AL West Suburban Wannabe Gang

[The Dude]

so...the Angels are pretty fucking good.

[Jericho]

Fuck em

[Lone Wolf]

Here's my story for the day ...

Every year I go out to my homeland, Washington State, for a week or two and I always try to catch at least one game. Well this year we were booted out of Safeco for getting mad at starting 1st baseman Miguel Cario for dribbling a ball for a third out with runners on when losing 0-9. No profanity, nothing offensive just yelling and heckling at a bad team playing a bad game. We were drinking and we were on the team quite a bit as the game got out of hand.

Seattle is a little sensitive and very bandwagon, but we would have been one of the tamer band of idiots if we were in Fenway or Yankee Stadium.

I know you can get away with more at a football game, but I've noticed a scary trend where if you aren't cheering when the Jumbo Tron tells you to you should probably just shut up and watch the game ... having an annoying conversation that has nothing to do with anything in the stadium seems to be okay as well.


So Safeco Field, their yuppie fans their Miguel Cairos and Willie Bloomquists can all piss off this year.

[The Dude]

wasn't safeco where the lesbians got kicked out?

[Lone Wolf]

Yup, and they are a gay friendly city

[nuclearjew]

Hershiser's record is safe!

[Stax]

Aw that's too bad. That was a fun completely unfollowed story for that kid to start his career.

[nuclearjew]

It would be lame for Hershiser's record to be broken by a reliever. I remember that season vividly...every 5th day getting the newspaper and seeing the 9 7 0 0 1 8 lines in the box scores. He was insane that year.

[CrazyCarl]

Sports hernia forces Rangers' Kinsler to DL, could end his season (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3541721)
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Rangers All-Star second baseman Ian Kinsler was placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a sports hernia, and could be headed for season-ending surgery.

Kinsler

Kinsler, who was leading the majors with 165 hits and 102 runs, had an MRI on Monday that revealed the problem on the left side of his groin. He will be examined by a specialist in Dallas, probably on Tuesday.

"I hope I can avoid surgery, but the way it is right now, it's pretty bad, pretty sore, and I can't play," Kinsler said before Monday night's game against the Detroit Tigers. "If it's surgery, then I'm out eight weeks and I'm done for the season. But until the doctor tells me, I'm going to hope for the best."

Texas called up infielder Joaquin Arias from Triple-A Oklahoma to take Kinsler's roster spot.

Kinsler said he first felt pain in his groin after making a defensive play in the first inning of Sunday night's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. He remained in the game until the pain intensified while running out a grounder in the seventh and was replaced at the start of the eighth inning.

Kinsler, whose .319 average and 26 stolen bases also lead the Rangers, has been among the AL leaders in batting average and steals all season. He also has 41 doubles, two short of the club record set by Alfonso Soriano in 2005.

Despite his breakthrough year, Kinsler has been overshadowed by teammate and fellow All-Star Josh Hamilton, the major league leader in RBIs who's having an MVP-caliber season.

"I wanted to steal that MVP from Hamilton," Kinsler said with a smile. "There are a lot of things I want to accomplish. You prepare to play a full season and when it's cut short, that's disappointing."

Rangers manager Ron Washington said if Kinsler is done for the season, he'll go with a platoon of Ramon Vazquez and Arias at second base. Vazquez replaced Kinsler on Monday night.

Vazquez has made 58 starts at third for Texas this season, but the Rangers already planned on moving rookie first baseman Chris Davis to third this weekend. Travis Metcalf also is available to play third for Texas.

Arias was batting .296 with seven homers, 49 RBIs and 23 stolen bases in 104 games for Oklahoma. He was acquired from the New York Yankees in 2004 as part of the Alex Rodriguez trade.

Former All-Star 3B Hank Blalock is on a minor league rehab assignment this week as he tries to come back from right shoulder soreness. The Rangers anticipate getting Blalock back this weekend, and will use him at first base.

[Sex Cannon]

If you were texas and you had the Hamilton for Volquez trade to do over....would you?

Texas always needs pitching and Bradley and Kinsler have been ridiculous, but Hamilton has been equally as potent a bat.

Definitely a moot point but might be an interesting discussion.

[nuclearjew]

I think Volquez hit the wall whereas Hamilton is still hittin dem shits over the wall.

[opasewq]

Dana Eveland and Dan Meyer came up from Triple-A Sacramento to fill in - giving Oakland its first-ever all-left-handed five-man rotation. The A's had a four-man lefty rotation in 1973, with Vida Blue, Ken Holtzman, Paul Lindblad and Darold Knowles starting a 13-game stretch.

[Pollo]

well now right handed hitters will feel right at home vs. Oakland!

[Penguin Rick]

That sounds retarded.

[Patsfan]

Brandon Morrow > you

[Da Raider]

To the fans of the Rangers, A's and M's...

ANGELS BABY!!!!

[ADD]

E-Rod

Angels lose. Not that it matters.

[Da Raider]

wow. clinching early sure gets boring after awhile.

[ADD]

I'd kill to play the AL West

[Hanover Fist]

I'd kill to play the AL West

The AL West would love to continue to play the NL. None of the AL West teams has a losing record in interleague play over the last 2 years.
The last 2 years for the Cubs in interleague were 8-4 in 2007 and 6-9 in 2008.

[opasewq]

Yeah if they Angels don't out pitch you, the Rangers will out hit you.

And every dozen years or so the A's and Mariners are good.

As I recall the A's went 12-0 a couple of years ago playing the Giants and the Central.

[ADD]

The AL West would love to continue to play the NL. None of the AL West teams has a losing record in interleague play over the last 2 years.
The last 2 years for the Cubs in interleague were 8-4 in 2007 and 6-9 in 2008.


Give us a full division schedule with your AL West crap, and it's much different

[Da Raider]

http://img46.imagevenue.com/loc149/th_07774_poster22521131_122_149lo.jpg (http://img46.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=07774_poster22521131_122_149lo.jpg)

[Da Raider]

http://img204.imagevenue.com/loc348/th_07903_motivator6974909_122_348lo.jpg (http://img204.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=07903_motivator6974909_122_348lo.jpg )

[ADD]

http://img46.imagevenue.com/loc149/th_07774_poster22521131_122_149lo.jpg (http://img46.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=07774_poster22521131_122_149lo.jpg)

More like Los Angeles Angels: Hey at least we finally settled on a name.

[Da Raider]

More like Los Angeles Angels: Hey at least we finally settled on a name.

Trust me, there's plenty of people around here who were pissed at the name change. And the lawsuit brought by the city of Anaheim was one of the dumbest things I ever witnessed. That being said, if it brings him more revenue and he keeps investing it into the team, why not? Better than the crappy ownership that we've always had previous to Arte.

[Da Raider]

Sweet! Scored tickets for the Angels ALDS and ALCS.

[ADD]

I hate you. Getting playoff tickets here is harder than finding a female virgin over 17

[bones12]

I'd never really heard much negative stuff about Ichiro, so this is either enlightening, or the Mariners are a bunch of jealous babies.

An anonymous clubhouse insider told the Seattle Times that Mariners teammates were so annoyed with Ichiro Suzuki earlier this season that they considered beating him up.
"I just can't believe the number of guys who really dislike him," said the insider. "It got to a point early on when I thought they were going to get together and go after him." The coaching staff and then-manager John McLaren intervened when one player was overheard talking about wanting to "knock him out." Perhaps the goal would have been to knock him around like the rest of the league has done to Carlos Silva this year, but given Mariners' hitters reputations, it's likely that the team could land several blows and still not do any damage. It's not as though Richie Sexson had a chance of making contact.

[Stax]

I love Ichiro, fuck the rest of Seattle's whiny little hitters listed there.

[Pollo]

what utter nonsense for other Seattle players to hate Ichiro ... he's the only hitter in their lineup that gets it done each night, and they complain? it's not like Seattle's other hitters are doing jack shit.

which leads to wonder: should Seattle consider trading Ichiro? clearly they're not a good team (and won't be for some time), and since Ichiro is aging, a good veteran, contending team could certainly use him. the problem would be losing all the market appeal in Seattle by dealing him.

[Penguin Rick]

If Ichiro leaves, King Felix would be the only person of relevance left on the Mariners roster.

[nuclearjew]

Dane Cook strikes out mofos with his Superfinger fastball.

http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/mlb/players_l/20080402/8002.jpg

[opasewq]

Mariners hint they could hire woman as next GM

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/baseball/mlb/09/26/mariners.gm.search.ap/index.html?eref=si_topstories

SEATTLE (AP) -- Mariners president Chuck Armstrong said his team is vetting a wide range of general manager candidates, pointedly leaving open the possibility of Seattle hiring the first female general manager in major league history.

Highly regarded Los Angeles Dodgers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/teams/dodgers) assistant GM Kim Ng is considered an option.The 39-year-old Ng has had her job for seven seasons and was a top adviser to New York Yankees (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/teams/yankees)' GM Brian Cashman before that. She was believed to be the final candidate beaten out by Ned Colletti when Los Angeles selected a new GM in 2005, and the Dodgers say she is the first woman to ever interview for a GM job.

She may be getting a second interview soon.

[Pollo]

I'd hate to lose Ng or Logan White (some of the top people the Dodgers have) to go to any team to be GM ... heck I'd want her or White to be the next GM since I can't trust Ned Colletti when it comes to offseason moves.

[ADD]

Mariners hint they could hire woman as next GM

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/baseball/mlb/09/26/mariners.gm.search.ap/index.html?eref=si_topstories


The M's never want to win again

[Pollo]

I wouldn't underestimate Ng, ADD. I think she's very qualified to be a team GM with the experience she has had in NY and LA (in assistant roles) and quite frankly, she should of been the GM instead of Colletti when we fired DePodesta.

[ADD]

You aren't big on women jokes, huh?

[Pollo]

it's not that, but if the M's want to win again, they should probably never hire a GM like Bavasi again to make moronic moves/trades, i.e. the Bedard deal which he sent Adam Jones, Sherrill, and more.

[ADD]

Or giving Johjima that awful extension (because Japanese ownership made it happen)

Seattle Times - The three-year, $24 million extension Kenji Johjima signed with the Mariners this season seemed like a strange one at the time given the wealth of catchers the organization has.

The signing is said to have come at the insistence of Japanese ownership.

One oft-repeated rumor making the rounds these final weeks is that Johjima has an "opt-out" clause in his contract that enables him to head back to Japan after this season. But in fact, Johjima's agent, Alan Nero, said the clause won't kick in until the end of 2009, once the second contract — the one containing Johjima's extension — has been in effect a full season.

RealGM Note: Johjima's level of production has been so poor that he 'deserves' a contract of $390k. He is making $6.38 million this season and will be getting a raise because of the extension.

[opasewq]

Mariner GM possible candidate list,

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2008224010_mari03.html


That list could include Kim Ng of the Dodgers, Rick Hahn of the White Sox, Tony LaCava of the Blue Jays, David Forst of the A's, Peter Woodfork of the Diamondbacks, Dan Jennings of Florida, Al Avila of Detroit, Jed Hoyer of the Red Sox and Tony Bernazard of the Mets. Two other names to tuck away: Jack Zduriencik, who directs amateur scouting for the Brewers, and Jerry DiPoto, director of player personnel for the Diamondbacks.

[jemeske]

A's are putting the brakes on Freemont.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/20/BAAK161PL7.DTL&tsp=1
It's strike three for the Oakland Athletics in Fremont. The team has bowed out of plans to build a new stadium and relocate 25 miles south on the Nimitz Freeway, A's officials said Friday.
"At this time we have decided to no longer pursue the Fremont project," said A's spokesman Bob Rose. "We are regrouping and will have discussions internally about our future options."
The team asked the city of Fremont this week to halt the planning process required to build a stadium. A City Council meeting on the stadium scheduled for Tuesday has been canceled.
"As far as I'm concerned, it's dead," said Fremont Vice Mayor Anu Natarajan. "I don't know if this was the right thing for Fremont or not, but I'm very disappointed we didn't let the process unfold."
The A's had planned to build a $1.8 billion "ballpark village" next to the Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge consisting of a 32,000-seat stadium, 3,100 units of housing and 500,000 square feet of high-end retail about 5 miles from the nearest BART station.
So, San Jose? Or moving out of the bay?

Do it, mafia.

[Hanover Fist]

I have an idea, they can be the Los Angeles Angels of Pasadena.

[Slickster]

It's baseball season...are we doing the AL West Mafia league again or what?

[Jericho]

Are you for real? wtf is this noise

[Slickster]

I almost won last year. I need to claim what's rightfully mine!

[CrazyCarl]

Finishing 19.5 points behind 1st is pretty far away from almost winning

[jemeske]

I almost won too.

[jemeske]

OMGodzz. Nomar is the missing piece!
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3949116

I honestly do like the A's team this year. Offense should at least be more enjoyable to watch than at any point in the last seven years at least. Reminds me a lot of the team that won the division in like 99ish with Kenny Rogers just before the big three burst into the league. If they can get decent pitching (big if with so many young, oft injured arms) they have a decent shot at the Angelos.

[jemeske]

Oft injured, for example. Le Duke: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring2009/news/story?id=3948782

Mark Mulder, anyone?

[Lone Wolf]

OMGodzz. Nomar is the missing piece!
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3949116

I honestly do like the A's team this year. Offense should at least be more enjoyable to watch than at any point in the last seven years at least. Reminds me a lot of the team that won the division in like 99ish with Kenny Rogers just before the big three burst into the league. If they can get decent pitching (big if with so many young, oft injured arms) they have a decent shot at the Angelos.

I assume this was on the cheap. Is he platooning with Giambi?

[jemeske]

He'll spell at both 3rd and 1st. Who knows about Chavez. He says he's good, but he hasn't been 100% in years. Obviously this forces out Jack Hannahan, who I assume will be waived and/or perhaps reassigned to AAA due to 40 man roster needs. It also probably means Daric Barton gets less time as well, though I'm not exactly sure how he would have fit in even without Nomar.

The deal is like $1.5-2 million.

[Lone Wolf]

The deal is like $1.5-2 million.

That's too much. He won't earn that money back, maybe in fan intrest early on.

[Genius]

Who would score more runs in a year, the current composition of the Oakland A's, or nine Jack Custs?

[Da Raider]

Angels need a bat.

I miss Orlando Cabrera.

Angels will still win the division.

Why am I writing like this?

[jemeske]

I'll take the current A's lineup.

And I'm not impressed by the Angels lineup. It'd also be nice if the injury bug hit their staff this year.

[Lone Wolf]

Duchscherer is already hurt

[Da Raider]

I'll take the current A's lineup.

And I'm not impressed by the Angels lineup.

you said the exact same thing last year. And the year before that.

[jemeske]

The A's lineup hasn't been this good in a long time. It's the pitching now that is suspect. A lot of potential, not a lot of proven results.

The Angels lineup is mediocre. Their amazing pitching has won a ton of games for them in recent years. Maybe without K-Rod their bullpen will show some weakness, though it still should be solid.

[Draven X 23]

This one comes as no surprise. Shortstop Bobby Crosby told reporters Tuesday, including MLB.com's Mychael Urban (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090303&content_id=3913072&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnerId=rss_mlb), that he doesn't want to be a backup.

The A's recently signed (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/03/as-sign-orlando.html) Orlando Cabrera, pushing Crosby from his five-year reign as the starting shortstop in Oakland. "I love playing here, but obviously they're going in a different direction, so I think it's best for everyone that I do the same thing," Crosby explained. "I'd like the opportunity to play shortstop somewhere else."

Crosby, 29, is entering the final year of his contract and was probably going to be trade bait this season anyway. The A's, however, might have to eat some of the $5.5MM remaining on his deal to swing a trade in this market.

[Lone Wolf]

How can you consider yourself a starter when you can't stay on the field all year.

[ADD]

How can you consider yourself a starter when it's not your choice?

[Stax]

you said the exact same thing last year. And the year before that.

And before that 2000-2006 they were really good, even better given their funds.

[jemeske]

Are you talking about the A's or Angels, Stax?

As for Crosby:
He basically played all last season, he just sucked really, really bad. The A's will try to move him, but any deal will basically include paying much of his salary and getting little in return. Too bad Isaiah Thomas doesn't run a baseball team.

[jemeske]

http://forum.gorillamask.net/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif AL West Suburban... (http://forum.gorillamask.net/showthread.php?p=442907#post442907) 03-03-2009 05:09 PM Baby Jesus (http://forum.gorillamask.net/member.php?u=761) you should make an awesome PS pic for the AL West Mafia!!!I have a delicious idea for this that will make you vomit and shit your pants at the same time. Hopefully I'll have it for opening day.

[Da Raider]

I have a delicious idea for this that will make you vomit and shit your pants at the same time. Hopefully I'll have it for opening day.

can I vomit my pants and shit out my mouth? If so, I'm sold!

[Stax]

Are you talking about the A's or Angels, Stax?

As for Crosby:
He basically played all last season, he just sucked really, really bad. The A's will try to move him, but any deal will basically include paying much of his salary and getting little in return. Too bad Isaiah Thomas doesn't run a baseball team.

The As

[Da Raider]

i don't understand why the A's get so much love on this board and the Raiders, who play in the same stadium and have a similiar (albeit toned down) fan base, get so much hate.

Both teams sit near the bottom in revenue and lack of a good stadium deal. Both are in the "lovely" city of Oakland. I just never understood the night/day difference here on GMF. Other than the simple fact that there's plenty of Raider "haters".

[ADD]

Al Davis is scum?

[jemeske]

Well, the Raiders did ruin the coliseum.

Also, I'm from the Midwest, so my A's fanitude has nothing to do with geography.

In general though, I think the internet likes Billy Beane.

[Lone Wolf]

i don't understand why the A's get so much love on this board and the Raiders, who play in the same stadium and have a similiar (albeit toned down) fan base, get so much hate.

Both teams sit near the bottom in revenue and lack of a good stadium deal. Both are in the "lovely" city of Oakland. I just never understood the night/day difference here on GMF. Other than the simple fact that there's plenty of Raider "haters".

I like the Raiders better than the A's. I want the Raiders to do well, I want to see Al Davis and his crazy ways succeed just to cackle at us. The Raiders would probably be one of the coolest teams to say you own. America needs a good Raiders team.

The A's are just a scrappy, cheap team that has always been a pain in the ass. If the A's moved or vanished I'd be fine with it.

[Jericho]

Also, I'm from the Midwest Alaska, so my A's fanitude has nothing to do with geography.

[jemeske]

Giambi will have a good year. That is all.

[jemeske]

A's about to extend Geren: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4005318
I'm pretty sure Ken Macha was my waiter last night...

Now if only the team could get a starting rotation.

[jemeske]

Looks like both Anderson and Cahill should start the season in the rotation. That does cost the team down the line in accelerating their fa/arbitration situation, but it does get me excited. Anderson especially has been very sharp thus far.

And don't worry, I'll keep talking to myself.

[jemeske]

Sad pony.

Duchscherer out at least a month
Associated Press

PHOENIX -- Justin Duchscherer (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4816) will have arthroscopic elbow surgery next week, likely causing the Oakland Athletics (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=oak)' two-time All-Star to miss at least the first month of the season. Manager Bob Geren announced the surgery on Friday, but he said the team has not yet determined when or where Duchscherer will have the operation. He also said the A's won't know how long Duchscherer will be out until after the surgery. Typically, a pitcher would miss at least six weeks with an arthroscopic procedure on his elbow. "Anytime you lose a guy it's disappointing, especially when the player is a possible No. 1 guy," Geren said. The 31-year-old Duchscherer had been bothered by a sore elbow almost the entire spring. Last week he had two encouraging bullpen sessions, but when he tried to pitch in a minor league game on Thursday, he had to leave in the first inning because of elbow pain. An All-Star in 2005 and 2008, Duchscherer was 10-8 with a 2.54 ERA. He missed the end of the season with a hip injury, his second stint on the disabled list of the year. Without Duchscherer, the A's are likely to give the ball to Dallas Braden (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28749) on opening night. The 25-year-old Braden was 5-4 with a 4.14 ERA last year.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=4022048&type=story

[jemeske]

Given how mediocre and/or young the A's staff figures to be, its nice that the Angels' staff doesn't look much better to start the season. Lacky, Santana, and Escobar will all start the season on the DL. The Angels are apparently looking to get Lackey back around the end of April/start of May, but who knows.

AL West baseball should be pretty ugly for a while. None of these clubs look like they can win 90 games at this point.

[The GWD]

The M's will beat the A's. It'll happen.

[jemeske]

They might even beat them twice this year.

[The GWD]

As long as they don't lose another hundred, I won't complain.

[Hanover Fist]

GMJ didn't show up for camp today because he was pissed about being cast as the 5th OF. I really can't see Scioscia letting him stick around much longer, he is not the type of manager to let a players bullshit interrupt the team. I see a Jose Guillen type action coming soon

[mongo]

gmj needs to cycle roids again. if he started now, he'd probably have a kickass 2012 season.

[Hanover Fist]

Although he appears to be in the lineup for tonights game....hmmm, I'm not sure what ESPN meant when they said he didn't show now. Unless he missed morning meetings or something.

[jemeske]

Haha. $10 million a year. I really wish that completely bat shit signing had cost the Angels more than it has.

[jemeske]

I'm not optimistic. From what I can tell, this all ends with a stadium in San Jose/Giants giving up their retarded territorial rights or in a move to a new area.
Committee to study stadium situation
Associated Press

NEW YORK -- Frustrated at the Oakland Athletics (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=oak)' inability to get a new ballpark, baseball commissioner Bud Selig has appointed a committee to analyze the team's hopes of obtaining a stadium in its current territory. Selig met Saturday with Oakland's management at spring training in Phoenix. His announcement Monday follows the team's decision Feb. 24 to scrap plans for a ballpark in Fremont. The team's lease at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum expires after the 2010 season and contains three one-year club options. "Lew Wolff and the Oakland ownership group and management have worked very hard to obtain a facility that will allow them to compete into the 21st century," Selig said. "To date they, like the two ownership groups in Oakland before them, have been unsuccessful in those efforts, despite having the significant support of their corporate partner Cisco. The time has come for a thorough analysis of why a stadium deal has not been reached. The A's cannot and will not continue indefinitely in their current situation." The committee will be chaired by Bob Starkey, a former Arthur Andersen accountant who has done extensive work for Selig and the Minnesota Twins (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=min). Corey Busch, a former San Francisco Giants (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sfo) executive vice president under Bob Lurie who helped negotiate Frank McCourt's acquisition of the Los Angeles Dodgers (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=lad), will also serve on the committee. They will be joined by Irwin Raij, a lawyer with Foley & Lardner LLP who worked on ballparks for the Washington Nationals (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=was) and Florida Marlins (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=fla), and baseball chief operating officer Bob DuPuy.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4028596

[Da Raider]

GMJ didn't show up for camp today because he was pissed about being cast as the 5th OF. I really can't see Scioscia letting him stick around much longer, he is not the type of manager to let a players bullshit interrupt the team. I see a Jose Guillen type action coming soon

Shit. Get over it, GMJ. It's a long season. Damnit.

[jemeske]

But he'll still suck. At least guys like Guillen or Milton Bradley have talent when they throw their tantrums.

[Da Raider]

But he'll still suck. At least guys like Guillen or Milton Bradley have talent when they throw their tantrums.

Atleast the Angels have an owner who spends $. Unlike other teams in the AL West.

*looks directly at Jemeske*

cough-A's-cough

[jemeske]

Yeah, but if you're going to give guys like GMJ 10 mil per, it all equals out.

[mongo]

good point raider, the mariners spend no money.

[Da Raider]

Yeah, but if you're going to give guys like GMJ 10 mil per, it all equals out.

he was well worth it. He's been hitting .247 since he's been on the Angels. Plus he has 26 HR's in two seasons with the team, so he's got major power.

SHEEEEEEET.

[ADD]

Atleast the Angels have an owner who spends $. Unlike other teams in the AL West.

*looks directly at Jemeske*

cough-A's-cough

Spending money just to do so sucks, though. Ask the Mets.

[mongo]

or the cubs.

[ADD]

Yeah, they've spent so much stupid money lately...

[Hanover Fist]

GMJ was a stupid signing no doubt. I initially had my doubts about the Hunter acquisition too, but that actually looks like a great move. I really like having Torii on the team. It will be interesting how the Fuentes deal turns out, but at least they have a somewhat good option if that should fail.
If Morales and Kendrick can stay healthy the whole year and Wood shows that he even has half the talent everyone thought he had, the Angels could have a very potent offense this year. Of course those are some big IFS.

[jemeske]

I just don't see how it could be much better than last season. Abreu was the only big addition, but I don't think he makes up for what was lost in the form of Tex leaving, Anderson leaving, Vlad aging two years over the offseason, etc. Unless the younger/injury prone guys make a big leap/are suddenly healthy, the offense has to be toward the bottom again.

[Stax]

Torii was an INSANE signing for that much money. He's nice, but not THAT nice.

[Da Raider]

might i remind you all that the AL West is pathetic, so the Angels, despite all of their injuries, holes in the lineup, etc. should win it anyway.

[jemeske]

Yeah, they're the favorites, but I don't think the difference is all that much. They have a shitty rotation for at least a month and lineup that was hardly better than the A's (worst lineup in the history of the universe infinity) last year. Weren't the Angels waaay over expected win/loss last season as well?

Edit: Yeah, +11 wins.

[Da Raider]

Yeah, they're the favorites, but I don't think the difference is all that much. They have a shitty rotation for at least a month and lineup that was hardly better than the A's (worst lineup in the history of the universe infinity) last year. Weren't the Angels waaay over expected win/loss last season as well?

Edit: Yeah, +11 wins.

I swear we have this same discussion every pre-season. Every year you say that this is the year the A's win the division (some times jokingly) and every year I say that the Angels will win it. It will be ugly, but the Angels will still win it.

Never underestimate the heart of a champion!

[jemeske]

Do you think this Angels team is better than last season? No way. They'll be without three of their best starters for a month or perhaps more. The offense can't be much better (most likely worse) and was already in the bottom half in the AL.

The Pythagorean numbers say the Angels should have been 89-73 last year, instead they had the best record in baseball. And while there is typically a little leeway to these numbers, an 11 game differential is pretty unusual. So if the team is slightly worse this season and gets a little luck going the other way, they're not much better than a .500 team.

The A's upgraded their offense. I don't think they'll be among the top of the league, but they won't be so far behind everyone like they were last year. The rotation should be worse (not by too much), but I think they have a solid pen that can hopefully keep them in games. Add it all up and the Angels aren't exactly a foregone conclusion.

Also, this title decides who owns the AL West this decade. 4-4, with both also claiming a wild card berth.

Edit: Besides, my initial point was that the Angels offense sucks, which I don't really think is debatable.

[jemeske]

Jemeske Notes
It's always nice to see your opening day starter (Braden) get skanked in his final ST start. Also, the A's rotation for the Angels series will be:
1 Dallas Braden
2 Trevor Cahill
3. Dana Eveland
4 Brett Anderson

The 5th spot is up for grabs between Josh Outman and Sean Gallagher. Outman had a solid start yesterday, while Gallagher has been crap of late (Outman hadn't been much better). I assume the loser is a lock for long relief.

Duchscherererer had elbow surgery yesterday and removed a bone spur. COULD be back in about six weeks. But might it be as a reliever? I'm guessing no, because he wants to start and they really need a solid starter. Of course, relief work may reduce his injury risk. Link (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/athletics/detail?&entry_id=37799)

Closer Joey Devine is going on the DL. That means Zeigler gets the closer's job to himself. I was never sold on Zeigler, so we'll see what happens there. Devine is likely to miss three weeks. Link (http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090331&content_id=4095856&vkey=news_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak)

On the plus side, it looks like both Chavez and Ellis are ready to start the season (which was never a sure thing this spring).

Another plus, Vlad may start the season on the DL with some kind of back problem. I guess that happens when you age two years in one offseason. Link (http://oprah.com)

[ADD]

Quick, call the Reds, they're shopping both Harang and Arroyo and talked to the Angels about them today

[jemeske]

Beane already unloaded Harang once, I'm not thinking he'll want him back. Plus, he's said this offseason he doesn't want to bring in a veteran starter.

"We've stayed away from signing the veteran starters because we have young guys that we want to be here at some point and I've never thought in our marketplace that that was an efficient use of your money."

I guess that sort of makes sense, because they don't want to block the young guys and pitchers are usually too expensive. But if you can get a guy for relatively cheap for a year or two it could make sense. Beane wouldn't trade for one though. And he wouldn't do it just as a stop gap/win now move that hurts them down the road. Of course, all this runs contra to the notion of trading for Matt Holliday. I don't really get that move.

[ADD]

Lightning in a bottle for one season?

[jemeske]

I guess, but they gave up some pretty decent players/potential for a pretty iffy shot at contending this year.

[Stax]

Again, on the Holliday trade he unloaded Greg Smith (a meh prospect), Street who they soon couldn't afford, and CarGo (the one truly sexy piece) for Holliday. Either they compete and keep him and get compensatory picks or they trade him at the deadline (and he's far more valuable deadline bait than CarGo, Smith, OR Street).

[jemeske]

So if he's traded or they get picks, you think they get a better package than what they gave up? (I'm assuming Street would have been traded elsewhere at some point.) Maybe, but I don't think its guaranteed. Especially since he'd only be a rental for any trade partner.

Of course, maybe they will catch that lightning.

[Stax]

Street is basically nothing because if they weren't going to compete this year he was effectively gone. Smith was an ok young arm. Meaning they basically traded CarGo for a year of Holliday almost straight up. Sounds decent to me, either compete w/ Holliday and get picks or trade him for a multitude of prospects of your choice.

[jemeske]

I should add that I didn't oppose the trade, I just think it would have made more sense next season rather than for this one.

Edit: Street did have value, it just wasn't with the A's. He was going to get traded no matter what.

[jemeske]

Ich. Ulc. Ouch.

[Stax]

Amazingly I guessed what you meant correctly before I checked the story.

[jemeske]

How much grit does he have?
PECOTA actually projected Figgins to have a down year grit wise, which isn't surprising if you look at his grit peripherals from last season (% of uniform covered with dirt/games played, unicorns/leprechauns, and EPS+).

[Da Raider]

this title decides who owns the AL West this decade. 4-4, with both also claiming a wild card berth.


well, if we are going by this decade, the Angels lead in the most important category of all. World Series titles. 1-0.

Although the 2nd most important stat would have to be, amount of years NOT owned by a souless multi-media company named Disney. A's dominate that category.

[jemeske]

BP projects the A's to win the West with the Angels 81-81.

http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/news/story?id=4038948
American League West projected standings
West W-L RS RA AVG OBP SLG
Athletics 84-78 781 755 .252 .332 .406
Angels 81-81 777 777 .264 .326 .410
Mariners 77-85 719 753 .260 .318 .399
Rangers 70-92 795 909 .261 .327 .430

If there's a potential surprise anywhere in BP's PECOTA-projected standings for the AL, it might be found in our expectations of the West. Although the Los Angeles Angels (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=laa) won a franchise-record 100 games last season, that was in no small part because of their outperforming their expected finish by an all-time record 13 games. Operate from that starting point, delete Mark Teixeira (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4937) and anticipate a good amount of lost ground from the pitching staff -- especially Joe Saunders (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6383), but also from a bullpen that helped the Halos finish an MLB-best 31-21 in one-run games -- and you've got a .500 ballclub.

That lets the Oakland A's nose every so slightly ahead with a much-improved offense, but questions in their rotation as well as ongoing concerns over how healthy injury-prone infielders Eric Chavez (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3953), Mark Ellis (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5086) and Jason Giambi (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3226) will be make for a top two teams whose bids are fragile enough that the Mariners could easily sneak into the picture should they get out to a good start. Fail that, though, and it's not hard to see new GM Jack Zduriencik start breaking down his team for parts to get something for free agents-to-be like Erik Bedard (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5099) and Adrian Beltre (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3878).

[Da Raider]

so you are using last season's projected standings, which were proven entirely incorrect, as basis for this year's projected standings that the Angels will not win the division? Also, mentioning that their 31-21 record in one run games should be counted against them. It shows that they can win a tight game. Also, that's a misleading stat. Frankie is gone and to be honest, I won't miss him. Everyone knows his record for most saves was overblown. He made every appearance difficult. I have never seen a "great" closer come in with a lead, get the first two guys out and still manage to get to a full count with bases loaded. Arrondo, Shields and Fuentes should do just fine.

[Hanover Fist]

A healthy infield for the whole year might help a lot. The Angels infield was a patchwork at best last year for a majority of the year. I have a feeling the offensive output of Kendrick/Aybar/Morales will be better than and infield of Kotchman/Rodriguez/Izturis.

[The Dude]

The burbs? *sniff sniff* smells funny in here.

[jemeske]

so you are using last season's projected standings, which were proven entirely incorrect, as basis for this year's projected standings that the Angels will not win the division? Also, mentioning that their 31-21 record in one run games should be counted against them. It shows that they can win a tight game. Also, that's a misleading stat. Frankie is gone and to be honest, I won't miss him. Everyone knows his record for most saves was overblown. He made every appearance difficult. I have never seen a "great" closer come in with a lead, get the first two guys out and still manage to get to a full count with bases loaded. Arrondo, Shields and Fuentes should do just fine.
The point is that last year's team way overperformed based on measures that are historically fairly accurate. So if we assume they were more like an 88/89 win team last year and they got worse offensively and are without their three best pitchers for a month at least, then we can expect results that are fairly close to what they project. Also, PECOTA has proven to be pretty sweet ts as far as projections.

[jemeske]

Whoops, forgot the ball. Good to see the defense still sucks.

Edit: And fuck. Ellis!

[jemeske]

Well, crap.

[Jericho]

Yeah, Braden didn't exactly instill fear into the hearts of man...and fuck Ellis trying to steal third and getting thrown out by a year

[jemeske]

I actually thought OCab getting caught off second was worse, but both were kinda stupid plays.

As for Braden, I figure this is about what we can expect all year. He has no stuff whatsoever, and he wasn't getting the outside strike tonight so he was in trouble constantly. Bullpen looked good at least. Offense still sucks.

[Da Raider]

3-0. Nice. A's suck.

[jemeske]

No Matt Holliday? Sad pony.

[Stax]

Yay, jemeske's wearing my av.

[jemeske]

Well, of the 37 people that finished ahead of me, you're the only one to give me an av so far.

[jemeske]

A hit with a guy on base? Say it ain't so!

[Da Raider]

I think the 10 men left on base have something to do with the fact that the game is tied.

[jemeske]

Yeah, I think Vlad's lack of wheels has cost the Angels two runs.

[Da Raider]

Yeah, I think Vlad's lack of wheels has cost the Angels two runs.

*whispers* Vlad is actually 48

[jemeske]

Cahill could have been better, but the ump certainly gave him no help. Still, its nice to score runs.

Most importantly, A's win.




And Angels suck.

[Da Raider]

yo momma!

[jemeske]

What an ab for Vlad there. Like 13 pitches, maybe 10 fouls.

[jemeske]

Sweeney!

Edit: He's been hot all spring. I hope this continues. The A's haven't had a good leadoff guy since... Ricky?

Double: And he steals second. I'm developing a crush.

Thirdsies: And a reverse crush for OCab.

[jemeske]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[jemeske]

MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[jemeske]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!

[jemeske]

Goddammit, Jericho. Get in here.

[Jericho]

I'm here, but RW/RR is on now too!!!! I'm torn

[jemeske]

Multi task. Plus, the best part of the show is all in the first 20 mins.

[Da Raider]

solid bullpen tonight for the Angels. Fuckos.

[Da Raider]

I'm going back to the NBA thread.

[Jericho]

Multi task. Plus, the best part of the show is all in the first 20 mins.
I'm in the first 20 minutes.....GAHHHHH CT needs thrapy

[jemeske]

I love how they try to hold him back and then ultimately decide to let him go and see if he actually will kill Adam. Solid work, guys. Just wait til the after show.

Also, WWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

[Jericho]

CT always makes or great premeires. I think Adam getting botted was bogus though. Kid was fighting for his life

[jemeske]

I thought he was going to lose an eye. Pirate Adam would have been priceless.

[bones12]

The Angels starting pitcher last night, Nick Adenhart, who I think was a big prospect for them died in a car accident after the game. Freaking sad and crazy.

TMZ.com reports that 22-year-old Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in a car accident hours after his start Wednesday night against the A's.
A local news station, NBC25, has confirmed the report. According to TMZ: "Cops say someone driving a minivan blew through a red light, causing the Mitsubishi that Adenhart was riding in to hit a light pole. Three people were killed in the crash, including Nick." The van driver reportedly fled the scene before eventually being apprehended, and has been charged with felony hit-and-run. The identities of the other victims have not been revealed, but TMZ reports that "one of the other men killed in the crash was also affiliated with the Angels organization."

[Draven X 23]

Holy Shit. I was just watching the game before I went to bed.

[BiōHazard]

Wow. Fuck minivans.

[jemeske]

Shit. RIP.

[Snatch]

I know a guy that played with him in HS. Know a few acquaintances/sorta friends of his too.

Fucking horrible.

[jemeske]

And they should totally cancel/postpone/whatever the game tonight. ESPN made it sound like that wasn't a sure thing. How do you play baseball 12 hours after one of your friends/teammates dies?

[Alcestis]

RIP Nick Adenhart!

http://nbcsportsmedia1.msnbc.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/090409-adenhart-hmed-8a.hmedium.jpg

[Da Raider]

fuck. I heard about the wreck on the traffic report this morning. I had no idea it was an Angel player. It took place about ten minutes from my place.

[jemeske]

I'm am very excited about Brett Anderson. First inning runs. The A's taking advantage of a scoring opportunity? What is going on here?

[jemeske]

Well then. Inning two, not so hot.

[jemeske]

Anderson actually looked pretty solid tonight despite the 5 runs. 2nd inning was more bad luck that bad pitching. And the A's left half of the Oakland population on base tonight. Probably should have came out with the dub.

[jemeske]

Eight Ks for the King through four.

[jemeske]

Hard to swallow a sweep at the hands of the Mariners, especially when the sweep could have gone the other way with a few different bounces.

[Da Raider]

I watched the Friday night game against the Red Sox. An emotional rememberance for Nick. And the Angels took 2 out of 3. Fuck Boston! RIP Nick!

[mongo]

since when to the mariners win ballgames? the fuck.

[Hanover Fist]

This is why the Angels cannot afford to trade Figgins and they can't afford to not play him everyday. I think it could be debated that he might be the MVP on the Angels, he just seems to make everything go on the team.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090413&content_id=4251418&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana


Tonights game against the Mariners was scheduled to be Adenharts next start, so Loux will get the ball for the Angels. He last started for the Tigers in 2003. I wasn't too impressed with him in spring training, but hopefully he can be a stop gap for a few weeks until we get our top 3 guys back.

[jemeske]

So, Bobby Crosby has played 1.5 games at third and has two errors. At least he's batting zero on the year.

Small sample be damned.

[jemeske]

Solid work there from Geren leaving Eveland in so he could giving up the tying runs when he's been mediocre all night.

[jemeske]

I guess its nice that I feel like the A's could have easily won 11 of their 12 games with a few breaks going the other way. It just sucks that in reality they only won 5 of them.

[jemeske]

The Yankees are afraid.

[Hanover Fist]

As bad as its been for the Angels so far this season, at least none of the other AL West teams feel like winning either so the hole we are digging doesn't seem to be getting terribly deep at this point. Wood will have to be brought up soon, he is absolutely destroying AAA so far.

[jemeske]

Yeah, the A's pitching has been way better than I expected (even though the starters are like 1-5), but the hitting has been just as mediocre as in years past.

[jemeske]

This team is literally killing me.

[Hanover Fist]

How do you think I feel?

Oliver just got sent to the 15 day DL, Escobar got moved from the 15 day DL to the 60 day DL, and Shields hasn't gotten anyone out yet this year and he's giving away runs like they were candy to trick-or-treaters.

[jemeske]

How do you think I feel?
Like an A's fan over the past five years?

[mongo]

lulz at the angels bullpen imploding.

again.

[jemeske]

Gotta love the old come in for one batter and walk in a run line.

And fuck. We jinxed it.

[mongo]

i don't have the slightest clue who the angels' color commentator is, but fuck

obviously these players understand that the more runs they score the closer they'll get to a w.

i hate that shit.

[jemeske]

How many players can the A's send to the DL after this game? Over/under is now at nine.

[Jericho]

Well, we scored all over the Rays this weekend. I was happy to know that run production is possible

[jemeske]

Well, given that everyone on the team has vastly underachieved, even by A's standards, I should think they will score a little more going forward. I mean, the team has seven home runs. Seven!

[jemeske]

Aaaaaand this inning is one giant clusterfuck.

[jemeske]

Hone rone!

[jemeske]

What a fucking waste of a game. Absolute fucking waste. ASJKLDFJKLAIWJLOWHIASHKLAJKLSSJKLAD AJILSAJILSJILWEWJILE

[Jericho]

A waste of a game is the M's throwing a two hitter loss

[jemeske]

Yes, but Mongo is a Mariners fan.

[Jericho]

I didn't say it wasn't funny

[Hanover Fist]

Awesome, just found out that the Angels have a player named Pilljoon Jang in their minor league system and that his nickname is "poontang". That would clearly be the most awesome nickname of all baseball time if he ever made it to the big leagues.

[jemeske]

If he grew a Rollie Fingers stache he would go straight to the HoF. Unfortunately, he probably has the standard Asian/13 year old boy style facial hair. (I'm taking a leap of faith that a name like Pilljoon Jang means he's Asian.)

[jemeske]

Sweet tits catch to save the game from Ryan Sweeney today denying a three run homer that would have put Texas up 4-3.

I love how completely average this division is. Run differentials range from +9 to -8, easily the closest in MLB.

edit: Check the Sweeney catch here (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=oak).

[Jericho]

Holliday homers, finally!

[jemeske]

Yeah, he's pretty much blown thus far.

Also Ellis and Garciaparra head to the DL. A's call up Paterson, who's been hitting very nicely in AAA and reliever Kevin Cameron, who I know nothing about. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/04/29/sports/s160430D48.DTL

Add to that the fact that Chavez has played 3 of 13 games and the team has no regular first baseman. Soooo, barf.

I also read that if you tickle an Oakland player for more than three seconds, he will end up on the DL for no less than one month.

[Hanover Fist]

I just can't believe the Angels pen took another loss last night. They have 7 of our 12 losses so far this year. Our bullpen ERA is mind boggling at this point. The one part of the team I thought going into the season I wouldn't have to worry about is playing like complete crap.


That was also kind of funny what Boston did in the game last night putting Lopez in RF and bringing Van Every in to pitch.

[mongo]

jose lopez pwns oakland like a bitch. 15 fucking pitches and then you give up a base hit? lulz.

[jemeske]

I hate you.

[mongo]

seriously though, lopez was up 2-0 in that count. the next 13 fucking pitches were fouled off. then you throw an 89 mph fastball kneehigh down the middle? yeah.

[mongo]

as a manager, i wouldn't have a ton of patience for that when you have a strike to give.

[jemeske]

God damn it.

[jemeske]

Still pissed. This game was like the season up to this point. Close, but no cigar.

[Da Raider]

so you are using last season's projected standings, which were proven entirely incorrect, as basis for this year's projected standings that the Angels will not win the division? Also, mentioning that their 31-21 record in one run games should be counted against them. It shows that they can win a tight game. Also, that's a misleading stat. Frankie is gone and to be honest, I won't miss him. Everyone knows his record for most saves was overblown. He made every appearance difficult. I have never seen a "great" closer come in with a lead, get the first two guys out and still manage to get to a full count with bases loaded. Arrondo, Shields and Fuentes should do just fine.

good to see that my prediction about the closers is holding up.

fuck.

[Hanover Fist]

good to see that my prediction about the closers is holding up.

fuck.

It's crazy land in Anaheim. We have the worst bullpen and one of the top offenses in the AL right now. Our offense must be averaging like 7-8 runs a game over the last 20, unfortunately that's about the same number as our bullpen ERA.

Craziest fact about the Angels I have seen so far. Mike Napoli has the most HR/AB for any catcher in baseball history with at least 50 HR's.

[jemeske]

It probably won't, but I really hope retardedly aggressive base running costs the Angels in this game.

And we're into the bullpen now. Time to score some runs!

[Hanover Fist]

Reports are today that Lackey and Santana will be back within 2 weeks and Escobar is close to starting a rehab assignment. Oliver came off the DL yesterday to rejoin the club.
The fact that we are starting to get healthy again and are only 3 games back at this point is pretty awesome.
The offense has been unbelievable so far, it seems that getting Abreu might have been one of the best moves the club has made in a while. (although the Torii signing has been at least as good as expected, probably more)
Napoli is finally getting a lot of AB's and showing he can be an everyday player.

The only disappointments so far have been the Pen, if they had even performed at anywhere near expectations this club might have a 5 game lead in the West right now even with all the injuries to the starters.

[Stax]

The Torii signing was laughably bad for that money.

[Hanover Fist]

The Torii signing was laughably bad for that money.

Says the guy who roots for the team that consistently pays way more money than players are worth.
As long as Torii keeps producing like he has I don't really give a fuck what Arte Moreno is paying him. It's shlubs like GMJ that don't do jack shit 99% of the time that piss me off, no matter what they get paid.
I have not once thought to myself," Fuck me Torii Hunter sucks, I wish we had never signed him", like I have with other players.
That aside, I still think signing Abreu was awesome, you can already tell he is having an effect on players AB's on the Angels. The Angels seem much more patient than they have in the past and several players have credited Abreu with helping them. Napoli being a prime example as well as Rivera.

[Patsfan]

Boobs.

[Jericho]

I am honored by your presence, Godfather

[Jericho]

And with that, he was gone

[ADD]

Whoa

[mongo]

Boobs.

Best post of 2009 so far.

[ADD]

If not ever

[Hanover Fist]

Nice bullpen action again there Angels. What does that make now? 10 bullpen losses?
Way to blow Weavers gem in the space of about 20 pitches. You have to love the fact that Angels have the best starters ERA in the AL and their bullpen has the worst bullpen ERA in the AL. How often does that actually happen?
It is turning out exactly the opposite of conventional thinking going into the season. Our starters were gonna be a mess for a few months and our pen was going to keep us afloat til we got healthy....pshaw. I expect major changes in the staff this week as Santana and Lackey come back and Thompson replaces someone in the pen. I think Moseley is back within a week or so as well.

[Stax]

Says the guy who roots for the team that consistently pays way more money than players are worth.

And your point is? Torii Hunter's production is nowhere close to worth what he's paid.

[Hanover Fist]

And your point is? Torii Hunter's production is nowhere close to worth what he's paid.

As long as he is producing I don't care. It's when you pay gajillions of dollars to a guy and he barely helps you at all. Torii has been the best offensive player on the Angels this year, so to me he is worth the money.

[Patsfan]

The Mariners suck again... it was weird there for a little bit, but this feels much more normal and better.

[Jericho]

Thaddeus,you are confusing me with your random presence

[mongo]

fucking cocktease.

[jemeske]

Post when I'm around, buttface!

http://i42.tinypic.com/oucklu.jpg

[Sex Cannon]

I thought randomly posting and then returning to my fortress of solitude would be sweet. Then I see it's been done. Fuck you patsfan7820, fuck you.

I saw a Rangers White Sox game a couple Saturday's ago in Arlington. The Cowboys practice facility collapsing as I left my hotel was an interesting metaphor for Jose Contreras's career.

Also Texas is gay.

[jemeske]

Now all we need is Lance Romance! Get it done.

[jemeske]

Four errors through 2 and 1/3 is pretty fucking awesome. No doubt helping our rookie pitcher too. One for each infielder so far.

[CrazyCarl]

7 runs on 4 hits!

[jemeske]

Runner in scoring position no outs. How will the A's prevent him from scoring?!

I'm guessing two strikeouts. And then they just concede the third out.

[Da Raider]

Thanks for sucking cock Big Papi. The Angels couldn't have won without you!

[Le Goat]

rangers are 21-14? the fuck universe am I in?!?!!

[Da Raider]

rangers are 21-14? the fuck universe am I in?!?!!

alternate Star Trek universe.

[Le Goat]

Explains why it's so much better

[Hanover Fist]

2 pitches into his first start of the season Lackey gets ejected LOL.

[Da Raider]

2 pitches into his first start of the season Lackey gets ejected LOL.

did he throw some chin music?

[Hanover Fist]

did he throw some chin music?

He threw the first pitch behind Kinsler and the second one into his ribcage. Big John don't take no mess.

[Penguin Rick]

Wow, Lackey either needs another DL-stint or is a dumbfuck.

[jemeske]

Lackey's always been a dick like that.

[ADD]

A lot of people like throw at Kinsler. Is it a hate crime if they connect?

[Stax]

A lot of people like throw at Kinsler. Is it a hate crime if they connect?

Isn't Kinsler white?

[jemeske]

Yes, but he's also gay.

[Stax]

Kinsler's right there in the MVP-group as far as I'm concerned so far, and was last year as well, gay or not.

[ADD]

Isn't Kinsler white?

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, he's a Jew, don't tell anyone.

[jemeske]

How does Matt Holliday go 4-4 plus a walk and get no RBIs today when the guys in front of him got on base eight times?

I also love that the A's are going to lose what is probably their best offensive game this year.

[jemeske]

This is just getting ugly.

[mongo]

I was at the m's/ halos game tonight. Lackey looked good. He got fucked on one error and two bad pitches to branyon.

[Hanover Fist]

I was at the m's/ halos game tonight. Lackey looked good. He got fucked on one error and two bad pitches to branyon.

The turning point in the game was that no strike call on Rivera's check swing with 2 outs. Watching the video he sure looked like he went around, Washburn had a valid bitch. That would have gotten out of the inning but instead the Angels went on and scored 5 after that.

Even though the Angels got swept in Texas at least their offense is still clicking, I believe they even outhit Texas for the series. I think it was just a combination of shaky relief pitching and an incredibly hot Texas team.

So far Morales has been good enough that the Angels probably don't regret losing Teixeira. It will be interesting to compare their numbers at the AS break and at the end of the season.

[Penguin Rick]

So Eric Chavez's career is most likely soon to be over. Very sad, this guy looked so promising a few years ago.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2009/05/19/SPTP17MKKV.DTL

[ADD]

I've always liked Chavy. That sucks.

[Jericho]

True that. Chavvy was always one of my favorites

[ADD]

Can Bobby Crosby play 3rd? lulz

[Le Goat]

Go figure once I leave Texas the fucking Rangers pick it up and go on a tear. I went to their April 22nd game, which was like their 5th or 6th loss in a row.


I can't watch them now :(

[mongo]

you've always got those winning cubs!

[Le Goat]

you've always got those winning cubs!

Fuck the Cubs


yeah I said it.

[ADD]

Fuck you

[jemeske]

Can Bobby Crosby play 3rd? lulz
He has for much of this season.

It's hard to call Chavez one of my favorites. He COULD have been, but isn't. Some of that isn't his fault (never was going to be a superstar, injuries) but some of it was (zero fire, zero). His defense was tits though.

And at least the A's have prepared for this situation (since Chavez hasn't been healthy for a number of years now) by stocking the farm system with no real 3B prospects at the top levels. Hurray!

[ADD]

Jack Hanahan doesn't induce bonerz?

[jemeske]

This team is finding new ways every day to punch me in the stomach.

[mongo]

Went to the m's game. Bedard gave up 2 hits in 5 innings, too bad they both left the park.