Halos Get it Done in Taiwan

It sounds as if the MLB All-Stars who played in the MLB-Taiwan All-Star Game just crushed the opposition.  Back in January 2010, I made the case for the Angels to start paying attention to the Taiwan market.  When the Halos signed Joel Piñeiro, I wanted them to pursue Chien-Ming Wang (glad I'm not the GM.)  Not just because of what I thought Wang could offer the rotation (which wasn't much), but because Wang was/is revered in his native Taiwan.  Taiwan loves baseball.  And this group of MLB Players going to Taiwan is great for developing the sport, getting more fans interested. I'm not sure how being crushed by the superior league of All-Stars helps... but it certainly brings a greater awareness.  

And if you're like me... going through some baseball withdraws,  you can watch the full games of the MLB-Taiwain series, on MLB's website with a valid MLB.TV account. 

5 Game winning streak ends with a blown save in the 9th!

On a night to commemorate the ever improving Erick Aybar with a Bobble Head, the Angels lose and it was a bit of a heart breaker.  Jered Weaver carried a one run lead into the eight inning.  Smart base running with Aybar and a timely hit Abreu gave the Halos a 1 run lead which was followed up with Morales Home Run driving in Matsui.  The night was looking great.  Even Jason Bulger looked good in the eight, holding the advancing Tigers.  But with the Ninth inning came chaos!

It was well documented that Mike Scioscia was going to put Fuentes out there.  It was no surprise to anyone, well at least not to me.  I even added Fuentes to my fantasy baseball team, because I expected him to be plopped right back into his closer role.  Scioscia is well known for his loyalty to his guys.  Fuentes who was the league saves leader was expected to close out this one run game.  However, Fuentes also blew a lot of saves last year.  And he did it again.  I feel for the guy.  He is coming back from an injury and just didn't look like he was right.  Maybe a few more bullpen session in Rancho could have helped.  It doesn't the fans frustration with Fuentes, when Rodney has just had 5 scoreless 9th Innings in a row.  I kept thinking that although Fuentes blew the save, maybe he'd set himself up for a relief win, by getting out the inning.  And a case of a bad swing at a bad pitch just so happened to work out in the favor of the Tigers.  Fuentes job at closer is secure for now, but I think the Angel faithful believe Rodney would have closed it out. 

Today is the day!

And...there it is, the first pitch of Spring Training for the STL Cardinals. 8 months of baseball obsession ahead.

I saw this tweet and just had to echo this sentiment, with the exception of STL Cardinals for the LAA Angels. I think most Angel fans have been counting down the days until our team returns to the field. And today is the day. In a little over an hour and a half, the Angels will take the field for the first time this year against a rival. The game will be played against the White Sox at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Joel Pineiro takes the mound. Does Morales start today? Will Wood prove why he'll get that starting 3B start? Will Aybar fit in that lead off spot. Will we miss Figgins, Lackey, Vlad, or Oliver? This will be step one, in many to return to the ALCS.

Good luck Halos.

Aybar are you okay, are you okay, or you okay Aybar?

Erick Aybar: Aybar injures left leg in Dominican game

Erick Aybar left a game Thursday in the Dominican Republic after apparently straining a muscle in his left leg. Aybar was attempting to beat out a grounder when he pulled up lame. The Angels haven't been updated on his condition...

Obviously Erick Aybar's health should be a major concern to the Angels.  His .312 batting average and 14 stolen bases are pivotal to the Angels offense this year.  By loosing Chone Figgins, the Angels will need a strong lead off batter.  If Aybar isn't ready come spring training, do you play Brandon Wood at SS and Maicer Izturis at 3B or keep Wood at 3B and Izturis at SS?  And if Izturis does start the year as the lead off hitter, it pretty much will keep Wood on the bench when Aybar does return.  Get well soon Aybar, the Halos need you.