70runner

Not at all, Mathis could actually run.

Don't see a need for dislikes. The forum already has multiple "did you really post that crap" options: submit a contrary opinion, ignore the post, ignore the poster. What problem are we fixing?

I hear he's on the Trump VP list...

There is no one else and that represents a sad state of affairs in the MOTO. So we're stuck with Pujols. Get used to Trout walking a bunch, intentionally or otherwise, with a game on the line. GREAT game by Shoemaker.

...a couple times, in case we missed the first one

Pujols has looked like crap at the plate tonight, stranding about the entire lineup.

Hate is a pretty strong word. Some are frustrated with his love for vets, platoons, contact plays, and tipping the cap. A 10yr contract for ANY pro manager is a bad idea.

the pitch or the hit?

M's announcers acting like it was a big deal getting Pujols

Blame on the back of the lineup for the Angels miserable start, absolutely. Blame on the back of the lineup for Pujols problems at the plate, that's a fable only Scioscia would invent.

Scioscia laid it on pretty thick, I guess that's about what you'd expect. Angels don't have much going for them these days, Pujols is closer to part of the problem than the solution.

Treat this as an opportunity, employ any strategy that results in getting younger and more athletic. Recall Ortega, let the kids play, give Pujols some days off and/or (gasp) move him down in the lineup. Trade Smith, Street, Soto, Escobar, Santiago, Nava for youth. Enjoy watching the kids trying to get better around a core of Trout & Calhoun.

Benching Pujols simply isn't going to happen under Scioscia's watch. It's somewhat of a catch22, the Angels didn't pursue anyone who could actually drive in runs from the cleanup spot because that's where Pujols lives in Scioscia's universe. So now that he continues to flounder, there is no other viable option. Cron, who appears to subscribe to the same workout regimen as Pujols, isn't the answer. Perhaps Calhoun. The best case under Scioscia would be a demotion down the order, but again that would require either moving Calhoun or acquiring someone who can hit with RISP. Even so, it seems unlikely that Pujols would agree to such a move. In the MLB dictionary, an albatross would include a picture of Pujols, a metaphor for dead weight that one must carry. Even all this talk about rebuild, no matter what strategy is used, the one dead weight constant is Pujols remains. Those who believe he might retire early... I want some of what you're using...

Too soon for Eppler, not at all too soon to dump Scioscia. Just sticking Pujols in the cleanup spot every game should be reason enough. This team is too old, too slow, and just not very competitive.

4-5?... I count 3: Escobar, Calhoun, and Trout. Soto might make 4. Pujols is dogpoop. Ortega got sent to AAA I guess because he isn't old enough to qualify for Scioscia's lineup card. Gonna be a long season.

It's depressing to think, no matter what the rebuild/retool/rewhatever scenario, Pujols remains a painful constant. Were some rebuilding miracle to occur...the Angels acquire some hitters not on their career downside (along with Trout & Calhoun)...the lineup is still going to have the black hole in the MOTO. Agree with the suggestion to market Street while he has some value. He's on the wrong side of 30, losing velocity and evolving into the Weaver of closers. This team must get younger, faster, and more athletic.

no deficit is too large - we got albert

This is even more depressing than the Richards injury...having the "Worst Contract in Baseball" black hole in the MOTO until the next decade.

Scioscia for manager of the year, but all the credit should go to his #4 "hitter", admiring albert

Will albert hitting 4th remain after the upgrade?

very unlikely as long as MLBs longest term manager fills out the lineup card Pujols has devolved into a one trick pony, HR or nothing

7 runs, no problem...albert will bring us back

we got albert

KC will deliver the pain. Trout won't be enough to beat a good team, especially with admiring albert following him in the order. Albert has devolved into a one trick pony, HR or bust, and will likely remain the black hole in the cleanup spot as long as Scioscia constructs lineup cards. As to the bullpen (also filed in the it's early folder), the Angels closing tandem is suspect. Street has had good results to date, but often seems to be living on the ragged edge. Had Jackson's warning track out been another 10ft on 21 Apr, more folks would be discussing his loss of velocity and increased dependence on Weaver style grit and guile. Smith has surrendered a hit/inning with a 3.60 ERA and plunked 4 guys in 10 innings. Both are 32. This tandem will become an issue if the Angels, beyond Trout/Calhoun, rediscover hitting and find themselves in more late inning competitions.

Pujols and his .148 avg - simply awesome