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.

Matsuiland has Officially Closed in Anaheim

It was one year ago today that the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim would officially close the door on the return of "Big Daddy" Vladimir Guerrero and start its preparations to open Southern California's newest Theme Park... Matsuiland. Hideki Matsui coming off a World Series MVP Title would sign with the Angels for $6.5 Million dollars, with promise of an influx of Japanese Media, sponsorship, added fan base, and most importantly production. Matsui's production in Anaheim was pretty close to his production in New York. Maybe Matsui had a few more strikes outs and few less home runs, but I don't think anyone would complain about the effort that Godzilla put forth in Anaheim. And although he seemed to be a very beneficial addition to the Halos Roster in 2010, you almost knew that he wouldn't be returning.

After seven years with the New York Yankees and one year with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Hideki Matsui will now be taking his talents to the Bay Area for perennial American League West Runner Ups, the Oakland Athletics. Two days ago, Matsui signed a one-year contract worth $4.25 million with the Oakland A's still wearing #55 and occasionally playing Left Field while usually playing DH. And I would expect that Matsui's numbers in Oakland will be comparable to his numbers in Anaheim. So although Matsuiland has been condemned, it will be only a matter of time when the dozen or so fans left in Oakland build their shrine to the one they call Godzilla.

Thanks for your efforts in 2010 Hideki Matsui. But you will not be missed.

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.

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

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.

We will win with what we got...

I originally designed this for Halos Heaven the best Angel Community site on the Interwebs, prior to the Trade Deadline.  I was against the Angels pursuing anyone but pitching.  Because even last year, towards the trade deadline I wasn't confident that Lackey would be coming back.  And Figgins was the only guy I could see being traded from the Major League Roster.  Looking at this picture though is kind of depressing.  I was hoping Lackey would return to the Halos-- He gone.  I was hoping Vlad would retire an Angel-- He gone.  And of course Figgins and Darren Oliver also left the team, along with Escobar and Arrendondo. 

With all that being said, the Angels I think had to make that move for Kazmir.  And I think that move alone will really make a positive impact for the Angels in 2010.  And it looks like I need to make a new graphic to include the Diamond Aces of; Weaver, Kazmir, Santana, Saunders, and Piniero. 

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!

Dearly Departed

:::Updated Feb. 11th:::
According to MLB.com's Lyle Spencer, Quinlan and his goofy swing have re-signed with the Halos to a minor league deal. This should provide the Angels with another option in case either Morales or Wood spend an extended period on the DL. So it appears I spoke to soon, Robb has been serviceable in small doses and adds depth to the team. No complaints here.

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

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

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.

Read My Lips, No New Free-Agents!!!

Originally posted at HalosHeaven

The void that will be created with the departures of John Lackey, Chone Figgins, Darren Oliver, and Vladimir Guerrero will be felt long after they sign new contracts with their new teams. Lackey is a true number one Ace, Figgins is a true lead off hitter and has great defensive skills, Oliver isn't only a lefty specialist, and Vladimir was the face of the franchise. But like Tony Reagins said on the Drive yesterday, you have to take the emotion out of the business decisions.

We Will Win, With What We Got or Lightning Strikes Twice.

Last year the Halosphere was bent because Mark Teixera took his U-Haul to New York for a big payday. Some of the Fan Faithful believed in the unproven Kendry Morales. And that investment paid in dividends. Could Brandon Wood produce similarly to Morales? Wood has nothing left to prove in minors. Given an opportunity of having regular at bats and every day play, perhaps he could put together a good season. And if his defense isn't as great as we were once led to believe or his offense never gets started, he can always be platooned with super-utility player Maicer Izturis.

What about Sean O'Sullivan, given a chance to shine could he become the John Lackey of 2002? And with a rotation of Weaver, Santana, Saunders, Kazmir, couldn't the Angels survive with a pitcher like O'Sullivan or Matt Palmer, Trevor Bell, Dustin Moseley or maybe even Anthony Ortega? Those 5 guys gave us 22 wins last year. With Vladimir Guerrero gone, our Designated Hitter position becomes a platoon position. It allows Bobby Abreu to take a day or two off, from the field. Giving playing time to Gary Matthews Jr. or Reggie Willits. And when days Abreu is in the outfield, Napoli could share time at DH keeping his bat in the line up, which when hot is a nice bat to have.

But why scrimp in save in 2010?

According to MLBTradeRumors, 2011 will see nearly 30 pitchers who will be available to file for Free Agency. Some of the names available in 2011 will be Josh Beckett, Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Ted Lilly. Let alone All-Star catcher Joe Mauer and Albert Pujols.

What better way to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim's existence than to break the bank for a Lee or Halladay and a Mauer or a Pujols.

The Angels can Win With What We Got

MLB Trade Rumors is talking Elias Rankings

Hat Tip to the MLBTradeRumors about the Elias Rankings

The 2009 Elias Rankings have been released, and Ed Price of AOL FanHouse has a full list of the Type-A and B free agents.

Our 2010 MLB Free Agent list has been updated, and below is a summary of differences between the official rankings, and those projected by Eddie Bajek.

* Chone Figgins qualifies as a Type-A, not a Type-B as projected.
* Melvin Mora qualifies as a Type-A, not a Type-B as projected.
* Vladimir Guerrero qualifies as a Type-B, not a Type-A as projected.
* Gregg Zaun goes from no compensation to Type-B.
* Jerry Hairston Jr. goes from Type-B to no compensation.
* Hideki Matsui goes from Type-B to no compensation.
* Aubrey Huff goes from Type-B to no compensation.

I'm not Tony Reagins, but I'm pretty sure that means The Angels offer arbitration to Chone Figgins immediately and maybe not offering arbitration to Vladimir Guerrero. By offering arb. to Figgins, it will give the Angels some compensatory draft picks if Figgins is signed by another team. If The Angels offered Vlad arb., Vlad would probably accept it and we would be held to the arbitration hearings. If he doesn't accept arb., then the Angels would get compensatory drafts, but much lower picks. If the Halos do not offer arb., then the Angels would be free to re-negotiate a contract with Vlad.

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.

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.

Milestones... What a week!

Would you believe after the tragedy involving Nick Adenhart earlier this year and all the injury woes, that the Angels would set atop of the American League with the 2nd best record in MLB. With a roster that costs fractions of what the Yankees have the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are playing six hundred baseball.

Vladimir Guerrero has been a little of an enigma this year. After experiencing some injuries on the bench, Vlad is back and swinging the bat with ferociousness. His power is not only luminous, but down right intimidating. #27 hit home runs #399 and #400 all but guaranteeing his ticket will be punched to Cooperstown. However, there is still some debate on whether Vlad will be returning at the end of the season. How the heck can you not re-sign this guy? I hope the Angels re-sign him, but I guess the business of baseball takes precedent.

Ervin Santana not only has been battling injuries but also battling his propensity to just not pitch well. Since making his debut, Santana too has had a mysterious side. I have glossed the young man, Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde. And as to the benefit of the Angels, Dr. Jeckyl took the mound Tuesday Night against the Tampa Bay Rays. Voodoo (as he is often referred to on the Premier Angels Baseball blog, Halos Heaven), pitched a 3 Hit, Complete Game Shutout against the very dangerous Rays. With the Angels having as many pitching woes as its faced and not being able to cash in on a starting pitcher before the trade deadline, the Angels look to move forward and to paraphrase the Rev. Halofan, ...Win With What We Got.

The final Milestone for this week is the 13th starter for the Angels this year. Trevor Bell is the grandson of the late Bozo the Clown. Bell who is the protege of Mark Langston had a pretty good outing against the Rays on Wednesday's day game. Off the top of my head can I name the 13 starters of the year?

In no particular order; Jered Weaver, Nick Adenhart, Joe Saunders, Dustin Mosely, Ervin Santana, John Lackey, Shane Loux, Matt Palmer, Anthony Ortega, Darren Oliver, Sean O' Sullivan, and Trevor Bell. Wow, I'm quite impressed with myself. Bell was impressive too. He gave up a couple of runs, but never looked out of the game. Never looked shell shocked. And Kevin Jepsen got the Win.

The Angels play Baltimore Orioles today. And lets see if they can break more milestones.