AngelsWin.com

The Angels' bullpen is "still evolving," in the words of manager Mike Scioscia. But it appears to be rounding into form after a woeful start to the season. View the full article

The Angels -- an American League-best 20-11 since April 21 -- are six games ahead of last year's pace, and more than half of their wins have been comeback efforts. Sunday's victory over the Royals, which saw them overcome a 3-0 deficit in the last three innings, marked the Angels' 15th come-from-behind win in 2014, more than any other team in the Majors. View the full article

By David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer Today is just a day, except it isn’t. Today is the day we set aside to remember all those who gave their lives and served the nation to protect us and keep us free. I never served in the military. A childhood illness kept me from that. So, I cannot fully understand all the sacrifices made by those who did. I will never know the comradeship they share with the ones who served, whether in their own generation or a different one. Over the years, I have had many students serve in all the different branches of the military. Most have come out for the better, but I have had some who have paid a price for our freedom. As a parent, I would want my boys to serve and carry on my father’s legacy as a commander in the Navy or my father-in-law’s service in the Air Force. Though I cannot imagine the loss that a Gold Star family bears, this country and our freedom is worth it. Today, as the speeches are given, the gratitudes are expressed, and the social media shout-outs are posted, here are some promises I make to those who serve. I promise to treat you with the dignity and respect that you have earned. I promise to listen to the stories you wish to share, and not press for the ones you don’t. I will enjoy the freedom you paid for. As I watch today’s Angel’s game, I will realize that it is a metaphor for what you want—everyone on our team to be safe at home. Tonight, as I barbeque with friends and family, I will take a moment to think of all the time you spent away from yours. Tomorrow, when I wake up, I won’t forget the message of today, and will realize that everyday should be a Memorial Day. I will earn the freedom you gave me and live a good life, upholding my promises and commitments. And I will thank you for your service. On behalf of everyone at AngelsWin.com, to all those in our community who have served, and to servicemen everywhere, thank you for your service to our country. View the full article

By Adrian Noche, AngelsWin.com Staff Reporter - *Due to the small number of standouts this week, the number of prospects on this hotlist were lowered to 7. 1. Nate Smith, Starting Pitcher, Arkansas Travelers Last two starts: 2-0 13.0 IP 1.29 ERA 9 H 2 BB 11 SO 1.11 WHIP .187 BAA Overall: 7-3 2.87 ERA 62.2 IP 46 H 15 BB 59 SO 0.97 WHIP .200 BAA Nate Smith started two games this week: one for the High-A Inland Empire 66ers and another for the Double-A Arkansas Travelers. Smith’s start on Monday saw him going 6 innings while striking out a career high 8 batters, retiring the last 8 hitters in order. Following the game, Nate Smith would be promoted to Double-A Arkansas along with fellow pitcher, Kyle McGowin. Both Smith and McGowin have followed a similar path thus far. They were both members of the 2013 draft class, McGowin taken in the 5th round while Smith was chosen in the 8th. Both pitchers skipped Low-A Burlington to start the 2014 season and now both are making another jump to Double-A. Smith made his Double-A debut on Sunday and did what he has done best this year, win games. Despite facing higher competition, Smith’s Double-A debut might have been his best start of the year. Smith matched his season-high 8 strikeouts and only allowed 6 base runners (1 walk and 5 hits) in 7 complete innings. Of the 7 innings that Smith pitched, 4 of them were perfect. His one mistake ended up being a home run to the Missions' second baseman, Casey McElroy. Smith has been on this hotlist every week and I can bet you this won’t be his last. 2. Eric Aguilera, 1st Baseman, Burlington Bees Past 10 games: .472 AVG 17 H 2 Doubles 1 Triple 2 HR 2 SB Overall: .309/.353/.429 Eric Aguilera has been swinging a scorching hot bat for the Burlington Bees. With a near .500 batting average in his past 10 games, it is hard to deny Aguilera a spot in this week’s prospect hotlist. Eric was chosen in the 34th round of the Angels’ 2013 Amateur Draft. Originally an outfielder, Eric was moved to first base last year in Orem. The newly converted first baseman has been quietly hitting the ball well since being drafted, posting a slash line of .306/.341/.539 last year with the Orem Owlz. Being a four-year college player, Eric could be a fast mover through the system. He has already fared well in a short stint with the High-A Inland Empire 66ers, hitting .279. 3. Michael Roth, Starting Pitcher, Arkansas Travelers Last two starts: 2-0 15.1 IP 1.17 ERA 11 H 4 BB 8 SO 0.97 WHIP .229 BAA Overall: 3-3 3.10 ERA 49.1 IP 44 H 19 BB 24 SO 1.27 WHIP .246 BAA The Angels should be counting their blessings since Michael Roth has cleared waivers, as he has been dealing ever since. Since clearing waivers, Roth has won 3 of his 4 starts while posting a microscopic ERA of 1.29. His rates have been impressive as well. With his deceptiveness, Roth has been able to keep hitters off balance with a groundball-rate of 52% while only walking 6% of the batters he has faced. Don’t be surprised to see Roth up in the bigs at some point this year. 4. Chad Hinshaw, Outfield, Burlington Bees Past 10 games: .387 AVG 12 H 4 Doubles 1 Triple 0 HR 6 SB Overall: .292/.398/.467 Chad Hinshaw was a four-year starter for the Illinois State Redbirds before being chosen by the Angels in the 15th round of the 2013 Amateur Draft. Hinshaw owns the Illinois State record for most career stolen bases with 108 and continued to flash his speed and defensive prowess this year for the Burlington Bees, stealing 16 bases to lead the team. Hinshaw has also hit for some power this year; smashing 8 doubles, 2 triples and four home runs (.581 SLG%). 4 of his doubles have come in the past 10 games. Overall, Chad has shown an above-average eye at the plate with a walk-rate of 9.6%, but also has a K-rate of 27.5%. Both Eric Aguilera and Hinshaw were teammates in Illinois State and were two of the four Redbirds to be chosen in the 2013 draft. 5. Mark Shannon, Outfielder, Inland Empire 66ers Past 10 games: .316 AVG 12 H 7 Doubles 0 Triples 0 HR 1 SB Overall: .333/.349/.481 Mark Shannon was one of the few bright spots for this week’s 66ers team. Since Monday, Shannon has hit .409 along with back-to-back 3-hit games. He also roped 5 doubles in that span. Shannon has been very consistent since being called up to High-A early May, only going hitless in 5 out of 20 games played with the 66ers so far. 6. Zach Borenstein, Outfielder, Salt Lake Bees Past 10 games: .304 AVG 12 H 4 Doubles 1 Triple 1 HR 0 SB Overall: .262/.333/.432 Zach Borenstein was swinging the bat well and earned a promotion to Triple-A Salt Lake on Sunday. Before his call-up, Borenstein was on an 8-game hitting-streak where he was hitting .352 to go along with a monstrous .706 slugging percentage. Like the rest of teammates, Borenstein was victimized by the unfriendly confines of Dickey-Stephens Park. A promotion to the much more hitter friendly PCL might help his numbers, but keep in mind that the level of competition is higher. Unfortunately, his debut in the PCL saw him striking out 3 times in 4 at-bats. 7. Jose Rondon, Shortstop, Inland Empire 66ers Past 10 games: .300 AVG 12 H 3 Doubles 1 Triple 0 HR 2 SB Overall: .327/.351/.418 Rondon hit safely in all but 1 game for the 66ers with a .280 average this week, bringing his average “all the way” down to .327. Rondon also hit a pair of doubles and a triple in that span. His batting average is good for 6th among the Cal League league leaders. Another positive note for Rondon is his pitch selection, only striking out two times in his past 10 games (40 at-bats). As Rondon gets accustomed to the level of competition, one can only assume his k-rate will lower and his bb-rate will increase. Rondon was known for his advanced eye up until this year, posting a 9% bb-rate and an identical k-rate of 9%. Minor League Affiliate Report Triple-A Salt Lake Bees After going 1-12 the past two weeks, the Bees were finally able to win more than one game in a week posting a record of 3-4. An overall record of 17-34 puts them 15.5 games back from the division leader. Offensively, J.B. Shuck led the team this week with 8 hits and Efren Navarro made a splash in his return, going 3-3 with a home run and a double. As we all know, Josh Hamilton has been MIA after his first rehab start due to discomfort in his thumb. Ian Stewart also made his first rehab appearance on Sunday. The third baseman went 0-2 with a walk and a strikeout. Wade LeBlanc has been great his last couple of starts in Salt Lake, earning him a promotion to Anaheim at the unfortunate expense of the “Ace-Killer” Matt Shoemaker. In the pen, Yoslan Herrera has strung together 5 straight scoreless outings to bring his ERA to 1.32. LHP Brandon Sisk made his Triple-A debut on Sunday, pitching 1 scoreless inning while giving up no hits and walking 1. Double-A Arkansas Travelers The Travelers had themselves a nice week going 4-2 to bring them within 1.5 games of the division leader. Second baseman Alex Yarbrough hit safely in all but two games this week and remains the league leader in hits and doubles. Other than the aforementioned Smith and Roth, Drew Rucinski had himself another solid outing, pitching 6 shutout innings. Relief pitcher Danny Reynolds made 2 appearances (2.0 IP) and struck out 4 while allowing no runs. Cam Bedrosian allowed his first home run of the year on Wednesday but that was the lone hit he gave up in three one-inning outings. No need to panic everybody, he’s still a beast. High-A Inland Empire 66ers The 66ers continued their struggles going 2-5 this week. They are currently in last place in their division (13.0 games back). Sherman Johnson continued to show an excellent eye walking 5 times to 4 strikeouts. Mark Sappington continued to struggle with command in his Single-A debut, walking 7 batters in 5.0 innings pitched. Recently promoted Elliot Morris should be taking the mound tomorrow in what will be his High-A debut. Pitcher Dan Tobik, who was the Angels last selection in the 2013 draft, had himself a nice outing this week, striking out 7 batters in 5.1 innings of relief and only giving up 2 earned runs. He is slotted to make his first start of the season on Tuesday. Low-A Burlington Bees The Bees won 5 of their 7 games this week, bringing their overall record to an even 24-24 (8.0 games back). Outfielder Mike Fish hit safely in all but one game while second baseman Kody Eaves collected 1 double, 2 triples and a home run. Harrison Cooney continued to pitch well in a two-start week. His start on Sunday saw him going 7 complete innings (the first time he has gone 7 this year) while only giving up 3 hits and 2 earned runs. Starting pitcher Yency Almonte made his High-A debut and pitched 5.0 innings of 1-run ball along with 1 walk and 4 strikeouts. After a rough start to the year, pitcher Alfonso Alcantara brought his season ERA down to 3.65.

By Toby Hunt, AngelsWin.com Staff Writer - Ahh, baseball season. 7 months out of the year we get to watch the greatest game on earth and cheer on our favorite players and teams. There's ups, there's downs, there's just a lot of fun to be had. Will we get to see our team in the playoffs again? Will any of our pitchers throw a no-hitter? Will a cosmetically-challenged Hispanic shortstop get hit in the balls? So many possibilities can arise during the long season, it's no wonder so many of us are hooked until the last out. As Angels fans we love our team, but we don't always agree on everything. We argue over the lineup cards, we argue over the bullpen management, and sometimes we even argue over whether Mike Trout is fat or not. Does this batting average make my butt look big? We have certainly had our share of disputes over the years, and with the playoff drought in recent years, tensions are high. But In spite of all the bickering regarding the team and Trout's girth, I think we can all agree that we love the Angels and will do so until the day we die, or at least until they miss the playoffs again. But there is another thing that holds us all together as fans, that keeps us sticking together through the hardest times and gives us something we can all stand united on, something that bonds us and makes us all the same, no matter what race, religion, or Costco we adhere to: Our hatred of the Boston Red Sox. Just in case you needed a reminder. Why do we hate the Red Sox? Because **** them, that's why. We hear about them every day. We see them in the papers, on the news, on every sports network. "How will the Red Sox do this year?". It's sickening. For years we have had to endure the endless babble about how the Red Sox are this great underdog trying to overthrow the evil empire (New York) and how we should root for them to overcome the odds and save the day. It's like watching Star Wars every day for 7 months, except all of the rebels have been digitally replaced by Jar-Jar Binks and voiced by Ben Afleck. Don't think for a second I'm doing a caption for that. They aren't "underdogs", nor are they a team we can relate or connect to in any way. They are irreparable douches who have committed all the same sins the "evil empire" has, and we are supposed to believe they are the good guys? But seriously though, as Angels fans why do we hate a team we only see 9 times a year at most? A team that plays 3,000 miles away? I suppose a lot of it has to do with the 1986 LDS. Obviously the Dave Henderson homerun still has some shards left over in many an Angel fan's heart. But there have been a lot of heartbreaking moments in this team's history. Do we have the same hatred for Seattle after the 1995 season? Or Jeff Mathis for being Jeff Mathis? Why is it that no matter who wears that uniform, us Angels fans look at them in disgust? It's everything, really. The obnoxious fans who crowd Angels' Stadium whenever they ooze into town, the overblown media coverage, 1986, and of course it hasn't helped that the Angels have basically been Boston's female dog for 20 years running. Just the sight of those uniforms gives me nightmares and intestinal bleeding. Most of my worst baseball memories involve the Red Sox. Be it from watching the Angels get brutally pounded in Fenway, or seeing Mo Vaughn walkoff on Troy Percival. I also have a running nightmare where I get turned into a piece of cheese and Dustin Pedroia slowly gnaws away at my coagulated body before dragging me under the oven........But a funny thought occurred to me this evening when I saw Boston lose their 10th straight game: I really love when the Red Sox lose. I mean, nothing beats an Angels' win don't get me wrong, but if there is one thing that is right up there, it's seeing the Red Sox play like absolute crap. It can always be a silver lining in an otherwise dreary day. This is borderline pornographic for me. Now, you may think it to be a bit ridiculous to find so much pleasure in seeing another team's misery, but you gotta understand where I come from: I live smack dab in the middle of Red Sox Nation. Hell I'm only a 2 hour drive from the capital. It's like being an Atheist with an irrational fear of cardboard signs living next to the Westboro Baptist Church. During election season. It isn't fun, and it's especially not fun when the Red Sox do well. Their fans are annoying and obnoxious, and winning brings that out of them tenfold. Being an open fan of another team during those trying times is not the most enlightening experience. On the flipside, when the Red Sox are not doing well, I get to walk around with a shit-eating grin on my face. It literally makes my life better when Boston is losing. I'm certainly not the only one. As Angels fans, we love seeing our team win more than anything else. It makes us happy. It makes our day just a little bit better. You can't honestly say the last couple weeks of success hasn't put you in a better mood, if only slightly. For me, seeing the success of my favorite team and the deficiency of my least favorite team at the same time has been a euphoric experience. Will it last? Maybe, maybe not. But for now I'm going to enjoy it. Oh am I ever going to enjoy it. View the full article

Royals 3 - Angels 4 David Freeze hit a key two-run single to tie the game in the seventh and Chris Iannetta delivered the game winning shot, a solo home run in the eighth, to complete a come from behind victory against the Royals. Garrett Richards had a strong outing allowing three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven. Click here to download the scorecard. If your new to scoring baseball or just need help interpreting some of the markup, download the key here. View the full article

By Toby Hunt, AngelsWin.com Columnist - So we all know that the Angels' starting pitching has been surprisingly decent so far this year. But here are a few things you might not have known that may cause some movement in your pants: The Angels have the 3rd best SP ERA in the AL, just 0.03 points behind Detroit who's at number 2. The Angels have the most innings pitched among any starters in the AL. Angels' starters have the 3rd most strikeouts in the AL. Their BAA is 2nd in the AL, as well as the majors. Angels' starters have allowed the lowest OPS in the majors. They are also in the bottom 5 in hits and HR allowed. Currently the Angels have the second best WHIP in the AL Just a few bullet points I wanted to make about the starting rotation. Now I know what you are all thinking: "Yeah but the bullpen is still awful". And you are correct. HOWEVER, I just wanted to point out that the bullpen has been better than average at BAA and strikeouts, and are only middle of the pack when it comes to walks (seriously, I almost shit my pants when I saw that). So basically, yes the pen needs to improve, but it isn't quite as horrible as most of us think it is. The ERA is a little misleading. They are basically a middle of the pack bullpen with potential to improve. Anywho, the point is that the pitching staff this year has been excellent all things considered. Once the bullpen sees improvement this is a seriously dangerous team. Lastly, a word from Jered Weaver on the Angels' starting staff's performance thus far. View the full article

Angels fans, you do not want to miss the latest episode of our AngelsWin.com podcast. Ric Wilson, the Angels scouting director joined us and talked about the current crop of prospects and the upcoming MLB Amateur Draft on June 5th. Oh and he also gave us some good news on top relief prospect, R.J. Alvarez. So without supplying too much detail, click on the player below and stream our podcast to hear Ric Wilson deliver so much insight to the Angels fan base. Stream or Download Here Check Out Baseball Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with AngelsWin on BlogTalkRadio

ANAHEIM – If the development of Garrett Richards into a front-line starter is the key to the Angels emerging as a championship contender, consider Sunday’s series finale against the Kansas City Royals a sign that necessary development remains.... View the full article

ANAHEIM – For the third straight day, Josh Hamilton was supposed to play Sunday for Triple-A Salt Lake and couldn’t because of continued discomfort in his surgically repaired left thumb.He has suffered a setback, although it’s unclear how... View the full article

Where: Safeco FieldTV: Fox Sports WestDid you know: Mike Trout’s 10th home run of 2013 came against the Kansas City Royals, in his 47th game of the season. Trout’s 10th home run of 2014 also came against the Royals and also in his 47th game of... View the full article

ANAHEIM – Jason Vargas only spent a year as an Angel, so it’s not like he got some big ovation when he returned to Angel Stadium Sunday as the Kansas City Royals’ starting pitcher.But he had a good time with his old batterymate, catcher Chris... View the full article

Ned Yost challenged the out ruling of Jarrod Dyson at second base in the first, and Mike Scioscia challenged the out call of Albert Pujols at home plate in the eighth. After review, both calls stood. View the full article

Chris Iannetta lashed a line-drive home run into the left-field corner in the eighth inning on Sunday, lifting the Angels to a dramatic, come-from-behind 4-3 victory that gave them the weekend series against the Royals at Angel Stadium. View the full article

ANAHEIM – Garrett Richards threw seven innings of effective three-run ball, Chris Iannetta hit a key eighth-inning homer, and the Angels topped the Kansas City Royals, 4-3, at Angel Stadium on Sunday.After Richards was hit around in the third, the... View the full article

Royals manager Ned Yost made an early challenge Sunday of an out call made by second-base umpire Andy Fletcher on a first-inning steal attempt by Jarrod Dyson against the Angels. After review, the call on the field stood. View the full article

Wade LeBlanc, a versatile lefty with 96 games worth of Major League experience for the Padres, Marlins and Astros, was delighted to learn Saturday night that he'd be riding the Salt Lake shuttle to the big time with the Angels. View the full article

ANAHEIM -- Matt Shoemaker earned praise from his manager after his five-inning start Saturday night, but he earned something else altogether Sunday morning.A demotion. Shoemaker was sent down to Triple-A Salt Lake before today's 12:35 p.m. game... View the full article

Royals 7 - Angels 4 In an epic 13-inning contest that clocked in at 4:53, Erick Aybar hit a two run homer in the fourth and Mike Trout followed with a solo blast in the fifth as the Angels built a one run lead into the sixth. But the Royals tied the game in the seventh then rallied in the 13th for three runs to disrupt the Halos recent surge. Click here to download the scorecard. If your new to scoring baseball or just need help interpreting some of the markup, download the key here. View the full article

ANAHEIM – Michael Morin threw it away.After Danny Valencia doubled leading off the 13th inning, Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar dropped a bunt. Morin, a rookie right-hander and the sixth man out of the Angels’ bullpen, fielded it cleanly but... View the full article

Left-hander Jason Vargas, a California native and former member of the Angels' rotation, will try to lead the Royals to a series victory on Sunday at Angel Stadium. Los Angeles turns to right-hander Garrett Richards, who enters with a 2.90 ERA on the season. View the full article

The surging Angels were subdued by the Royals, 7-4, on Saturday when Danny Valencia's booming double kick-started Kansas City's three-run 13th inning in front of 42,140 at Angel Stadium. The Angels, who had a three-game winning streak snapped, have won 11 of their past 15 games. View the full article

Please join host Geoff Stoddart along with AngelsWin.com founder and executive editor Chuck Richter as they have Angels Scouting Director Ric Wilson join us on our next podcast on the eve Memorial Day, May 25 at 6 pm PST. Ric Wilson will talk about our top prospects down on the farm and the upcoming amateur draft in June. If you have any questions for Ric Wilson please send them to chuck@angelswin.com or tweet at us at @AngelsWin View the full article

ANAHEIM – He has no idea what will happen the rest of the way. None of the Angels do, of course.But when Garrett Richards uses the word “we” he knows one potential key for his team going forward.The return of Serge Ibaka.“We need him,”... View the full article

After review, umpires judged Mike Scioscia's 13th managerial challenge a lucky -- and successful -- one on Saturday night at Angel Stadium. View the full article