eligrba

If Trout leaves, it will not be because the Angels "low-balled" him. I think the way Weaver was handled might be the way Trout will be handled. If he wants to stay an Angel, he will be paid, it is a non-issue. He represents the "franchise player" Arte made reference to during the Texiera negotiations. If he wants to go, he will be traded. I think his value to the organization is too great to have him simply leave as a free agent. I would be surprised to see Arte make the same mistake as St Louis did during contract negotiations with Pujols. Which leads me to a totally different topic, Why he F did we sign Hamilton?

Using the words "closing situation" with this team is misleading and inaccurate. The only thing this team has closed are its winning opportunities.

Needed to check whether Texas has sent over flowers after the last few nights. I mean, it is expected, isn't it?

Good point. I was hoping that being sat for a short while would trigger a sense of urgency in a superstar's mental state. I know, it is not realistic, but I can hope.

The underperforming players are not Scioscia's fault. At some point, you would think that their pride would kick in and they would work to make changes... However, continuing to parade underperforming players out every night is Mike's fault. He has enough credibility to sit an underperforming superstar and not worry about the aftermath.....but he continues to mindlessley write the same lineup card, much like Hamilton mindlessly swinging at offspeed breaking balls outside of the strike zone.

At least Blanton is healthy and not on the DL. Angel luck finds a way.

Sandberg could not do any worse than Mike "casual observer" Scioscia. Sandberg>>Scioscia as a player.....all he needs is an opportunity to manage in the majors...just like Mike got with the Angels.

Trade him to Atlanta. They seem to know how to work with young pitchers....Walden doing well....Hansen traded away. Maybe Dipoto can aquire someone even more invisible for another young pitcher with potential.

I am suprised that Texas is considering it. They seem to be a well ran organization with a recent history of solid personel decisions....unlike another organization that will remain nameless.

1. Yes, it was a "minor" surgery on the right knee. 2. I do not know. I can't recall any recent players having a similiar surgery. 3. That is what Kruk was suggesting. I am sure the Angels FO, coaches and clerical staff already know this.

He focused on Albert's inability to use his lower body to drive the ball. He described how Albert's right knee prevents him from rotating his right foot allowing his hips to drive his hands through the zone, and how his planter faciitus prevents him from creating a solid left leg as an anchor. He showed how Albert lifts his right leg and keeps his left leg bent during his swing explaining that all of Albert's power, currently, comes exclusively from his upper body. It made sense from what little I know about the biomechanics of hitting.

Wow..... I like how people ignore Albert's efforts in helping his teammates. Regardless of Albert's current numbers, he has demonstrated he knows how to hit. John Kruk clearly outlined the reasons for Albert's struggles last Sunday. I maybe the only one, but I like the contract. I think Albert's influence will be well worth the money. When he gets healthy, probably next year, his numbers will improve.

The real question is why was he selected to pinch hit at that moment? If I knew he was the only option, I would have let Ianetta hit and then pinch hit Conger if that opportunity was available. Ianetta is way better than Hawpe...... Sometimes I think Scioscia ignores reality to stay with "match ups."

I like your optimism....

Even though the year has not gone as planned, having an over zealous owner making some mistakes is not the worst scenerio I can imagine. I have always appreciated Arte's desire to field a championship team, but have not always agreed with the way it was being done. I can certainly live with the underachieving players this year, in the hopes that they can turn it around next year. I disagree that the team needs to dismantled and start over, there is too much underachieving talent on this team. I am in it for the long haul......I still remember the efforts of Gene Autry in trying to build a winner. Even though he was not successful, it was fun to be part of it.

That's funny.

Francona-yes Maddon-not sure. What struggling, previously successful veteran has he managed? Don't get me wrong, I would prefer Joe to Mike, but I think the Angel's problems goes beyond simple solutions.

I would be suprised to see Mike win a second world series with any team. Sometimes it seems like Mike does not want to adjust to the changes in the game brought about by players like Trout, Harper, etc. His track record suggests that Mike struggles with managing successful veteran players and exerts more influence on younger players. Mike Scioscia with the Dodgers would merit the same results.....only he would have his buddy Hatcher back with him in the dugout. I do not know of many current managers who are successful at managing previously successful free agent veterans who struggle....maybe Leland?

It is time for Hamilton to have an adult sit him down and make a plan. If I am able to call the pitch sequences and the outcomes for a player, that player needs an intervention. Someone.......please anyone......do something.......even if it hurts Hamilton's feelings/self esteem/mojo. I am not sure what made me more mad, Hamilton flailing at pitches or getting out of the way of an inside pitch.......

If only the Angels had someone on staff who could focus on hitting...........Hmmmmmmm.......Hatcher would have fixed this by now.

Josh, you suck. In before the ab.

Up to Hamilton? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

I tried to look away so I did not see it....... It didn't work. What a worthless, overpaid, underachieving, overly coddled, narcisistic piece of sh@t. I wish someone would flush him down the toilet...he probably would just create a clog.

I hate finding out that the Angels purchased the equivalent of swamp land for 25 mill.....for 5 years.

Nice job Josh....... Great idea Mike, lets bat him between Trout and Pujols.