Thursday, August 05, 2004
No Super Unit, But We've Got. . .Fatman
Seventy-two percent of you who voted on the ITH Instant Poll (insidethehalo.blogspot.com) said that the Angels should definitely acquire Randy Johnson as long as they didn't have to trade off more than one of the stellar prospects that currently reside in the farm system. Arte Moreno and Bill Stoneman apparently agree with us. Arizona wanted more than the Angels were willing to give and Randy didn't make the trip from one A to the other. Interestingly enough, the other 21% of you said to forget Randy because McPherson, Mathis, Kotchman, Santana, and Jenks were just too important to the Angels' future. Not one vote was cast to acquire the Unit at any cost. The Angels needed an arm, but I think we're on the right page with not giving up too much to get Johnson.
Trade Deadline Recap
The Angels made one move at the trade deadline but despite being in the pennant race, it was a player dump. Finally seeing that Guillen, Anderson, Guerrero, DaVanon, Salmon, and Figgins are enough, 7th outfielder Raul Mondesi was sent packing on Saturday as the Angels became the second team to terminate his contract this season. He failed to show up for a rehab appointment and may have been frustrated at his inability to get back to the major league level after injuring his quad having played only 11 games for the Halos. It wasn't really a good move to sign him when they made it, and I fully support the move to get rid of him. Raul is about the last person who should be acting as if he's Allen Iverson. That's right, Raul, we're talkin' 'bout practice.
Bartolo Colon is. . .Fatman
He's the Red Knight. The Gloved Crusader. He doesn't have a Fatmobile or a Robin (unless you count Jose Molina), but he sure is pitching like a comic book hero lately. Just when it looked like Colon was gonna be a real Joker this season, he donned the mantle of Staff Ace and put together a pretty decent July, going 4-1 with a 3.48 ERA. His BAA was .183, although his K/BB was an average 1.7. That won't turn his year completely around, but it at least he's been pitching like something other than a big, fat Penguin. His first start in August was pretty good also. That 6.6 run support will certainly finally start to help as well now that the ERA is coming down. I picked up him up during the huge skid, hopefully you did too. He probably won't dominate, but I think Fatman has returned.
Jarrod's a Wash; Ortiz/Sele Decision Postponed
Wash is eligible to return tomorrow from the 15-day DL, but as of now, he's not even close. He wasn't even able to throw a pitch this Sunday for his bullpen session, but hopes to throw before the week is over though nothing's in stone yet. It doesn't look like he'll be back in the short term. He's still in some pain. For now, Ramon Ortiz will continue to get what he wants--a starting slot--while Aaron Sele can hold his breath for a little longer. Ortiz has been throwing well, reigning in his control, but be cautious because it's come at the expense of his dominance. His K/9 has dropped to 2.5 the last 4 weeks. He's been incredibly lucky, stranding 93% of his runners, and as I type hasn't fanned 1 single batter in 5+ IP tonight. I'd avoid RO unless the matchup is very favorable.
What Happened to Three Bags?
At the end of June, Chone Figgins has 20 stolen bases, on pace for around 40. How many does he have now? Gotta be close to 30, right? Try 21. It could be that a secure role on the field has allowed him to relax. A fairly secure spot in the lineup (2nd) could also be the culprit. He's been hitting in front of the 3 hole, which sports the best average (.318) on the team. Not always smart to run in front of that. Plus, the Angels hit .306 as a team in July, their highest monthly total by 20 points. Finally, Scioscia seems to be relying on other people to help the running game as well. CF was over 30% of the running in April and May, while only 23% in June and 5% in July. However you look at it, there are plenty of reasons for Three Bags to not be stealing so many lately.
Switching Molinas
The elder Molina broke his finger and will be out 2-4 weeks according to the LA Times. Not good for the Angels' O. Or D, for that matter, when you lose the defending AL Gold Glover at catcher. Jose will get the bulk of the time behind the dish until Bengie returns, which may not be until September. He's a downgrade in every way, except maybe in speed. Now, by speed I don't mean stolen bases, I just mean that if he hits a ball to the outfield with a runner at first, then the defense won't have the chance to turn the double play. With the stick, he's such a free swinger, he honestly makes Vlad look patient. I'm not kidding. Here's to hoping for a quick return for Bengie and I say look elsewhere to plug your hole at C while he's out.
Pennant Races
Only 3.5 out of AL West lead, now trailing the A's, and although I completely agree that the A's staff overshadows the Halos' rotation, I maintain that this is a team they can catch. It appears that the Rangers may fade and if they do, the Angels could certainly win the division, especially if Washburn gets back, replaces Sele, and the starters can keep this offense in ballgames. Wild Card wise, the only teams in front of Anaheim are the Red Sox and Rangers, so they're in the race all around. . .Here's an idea. Remember how I was talking about Figgins' lack of SBs lately? Maybe flipping him and Eck would offer more chances for him to steal and open up the hit-and-run. Eck is much better at making contact than Three Bags. Just a thought. For the Angels, Matt Allen--ESPN.
Trade Deadline Recap
The Angels made one move at the trade deadline but despite being in the pennant race, it was a player dump. Finally seeing that Guillen, Anderson, Guerrero, DaVanon, Salmon, and Figgins are enough, 7th outfielder Raul Mondesi was sent packing on Saturday as the Angels became the second team to terminate his contract this season. He failed to show up for a rehab appointment and may have been frustrated at his inability to get back to the major league level after injuring his quad having played only 11 games for the Halos. It wasn't really a good move to sign him when they made it, and I fully support the move to get rid of him. Raul is about the last person who should be acting as if he's Allen Iverson. That's right, Raul, we're talkin' 'bout practice.
Bartolo Colon is. . .Fatman
He's the Red Knight. The Gloved Crusader. He doesn't have a Fatmobile or a Robin (unless you count Jose Molina), but he sure is pitching like a comic book hero lately. Just when it looked like Colon was gonna be a real Joker this season, he donned the mantle of Staff Ace and put together a pretty decent July, going 4-1 with a 3.48 ERA. His BAA was .183, although his K/BB was an average 1.7. That won't turn his year completely around, but it at least he's been pitching like something other than a big, fat Penguin. His first start in August was pretty good also. That 6.6 run support will certainly finally start to help as well now that the ERA is coming down. I picked up him up during the huge skid, hopefully you did too. He probably won't dominate, but I think Fatman has returned.
Jarrod's a Wash; Ortiz/Sele Decision Postponed
Wash is eligible to return tomorrow from the 15-day DL, but as of now, he's not even close. He wasn't even able to throw a pitch this Sunday for his bullpen session, but hopes to throw before the week is over though nothing's in stone yet. It doesn't look like he'll be back in the short term. He's still in some pain. For now, Ramon Ortiz will continue to get what he wants--a starting slot--while Aaron Sele can hold his breath for a little longer. Ortiz has been throwing well, reigning in his control, but be cautious because it's come at the expense of his dominance. His K/9 has dropped to 2.5 the last 4 weeks. He's been incredibly lucky, stranding 93% of his runners, and as I type hasn't fanned 1 single batter in 5+ IP tonight. I'd avoid RO unless the matchup is very favorable.
What Happened to Three Bags?
At the end of June, Chone Figgins has 20 stolen bases, on pace for around 40. How many does he have now? Gotta be close to 30, right? Try 21. It could be that a secure role on the field has allowed him to relax. A fairly secure spot in the lineup (2nd) could also be the culprit. He's been hitting in front of the 3 hole, which sports the best average (.318) on the team. Not always smart to run in front of that. Plus, the Angels hit .306 as a team in July, their highest monthly total by 20 points. Finally, Scioscia seems to be relying on other people to help the running game as well. CF was over 30% of the running in April and May, while only 23% in June and 5% in July. However you look at it, there are plenty of reasons for Three Bags to not be stealing so many lately.
Switching Molinas
The elder Molina broke his finger and will be out 2-4 weeks according to the LA Times. Not good for the Angels' O. Or D, for that matter, when you lose the defending AL Gold Glover at catcher. Jose will get the bulk of the time behind the dish until Bengie returns, which may not be until September. He's a downgrade in every way, except maybe in speed. Now, by speed I don't mean stolen bases, I just mean that if he hits a ball to the outfield with a runner at first, then the defense won't have the chance to turn the double play. With the stick, he's such a free swinger, he honestly makes Vlad look patient. I'm not kidding. Here's to hoping for a quick return for Bengie and I say look elsewhere to plug your hole at C while he's out.
Pennant Races
Only 3.5 out of AL West lead, now trailing the A's, and although I completely agree that the A's staff overshadows the Halos' rotation, I maintain that this is a team they can catch. It appears that the Rangers may fade and if they do, the Angels could certainly win the division, especially if Washburn gets back, replaces Sele, and the starters can keep this offense in ballgames. Wild Card wise, the only teams in front of Anaheim are the Red Sox and Rangers, so they're in the race all around. . .Here's an idea. Remember how I was talking about Figgins' lack of SBs lately? Maybe flipping him and Eck would offer more chances for him to steal and open up the hit-and-run. Eck is much better at making contact than Three Bags. Just a thought. For the Angels, Matt Allen--ESPN.
