This team reflects their leader

[AZMike]

It's fair to say that the team seemed unprepared coming out of Spring Training.  But they still suck a month later.  They just suck.  Hamilton 0-8?  That's not Scioscia's fault.

I agree. I'm not saying the team being bad now is all his fault. The roster is poorly constructed and lacks depth to deal with injuries.

 

But the parts that are within the Manager's ability to control -- like coming out of spring training prepared -- have been consistently sub par for years. 

 

As for Hamilton, he's terrible. Him being terribel isn't Scioscia's fault, but Scioscia s hould make moves to minimize the damage to the team such as moving him out of the cleanup spot. The one time he did he actaully had a pretty good game then it was back to the same thing which hasn't been working, and which has led to our best hitter being pitched around and countless runners stranded on base. 

[The Ghost of Bob Starr]

It's pretty clear, the Angels need some sort of attitude adjustment.    I don't know where it comes from, but Arte must be sitting there debating who he's more pissed off at right now, Dipoto for signing Hamilton, Hamilton for being Hamilton, Sosh for running his high salaried team in the ground, or himself.

 

It can't be easy in Angel land, top to bottom.   I feel bad for all of them.

[Amazing Larry]

Reagins is still in the organization so Arte has his whipping boy.

 

I want to see Scioscia completely toss this lineup upside down. Do something crazy. Play jazz.

[nate]

It's fair to say that the team seemed unprepared coming out of Spring Training.  But they still suck a month later.  They just suck.  Hamilton 0-8?  That's not Scioscia's fault.

 

It is Scioscia's job to have them prepared.  Winning in April matters.  He should be fired for this alone.

[mtangelsfan]

You never said which players weren't trying, as your op suggests.

[nate]

Show me in my original post where the word trying appears?

 

I said apathetic, big difference.

[Lifetime]

Ah, so they're trying they're just apathetic about it. They're trying but have no interest, concern or enthusiasm. How does one try to perform but maintain apathy about it?

[The Ghost of Bob Starr]

I'm going to have to agree with LT on this one.

[mtangelsfan]

apathetic=not caring.  How is that different from not trying?

[nate]

They are all trying, they just don't appear overly concerned with their poor performance.  Hence the complacency.

[Blarg]

Peter Bourjos will keep those words in mind as he tries to heal his hamstring.

 

They are all trying, they just don't appear overly concerned with their poor performance.  Hence the complacency.

[Lifetime]

They are all trying, they just don't appear overly concerned with their poor performance.  Hence the complacency.

So, they're trying but they don't care if they succeed in their efforts. In fact, they are fine with their struggles.   You do realize how devoid of logic that is right? 

[Angel Oracle]

Okay LT, why then do you think this team now starts off slow for the first month EVERY season?

[Lifetime]

Okay LT, why then do you think this team now starts off slow for the first month EVERY season?

They don't EVERY season. 

[Angel Oracle]

Since 2010, they have.

[Lifetime]

No, they haven't. Check your facts AO

[Angel Oracle]

Okay, ONE season (in 2011) since 2009 in fact where they didn't start slow in April

 

That's still 4 out of the past 5 seasons that they've had a bad April.   Might as well be every season. 

[tennischmp]

So, they're trying but they don't care if they succeed in their efforts. In fact, they are fine with their struggles.   You do realize how devoid of logic that is right? 

No

[Lifetime]

No

why am I not surprised?

[nate]

So, they're trying but they don't care if they succeed in their efforts. In fact, they are fine with their struggles.   You do realize how devoid of logic that is right? 

 

They don't have anyone lighting a fire under their ass telling them they better get their shit together.  They have buddy Scioscia, turn the page, tip your cap, cup o tea.

[Lifetime]

Okay, ONE season (in 2011) since 2009 in fact where they didn't start slow in April

 

That's still 4 out of the past 5 seasons that they've had a bad April.   Might as well be every season. 

You're still short on facts AO.

 

2009 - somewhat of a slow start (9-12 .429 in April) 

2010 - not a slow start of a "bad April" (12-12 .500 and in 1st place in ALW)

2011 - not a slow start of a "bad April" (15-12 .556 and 2nd place 1.0 game behind TEX)

2012 - slow start (8-15 .348 clearly a bad April)

2013 - slow start (9-16 . 360 clearly a bad April)

 

So we have 2 back to back years with slow starts preceded by two good starts, preceded by one not so good start. That doesn't seem like they are starting slow EVERY year like you stated. What are you attributing these slow starts to AO? complacency and apathy on the part of the players and coaches?

[Lifetime]

They don't have anyone lighting a fire under their ass telling them they better get their shit together.  They have buddy Scioscia, turn the page, tip your cap, cup o tea.

BS

[Angel Oracle]

Okay, but check within the 2011 April (under .500 until the last few games), and just after April 2010 (record falling to something like 12-17).

 

Point being, they almost never come out of the gate solidly anymore.   That is what needs to be discussed.

Is it the constant turnover in players since 2010?

Is it Scioscia being more into finding the right pieces in April?  

[Jay]

It could be that Scioscia "assumes" his veterans will take care of business, and he wants to try to develop some depth by looking at younger players.

[Angel Oracle]

I can see that being a possibility, but shouldn't Scioscia know that he can't fall too far in back too soon?