Matsuiland has Officially Closed in Anaheim

It was one year ago today that the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim would officially close the door on the return of "Big Daddy" Vladimir Guerrero and start its preparations to open Southern California's newest Theme Park... Matsuiland. Hideki Matsui coming off a World Series MVP Title would sign with the Angels for $6.5 Million dollars, with promise of an influx of Japanese Media, sponsorship, added fan base, and most importantly production. Matsui's production in Anaheim was pretty close to his production in New York. Maybe Matsui had a few more strikes outs and few less home runs, but I don't think anyone would complain about the effort that Godzilla put forth in Anaheim. And although he seemed to be a very beneficial addition to the Halos Roster in 2010, you almost knew that he wouldn't be returning.

After seven years with the New York Yankees and one year with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Hideki Matsui will now be taking his talents to the Bay Area for perennial American League West Runner Ups, the Oakland Athletics. Two days ago, Matsui signed a one-year contract worth $4.25 million with the Oakland A's still wearing #55 and occasionally playing Left Field while usually playing DH. And I would expect that Matsui's numbers in Oakland will be comparable to his numbers in Anaheim. So although Matsuiland has been condemned, it will be only a matter of time when the dozen or so fans left in Oakland build their shrine to the one they call Godzilla.

Thanks for your efforts in 2010 Hideki Matsui. But you will not be missed.

The Angels Return to Anaheim-- TONIGHT!

April 5th is the Official Opening Day for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.  But TONIGHT is the first night of the new year for the Anaheim Stadium.  The Angels come home for two games... one against the San Diego Padres and one against the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Surrounded by National League Baseball teams, it is up to Mike Scioscia's 2009 American League Western Division Champions to showcase the American League dominance in Major League Baseball.

The Padres have had a fairly good spring and although these games are still technically Spring Training Games, there are some bragging rights involved.  The Angels are set to put out their opening day line up.  Eric Aybar at Shortstop is slated to lead off, with Right fielder with Bobby Abreu batting second, then; Torii Hunter, Hideki Matsui, Kendry Morales, Juan Rivera, Howie Kendrick, Mike Napoli, and Brandon Wood.  This is a veritable murder's row that the East Coast Media Bias is sleeping on.  And for anyone who keeps talking about the Angels missing John Lackey, again people that's why we traded for Scott Kazmir.  And  Joel Piñeiro signing is looking better and better, especially his influence on Jered Weaver.  The Angel starting rotation looks real good, again nobody in the Media is really talking them up.  And then our bullpen.  Sure the loss of Darren Oliver as a lefty specialist/setup man stings... but, Scott Shields is awesome as a setup man.  Not to mention, the acquisition of Fernando Rodney and then traded Matthews Jr. for Brian Stokes.  And that's in addition to Brian Fuentes, who is in better shape, and Kevin Jepsen and Jason Bulger who are both a year older and a year better. 

So come on National League teams... show the Angels what you've got.  Because TONIGHT, the campaign begins, TONIGHT, the Angels plan to silence the media, TONIGHT the ANGELS RETURN to ANAHEIM!