Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Randy, Oh My Randy
Cat Stevens isn't the only one singin' about Randy lately. Angels fans and the LA area media would like to see Randy in Anaheim. Jarrod Washburn made a comment that the Angels would be "stupid" not to explore it. Stoneman even seemed to infer that although he and Moreno had ruled it out earlier, it might not be impossible that Randy would end up with a Halo. However, on the other side, no one from the Angels was at the BOB last night to watch the Unit pitch as they had been before. The D-Backs want at least two minor league studs for his services. McPherson won't be traded, and it's unlikely that Kotchman or Ervin Santana will either, but if Arizona will take Jeff Mathis and lesser prospects, it's not unreasonable to that RJ's Diamondback eyes will come to CA.
Why the Angels Need Randy, Oh My Randy
Aaron Sele's ERA is 7+ since returning from the DL. Hope you listened, 'cause I called that. Jarrod Washburn was lit for 10 runs (9 ER) yesterday against the Tribe. Called that too. Wash got lit for 13 hits on 100 pitches, 65 for strikes. He's throwing strikes--they're just meat. Probably why he gave up 4 bombs too. His last 5 starts, his K/9 is 4.0. Know this--he will never be successful with that mark. Ever. Back to Sele. How he's undefeated is a marvel of modern science. Wait, I know. It's probably that 8.4 Run Support he's gotten in those same four starts. And his K/9 isn't pretty either. Last 5 starts? 2.7. That's worse than Jimmy Gobble. Did I mention that Bartolo Colon's ERA is still over 6? Should they get him, could Randy pitch every day? It's worth asking.
. . .If the Price is Right
Let's play Showcase Showdown here. Pretend my name's Bob Barker.
Showcase #1: you have a pitcher with a K/9 of 4.26 for the year, ERA of 4.50, BAA of .279, and a K/BB of 1.29.
Showcase #2: You have a pitcher with a K/9 of 7.09 for the year, ERA of 4.09, BAA of .257 and a K/BB of 2.08.
Who's in your starting rotation, considering they can both start? If you picked #1, quit reading now and take up fantasy fly-fishing or needlepoint. Ramon Ortiz is #2 and while he's not the answer to all the Angel's rotation problems, he could certainly help instead of coming in with his mop after Sele and Co. get done slopping up the place.
Okay, let's play again. This time with relievers.
Showcase #1: A reliever with a 13.78 K/9, which leads the AL, a BAA of .178, a WHIP under 1, and a K/BB of 4.4.
Showcase #2: Features a reliever with a 5.47 K/9, a BAA of .263 (the highest in that reliever's career, by the way), a WHIP of 1.62, and a K/BB of 1.07. Oh, yeah--and Showcase #1 has a more than two run advantage in ERA over Showcase #2.
Now--who's your closer? Did you select Showcase #2? Again, get the needlepoint, then. These aren't hard decisions. Steve Bisheff commented today in the OC Register that Percival's place as greatest Angel reliever of all-time is safe for now and what he's doing this year isn't adding to it. K-Rod needs the 9th. You might argue that Percival has only blown 4 saves. I would counter with: Have you looked at the Showcases?
Offensive Experiment a Bust?
Back on July 6, Scioscy switched Vlad and Anderson in the lineup to try and find some "continuity" and possibly give the Angels some better options with men in scoring position. After 13 games, the stats of the two Angel sluggers in their new positions look like this--Anderson: .235, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 13 K. Guerrero: .269, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 3 SB, 10 K. Yes, they're certainly both driving in the runs, but is that enough? They're also both striking out more and hitting for less average. Vlad has run more with Guillen/DaVanon hitting behind him instead of Anderson. I suppose it's all a really small sample size, but the fact is it might behoove Scioscy to return to the original order where both were certainly flourishing--at least average-wise--much more than they are now.
Guillen OK, Raul Not
Jose has sat the last three games with lower back pain and one other "unspecified" non-injury related problem, but Scioscy says he expects him to be ready to go tonight and a DL stint will not be necessary. If you've been sitting Guillen, it's probably safe to put him back in the lineup for now. He'll most likely hit well immediately. Raul Mondesi, on the other hand, will not be hitting (at least in the majors) anytime soon. He reaggravated his quad during his minor league rehab and will take some more time off. Scioscy said on the team's website that any timetable for his return would have to be completely refigured. For you silly 11% in mixed leagues and 73% in AL leagues who just won't let the dream die, he's going to be sitting on your IR for a while.
Top and Bottom
For the next 2 weeks, the Angels will be playing divisional foes from both ends of the division. That starts tonight in Texas with Chuck Norris' team. Three more big games against Texas and 7 against Seattle the Angels must take advantage of follow this short two-game set. I'm still a little leery of this Ranger/Angel matchup. The pitching matchups set up fairly well for the Halos, but tomorrow night's game will be very interesting. Colon vs. Ricardo Rodriguez. Both talented, both huge question marks. So far, Texas has won 5 of 7. Flyball pitchers (like Colon) typically don't fare well in Arlington. We'll see. Tonight, Drese is due for a thumping (2.5 K/9 last 5 starts). Escobar typically keeps it in the park too. Could be a chance to get 2. For the Angels, Matt Allen--ESPN.
Why the Angels Need Randy, Oh My Randy
Aaron Sele's ERA is 7+ since returning from the DL. Hope you listened, 'cause I called that. Jarrod Washburn was lit for 10 runs (9 ER) yesterday against the Tribe. Called that too. Wash got lit for 13 hits on 100 pitches, 65 for strikes. He's throwing strikes--they're just meat. Probably why he gave up 4 bombs too. His last 5 starts, his K/9 is 4.0. Know this--he will never be successful with that mark. Ever. Back to Sele. How he's undefeated is a marvel of modern science. Wait, I know. It's probably that 8.4 Run Support he's gotten in those same four starts. And his K/9 isn't pretty either. Last 5 starts? 2.7. That's worse than Jimmy Gobble. Did I mention that Bartolo Colon's ERA is still over 6? Should they get him, could Randy pitch every day? It's worth asking.
. . .If the Price is Right
Let's play Showcase Showdown here. Pretend my name's Bob Barker.
Showcase #1: you have a pitcher with a K/9 of 4.26 for the year, ERA of 4.50, BAA of .279, and a K/BB of 1.29.
Showcase #2: You have a pitcher with a K/9 of 7.09 for the year, ERA of 4.09, BAA of .257 and a K/BB of 2.08.
Who's in your starting rotation, considering they can both start? If you picked #1, quit reading now and take up fantasy fly-fishing or needlepoint. Ramon Ortiz is #2 and while he's not the answer to all the Angel's rotation problems, he could certainly help instead of coming in with his mop after Sele and Co. get done slopping up the place.
Okay, let's play again. This time with relievers.
Showcase #1: A reliever with a 13.78 K/9, which leads the AL, a BAA of .178, a WHIP under 1, and a K/BB of 4.4.
Showcase #2: Features a reliever with a 5.47 K/9, a BAA of .263 (the highest in that reliever's career, by the way), a WHIP of 1.62, and a K/BB of 1.07. Oh, yeah--and Showcase #1 has a more than two run advantage in ERA over Showcase #2.
Now--who's your closer? Did you select Showcase #2? Again, get the needlepoint, then. These aren't hard decisions. Steve Bisheff commented today in the OC Register that Percival's place as greatest Angel reliever of all-time is safe for now and what he's doing this year isn't adding to it. K-Rod needs the 9th. You might argue that Percival has only blown 4 saves. I would counter with: Have you looked at the Showcases?
Offensive Experiment a Bust?
Back on July 6, Scioscy switched Vlad and Anderson in the lineup to try and find some "continuity" and possibly give the Angels some better options with men in scoring position. After 13 games, the stats of the two Angel sluggers in their new positions look like this--Anderson: .235, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 13 K. Guerrero: .269, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 3 SB, 10 K. Yes, they're certainly both driving in the runs, but is that enough? They're also both striking out more and hitting for less average. Vlad has run more with Guillen/DaVanon hitting behind him instead of Anderson. I suppose it's all a really small sample size, but the fact is it might behoove Scioscy to return to the original order where both were certainly flourishing--at least average-wise--much more than they are now.
Guillen OK, Raul Not
Jose has sat the last three games with lower back pain and one other "unspecified" non-injury related problem, but Scioscy says he expects him to be ready to go tonight and a DL stint will not be necessary. If you've been sitting Guillen, it's probably safe to put him back in the lineup for now. He'll most likely hit well immediately. Raul Mondesi, on the other hand, will not be hitting (at least in the majors) anytime soon. He reaggravated his quad during his minor league rehab and will take some more time off. Scioscy said on the team's website that any timetable for his return would have to be completely refigured. For you silly 11% in mixed leagues and 73% in AL leagues who just won't let the dream die, he's going to be sitting on your IR for a while.
Top and Bottom
For the next 2 weeks, the Angels will be playing divisional foes from both ends of the division. That starts tonight in Texas with Chuck Norris' team. Three more big games against Texas and 7 against Seattle the Angels must take advantage of follow this short two-game set. I'm still a little leery of this Ranger/Angel matchup. The pitching matchups set up fairly well for the Halos, but tomorrow night's game will be very interesting. Colon vs. Ricardo Rodriguez. Both talented, both huge question marks. So far, Texas has won 5 of 7. Flyball pitchers (like Colon) typically don't fare well in Arlington. We'll see. Tonight, Drese is due for a thumping (2.5 K/9 last 5 starts). Escobar typically keeps it in the park too. Could be a chance to get 2. For the Angels, Matt Allen--ESPN.
