Closer by committee seems to be Mike Scioscia’s temporary solution the end of game blunders that previously affected the Angels. Last night Scioscia brought in Kevin Jepsen to face the right hander, Jason Bay, and he struck him out. He then brought in Brian Fuentes to finish out the game. In addition Scioscia brought in Reggie Willits at the end of the game and kept him at left for Juan Rivera. Maybe a message?

The reason I say temporary solution is because Kevin Jepsen, or Jose Arredondo if he get out of this mental funk, will be the closer of the future. As we saw last night Jepsen came in and struck out probably the Red Sox best hitter with some nasty pitches, including a 98 mph fastball. Brian Fuentes just seems like a very good set-up guy. Not necessarily a closer.

In the end the Angels won. They defended, they pitched, and most of all they played aggressive. This could have something to do with Torii Hunter’s Comment that the teamed choked and they were playing nervous. He sure is a great addition to this team, isn’t he?

I know all you Angels fans are hurting this morning, so let’s talk about it. The Angels blew another game to the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. I’m not sure if there is something in the air there, but this was disappointing to say the least. It’s not as if we are losing every game there, because last year we had a very good record at Fenway, but when it comes to the close games we can’t seem to finish. So what happened?

Blown Calls

Brian Fuentes loaded the bases in the ninth inning and the umpires blew it. The first call was the should have been check swing, and the second and most important was the ball called that was right down the heart of the plate. Whether it was low or not the batter should have been called out for not swinging at that pitch. There is no doubt about it, the umpires choked. So it was the umpires who lost the game right?

Closer Controversy

You can’t escape the fact that Brian Fuentes came in and loaded the bases. Now I don’t know about you, but when a save opportunity comes around I don’t really feel comfortable with Fuentes coming into the game. I like Fuentes and want him to succeed, but Kevin Jepsen will be the closer eventually. Maybe we should think about sooner rather than later. So Brian Fuentes lost the game right?

Lazy Rivera

The blooper hit into left field to end the game should have been caught. It was two feet away from him. DIVE! I hope we are not getting a glimpse of the new Garret Anderson in left field. Juan Rivera has been great offensively this year, but he can be lazy out there. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen him not turn his body to run back on a ball and try and catch it over his head. They call what he did Big League’n it. So it was Rivera who lost the game right?

Bottom Line

I’m not sure there is one specific person to blame for this loss. The fact is they shouldn’t have been in the situation we were in in the first place. The Angels had multiple chances to keep leads and take bigger leagues. This was a team effort and they better figure this Fenway curse out before October.

The Angels get set to embark upon the road trip of the year. The Angels are six games up so a little struggle wouldn’t kill us, but coming out at about .500 for the trip should sustain our division league. This is, however, easier said than done as we get set to face the Yankees, Red Sox, and Rangers. This week will be must see TV for Angels so be sure not to miss these matchups.

Things to look for:

Brian Fuentes: Scioscia just had a closed door talk with Brian about his mechanics, so look for a short leash in save situations.

Kendry Morales/Juan Rivera: Both have been sluggish lately, so we’ll see if they get back to their hot hitting ways.

Monday: @New York
Jered Weaver v. Joba Chamberlain

Tuesday: @Boston
John Lackey v. Diasuke Matsuzaka

Wednesday: @Boston
Joe Saunders v. (TBA)

Thursday: @Boston
Ervin Santana v. Josh Beckett

If you would also like to see your article on GoHalos.com please send it to GoHalosMail@gmail.com. Thank you.

Who would have thought at the beginning of this season that Kendry Morales would be the Angels MVP, and that Juan Rivera would be putting up numbers similar to those that Vlad has been putting up in years past. We all expected big things out of Bobby Abreu and he did not disappoint. And despite Torii Hunter’s injury that has sidelined him since the All-Star break; he is still considered one of the top candidates for the American League MVP. So if he’s being considered, why not the rest of these guys?
Many experts have Mark Teixeira at the top of their A.L. MVP list, but let’s compare some numbers here. Big Tex is batting .288 with 29 HR and 85 RBI, not too shabby. Now let’s look at our first baseman. Kendry “Give Me Some More” Morales is batting .303 with 25 HR and 76 RBI, stellar numbers considering his role with the team last season, and he’s only getting better. Since August 1, his average has gone from .295 to .303, and incredible leap. Put aside my love for the Angels, I still pick Morales over Teixeira. Why? Teixeira is making so much money. Morales, on the other hand, is making the same amount as a superstar in the WNBA. If I can get Morales’ numbers for the price of Lisa Leslie, I’ll take it.
Now we move onto our insanely stacked outfield. When the outfield is healthy, they boast a 1-2-3 punch of Juan Rivera, Torii Hunter and Bobby Abreu. All three of these guys are having monster-like seasons. Coming off of an injury to his leg that sidelined him for a majority of last season, no one thought that “The Chosen Juan” Rivera would be doing this well. This season has been a very large step in the development of Juan Rivera as a player. Torii Hunter has been one of the biggest names in all of Major League Baseball in the last decade. Not only has this guy’s glove been made of pure gold this season, his bat has also been formed from some of America’s finest silver, he’s a monster! He has been out since the All-Star break and still has numbers at the top of many American League batting categories: .305 AVG, 17 HR and 65 RBI. I have one word for that, amazing. Tony Reagins signing of Bobby Abreu in the offseason has been nothing short of genius. If you don’t think he is worthy of the AL MVP award then there is either something wrong with you or you are a dirty Yankee fan. Batting .306 with 9 HR and 77 RBI, many Angels fans consider him to be our MVP. But those aren’t his most impressive numbers; the number that sticks out the most is his OBP (On Base Percentage), .403. That is unreal. This guy is doing exactly what we need him to do, getting on base and scoring some runs. His patience at the plate is what puts him on base more than anyone in the American League. So Angel’s fans, we don’t miss Mr. Teixeira too much now do we.
These four Angels have been a vital part to our success this year and they all deserve to be recognized by the MLB.
Other Notable Angels having breakout seasons: Jered Weaver, Chone Figgins, Erick Aybar, Brian Fuentes
By: Zach B

It was seven months ago, Christmas was right around the corner and the Angels were in the midst of an off-season in flux. General manager Tony Reagins was too busy to be sitting around drinking egg nog in a Christmas sweater with family and friends. It had only been eight weeks since the Angels were bounced from the post-season by the playoff nemesis Red Sox. This off-season posed big questions about the roster and his A job required him to tighten up his GM chinstrap and come up with answers.

After setting the single-season saves record in 2008, Francisco Rodriguez took his violent delivery to the Mets bullpen in the Big Apple. Two days before Christmas, the Angels other marquee free agent, Mark Teixeira, joined Rodriguez in New York, signing an eight-year, $180 million contract with deep-pocketed Yankees. Missing out on two premium free agents, Reagins began piecing together answers.

He started by deciding to let life-long Angel Garret Anderson seek employment elsewhere for the first time in his career. Reagins quickly filled the void by inking then platoon outfielder Juan Rivera to a three-year extension. A week and a half later, he replaced the electric Rodriquez with mild-mannered three-time All Star, Brian Fuentes.

Reagins and the Angels’ brass felt confident moving forward with Kendry Morales as the everyday first baseman. The opportunity for Morales was much anticipated, as the buzz of his pure ability had been swirling ever since the Cuban defector’s signing with the Angels in 2004.

The final piece was added shortly before spring training would begin. Making perhaps the best bang-for-your-buck signing of the off-season, Reagins added the disciplined Bobby Abreu with a $5 million, one year deal. Abreu’s professional, consistent approach at the plate has been instrumentally infectious in the Angels’ lineup in 2009.

Losing Teixeira to free agency essentially altered the direction of the organization for the next decade. By allowing the Yankees to outbid him, Reagins was able to use the money allotted for Teixeira to improve the club in several areas, while maintaining much more financial flexibility in the coming years. That flexibility will likely prove to be extremely valuable come November and December, as the Angels are faced with the free agency of a number of their core players (Chone Figgins and John Lackey among them). It’s also worth mentioning that the financial flexibility will also be a factor in possibly acquiring a front-line player via trade - ala Halladay.

Essentially, the Angels added Morales, Abreu, and Rivera to the everyday lineup in exchange for letting Teixeira sign the more lucrative deal with New York. The way all three players have performed thus far, seeing Tex head east has been much easier on Angel fans than expected. Morales’ ceiling is sky high and has established himself as the team’s first baseman for years to come, as he has posted 20 HR’s and 60 RBI’s before August. Rivera has provided a steady power source in the middle of the order. And there’s no question that Abreu’s professionalism has rubbed off on the entire team, resulting in the team scoring the second most runs in baseball.

For an organization that has seemingly done little wrong over the last decade, it appears the trend will continue. Tony Reagins found the answers he was looking for. This 2009 Angel team has fans throughout Southern California saying, “Mark who?”

By: Blake Warren

Overcoming adversity

For the Angels, the beginning of the season was a roller coaster to say the least. It began with a plague of injuries to some of our key stars, especially, the pitching staff. This included John Lackey, Ervin Santana, and Kelvim Escobar (who is still out). The problem, however, was alleviated due to the depth of the Angels pitching. This was topped by outstanding performances from Jered Weaver and Joe Saunders, and completed by a solid back end lead by top prospect Nick Adenhart.

Our heart was then broken by the passing of this outstanding young pitching prospect. The death of Nick Adenhart is something the team, and Angels fans will always remember. Most of us didn’t even know who he was, but it didn’t matter because he was one of our Angels. The young men that all of us at this end of the 5 freeway cheer for year after year. But, as many tragedies do, it made this team stronger both on and off the field. Lead by Torii Hunter, the Angels became a new team. One to be reckoned with.

Highlights

With all of the issues the Angels have had, some leaders have emerged. This begins with our Gold Glove and All-Star center fielder Torii Hunter. Most of us were pretty upset with the problems that arose with Gary Matthews Jr., but Torii has made us forget. His 17 home runs, 65 RBI’s, and amazing defensive play have been the Angels rock during the first half of the season.

Also, both Juan Rivera (.312 avg., 14HR, 50RBI) and Kendry Morales (.285avg., 14HR, 45RBI) have emerged as elite players in this league. With Mark Teixeira turning his back on us, most of us thought we would have a huge hole offensively. This has proven not to be the case, especially with the addition of Bobby Abreu.

With all the injuries to our rotation who can forget the 30-year-old rookie. With a 7-0 start, Matt Palmer locked down a much needed rotation spot and gave consistent starts when we needed them the most.

Finally, Chone Figgins has been has returned to the Figgins we all know and love, and plants a solid bat at the beginning of the lineup.

Outlook

With everything the Angels have gone through, and with the exception of Kelvim Escobar and Scott Shields, our team is healthy and performing. Mike Scioscia should win coach of the year and the Angels should win the division. Hopefully, the adversity the Angels have overcome has given them a toughness they have lacked in the past. And maybe, just maybe, they can take down the Red Sox this year.

-Tony C

After Wednesday’s brutal loss at the hands of the Texas Rangers, the Angels remain atop the AL West by half a game. After a torrid 14-4 run through interleague play – whereas the Rangers finished 9-9 – it would stand to reason that the Halos would have a rather comfortable lead in the division. They don’t, and the primary culprit is the Angels’ record against their division rivals.

If the Angels are to win their fifth division title in six years, they will need to fare better against Texas, Seattle, and Oakland in the second half than they managed in the first three months of the season. With 24 division games in the books, the Halos are just 10-14 versus division foes (while Texas boasts a 15-4 mark). Granted, most of that division record is a result of being severely short-handed, as much of the pitching staff and Vlad Guerrero were missing in action due to injuries. But in baseball’s division races, in order to be the best, you’ve got to beat the rest.

With the health of the active roster dramatically improving in recent weeks, there’s no reason to believe the Angels’ division record won’t improve in the second half. The pitching situation seems to be improving significantly. Ervin Santana is expected to make his return from the DL Friday versus Baltimore, and pitching coach Mike Butcher recently told the Orange County Register that John Lackey is closer to regaining his dominant form.

“These last two games, I’ve seen him taking steps to get back to where he’s been in the past,” Butcher said. “He’s commanding the fastball to both sides of the plate. His breaking ball is coming out of a good slot.”

With a healthy starting rotation and Juan Rivera picking up production for an underperforming Guerrero, the Angels would certainly figure to right the ship over the final three months of the season and take their third straight division crown. We all keep hearing that this is a different Rangers team than in years past, but they will have to overcome their recent history of faltering in the Texas heat down the stretch. The Mariners would seem to be hard-pressed to compete for the division into late September, while Oakland’s fate is often revealed by Billy Beane at the annual July 31 trading deadline.

With 29 games remaining against AL West opponents – Texas (12), Oakland (11), Seattle (6) - they’ll certainly have the opportunity to retain their claim as “the team to beat” within the division.

-Blake Warren

Bobby Abreu gave us a sign of things to come this weekend, knocking two out of the park for his first multi-homerun game as an Angel, and contributing 4 of the 5 totals runs scored by the Halos. He’s now second in RBIs for LA with 48, only trailing Torii Hunter who has 59.

With the 5-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles, the Angels stop a two game skid after a visit to Texas , which almost resulted in giving first place back to the Rangers. This was not because of run support, as the Angels tallied 17 runs in the three game series. Rather, it was shaky pitching from Joe Saunders (3.2in, 8ER 5BB 2K) and Jered Weaver (5.1in, 7ER 3K). Juan Rivera tried to salvage Weaver’s outing by tying the game at 7-7 in the top of the 9th inning with a 3-run homerun, but Hank Blalock would hit a 2-run shot in the bottom of the 9th to win the game.

This was a great game for the Halos. Fans saw a flash of Bobby Abreu’s power and John Lackey had a very solid outing, throwing 8 innings, giving up 2 runs on 4 hits, fanning 7 with 114 pitches. Brian Fuentes also earned his 23rd save of the year.

Look for the Angels to continue their hot play during the holiday weekend. Everyone have a happy and safe 4th!

Noteables: Ervin Santana (1-3, 7.47ERA) will pitch for the first time since June 11th after a brief stint on the DL with right tricep inflammation. Against the Orioles, he is 2-2 in 7 starts with a 4.60 earned run average, and nearly has a 1:4 BB/K ratio.

Torii Hunter has a 7-game hit streak, scoring 3 times and knocking in 7 during the span.

Kenry Morales also has a 7-game hit streak, scoring 4 times, earning two doubles, a triple, and a homerun. He is 10-26 during the span with a .385 batting average.

Matt Palmer came out of the bullpen two days ago and did not allow a hit. Although he walked 1, he struck out 2 in 2 innings.

By: Kevin H

As we all know Vladimir Guerrero has not been the Big Daddy Vladdy that we all know and love. However today he decided that was all going to change. At 3:45pm I was driving home from work, listening to The Drive on 830am only to hear Jeff Biggs announce the news of year. Vladimir Guerrero had shaved his head. The dreads are gone. He wasn’t happy with the status quo and was ready to turn his season around.

Unfortunately, Vlad’s shaved head did not turn his season around tonight as he went 0 for 4 with a strikeout. It did however snap the Angels 3 game losing streak and give the Colorado Rockies only their second loss in 19 games.

I was at the game tonight and Vlad seemed to striking the ball hard, but the swings just resulted in ground-outs. He will come around. He may not be the former MVP anymore but he has the will, the talent, and he is mostly healthy. It is only a matter of time before the ball exits the park.

Game Notes:

Sean O’Sullivan made his second solid start in a row and has been exactly what we needed right now.

Juan Rivera hit another home run to continue his great season.

-Tony C