0-15 with 8 Ks

[Blarg]

That was Freeze, Ibanez, Kendrick and Ianetta last night. Four players in a row that their combined entire offensive contribution was 1 walk.

Fire the interim hitting coach?

[Hollyw00d]

I'll be happy if Ibanez gives us anything this season, dude has looked done since last season

[HuntingtonMike]

I'll be happy if Ibanez gives us anything this season, dude has looked done since last season

 

I'd rather see Long or Cron instead of him.

[Jason]

Ibanez and Freese should be interesting to watch this season.

[arch stanton]

3 righties and Ibanez against Felix. Let's see how they fare when they aren't facing a top 5 pitcher.

[Jim]

I also have my doubts about Freeze and Ibanez but c'mon it was literally their first at bats against a top notch pitcher in King Felix.

 

If there was anything more negatively glaring about last night than Salas and Jepsen, I sure didn't see it.

[CanadianHalo]

Freese and Ibanez have worried me from the start. We know what to expect with HK and CI.

I would rather see Green get most of these AB's but I'm a Green homer so that's just my opinion.

[fan_since79]

I'd rather see Long or Cron instead of him.

If Ibanez really tanks during the first two months, he'll be out of there in a flash. We can't afford a full-time DH batting in the .100's.

[tennischmp]

Blame the guy that brought in 2 of those guys last off season

[Ohtaniland]

In 2010 when 36 year old DH Matsui gave us all an Opening Day home run and a .274 / 21hrs / 84rbi's season many people said that he sucked because he wasn't Vlad enough.

I seriously doubt that 41 year old Raul Ibanez will give us anything close to what Matsui gave us and I'm personally shocked that he was even signed.

Freeze will be steady but nothing spectacular. Trout, Hamilton and Pujols are all putting good wood on the ball so I'm no concerned about the offense as a whole.

[Hollyw00d]

Ianneta will contribute as he's not a geriatric. Ibanez I have doubts about

[jsnpritchett]

I have zero faith in Ibanez to consistently produce. 

[arch stanton]

I don't think it will be too long before the straight platoon happens at catcher. 

[AngelsFaninGA]

I don't think it will be too long before the straight platoon happens at catcher. 

 

I hope not, Conger can't hit his way out of a paper bag. Until we get a quality backup Ianetta deserves a long leash. 

[Inside Pitch]

I think Ibanez is a non issue - they have guys who can replace him in the system.  My only concern is that because of his slow start last year he will have a longer rope than a guy might usually get.   

[jsnpritchett]

I think Ibanez is a non issue - they have guys who can replace him in the system.  My only concern is that because of his slow start last year he will have a longer rope than a guy might usually get.   

 

I assume you mean his fast start last year?  That's pretty much all he did.

[jangel7]

The 0fer by Freese didn't bother me as much as him not moving Hamilton to third in the 6th inning. 

[Homebrewer]

Ibanez will get a long leash for one reason... because he is a gritty respected vet, and Scioscia is still the manager.

 

Another thing Scioscia has never been very good at is pitch hitting, but this year he doesn't have anyone TO pitch hit with, so it is going to be Ibanez and Freese late in games...just like last night.

[Docwaukee]

I'm not gonna get overly concerned about guys looking bad vs. Felix.  

[WallyWorld]

I'm not gonna get overly concerned about guys looking bad vs. Felix.  

 

agreed, doc. Felix was on his game last night.

 

BUT, I do think there's legitimate concern with Ibanez.  Bad 2nd half last year, bad spring, he's 41 . .  he may just be done.

[Ohtaniland]

agreed, doc. Felix was on his game last night.

BUT, I do think there's legitimate concern with Ibanez. Bad 2nd half last year, bad spring, he's 41 . . he may just be done.

Could a 39 year old swan song season for Vlad been any worse?

[Homebrewer]

Could a 39 year old swan song season for Vlad been any worse?

Yes.

[Ohtaniland]

Yes.

It would have been interesting to see a spring training invite just to see what he had left in the tank. My first preference would be to get C J Cron in at DH and let him develop at the ML level. I just don't get why Raul Ibanez is even on this team. It has to be a financial decision because Kendrys Morales would make this lineup a monster.

[fan_since79]

Pro: His .349 career average at the Big A

 

Con: 41 years old

[HaloCory22]

I'm not reading into last night too much. Pitchers usually have the advantage early on in the season while players get their timing back. Also, its Felix Hernandez. The same dude who struck out 10 of 12 batters he faced back in September here in Anaheim.