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)

Who ever came out of the 19th Round any how!?!

MLBTradeRumors recently reported that the Angels will lose the19th overall pick to the Cardinals, who also obtain a supplementary first rounder, when they locked up the 'Machine' Albert Pujols.  At first I scoffed, I mean really did anyone good ever come out of the 19th Round of the MLB Draft?  After a little snooping around I stumbled across this little gem.

 courtesy of mymlbdraft.com

Going back 31 years, I didn't see to many interesting names, with the exception of Roger Clemens.  Gadzooks!  Roger Clemens, even before the alleged steroids abuse, he was an awesome pitcher.  But out of 31 years there was only Hall of Famer.  I mean Alex Rios was good-- but I don't see him going into the Hall of Fame.  If you go back a few more years our very own Mike Scioscia was drafted 19th Overall by the Dodgers.  So what am I getting at?  Bottom line-- I'd be more than happy to gamble on the fact that Pujols will do more for this team then whomever the Boston Red Sox draft for the 19th Overall Pick.

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.

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?  

SCUSE? Hank Conger joins the opening day roster.

It is being reported around the sports media today that the Los Angeles Angels have announced their 2011 Opening Day Roster. The Halos will open up the season Thrusday night against the Kansas City Royals.  The announcement of Jered Weaver as the opening day pitcher would only be surprising if it surprised anyone at all.  

What did surprise me and pleasantly surprise me is the Return of King Conger to Anaheim.  Like any good blogger, I have a story about Conger from last year.  I have a friend who is a friend to the Conger family and shared with me some plans that fell through.  Last year, Hank Conger along with Mark Trumbo, were scheduled to meat up with Hank's father in Las Vegas to celebrate a successful season in Salt Lake.  With reservations finalized and transportation planned, a phone call changed all that.  Both Conger and Trumbo had to post-pone their post season vacation to report to Anaheim as they were called up when the roster expanded in the Fall.  Needless to say it was a proud moment for the Conger family to see their son playing in the big league, in Anaheim. Conger's contribution in the late fall wasn't anything awe inspiring, but was nice to see a home grown prospect, a local boy, getting his shot.  Conger, was first introduced to the Angels, as their first-round pick in 2005.  In reality, Conger could be expendable when one of the six players starting the season on the disable list return.  Because of his brief time in the Minors, Conger still has plenty of options that make him a likely candidate to be moved back to Salt Lake when Morales or Pinerio return to the line ups.  But in the mean time, I'll be rooting hard for King Conger to give Scioscia another difficult question to make.  Conger joins Bobby Wilson and Jeff Mathis, both have had very respectable Springs.  Last year Scioscia ran the team with three catchers, which was a blessing when Mathis and later Wilson both spent time on the DL, while Napoli filled in at first for Morales.

In closing that photo is an autographed game used Hank Conger bat.  I will always cherish this gift from my friend.  "SCUSE"

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.

It is much to soon to call this season done!

This division is Texas’s to lose. Neither Oakland nor LAnaheim is a good team. The Angels might try to spend the money to fill some holes, but I think they have just too many. I doubt Oakland has the money to fill any of their holes. The best strategy may be to try to get a little better, and hope that Texas collapses.

--BaseballMusings.com

Along with surrendering the American League division to the Texas Rangers, this clever writer from Baseball Musings also managed to create a clever little nickname for our beloved Halo Franchise, LAnaheim. Counting the Halos out now would be a terrible decision.  Lets just pretend that the last two years, didn't exist.  So the Angels GM Tony Reagins hasn't spent the past two years acquiring high caliber talent before the trade deadline, like trading for Mark Teixera or Scott Kazmir.  Or lets pretend that the last two years, the Angels haven't won the division, over coming injuries.  Why not forget about Mike Scioscia being one of the best managers in baseball.  In fact, lets just forget about ever positive motion the Angels have made.  

Forgive me if I don't buy the media hype proclaiming this as the year Texas wins the division.  These are the same talking heads that proclaimed Seattle would win it all last year and would win it all this year.  How are these Seattle predictions working out?  Before you get all worried about Cliff Lee joining the Ranger's pitching staff keep this in mind, Seattle had Lee along with King Felix and still couldn't manage to be contenders.  Cliff Lee, although a phenomenal pitcher, can't pitch every day and hasn't pitched particularly well in Texas.  The Ballpark in Arlington is a hitters park and as the summer heat gets hotter, well, Texas pitching has a way of withering.  Not to mention that the Rangers gave up there everyday young 1st Baseman and are relying on Chris Davis... who isn't exactly setting the World on Fire.  I will admit... Vladimir Guerrero looks totally rejuvenated in Texas... but he is a bit injury prone.  Same with Josh Hamilton. 

I won't try to pretend to understand the Pythagorean or try to explain strength of scheduling, but what I saw out of our Halos last night reminded me of last year's squad.  Hit the ball and score.  As the infamous "Wonder Dog" Rex Hudler would say... another lousy single.  A couple of lousy singles led to "Just Another Halo Victory" last night.  They won't all be that easy, but if the Angels can continue with the same principles... there will be a showdown in the American League West. 

Go Halos

17-8 Loss for the Halos or why a good ass kicking was needed.

Old Hokey Joe wasn't just beaten last night.  He was crushed, give up seven earned runs with two homeruns.  He wasn't alone.  The tandem of Palmer and Stokes were crushed too, combining for giving two more homeruns and ten earned runs.  The Angels offense wasn't the problem last night.  They scored four runs in the first six innings.  And even scored another four runs in the 9th.

The Angels haven't played consistently all season.  But I am of the opinion of this being an ass kicking the Angels deserved.  Sometimes  you need to get  your ass handed to you to force you to straighten your self out.    Look at Howie Kendrick from last year.  His demotion to the Angel's AAA Minor League affiliate the Salt Lake Bees.  That was the ass kicking Kendrick needed to get his stuff  straighten out.  Now he's one of our best hitters and no more base running blunders or fielding errors.

The Red Sox have been a thorn in the Angels side for a long time. Not dating back to last year, or the last decade, but even back to 1986 and later. The Red Sox have been terrible this year, but so have the Angels. I am sure Mike Scioscia was embarrassed with last nights loss. I'm sure Torii Hunter was embarrassed. And I'm sure the Red Sox think of last nights victory as a payback from the 2009 ALDS ass-whoopin the Angels handed the Sox last year. What will be interested is tonight's match up of Santana versus Lester. Santana has been hot and cold, Lester hasn't looked that good all year. Will the Angels take that ass kicking like men or little boys? Will they rise up, or fall down? Ultimately, the Angels are not playing to the expectations that the Angel Faithful is used too. But perhaps, just perhaps, this ass kicking the Angels received last night, will come with a receipt. A discount, or coupon, for buy one ass kicking and get on free.

Torii Hunter adds another Golden Glove - Aybar and Figgins snubbed

Torii Hunter won his 9th Golden Glove award.

Mike Scioscia was quoted in the article Torii adds another Gold Glove to mantel

Angels manager Mike Scioscia said he felt Hunter was the AL's MVP at the time he was forced to the disabled list for a month.

"He's the captain of the outfield," Scioscia said. "Torii is as good as it gets out there, with his athletic ability combined with his knowledge and awareness."

Scioscia felt both his left-side infielders -- third baseman Chone Figgins and shortstop Erick Aybar -- were viable Gold Glove candidates.

"I've never seen a left-side infield with the range of Figgy and Aybar," the manager said late in the season. "Both those guys had seasons worthy of Gold Gloves."

I have to agree with Scioscia. Jeter plays some pretty good D at short, but I don't think he played better than Aybar. And was there any better 3rd base play from anyone other than Figgins?

Missed it by that much

The man who created the inspiration for the name of this blog... John Lackey, the Ace of the Angels, went out with the B-Team last night and lets just say that it was rough night. The Cleveland Indians, whose team has but all been ripped apart to "compete" next year managed to get hot last night, with the final score was 11-3. Gone are Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez, but a former Boston Red Soxian, Justin Masterson had a great outing against the Angels. Even the looming possibility of Lackey's 100th Career Win, couldn't motivate the offense last night. No additional milestone yet, but we will see where Lackey's next start will be. The only real mistake was a home run by Diamond Aces favorite "The Cuban Missile Launcher" Kendry Morales. The last time the Angels got their butts handed to them, they came back to win the next 5 in a row. I believe that's a fair trade for Scioscia's Boys.

Like I predicted last week, this game will be a page turner. And no matter how bad they looked last night, today is another day. And in Toronto the Angels will rebound.

Now that's what I call a Page Turner.

For those of you who are reading this, you might think the term "Page Turner" refers to the latest John Grisham novel. But I have another idea. Last night the Angels were literally rocked out of Oriole Park at Camden Field. The Angels who've won their 69th game this season looked much worse last night. However in a series of unfortunate walks for the Orioles, the Angels walked away with a 5-1 Victory. This game would be ACE, John Lackey's 8th win, with Brian Fuentes earning his 33rd Save.

Turning the page has been the moniker of Mike Scioscia since taking over the franchise. And that typically sticks with the team. A blow out the night before doesn't necessarily mean the Angels will struggle the next. And although the Angels didn't drive in a exorbitant amount of runs, they were patient with the bats and benefited from a handful of walks that turned into runs in the 3rd Inning.

Light up the Halo.