Torridd

I was really bummed when Edmonds finally returned against the Angels late in his career as a Brewer and it was like no one had ever heard of him. I love the Angels but overal don't find our fans as the most knowledgable or passionate. 

You're talking over 10 years that had passed. He had some good years with us, but not a real influence on the team when you think about it.

He's above average at a position that through most of his career has been pretty thin in the majors.  Expectations were high because the guy raked in the minors and while it wasn't fair to him it's what fans do especially when you hear so much praise about a guy.  When he's on he can mash but when he's off he looks like Pedro Cerrano trying to hit a curve ball and he makes some really bone headed moves.  It's easier to appreciate him for the player he is rather than the one people hoped he would be. 

The thing is, cat, most players fall under those two conditions. I'm just not sure what people expect of him.

Yes, 

 

Still expect him to finish the season at about .280, with 14HRs, 75 RBIs, 1,345 bone-headed mistakes, 147 Ks on off-speed pitches down and away, and a mind numbing amount of rally killing double play balls,

Who would you rather have?

He holds the number to the only Angels jersey I have. Never understood the venom.

That homer he hit on the last at bat was ridiculous.

It seems like he was completely zoned in and wanted to hit one out.

He golfed one out to the opposite center through the marine layer and everything.

Incredible hit! The ball was low and slightly outside. It's like he was looking for it to be there.

Hamilton  3 for 4 HR

In my opinion: Richards in the rotation, Williams in the pen >>>> Williams in the rotation, Richards in the pen.

I agree. How much of Richards' problem is his youth? From what I read here, his stuff seems pretty solid if it can be harnessed.

Now that Hanson has missed so much time he will need to throw somewhere before going back in the rotation. Can someone on the restricted list do a regab assignment in the minors?

I would think so, depending on who it is and what the team decides.  

Yet another reason why the Blanton signing makes no sense. At some point they have to give Richards a legit chance to pitch as a starter (More than a couple spot starts) what better time than this season? The team is already playing horribly so if he sucks then it doesn't really hurt the team.

Well, I could see if he was plain awful then send him to AAA to get his head together. But if he's doing OK, you have to give him a chance. I think that's why he's done pretty poorly since returning to the pen. He doesn't want to be there and his emotions are controlling his performance.

His problem is he can't locate much of anything. I've never seen a fastball quite like his, which is bad and good. It cuts, dives, and rises which is great for movement but he doesn't know where it's going most of the time. He can't locate his slider much either.

If he harnesses his stuff, he could be really good but he has a long way to go.

Hmm. When I look at his stats though, he doesn't seem like a walker. So basically he throws fastballs and hope they miss the bats?

Looking at

he needs to be more consistent. He goes 3 innings with out giving up a hit then gives up 5 runs. He's been hanging out with Blanton too much.

Looking at Richards' stats, he has been pretty crappy. I haven't seen him pitch though. What's his problem?

At the beginning of the year I was exited for Richards to be up and even in the rotation because I feel he could be like weaver but. After a few appearances he was just too inconsistent. If he fixes his stuff down in AAA and come up and shows a little more consistency them I'm fine with putting him in the rotation and putting Williams in the pen.

I really don't think there's much more for Richards to learn in AAA.

I'm almost tempted to send Hanson to the pen in Williams' former role.   His endurance is a concern to me going forward.

Weaver, Wilson, Vargas, Williams, and Richards

I understand what you're getting at, but that rotation is almost as shaky as one with Blanton. I think Hanson is a better pitcher than Richards or Williams and better yet, he's from the NL so he's not as well known.

Yes. Weaver, Wilson, Vargas, Hanson, Williams.

Why do you prefer Williams to Richards?

Once everyone is healthy, no.

Weaver, Wllson, Vargas, Hanson, Richards.

I agree. What's going on with Hanson anyway? When is he returning? Do you know who died in his family?

Hasn't Richards already screwed it up?  He's been given plenty of chances and hasn't stepped up.

I don't think so. He's been serviceable also but he's younger and has more room to improve. He was sent to the bullpen because it was in such a mess.

Like many have said, if Blanton can be removed the team would have a bit of a chance to get on a roll. Once Weaver returns, should Richards get the last spot or leave Williams in?

I looked at his stats since coming on the team. They're serviceable, but I believe Richards should be given the opportunity to screw up the job rather that delegate him to the bullpen. If Jepsen, Madson, and Burnett return , he may not really be needed there and no way should he return to AAA.

All in all, looking at his stats, A-Rod did pretty well for the Yanks. He's had about 7 or 8 good years.

Pujols 2 for 4 rbi

HK 3 for 4 double

What happens if he hits 2 doubles, do I lose?

Pujols 2 for 4 rbi

Hamilton 1 for 4 single

Williams 6 inn. 3 runs

Aybar 2 for 4 SB

_{Callaspo 2 for 4 run}