According to Webster’s dictionary a fan is “an enthusiastic devotee usually as a spectator.” In the context of sports, Webster may consider adding to this definition the following: “one who endures much more pain than joy.”

As Angel fans, at the conclusion of all but one season in the team’s 46 year history we have experienced disappointment. In some years that disappointment could be defined as bitter, and in a few—as an agonizing, gut-wrenching pain that like a cancer has clung to our bodies and souls. And for which there is only one remedy – a World Series title.

The piercing sting we felt as the bullpen imploded in yesterday’s 8th inning, chasing away any hope we had of a late inning comeback, and any thought of a would be miracle series win, is not exclusive to Angel fans.

A few weeks from now, when one of the five remaining playoff teams records the final out of the 2007 season, the final group of 29 fan bases will have had their dreams crushed. That they will have gotten closer to the prize than their counterparts will be no consolation. In fact, it will make the wounds all the more tender.

And so will go another baseball season -- triumph and joyfulness for few, disenchantment and suffering for most.

Consider that the most successful franchise in the history of professional sports has won 26 championships in it’s 106 year history. That means New York Yankee fans have experienced painful dissatisfaction at the conclusion of 80 baseball seasons.

Fenway Park played host to generations of fans that lived and died, without ever knowing the sweet taste of a World Series celebration.

And somewhere, a Chicago Cubs fan has just passed on – his life void of October joy.

To love baseball is to endure pain.

For many Angel fans, no one person is responsible for causing more pain than Dave Henderson, who’s two out, two strike, two run homer in the ninth inning of game five of the 1986 American League Championship Series propelled the Boston Red Sox to the first of three consecutive victories and an American League pennant.

When the smoke had cleared and reality had set in, that crushing blow had left each Angel fan with the overwhelming sense that they had just been beaten, raped, robbed and nursed back to health just so they could be physically tortured and emotionally abused once again.

For many, the improbable run of the 2002 club to a World Series title healed not only the gushing wound caused by Henderson, but also those of a slightly less extent sustained in 1979, 1982 and 1995.

What were left were scars – once painful abrasions, which had become merely reminders of broken dreams past.

In 2004 David Ortiz and the Boston Red Sox brought our cancer out of remission. Not even the healing powers of the afterglow of the championship celebrated just two years prior could mask our reborn grief.

When on Sunday the Red Sox completed the sweep of the Angels and our 2007 hopes, 2002 couldn’t seem further out of reach, and our threshold for pain has nearly reached its limit.

But to love baseball is to embrace hope.

In just more than four months, pitchers and catchers will report to Tempe, Arizona for spring training. With the dawn of a new baseball season will come rebirth to the team and its fans. In the meantime, we are left to wonder and hope.

We are left to wonder if things may have played out differently had Garret Anderson not been afflicted with pink eye, Vladimir Guerrero been completely healthy and Gary Matthews Jr., able to play. Could Juan Rivera have built on his 2006 season with an even better showing in 2007 had he not broken his leg in winter ball? Was he in fact the big bat the Angels so desperately needed behind Guerrero?

We wonder.

We wonder if the 2007 roster is capable of winning a World Championship in 2008.

Perhaps.

But, perhaps the more significant question Arte Moreno and Bill Stoneman should ask themselves is: “Is the 2007 roster capable of beating the Boston Red Sox in 2008?” To answer that question would require nothing to be done in the coming off-season and a little luck to ensure these two teams meet again come next October. So the better question: Is that a question the Angels should even entertain?

Moreno and Stoneman should be able to see, as the fans see. This team must be improved to legitimately hope to contend for a World Series title.

Some would expect that the logical follow-up to that statement would be a list of proposals for free agent signings and trades. And while a potential signing of Alex Rodriquez, should he opt out of his current contract, would greatly improve the offensive production of the Angels, it’s not a necessary one. Neither would be trading for Miguel Cabrera or Adam Dunn.

The Angels already have the talent to be a premier offensive club in this league. But, that talent must perform as such. The Angels can no longer wait for their players to develop at the Major League level. The young players must play to their capabilities in 2008 should the Angels make no major moves.

Casey Kotchman will get no reprieve should he match this season’s performance a year from now. He must meet the expectations set for him – those of a .300 hitter with 25-30 homerun power. To do that, he’ll have to stay in the line-up. Likewise, Howie Kendrick must remain healthy and perform like the .340 hitter he showed himself to be in the minor leagues. And, Kendry Morales will have to show himself worthy of the hefty signing bonus he received upon defecting from Cuba.

Should Moreno and the front office choose to bring back the 2007 roster without making a major move, anything less than realized potential from the Angel youngsters will bring with it a tidal wave of criticism from the harshest skeptic and the most short-sided homer alike.

To hope is universal. What we hope for is not.

For many, to mask the pain of another failed attempt at a second World Series, the hope lies with the “hot stove”. Torii Hunter, Andruw Jones and Mike Lowell will be free agents. Alex Rodriguez may be. Miguel Cabrera, Johan Santana and Adam Dunn (to name a few) may be available on the trade market. As long as each of these players remains available, somewhere a fan will draw up a mock trade and post it on a message board in hopes of engaging in a discussion as to how “sick” the team will be if said player is acquired.

Others’ hopes lay in the core already assembled by Bill Stoneman. They’ll hope that the experiences of the season which has just past will benefit, even propel young players into 2008. There’s something to be said about winning with a predominately home grown team, and seeing something through from beginning to end. The possibility, no matter how unlikely, that prospects like Brandon Wood and Nick Adenhart will emerge as phenoms ahead of schedule, or that Dallas McPherson will miraculously return to the 2004 form, which earned him Minor League player of the year, is often enough to carry heavy hearts from one season to the next.

In the end, as fans we’re left with little to say. What we desire to be done is often not. We’re helpless spectators who’s only option is to hope that the moves that are made and those that are not produce the results we so desperately wish for.

And though the likelihood is that next season will end much the same way this season’s did, without satisfaction and with a “spoonful of bitter” (after all, it’s difficult to win three post-season series in a row no matter how deep a team is), we will carry with us the hope that maybe, just maybe it won’t.

William “Bill” Stoneman was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 31st Round of the 1966 amateur draft, and made his MLB debut in 1967 against the San Francisco Giants. Stoneman’s career was cut short by an arm injury, but along the way, threw two no hitters, ranked among the leaders in strikeouts, strikeouts per nine, and games started. He posted a career best 17-16 for the 1971 Montreal Expos, leading the staff in wins, ERA and strikeouts. Incidentally, those 17 wins accounted for about 25% of the total wins for Montreal that year.

But this isn’t the Bill Stoneman that we have come to know, love and more often than not hate. The Bill Stoneman we know, left baseball in 1974, when the California Angels cut him. The Montreal Expos hired Bill has the Assistant to the President of Baseball Operations in 1984 and his executive career took off from there. In 1999 the Angels hired Bill Stoneman as their Vice President/General Manager to replace Bill Bavasi.

In 1999, the Angels finished 4th in the AL West, with a stellar 70-92 record, and change was needed. One of the first changes made was hiring Mike Scioscia, who has brought a calming influence and a National League style of baseball to the American League. With Mike Scioscia and Bill Stoneman at the helm of this club, we have seen some of the greatest success in our short history. Starting in 2000, the Angles are 682-593 (.530); they have won three AL West titles, one AL Pennant and one World Series Title.

So, what has Bill Stoneman done for us?? Currently 35 out of the 40 players on our 40-man roster are here due to Bill Stoneman and Company. When Bill Stoneman took over, our farm system, the life blood of any successful major league franchise was standing at #28 (in 2001), currently we have the #4 rank farm system (and have been in the top 5 since 2003), that is after players like Jered Weaver, Joe Saunders, Casey Kotchman, Jeff Mathis, Howie Kendrick and Mike Napoli have been promoted to the big club.

So, what has Bill Stoneman done for us?? Bill Stoneman has made the last seven years the most successful years in Angels history. He has ensured that this club will be successful today, tomorrow, 5 years and 10 years from now. He may not be sexy, he may not make the trades we all wish, but you cannot argue with the product he has assembled on the field, nor can one argue with the results that product has given us, the fans.

It truly is one of the greatest times in our lives to be fans of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. I for one would like to thank Bill Stoneman, Eddie Bane, Arte Moreno, and even Disney for what they have given us. I look forward to the next 10+ years.

by Eric Denton - Senior Writer
AngelsWin.com

Ooooh... Fenway Park and it's ghosts are supposed to scare Angel fans into submission. Our Halos couldn't possibly over come the Fenway crowd and their stadium with it's ludicrous dimensions. The ALDS is over before it begins.

Granted, the Angels do not have the best record playing in Fenway since Mike Scioscia took the helm. Still, this is the team that went into Fenway during August and split a four game series.

The baseball media has decided it's a foregone conclusion that the Red Sox will roll over the Angels during the ALDS.

Why is this ? Because they're the Red Sox ? Apparently that's all the media needs to know.

Hall of Famer, Tony Gwynn wrote on Yahoo Sports that the Sox have the edge pitching wise because "Beckett, Schilling and Dice K have experience". Oh really ? How many MLB post-season games has Matsuzaka pitched in during his career ? Certainly not as many as his Game 2 opponent Kelvim Escobar. And I'm sorry, the World Baseball Classic doesn't count.

In ESPN's preview, they wrote "The Angels use a "Moneyball" approach to the game, trying to manufacture runs. The Red Sox are primarily a team allergic to giving away outs and thrive on the big inning. Which approach is better in the post-season?"

This statement is so wrong in concept that it's laughable. The Angels are the antithesis of a "Moneyball" team. They runs the bases with abandon, they don't walk a ton and they certainly do not rely on the 3-run homer as their sole source of run production.

The Red Sox, and their Billy Beane protegee, GM Theo Epstein are the definition of a "Moneyball" team.

Now that that is straightened out. They do pose a good question. Which approach is better?

I say the Angels approach is the winning one. Making the starting pitcher nervous knowing every player may run on him is an advantage for the Angels. Going first to third like no other team is an advantage for the Angels. The Halos do not rely on the homerun like the Red Sox. If Angel pitching can keep the ball in the park, they have an excellent chance of winning.

Guess what punditry. It's not Fenway that should be feared, it's Angels Stadium with their rabid fans, their Thunderstix and a primate ready and willing to spring into action when the team needs her the most.

The Angels had the best home record in the American League this year not the Red Sox. All the Angels need to do is split in Beantown and they will be the ones with home field advantage unless the series goes a sudden death fifth game.

Just like in 2002, the Angels are being overlooked. They were to be no match for the all powerful New York Yankees. Well, they weren't. They bounced the Yanks with ease and went on to win the World Series for the first time in franchise history.

Just remember, the so-called experts can be wrong. It would seem that that media is already hoping for yet another Boston vs New York ALCS. The proof is in these preview articles where it is noticeable that the writers do not even have the correct concept of the "Angel way" or their accomplishments during the 2007 season. There is no reason to get worked up, or demoralized before the games even start. The game is played between the lines for nine innings. Not on the internet and not on the set of "Baseball Tonight".

Will history repeat itself ? Can the underdog overcome ? You bet they can.

Sunday, September 23, 2007, the day the Angels can utter the word they've been fighting for.

"PLAYOFFS"

The time for celebration is here, the first goal has been achieved. The Angels shrugged off multiple trips to the disabled list by their regulars and at times a sputtering offense and bullpen inconsistencies to capture their sixth AL West Championship.

A 7-4 victory eliminated the second place Seattle Mariners and put the Angels into the playoffs for the third time in the last four seasons under manager Mike Scioscia.

While the Angels do not know who they will be facing in the post-season at this point, but they do know who it might be. The Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox have clinched playoff berths, with the New York Yankees in the drivers seat to capture the AL Wild Card. The Halos still have some work to do in the 2007 season. It would be nice for the Angels to end up with the best overall record assuring them home field advantage throughout the playoffs. While home field would be beneficial to the Angels, (they finished their home schedule 54-27, matching the 2002 World Series championship team for the best mark in franchise history.) resting some banged up regulars is going to be the main focus for Mike Scioscia.

The Angels have a 6-3 record against the Yankees, 5-5 record against the Indians and 4-6 against the Boston Red Sox. However, in their last seven meetings against Boston, the Angels are 4-3 winning two of four games at Fenway Park in August.

For some Angels this is their first champagne party. Center fielder Gary Matthews Jr. summed up why he came to the team this off-season.

"I knew champagne stings your eyes, but I had no idea it stings your skin. But you know what? This is the reason I came here, because I thought this was the best opportunity to win."

This Angels team has a much better chance in this writers opinion than they did in either 2004 or 2005. Those teams, while good clubs, did not have that certain spark this club has. Mike Scioscia has used over 100 different lineup combinations this year. When given a chance, the Angels youngsters and bench players came up big. Casey Kotchman and Chone Figgins regained their form in 2007. Reggie Willits showed he could be a premiere lead off hitter in MLB. Macier Izturis is currently leading the club batting .404 with RISP. Kendry Morales, Jeff Mathis were also big contributors to the club after mediocre showings in 2006.

This years playoff team will not feature AAAA players such as Alfredo Amezega and Adam Riggs or a still wet behind the ears Dallas McPherson as was the case in 04, or Kelvim Escobar pitching out of the bullpen in 2005. This years team seems to finally be healthy at the right time. Mike Napoli, Juan Rivera, Justin Speier, Howie Kendrick and Gary Matthews are back in the lineup in time for the post-season.

Vladimir Guerrero will have a productive Garret Anderson batting behind him this year. Hopefully this will give Guerrero more pitches to see and the team MVP will have a big post-season after a disastrous one in 2005. The Angels will also need Chone Figgins and his .344 batting average to maintain the same consistency during the playoffs.

"The goal in this clubhouse has not been reached," said John Lackey during the celebration. "We're going to have a good time tonight . . . but we have three more [celebrations] to go. I've been through all of them, and it gets better as you go."

Lackey is right.

The ultimate goal has not been reached and each celebration is sweeter than the next. It's been five years since the 2002 World Series Championship.
Only Anderson, Lackey, Figgins, Scot Shields and Francisco Rodriguez remain. With the exception of Anderson, these players were all rookies in 2002 and have learned you don't win a championship every season and reaching that goal is one you have to earn. Along with Guerrero, this is their team and their time to shine and show the world that the "other" LA team is the premiere franchise in Major League Baseball.

Three more champagne parties to go. If everything goes right the next time we'll see a picture of a soaked Arte Moreno, he'll be holding the Halos second World Series trophy.

By Eric Denton - Angelswin Feature Story Writer
Sept. 1, 2007

The Angels have the favorable schedule the next ten games as they host Texas Rangers, Athletics and Cleveland Indians. Seattle, after losing a make up game in Cleveland head to Toronto, then New York and finally Detroit.

With a 5.5 game lead over the M's the Angels can focus on a few things without having to scoreboard watch with intensity.

Getting Healthy

Angels third-baseman Chone Figgins out with a sprained wrist now does not have to rush back and aggravate an injury.

Mike Napoli. Taking nothing away from the contributions from Jeff Mathis, but having a healthy Napoli will play a big part in how far the Angels can get in the playoffs. His return pushes Mathis to the bench replacing the inexperienced Ryan Budde.

Bartolo Colon. With Ervin Santana again losing his rotation spot. Colon could be used if Dustin Moseley also falters. Colon has begun a rehab assignment, giving up three runs and six hits in five innings for triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday night

Juan Rivera. With the emergence of Kendry Morales, Rivera may be out of luck as far as taking the DH job. However, he will give Mike Scioscia a power threat on the bench that could come in handy down the stretch and in the post-season.

Experimentation

Mike Scioscia can now tinker with his lineup heading into the post-season. Will the designated hitter job stay with Reggie Willits and his .400 on base percentage. Or will the switch-hitting power threat Kendry Morales take the position. In my opinion, the job is Morales' to lose. While Willits has performed admirably, the Angels need another extra base threat in the lineup so that it doesn't take three singles in a row to score a run. This is especially critical in the playoffs when presumably, the Halos may not have as many scoring chances as they would in a regular season game.

Rest for the weary

Angel regulars Vladimir Guerrero, Orlando Cabrera, Garret Anderson & Gary Matthews Jr. will be able to get an occasional day off here and there the rest of the way. Howie Kendrick and Casey Kotchman will both hopefully have uninterrupted playing time to find their grooves as September becomes October.

Milestones

With 16 wins for John Lackey and 15 for Kelvim Escobar, the Angels have a shot at having a pair of 20-Game winners for the first time since Nolan Ryan and Bill Singer in 1973. Closer Francisco Rodriguez will most likely notch his third consecutive 40 save season.

Prediction

The Angels take advantage of their home stand while the Mariners play .500 on the road clearing the way for the Angels to take their sixth AL West Division Championship.

The veteran left-fielder set a career high and Angels team record with 10 RBI versus the New York Yankees. Anderson's night featured two run scoring doubles, a 3-run home-run and the capper a Grand Slam. Anderson surpassed Vladimir Guerrero's record of 9 RBI which came against Pedro Martinez and the Boston Red Sox in 2004.

When last night's lineup was announced, certainly some Angels fans were dismayed to see Anderson penciled into the clean up slot yet again. Even an ESPN columnist joked yesterday saying Garret Anderson is English for "not a very good baseball player".

Angels fans still aren't convinced about the teams offensive potential. Yes it would be nice to hit more home-runs, yes they have too many singles hitters in the lineup. However, a lot of that is due to injuries and Mike Scioscia working with what he's been given. Of course, Scioscia would prefer to have some more thump in the line up with Juan Rivera, Howie Kendrick and Mike Napoli. But, their replacements, Macier Izturis, Reggie Willits and even Jeff Mathis have filled in admirably.

The Angels are actually about to be a fully healthy team for the first time all year. Howie Kendrick has returned and been a huge boost. 6 hits and 1 walk in his first two games back. Jeff Mathis may not be hitting home runs like Mike Napoli, but he does have 13 rbi to go with his 18 hits. Both players, along with Casey Kotchman probably wont homer a lot the rest of the way, but you can expect plenty of doubles from this group.

Realistically, to win the division and go deep into the playoffs. The Angels need Garret Anderson to go on a tear for the next two months and Juan Rivera to be able to step in and quickly find the form he showed last season. Neither are out of the realm of possibility.

While the team isn't going to impress with the long ball like the Yankees or Red Sox. This team can hit. With their pitching, and favorable schedule. This is the perfect time for the Angels to turn it on the offense.

At least for one night, the rumors of Garret Anderson's demise have been greatly exaggerated.

The veteran left-fielder set a career high and Angels team record with 10 RBI versus the New York Yankees. Anderson's night featured two 2-run doubles, a 3-run home-run and the capper a Grand Slam. Anderson surpassed Vladimir Guerrero's record of 9 RBI which came against Pedro Martinez and the Boston Red Sox in 2004.

When last night's lineup was announced, certainly some Angels fans were dismayed to see Anderson penciled into the clean up slot yet again. Even an ESPN columnist joked yesterday saying Garret Anderson is English for "not a very good baseball player".

Angels fans still aren't convinced about the teams offensive potential. Yes it would be nice to hit more home-runs, yes they have too many singles hitters in the lineup. However, a lot of that is due to injuries and Mike Scioscia working with what he's been given. Of course, Scioscia would prefer to have some more thump in the line up with Juan Rivera, Howie Kendrick and Mike Napoli. But, their replacements, Macier Izturis, Reggie Willits and even Jeff Mathis have filled in admirably.

The Angels are actually about to be a fully healthy team for the first time all year. Howie Kendrick has returned and been a huge boost. 6 hits and 1 walk in his first two games back. Jeff Mathis may not be hitting home runs like Mike Napoli, but he does have 13 rbi to go with his 18 hits. Both players, along with Casey Kotchman probably wont homer a lot the rest of the way, but you can expect plenty of doubles from this group.

Realistically, to win the division and go deep into the playoffs. The Angels need Garret Anderson to go on a tear for the next two months and Juan Rivera to be able to step in and quickly find the form he showed last season. Neither are out of the realm of possibility.

While the team isn't going to impress with the long ball like the Yankees or Red Sox. This team can hit. With their pitching, and favorable schedule. This is the perfect time for the Angels to turn it on the offense.

Angel fans are as excited as little kids at Christmas time waiting to see what Santa will bring them. Will they get the baseball glove they want or a lump of coal in their stocking ?

The trade deadline is once again approaching and Angel fans are hoping that this is the year Bill Stoneman doesn't sit back and not improve the team. With the team struggling offensively, it's obvious that the club could use another hitter. But is that all they need ?

First priority - Get a power hitter.

With Chone Figgins able to shift around the diamond it gives the Angels flexibility as to what player or position they fill. Ideally, if the Angels are going to give up some of their top prospects, they'll be able to acquire a young impact player.

The biggest rumor out there is Mark Teixeria. The 27 year old, switch hitter would give the team a big boost either at first-base or designated hitter. The Angels have allegedly offered Casey Kotchman, Ervin Santana and either Nathan Haynes or Terry Evans. I'd personally prefer they keep Kotchman while trying to get something for Kendry Morales instead. However, this deal would be acceptable as long as the Rangers don't try to raise the ante by asking for Joe Saunders instead of Santana.

Other rumored players are Jermaine Dye, Mike Piazza and Troy Glaus.

The Angels probably have the prospect in Brandon Wood that could re-acquire the former Angel, but there are conflicting media reports about whether or not the Blue Jays are even willing to deal him. Blue Jay officials feel 2008 could be their year. Angels fans would be thrilled if Stoneman was able to get Glaus back into Angel red as many feel his departure is what caused the offensive problems the team has suffered since the 2005 season.

Dye could also help, adding power at either right or left field and DH. Dye is going to be a free agent at the end of the season and probably wouldn't cost the Angels any of their top tier prospects.

Piazza could help at designated hitter or even catching games in place of light hitting rookie Jeff Mathis when Mike Napoli needs a day off.

Second Priority - Starting pitcher.

If the Angels can acquire a decent starting pitcher it would free up Ervin Santana or Joe Saunders to be included in a trade for a hitter. If the Angels were to acquire a pitcher like Jon Garland, Javier Vazquez or the recently available Dontrelle Willis, the Halo rotation could be stacked for the postseason. With Bartolo Colon put and Ervin Santana at Triple-A Salt Lake City, it would be not a surprise for the pitching centric Angels to acquire another starter.

Third Priority - Reliever

The Angels have a stable back end of the bullpen with Justin Speier, Scot Shields and closer Frankie Rodriguez. However, Chris Bootcheck and Darren Oliver have been shaky. With Dustin Moseley looking at a potential starting job due to the elbow injury to Colon the Angels could use some bullpen help. Maybe that will come from recently re-called Marcus Gywn, but it probably wont come in the form of Greg Jones.

Relievers worth taking a look at include St. Louis's Russ Springer, New York's Scott Proctor and Chad Qualls or Dan Wheeler from the Astros.

I do believe this will be the season that Bill Stoneman is able to come through with the big trade many fans have said the team has needed for a couple seasons now. His contract is up at the end of the season and Stoneman may want to either continue as general manager in 2008 or retire after this season. Which ever way he may be leaning. Winning another World Series has got to be his top priority. He did the prudent thing building the farm system into one of the best in MLB. But it's now time to deal from strength. Aside from perhaps Brandon Wood and definitely Nick Adenhart, no player in the minor leagues should be deemed untouchable.

My prediction. Jermaine Dye to Angels

At this point in 2006, the Halos were 43-45, 2 games behind in the AL West. A hole dug too deep to overcome at the end of the season.

So far so good for the Angels in 2007. A lot of the pre-season worries about potential offensive woes seem to be alleviated. They rank second in average (.284), fifth in runs (437), fifth in on-base percentage (.340) and ninth in slugging percentage (.413) this season.

Obviously, there is always room for improvement. The question for Mike Scioscia and Bill Stoneman will be where. With Juan Rivera expected to return in August, will there be a need ?

The big question mark is Garret Anderson. Since his return from the disabled list, Anderson has hit .409 with a slugging percentage of .500. Is Anderson healthy or is this just a blip before a return to the DL ?

Currently the Angels have four regulars batting .300 or better with Howie Kendrick at .297 & Casey Kotchman at .291. Led by MVP candidate Vladimir Guerrero (.325 14 hr 75 rbi) and short-stop Orlando Cabrera (.328 5 hr 51 rbi).

Rookie Reggie Willits (.408 ob%) took his opportunity and ran with it giving the Angels what they have lacked for since the departure of David Eckstein. A lead off hitter who will take pitches, work the counts and take a walk.

Two of the biggest question marks during Spring Training was what production would the Halos get from center-field and first-base.

Gary Matthews Jr. has given the team exactly what they needed. Especially after moving from the lead off spot to the 4th or 5th hole (.279 10 hr 43 rbi).

Casey Kotchman after starting the season in a terrible slump took off and at one point was in the top five in league OPS. After a mild concussion and a week off, "Kotch" has struggled to find his stroke and his average has fallen from .338. However his production (.291 9 hr 38 rbi) was exactly what the Angels were missing last season.

Chone Figgins has also gone from the outhouse to the penthouse thanks to a 53 hit barrage in June.

Offensive inconsistency can still hit this team at any time and they do not hit as many home runs as you'd like to see. But overall, they are getting the job done scoring runs. With a returning Juan Rivera or a potential trade for a slugger, the offense may get even better later in the season.

GRADE : B

Pitching has been the Angels strong point the last few seasons.

This year Kelvim Escobar (10-3, 3.19 1.16 whip) and All Star John Lackey (11-5, 2.91 era 1.17 whip) have stepped up again to be two of the premiere starters in the American League.

All Star closer Francisco Rodriguez (24 saves) and set up man Scot Shields (20 holds 0.88 whip 1.79 era) are having stellar years yet again.

Free agent signing Justin Speier was dominating hitters in the 6th & 7th innings before taking ill. Thankfully, it appears he is on his way back to the team when they return from the All Star Break. Dustin Moseley (4-1, 2.60 era) has filled in well in set up situations to pick up the slack.

Overall though, the Halos pitching has not been as dominate as one would like. Starters Bartolo Colon (6-4, 6.44 era) and Ervin Santana (5-10, 5.97 era) have been down right horrible at times. Santana continues to get rocked on the road and has given way too many home runs this season.

Jered Weaver (6-5, 3.67 era) has battled some shoulder soreness, an illness and a bit of a sophomore slump. Spot starter Joe Saunders has started 5 games and gone 3-0 2.97 era. If Santana continues to struggle, Mike Scioscia may want to sent Santana to AAA to think about his struggles.

Darren Oliver has not pitched well, especially against left handed hitters. .420 ba, 3 hr against.

Hector Carrasco was also not coming through and was designated for assignment.

If the Halos are to fend off the Seattle Mariners. Ervin Santana and Bartolo Colon are going to have to step up their game.

GRADE: C

It's night and day compared to 2007. With Casey Kotchman and Gary Matthews solidifying problem spots at first and center. Orlando Cabrera is again a vacuum at short and his double-play partner Howie Kendrick has done well playing his natural position of second-base.

DEFENSE: A

Is this really a rivalry though ? They are not in the same division and the odds of the Angels and Dodgers making the World Series in the same year is remote. I say it's not a rivalry. It's the Angels showing the Dodgers and their fans how baseball should be played and what franchise is headed in the right direction.

How have things gone so right for the Angels and so wrong for the Dodgers ?

If you were listening to Vin Scully during Friday night's game he summed it up this way.

"Kevin Malone told Mike Scioscia to his face that he had no future in the organization."

The rest as they say is history. In 1999 the Dodgers started the Davy Johnson era that lasted two seasons. It took the Dodgers five seasons and two managers to get back to the post-season in 2004.

The Angels on the other hand hired Mike Scioscia after the front office house cleaning of 1999.

Scioscia is now the All-Time Franchise leader in wins for the Angels. Mike has lead the Angels into the post-season three times including of course, winning the franchises sole World Series Championship in 2002.

What happened ? It's easy to blame Malone or FOX on the downfall of the Dodgers organization.

However, it wasn't Malone that allowed Adrian Beltre to walk away and it wasn't the FOX ownerships minor league system that hasn't produced any everyday players outside of Russell Martin. The Dodger rotation also does not feature any home grown talent. While it appears the Dodgers may be getting back to building from within, they do have some talented prospects in James Loney and Chad Billingsley, but this is not the same farm system that produced Eric Karros, Mike Piazza, Raul Mondesi, Todd Hollandsworth and Hideo Nomo like they did in the 90's.

What changed with the Angels ?

Bill Stoneman and Mike Scioscia
knew the best way to turn the Angels into a winner was from building from within and preaching the importance of strong pitching and defense. Sound familiar ?

That's what the Dodgers had been known for. However, it's the Angels that have taken that baseball philosophy to heart. The 2002 team featured 17 players that came directly from Angel drafts, let alone the minor league pick ups that turned into big contributors like David Eckstein and Brendan Donnelly. Of those 17 players, four of them were in the starting rotation, Ramon Ortiz, Jarrod Washburn, Scott Schoeneweis and John Lackey.

Fast forward to today and the Angels still have the majority of their roster dependent on their farm system. 20 players used by Scioscia this year came directly from the MLB draft to the Angels, this does not include players like Chone Figgins, Dustin Mosely, Terry Evans and Nathan Haynes who were traded for during their minor league careers and made their MLB debuts with the Halos.

If the Angels stick to this way of building teams (build from within, sign free agents to fill holes) I believe the Angels will be the team to dominate the Southern California baseball landscape. The Dodgers still have a lot of history on their side, but the farther away they get from their glory days, the more opportunities the Angels will have to become the area's most successful MLB franchise.

By Coral Rae - Angelswin Columnist
June 10th, 2007

They are not outspoken. They don't hit for power. They do, however, provide the Angels with great defense and high on-base percentages. But in this league it seems that those two attributes are often overlooked.

Willits was not even considered a top prospect for the Halos this season, and when Garret Anderson appeared to finally be back to full health, things didn't look good for the now 26-year-old utility outfielder. But as fate would have it, fan favorite GA would be put on the disabled list and Reggie given his chance to shine. Needless to say, Willits has taken that opportunity and refused to loosen his grasp on it.

While Anderson was out, Willits added extra speed to left field. Anderson's arthritic knees have held him back from performing at what was once his own athletic standard. Willits quick speed led to many impressive catches down the left field line, and only helped newly-acquired center fielder Gary Matthews Jr. In the 48 games Willits has played in the outfield, he has compiled an impressive 1.000 fielding percentage.

Willits' speed has also helped on the base paths. Willits has 14 stolen bases this season in 16 attempts. But, as everyone knows, to steal a base one must first get on. The young outfielder has done just that as he has impressed everyone by batting .320 (entering Friday's game) in 153 at bats. More impressively, he has the eighth-best on-base percentage in the American League this season, sitting at .414. All of these stats have earned the youngster an opportunity to DH, and allow the other outfielders a few days rest.

Orlando Cabrera, on the other hand, has little (if anything) to prove. Cabrera is in his eleventh season in the majors, and a World Series champion at that. Cabrera has a consistently high fielding percentage. This season, his percentage is a full .017 higher than the league average, as he has only made four errors in 159 attempts.

But, as with Willits, it is more than just OC's defense that has propelled the Angels to the peak of the AL West. It has also been his bat. Cabrera's OBP is now at a very nice .381, while his batting average is a comfortable .333. These numbers may not be great for a middle-of-the-lineup guy, but the fact of the matter is Cabrera is a top-of-the-lineup guy.

Perhaps more importantly is the veteran presence that Cabrera contributes to a team full of rookies. With guys such as Willits in the dugout, the wise words of a proven player can do nothing but help.

So, the Angels found two heroes in one of the most unlikely places of the line up as The Wizard of OC and his table-setting counterpart, rookie outfielder Reggie Willits, have helped annual all star Vladimir Guererro lift the Angels into first place in the American League West.

By Eric Denton - Angelswin Columnist
June 6th 2007

At this point in during the 2006 season, things were bleak for Angels first baseman Casey Kotchman. After hitting an abysmal .152 with only one home run, Casey was placed on the disabled list on May 9th and didn't appear in a Major League game again until Opening Day of 2007.

During the off-season, Angels owner Arte Moreno's promise of a "big splash" in the free agent market led some to believe that any position was up for grabs. However, the free agent market was thin at first base and Bill Stoneman rightfully decided that at the very least Kotchman would out produce hitters such as Aubrey Huff, Sean Casey and Kevin Millar. Besides, there were other options on the table. Outfielders Alfonso Soriano and Gary Matthews Jr., along with the impending free agency of Aramis Ramirez.

As the winter moved on, Ramirez stayed with the Cubs, never allowing the Angels an opportunity to speak with him, the Cubs also outbid the Angels for Soriano. While the Angels did add Gary Matthews to play center field, there was still concern he wasn't the "big bat" needed. First base was a disaster in 2006 without Kotchman, could the Angels compete in 2007 going with an unknown commodity ?

Enter the Todd Helton rumors. With the Colorado Rockies looking to move salary rumors were floated that the teams were discussing Helton to the Angels for Kotchman, Figgins and Aybar. Whether or not it was Helton being uninterested in waiving his no-trade clause or Stoneman deciding he was giving up too much talent for a player with a huge salary on the wrong side of 30. The right move was again made, stick with Kotchman and we'll see what happens.

Fast forward to June of 2007. After getting off to a slow start (.224 BA on May 11) and causing a panic amongst the Halo faithful, Casey Kotchman has caught fire. Since that time Kotchman has produced a .406 ba .471 ob% .684 slg% with 4 home runs, 7 doubles along with 15 rbi and 11 runs scored.

Ironically, the stats Casey Kotchman has produced for the Angels are almost an exact match with Helton.

Kotchman .309 HR 6 RBI 27 OBP .381 SLG .514
Helton .335 HR 6 RBI 29 OBP . .460 SLG . .503

Bill Stoneman stuck with Kotchman and has saved owner Arte Moreno 16,599,615 an unnecessary payroll increase as well as keeping the handy Erick Aybar in the fold.

The moral of the story is patience pays off. While the big names are fun to talk about during the Hot Stove league and Spring Training, sometimes the best thing for a ball club is just to let the talent you already have develop. The Angels are seeing it now out of Kotchman and another young player who started the season in the same dismal manor, Mike Napoli.

By Eric Denton
There has been much discussion amongst Angel fans wondering why Mike Scioscia is not using 1B/DH prospect Kendry Morales more. There is no question that having a switch hitting power bat off the bench is a desirable option. That said, is Morales, who will turn 24 years old in June better served playing everyday at Salt Lake City.

On the surface the answer is probably yes, but there are reasons why Morales is with the Angels. First off, he hasn't shown a problem not starting for days on end then coming off the bench for a spot start. Yes, Morales is 0-3 as a pinch hitter, but in his two May starts he's come off the bench and delivered RBI hits. I believe because of this, Scioscia sees a player who can deal with a bench role. Unlike the recently dispatched Tommy Murphy who was given some starts over the weekend and rewarded Scioscia by going 1-14. This led to the designating for assignment of Phil Siebel and the purchasing the contract of Nathan Haynes.

This answers the other reason why Morales is with the big club. Who's better to call up in this situation ?

The answer might be veteran outfielder Curtis Pride. Problem is, Pride would need to be added to the 40 Man Roster and another player DFA. With Haynes this was an easy decision for Stoneman since Siebel is out for the year and at little risk to be claimed. While it's doubtful that Greg Jones or Chris Resop will go onto save 40 games for another team, is it worth making another Bobby Jenks type mistake just so Morales can play for the Bees ?

Without tinkering with the 40 Man Roster, the Angels are limited to recalling those players already on it.

It's doubtful that the Angels would recall another pitcher, so this leaves other players that would be better suited to playing every day as well. Matt Brown, Nick Gorneault, Jeff Mathis, Brandon Wood and the afore mentioned Tommy Murphy.

Regarding his lack of playing time. Honestly, if Morales was getting a lot of pinch hits, it probably means the Angels are losing. So if the only time I see Kendry is at the end of the game giving high fives, that's fine with me.

Also, this isn't time wasted. Morales is getting an education on how to be a professional baseball player just by being with the Angels than hitting everyday at AAA. This is especially important when you consider Morales is still only two years into his journey of America.

With Shea Hillenbrand finally coming around, Garret Anderson on the mend, Casey Kotchman and Reggie Willits establishing themselves as a regular player. Morales will be back at AAA. This isn't a case of Scioscia not liking Morales, or an aversion to playing rookies. Sometimes it's just not a players time to shine. Morales has a bright future be it in Anaheim or elsewhere. While it would be preferable that Morales play everyday, the Angels have made the right choice when choosing the 25th man on the roster.

The only part of inter-league baseball that still intrigues me is the annual Freeway series between the Angels and the hated Dodgers. The two teams meet again this weekend for a three game series in Anaheim.

With two first-place teams doing battle and So Cal bragging rights on the line, the weekend series should take center stage in the southland. The Dodgers enter the series in a similar position as the Angels – 3 games up in their division, and clear favorites to outlast their contenders. And like the Angels, they lack in homerun power and are deep in pitching.

On paper it appears that the fans are in for a good series. The Angels though, should have the advantage having won 7 of their last 9 games. They’ve also beaten the Dodgers in 11 of their last 14 games played at the Big A.

The pitching match-ups are good. Friday night, the Dodgers will send the MLB leader in ERA, Brad Penny to the mound against the Angels, who will counter with the struggling Ervin Santana. Santana should feel comfortable pitching a home-night game, a setting which usually brings out the best in the 24 year old right hander. Expect a low scoring game, which could be settled by the bullpens in the late innings.

On Saturday, Mark Hendrickson (2-0, 2.61), who is filling in for the injured Jason Schmidt, will face the Angels’ Jered Weaver, who appears to have shaken off the rust and has settled into the rotation after missing the first two weeks of the season. The Angels were among baseball’s best against lefties last season, and have roughed up Hendrickson, former Devil Ray, in the past.

Sunday will feature Derek Lowe and Kelvim Escobar, who will look to rebound after being pounded by Seattle in his last start.

The Angels are playing great baseball, especially at home, have been the better team in inter-league play, and have the one true superstar in Vladimir Guerrero.

Prediction – Angels take series 2 games to 1

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ervin Santana – Tonight’s start is a big one for the young Santana, who has struggled in the early going. A big performance against the crosstown rivals in front of a rowdy sold out crowd could go a long way in getting him back on track as one of the games best young pitchers.

Vladimir Guerrero – The Angels just completed a 5-2 road trip, and except for last night’s 3-4 3 RBI performance, Guerrero was quiet. I look for him to heat up this weekend. **Prediction** Vlad goes deep twice on Saturday.