A hard post season to watch?

As the Major League Baseball post-season winds down to the World Series I can't help but feel a little jilted. It isn't anything new to see the ALCS come to a conclusion and not see my beloved Los Angeles Angels on their way back to the World Series. I've come to terms that the Angels weren't going to be in Post Season play for quite some time, that isn't why I feel jilted.

I'm sure you've heard the story, or god forbid it happened to you, but when a relationship sours? It isn't that you hate the other person, but you've just grown distant and you decide its for the best for you both to just move on. You give each other back your things. You give each other a hug for one last time. Wish them the best and even pretend to be friends for a while. But then, you make a midday run to the grocery store to pick up some essentials, usually something embarrassing. Toilet paper, a plunger, what have you. And then it happens, you see your past flame, but they aren't alone. No no, they are with someone who took the time to change out of their pajamas. They shaved. Hair is combed. No stains on their clothing. They are SO much better than you.

That's how I feel about Vlad Guerrero playing for the Texas Rangers. Now for the record, I was never for the dismissal of Vlad. But it came to a point where it made more sense for the Angels to let him go. His bad knees, his horrible defense, his inability to take a pitch, and his price tag. All made sense to just end this relationship. We weren't going anywhere. But then, Vlad signs with Texas, for a bargain. Not only does he look healthy, but the ballpark in Arlington makes Vladimir Guerrero look like power hitter we all fell in love with. He was raking at home or away. At first I was happy for Vlad, continuing his career. Making those Hall of Fame numbers more and more believable. But then... then something changed. The inadequacies of our own roster became more and more apparent, especially after the season ending injury of Kendry Morales. And as our squad fell further and further behind in the rankings, Vlad and the Rangers did their best to give the lead to anyone.

But as always the post-season be harsh mistress. And now the Rangers are on the verge of eliminating the New York Yankees, a feat the Halos failed to do last year with Vlad in the line up. And if the Rangers do eliminate The Yankees, they will face the winners of the NLCS, the Phillies or the Giants. And although pitching has been premium for either NLCS team, Cliff Lee has been dynamite for the Rangers. I had wished for a World Series ring for Vlad while in Anaheim. But now the thought of him wearing a Rangers Uniform holding the World Series Trophy makes me a little nauseous. So better without us.

I initially believed I had zero rooting interest in the Post Season. But as far as I'm concerned, I want ANYONE BUT TEXAS in the World Series. This is very much a hard post season to watch.

Wang maybe Right.

According to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe, by way of MLBTradeRumors, Chien-Ming Wang is telling friends he's prepare to move on from the Yankees.  Abraham goes on to say that Wang should be ready to join a MLB rotation in May.

Wouldn't it make sense for the Angels to take a shot at Chien-Ming?

He had some mechanic issues coming off an injury, similarly to Kazmir.  He speaks enough English to conduct interviews, which probably means he understands enough to talk things out with Butcher.  Coming off an injury and an inflated ERA, Wang's market has got to be low.   Plus, "Wang has been idolized in Taiwan where all of his games are televised nationwide, many on public big screens to large audiences."

Part of what sold me on Godzilla was the opening of new revenue streams.  Couldn't Chien-Ming Wang also open similar revenue streams in Taiwan?

The Ninja could surely offer a 1 year, low base-heavy incentive contract to Wang.  This signing would keep Palmer in the bullpen, O'Sullivan a little more time to develop in AAA, and a potential ace to fill out our line up.  And if Wang doesn't return to his previous self, he surely could fill out the 5th spot of the rotation.  And if he's terrible, you could make the decision between Sully and Palmer.

What do you think?

You have your fear, which might become reality; and you have [Matsui], which IS reality.

It was announced on December 14th that the Angels were in serious negotiations with Hideki Matsui.  Matsui coming off a World Series MVP award was looking for a new home, when it was announced that the Yankees wouldn't be bringing him back.  All of the speculation was Matsui would only be interested in playing for a city with a large Asian population and an American League team, which could allow him to DH.  This led many to think that the MVP would be playing in Seattle, Oakland, or L.A.  Fortunately for the Angels, Matsui filled a lot of holes on and off the field.

It was apparent that Vladimir Guerrero wouldn't be coming back.  And the sport of baseball has been growing internationally for years.  Their are many Japanese players in the Majors.  But very few are of the status of Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki and the newly acquired Hideki Matsui.  Rev Halofan of HalosHeaven brought up a good point in his article entitled Hideki Matsui Signing a Goal of Angels President John Carpino.  Rev goes on to mention Billboard advertising was another bonus to signing Matsui. 

The minute that Arte Moreno purchased the then Anaheim Angels from the Disney Corporation and wanted to take the Angels to the next level.  Shortly after the purchase, there was free-agent spending, a name change, lower beer prices, and 5 American League West Championships Titles.  A Matsui signing opens up a window to fans of baseball in Japan who still idolize Matsui, perhaps new revenue streams.  Or what I'm sure would make Uncle Arte happiest, a legion of fans in Japan wearing Angel Red Hats, television broadcasting rights, and maybe an opening day game in Japan.  

On the field Matsui is a true professional, or in other words, he won't swing at pitches in the dirt.  He's patient and will draw a lot of walks.  He also has a lot of power and can help drive in a lot of runs.  Matsui will add international star power to the Halos.  Off the field, the Angels will take advantage of the larger fan base.  More revenue streams.  This move will make the team better, immediately.  If Bobby Abreu's approach helped the players last year, Matsui's approach will help the team this year.  Sure I'll miss Vladimir Guerrero.  But I'm already picturing the the sound guy at the stadium ripping the soundtrack to Kaiju daisenso and animations on the scoreboard with Matsui's face photo-shopped on Godzilla and Matsui will be shooting lazer beams out of his eyes and breathing nuclear fire through the cities of opposing teams.  And when the spectacle is over on the score board, Matsui was crush a ball to the Angels Bullpen with Matsui doing his job and being professional

The Ace who says Neigh-- to Arbitratoin

In a move that surprised no one, the Angels offer of arbitration was refused by both John Lackey and Chone Figgins. The Diamond Aces said goodbye to Figgins when it was announced he had signed a deal with the Seattle Mariners. It might not be too long before the Angels say goodbye to John Lackey as well. It is rumored that he is looking for a five-year, $82.5MM deal, which is comparable to what AJ Burnet got. Obviously their needs to be a suitor to pay that amount of money. The Yankees certainly overspent on Burnet, but it doesn't look like they will be making that same offer to Lackey. Burnet's closest suitor was the Atlanta Braves who offered four-years, 60MM. Surely the Angels would pay 15MM a year for 4 to 5 years for Lackey. But that probably will not be enough to get a deal done with Lackey. There are some rumors that the Mets might be interested in Lackey. If the Mets do decided to sign John Lackey, the Angels would then receive a compensatory picks from the Mets. Most likely their 2nd Round pick, because their 1st Round pick would be protected. There is sill a chance that Lackey will return to Anaheim, however anything can happen. We'll just have to wait and see.

Do you think the Mets will sign Lackey? Where do you think John Lackey will sign? Please leave a comment.

No Holliday, Maybe Bay?

According to MLB Trade Rumors, Jason Bay rejected Boston's $60 million over four years deal earlier this week. Red Sox front office weren't surprised. But what might be a little more surprising is that the Angels threw their name into the into the Jason Bay sweepstakes with Angel Owner, Arte Moreno denying the that the Angels would be pursing Matt Holliday but suggesting "You Have to Look at Bay"

Its obvious the Angels won't allow themselves to be used as a bargaining chip for Super Agent Scott Boras and his client Matt Holliday, but it is surprising to hear that the Angels do have interest in Bay. The Angels have 4 outfielders signed; Juan Rivera, Torii Hunter, Bobby Abreu, and Gary Matthews Jr. Even if you moved Abreu to DH, you still have three outfielders. Surely Bay would supersede Matthews in right or left, but again it just means the Angels need to find someone willing to take Matthews. And while we're at it, a signing of Bay pretty much ends the Chone Figgins sweepstakes for the Angels.

Moreno finished up his comments by saying he would like the Angels to add "We'd like to have a power bat, a starter and another bullpen guy." A starter could be Lackey. A bullpen guy could be Oliver. A power bat isn't Figgins and sadly isn't Guerrero anymore. Perhaps Jason Bay could put up the same amazing numbers in Anaheim as he did in Boston. Batting Bay 3rd or 4th would certainly add some power to the Angel line up.

This is a move the Angels should make. Taking themselves out of the Holliday sweepstakes makes Holliday slight more affordable and that he'll likely sign with the Yankees, Red Sox, or even re-sign with the Cardinals. Moreno saying he has interest in Bay also drives his price up more. Making the Red Sox, Yankees, Cardinals, and whomever else is interested offer a more premium price. Which could help the Angels re-sign Lackey, if the teams listed above are serious about signing Bay.

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?

2010 Top 50 Free Agents according to MLB Trade Rumors

2010 Top 50 Free Agents or so says MLBTraderumors

1. Matt Holliday - Mets. The Mets could grab headlines by signing Holliday to a six or seven-year deal for more than $100MM.

2. John Lackey - Yankees. Last winter's strategy of signing the best two starters and the best hitter available contributed to the Yankees' World Series title. With rotation question marks after C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, it makes sense that the Yanks will pursue the best available starter in Lackey.

3. Jason Bay - Red Sox. It's been rumored the Red Sox are willing to offer four years and $60MM to Bay. That seems to be a fair opening bid, given his defensive struggles.

4. Chone Figgins - Angels. The Angels have internal options at third base, but he'd be hard to let go after a career-high .395 OBP and excellent defense at the hot corner.

5. Randy Wolf - Mets. The Mets regrettably chose Oliver Perez over Wolf a year ago. As the best available starter aside from Lackey, Wolf is primed to get a three-year deal worth more than $30MM.

Other notes says Vladimir To the White Sox.

I posted this on my favorite Halos Site of record, Halos Heaven. I think I'd rather lose Figgins than Lackey. I mentioned on Halos Heaven that John Lackey is going to go where ever the best money is at. Which could be New York or even Boston. Heaven forbid, that the Texas Rangers come up with a sweat-heart deal and sign Lackey away. Could you picture Ian Kinsler and John Lackey hanging out at a Cowboy's Game? I think I just threw up a little bit. If Lackey doesn't sign with the Angels, I hope he ends up in St. Louis, you know Halos Midwest.

Congrats to the New York Yankees

Turns out Money Can Buy You Happiness
:(

2 out of 3 in Texas, Magic Number 7.

On an afternoon that started out very shaky for Angel pitcher John Lackey, Lackey proves that like a fine wine, he gets better with time. Lackey's win on Sunday tied him for Frank Tanana's record 102 wins as an Angel. Lackey has at least one more start before the regular season ends. Hard to say now if Lackey will be back next year. His contract expires at the end of the post-season. It is said that Lackey is looking for a comparable deal to what AJ Burnett received from New York, last year. That could be quite the bargain, considering how ineffective Burnett had been this year. I hope the Angels would be willing to spend some of the saved Teixera money to make Lackey an Angel for another 4 years.

The hero of the game yesterday was Howie Kendrick. On his own, Kendrick scored 5 RBI. Which I believe is a career high. HK, has really kind of found his bat from his struggles earlier this year. And has gone from the AAA Salt Lake Bees, to platooning 2nd Base with Maicer Izturis, to flat out hitting. I'm glad that the Other Howard has found his swing.

Beating Texas in Texas is about as sweet as it gets. Now that we have a controlling 7 1/2 game lead on the Rangers, its only a matter of time that they spiral out of control. You really have to applaud the efforts of the Rangers, they really have made it a race this year in both the AL West and the Wildcard. But as John Lackey recently said in a "We try to fly flags; we don't talk. Let them do that. We win games." And with our last three opponents at home being, the New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, and the Texas Rangers, with a few good outings, we can wrap up the AL Western Division Championship at home.

The Angels go with a Four Man Rotation in the ALDS.

Recently over at Halos Heaven I brought up the question of, Do we go with a 3 Man or 4 man rotation in the Playoffs. The shape and color of the playoffs look like the Red Sox will win the Wildcard, which sets up New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers in the First Round. And the Angels taking on the familiar Red Sox in the opposite side of the bracket. If our first round match up is Boston, we have to consider what our staff has done against Boston. Last night John Lackey gave the Angels a pretty good outing in Fenway, where he's been known to struggle. Saunders gets a start in Fenway tonight and he has won his last 4 Starts. And Kazmir is reported as pitching well in Boston. Obviously our pitching staff has been getting better and better. In the playoffs are we better using a three man rotation or four? And who starts and who goes to the bullpen.

With home-field advantage going to the Angels, obviously match-ups should play a greater role. But with 4-5 above average pitchers, who goes where?

The Angels need a pitching staff who doesn't have the same demons of our past. A pitching staff who will show no fear against the hated ones. Our starting 4 Man rotation should be Kamir, Saunders, Weaver, Lackey and send Ervin Santana in as a late inning reliever. I would also suggest giving Lackey the more favorable starts in Anaheim as opposed to Fenway. Lackey hasn't performed well against Boston. 3 Wins, 7 Losses, and an ERA of 5.25. Kazmir is 8-7 against the Red Sox and has an ERA of 3.59. Saunders has had 4 Wins, 1 Loss and an ERA of 3.25. Ervin Santana vs. Boston is 1-2 and has an ERA of 5.67. Weaver's career is 2-2 against Boston and has a cool 3.99 ERA. Kazmir is unaffected by the Green Monster mystique. He's also had post season success against the Red Sox, by shutting out the Sox for 6 Innings at Fenway. Weaver who has pitch his best year thus far defeated the Red Sox in Fenway, coming out of the Bullpen. Weaver and Kazmir would be my choices for match ups in Fenway. Depending on Saunders next two starts can help shape where he goes in our rotation.

In a Best of 5 Series I'd go

Game 1 of the ALDS in Anaheim
Jered Weaver

Game 2 of the ALDS in Anaheim
John Lackey

Game 3 of the ALDS in Boston
Scott Kazmir

Game 4 of the ALDS in Boston
Joe Saunders

Game 5 of the ALDS in Anaheim
Jered Weaver