Second Base

I see a lot of similarities between the size and stuff of Pat Corbin and Jonah Wesely.  Now this isn't to say he'll be Corbin.  The Angels minor league scouting was too stupid to realize the type of intelligent, gutsy LHP they had in Corbin when they had him, though to their credit at least they knew exactly who Tyler Skaggs was, but then again so did everyone else.  Jerry Dipoto and staff in Arizona knew Corbin had a real shot at developing into a solid, serviceable middle of the rotation type of lefty when they dealt for him. 
 
I like Wesely's mechanics, really simple, not a ton can go wrong.  He's really strong for pitcher, really quick arm.  Most arms as strong as his are prone to violent deliveries that can charge the ball up over 95 mph but usually have a shorter lifespan.  Wesely however shows intelligence beyond that of a normal high school pitcher.  He stays within himself, doesn't over extend or get too amped.  He comfortably sits 91-92, which is good for a lefty and I can see him adding 1-2 mph in the future.  His curveball is a thing of beauty and I know little about his change up except to say that I've read it has "life" or "depth"....one of those two. 
 
I think the Angels are wagering of his ability to live up to his potential as a solid, aggressive mid-rotation starter. 

I can't say that I'd support another ball park renovation.  If Anaheim wants to keep the Angels in that city, I say they build a new stadium.  Otherwise, I'm guessing Los Angeles, which has spectacular plans already drawn up for a downtown football complex could possibly play home to the Angels, who already share their name. 
 
The Angels have needed a new stadium for at least 10 years now.  The idea of keeping the same one for another 25 years would be horrible.  

I can't say that I'd support another ball park renovation.  If Anaheim wants to keep the Angels in that city, I say they build a new stadium.  Otherwise, I'm guessing Los Angeles, which has spectacular plans already drawn up for a downtown football complex could possibly play home to the Angels, who already share their name. 
 
The Angels have needed a new stadium for at least 10 years now.  The idea of keeping the same one for another 25 years would be horrible.  

Don't get me wrong, I'm siding with AJ on this one, trading for Greinke was a huge mistake.  But it's also the only realy blemish (outside of Blanton signing) that we've seen from Dipoto. 
 
But why was it a mistake?  SImple, when you have a package of prospects as valuable as Segura, Pena and Hellweg, you don't burn it on a 2-month rental.  You use that prospect package in the offseason to land you a major leaguer that you'd have for at least a year, possibly more.  The Angels didn't need to sign Josh Hamilton, they could've used those 3 prospects as something that'd get them into the Justin Upton trade conversation.  We knew Arizona was in the market for a SS and they ended up trading Bauer for Gregorious.  
 
All things considered, Segura, Hellweg, Pena and someone like Grichuk probably would've netted the Angels Upton. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm siding with AJ on this one, trading for Greinke was a huge mistake.  But it's also the only realy blemish (outside of Blanton signing) that we've seen from Dipoto. 
 
But why was it a mistake?  SImple, when you have a package of prospects as valuable as Segura, Pena and Hellweg, you don't burn it on a 2-month rental.  You use that prospect package in the offseason to land you a major leaguer that you'd have for at least a year, possibly more.  The Angels didn't need to sign Josh Hamilton, they could've used those 3 prospects as something that'd get them into the Justin Upton trade conversation.  We knew Arizona was in the market for a SS and they ended up trading Bauer for Gregorious.  
 
All things considered, Segura, Hellweg, Pena and someone like Grichuk probably would've netted the Angels Upton. 

The funniest thing I've read in months.  Give it a look gents. - http://www.baseballnation.com/2013/5/9/4314164/scouting-reports-hunter-pence-derek-jeter

Josh #####, that's the clown I just blocked on twitter.  Glad I did it too.  He was a butt-dart!

I expect him to get hot with the bat in the near future, but I don't think it will have anything to do with him playing center again.
 
It will be because he's a more talented player than what he's shown of late.

This is all I'll say about it.  Bryce Harper has the most beautiful swing I've veer seen, including Griffey and will be a legendary player that breaks records.  He very well may be the best hitter of his generation.  But outside of Bo Jackson, I've never seen anything like Trout.  He's a complete gamer.  Power, hits, speed, defense, intangibles.  
 
If Bryce Harper is Mickey Mantle, the Mike Trout is Willie Mays.  There's no right or wrong answer.  Just greatness.  Bask in it and enjoy. 

This is all I'll say about it.  Bryce Harper has the most beautiful swing I've veer seen, including Griffey and will be a legendary player that breaks records.  He very well may be the best hitter of his generation.  But outside of Bo Jackson, I've never seen anything like Trout.  He's a complete gamer.  Power, hits, speed, defense, intangibles.  
 
If Bryce Harper is Mickey Mantle, the Mike Trout is Willie Mays.  There's no right or wrong answer.  Just greatness.  Bask in it and enjoy. 

He isn't a once in a generational talent, probably won't be a season saver either.  However, if you're looking at it purely from the standpoint of answering the question of whether or not he's unexpectedly brining something to the team that not a lot of people expected, then yes, absolutely.  

Brown Trout

Case and point, Sarah Colonna shares her (bad) experience at the Big A last night. Sarah is a huge Angels fan, as you'll come to find out in her story she posted on her website. Sarah is currently a writer and roundtable regular on the hit late night talk show “Chelsea Lately.” She is also a Producer and star on E!’s “After Lately.” Her first book, “Life as I Blow it,” came out February 7th, 2012, and debuted at number 5 on the New York Times Bestseller list. It’s available in stores, BN.com and on Amazon.
 
http://www.sarahcolonna.com/2013/04/angels-opening-day/
 
Angels Opening Day
I'm a huge baseball fan, my team is the Angels. They have been since I was a kid. My father was a Sports Editor at the OC Register and the LA Times; he covered the Angels. I grew up visiting him in the summer here in California, and that meant it was baseball season...so I went to many, many games with him. As an adult, I grew to love the game and my team more. I am very supportive of my team, nobody can argue that. So the Home Opener is one of my favorite days. It's exciting, it's the first time fans get to see their team play at the Big A after months of waiting. If you're a baseball fan, those months between October and April feel like forever. This year, because I am so open about my love for the Angels, I was asked to be a part of the Home Opening Day broadcast for AM 830, Angels radio...which is where I listen to any game I can't either attend or watch on TV. Yes, I listen to baseball in my car like a man; I told you I was a fan. I'll get to the point; cut to me at the game with two of my friends who are also huge Angels fans. The bottom of the first inning and the Angels were already down by 3. Josh Hamilton stepped up to the plate for the first time as an Angel (at home), in front of the fans, at the Big A, and the bases were loaded. The entire stadium stood on its feet waiting for his grand slam, but it didn't happen. Okay, up next is Mark Trumbo. Almost everyone sat down. Why, I wonder. I get the excitement for Josh, I get the expectations for Josh. But Trumbo has been a good player, a proven player, for our team. He was in the Home Run Derby last year. Fans call his home runs "Trumbombs." Why can't we cheer for his grand slam, too? My friends and I still stood until the people behind us asked us to sit down. When they asked we did...of course we did, they asked us to. Did I give them a little shit for not standing for Trumbo and only sharing their enthusiasm for Josh? Yes. And they laughed...it was all in good sportsmanship; I've never been one to be an ass at a stadium. In fact, I hate when fans are rude or out of line. My ex-boyfriend was a Phillies fan (I know) and once when we attended a game at Dodger Stadium, with him in his Phillies gear, he was yelled at relentlessly by Dodger fans. I ended up pulling a couple aside and asking them how they'd feel if they had to live in Philadelphia for work, but couldn't go cheer on the Dodgers when they came to town without being completely bullied. Those guys ended up apologizing, my ex dubbed me "the baseball whisperer," and all was quiet. Anyway, back to the point. Bottom of the 4th, Josh steps up with the bases loaded again, stadium is once again on their feet. He grounds into a force out and Bourjos is out at home, however now Josh is at first and the bases are loaded again. Here comes Trumbo...my friends and I continue to stand and cheer, as do some around us. The people behind us don't say anything, at this point everyone is getting along and wants the Angels to score. An usher comes over and tells us to sit down, which we're confused by. We sit, but my friend Tara, who is a long time fan and a season ticket holder, asks the usher why. She says "nobody is complaining, the bases are loaded, why can't I stand and cheer?" The usher brushes her off, which isn't something Tara is a fan of, so at the end of the inning she goes to talk to him. She asks him the question again. He informs her it's up to his discretion and that she is welcome to talk to guest relations, so she does. She comes back frustrated but laughing that she's now visited guest relations, we find it all a little ridiculous. But she said everyone in guest relations was nice and they did confirm it's up to the usher to decide if they want to tell someone to sit down and that's that. We determine our usher isn't a ton of fun and move on. At the top of the 7th inning, security comes over and asks the 3 of us to get up. We are so confused; we haven't even stood up, except to go to the bathroom, or get food or a drink, since the usher incident. But they insist we get up and everyone in the section boos security, several people yelled "they haven't even done anything." One guy yelled "these are $165 seats, are you seriously asking them to leave? They didn't so anything." These are the people in our section, nobody is complaining, because there is nothing to complain about. I'll give you that Jason, Tara's brother, can be a bit of a yeller. I think in the first inning I told him to pipe down once, but again that was nothing and I'm the one who said that to him, not anyone around us. It was a non-incident, but I don't want to leave out any facts. That fact probably doesn't even matter because security didn't even talk to him. They just harassed me and Tara. They took our licenses and wrote down our information and told us if we went back to our seats we'd be ARRESTED. WHAT? FOR WHAT? Like I said, I've been going to games since I was a kid...I know how to act. I had no idea what this guy was talking about. He didn't offer much of an explanation except that the usher who originally talked to us three innings ago wanted us gone. He didn't like that Tara went to guest relations...yet he was the one who told her to go to guest relations. Essentially, we got kicked out of the Home Opener for a team we've both been going to see since we were kids, for cheering on Mark Trumbo. I'm not lying, exaggerating or leaving out any details. We weren't obnoxious, we got along with everyone around us. I'm not that person, I'm not obnoxious at games. All I can deduce from it is that the usher had an ego and he didn't like Tara telling the people at guest relations, who she said seemed confused by why she was there as well, how she'd been treated. He was clearly in the wrong and now that everyone knew it, his only power left was to have us kicked out. Again, our section was yelling at security, nobody understood what the problem was. When we were finally out and away from the unhelpful, rude security, Tara started to cry. She laughed at herself, "I can't believe I'm crying about this but I'm just so mad." I know what she means. At the end of the day, we're huge fans. We were taken out of one of the most exciting days in baseball because we dared to cheer for someone other than Hamilton, who I guess the usher decided was the only person people were allowed to stand for that day. Whatever, it's up to his discretion, right? I don't know what to do now. I'm an Angels fan, that won't change, it's in my blood. But I don't know how to go back to that stadium. That may sound dramatic, but it's true. How do I justify walking back in a place I was treated so poorly? I spend thousands of dollars a year at that stadium, I'm not sure I should brag about that because some may think it's ridiculous, but I do. I go to several games, I take the Amtrak from LA because that way I don't get stuck in traffic (and if I have a couple of beers, it's fine because I'm not driving. Win-win). So I'm a girl who gets on a train and travels to a stadium in Orange County to root on my team because I love them. At the pre-game broadcast, they asked me what I love most about the Angels; I said 'the fans.' Because they're real fans, not fair-weather fans or rude fans, they are just real, true fans. Unfortunately when I said that, I didn't know how big a fan you wanted to be was up to the usher's discretion...…

In their defense most of the Angels concession/seating staff is either over 60 in age or below 60 in IQ

Not a baseball town

Please check out my Inside Edge piece titled "Survival of the Fittest: Evolution of an Ace" for my full opinion. One thing to remember, Weaver is relying more on the sinker & cutter these days to create more movement. Those are slower pitches by nature and will produce slower FB velocity. Weaver's problem last night was fastball command. What turned him into an Ace was limiting free passes and keeping the ball in the yard. That is why he is bad in Texas, the ball jumps out of that park. He got killed by walking hitters last night. Velocity also increases in May and June, so let's wait and see.

Our Prospect Report on Yarbrough from our Top 50 Prospects List. 
 
 
Alex Yarbrough (2B) Bats: Both Throws: Right Height: 5’11” 180 lbs. DOB: 8/3/91 
(Cedar Rapids/Arkansas): .275/.307/.393 with 0 HRs and 7 SBs   After hitting .380 as a Mississippi junior, the Angels were pleased to see Yarbrough still around and selected him in the 4th round with their second selection in the 2012 amateur draft after R.J. Alvarez. Yabrough, a switch hitter, has a patient approach from both sides of the plate which gives him the ability to work the count and ultimately turn on pitches with his excellent hand-eye coordination, bat control and quick wrists.

Scouts believe Yarbrough will hit for a high average with some extra base power. An offensive minded-second baseman, Yarbrough won't wow you defensively, but he makes all the plays and should be able to stick at the position. His arm is fringe-average. Yarbrough isn't nearly as fast as Stamets, but has enough wheels for double-digits in the stolen base department.   Look for Yarbrough to join Stamets in High-A ball with the 66ers in what could be the most dynamic double-play combo in the California League.

I think Lowe will find the pitching environment in Los Angeles and the Angels incredible OF defense more conducive to success than pitching in Texas where routine pop flies leave the yard and Nelson Cruz and David Murphy are considered "good" defenders.
 
Forcing a fastball pitcher to throw in an environment like that is like starting a power hitting strikeout prone hitter with an 0-2 count in Petco Park.  Success is an unlikely event. 
 
Lowe is in the right situation to succeed now, simple as that. 

So basically 5 butt darts?

I'll check out the article later.

This should lower the Angels annual payroll by about 4 million, provide the Angels with additional pitching depth with the return they'll get, open a spot up on the 40 man roster and a spot on the team for Kole Calhoun, who gives the Angels good OF defense, a good pinch running option and a good LHB off the bench. 
 
I'd say it's a good trade. 

It's cool, I understand being busy and am not upset at all.

Quite the conundrum here then.  We have a Mathis on our hands, that much we know.  But what to call him....
 
Mathis version 2 is too obvious.  
 
Perhaps a Star Wars Theme?  The Phantom Mathis.  Mathis: Scioscia Strikes Back.  The Return of the Mathis.

.280 15 HR 30 SB and a gold glove in CF.  

We weren't toast until the third to the last game of the season with a terrible Santana, way below average Haren and whatever from Richards/Williams. Oh yeah and an unspectacular C.J. Wilson in the 2nd half. 

And I apologize to xboomx for calling him a butt-dart and finding him to be unintelligent.