CJ Wilson vs. Yu Darvish

CJ Wilson vs. Yu Darvish

Wilson with his best Duck Face

I find it laughable when Texas Ranger Fans comment on how great Yu Darvish is versus CJ Wilson. "Well the Rangers seemed to be ok with taking a chance on a rookie rather than giving away playoff games with CJ," was a post from a dear friend who has the tragic illness of being a Ranger fan.  The most alarming thing to me is that there is a perception that Darvish is better than Wilson because of Wins versus Loses.  I have never claimed to be a huge stat guy.  But I did a quick look on some measurables.  And as of last nights disapointing loss to Oakland you can compare the two pitchers and it isn't as one sides as Ranger Fans would lead you to believe.  Darvish has 68 Earned Runs, Wilson is at 55. Darvish has given up 12 HR, Wilson is at 11. Darvish has thrown a lot more strikes, but the he's also walked 14 more batters and his ERA is 4.57 to CJ's 3.34

How quickly the Ranger Fans forget how CJ carried that team to the World Series last year and was an important part of getting them their in 2010.  Now grant it, I wouldn't say Darvish is a horrible pitcher.  He's actually a pretty solid pitcher.  He was the Ace of the Japanese Staff in the final Olympic Baseball game played in 2008.  And was a part of the Japanese Team that won the WBC Championship, prior to coming to the states.  It is said in a first time match up between a pitcher and a hitter that the pitcher always has the advantage, the batter can always make adjustments for his next at bat.  Darvish came into the league and very few players had faced him.  Darvish benefited from that.  Both Darvish and Wilson had very good starts to the year, but both of them have struggled and both looks bad in their last outings.  

CJ Wilson is signed to the Angels for the next 5 Years making roughly 15 Million a Year.  Yu Darvish is signed for 6 Years and is making roughly 9 Million a Year, however when you include the posting fees the Rangers had to pay 51.7 Million Dollars to Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, it cost the Rangers roughly 17.61M a year.  There is roughly 40 Games left to the season, each pitcher will probably have 8-9 more starts before the post season. 

In conclusion the Rangers are paying nearly 3 Million dollars more a year for 2 more wins and 28 more strike outs, really doesn't make a lot of fiscal sense to me.

Go Halos!

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.

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.

Are you Haren what I'm saying?

Color me surprised by the signing of Dan Haren.  Before last year's trade of Sean Rodriguez and prospects for Scotty Kazmir went down I was of the opinion that the Angels should pursue Dan Haren.  And at the time you heard all kinds of reasons why Tony Reagins couldn't make that move; contract length, money owed, prospects to get the deal, etc.  But in the bottom of the 5th inning in a losing effort to the Texas Rangers, Tony Reagins confirmed that this deal has been in the works for a while.  So when I popped on facebook yesterday afternoon to see what was going on, certainly made me smile.

However, I'm sad to see Joe Saunders go.  He was a gutty pitcher.  He isn't or will he be an Ace, but he was a guy that would go out there and was a pivotal to the successful season the Halos had last year. I felt much worse when I saw Saunders being interviewed.  Saunders hasn't had the best of year, but he really wasn't on my list of guys who should be moved.  I really do wish nothing but success to the Saunders and hope to see the Diamondbacks get back to some winning ways behind Saundo next year.

Haren was tied for the most strike outs in the National League, but has given up a lot of hits and homeruns.  His home runs given up should drop considering Anaheim is more of a pitchers park and there are some reservations about bringing in a guy who has an ERA nearly identical to Saunders, but ultimately this move makes the Angels better and if you watch tonight you'll see why. The Angels have wasted no time into re-introducing the new Angel to the American League.  Haren pitches tonight against the Boston Red Sox.  A Win tonight will certainly send a statement to the Texas Rangers.  But more than anything else, the Angels need a winning streak.  And with Haren on the mound tonight with Weaver following tomorrow, I like those chances.

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

Oakland Swept

Earlier in this still fairly early season, when the World seemed upside down, Chokeland and Texas were battling for the first place spot in the American League West.  The Angels were floundering in the cellar with the Over Rated Seattle Mariners.  I said then, that the season is just too young and that things will work their way out.  I also said that the A's couldn't maintain their record and the Rangers have been fortunate to face some weaker opponents, feasting on teams like the Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, and the Cleveland Indians.  

But you can see the Angels are fairly strong in their own division.  And they certainly looked fantastic against the same state rivals, the As.  Saunders and Piñeiro with shutouts and even Santana only giving up 2 runs, with a ton of run support makes me think that the Angels are heading to higher ground.  Saunders was dueling with the 19th Perfect Game thrower, Dallas Braden, and outlasted das wunderkid.  Morales and Kendrick have been hot all year.  Howie even got promoted to batting 2nd.  Which I think has helped sparked a lot of this offense.  The bullpen has been getting some rest, because the starting rotation has been going long.  This is the team we were all hoping for and with patience being a virtue that the Halo Faithful could could no longer tolerate has opened its eyes to the winning ways.  With better pitching and much better hitting, the Angels swept the hated A's. 

So Today, the Rangers come to town.  And we'll just see who the superior team is.  Lets all see how REAL the Rangers are or how rather lets see if their weaker schedule has benefited their win loss record.  Go Halos.

The STREAK begins 1/162

On April 6th there would only be 13 Teams with a perfect record, Baltimore and Tampa Bay have yet to play.  I was only pretty sure the Angels would be one of them.  The Angels sit atop the Western Division mountain in an all too familiar fashion.  However the Angels are not a lone, The Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners are still right there with them.  I hope the Oakland As get comfortable in their spot in the cellar, now to get the Rangers and Mariners used to looking up at the Angels in 1st.

The Halo offense came pretty much from the Hansen Brothers... you now MMM-POP, Mathis, Morales, and Matsui all hit homeruns.  Morales scored a couple of RBI and I was really impressed with Aybar leading off.  If Mathis keeps up his offense numbers like that, we might be saying good-bye to Mr. Napoli.  Not to mention Weaver was dealing.  It was far from a perfect pitching, but it was good enough for the win.  And not to mention all the Ks. And Brian Fuentes got save number 1.  Will he surpass last years numbers? 

I wasn't happy with the performance of one Brandon Wood.  Surely he has a 161 games to prove that he's the real deal, but last night he looked a little loss.

You have got to be excited about what the Angels are doing and if you aren't... you aren't an Angel fan.

F*** You Nolan Ryan

Here is a few reasons to hate Nolan Ryan.  

Bear in mind that prior to the Fregosi trade he wasn't much more then bullpen depth.  His time in Anaheim, he was able to develop into one of the best starting pitchers of all time.  While in an Angel uniform, he threw 4 of his 7 no Hitters; May 15, 1973 (@ Kansas City, July 15, 1973 (@ Detroit), Sept. 28, 1974 (vs. Minnesota) and June 1, 1975 (vs. Baltimore).   But when he became a free agent, he didn't take a Home Team Discount (like another recently departed Angel Pitcher), and made Buzzie Bavasi look like an idiot. 

In 1999, when Nolan was inducted into the Hall, instead of sporting the cap of the team where he threw 4 of those no-nos, he choses Texas.  The Rangers.  A team he had only been with for four years, unlike the seven he had with Anaheim.  

And the idiot comes out in the media yesterday.  And says that the Rangers are going to win 92 Games this year and take the American League West away from the beloved Halos.  Keep in mind, they are putting a lot of money on guys who are aging and can't stay healthy, Guerrero, Rich Harden, and Josh Hamilton.  They've lost some veteran leadership, like Hank Blalock and Kevin Millwood, who was an important part of that Ranger pitching staff in years past.  

F you Nolan Ryan!  You should have finished your career in Anaheim, you should have went into the Hall as an Angel, and you should know by now that the Angels are a better ball club than you are giving them credit for.  The Angel front office has a better rotation, a better infield, better bullpen, better outfield, and better catching.  How do the Rangers compete with that?  The final answer, they don't.  See you in May., Rangers!

Danger Danger, Vladimir is a Ranger.

In 2004, I had no idea who Vladimir Guerrero was. I wasn't familiar with Expos or the amount of talent they had. I was surprised to hear his name added to the Angels depth chart in the early days of 2004. Vlad was a surprise signing. Especially because I was a huge Tim Salmon fan. But Vlad would quickly fond his niche as a menace at the plate for the opposing pitchers and the outfielder who could throw out a base runner on a sacrifice fly.

But Vladimir was much more than that. Although he chose to distance himself from the media, Vlad was the face of this franchise the day he came to Anaheim. If it wasn't for Guerrero's defense in right or his numbers at the plate, the Angels might never have won so many American League West Championships. Without Vlad, there would have been no sweep over Boston to advance in the ALCS this past season.

Vladimir's health has been declining ever since he was in Anaheim. His knees are shot from playing on AstroTurf. His plate discipline has declined. His injuries will keep him out of Right Field. But with all that being said, I'll miss the guy.

But I love the idea he hooked up with the Texas Rangers. This will give Vladimir Guerrero an opportunity to play every day. Vlad will also be able to contribute to the Rangers. And playing in Arlington, Vlad will be able to flash his power that made the Angels great these past few years. And with any luck, when Vladimir does make his way to Cooperstown, he remembers all the good times he had in Anaheim with the Angels. Good luck Vladimir Guerrero, may the balls tossed your way, become sovereigns to Ranger fans.

Here are list of Vlaimir's accomplishments as an Angel:

•  2004 - American League Most Valuable Player
•  2004 - Baseball America First-Team Major League All-Star OF
•  2004 - Anaheim Angels Player of the Year
•  2004 - Played in MLB All-Star Game
•  2004 - AL Silver Slugger Award (OF)
•  2005 - Baseball America Second-Team Major League All-Star OF
•  2005 - Los Angeles Angels Player of the Year
•  2005 - Played in MLB All-Star Game
•  2005 - AL Silver Slugger Award (OF)
•  2006 - Played in MLB All-Star Game
•  2006 - Los Angeles Angels Player of the Year
•  2006 - AL Silver Slugger Award (OF)
•  2007 - AL Silver Slugger Award (OF)
•  2007 - Los Angeles Angels Player of the Year
•  2007 - Played in MLB All-Star Game
•  2007 - Major League 2nd All-Star (end of season) RF

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.

No Arbitration asked or given

The formality of arbitration offers has come and gone for the Angels and it is no surprised that often hurt hurler Kelvim Escobar and utility man Robb Quinlan were not offered arbitration. There is also no surprise that Angel Fan's Favorite Vladimir Guerrero and Lefty reliever Darren Oliver

Escobar's injury woes will certainly affect his abilities to land a starting role with any ball club. However I think any team willing to take a high-risk, high-reward bullpen type could really benefit from Escobar. Escobar might be a surprising signing for the New York Yankees for bullpen relief. With the troubles they had bridging to Mariano Rivera in the playoffs, Escobar could be an affordable solution. I also would not be surprised to see the Boston Red Sox offer a heavily incentive based contract to have Escobar start for them, considering the chances they took on John Smoltz and Brad Penny.

Rob Quinlan really didn't see much playing time this year. The Q probably will not land a starting job with any major league team, but certainly can provide any team with a little depth. Quinlan play at 1st and left provides average defense. And his offense again is about average. I don't see him hitting the cover off the ball, but perhaps a team like Colorado could appreciate his ability to play several positions. There was also rumor interest in Quinlan's home state of Minnesota.

Vladimir Guerrero's destiny of winning a World Series ring has never come to fruition. Guerrero has meant a lot to this ball club through out the years and is partially responsible for the Angels making it to the playoffs so many times this decade. But his power is fading, his base running is atrocious, and his fielding is worrisome. At the very least Guerrero must come to realize that he cannot play in the outfield anymore. The decline to offer arbitration to Vladimir doesn't necessarily mean he will not re-sign with the Angels. But it does guarantee that any team is interested, will not cost the teams a draft pick. Vladimir is still a threat in the line up and although his power isn't what it was he's still able to hit for RBIs. I still see Vladimir returning to the Angels, in the designated hitter role. If he were to go somewhere else you'd have to assume that he would only want to sign on a team who can compete, who can afford him, and who has a role for him. The Red Sox and the Yankees don't seem like good fits. If the Rays trade away Burrell they could be in need of a DH. And perhaps the Texas Rangers. But realistically Vladimir Guerrero needs the Angels more than the Angels need him.

Probably the only surprise in the declined offers of arbitration was Darren Oliver. Oliver was perhaps the heart and soul of the bullpen that was practically hung together by a thread when Scott Shields went down with a season ending injury early in the year. My only guess as to why you don't offer Oliver arbitration is that you are hoping to re-signing for less, like Guerrero. However Oliver looked really good this year and perhaps some teams will try to get to him early this season. Again New York needed bullpen help in the playoffs, but really who couldn't use a lefty reliever.

Do you think any of these 4 should have been offered arbitration? Where do you see the four playing? Feel free to leave a comment below.

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.

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.

Need a Youth Ticket Voucher for the last home stand?

I'm selling one of these on ebay. My daughter and I have gone to quite a few number of games this year. But the three vouchers we have left are going to go unused. So why don't you buy them. You can buy directly from me for $5, just email Jay Cal Or you can bid on the ebay auction
. If you plan on going to the last series of the year against the A's or the Rangers, you really should pick the Youth Admission up. Especially when the A's take on the Angels on the 27th. Family Sundays and Kids Run the Bases.

Thanks for looking.

We Say Goodbye to a Friend

Justin Speier, who warmed the hearts of America on a Fox Broadcast reading the line up cards in the same vein as Harry Carry was released last night. It wasn't a salary relief move. The Angels will eat his remaining contract.

The former Marine was originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1995. And played for six other clubs before joining the Angels in 2006. Unfortunately Speier's flashes of brilliance were to few and far in between. Watching him pitch, was often like watching Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde, one game he'd have a 1-2-3 inning. And the next night he'd give up three Home Runs in an inning.
Like on Friday, August 7th against the Texas Rangers. When the Angels were still very much in the game. Speier faced Teagarden who homered to deep left, Andrus who grounded out to shortstop, 42 Year Old Vizquel (who hadn't hit a homerun since 2007), and Young who homered to deep center, before for the remainder of the line up to ground out.

From all accounts, Speier is a good guy. He would be the first guy out of the bullpen if a fight broke out. Which is exactly what happened during the infamous incident where Boston Red Sox pitcher Josh Becket tossed a ball at Bobby Abreu after time out had been called. When the benches cleared, it was Justin along with Torii Hunter along with Mickey Hatcher who were ejected.

The release of Speier doesn't come as much as a surprise. His struggles are well documented in Angel Fandom and surely were causes of many dogs getting kicked or beers being drank. Even durning the playoffs last year, Speier didn't make the playoff roster in favor of rookie Kevin Jepsen. The California native's release makes room for todays starter Trevor Bell. Although I will miss Speier's team first mentallity and over all "good-guyness" I won't miss his pitching. So as always, best of luck to Justin Speier. I will root for you until you face the Angels again. And then I will boo. Boo unmercifully.