Halos Get it Done in Taiwan

It sounds as if the MLB All-Stars who played in the MLB-Taiwan All-Star Game just crushed the opposition.  Back in January 2010, I made the case for the Angels to start paying attention to the Taiwan market.  When the Halos signed Joel Piñeiro, I wanted them to pursue Chien-Ming Wang (glad I'm not the GM.)  Not just because of what I thought Wang could offer the rotation (which wasn't much), but because Wang was/is revered in his native Taiwan.  Taiwan loves baseball.  And this group of MLB Players going to Taiwan is great for developing the sport, getting more fans interested. I'm not sure how being crushed by the superior league of All-Stars helps... but it certainly brings a greater awareness.  

And if you're like me... going through some baseball withdraws,  you can watch the full games of the MLB-Taiwain series, on MLB's website with a valid MLB.TV account. 

It seems the grass isn't the only thing getting trimmed down in Tempe Arizona.

It seems the grass isn't the only thing getting trimmed down in Tempe Arizona and I for one couldn't be happier.  Obviously there is always a learning curve in baseball and during Spring Training that curve is extended at times to include fringe players who may or may not make it to the team.  Unfortunately some of the players over the years you start to grow fond of.  It was no surprise that on Monday guys like Brad Con or Efren Navarro would be re-assigned to the minor league roster.  And you had to know top prospect Trevor Reckling would be securing a spot in either Salt Lake City or at the very least with the Travelers, the Angels AA club.  But you hear about guys like Trevor Bell and Will Smith who down the road look to at the very least join the ball club in Relief pitching roles.

Today the Angels sent another seven packing and honestly, it was time.  The team's 3-9 record is the Worst in the Cactus League and second worse in all of Spring Training.  I guess that's why they don't have a championship game for Spring Training.  Although these games have no meaning in the Wins and Loss column it is certainly away to see where certain players will be slotted in the upcoming year.  With that said, familiar faces to the Angels bullpen, Bobby Mosebach, the Other Francisco Rodriguez, and Rich Thompson are all heading back to Minor League Roles.  The Catcher of the Future Hank Conger is also heading back to the Minors, most likely Salt Lake City.  As we say good-bye to these fringe players, let us remember that the season is less than 20 days away and the Halo faithful are looking forward to another American League Western Division Championship.

Go Halos!

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.