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.

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

Congrats to the New York Yankees

Turns out Money Can Buy You Happiness
:(