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Wow! I just realized I haven’t updated my Gripes since last year. Having just reread them, I got a least two of my wishes. Stoneman is gone and we signed Torii Hunter. But, we still lack the big bat and the offense has been anemic again. Having said that, the team is 14 games over 500 with a 5 game lead with 66 games into the season. Normally this would make me very happy, but I’m not so, let’s start with my gripes.
GRIPES

losing

First, why can’t they win when I am at the ballpark?

I have only seen two regular season wins this year after going to about 10 games. They even lost when I went to spring training in Tempe. I had to watch a 13 – 4 loss to Tampa Bay on Monday night, with some of the worst managing I have seen. After scoring the go ahead run on Torii Hunter’s 2 run homer in the bottom of the 4th and getting the next two guys on with no outs, instead of a bunt to get guys in scoring position, Scioscia elects to let Quinlan hit away. He promptly grounds into a double play and the next guy pops up to end the inning. Then in the top of the 5th with 2 outs and one on, he leaves Sanders in way too long and they pound him for 5 runs and blow the game open. At least they won the next game; I was worried that they couldn’t beat the Rays. The Lakers won as well, so that was a good night.

outfield
wood

What happened to our supposed strong outfield?

Guerrero .268, Anderson .259, Hunter .268, Matthews .249, Willits .188, Rivera .170 How can all of these guy suck so bad at the same time? And what is the plan for Willits and Rivera? They could have packaged one or two of these guys in a trade, based on last years numbers. At least for Willits and Rivera’s life time .287 average and maybe have gotten a decent power hitter who could play 3rd. Instead these guys are in the minors or sitting on the bench and now you probably can’t get anything.

 willits

As far as Willits goes, as much as I like his hustle and attitude, I question his approach at the plate.

He needs to be more aggressive. The whole league knows he will take the first pitch and he looks to draw a walk more than get a hit. So, he is always in the hole and then forced to swing at any close pitch. It is no mystery why he is only batting .188. His on base percentage .304 is higher than his slugging percentage .250 this year. Last year he hit .293 with a slugging % of .344 and an on base % of .391 still drawing more walks, but also getting more hits. He needs to change his approach, but I think he believes that Mike likes walks as much as hits so he’s doing what he thinks he needs to do to stay in the Bigs. I don’t know what’s wrong with Rivera, I guess it is just lack of playing time, he can’t even get any DH time because you have 4 starting outfielders who demand playing time.

wood

After the past couple of years with so many middle infielders in the line up, we now have a shortage due to injuries.

Would you I believe that I am actually looking forward to having Figgins back at 3rd. Brandon Wood is a bust in the majors. I can’t believe that having him struggle as bad as he struggles is going to be good for him. Plus, he knows as soon as Figgins is back, he’s back in Salt Lake, so you know he is really pressing now. The Angels in general don’t seem to be able to gauge when and who is ready for the Majors. Look at Mathis last year, Woods this year, Dallas McPherson in 2004 to replace Troy Glaus, now that was a smart move. And what about leaving Bobby Jenks off the 40 man roster and losing him to the White Sox, how smart was that?

GOOD STUFF


Vlad_OC_Casey

Starting Pitching has been great!

Especially when you lose you two best pitchers before the season starts. Sanders 9 - 3 with a 3.32 ERA, Santana 8 - 2 3.01, did these guys ever step up. Garland 6 - 3 3.87 respectable, Lackey 2 -1 1.70 looks good since his return, Weaver has been spotty but looked good last night. Middle relief has been terrible but Frankie although he gives me heart failure has 26 saves in 27 chances and a 2.17 ERA All Star Stats. Shields has been solid and this kid Jose Arredondo has a .69 ERA and looks like the heir apparent if we lose Frankie to free agency.

Kotchman

Kotchman is solid at first defensively and hitting for power and average.

He is hitting .306, with 6 Dingers and 30 RBIs. He is our best non-pitching candidate for the All Star Game.
Kotchman

I liked Aybar before he got hurt.

He was spectacular on defense and showed some pop. He was hitting for average before he went into a little slump. I am really looking forward to his return.

And of course, Howie Kendrick.

If this guy can ever stay healthy for an entire season he should win a batting title. Howie was hitting .500 before his hamstring injur. He in a mild slump, but had two hits and an RBI last night, and his average is .333.


And finally, Chone Figgins.

He really surprised me with his defensive play at 3rd base. Plus, he was hitting over .300 with 24 walks and 19 runs scored in 33 games before his injury. Hopefully, his return, along with Kendrick finding his swing, will jump start this offense.


See you at the playoffs.

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