What Me Worry? May starts off with a No Hitter and a Pujols Home Run

April was an ugly month.  April gave me the hives.  April the Halos struggled to not only win games, but to throw strikes, to get runs, to do anything really.  But May... May our team is off to a good start.  Although the Halos are still dwelling in the cellar, the Machine has finally did it.  He finally hit a home run. And Mr. Jared Weaver has finally got credit for a No Hitter..  Dodger fans know he had one just a few years ago.  Is there cause for concern?  Absolutely.  Is there reason for panic?  I don't think so.  There are a couple of things that needs to happen and it'll spark the team. And if you have been paying attention... they have been.

The Bullpen Depth has been addressed.  DiPoto wisely jettisoned Alexi Amarista and Donn Roach  to the Padres for Ernesto Frieri.  This move looked good before Hawkins injured his pinky and Downs came up gimpy in a closing situation.  And with the way Frieri has pitched, it looks down right genius.  And as much upside Amarista had for the Angels, they have plenty of middle infield depth and with the extension of Kendrick and Aybar, the guy was blocked.  Here's hoping Amarista gets into a starting position besting Hudson or Bartlett soon. It was also announced today that in response to the injuries in the bullpen, the Angels have reacted by calling up David Pauley and Garrett Richards.  But it looks like Downs is available to pitch tonight.  Jepsen has been a problem and he's back in the Minors.  Takahashi must be on the chopping block next as the only shinning beacon of hope in the bullpen has been Scott Downs and now with Frieri coming in along with a healthy Hawkins, this bullpen might just work out.  Of course guys like Walden must be ready, but Pauley and Richards could be getting some junk time if games get out of control.



Mark Trumbo has to be in the line up every day, despite a few throwing errors at third, Trumbo's bat is too damn valuable to be on the bench or to pinch hit late in the game.  His stat line for the season looks something like batting .313 with 12 RBI, 4 Home Runs, 4 Doubles, 11 runs scored, and even a stolen base.  When the bats are having difficulty scoring runs, you can't afford to leave this power on the bench. 
Consistency in the batting order, with Mike Scioscia at the helm might not ever be too consistent.  However Pujols who DID just hit his first home run has been consistent at batting 3rd.  I still think Scioscia should commit to an everyday batting line up, but he's won a hell of a lot more baseball games than I ever have.  Trout was looking pretty good leading off. 

Here is what worries me... Scioscia has been loyal to his veterans to a fault.  At some point the Angels need to poop or get off the pot with Wells.  Obviously he isn't the player they were hoping for.  And its beginning to look like he won't ever be that player.  The outfield is extremely too crowded right now.  If Trout is to play, Borjous sits and vice versa.  Time to clear the path and make Trout your full time Left Fielder.  Otherwise, deal Petey for pieces to win now. 

The Halos Must Make a Sacrafice...

I recently posted the question the First2Third.net Facebook Friends and Twitter Followers:

Would you sacrifice Peter Bourjos' at bats for Mark Trumbo's at bats?

Jam Eson on Facebook: No.
Mitul on Facebook: Go with jumbo trumbo, we need power.
CoachTom966:  I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Mark Trumbo hit 29 Home Runs last year.  No doubt about it, if he plays everyday Trumbo could probably exceed that number.  So the question isn't Trumbo for Bourjos, because either way Trumbo should be in the line up.   The question is should Trumbo take at bats away from someone in the outfield or third base.

Here's specifically what I'm thinking.  Vernon Wells has proved over his past few starts in Center Field that he can still handle playing in the middle.  Mark Trumbo makes better sense in the outfield than he does at Third Base.  Playing the hot corner has netted 3 errors for Trumbo.  It's obvious that the better solution for Third Base at this time is Maicer Izturis, batting over 400 and solid D.  So what it comes down to is, who benefits the offense more... Izturis or Bourjos?  Petey has speed and causes chaos on the base path.  But Maicer has wheels to and can grab a bag.  Maicer can also get on base.  And Maicer has proved to be more clutch at getting a hit.  By moving Bourjos into that elusive 4th OF spot, gives plenty of rest to the likes of Vernon and Torii, it gets Trumbo in the lineup.


Trumbo needs to play every day, in the outfield.  This will hurt Bourjos at bats, but will better the team.  


What do you think?

Arte Moreno on the Sports Lodge: recap and thoughts...

What has become a regular appearance for the owner of your Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Arte Moreno joined Roger Lodge's Sports Lodge on AM830 as part of the pre-opening day ceremonies, underneath the hats.  Here's a recap from the owner via a phone...

On the Season Opener
I'm fired up.  They worked hard in Spring Training, they're having fun, Mike's tough, he's fine tuning them, but I think they're ready to play.

On Albert Pujols
He is nicknamed the Machine because of his work ethic.  First to arrive and last to leave.  He works with the younger guys and is quite the gentleman.  Great players are disciplined, strong will and a high level of concentration.  Pujols, Morales, and Trumbo got to Spring Training a week early, fine tuning things.

Scoiscia's added pressure to win
"Mike is highly competitive, you want to prepare your team, but at the end of the day, the players need to play.  You have to do the best you can, with the tools you have."

Getting Mad at Players
You never want to see someone get picked off or cause the final out on 3rd base.  I don't get mad at my players, but I don't like to lose.

I remember last year on opening day.  I was driving my daughter to her school.  I live in Anaheim.  She goes to school in Los Angeles County.  Needless to say it is a very long drive.  But I didn't mind the drive that day.  Because everybody's favorite Uncle, Arte Moreno joined the Sports Lodge.  Arte dropped hints about Weaver (and hoping to extend him), his thoughts on what happened with Teixera a few years before.  He tried to defend the decision to trade Napoli to the Blue Jays for Vernon Wells (still wasn't a smart business decision).  And he also spoke of the progress of Kendrys Morales bum foot. 


Arte's Favorite Non-Angel Players...
Although it turned into more of a great player around the league as opposed to favorite players....
Yankees (Derek Jetter & Robinson Cano), Red Sox (Dustin Pedroia & Adrian Gonzalez), Dodgers (Clayton Kershaw, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Dee Gordon), Tampa (Longoria), & the Rangers (Andrus, Beltre, Kinsler, Hamilton, Cruz --didn't mention Napoli)

The Halos... questions answered.

Off the 710 Freeway

Its the dawn of a new era for Angels Baseball.  There has been a lot of hoopla and a hype with regards to the 2012 season of Major League Baseball for your Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, but we're just a little more than 24 hours away from the Season Opener for the Angels as they take on the Royals of Kansas City.  Spring Training answered a lot of questions, as least for me.  Mark Trumbo at the very least will be serviceable at third base, potentially adding another 25+ home runs into that line up.  Another questions that was answered for me was that foot of Kendrys Morales.  I don't expect Morales to field one iota, but I think he's going to be a great contributor in the Designated Hitter position.  This team looks like the team I had hoped and dream for.  The Angels are all in and it looks like I'm not the only one thinks so.  Buster Onley said "The Angels Look Tremendous." Mark Gonzales of the South Bend Tribune picked the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to run away with it all, with that pitching rotation, "CJ Wilson as your 4th man in the rotation, that's saying something" He also picked Giants Angels in the World Series a repeat of the World Series that took place 10 years ago.  AM830 host Roger Lodge is calling his World Series prediction The Angels vs. The Phillies.  Google MLB 2012 Post Season Predictions... and you'll see that the Angels have caught the eye of a lot of handicappers and members of the media.

Cactus League is done, no more Exhibition games... It's Here Opening Day.  Today is the third opening day for the 2012 season... but its all about tomorrow.  Opening Day!

... The Angels Look Tremendous...

Hearing from a bunch of Cactus League scouts and evaluators that the Angels look tremendous.

--Buster Onley

I believe the last time I was this confident of an Angel team, I believe Vladimir Guerrero was still on this team.  Obviously everybody's Uncle Arte Moreno went out and made more of a splash this off-season than any fan could have anticipated.  The Angels signing/trading for Albert Pujols was a pipe dream that I had for a long time, but never did I really think that was going to happen.  But then again I never thought the Angels would have at least 3 legitimate Aces in the starting rotation, with a no. 2 guy who pitched a no hitter last year.  I never thought that the Angels would go into the season with the kind of depth they have.  And frankly, I'm still not sure how it'll all gel over 162 games.

It seems like Alberto Callaspo might be loosing his starting position to Mark

Trumbo, which in itself sounds a bit ridiculous.  Lil Albert had a good season in 2011, a .298 Batting Avg., he legged out 23 doubles, ripped 8 bags, drove in 6 over the fence and even managed to have 46 RBI with only 475 at bats.  The guy replacing him isn't a slouch although his batting average is much lower his production over all is much higher.  29 Home runs is nothing to balk at.  But still, Callaspo, who's had a pretty solid spring is essentially going to be an off the bench player.  And a lot of people thought Trumbo was trade bait. 

Looking at this line up is sick.  Especially with the news that Mr. Kendrys Morales has finally found his way back into the Angels line up. Well maybe he has exactly made his way back into the line up yet and maybe Kendrys 2-5 against a combo of AA & AAA players doesn't mean a ton, but I'm under the impression that when Morales gets out their on the field and you bat him near either Trumbo or Pujols, you're going to see a masher.  IF this Halos line up stays healthy and IF there is no regression, you can see a guy like Wells rebound huge in 2012.

No World Series Ring was won in November or December.  But These Angels look good.  Even Buster says so.  With that being said...

Go Halos

Where does the youth movement play in 2012?

AAA, not just for Lucha Libre anymore. I think the Angels would actually benefit quite a bit if they put a few of the up and comers in the Minors to start the season.  Probably not a popular thought. Especially considering that I want to see the young guys come up, succeed, and make an impact.  Without a serious trade, there is just not enough At Bats to accommodate the Halo Depth.  A quick look at the assumed starting positions in 2012 and you lose a few guys who made 2011 special.  There are quite a few log jams on the diamond and only a few pieces that have the options to spend some time in Salt Lake City.

Obviously the first candidate is one of the Top Prospects in all of Baseball.  However a huge obstacle was placed in front of him when the trade for Vernon Wells was made.  Mike Trout just doesn’t have the room to get regular at bats to start the season. Borjous was ready first and has a very positive impact in the center field.  Torii Hunter until December 8th 2011 has been the face of this franchise since he was signed to a contract at an undisclosed Del Taco location.  This is his final contract year with the Angels and unfortunately just good enough to stay in the line up, everyday.  And of course Vernon Wells, I doubt anyone could have predicted how poorly he would have been in Anaheim last year.  However as many GIDP or pop flys, he still pulled off a very respectable 25 dingers, plus he's owed way to much money to sit on the bench.  An Injury or trade could change that very quickly, but I think the right idea is to let Trout see pitches every day. When an opportunity presents itself at the Major League Level he can be plugged right into any outfield position and carry the load.  Hunter and Abreu are both free agents in 2013.

Mark Trumbo is the other man who should probably start the season in AAA. We have a very decent to good third baseman in Alberto Callaspo and clearly won't get starts over Albert Pujols. Which means… if Morales is healthy, there won’t be many at bats between Kendrys and Bobby Abreu. Besides, do you really want Trumbo learning on the job at the Major League Level. Better to have him develop the defense of skills, whilst it doesn’t affect the major league wins and losses.  In the interim, first base will be dominated by AP with the occasional start lobbed to Morales or even Jorge Cantu can be brought up from his minor league deal.  If the Angels are committed to making Trumbo a serviceable everyday Third baseman, repetition and opportunity will take him there.  Otherwise, trade him now while his value is high, because there isn't enough room in the outfield or playing first.  

Lastly Hank Conger. I know blasphemy, right, Conger is one of my favorites.  He seems like a real cool guy, plus gave me an autographed bat.  (Well full disclosure gave my friend an autographed bat, who gave it to me, but clearly the intent was there.)  But if Conger starts the year in AAA, he’ll see regular at bats. Ianneta so far is on a one year contract. No telling if he’ll be extended. No telling how he’ll interact with the Major League Pitching, no telling if he’s truly a fit. And with Wilson out of options and being Santana’s personal catcher, it doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere. If at any point in the season. No reason to let Conger sit on the bench. Let him play ever day in AAA and wait for a call up.

There is a lot of reason to be excited about 2012 for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.  Clearly there are some tough decisions ahead for DiPoto and Scioscia.  But ultimately the youth movement might have to wait one more year before they're allowed to take the next level of this ball club.

Go Halos...

& Bees!!!

Trumbo is trade bait...

All of this information is second hand.  I can't vouch for the validity of it.  But I found it terribly interesting.  A friend of mine found himself on a golf course this afternoon with a current member of the Los Angeles Angels.  Now I cannot disclose which player it is but he was someone who played last year.  Apparently this player thinks that Mark Trumbo may be on the trading block.  That Trumbo has had zero time to prepare for a position change, because he is still rehabilitating from a foot injury.  And this player tends to think that with Albert at First and Alberto at Third that Trumbo just doesn't fit.  And with such a successful Rookie Season there is reason to believe at Trumbo will be moved.

Of course, my friend who just so happens to be a Red Sox Fan (I know it doesn't seem fair), was kind of taken back by these admissions.  I tried to tell my friend that the Angels are in a position of depth, that Trumbo has options (in a worse case scenario), that Trumbo could replace Wells in the not to distant future, that Morales is still an unproven commodity in 2012.  But the player suggest moving from First to Third (see what I did there), isn't as easy as we all guess, especially while recovering from injury. 

This does not sit well with me.  I really like this unnamed player, but I hope he is wrong.  Trumbo is cheap and under team control, what would be the benefit to trade him, unless it was a haul that just couldn't be passed up. DiPotto, don't do it.

Go Halos

Make your plans to meet Mike Scioscia and Mark Trumbo for Autograph Signing at Howards

This Saturday, July 9th at the Howard's Superstore located at the Marketplace 13732 Jamboree Rd., in Irvine, Angels' Skipper Mike Scioscia will be joined with Rookie First Baseman Mark Trumbo for an autograph appearance.

Back in June, Trumbo was a part of the Autograph signing at the OC Dugout. Just another example of how the Angels, making themselves available to the community that supports them. May 21st, the Halos had three of their young guns, Chattwood, Walden, and Bourjos signing at the OC Dugout.

I consider CJ Cron as insurance.

With the Halos first pick in the 2011 draft, the Halos selection was a power hitting, right handed first baseman, who just so happens to have a torn labrum. What does this mean for Kendrys Morales and or Mark Trumbo?

Some have said this pick is an indicator of waning faith in Kendrys Morales by the Angels as Cron is a slugging monster 1B whose stint in college at Utah puts him close to the bigs.  It wasn't too long ago that the Angels were negotiating with Scott Boras for the services of Mark Teixera, but had a wild card in their back pocket in the name of Kendrys Morales.  Halo Fans everywhere were devastated by Teixera picking New York over Anaheim, that is until Morales started going deep.  What would the Angels have done had Teixera agreed to return to Anaheim?  Morales would have either played left or become a regular DH.  

I don't see Cron as a tip that the Angels are "waning in faith" on Morales.  I think this is a very inexpensive insurance policy.  Looking at 2011, Morales hasn't played a single game in over a year.  Even with the remainder of 2010 on the spent on the DL, the Halos offered Morales arbitration, which they agreed to.  Morales will more than likely be offered arbitration again in 2012.  I just can't believe with the kind of year Morales was starting to have in 2010 and the year he had in 2009, that the Angels won't at least offer him arbitration in 2012.  Ideally the Angels front office offers a multi-year deal that's back-loaded with incentives for plate appearances and MVP votes.   Team Morales knows that his stock is very low right now and he might not get a better offer in 2012.  The Angels could also just offer arbitration, which I believe is the most likely scenario.  Team Morales agrees and the Angels and Boras come up with a figure both parties can agree upon.  Morales declines, the Halos get draft pick compensation to the team who is willing to take a risk on him.  If Morales does sign somewhere else, the Halos have Trumbo and Cron will be waiting in the wings.  

What this draft pick mostly means is that the Angels will probably not be in the discussion for either Prince Fielder or Albert Puljous.  Of course you never say never, either one of those guys would certainly give some much needed pop to this line up and in the later part of their careers become more suited for Designated Hitter role anyway.  It also serves as an insurance policy if Morales does go elsewhere.  

But here is hoping Cron has a very successful surgery and we see him help the franchise much sooner than later.

Go Halos

Branyan, really?

I was very excited to hear that Russel Branyan was to be an Angel.  Then someone pointed out to me that Branyan isn't engaged to Katy Perry or even been in a movie.  As I told Jason Brennan on Angels talk yesterday, I don't like this move, but I understand it. 

When the idea was even suggested by Ken Rosenthal that the Angels may acquire journeyman Russel Branyan, I thought it was total utter bull malarkey. When someone from Yardbaker echoed the sentiment, I was even more enraged, read my comments after the column

 Trumbo ...[is] playing better than Branyan already, wasn't he released, probably a good indication his performance isn't up to the D-Backs standards. And have you looked at the offense that Callaspo is providing at 3rd. Why would Regains assume more salary to add what would essentially amount to a bench player. Plus they would either have to drop one of their catchers or drop some of their bullpen to make a spot available for either Betemit or Branyan.

--My Take on the Branyan Signing

This move seems so uninspired to me.  How long is Howie on the DL for?  How much longer will Wells be on DL?  I know Trumbo isn't Morales, but do the Halos really want to platoon 1st?  Wouldn't it make more sense to get perhaps Wilson into the line up for days when Trumbo needs off.  Or move Abreu to left and get Conger at bats at designated hitter.  Looking at this team, depth really isn't an issue, is it?  Our infield of Izturis, Callaspo, and Aybar nearly seem to be mix and match pieces.  They can easily handle 2nd base and when one of those guys needs a rest day you can mix in Armista, right?

I've read on the net and heard on the radio that Branyan has some pop in his bat and can help score runs.  What people are missing is that he was hitting .211 with 1 home run in a National League Hitters park.  How will that translate to Anaheim, a pitchers park for sure?  Yesterday it translated into a 390 ft. long out.  When Wells and Kendrick come back from the DL, where is Branyan going to find at bats?  I hope he proved me wrong, but this wasn't the right move for the Angels.

Morales is out for the year?

Morales will be out for all of 2011

Do you remember how you felt when you found out the Tooth Fairy wasn't real? Or that Santa Claus was actually mom and dad? I do. It was like the wind was taken from my sails.  Last night after I made a delicious dinner for my daughter and I, I was scouring the internet for news and notes for the Angels.  I wanted to see what the score was, I hadn't been listening or watching the game.  Prior to heading to MLB.com I was checking out twitter when I saw this.

Kendrys Morales done for the year. Will have a second surgery. #Angels #MLB

 -- Scott Miller CBS Sports Los Angeles (@ScotMCBSSports)

I even messaged him back "I wish you were lying!"  He replied with "Sorry, so do I!"  That didn't make me feel better.  I even reached out to my BFF Roger Lodge and asked him if he had "any comments of the biggest disappointment for the 2011 season?'  His reply was an optimistic "That's rough!  But let's see what Trumbo can do!!!"  And although I'm more than willing to give Trumbo an opportunity to play first base every day, he can't be expected to produce the way Morales on his 2009 campaign, where he had seen 152 starts, 566 at bats, 45 doubles, 34 home runs, 106 RBI, and average of .306, slugging .596 and and OPS of .924

Lets not forget it was nearly one year ago where on a Saturday Afternoon, Kendrys Morales Walk Off Celebration changed the face of the franchise for all of 2010 and now 2011 as well.  When Morales comes back it will be two years since he has faced major league pitching and to compound that, he will be an unrestricted free agent.  Of course the Angels will offer him arbitration, he will have a lot to prove when he comes back, if he comes back as an Angel.

Not only does this affect the Angels plans this season, but certainly next years as well.  Something that has been in the back of my head since the announcement of the second surgery is a lot of the pre-season talk from  Arte, Tony, and Scioscia has been about getting Morales back mid-season would be like a huge acquisition, where we didn't have to give up any players. This setback must certainly alter some of the front office planning.  Obviously their is pressure on the Front Office to make a deal for a big bat and it doesn't necessarily have to be a first baseman, but aren't Fat Albert and Cecil's Kid up for free agency next season?  

Angels' Third Base Internal Options for 2011

Listening to sports talk radio or visiting baseball rumor sites and it seems like people forgot where the Angels were prior to the 2002 World Series Championship Season.  The Angels did lose out on their alleged first choice free agent Carl Crawford to hated rivals Boston Red Sox.  In fact the Red Sox's great improved their team this off-season by free agency signings and a blockbuster trade with the Padres that landed them Adrian Gonzales.  Seemingly, the 2nd Choice Free Agent for the Halos is Adrian Beltre.  The Former Los Angeles Dodger, Seattle Mariner, and Red Sox has put up pretty good numbers in both offense and defense.  Will he radically change the team?  No, but his offense would be a god-send for a team who had trouble scoring last year.  

But the rumors have it that Beltre's demanding agent Scott Boras will only allow his agent sign for at a six year deal, which the Angels are too particularly found of.  As the sands fall through the hour glass and the free agent market becomes more and more bleak, what do the Angels do if they can't land their 2nd Choice?

As some have reported the trade market is down right now as well and the Angels might not have the prospects (not named Mike Trout) to land a big trade.  So what is a franchise to do?  Forgotten are the upgrades made to the pitching rotation and forgotten is the raw power of Kendry Morales.  

Scenario #1 

Do nothing.  Callaspo was a decent option at third base.  Reagins made the trade to bring him back to the Angels family last season.  Getting acclimated to return to the Angels might have just need some time.  Now with half a season under his belt and a full spring training with the Halos might prepare him for better year with the Angels.  Any upgrade in performance would benefit the Angels woes at 3rd.

Scenario #2

Brandon Wood had a real bad year last year.  But also was under a lot of pressure to perform.  Perhaps another go behind third might get him right.  Wood had some big shoes to fill last year with the departure of Figgins.  But maybe Wood can find his bat?  Maybe his short time in the Arizona Fall League helped him to regain his confidence.  Maybe every day at bats might get him going again.  The Angels must find some value in Wood, otherwise he might have been designated for assignment in lieu of Kevin Frandsen.  

Scenario #3

This one is my favorite option.  Long before Kendry Morales ever hit a home run in Anaheim, he was taking fielding at 3rd, 1st, Left, and Right.  Perhaps moving Morales to the hot corner is what the Angels need.  By moving Morales to Third Base, you also free up a spot at First base for Mike Napoli.  Napoli was the best fill in option at first when Morales was injured.  And although Napoli would probably prefer to be the every day catcher, its obvious that Mike Scioscia sees him more as a back up.  And with the emergence on Hank Conger whom could earn the starting catcher spot and provide some Napoli like power into the line up, who could blame him.  And with this line up you can still use a platoon of Juan Rivera & Bobby Abreu at LF/DH.

Scenario #4

Would involve elevating Mark Trumbo to third base.  Most of his background is at first, but putting him at third might be the quickest way to get him a look at the Major League Level.  Putting Trumbo at third might re-create a Brandon Wood like environment or might allow him to blossom.  This option is about as much of a roll of the dice as would be playing Wood. 

Ultimately I see the Angels signing Adrian Beltre.  And I also forsee Mike Napoli playing on another team next year.  But all I want for Christmas is Mike Napoli in the line up.