Jersey Boy

I know this will sound radical, but . . . fire Joe Maddon. He is not the right manager for this Angels team. In Chicago he was known as a "players first" manager. He still is. He constantly rationalizes losses and poor performance with a "it will all work out in the long run" explanation. This attitude just doesn't cut it these days with so many good, competitive teams out there. Perry Minasian seems like a tough, practical-minded GM. The Pujols termination is proof of that. (I'm sure Maddon was not in favor of that move.) He has to get rid of Maddon and bring in a manager who doesn't treat the players with kid gloves. (Joe Girardi would have been great choice.) I don't think this Angels team is good enough to make the playoffs, but as a long-suffering fan I'd settle for .500.

Albert was a great player and he's a good man, but this move was long overdue. His best days were behind when the Cards let him go. Here's hoping the Angels' days of hiring over the hill sluggers are over. Next on the chopping block: Justin Upton.