If you haven’t heard yet, the Angels acquired Royals infielder Alberto Callaspo for pitchers Sean O’Sullivan and Will Smith. This has made much of the Halosphere upset, saying that this is a pointless move. To those naysayers out there, I would advise you to wait this one out.

To start, the Angels have one of the worst minor league systems in baseball right now. This is a shock to many, because we have enjoyed so much success in this area in the past. Most rank the Angels minor league system somewhere between 20th and 30th in the league. But most of those great prospects we talked about about over the years are already in the majors. Because of this, the Angels do not have leverage going into this years trade deadline.

Last year, Alberto Callaspo hit .300 with 60 extra base hits and a .356 on-base percentage. This was done in one of the most pitcher-friendly ballparks in the league. In fact, at the beginning of this season, Callaspo was hitting 3rd in the Royals lineup. If this move was made last year, you all would have been praising Tony Reagins for his efficient use of resources. This season, Callaspo’s number may be down, but he is on pace for more home runs, and possibly more RBI’s. He can play any of the infield positions and can hit at any place in the order.

On behalf of GoHalos.com, I would like to congratulate Tony Reagins on a move that not only improves our offense and makes us deeper, but also leaves us open for other moves. Look for a big second half from Alberto Callaspo.

As you all know, Roy Halladay is on the market. Roy Halladay! The best pitcher in baseball! It is no secret that the Angels have had their share of problems in the playoffs the last few years. In addition, this year our pitching staff can not seem to stay healthy. With Roy Halladay we would have a rotation that consists of him, John Lackey, Jered Weaver, Joe Saunders, and Ervin Santana. You tell me who is going to beat that in the playoffs.

You may be thinking that I’m crazy right about now, but I believe this is possible. The Blue Jays are said to be looking for a couple of major league ready players including pitchers, infielders, and some high level prospects. In the Sabathia deal Cleveland got five minor leaguers. I believe we can do better and keep our team intact. The Angels would give up Matt Palmer, Sean O’Sullivan, Brandon Wood, and two decent minor league prospects and in return we get the best pitcher in baseball. Yes we would be losing our best prospect, but there is no room for him on the major league roster anyway. Plus we still have Sean Rodriguez.

I’m tired of having a regular season team. We are ready for another world championship, and I believe Roy Halladay can give that to us.

-Tony C

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

Sean O’Sullivan made a start tonight out of necessity for Mike Scioscia and the Angels.  At triple A Salt Lake City this year, O’Sullivan had a 6.02 era in 49 innings pitched.  The talent is there, but there was no doubt that he needs some more time in the minors.  The injuries to Ervin Santana (strained elbow muscle) and Kelvim Escobar (right shoulder tendinitis) forced the team to the minor leagues where O’Sullivan was the best choice.

O’Sullivan wins the fifth straight game for the Angels, pitching 7 innings, and allowing one run with five strikeouts.  Yes, it was against the San Francisco Giants (34-30) who don’t score a lot of runs, but they have been hot of late, winning 9 of their last 13 games.  Regardless, it was truly an incredible outing for this young pitcher.

O’Sullivan will likely not be around for the entire season, but he was exactly what the Angels needed right now.  The depth of the Angels farm system proves itself once again.

By:

Tony C