Congrats to the St. Louis Cardinals

Credit The OC Register

This wasn't the best played baseball all year and at some points defense was out right horrible, but it was probably most exciting World Series in a long time.  Although I can't but help feel bad for Mike Napoli.  Played his heart out, played better than most within the Angel Organization would have ever guessed.  He played injured, he got the best out of his pitchers, he blocked pitches, he was the man in this series.  And all he gets is this lousy AL Pennant.  With that being said, Congrats to Mike Napoli, the Texas Rangers, and the St. Louis Cardinals.  Legends are made an October and this could be the breakthrough performance for Mike Napoli that we all knew one day he'd get.

This Team Looks Different from

Gonna go back in Time...

So before First2Third was born, I was blogging about baseball on my personal blog.  Can't believe how much this team has changed.  And with Tony Reagins out of the office, who knows what kind of team the Halos will be next year.  Here's a look at what the team looked like in 2008.  Four years later; Hunter, Mathis and Izturis are the only ones whom still remain. 

Napoli is in Texas, with the Rangers just destroying the ball.  Casey Kotchman and Sean Rodriguez are in Tampa playing for the Rays.  Both have been an important part of getting that team back to post-season play.  Figgins is on the terrible Mariners.  Wood is a Pirate, Rivera is a Dodger, Guerrero is will the Os, and Andreson and Quinlan are retired.  What a difference 5 years make.

Bye Bye Tony!

It seems like just yesterday I was defending Tony Reagins.  It was a day or two later and stumbled across the Fire Tony Reagins website and unaffiliated facebook page.  Well your wishes came true.  Tony claims this decision was mutual, for him to step into a different role with the Angel Franchise, which is great for Tony.  He is always been labeled a "good guy" and a "great story" considering he started as an intern with the organization nearly 20 years ago.  But make no mistake about it.  Since Arte has taking over ownership, he has prided himself as an owner who wants to win.  Arte at one point said he wanted to be the New York Yankees of the West.  In order to compete you need to have superstars.  Superstars out on the field and superstars in the front office.  Reagins did a lot of amazing things while in his tenure in Anaheim.  But the Act of Attrition aka trading Mike Napoli to acquire Vernon Wells was just to heinous.  As the lore grows and people actually forget that Napoli was traded to Toronto and not Texas, this trade will go down as the worst trade in Angels History, of course until someone messes a trade up worse.  And it doesn't help that Napoli is still hitting the cover off the ball in Arlington. 

But lets take a minute to celebrate some of the Great moves Reagins made.  Although it was a three-month rental, Mark Teixera was a steal.  Had the Halos been able to go above the threshold the Yankees offered, perhaps the Halos would be in playoff contention the past two years.  Getting Dan Haren was also a steal.  I miss ole Joe Saunders and who knows what kind of pitcher Tyler Skaggs turns into, but the move really solidified the Halo Rotation in 2011, which was for the most part, outstanding. 

In close, safe journeys TR.  Thank you for your positive contributions to this team.  But I'm certainly looking forward to what's next for the Halos.

Go Angels!

Could revolving door at Angels' first base be Auditions for trade market?

Back in May, a bright Saturday Afternoon, in Anaheim.  Those were simpler times.  In the process of a comeback and the bases were loaded.  Angels First Baseman Kendry Morales stepped into the batters box, all the while being televised on Fox for a National Game. Morales launched a walk-off grand slam and won the game.  But not all would be golden for the Halos, his first career grand slam, would later become his final plate appearance for the 2010 season.  While coming to home plate after his monstrous swing, joining the bench clearing celebration, poor Kendry would break his leg jumping on to home plate.

All the talk was who would replace Kendry at 1st?  Obviously it would be difficult to find someone who could match the power and defense that Kendry provided.  Brandon Wood attempts were futile. Kevin Frandsen was a decent fit, but provided little power.  And a bevy of Minor Leagues would attempt to replace Morales, Paul McAnulty, Michael Ryan, and Robb Quinlan.  There was even at least one attempt to make a trade for the Chicago Cubs' 1st Baseman Derrek Lee, that didn't happen because of Lee's no trade clause. Lately there has been fills ins like Howie Kendrick, Bobby Wilson, and probably receiving the most starts at 1st, Mike Napoli.  But for the past few nights, following Napoli being claimed on the wavier wire the tenth man in an Angel uniform suited up for 1st base.  Juan Rivera.

Although Mike Napoli wasn't claimed on Waivers and a trade involving Napoli will not be made, Rivera has been doing a phenomenal job at first base.  But I believe this has more to do with an attempt to move Rivera and not Napoli.  Tony Reagins mentioned in passing that nearly half the Angels were placed on Waivers.  Only 4 names were discovered by the media.  Brian Fuentes- who was later traded to the Twins, Mike Napoli- who was claimed by Boston (know deal was made), Bobby Abreu and Juan Rivera.  Since there has been no reports of Rivera being claimed off of waivers, I have to believe he has cleared waivers.

Could Rivera's strong performance at 1st Baseman make him an asset to a contending team?  Or an upgrade to a non-contending team who is in need of a corner outfielder and 1st baseman be desirable to work out a trade.  Rivera's contract his affordable.  Is this an audition for Rivera?  Only Tony Reagins and Mike Scioscia know for sure.  

Go Halos 

The 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse or The Angels put 4 players on the Waiver Wire.

Much to the surprise of no one, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim put four players on the Waiver Wire according to Ken Rosenthal. Nevermind that the players that are put on waivers are supposed to remain confidential, Angels closer: Brian Fuentes, Odd man out of the Outfield: Juan Rivera, the De Facto 1st Baseman: Mike Napoli and lead-off hitter: Bobby Abreu.  Talking heads like Roger Lodge of AM 830's Sports Lodge, attempted to mass up a media frenzy with Angel fans with this report.  And a few callers called in rallying behind Napoli and making statements like trade Fuentes and Rivera, with slightly less articulation.  Its kind of funny when you hear all of these armchair GMs demand that the Angels go after this player or that player.  And get rid of this guy or that guy. 

But the Waiver Wires are simply a way to test the interest of players to those teams looking to make a surge into the post-season.  There is no guarantee that any of the 4 horsemen will be bringing the Apocalypse after the waiver wire deadline, which is Tuesday.  I also don't see this as Reagins throwing in the towel either.  And in reality, most of these guys will probably stay right here in the Halosphere.  But looking closer at a few of the players you can measure the goods they could bring to a team.

Brian Fuentes certainly has to be on many teams radar.  Fuentes has already save 23 games, last year he led the league with 48 and the year before he had 30.  His ERA is down from last year.  He's been able to get a hanful of wins and seemingly has pitched a lot better recently.  There doesn't seem much of a chance for Fuentes' Option to vest, which means he'll be a free agent at the end of the year.  Teams who are currently struggling with Bullpen Issues could find the lefty invaluable.  The Yankees, Phillies, Giants, Cardinals, all could use more depth in the bullpen.  And even if he comes out of the bullpen as a lefty specialist, instead of a closer, he would be a great asset.

Mike Napoli's versatility at the very least has to make some GMs take notice.  Napoli's defense at catcher is passable and he has looked surprisingly well at 1st base.  Napoli has a pretty good pop already having hit 21 Home Runs, which is one more this year then he has hit in the last two years with a couple of more weeks left to play ball,  and that was spending the first half of the season in a platoon at catcher.  Any team in need of a catcher would certainly be tempted to pick up a claim on Napoli.  And for a team like Boston, New York, or the Rangers, his power would shine a little brighter and could help those teams in the long stretch.  Napoli is expendable for the Angels because of the young core of catchers already in the team.  Mathis and Wilson have shared most of the catching duties this year, with Budde and Conger waiting in the wings.  And after this season the Angels will bring back Kendry Morales at 1st.  This would also save the Angels some money when it comes to his arbitration hearing this year, where surely he expects to see a raise.

 Bobby Abreu has recently got hot.  His mixture of speed, 17 bags and power, 15 home runs could help some teams.  His bat also affords him the ability to hit just about anywhere in the line up.  The drawbacks to Abreu are slightly steeper than Napoli or Fuentes.  Abreu has one more year on his contract, so any team making a move for Abreu is going to have to over pay him for next year as well as this year.  And finding playing time is becoming more difficult in Anaheim already, with Abreu shifting from Right to Left and working some nights as a DH.  The biggest obstacle in Abreu will be that salary and I'm all but sure the Angels would choose not to eat any of his salary if he is moved. 

And lastly Juan Rivera, the poor guy just hasn't performed up to his normal standards this year.  And who knows if it is a mental thing or if his skills have just started to diminish.  Notorious for being a later starter, all of his measurable numbers are down.  His defense has looked down right terrible.  And he hasn't earned enough consistency at any position to keep regularly at bats.  Rivera's contract isn't gigantic by any stretch, but there comes a point when a GM just won't pay for what Rivera is providing.  Sure a change of scene might do Rivera a great deal.  And maybe a team like the Reds or Giants could use Rivera.  I thought Rivera would have been moved prior to the trade deadline, but since then he's looked worse and worse in the outfield. 

Ultimately I feel that none of these players will be moved.  It is just Tony Reagins looking to see if he can move some payroll in hopes of landing a Real Big Fish in the offseason.  Although if some of these players are not moved, it is hard to see the Angels making any acquisitions in the off season.  Only Arte, Scioscia and Reagins know what the Angels next move is. 

Go Halos.

Mathis's break good for Napoli

The semi sibling rivalry between Mathis and Napoli has existed for a few seasons.  Mathis would break to the majors first, but Napoli's power would give him the edge.  The two catchers, who just so happen to be roommates, and close friends, also have spent the last few years competing for starts.  Mathis has always been identified as the better defensive catcher, while Napoli provided more offense.  That all changed in the in the 2009 post-season when Mathis's bat became electric.  Crushing game changing doubles in the ALDS and ALCS, which did all the arguing Mathis needed to edge out Napoli.  Both catchers came into Spring Training, looking good.  But it would be Mathis who would ultimately see more playing time at the start of the season, with Napoli becoming the designated catcher for Scott Kazmir.  

Unfortunately for the Angels the hot bat of Mathis will sit on the DL for a few weeks.  DiGiovanna said "[he] broke a bone in his right wrist Monday night and will be out for six to eight weeks."  This is a blow to the Angels' offense, Mathis has already hit his first home run of the year, driven in three runs, scored five times, stolen the base twice and has a batting average of .324.  Napoli hasn't had much of an opportunity to impact the offense with his 22 at bats over 8 games, but in years prior Napoli has been known to get streaky and last year carried much of the Halo offense when Guerrero and Hunter were injured.  

The odd man out is Bobby Wilson, who has only one at bat this far.  Wilson is said to have the goods to be in the majors, but he hasn't had a shot yet.  With Mathis' prolonged stay on the DL, could see Wilson getting even a few more starts, to rest Napoli.  

The injury couldn't have happened at a worse time for Mathis, but for Napoli its an opportunity he wants.  Its his time to shine. 

Down in the basement, three games into the Season!

Three Posts in Three Days!  I must really be in love with this ball club.  I don't think I can do this all year, but wouldn't it be awesome if I could?  I missed the beginning of the game due to Job #2.  But was listening in on the drive home.  Heard Brandon Wood strike out with the bases loaded.  I'm not willing to give up on Wood after 159 Game, but I'm starting to worry about the guy.  As I said I was at the game last night and the theme music Wood picked (or was it picked for him?) repeated the line "I made it!"  Well honestly with Wood the jury is still out.  Izturis is looking for at bats anywhere he can get them.  And even on the Sports Lodge, peoples are calling in left and right.  I'm all for sticking with Wood, but the question is, how long can the Angels let him swing and a miss.  

Everyone during the game was talking about Santana's stuff.  And sure games in March mean a hell of a lot less than games in August.  But His Stuff surrendered 4 runs.  After having a quiet bat Opening day Morneau and Mauer wake up, when the 1st Baseman cashed in on a 2 run Home Run.  Later J.J. Hardy goes deep, again.  And finally Denard cashed in an RBI on a sac fly.  Rivera and Napoli both scored RBI too, but the Angels again looking a little weak against the Twins.  The Angels offense made Pavano look like a Cy Young candidate.  Santana went six innings giving up 4 runs on 5 hits.  He also had 4 strike outs.  Maybe Santana's numbers will look better in August.  Or maybe the Angels offense will split the series and get their offense going tonight.  Any way you look at it...Angels are tied for last with Seattle. 

If we took a Halladay...

If we took a [Halladay]
Took some time to celebrate
Just one day out of life
It would be, it would be so nice

If the Angels would have made that deal for Halladay they possibly would have given up some of the Halos' Top Prospects: Trevor Reckling, Peter Bourjos and a combination of Joe Saunders and Erick Aybar or Mike Napoli. If we took a Halladay, The Angels would have made their way to another AL West. If the rotation was Halladay, Weaver, Saunders, Santana, and Kazmir and if they pitched on all cylinders with no injuries the Angels would make the ALDS and ALCS their bitch! And probably won the World Series. But, those are a lot of big Ifs.

Looking back at it now, I'm glad we didn't. Halladay immediately agreed to a contract extension with the Phillies once he was traded. And I'm sure Halladay will impact their playoff hopes again in 2010. And so the Angels were left out of the Halladay sweepstakes. On the outside looking in. And this tends to happen every year. I tend to fall in love with the idea of the Angels making a trade to bring a true front of the line ace to Anaheim and bring the Halos back to the World Series. Last year it was Jake Peavy and this year it was Halladay. Now I've got my hopes for Matt Cain.

Ultimately the Angels are going to continue to develop starting pitching with guys like Reckling, Trevor Bell, Anthony Ortega, and whomever they manage to bring up. And with all the draft picks the Angels accumulated this off-season I assume they'll go after pitching.