T.G.

I remember when he was in the minors and was on Team USA - someone quoted a scout as saying "he could close for half the teams in MLB right now." It had an impact on my expectations (fair or unfair) the same way Howie was labeled with "future batting champ."

Remember how long it took for Jered Weaver to sign after being drafted?

This is a little off topic, but I want to get it off my chest.... I wanted the Lakers to draft Sidney Moncrief instead of Magic Johnson. I'm obviously a poor judge of talent - feel free to bring that up anytime I tout a baseball player. I missed on guys like Dallas McPherson, Kyle Abbott, apparently Peter Bourjos (who I thought would be as good as Jacoby Ellsbury), Todd Greene, and the list goes on and on...

Let the nicknames begin... "Big Daddy" Newcomb

I absolutely hate the fact that Kevin Jepsen wears Percival's #40. Same thing when Bartolo wore it. I once owned a Wells and Kazmir shirt. Even though I have tons of Angels gear, I never owned anything with Vlad's name on it. No specific reason either. I could wear a different Trout shirt every day of the week and then some... I have that many. I have been a Bobby Grich fan for a long time, but Torii's time here won me over and Torii has become my all-time favorite player. I still makes me sad that he didn't get a ring in Anaheim. Joe Saunders is a personal favorite. Jim Fregosi was my first favorite player ever. I never really embraced K-Rod. I think he was a jerk. I always thought most Angel fans over-rated Darin Erstad and Gary DiSarcina. I thought Brandon Wood was going to be a superstar, but like a lot of others found out he's just a super person. I attended my first baseball game at the Big A in the 60's, but sadly, I don't know the exact date and that bugs me to no end. My wife and I don't miss many games, but we missed the game where Trout hit for the cycle. We also rarely leave early, but left early the night he had his first walk-off homerun. Those two things still sting. I love this topic and reading everyone's "confessions."

I don't think it's nice to make horse references when talking about John Lackey. It's insulting to horses.

He's not going to be a difference maker down the stretch.

John Lackey is dead to me.

Now that there is a good old fashioned rant.

http://m.mlb.com/video/v34580607/statcast-tracks-mike-trout-as-he-legs-out-a-triple/?partnerId=as_mlb_20140716_27912486 Watch the whole thing... the replay shows a unique version of his triple at about the :17 mark.

I remember Trout's debut well... I remember how excited I was, etc. I'm glad my wife and I were there for his debut. Something special about "being there."

For some reason I found that video just creepy.

If California Chrome can't do it, I doubt Trout can.

I don't understand the Puig hate... You can enjoy Puig without taking anything away from Trout. I look forward to seeing him in August when the Dodgers come to Anaheim.

Jeter is going to end up 6th in all-time hits, possibly 5th... I say that's astounding, all things considered. More hits than Gwynn, Brett, and a host of others. I've never given Jeter the credit he deserves, but I have come to recognize that my view of him was jaded by my disdain for the Yankees. When I really look at his career objectively, I find it pretty amazing.

Not disputing that more should have been done for Gwynn... but... Just curous... How has Tony Gwynn accomplished more?

Not only that... Mike Trout is now set up to not only win all-star game MVP, but regular season and world series MVP's as well.

I don't know who fits in what generation, but I'm amazed by the fact that Jeter will most likely end up with the 6th most hits in major league baseball history... more than a lot of great players. I think I've under-rated him for his career because of my disdain for the Yankees.

And yet the stadium isn't sold out every night... which amazes me and the Angels rank 27th in average road attendance. I don't understand why fans aren't flocking to the stadium to see Trout every time he steps on the field. It's baffling.

Rangers just signed Jerome Williams

It's just too bad Ian Kinsler isn't still a member of this team

I was thinking this was going to be about Donnie Moore.

I still hate the A's more... ALWAYS have... always will. I will always consider them the Angels' #1 rival.