In defense of Tony Reagins

At the end of the 2010 season if you could have added a player who could give you 20 Home Runs, 78 RBI, a .300 AVG, and 840 OPS, the Halos should have jumped all over it.  Remember where the team was in 2010.  The Angels finished third behind Oakland and the eventual ALCS Champions the Texas Rangers.  When Kendrys Morales was carried off the field, the Angels needed to add more offense into the line up.  And with the Angels coming into the 2011 season adding another 20 home runs with a player like Morales would have certainly matched the offense numbers that their Texas Rivals were putting up. 

So in defense of Tony Reagins, making the trade to add Vernon Wells wasn't entirely a bad idea.  Had Wells regained his 2008 form (which was entirely possible considering he was coming off a year with an injury), the Halos would have had a lot better 2011 campaign.  Rivera's defense in left field had become a liability.  Vernon's defense as advertised would have made for a better outfield.  Of course the contract alone should have prevented the Halos from making that deal, but regardless, I can at least see what Reagins was thinking when the deal was made.  In what was believed to be one of the worst contracts in baseball, a contract that was in no way movable, was moved last winter when Tony Reagins shipped out beloved Angel's catcher Mike Napoli and under achieving left fielder Juan Rivera to Toronto for Vernon Wells and his morbidly obese contract.  The moment it happened, Angel fans every where were prepared to riot.  Napoli was beloved, providing more pop at the catcher position than any other catcher in recent memory and had the ability to fill in at first base when Morales went down.  Alex Anthopoulos would stab the Halos in the back when he'd deal Napoli out of baseball obscurity to Arlington.  But when you examine that trade was the move as bad as we think?  Realistically, Napoli was slotted to be a back-up, Left Field was a defensive liability, Morales was set to return to First, and Wells in previous years was a power threat.  With big IFs in question, IF Kendrys returned, wouldn't have Wells benefited from a line up with a power switch hitter? 

There is a lot of negativity surrounding Reagins, but lets look at some of the positive Regains did.  Signed Torii Hunter who has easily become the face of the franchise when the reluctant hero Vladimir Guerrero wasn't willing to be that face.  Hunter's contribution on the field were matched by his contributions off the field.  Enter the final season of the contract, he wants to retire an Angel.  Even in his later age, he's been producing and helping to keep this team in contention.  Also mentoring young outfielders like Mike Trout and Peter Bourjos,
Hunter's contributions to this team will be felt long after he's left the organization.  The trading for Mark Teixera for Casey Kotchman and Steve Marek helped get the Halos into post-season play in 2008.  Nobody knew at the time that Tex would be destined for New York, but the move was exciting and made the team a threat in the 08 post-season.  Dealing for Alberto Callapso for Will Smith and Sean O'Sullivan was also a positive move.  Callaspo had been a spark all season and O'Sullivan has been somewhat of a bust for the Royals.  The Dan Haren trade has been tremendous.  And cash saving moves like dealing Gary Matthews Jr. and Brian Fuentes was beneficial to the team.  Even the Scott Kazmir deal at the time looked to be a good move, although Kazmir all but fell apart in Anaheim.

In defense of Tony Reagins, I believe his moves have been mostly good, but that Wells deal will certainly haunt this team for seasons to come.  Of course, if Wells bounces back... we'll all be singing a different story.

Are the Angels Heating Up?

This was originally an article that I was going to write after the Angels bested the Nationals last week.  But not having the time to finish it, might have made for a more interesting article.  The Angels offense has finally started to match the pitching efforts of Weaver, Haren, Santana, Piñeiro, and Chatwood.  However,  lets strip away some of the hyberbole, these wins have come at the expense of the Nationals a .500 team at Best, The Dodgers, who are in last place in the NL, and the Detroit Tigers, who are four games above .500.

Sure the Halos are tied for 1st Place with the Texas Rangers in the American League West.  The question I have been pondering for the past few days is this a new Angel team, or is this merely the benefit of feasting on a beleaguered set of opponents.  Hopefully the old cliche winning breeds winning, but this isn't the Red Sox, Yankees, or the Rangers.  There is still a lot that needs to be proved.  But the question is, our the Halos Heating up?

Obviously Vernon Wells has been on fire, so much so I picked him up in my fantasy league and he has just been tearing the cover off the ball.  Is he worth what he's being paid... no.  But he certainly has made this Halo Team better. Torii Hunter moved to the second spot in the batting order makes the team better.  The entire team has been benefiting from Wells' hot bat.  You look at a guy like Borjous who is back to hitting .266. 

To be frank, it really doesn't matter if this is a product of weaker opponents or if the Halos have found "it."  As long as the hit parade keeps coming and the pitchers keeps putting up strikeouts, who cares?

Let's go Halos!

Here's what the Angels really need...

 "You don't want to promote violence," he said. "I want to apologize to the fans for my temper flaring."

--Torii Hunter

Wrong Torii!  That's exactly what this team needs.  I'm tired of looking at batters being overwhelmed in the batters box and making mediocre pitchers look like Cy Young. 

How long has it been since the benches have cleared in Anaheim.  The Halos are in a slump and since there isn't a golden speedo in the locker room, as far as we know, its time for a scuffle.  This team has been getting it's ass kicked on the field.  There isn't a nice way to say it.  The Halos are looking overwhelmed, period. 

To be honest, I haven't heard any player make excuses.  But I have heard from the talking heads in the media who keep reminding us that the Halos are missing their MVP Caliber First Baseman.  If this team really put all of their marbles in the Kendrys Morales basket, knowing he was experiencing setbacks in the fall, then someone should lose their job.  This isn't a bad team.  But they are carrying bad ju-ju.  Or just aren't gelling as a team.  I hate to bring up the Nick Adenhart tragedy, but in 2009, following a scuffle with the Red Sox, the Halos got passionate about winning. 

Its time this team gets passionate about winning.  If they can't win the game, at least win the fight.  We want to see the passion in the eyes of these millionaires, I'm looking at you Torii Hunter, Vernon Wells, and anyone else who is failing to produce.  I want to see something against the Mariners.  Mariners are playing good ball, let's hope the Halos can deflate them this week.

Go Halos

The Battle of Los Angeles 2010 Interleague Play Begins

Regardless of whether or not you enjoy interleague Baseball, you can't dispute the fun of rivalry games.  Some cities don't have cross town rivals.  The Yankees have the Mets (The Subway Series), The As have the Giants (The Battle of the Bay), The White Sox and the Cubs (I don't know if they have a clever name) and the Angels have the Dodgers (The Freeway Series.)  The key differences between those other cities ans Los Angeles is that the Dodgers and the Angels have never faced each other in a World Series Games, but not for a lack of trying.

The Dodgers although handcuffed with the McCourt divorce and lets be frank the Dodgers haven't been real big spenders during the McCourt era have managed to make the playoffs the last few years.  They have been in the mix for the NLDS Four of the last Six years and are currently ranked #1.  The last time the Dodgers have won a World Series was 1988.  

The Angels similarly have been very successful in the American League West the past few years, winning the American League West Title Five of the past Six years.  The last time the Angels won a World Series was their first win, 2002.  

The two teams aren't only battling for respect, but to keep pace in their own division and market share.  In 2005 Angels owner Arte Moreno re-introduced the Angels as a Los Angeles brand.  Complete with a marketing campaign in the inner cities of Los Angeles.  Although the Angels play in Anaheim which is in Orange County.  The Angels have often fought over baseball free agents as well.  Vladimir Guerrero was expected to sign with the Dodgers, before donning his Halo.  And before the Angels signed Gary Matthews Jr., it was rumored the Dodgers wanted him.  And most recently, the Angels signed Torii Hunter before the Dodgers had an opportunity to pick him up.  

All the magic will happen on the field tonight.  Game 1 of a 3 Game Series from Chavez Ravine.  The Dodgers return the favor in a few weeks.  But Round 1 starts tonight!  We'll see how the Angel Dodger Rivalry translates in 2010.  And see what impact, if any the wins and losses will have on the respective clubs drive to the post season.

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.

Weaver plays the stop, I get free stuff, and the Angels Win!

This shot of the Big A behind the Budweiser Patio is typically the back drop of my seats.  I spend most games in Section 241 in Right Field.  The past few years I had multi-game packages in that area.  I love siting in Right Field, especially that section, because you don't have to shift your head or tweak your neck and back to watch the game.  But this isn't where I sat last night.  I took my daughter, Lily to the game last night.  At 5 years of age, I've raised her right, she's a true Angels fan.  She was excited to receive her Rally Monkey Lunch Box.  We approach the ticket booth, our attendance to this game was planned at the last minute.  There was a guy standing in line in front of us.  He asks me, "You buying tickets to the game?"  It was at this point I noticed two tickets in his hands.  I've bought tickets once before like this, great deal on great seats, but today I had no cash.  I explain to the guy, "I don't have any cash."  To my shock and probably awe, the kind gentleman says "No, I'm not selling them.  I'm giving them away.  Their yours.  You'll love them, 9 rows back on the third base side."  Any minute I half expected Ashton Kutcher to jump out, so after another thanks, we worked our way to the entrance. No Ashton, no Punk, the tickets were good.  And the seats were even better.  And it seems the positive Karma this gentleman gave would pay it forward to the Angels. 
Weaver plays the role of stopper, Matsui wins the game and I get free stuff, how much better time can you have at an Angel Game.  We took our seats right shortly after the National Anthem.  I got a few shots of the field, nothing pro status, but fun all the same.  I'll be posting these on the Diamond Aces fan page on facebook.  I have to be honest.  I missed most of the game, because my daughter wanted to get a photo with the Rally Monkey.  It was a nice effort, but failed in the execution.  Did watch Weaver go a couple of innings looking perfect.  Then thanks to the free tickets, got a free SOBET Life Water, or what my daughter calls, Lizard Juice.  We spent the next three innings waiting to see the Rally Monkey.  Finally we sat down at the top of the eight.  Shields doesn't look like the old Shields, maybe its a timing issue, maybe he needs more time, but he wasn't the Shields of 2008.  Rodney made a case for himself to get some starts closing.  He looked un-hit-able.  Then we got to see Matsui make the As pay for walking Torii Hunter, after the awesome double by Abreu.  Lily liked the Rally Monkey dancing and then Godzilla Dancing.  I liked the Angels not going 1-5 to start the season.  We both came home happy!

Torri Hunter Of The Angels Talks About Nick Adenhart's Tragic Death

April 09, 2009 — A Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitcher was killed when a drunk driver killed the youung, 22, pitcher. He was killed on Thursday, April 9th. The Day before he pitched 6 shut-out innings against the Oakland Athletics. Torri Hunter Speaks Out About It.

Seeing Red -- And falling by the way side

So I was one of 43,510 who donned a "fleece Blankie" to not only welcome Matsui to the Angels but to break a Guinness World Record.  I was even impressed by the two Minnesota Twin fans wearing the fleece during the required 5 minutes.  That type of autonomy is reminiscent of the 2002 World Series Game 7 where in unison a sell out crowd of Angels fan beat away on Plastic inflated Thunder Sticks.  However the same autonomy didn't work in the favor of the Angels.  Perhaps because the Twins fans donned the Red "Blankies"  

It was my first game of the year.  Anaheim Stadium is even more beautiful than I remember.  Trees now cover the Rock Waterfall in Centerfield.  Yardhouse and joined the list of advertisers at Angel Stadium.  

But lets get to the game.  Joe Saunders looked ok, with the exception of the long balls to Hardy, and the M&M boys.  Unfortunately the Angels never got hot.  In fact they were fairly cold.  Thanks to Torii Hunter, who put a ball in the outfield gave us a reason to cheer.  Unfortunately the Angels are now 1-1 and falling by the way side in the American League West.

My Off Season Grade for the Angels, B.

Take a look at what the Angels did right this off season. They didn't over pay for any free agents including their own. They offered arbitration to the two guys who got picked up quickly, which netted them four draft picks. Replaced Vlad with a cheaper, more patient hitter, in Matsui. Replaced lefty Darren Oliver (7th Inning Reliever), who is/was still valuable for a former closer who saved 37 of 38 games last year. That move bolstered the bullpen, which was a huge problem for the Angels last year and with the return of Scott Shields the 7th, 8th, and 9th will look better than it did last year. The Angels also re-signed Abreu who had over 100 RBI. Then you have guys like Torii Hunter who is a Silver Slugger and Golden Glover winner, Morales who hit 34 Homeruns and 103 RBI., a platoon at 2B who hit over 18 home runs, a catching platoon who hit over 25 home runs, and I haven't even got into AVG. OBP. or OPS. And the Halos Rotation consist of three players who have been All-Stars, and another guy who had an All-Star year last year.

Just because the Halos front office didn't over spend on declining free agents or trade away their entire farm system for a one year rental doesn't make them worse.  Spending money in the right places, like adding Fernando Rodney who can save the Angels money in the long run by not allowing Fuentes contract to vest.  Spending money on bringing in a World Series MVP, Hideki Matsui, who is a proven commodity in a World Series race and who's patience at the bat could rub off on younger players like Brandon Wood or Howie Kendrick.  The re-signing of Bobby Abreu was a necessity after he was able to influence batters like Erick Aybar and Maicer Izturis.  Hopefully the veteran leadership of Abreu, Hunter, and Matsui can rub off on the much younger infield. 

The real interesting move the Angels committed to is Matt Palmer.  Last year's off season was picked up relatively cheap when he couldn't keep a job in San Francisco.  Palmer to collect 11 wins, with a handful of those wins coming in relief.  There is something about Palmer that kept the Angels in a lot of situations that they probably should have lost.  Tony Reagins has even said that the "5th starters spot is Palmer's to lose."  Personally, I would have rather had the Angels pursue a project like project like Chien-Ming Wang or even a Ben Sheets.  But you cannot deny the successful decisions of the Front Office, and you have to accept that they know a lot more than most of us bloggers.  But what do you think?  Are the Angels making smart decisions with their money?  Did they blow it, by not pursuing Sheets or Wang?  Can Palmer pan out as a regular 5th man starter?  Leave me a comment and tell me what you think.

ESPN Insider predicts the Angels will sign Holliday

Hat tip to Halos Heaven poster AngryFan, Olney speculates that The Angels will sign Matt Holliday

As I've mentioned in other posts, the Angel roster already has 3 capable outfielders-- Juan Rivera, Torii Hunter, and the recently re-signed Bobby Abreu. Adding another outfielder forces Abreu to DH, which no longer becomes an option for a platoon type position. Holliday seemingly found his bat in the National League. But was he ever terrible in Oakland, facing American League West Pitching.

A Holliday signing could bolster the offense of the Angels which looked somewhat anemic during the ALCS, however signing Holliday all but guarantees that Chone Figgins will not be returning and the Angels will probably have a need to move another player (Gary Matthews Jr., Reggie Willits, or even Juan Rivera.) Also a contract to Holliday would be expensive which would probably tie the hands of Angel Front Office to re-sign John Lackey or another free agent starting pitcher.

I would have to say that I would be against such a signing. Holliday's price tag will be much to high and there is no guarantee will be getting the Matt Holliday of the National League or the Matt Holliday of the American League.

Angels, Tigers Discuss Granderson Trade

MLBTR is reporting that the Angels and Tigers are discussing a Granderson Trade.

The Angels and Tigers have discussed a trade for center fielder Curtis Granderson, according to Ken Davidoff of Newsday. Davidoff says the Halos would use Granderson in left field and either shift Juan Rivera to DH or trade him. In my opinion, the Angels could fill several needs cheaply for the Tigers with players such as Mike Napoli and Brandon Wood. Davidoff adds that the Yankees "think very highly" of Granderson and the Cubs are "expected to inquire."

Granderson has always played well in Anaheim. But he is far from a complete player. He has good defense but his offense is sub-par. He does have good speed, but his OPS is much to low to be a lead off hitter. And he doesn't hit well against Lefties.

The move at the very least is interesting. But I can't see the Angels trading either Wood or Napoli for a player who is similar to a younger Gary Matthews Jr. Before Tony Reagins makes a move, our outfield is slated to look like Juan River (LF), Torii Hunter (CF), and Bobby Abreu (RF). With Matthews scheduled to be the 4th man. If Matthews moves, then Willits is promoted to the 4th man. That means The Angels still have an abundance of outfielders.

Preferably the Angels, if they are going to make some trades, should look to trade for another starting pitcher. Considering John Lackey isn't likely to return. There is a lot of IFs this off-season and it looks like we'll be waiting to January to see how it all works out.

Torii Hunter is Golden --- And Silver

Major League Baseball announced the Silver Slugger Awards for the American League yesterday.
Torii Hunter was awarded with his first Slugger Award in a move that surprised a lot of people. Hunter who was playing fantastic baseball and carried much of the Angels offense prior to his groin injury that put him on the shelf for 30 days.

The remaining awards went to:

POS	PLAYER	HR	RBI	AVG
1B	M. Teixeira, Yankees	39	122	.292
2B	Aaron Hill, Blue Jays	36	108	.286
3B	Evan Longoria, Rays	33	113	.281
SS	Derek Jeter, Yankees	18	66	.334
OF	Jason Bay, Red Sox	36	119	.267
OF	Torii Hunter, Angels	22	90	.299
OF	Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners	11	46	.352
C	Joe Mauer, Twins	28	96	.365
DH	Adam Lind, Blue Jays	35	114	.305

I do find it odd that Hunter joins; Mauer, Teixeria, Longoria, Jeter, and Suzuki as players who received the double honors. The Captain, certainly has made that Del Taco deal with Tony Reagins seem a smart move over and over again.

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?

Long Time coming, but the Red Sox finally get their comeuppance

It had seem that up until late afternoon, the Red Sox has unceremoniously owned the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Not even the lore of Dave Henderson could affect this bound and determined Halo Staff. In a no class move, the Red Sox looked to its storied tradition of whoopin on the Angels in Post-Season to one of the guys who had ripped the heart out of the franchise in years past. Henderson's homerun off of Donnie Moore killed the Angels momentum in 1986. The Angels would go on to lose two more games in Boston that year and wouldn't make it to another ALCS game until 2002.

You get the feeling that the Angels know they are about to accomplish something special. I was lucky enough to be at Game 2 of the best of 5 series and Boston's pending demise was palpable. It is without a doubt one of the greatest come from behind wins for the Angels, down to their last strike, last out, in Fenway, and manage to come up 3 runs giving them not only the lead, but the victory.

Red Sox reliever Billy Wagner worked into a second-and-third, two-out jam in the eighth, prompting manager Terry Francona to summon Jonathan Papelbon from the bullpen for a four-out save. Juan Rivera greeted Papelbon by lining his first pitch to right center for a two-run single, momentarily making it a 5–4 game, but Boston added an insurance run in the bottom of the inning. Papelbon retired the first two batters in the top of the ninth, but Erick Aybar kept the inning alive with a two-strike single. After Chone Figgins worked a walk, Bobby Abreu, also down to his final strike, doubled off the Green Monster to score Aybar from second. Torii Hunter then received an intentional walk, loading the bases for Vladimir Guerrero. Guerrero ripped Papelbon's first pitch for a two-run single to center, putting the Angels ahead 7–6. Closer Brian Fuentes retired the Red Sox in order in the bottom of the inning for the save.

Super Torii to the Rescue

Created by WiHaloFan of Halos Heaven. He also makes the Comics at Halos Heaven that crack me up. With a loss like tonights, I hope this will cheer me up.

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.