers by 4-1/2. Eric Aybar returning much sooner than anticipated was a big boost, as was the return of Jeff Mathis from his group of injuries. The Angels should now settle down with a more steady lineup of Mathis behind the plate and Mike Napoli at 1B. And, that grand slam hit by Brandon Wood should give him some confidence, and just maybe it will be the start of some consistent offense form the perennial can’t miss untouchable prospect.
In a season that has seen my pick to win it all, the Red Sox, go into the season with health issues involving key players, that saw them lose new CF Mike Cameron for an extended period, that saw them lose LF Jacoby Ellsbury for basically the entire first half, if not more, and that saw an ineffective Josh Becket go on the DL with no real timetable for his return, it got much worse the past couple of days. Frist, Dustin Pedroia, who also had missed a few games with minor injuries, broke a bone in his left foot. Then Clay Buchholz hyper-extened a knee on the basepaths, where he should not have been and would not have been were it not for interleague play, and then to top it all off, today Vic Martinez broke his thumb.
The Angels have a steep mountain to climb without Kendry Morales, but the Red Sox have Mt. Everest to climb with their hospital list.
Totally wasting a fine effort from Clayton Kershaw, not to mention 5-0 and 6-2 leads, Torre chose to leave usually stellar closer Jonathan Broxton in throughout a disastrous ninth inning, throwing 48 pitches, and allowing four runs. Even a casual observer knew Broxton did not have it tonight, when he entered the game throwing 92 and 93 MPH fastballs, rather than his usual 96-98 “warm-up” throws. I don’t think he ever exceeded the occasional 97, let alone his usual upper-level range of 99-100. I guess Joe just didn’t see it, or was hoping Broxton would suddenly “click”, but the only “clicking” that was heard was the sound of scumstripe cleats hitting the plate, as they scored the four tying runs in the ninth.
Besides blowing a key game the Dodgers seemingly had locked up, Broxton now should not be anywhere near the mound for perhaps the first two games of the important series against the second-place Giants. The good news is that Chad Billingsley is back from the DL and rehab to start tomorrow.
The Angels start a series with Texas, that getting close to the midway point and the All-Star break, is key to their team morale, not to mention the numbers game, as they continue to trail the Rangers by 4-1/2. Eric Aybar returning much sooner than anticipated was a big boost, as was the return of Jeff Mathis from his group of injuries. The Angels should now settle down with a more steady lineup of Mathis behind the plate and Mike Napoli at 1B. And, that grand slam hit by Brandon Wood should give him some confidence, and just maybe it will be the start of some consistent offense form the perennial can’t miss untouchable prospect.
In a season that has seen my pick to win it all, the Red Sox, go into the season with health issues involving key players, that saw them lose new CF Mike Cameron for an extended period, that saw them lose LF Jacoby Ellsbury for basically the entire first half, if not more, and that saw an ineffective Josh Becket go on the DL with no real timetable for his return, it got much worse the past couple of days. Frist, Dustin Pedroia, who also had missed a few games with minor injuries, broke a bone in his left foot. Then Clay Buchholz hyper-extened a knee on the basepaths, where he should not have been and would not have been were it not for interleague play, and then to top it all off, today Vic Martinez broke his thumb.
The Angels have a steep mountain to climb without Kendry Morales, but the Red Sox have Mt. Everest to climb with their hospital list.
| theHoundDawg |  |
ESPN Radio Deserts its Fans
05/30/10 12:19 Filed in: Soccer
Words to die by:
We want to hear Mason and Ireland not Libya v Myanmar soccer, Mike and Mike not Iceland v Croatia soccer, Terry Smith not that goaaaaaaal guy. This will be the schedule for all of ESPN radio, not just 710 SoCal.
It’s going to be a long, boring, radio-less summer with all this world cup stuff pushing INTERESTING REAL SPORTS off the radio.
For those of us who listen to sports talk radio, the best of which in Southern California is by far that which is broadcast through the local ESPN station, 710KSPN, not to mention play-by-play of stuff like, well, Angel and Lakers games, and for some of you demented fans out there, usc sports, this announcement is an abomination.“Hear every match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on ESPN Radio and ESPNRadio.com.”
We want to hear Mason and Ireland not Libya v Myanmar soccer, Mike and Mike not Iceland v Croatia soccer, Terry Smith not that goaaaaaaal guy. This will be the schedule for all of ESPN radio, not just 710 SoCal.
It’s going to be a long, boring, radio-less summer with all this world cup stuff pushing INTERESTING REAL SPORTS off the radio.
| theHoundDawg |
No Way to Celebrate, and Some Other Stuff
05/29/10 18:57 Filed in: Baseball
Through decades of watching sports, and literally thousands (I guess) of great finishes and brilliant comebacks, I’ve always felt while seeing out-of-control celebrations, that someone was going to get hurt. Bad.
Well, it happened to today, and the Angels season might be over because of it.
The Angels slow start was never a worry here, due to their outstanding roster and great manager. Brandon Wood not hitting? Doesn’t really matter. Joe Saunders under .500? Relax, it’s still early. Brian Fuentes blowing saves? Par for the course.
But today, when Kendry Morales followed his walk-off grand slam home run with an awkward jump next to home plate, the Angels season blew up just like a BP gulf oil rig.
Morales suffered a broken left leg, and chances are he’s played his last game for this year at least.
When Juan Rivers broke a leg in winter ball a few years back, it took him almost two full seasons to heal and return to form.
After waiting a near-eternity for Morales to mature as a major leaguer, he rewarded the Angels with a brilliant 2009 (34, 108, .306) and was off to a sizzling start in 2010 (11, 39, .290 in the first 51 games). There is no one on the current roster that can replace Morales, and even if the injury is “not that bad” and he can return late in the season, they will miss his bat terribly until then. Neither Texas nor Oakland has the personnel or experience to compete for a full season with a healthy Angel team, but these upstarts just got a new life, and for the first time in almost 10 years, I can see the Angels finishing second or third behind one or both of them, and out of the playoffs.
In a couple of other notes from an immense day in baseball, another player suffered a major injury when Indians’ pitcher David Huff was lucky to have not been killed when the scumstripes’ Alex Rodriguez hit a line drive off Huff’s forehead, hard enough to ricochet into right field. It will be a surprise if Huff returns any time soon, if at all this season, and there will be a big question as to what success he will be able to achieve in the future.
And in the piece of good news today, Roy Halliday pitched the 20th perfect game in baseball history, a scant 20 days after Oakland’s Dallas Braden pitched the 19th. This would be the first season ever to see multiple perfect games. No disrespect to Braden, but it’s great to see one of true veteran stars of the game achieve this feat after years of competing at the highest level, rather than a young guy like Braden who was a virtual unknown until May 9.
Well, it happened to today, and the Angels season might be over because of it.
The Angels slow start was never a worry here, due to their outstanding roster and great manager. Brandon Wood not hitting? Doesn’t really matter. Joe Saunders under .500? Relax, it’s still early. Brian Fuentes blowing saves? Par for the course.
But today, when Kendry Morales followed his walk-off grand slam home run with an awkward jump next to home plate, the Angels season blew up just like a BP gulf oil rig.
Morales suffered a broken left leg, and chances are he’s played his last game for this year at least.
When Juan Rivers broke a leg in winter ball a few years back, it took him almost two full seasons to heal and return to form.
After waiting a near-eternity for Morales to mature as a major leaguer, he rewarded the Angels with a brilliant 2009 (34, 108, .306) and was off to a sizzling start in 2010 (11, 39, .290 in the first 51 games). There is no one on the current roster that can replace Morales, and even if the injury is “not that bad” and he can return late in the season, they will miss his bat terribly until then. Neither Texas nor Oakland has the personnel or experience to compete for a full season with a healthy Angel team, but these upstarts just got a new life, and for the first time in almost 10 years, I can see the Angels finishing second or third behind one or both of them, and out of the playoffs.
In a couple of other notes from an immense day in baseball, another player suffered a major injury when Indians’ pitcher David Huff was lucky to have not been killed when the scumstripes’ Alex Rodriguez hit a line drive off Huff’s forehead, hard enough to ricochet into right field. It will be a surprise if Huff returns any time soon, if at all this season, and there will be a big question as to what success he will be able to achieve in the future.
And in the piece of good news today, Roy Halliday pitched the 20th perfect game in baseball history, a scant 20 days after Oakland’s Dallas Braden pitched the 19th. This would be the first season ever to see multiple perfect games. No disrespect to Braden, but it’s great to see one of true veteran stars of the game achieve this feat after years of competing at the highest level, rather than a young guy like Braden who was a virtual unknown until May 9.
| theHoundDawg |  |
The Season Starts Tonight - How it Will Unfold
04/04/10 09:53 Filed in: Baseball
AL 2010
East:
Boston - Unmatched pitching depth, great defense, and a veteran bench full of guys who can play make them best in the AL.
New York - Vasquez can't pitch when it means anything and Johnson should wear "DL" instead of 26. Lack of depth will be killer.
Tampa - Too much reliance on young pitchers and no proven closer keep them behind NY.
Baltimore - Major offensive additions help them overtake Toronto, but big pitching questions keep them far behind top three. Expect big rebound from Atkins.
Toronto - Step back from this time last year - no Halladay and still big questions with Marcum and McGowan. Lind and Hill can't keep them ahead of Baltimore.
Central:
Minnesota - Solid offense and deep pitching, if not for loss of Nathan, could be in WS.
Chicago - Good mix of vets and youth on the field, solid pitching, especially addition of Peavy, make them solid contender.
Cleveland - Lots of aging vets ready in case gaggle of youngsters can't cut it, but whether they contend or end last depends on pitching, starting with Westbrook and Carmona.
Detroit - Scherzer, Willis & Bonderman mean too many questions on starting staff, new CF Jackson yet to bat in majors, and can expect adventure with Damon in LF (he and DH Guillen will try switch before May 1).
Kansas City - Lots of lineup changes but doubtful that means team has improved, though great arms in pen plus development of young starters could pull them closer to middle of division.
West:
Los Angeles - Losses of Lackey and Figgins tough to fill. Make or break for Brandon Wood. Wasted $$ on Pineiro. Still, no one close in AL West.
Seattle - Big bucks won't buy title. Lee starts season injured, and still need healthy Bedard to contend. Like I said about Cubs last year, no team relying on Milton Bradley will ever win anything. Note - Figgins out of position at 2B; his best spots are 3B & CF.
Texas - Still big questions on pitching staff, but again solid offense, especially if Vlad happy and healthy at DH spot.
Oakland - "Experts" have A's overrated; way too many wusses like Chavez, Crisp, and Sheets to contend.
Division series - Minnesota over Los Angeles and Boston over Chicago
Championship Series - Boston over Minnesota
NL 2010
East:
Philadelphia - Polanco at third is plus, Halladay slight improvement over Lee but there for whole season. Nobody in NL can touch them.
Atlanta - Same hype this spring for Heyward as last year for Schafer, result likely the same, but will contend due to solid staff. Healthy Hudson ad Glaus could mean playoff spot.
New York - Bay big plus in OF, as is no Sheffield, but Beltran and Reyes injuries and no pitching depth help to doom season from the start.
Florida - Looks like step back from surprising 2009; Maybin, Sanchez, 3-5 starters, pen all need big years to approach 87 wins again.
Washington - Solid infield and top of rotation needs lots of help from young starters and pen. Ok start and arrival of Strasburg in summer could make for interesting year.
Central:
St. Louis - Good bullpen and two great starters, but big questions after Carpenter and Wainwright (Lohse, Penny and Garcia 18-20 last year). A problem 90 HRs from Puljois and Holliday can help with.
Milwaukee - Disappointed last year due to immature staff, added vets should help this year; solid offense could get boost with encore from Edmonds.
Chicago - Still see as overrated though no Bradley a big plus. Will go as far as pitching takes them; big comeback from Zambrano is essential.
Houston - Too many questions to break .500 - Oswalt's health, is Manzella a major league SS, is Myers a major league starter, and more.
Cincinnati - Much is the same as what I said last year: Overrated pitching staff won't keep up with improved offense, plus too many questions in outfield.
Pittsburgh - Not nearly the talent they had two years ago, and that team was bad. Going in wrong direction.
West:
Los Angeles - What I said last year: Top-notch offense, defense, bullpen, and will go only as far as their starters will take them.
San Francisco - Solid front-line pitching and improved offense make Giants contenders again, but lack of depth will take toll in late summer.
Colorado - Let some keys guys go and starting season with Street and Francis questionable. No repeat of last year's surprise.
San Diego - Will battle Arizona for last, but stronger pitching staff will be difference.
Arizona - Haren only reliable starter: Jackson trade big mistake, Kennedy and Lopez are not major league pitchers, and Webb is question mark.
Division series - Los Angeles over St. Louis and Philadelphia over Milwaukee
Championship Series - Philadelphia over Los Angeles
Boston over Philadelphia in World Series (repeat of last season's pick - but this year it WILL happen.)
East:
Boston - Unmatched pitching depth, great defense, and a veteran bench full of guys who can play make them best in the AL.
New York - Vasquez can't pitch when it means anything and Johnson should wear "DL" instead of 26. Lack of depth will be killer.
Tampa - Too much reliance on young pitchers and no proven closer keep them behind NY.
Baltimore - Major offensive additions help them overtake Toronto, but big pitching questions keep them far behind top three. Expect big rebound from Atkins.
Toronto - Step back from this time last year - no Halladay and still big questions with Marcum and McGowan. Lind and Hill can't keep them ahead of Baltimore.
Central:
Minnesota - Solid offense and deep pitching, if not for loss of Nathan, could be in WS.
Chicago - Good mix of vets and youth on the field, solid pitching, especially addition of Peavy, make them solid contender.
Cleveland - Lots of aging vets ready in case gaggle of youngsters can't cut it, but whether they contend or end last depends on pitching, starting with Westbrook and Carmona.
Detroit - Scherzer, Willis & Bonderman mean too many questions on starting staff, new CF Jackson yet to bat in majors, and can expect adventure with Damon in LF (he and DH Guillen will try switch before May 1).
Kansas City - Lots of lineup changes but doubtful that means team has improved, though great arms in pen plus development of young starters could pull them closer to middle of division.
West:
Los Angeles - Losses of Lackey and Figgins tough to fill. Make or break for Brandon Wood. Wasted $$ on Pineiro. Still, no one close in AL West.
Seattle - Big bucks won't buy title. Lee starts season injured, and still need healthy Bedard to contend. Like I said about Cubs last year, no team relying on Milton Bradley will ever win anything. Note - Figgins out of position at 2B; his best spots are 3B & CF.
Texas - Still big questions on pitching staff, but again solid offense, especially if Vlad happy and healthy at DH spot.
Oakland - "Experts" have A's overrated; way too many wusses like Chavez, Crisp, and Sheets to contend.
Division series - Minnesota over Los Angeles and Boston over Chicago
Championship Series - Boston over Minnesota
NL 2010
East:
Philadelphia - Polanco at third is plus, Halladay slight improvement over Lee but there for whole season. Nobody in NL can touch them.
Atlanta - Same hype this spring for Heyward as last year for Schafer, result likely the same, but will contend due to solid staff. Healthy Hudson ad Glaus could mean playoff spot.
New York - Bay big plus in OF, as is no Sheffield, but Beltran and Reyes injuries and no pitching depth help to doom season from the start.
Florida - Looks like step back from surprising 2009; Maybin, Sanchez, 3-5 starters, pen all need big years to approach 87 wins again.
Washington - Solid infield and top of rotation needs lots of help from young starters and pen. Ok start and arrival of Strasburg in summer could make for interesting year.
Central:
St. Louis - Good bullpen and two great starters, but big questions after Carpenter and Wainwright (Lohse, Penny and Garcia 18-20 last year). A problem 90 HRs from Puljois and Holliday can help with.
Milwaukee - Disappointed last year due to immature staff, added vets should help this year; solid offense could get boost with encore from Edmonds.
Chicago - Still see as overrated though no Bradley a big plus. Will go as far as pitching takes them; big comeback from Zambrano is essential.
Houston - Too many questions to break .500 - Oswalt's health, is Manzella a major league SS, is Myers a major league starter, and more.
Cincinnati - Much is the same as what I said last year: Overrated pitching staff won't keep up with improved offense, plus too many questions in outfield.
Pittsburgh - Not nearly the talent they had two years ago, and that team was bad. Going in wrong direction.
West:
Los Angeles - What I said last year: Top-notch offense, defense, bullpen, and will go only as far as their starters will take them.
San Francisco - Solid front-line pitching and improved offense make Giants contenders again, but lack of depth will take toll in late summer.
Colorado - Let some keys guys go and starting season with Street and Francis questionable. No repeat of last year's surprise.
San Diego - Will battle Arizona for last, but stronger pitching staff will be difference.
Arizona - Haren only reliable starter: Jackson trade big mistake, Kennedy and Lopez are not major league pitchers, and Webb is question mark.
Division series - Los Angeles over St. Louis and Philadelphia over Milwaukee
Championship Series - Philadelphia over Los Angeles
Boston over Philadelphia in World Series (repeat of last season's pick - but this year it WILL happen.)
| theHoundDawg |
Angels Pay, But Don't Learn Any Lessons
01/22/10 16:15 Filed in: Baseball
Following an eight year period during which he was twice traded, twice claimed on waivers, and once outright released, Gary Matthews, Jr. had one good year for the Texan Rangers in 2006. As seems so often to be the case, that was a free agent year, and Matthews cashed in big-time, as the Angels gave this career wash-out a five-year, $50 Million contract.
Matthews rewarded the Angels by reverting to his career performance levels, averaging just under .250, 10 homers and 56 RBI for the three years he's played in Anaheim, and played barely good enough to keep his starting spot for the first year only. Cutting their loses, the Angels have now traded Matthews to the NY Mets, for underachiever Brian Stokes (6-11, 5.02 over four seasons). That, folks, is the GOOD news. The Angels also agreed to pay the Mets $21.5 Million to pay all but $2 Mil of Matthews' salary over the final two years of his contract.
Well, at least the Angels learned a lesson from all of this. Presumably that lesson is that it is not wise to hand over several million dollars to a journeyman player who has one solid year after several mediocre years. Right? WRONG!
The Angels have repeated the same mistake by signing the mediocre Joel Pineiro to a two-year, $16 Million contract, the same Pineiro who has bounced between three other teams, and before his decent 15-12 2009 season with St. Louis, had been 35-47 with an ERA over 5.00 from 2004 through 2008.
When Pineiro goes 6-13 this year, maybe then the Angels will actually learn something.
Matthews rewarded the Angels by reverting to his career performance levels, averaging just under .250, 10 homers and 56 RBI for the three years he's played in Anaheim, and played barely good enough to keep his starting spot for the first year only. Cutting their loses, the Angels have now traded Matthews to the NY Mets, for underachiever Brian Stokes (6-11, 5.02 over four seasons). That, folks, is the GOOD news. The Angels also agreed to pay the Mets $21.5 Million to pay all but $2 Mil of Matthews' salary over the final two years of his contract.
Well, at least the Angels learned a lesson from all of this. Presumably that lesson is that it is not wise to hand over several million dollars to a journeyman player who has one solid year after several mediocre years. Right? WRONG!
The Angels have repeated the same mistake by signing the mediocre Joel Pineiro to a two-year, $16 Million contract, the same Pineiro who has bounced between three other teams, and before his decent 15-12 2009 season with St. Louis, had been 35-47 with an ERA over 5.00 from 2004 through 2008.
When Pineiro goes 6-13 this year, maybe then the Angels will actually learn something.
| theHoundDawg |  |
Power Shift Coming in AL West?
01/12/10 15:42 Filed in: Baseball
The Angels have dominated the AL West for most of the past decade, but free-agent losses in Anaheim and open checkbooks in Seattle and Texas may mean tougher times for Mike Scioscia's guys this coming season.
The Angels can still field a dangerous offensive team and stellar defensive crew, despite the losses of Chone Figgins and Vladimir Guerrero. Maicer Izturis won't miss a step defensively at third, but he is not the top of the lineup catalyst the team has had for so long in Figgins. With a history of yearly injuries limiting the playing time of Howie Kendricks, Erick Aybar, Figgins, and Isturis himself, not having an Isturis as a fill-in for all three positions will be a major detriment to the team. Perennial prospect Brandon Wood may finally see some playing time in that role, but can he do the job defensively? Guerrero suffered through an injury-plagued 2009 and replacement Hideki Matsui who also limped through a poor early 2009 contributed significantly to the scumstripes' stretch run and was, somehow, World Series MVP.
It is on the mound where the Angels 2010 fortunes will be decided. Since he was brought up form the minors in July, 2002 and led the Angels to the World Championship, John Lackey has been the warhorse and ace that the Angels have relied on to anchor their starting staff. They now have to make due without him. Jared Weaver will have to step into the "Ace" role, and Joe Saunders and a hopefully healthy Scott Kazmir will form a formidable top three. A return to form for Earvin Santana could take care of one of the other starting spots, but there is no answer on the current roster to adequately fill the final spot. Trouble will we brewing if May comes around and the fifth starter comes from among Sean O'Sullivan, Bobby Mosebach and Anthony Ortega, who appear to be in line for the spot. A far better choice, from pitchers currently on the roster, would be Matt Palmer.
Questions also abound in the bullpen, where the hot and cold Brian Fuentes is still the stopper, and the very questionable Fernando Rodney has been signed to keep him on his toes while filling the set-up spot, though a healthy Scott Shields should be able to re-take that spot.
More troubling than foreseeable Angel deficiencies is the improvement made in Seattle and Texas.
Throughout his AL tenure, Guerrero has done more offensively against the Rangers than any player has against any other team in baseball. He loves to hit in Arlington, and if he stays healthy, he should have a monster season. Texas' young starters were very impressive the last half of 2009, and their young staff anchored by 17-game winner Scott Feldman figures to continue to improve. Former Angel spot lefty Darren Oliver returns to Texas and will be a big addition to their pen.
The question mark that they will also rely on is Rich Harden. More on that later.
Seattle traded for Cliff Lee and now boasts probably the top one-two starting punch in the AL in Lee and Félix Hernández. They've added Figgins and another former Angel in Casey Kotchman for the infield corners, and will get a full season from one of the most underrated players in the game, shortstop Jack Wilson. They've also added Milton Bradley to the outfield. More on that later.
Both these teams should be vastly improved, but is what they did enough, and were all of the acquisitions wise ones? Enough - no. Wise - no. The Angels still feature significantly more talent across their roster than either Seattle or Texas, and with Mike Scioscia calling the shots have a built in advantage. But the real reason the Angels will repeat as AL West champs is this. A year ago, all the experts said the Chicago Cubs were the team to beat in the National League. I said - and you can look it up in my pre-season picks from last year - that "No team that relies on Milton Bradley or Rich Harden will ever win anything." This proved correct last year, and will be true again this year. Seattle cannot win a division title if they have to rely on Bradley, nor can Texas relying on Harden.
The Angels can still field a dangerous offensive team and stellar defensive crew, despite the losses of Chone Figgins and Vladimir Guerrero. Maicer Izturis won't miss a step defensively at third, but he is not the top of the lineup catalyst the team has had for so long in Figgins. With a history of yearly injuries limiting the playing time of Howie Kendricks, Erick Aybar, Figgins, and Isturis himself, not having an Isturis as a fill-in for all three positions will be a major detriment to the team. Perennial prospect Brandon Wood may finally see some playing time in that role, but can he do the job defensively? Guerrero suffered through an injury-plagued 2009 and replacement Hideki Matsui who also limped through a poor early 2009 contributed significantly to the scumstripes' stretch run and was, somehow, World Series MVP.
It is on the mound where the Angels 2010 fortunes will be decided. Since he was brought up form the minors in July, 2002 and led the Angels to the World Championship, John Lackey has been the warhorse and ace that the Angels have relied on to anchor their starting staff. They now have to make due without him. Jared Weaver will have to step into the "Ace" role, and Joe Saunders and a hopefully healthy Scott Kazmir will form a formidable top three. A return to form for Earvin Santana could take care of one of the other starting spots, but there is no answer on the current roster to adequately fill the final spot. Trouble will we brewing if May comes around and the fifth starter comes from among Sean O'Sullivan, Bobby Mosebach and Anthony Ortega, who appear to be in line for the spot. A far better choice, from pitchers currently on the roster, would be Matt Palmer.
Questions also abound in the bullpen, where the hot and cold Brian Fuentes is still the stopper, and the very questionable Fernando Rodney has been signed to keep him on his toes while filling the set-up spot, though a healthy Scott Shields should be able to re-take that spot.
More troubling than foreseeable Angel deficiencies is the improvement made in Seattle and Texas.
Throughout his AL tenure, Guerrero has done more offensively against the Rangers than any player has against any other team in baseball. He loves to hit in Arlington, and if he stays healthy, he should have a monster season. Texas' young starters were very impressive the last half of 2009, and their young staff anchored by 17-game winner Scott Feldman figures to continue to improve. Former Angel spot lefty Darren Oliver returns to Texas and will be a big addition to their pen.
The question mark that they will also rely on is Rich Harden. More on that later.
Seattle traded for Cliff Lee and now boasts probably the top one-two starting punch in the AL in Lee and Félix Hernández. They've added Figgins and another former Angel in Casey Kotchman for the infield corners, and will get a full season from one of the most underrated players in the game, shortstop Jack Wilson. They've also added Milton Bradley to the outfield. More on that later.
Both these teams should be vastly improved, but is what they did enough, and were all of the acquisitions wise ones? Enough - no. Wise - no. The Angels still feature significantly more talent across their roster than either Seattle or Texas, and with Mike Scioscia calling the shots have a built in advantage. But the real reason the Angels will repeat as AL West champs is this. A year ago, all the experts said the Chicago Cubs were the team to beat in the National League. I said - and you can look it up in my pre-season picks from last year - that "No team that relies on Milton Bradley or Rich Harden will ever win anything." This proved correct last year, and will be true again this year. Seattle cannot win a division title if they have to rely on Bradley, nor can Texas relying on Harden.
| theHoundDawg |  |
Bleak Start to Off-Season Player Moves
12/10/09 13:59 Filed in: Baseball
As last season ended, the future looked good for the Dodgers and Angels, despite the disappointment of the post-season. The past month, however, has been a disaster, on all fronts.
As the season came to a close, the news of the McCorts' breakup and its effect on the team was an unknown poisonous cloud, darkening every aspect of the Dodgers' ability to improve for next season. At this point, they've lost Randy Wolf, and are totally silent on the free agent acquisition front, and the trade rumor mill is also pretty silent, save for the one mention of Cub interest in Juan Pierre. The Dodgers have a serious need to add two quality starters, and it does not look like they will be opening the McCort vault to pay for a Lackey, Pineiro, or Marquis, and after the first few free agent starters, the pickings are very thin, and full of injury prone Nick Lowrys and Erik Bedards, too similar to the Jason Schmidts and Eric Miltons they paid so dearly for over the past three years. Time will only tell if the Dodgers will pay out anything to improve the staff, or will Billingsly, Kuroda, and Kershaw be followed by the likes of Charlie Haeger and Eric Stults?
The Angels have now lost Chone Figgins, and do not seem to be making any headway in re-siging John Lackey. Instead, the talk seems to be of further depleting the now-thin infield with a deal for Roy Halladay that would see Erick Aybar, Joe Saunders and Mike Napoli all going to Toronto. Despite the benefits of an absolute stellar number one starter in Halladay, this trade would be a loser for the Angels. They would need to make several additional moves in order to maintain their great defense and vastly improved offense if they go into next season without Figgins, Aybar and Napoli, and in giving up the guy who is probably now their number one starter (assuming Lackey is gone) to get a number one, this still leaves the starting staff woefully short in the numbers game. From what we saw of Anthony Ortega and Sean O'Sullivan last season, neither one of them can fill a regular sport in a major league rotation. Maybe a Mark DeRosa, or even an Adrian Beltre, can fill the void at third, with Maicer Izturis taking over as the regular at shortstop, but this overall picture is a major step back from last year's team.
All of this is with the backdrop of the scumstripes ripping off not one, but two teams, in one of the biggest steals of the 21st century. I can see Detroit's rationale in giving away developing superstar Curtis Granderson for the pile of pitching they received, but what are they doing in Arizona? How can they possibly rationalize giving up one of MLB's best arms and top young pitching talents in Max Scherzer, and only receiving the overrated career dud and one-year-flash Edwin Jackson, and yankee-wanna-be/never-will-be Ian kennedy? As far as this affects the Dodgers, I'm very glad o have Scherzer out of NL West, and am ooking forward to feasting off of Jackson and Kennedy.
As the season came to a close, the news of the McCorts' breakup and its effect on the team was an unknown poisonous cloud, darkening every aspect of the Dodgers' ability to improve for next season. At this point, they've lost Randy Wolf, and are totally silent on the free agent acquisition front, and the trade rumor mill is also pretty silent, save for the one mention of Cub interest in Juan Pierre. The Dodgers have a serious need to add two quality starters, and it does not look like they will be opening the McCort vault to pay for a Lackey, Pineiro, or Marquis, and after the first few free agent starters, the pickings are very thin, and full of injury prone Nick Lowrys and Erik Bedards, too similar to the Jason Schmidts and Eric Miltons they paid so dearly for over the past three years. Time will only tell if the Dodgers will pay out anything to improve the staff, or will Billingsly, Kuroda, and Kershaw be followed by the likes of Charlie Haeger and Eric Stults?
The Angels have now lost Chone Figgins, and do not seem to be making any headway in re-siging John Lackey. Instead, the talk seems to be of further depleting the now-thin infield with a deal for Roy Halladay that would see Erick Aybar, Joe Saunders and Mike Napoli all going to Toronto. Despite the benefits of an absolute stellar number one starter in Halladay, this trade would be a loser for the Angels. They would need to make several additional moves in order to maintain their great defense and vastly improved offense if they go into next season without Figgins, Aybar and Napoli, and in giving up the guy who is probably now their number one starter (assuming Lackey is gone) to get a number one, this still leaves the starting staff woefully short in the numbers game. From what we saw of Anthony Ortega and Sean O'Sullivan last season, neither one of them can fill a regular sport in a major league rotation. Maybe a Mark DeRosa, or even an Adrian Beltre, can fill the void at third, with Maicer Izturis taking over as the regular at shortstop, but this overall picture is a major step back from last year's team.
All of this is with the backdrop of the scumstripes ripping off not one, but two teams, in one of the biggest steals of the 21st century. I can see Detroit's rationale in giving away developing superstar Curtis Granderson for the pile of pitching they received, but what are they doing in Arizona? How can they possibly rationalize giving up one of MLB's best arms and top young pitching talents in Max Scherzer, and only receiving the overrated career dud and one-year-flash Edwin Jackson, and yankee-wanna-be/never-will-be Ian kennedy? As far as this affects the Dodgers, I'm very glad o have Scherzer out of NL West, and am ooking forward to feasting off of Jackson and Kennedy.
| theHoundDawg |
Angels Survive Starters' Injuries, Finally Beat Boston
10/12/09 11:12 Filed in: Baseball
The Angels began the season with a makeshift starting staff as 4/5 of the rotation were injured. I always felt they could still win the West, if for no other reason than there was little real competition in the division. Little did I realize that the re-built Rangers were for real, and would not go away.
But, behind baseball's first half MVP Torri Hunter, the team withstood the injury plague, stayed close to Texas, and as the starters began to filter back, they re-took first place and never really faltered in their quest to meet the Red Sox once again in the playoffs. Despite the total absence of Kelvim Escobar, by the end of the season, the starting staff, bolstered by the acquisition of Scott Kazmir, had once again become baseball's best, as the BoSox saw over the past few days.
With healthy starters, a resurgent Vlad, the streaking Kendry Morales, the solid play of Figgins, Isturis, and Aybar, and a bullpen hopefully just good enough, bring on the scumstripes!
But, behind baseball's first half MVP Torri Hunter, the team withstood the injury plague, stayed close to Texas, and as the starters began to filter back, they re-took first place and never really faltered in their quest to meet the Red Sox once again in the playoffs. Despite the total absence of Kelvim Escobar, by the end of the season, the starting staff, bolstered by the acquisition of Scott Kazmir, had once again become baseball's best, as the BoSox saw over the past few days.
With healthy starters, a resurgent Vlad, the streaking Kendry Morales, the solid play of Figgins, Isturis, and Aybar, and a bullpen hopefully just good enough, bring on the scumstripes!
| theHoundDawg | |
Why is This Year Not Like Last Year?
10/11/09 09:26 Filed in: Baseball
In last year's Division Series, the Dodgers looked invincible against the Cubs, but then went down in flames in the Championship Series against the Phillies. Why will this year be different? There are many reasons, but one sticks out.
The first few all revolve around the Dodgers. The starting staff is similar to last year's, but it doesn't matter this year. A Randy Wolf, a Clayton Kershaw (not to minimize the development of Kershaw and the fact that he can dominate a game), a Vicente Padilla, who can provide five good innings is all they need, with the solid bullpen they now have. The return to health of Hong-Chih Kuo and the acquisition of George Sherrill combining with Ronald Belisario and the now more experienced Jonathan Broxton is a powerful component they did not enjoy last season. The additional year of experience that Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp have gained cannot be over-emphasized. These guys are now full-fledged major league stars, producing stellar defense, key hits, and those little intangibles, game after game. And take a look at second base. Last season, the soon-to-be-retired Jeff Kent was injured through the end of the season and missed the playoffs, replaced by the likes of the displaced Brad DeWitt, Angel Barroa, and Pable Ozuna. Today, the Dodgers' lineup features the all-star play of Orlando Hudson and the late-season heroics of veteran Ronnie Belliard. All of these reasons foretell a better outcome for the Dodgers in the Championship Series.
But what else?
Easy. This year they won't be facing the total dominance of Brad Lidge. Lidge was THE reason the Phillies knocked off the Dodgers and went on to the title. Whether it is the Phillies again or the Rockies, neither team has at this time, a closer who can compare to what Lidge used to be - neither Ryan Madson nor Lidge himself with the Phillies, nor Houston Street with Colorado.
I'll take the Dodgers' chances to make it to the World Series for the first time since 1988. And there is a real chance that there could be a Freeway Series, with the Dodgers facing the Angels.
The first few all revolve around the Dodgers. The starting staff is similar to last year's, but it doesn't matter this year. A Randy Wolf, a Clayton Kershaw (not to minimize the development of Kershaw and the fact that he can dominate a game), a Vicente Padilla, who can provide five good innings is all they need, with the solid bullpen they now have. The return to health of Hong-Chih Kuo and the acquisition of George Sherrill combining with Ronald Belisario and the now more experienced Jonathan Broxton is a powerful component they did not enjoy last season. The additional year of experience that Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp have gained cannot be over-emphasized. These guys are now full-fledged major league stars, producing stellar defense, key hits, and those little intangibles, game after game. And take a look at second base. Last season, the soon-to-be-retired Jeff Kent was injured through the end of the season and missed the playoffs, replaced by the likes of the displaced Brad DeWitt, Angel Barroa, and Pable Ozuna. Today, the Dodgers' lineup features the all-star play of Orlando Hudson and the late-season heroics of veteran Ronnie Belliard. All of these reasons foretell a better outcome for the Dodgers in the Championship Series.
But what else?
Easy. This year they won't be facing the total dominance of Brad Lidge. Lidge was THE reason the Phillies knocked off the Dodgers and went on to the title. Whether it is the Phillies again or the Rockies, neither team has at this time, a closer who can compare to what Lidge used to be - neither Ryan Madson nor Lidge himself with the Phillies, nor Houston Street with Colorado.
I'll take the Dodgers' chances to make it to the World Series for the first time since 1988. And there is a real chance that there could be a Freeway Series, with the Dodgers facing the Angels.
| theHoundDawg |  |
Dodgers, Angels, Tigers, and all That
10/07/09 09:11 Filed in: Baseball
Any sane person would have to pick the scumspripes and Cards to get to the World Series, but I think there will be more surprises along the Division and Championship Series route. No expert gives the floundering Dodgers a chance against the dominant St. Louis pitching, but that series will decide the NL title, as the Phillies cannot make it without a closer and the Rockies will not see a repeat of history. In the AL, right now the Angles have the dominant starting staff and a hot-and-cold closer to compliment their great offense and stellar defense. The charging Twins may or may not have enough pitching to continue their run, but that will be an interesting series. If only Justin Morneau could play, and where is Francisco Liriano?
I loved the over-rated Tigers' collapse, which came a few weeks later than I anticipated.
Randy Wolf, Clayton Kershaw and Hiroki Kuroda will have a lot to say about who moves on in the NL.
I loved the over-rated Tigers' collapse, which came a few weeks later than I anticipated.
Randy Wolf, Clayton Kershaw and Hiroki Kuroda will have a lot to say about who moves on in the NL.
| theHoundDawg |
Big Things in Anaheim
08/30/09 14:33 Filed in: Baseball
During the past off-season, the Angles were a minor player in the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes, after giving up Casey Kotchman as rent for a few weeks of Teixeira's services in late 2008. Maybe the Angels did know something. I, for one, was not thrilled with going into the season with basically one option for first base - Kendry Morales.
Well, as August comes to a close, the stats for the two are shockingly similar:
Kendry Morales HRs: 30 RBI: 94 Avg.: .311
Mark Teixeira HRs: 32 RBI: 101 Avg.: .284
Shockingly similar, with one little exception - Morales isn't earning quite as much as Teixeira's $180 Million.
Hopefully, the move they did make will turn our as well as the one they didn't. This week's deal for Steve Kazmir looks like a gem, assuming Kazmir stays healthy. Healthy, he may well be the ace of the staff, and is the dominating number one guy that could lead a team to a WS title.
A key to the deal, though, is who is that player to be named. Giving up two top prospects for a 25-year-old established star is a no-brainer, but that third name figures to end up being an established player as well.
Well worth it, if Kazmir anchors the rotation for the next five years, or more.
Well, as August comes to a close, the stats for the two are shockingly similar:
Kendry Morales HRs: 30 RBI: 94 Avg.: .311
Mark Teixeira HRs: 32 RBI: 101 Avg.: .284
Shockingly similar, with one little exception - Morales isn't earning quite as much as Teixeira's $180 Million.
Hopefully, the move they did make will turn our as well as the one they didn't. This week's deal for Steve Kazmir looks like a gem, assuming Kazmir stays healthy. Healthy, he may well be the ace of the staff, and is the dominating number one guy that could lead a team to a WS title.
A key to the deal, though, is who is that player to be named. Giving up two top prospects for a 25-year-old established star is a no-brainer, but that third name figures to end up being an established player as well.
Well worth it, if Kazmir anchors the rotation for the next five years, or more.
| theHoundDawg |
Late-Season Deals Change Races, Especially in Central Divisions
08/11/09 16:48 Filed in: Baseball
A few teams really helped themselves in late July and early August deals, especially in each leagues' Central division.
The White Sox did the most to upgrade their shot at a division title, or wild card, getting Jake Peavy, healthy enough they hope for a September and playoff time boost. Now, they have added a bat in center field, in Alex Rios, and they look like they could be the AL central's best bet for a September-October playoff run. Detroit did booster their staff with the addition of Jarrod Washburn, but I never felt the Tigers had enough to win their division, and I don't see Washburn alone making the difference, especially because my pre-season pick for the wild-card, Minnesota, has helped themselves as much by adding Carl Pavano, and with the return of Nick Punto from the DL. Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau in the batting title and home rune races respectively, figure to keep the Twins' power going strong to the bitter end.
In the National Leagues' Central, my pre-season pick, Milwaukee, did little to help their stretch run, acquiring only Claudio Vargas, on a team with a disappointing starting staff. St. Louis, who I felt needed a bit more, including a healthy Chris Carpenter, to take the division, now feature not only an 11-3 Carpenter (with a 2.26 ERA), but Matt Holliday in the outfield, and Julio Lugo at short. The Cardinals figure to ride their current roster to a division title. The Cubs are a sinking ship, and will finish fourth or fifth. Their best hope is that Lou won't blow a gasket and be able to return to make another run at it next season.
The Red Sox also need mentioning. The team that looked so solid in every facet only a few weeks ago, now seems to be floundering. The many deals Theo Epstein pulled of in a short time make little sense. Of course Victor Martinez is a great addition, but injuries to the staff make the trade of Justin Masterson seem like a mistake. The crown around first base is also hard to comprehend, especially since offensive leader Kevin Youkilis should be there every day. But where does that leave Martinez, let alone Casey Kotchman?
The return of Jason Bay - out of the lineup during much of the Sox' slump - and the combination of the Red Sox' overall talent, the managerial capabilities of Terry Francona, and the liklihood that the staff will get healthier, still, however, makes me think that the ship will be righted, and that it will be Boston on top of the East come October 4.
The White Sox did the most to upgrade their shot at a division title, or wild card, getting Jake Peavy, healthy enough they hope for a September and playoff time boost. Now, they have added a bat in center field, in Alex Rios, and they look like they could be the AL central's best bet for a September-October playoff run. Detroit did booster their staff with the addition of Jarrod Washburn, but I never felt the Tigers had enough to win their division, and I don't see Washburn alone making the difference, especially because my pre-season pick for the wild-card, Minnesota, has helped themselves as much by adding Carl Pavano, and with the return of Nick Punto from the DL. Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau in the batting title and home rune races respectively, figure to keep the Twins' power going strong to the bitter end.
In the National Leagues' Central, my pre-season pick, Milwaukee, did little to help their stretch run, acquiring only Claudio Vargas, on a team with a disappointing starting staff. St. Louis, who I felt needed a bit more, including a healthy Chris Carpenter, to take the division, now feature not only an 11-3 Carpenter (with a 2.26 ERA), but Matt Holliday in the outfield, and Julio Lugo at short. The Cardinals figure to ride their current roster to a division title. The Cubs are a sinking ship, and will finish fourth or fifth. Their best hope is that Lou won't blow a gasket and be able to return to make another run at it next season.
The Red Sox also need mentioning. The team that looked so solid in every facet only a few weeks ago, now seems to be floundering. The many deals Theo Epstein pulled of in a short time make little sense. Of course Victor Martinez is a great addition, but injuries to the staff make the trade of Justin Masterson seem like a mistake. The crown around first base is also hard to comprehend, especially since offensive leader Kevin Youkilis should be there every day. But where does that leave Martinez, let alone Casey Kotchman?
The return of Jason Bay - out of the lineup during much of the Sox' slump - and the combination of the Red Sox' overall talent, the managerial capabilities of Terry Francona, and the liklihood that the staff will get healthier, still, however, makes me think that the ship will be righted, and that it will be Boston on top of the East come October 4.
| theHoundDawg |
Jason Who II and a Four Game Streak
07/21/09 22:47 Filed in: Baseball
Well, after a very shaky first inning, Jason Schmidt gave a decent impression of a major league pitcher for another four innings last night, and tonight Randy Wolf got the run support missing from his starts most of the season, and suddenly the Dodgers have a four game winning streak and have their best overall record in 19 seasons.
The one downside of the Dodgers' great overall performance tonight was the hand injury Manny suffered when hit by a Homer Bailey pitch, but as they say, x-rays were negative and he's day-to-day.
In three games today and tonight, Los Angeles averaged 10 runs per game, with the Dodgers scoring 12 against the Reds, and the Angels taking two from KC, 8-5 and 10-2. The Angels are 5-1 since the break, and are weathering the losses of Vlad and Torri Hunter quite well, thanks in large part to the schedule maker, loading them up with KC, Oakland, and Cleveland while 2/3rds of the outfield is healing.
Injuries are affecting the current complexion of the AL East, with TIm Wakefield joining Dice-K Matsuzaka on the Boston DL, and the Red Sox falling into second, with a four game losing streak, despite the return of Jed Lowrie. The current success of the scumstripes not withstanding, I'm sticking with my pre-season picks that two playoff teams will come out of the AL East and neither will be from NY. With a healthier Scott Kazmir and a new ace in Jeff Niemann, Tampa will finish the season in second, behind Boston.
The one downside of the Dodgers' great overall performance tonight was the hand injury Manny suffered when hit by a Homer Bailey pitch, but as they say, x-rays were negative and he's day-to-day.
In three games today and tonight, Los Angeles averaged 10 runs per game, with the Dodgers scoring 12 against the Reds, and the Angels taking two from KC, 8-5 and 10-2. The Angels are 5-1 since the break, and are weathering the losses of Vlad and Torri Hunter quite well, thanks in large part to the schedule maker, loading them up with KC, Oakland, and Cleveland while 2/3rds of the outfield is healing.
Injuries are affecting the current complexion of the AL East, with TIm Wakefield joining Dice-K Matsuzaka on the Boston DL, and the Red Sox falling into second, with a four game losing streak, despite the return of Jed Lowrie. The current success of the scumstripes not withstanding, I'm sticking with my pre-season picks that two playoff teams will come out of the AL East and neither will be from NY. With a healthier Scott Kazmir and a new ace in Jeff Niemann, Tampa will finish the season in second, behind Boston.
| theHoundDawg |
As Usual, Pitching is Key, as Second Half Begins
07/16/09 09:11 Filed in: Baseball
As the second half of the season is set to begin, pitching is, as always, the key to success down the stretch.
First, and in consideration of rumor number one, which may just be speculation and defective, stupid controversy created by certain second-line radio commentators, is the ridiculous theory that the Dodger would even consider trading Clayton Kershaw and/or Matt Kemp, in order to obtain Roy Halladay. Kershaw and Kemp are rare talents that come along infrequently. At the start of the year, I felt that Kemp would put it together this season, and become a star, and that is happening before our eyes. He deserved to be on the All-Star team. Kershaw has more ability than any pitcher to reach the majors in many years, but I did feel it would be at least until next season before he took his place as a number one starter, and Cy Young contender. Well, he has just about reached that level over the past six weeks, with only his penchant for making too many pitches and being able to only go an average of six innings per start keeping him from reaching that level. The fact is, though, that he has been scored on in only two of his last six starts, giving up a total of three runs in his last 36 or so innings, lowering his ERA from 4.50 to 3.16.
He is on the verge of becoming the ace the Dodgers have been seeking, and only more experience and more consistent control stand in his way.
Trade him or Kemp? Never, for any current player in the majors, save that Albert guy in St. Louis.
Second is that other rumor that indicated that Toronto would commit franchise suicide by trading Halladay to the Redsox or scumstripes. Trade the AL's reigning pitching star within your division, to one of the best teams in the league, whose only weaknesses relate to pitching? No way. If so, through, fire the GM and pack the trunk and move to Moose Jaw.
Toronto does not realize their situation. Their limited success this season is due to Halladay, their vastly improved offense, which is due to the maturation of several of their young players, and the development of several young pitchers, such as Ricky Romero. Add back injured young stud starters Dustin McGowan and Shaun Marcum, and the 2010 Blue Jays are a real contender. Don't screw that up and hand the division to one of those other teams.
The seemingly healthier Angels' staff now has to not only compensate for the loss of Vald and Torri Hunter, but for the continued struggles of Earvin Santana. He starts opening night of the second half, and has to show that he is regaining last year's form, or else he might need a Howie Kendrick Triple A vacation.
Overall, at the mid-point, four of my six division picks are in first place, and all of my picks except Cleveland are in the running for the playoffs. And, Torri Hunter is the AL's MVP at this point in the season.
theHoundDawg
First, and in consideration of rumor number one, which may just be speculation and defective, stupid controversy created by certain second-line radio commentators, is the ridiculous theory that the Dodger would even consider trading Clayton Kershaw and/or Matt Kemp, in order to obtain Roy Halladay. Kershaw and Kemp are rare talents that come along infrequently. At the start of the year, I felt that Kemp would put it together this season, and become a star, and that is happening before our eyes. He deserved to be on the All-Star team. Kershaw has more ability than any pitcher to reach the majors in many years, but I did feel it would be at least until next season before he took his place as a number one starter, and Cy Young contender. Well, he has just about reached that level over the past six weeks, with only his penchant for making too many pitches and being able to only go an average of six innings per start keeping him from reaching that level. The fact is, though, that he has been scored on in only two of his last six starts, giving up a total of three runs in his last 36 or so innings, lowering his ERA from 4.50 to 3.16.
He is on the verge of becoming the ace the Dodgers have been seeking, and only more experience and more consistent control stand in his way.
Trade him or Kemp? Never, for any current player in the majors, save that Albert guy in St. Louis.
Second is that other rumor that indicated that Toronto would commit franchise suicide by trading Halladay to the Redsox or scumstripes. Trade the AL's reigning pitching star within your division, to one of the best teams in the league, whose only weaknesses relate to pitching? No way. If so, through, fire the GM and pack the trunk and move to Moose Jaw.
Toronto does not realize their situation. Their limited success this season is due to Halladay, their vastly improved offense, which is due to the maturation of several of their young players, and the development of several young pitchers, such as Ricky Romero. Add back injured young stud starters Dustin McGowan and Shaun Marcum, and the 2010 Blue Jays are a real contender. Don't screw that up and hand the division to one of those other teams.
The seemingly healthier Angels' staff now has to not only compensate for the loss of Vald and Torri Hunter, but for the continued struggles of Earvin Santana. He starts opening night of the second half, and has to show that he is regaining last year's form, or else he might need a Howie Kendrick Triple A vacation.
Overall, at the mid-point, four of my six division picks are in first place, and all of my picks except Cleveland are in the running for the playoffs. And, Torri Hunter is the AL's MVP at this point in the season.
theHoundDawg
Starters Back, But Angel Bullpen Just Applied for FEMA Trailers
06/07/09 21:20 Filed in: Baseball
The Angels miraculously weathered the early season storm of monumental injuries to the starting staff. John Lackey and Ervin Santana worked through their cobwebs and have rounded into form, and Kelvim Escobar has now also re-appeared, and pitched well in his first start. With Jared Weaver pitching lights out, and the solid work of Joe Saunders and Matt Palmer, as I thought would happen, the Angels again have the strongest and deepest starting staff in the AL. But that bullpen!
The Angels decided to let Frankie Rodríguez leave in the off season, and they compounded that mistake by paying good money for the over-rated, under-talented, and inconsistent Brian Fuentes. His 15 saves are much less of an indicator of his effectiveness than is his 4.95 ERA. Even more troubling, however, is the state of the rest of the pen, with long relief and set-up men one more awful than the next.
The Angel brain trust decided that besides letting Rodríguez leave, that they would build the rest of the crew around the inconsistent Scot Shields, the disappointing Justin Speier, and the inexperienced but potentially outstanding Jose Arredondo. That too, has worked real well. Shields has taken his 6.62 ERA to the DL, while Speier and Arrendondo each have ERAs over five. Out of necessity, the likes of Jason Bulger, Kevin Jepsen, Rafael Rodríguez, and Daniel Davidson have been given bullpen roles, with even less success. Today's game in Detroit is a prime example of the bullpen woes. The Angels came back from a one-run deficit to take a one-run lead into the eight inning, when Arredondo and Bulger combined to allow five runs and hand Detroit a 9-6 victory.
The Angels can almost certainly again win the West with their current staff, but any hopes of getting to a World Series are mere dreams unless some major help for the bullpen arrives by September.
One thought: While Escobar has had his best success as a starter, he has considerable experience in the bullpen, and with the starters now six deep, perhaps they should leave Palmer as the fifth starter and give Kelvim the closer role, with Fuentes the set-up guy.
theHoundDawg
The Angels decided to let Frankie Rodríguez leave in the off season, and they compounded that mistake by paying good money for the over-rated, under-talented, and inconsistent Brian Fuentes. His 15 saves are much less of an indicator of his effectiveness than is his 4.95 ERA. Even more troubling, however, is the state of the rest of the pen, with long relief and set-up men one more awful than the next.
The Angel brain trust decided that besides letting Rodríguez leave, that they would build the rest of the crew around the inconsistent Scot Shields, the disappointing Justin Speier, and the inexperienced but potentially outstanding Jose Arredondo. That too, has worked real well. Shields has taken his 6.62 ERA to the DL, while Speier and Arrendondo each have ERAs over five. Out of necessity, the likes of Jason Bulger, Kevin Jepsen, Rafael Rodríguez, and Daniel Davidson have been given bullpen roles, with even less success. Today's game in Detroit is a prime example of the bullpen woes. The Angels came back from a one-run deficit to take a one-run lead into the eight inning, when Arredondo and Bulger combined to allow five runs and hand Detroit a 9-6 victory.
The Angels can almost certainly again win the West with their current staff, but any hopes of getting to a World Series are mere dreams unless some major help for the bullpen arrives by September.
One thought: While Escobar has had his best success as a starter, he has considerable experience in the bullpen, and with the starters now six deep, perhaps they should leave Palmer as the fifth starter and give Kelvim the closer role, with Fuentes the set-up guy.
theHoundDawg
Angels Weather Storm, Dodgers Still in Trouble
05/15/09 07:55 Filed in: Baseball
The Angels' early-season nightmare is over.
With Earvin Santana back in the rotation, John Lackey about to be back, with Joe Saunders and Jared Weaver pitching outstanding, consistent ball, and with the emergence of Matt Palmer, the Angels' decimated rotation is now back to AL dominance. With the anticipated return of Glad, the consistent play of Kendry Morales, and the tremendous defensive improvement of Chone Figgans at third base, and with a division full of early-season pretenders, the Angels should now be on their way to another year of regular-season dominance.
Whether or not they can, for the first time since 2002, carry that over to the post season and actually win something of importance, is another matter.
Yet another matter is the Dodgers. Despite winning two-of-three on the road from the Champion Phillies, the Dodger mess is still not pretty. Andre Ethier continues to struggle, Juan Pierre is coming back to earth, and the previously dominant Jonathan Broxton "vultched" his fourth victory of the season yesterday, after blowing his second save of the season.
With Jeff Weaver entrenched in the rotation (at least for now), Eric Mitlon's recall, Jason Schmidt's beginnng rehabilitation, the demotion of John McDonald, and Clayton Kershaw's struggles, the face of the Dodger staff is seemingly in the process of a dramatic change from reliance on strong, young, healthy arms, to being composed of tired, old, questionable, injury-prone retreads.
This could, in the long run, be more of a problem then the loss of Manny.
theHoundDawg
With Earvin Santana back in the rotation, John Lackey about to be back, with Joe Saunders and Jared Weaver pitching outstanding, consistent ball, and with the emergence of Matt Palmer, the Angels' decimated rotation is now back to AL dominance. With the anticipated return of Glad, the consistent play of Kendry Morales, and the tremendous defensive improvement of Chone Figgans at third base, and with a division full of early-season pretenders, the Angels should now be on their way to another year of regular-season dominance.
Whether or not they can, for the first time since 2002, carry that over to the post season and actually win something of importance, is another matter.
Yet another matter is the Dodgers. Despite winning two-of-three on the road from the Champion Phillies, the Dodger mess is still not pretty. Andre Ethier continues to struggle, Juan Pierre is coming back to earth, and the previously dominant Jonathan Broxton "vultched" his fourth victory of the season yesterday, after blowing his second save of the season.
With Jeff Weaver entrenched in the rotation (at least for now), Eric Mitlon's recall, Jason Schmidt's beginnng rehabilitation, the demotion of John McDonald, and Clayton Kershaw's struggles, the face of the Dodger staff is seemingly in the process of a dramatic change from reliance on strong, young, healthy arms, to being composed of tired, old, questionable, injury-prone retreads.
This could, in the long run, be more of a problem then the loss of Manny.
theHoundDawg
Angels Back on Track
05/06/09 13:18 Filed in: Baseball
With word that John Lackey and Ervin Santana are beginning rehab, that Vlad may be back as DH in a few days, and with good outings by Matt Palmer and Shane Loux, things are looking up for the Angels' recovery. They've won three in a row and are only two games out of first, after weathering what is hopefully the worst of an historic stretch of pitching staff injuries.
It looks like Seattle's hot start is over, and though Texas has been on a role, they still do not have the pitching to compete with LA, so long as at least half the Angel staff remains on the active roster.
theHoundDawg
It looks like Seattle's hot start is over, and though Texas has been on a role, they still do not have the pitching to compete with LA, so long as at least half the Angel staff remains on the active roster.
theHoundDawg
While We Were Away, Part 1
04/23/09 19:05 Filed in: Baseball
After being away from SoCal, and much of the sports world, for almost nine days, some random thoughts:
The Angel pitching woes just keep getting worse. Since April 14, they have now also lost Dustin Moseley, Darren Oliver, and Kevin Jepsen; Brian Fuentes, Scott Shields and Jose Arredondo have ERAs of 13.50, 14.40, and 7.20, respectively, and tonight they are starting Matt Palmer, whose Triple-A ERA this season was approaching 12. Paul Byrd, Pedro Martinez, and maybe the late Art Fowler, are you busy at the moment?
Manny is heating up, and the Dodgers are still in first place, despite one reliable starting pitcher. As I'm writing this, Chad Billingsley is on his way to becoming the first pitcher to reach 4-0.
I saw a game at SAFECO Field in Seattle, and it's a great place to watch a game. Friendly, really helpful staff, great food, and wonderful site lines, seating, and other accutremonts make it one of the best partks I've been to. As an aside, as I saw Mike Sweeney go 3-for-3, I commented to one of the people I was with what a great hitter he could have been if not for so many debilitating injuries the past few years. Then I saw that he got injured yet again the next night.
The scumstripes are feeling the pressure from so many empty premium seats, and, according to Yahoo Sports are considering lowering their pricing from the obsene $2625 price tags they have been trying to extort from the rich and famous. If they don't improve attendance, and revenue, it would be real nice if the scumstripes have their new house that greed built forclosed.
theHoundDawg
The Angel pitching woes just keep getting worse. Since April 14, they have now also lost Dustin Moseley, Darren Oliver, and Kevin Jepsen; Brian Fuentes, Scott Shields and Jose Arredondo have ERAs of 13.50, 14.40, and 7.20, respectively, and tonight they are starting Matt Palmer, whose Triple-A ERA this season was approaching 12. Paul Byrd, Pedro Martinez, and maybe the late Art Fowler, are you busy at the moment?
Manny is heating up, and the Dodgers are still in first place, despite one reliable starting pitcher. As I'm writing this, Chad Billingsley is on his way to becoming the first pitcher to reach 4-0.
I saw a game at SAFECO Field in Seattle, and it's a great place to watch a game. Friendly, really helpful staff, great food, and wonderful site lines, seating, and other accutremonts make it one of the best partks I've been to. As an aside, as I saw Mike Sweeney go 3-for-3, I commented to one of the people I was with what a great hitter he could have been if not for so many debilitating injuries the past few years. Then I saw that he got injured yet again the next night.
The scumstripes are feeling the pressure from so many empty premium seats, and, according to Yahoo Sports are considering lowering their pricing from the obsene $2625 price tags they have been trying to extort from the rich and famous. If they don't improve attendance, and revenue, it would be real nice if the scumstripes have their new house that greed built forclosed.
theHoundDawg
Thought to be Dormant, Angels' Curse Returns with a Vengeance
04/09/09 08:33 Filed in: Baseball
For decades, there appeared to be a curse hovering over the the Los Angeles-California-Anaheim-Los Angeles Angels, who suffered through one tragedy after another. Young and talented players, including some stars and many potential stars, died tragic deaths, many during the season. From the shooting death of Lyman Bostock, to the brain tumor that took Dick Wantz within a month of his major league debut, to the numerous traffic fatalities including Mike Miley, Bruce Heinbechner, and Chico Ruiz, and to the suicide of former star Donnie Moore. Career changing injuries were also part of the curse, exemplified by the beanings suffered by Paul Schaal and Don Mincher. Add to this, the devastating injuries suffered by Bobby Valentine and the kidney disease that derailed the career of Rick Reichardt. If something bad happened, it seemed to always happen to an Angel.
After years of seeming calm, the curse has returned.
For a couple of years, we heard that Nick Adenhart had the tools to be a star. In three games last year, he pitched poorly, but this spring, with so many injured pitchers, he earned the opportunity to begin the season on the Angels roster, and in the rotation, and he started last night's game, showing everything that the team had said about him. He pitched six shutout innings, and appeared to be just what the Angels needed with three starters on the disabled list.
Then, a couple of hours after the game, he was killed in a Fullerton, CA traffic collision.
At this time, it is being said that another unnamed member of the Angels' organization was also killed in the accident.
And, this just two days after a fan died at Angels' Stadium, following the opening night game.
Our condolences to the Adenhart family and to the Angels' organization. Let's hope these are isolated incidents, to be followed by years of business-as-usual at Angels' Stadium.
theHoundDawg
After years of seeming calm, the curse has returned.
For a couple of years, we heard that Nick Adenhart had the tools to be a star. In three games last year, he pitched poorly, but this spring, with so many injured pitchers, he earned the opportunity to begin the season on the Angels roster, and in the rotation, and he started last night's game, showing everything that the team had said about him. He pitched six shutout innings, and appeared to be just what the Angels needed with three starters on the disabled list.
Then, a couple of hours after the game, he was killed in a Fullerton, CA traffic collision.
At this time, it is being said that another unnamed member of the Angels' organization was also killed in the accident.
And, this just two days after a fan died at Angels' Stadium, following the opening night game.
Our condolences to the Adenhart family and to the Angels' organization. Let's hope these are isolated incidents, to be followed by years of business-as-usual at Angels' Stadium.
theHoundDawg
The Season Starts Sunday - This is How It Will End
04/03/09 21:31 Filed in: Baseball
AL 2009
Boston - A healthy Beckett and a return to form from Brad Penny, and the BoSox won't be caught.
Tampa - Last year was no fluke, but not enough with Boston in their division.
New York - More bucks, more losses. Girardi may not last the season. Pressure on Teixeira won't be pretty.
Toronto - Could have been vastly improved but for injuries to Marcum and McGowan.
Baltimore - By July, theHoundDawg may be their fourth starter.
Cleveland - Healthy Martinez, Hafner, and Pavano, and the Tribe is back.
Minnesota - Baker, Bonser and Neshek - too many injured pitchers.
Chicago - Would need BIG comebacks from too many to challenge.
Detroit - Best thing going is no more Sheffield, but pitching is too suspect
Kansas City - They seemed to be building on their young starters, but sending down Bannister and Hochevar while giving spots to Ramirez and Ponson are major steps backward.
Los Angeles - Second Best team in AL when healthy, and starting season with injuries to three starters should not effect division runaway.
Oakland - Much improved but too much depends on totally inexperienced starters.
Texas - As always, questionable pitching, but no longer the offensive machine of past few seasons.
Seattle - Ten more wins still means last place. Outfield was a disaster before Ichiro got sick.
Division series - Los Angeles over Tampa and Boston over Cleveland
Championship Series - Boston over Los Angeles
NL 2009
Los Angeles - Top-notch offense, defense, bullpen, but will go only as far as their starters will take them.
Arizona - Pretty much the same as with LA, but D'Backs have no Manny.
San Francisco - Reverse of division's top teams - starting pitching and lots of question marks. OF and catching are set, but that infield?
San Diego - Improved from last year, but young talent not ready to compete for top three spots.
Colorado - Not the power-laden team of the past, and questionable pitching depth, but biggest problem is no more Matt Holliday, plus Jeff Francis gone for the season.
Milwaukee - Outstanding offense and despite loss of Sabathia and Sheets, staff has good mix of savey, dependable vets and young talent.
St. Louis - Return of Chris Carpenter solidifies starters, but big voids in bullpen, and infield looks like Pujols and three guys from central casting. Glaus return from injury is always tenuous.
Chicago - No team depending on Milton Bradley and Rich Harden will ever win anything.
Houston - Only health, depth of starting staff keep then behind Cubs.
Cincinnati - Overrated pitching staff won't keep up with up-and-coming offense, plus too many questions in outfield.
Pittsburgh - Lots of young talent on the field, but lack of same on staff will keep them in cellar, unless Karstens and Ohlehdorf suddenly become major league pitchers.
Philadelphia - Improved pitching from start of season and except for Ibanez for Burrell, same team on field as last year's champs.
New York - Addition of great closer more than offset by signing of worst person in baseball, G. Sheffield.
Atlanta - Will go as far as totally revamped pitching will take them, plus rookie CF Jordan Schafer must be for real.
Florida - Health of returning starters, poor defense, big question marks at 3B and entire outfield, all point to disappointing season.
Washington - Addition of Adam Dunn not nearly enough.
Division series - Los Angeles over Milwaukee and Philadelphia over Arizona
Championship Series - Philadelphia over Los Angeles
Boston over Philadelphia in World Series
theHoundDawg
Boston - A healthy Beckett and a return to form from Brad Penny, and the BoSox won't be caught.
Tampa - Last year was no fluke, but not enough with Boston in their division.
New York - More bucks, more losses. Girardi may not last the season. Pressure on Teixeira won't be pretty.
Toronto - Could have been vastly improved but for injuries to Marcum and McGowan.
Baltimore - By July, theHoundDawg may be their fourth starter.
Cleveland - Healthy Martinez, Hafner, and Pavano, and the Tribe is back.
Minnesota - Baker, Bonser and Neshek - too many injured pitchers.
Chicago - Would need BIG comebacks from too many to challenge.
Detroit - Best thing going is no more Sheffield, but pitching is too suspect
Kansas City - They seemed to be building on their young starters, but sending down Bannister and Hochevar while giving spots to Ramirez and Ponson are major steps backward.
Los Angeles - Second Best team in AL when healthy, and starting season with injuries to three starters should not effect division runaway.
Oakland - Much improved but too much depends on totally inexperienced starters.
Texas - As always, questionable pitching, but no longer the offensive machine of past few seasons.
Seattle - Ten more wins still means last place. Outfield was a disaster before Ichiro got sick.
Division series - Los Angeles over Tampa and Boston over Cleveland
Championship Series - Boston over Los Angeles
NL 2009
Los Angeles - Top-notch offense, defense, bullpen, but will go only as far as their starters will take them.
Arizona - Pretty much the same as with LA, but D'Backs have no Manny.
San Francisco - Reverse of division's top teams - starting pitching and lots of question marks. OF and catching are set, but that infield?
San Diego - Improved from last year, but young talent not ready to compete for top three spots.
Colorado - Not the power-laden team of the past, and questionable pitching depth, but biggest problem is no more Matt Holliday, plus Jeff Francis gone for the season.
Milwaukee - Outstanding offense and despite loss of Sabathia and Sheets, staff has good mix of savey, dependable vets and young talent.
St. Louis - Return of Chris Carpenter solidifies starters, but big voids in bullpen, and infield looks like Pujols and three guys from central casting. Glaus return from injury is always tenuous.
Chicago - No team depending on Milton Bradley and Rich Harden will ever win anything.
Houston - Only health, depth of starting staff keep then behind Cubs.
Cincinnati - Overrated pitching staff won't keep up with up-and-coming offense, plus too many questions in outfield.
Pittsburgh - Lots of young talent on the field, but lack of same on staff will keep them in cellar, unless Karstens and Ohlehdorf suddenly become major league pitchers.
Philadelphia - Improved pitching from start of season and except for Ibanez for Burrell, same team on field as last year's champs.
New York - Addition of great closer more than offset by signing of worst person in baseball, G. Sheffield.
Atlanta - Will go as far as totally revamped pitching will take them, plus rookie CF Jordan Schafer must be for real.
Florida - Health of returning starters, poor defense, big question marks at 3B and entire outfield, all point to disappointing season.
Washington - Addition of Adam Dunn not nearly enough.
Division series - Los Angeles over Milwaukee and Philadelphia over Arizona
Championship Series - Philadelphia over Los Angeles
Boston over Philadelphia in World Series
theHoundDawg
Angels' Pitching Strength Now Major Worry
03/26/09 17:24 Filed in: Baseball
Despite losing Jon Garland and Frankie Rodriguez to free agency this past off season, pitching still remained an Angel strength coming into the 2009 season.
As the start of the season fast approaches, holes in the starting staff are reaching epoch proportions.
First, it became clear that Kelvim Escobar is not yet fully recovered from last year's surgery, and will not be ready at the start of the season. Then, we learned of Ervin Santana's arm problems and his status remains totally unclear. Now ace John Lackey has been shut down, and will not be available to start the season. That's 60% of the starting staff on the shelf! It is now clear that the Angels' rotation in in worse shape than the Dodgers', with only a few days left before opening day.
On another, slightly related note, I stumbled upon a very interesting article today, Rouen Huskies Sign Former LA Angels Pitching Prospect, detailing how former Angel minor leaguer Travis Stanton has signed to pitch for the Rouen Huskies of the French Baseball League. I find this fascinating not becasue of Travis Stanton, but becasue of the fact that there is a baseball league in FRANCE!
theHoundDawg
As the start of the season fast approaches, holes in the starting staff are reaching epoch proportions.
First, it became clear that Kelvim Escobar is not yet fully recovered from last year's surgery, and will not be ready at the start of the season. Then, we learned of Ervin Santana's arm problems and his status remains totally unclear. Now ace John Lackey has been shut down, and will not be available to start the season. That's 60% of the starting staff on the shelf! It is now clear that the Angels' rotation in in worse shape than the Dodgers', with only a few days left before opening day.
On another, slightly related note, I stumbled upon a very interesting article today, Rouen Huskies Sign Former LA Angels Pitching Prospect, detailing how former Angel minor leaguer Travis Stanton has signed to pitch for the Rouen Huskies of the French Baseball League. I find this fascinating not becasue of Travis Stanton, but becasue of the fact that there is a baseball league in FRANCE!
theHoundDawg
We Should Be Enjoying Spring Training - Why Not?
03/01/09 15:54 Filed in: Baseball
We should be enjoying spring training - seeing the prospects play above their heads, visions of "This Year" in our heads, the thought of Opening Day!
But we are not; at least, I'm not.
What am I thinking about?
The hole in left field and in the batting order, that may only be filled by paying out as much as $55 million over the next two years to the spawn of Scott Boras. The stigma of steroids that has totally eveloped baseball. Jim Bowden's resignation in light of allegations of skimming of bonus money from third world prospects. The scumstripes new rotation. The Dodgers no longer in Vero Beach. The Brad Penny-Larry Bowa he-said-he-said absurdity.
Some things are, however, as they normally are: Andruw Jones struck out in eight of his first nine abs with Texas and Milton Bradley is injured.
Somehow, that's just not enough to make it good.
theHoundDawg
But we are not; at least, I'm not.
What am I thinking about?
The hole in left field and in the batting order, that may only be filled by paying out as much as $55 million over the next two years to the spawn of Scott Boras. The stigma of steroids that has totally eveloped baseball. Jim Bowden's resignation in light of allegations of skimming of bonus money from third world prospects. The scumstripes new rotation. The Dodgers no longer in Vero Beach. The Brad Penny-Larry Bowa he-said-he-said absurdity.
Some things are, however, as they normally are: Andruw Jones struck out in eight of his first nine abs with Texas and Milton Bradley is injured.
Somehow, that's just not enough to make it good.
theHoundDawg
Not Sure What the Angels Are Planning, But Giving Up on Teixeira is Wrong Move
12/23/08 12:02 Filed in: Baseball
The Angels cut off Frankie R and have a giant hole at Closer. For years, they nursed Casey Kotchman along through false starts, injuries, and illness, and just as he became a consistent major league regular, they traded him for the 2 month rental rights to Mark Teixeira. That would have been a solid deal if they retained Teixeira's rights beyond last October, but they did not, and now they have ended their efforts to resign him, leaving Kendry Morales as the number one roster candidate to play first base.
The rest of the infield is solid and deep, as is catching. If Kelvim Escobar comes back healthy, despite the loss of Jon Garland, the starting staff is still solid, as is the outfield. But, those big holes at first and in the bullpen could mean another disappointing season in southeast LA.
If Bill Stoneman were still in charge, you'd have to think he had a plan B lying in wait. But, Tony Reagins has no track record yet, and while he seems to have learned pretty well from Stoneman, what he and Arte do in the next few weeks will be keys not only to the 2009 season, but the Angels long-range success with Reagins at the personnel helm.
theHoundDawg
Edit - not 60 seconds after publishing this post, I heard ESPN report that Mark Teixeira had agreed to terms on a contract with the scumstripes of the bronx. Crap.
The rest of the infield is solid and deep, as is catching. If Kelvim Escobar comes back healthy, despite the loss of Jon Garland, the starting staff is still solid, as is the outfield. But, those big holes at first and in the bullpen could mean another disappointing season in southeast LA.
If Bill Stoneman were still in charge, you'd have to think he had a plan B lying in wait. But, Tony Reagins has no track record yet, and while he seems to have learned pretty well from Stoneman, what he and Arte do in the next few weeks will be keys not only to the 2009 season, but the Angels long-range success with Reagins at the personnel helm.
theHoundDawg
Edit - not 60 seconds after publishing this post, I heard ESPN report that Mark Teixeira had agreed to terms on a contract with the scumstripes of the bronx. Crap.