Rodney, Rodney, say that you Rodney!

This post took me a while to write, because I have mixed emotions on Fernando Rodney.  On one hand, you look at the guy who had 37 saves out of 38 attempts.  It has to be considered that Rodney will be in Anaheim to move into that closer role.  If Scott Shields is healthy, he should slot right back into the 8th inning, as a setup man.  And although Brian Fuentes as a closer had a league leading 48 saves, he also blew 7 regular season save attempts with one big blown save in the post season.  Even if they decide to close by committee, if gives Mike Scioscia options on finishing games.  Plus with Fuentes making less appearances will keep his contract from investing the 3rd year option. 

But any Detroit fan will tell you that Rodney in non-save situtations has been shakey at best.  Fortunately for the Angels he probably won't be put into that position. His ERA is also in the 4.00.  But to counter point that, Rodney playing in Anaheim could be a different story.  However, if the idea is to put Rodney in a set up position, I definitely question the motives of the Angels Front Office.  Allowing lefty Oliver to sign with the Rangers didn't enhance the bullpen.  But if Fuentes tries to fill out Oliver's spot, the Angels might have something very special in that bullpen.  With Jepsen, Bulger, and probably Rich Thompson, the bullpen could be lights out.

What do you think of Rodney as the Angels closer.

We Say Goodbye to a Friend

Justin Speier, who warmed the hearts of America on a Fox Broadcast reading the line up cards in the same vein as Harry Carry was released last night. It wasn't a salary relief move. The Angels will eat his remaining contract.

The former Marine was originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1995. And played for six other clubs before joining the Angels in 2006. Unfortunately Speier's flashes of brilliance were to few and far in between. Watching him pitch, was often like watching Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde, one game he'd have a 1-2-3 inning. And the next night he'd give up three Home Runs in an inning.
Like on Friday, August 7th against the Texas Rangers. When the Angels were still very much in the game. Speier faced Teagarden who homered to deep left, Andrus who grounded out to shortstop, 42 Year Old Vizquel (who hadn't hit a homerun since 2007), and Young who homered to deep center, before for the remainder of the line up to ground out.

From all accounts, Speier is a good guy. He would be the first guy out of the bullpen if a fight broke out. Which is exactly what happened during the infamous incident where Boston Red Sox pitcher Josh Becket tossed a ball at Bobby Abreu after time out had been called. When the benches cleared, it was Justin along with Torii Hunter along with Mickey Hatcher who were ejected.

The release of Speier doesn't come as much as a surprise. His struggles are well documented in Angel Fandom and surely were causes of many dogs getting kicked or beers being drank. Even durning the playoffs last year, Speier didn't make the playoff roster in favor of rookie Kevin Jepsen. The California native's release makes room for todays starter Trevor Bell. Although I will miss Speier's team first mentallity and over all "good-guyness" I won't miss his pitching. So as always, best of luck to Justin Speier. I will root for you until you face the Angels again. And then I will boo. Boo unmercifully.