Bobby Abreau was grand but his former team was more striking in season opener at Yankee Stadium Tuesday afternoon. Abreau launched a Dave Robertson offering into the stands for a ninth inning grand slam but New York held on to beat the Angels 7-5 for their third consecutive win and fifth overall. The Yankees were given their 2009 World Series rings during a pregame ceremony and went on to take the first of a three game set with Anaheim.
Andy Pettitte tossed six scoreless innings in a vintage performance by the southpaw. Pettitte allowed five hits and struck out six Angels for his 230th career win. Mariano Rivera earned his third save of the season by getting last year’s World Series MVP, Hideki Matsui, to popup for the final out of the game. The game was all-New York through the through the first seven innings. Anaheim finally recorded a tally in the eighth inning off Yankee reliever, Chan Ho Park. Park served up a solo shot to Kendry Morales, who went 3-for-4 for the visiting California club. Morales and the Angels appeared rusty and lackadaisical. Morales lost track of the outs in the second inning and had to scramble back to second base on a routine fly ball to right field with one out. Manager Mike Scoscia’s team has dropped six games so far this season and has been outscored 48-23. They certainly do not look like your typical consistent, fundamental Angels. The blueprint of the modern day Angels has involved standout starting pitching and masterful run-manufacturing. The atrocious Anaheim arms are not accurate and the offense is not generating runs so far this season. Alternatively, the Yankees are formulating runs and backing it up with pitching and early leads. New York’s quest for a 28th championship is promising, although it’s too soon to declare them winners of anything yet.
The Yankees began their World Series title defense on the right foot. Yankee Stadium’s first long ball of the year came off the bat of Nick Johnson. The Bombers’ DH stroked two hits Tuesday and scored three of the team’s seven runs. Johnson’s first inning solo shot to right was one of the eight hits allowed by Angels’ hurler, Ervin Santana. Santana is off to a dismal 0-2 start. Shortstop, Derek Jeter, deposited a homerun beyond the right-center field wall in the third frame for a 2-0 Yankees lead. Jeter knocked home another run in the fourth to score Curtis Granderson. Alex Rodriguez’s infield single in the bottom of the sixth tacked on two more New York runs. New York pounded out 13 hits, propelled by catcher Jorge Posada’s three. Posada drove Johnson home with a double in the two-run eighth inning. His double moved the backstop past Mickey Mantle into seventh place on the Yanks’ all-time list. The patient Yankees drew nine walks, including three passes to Nick Swisher. Granderson stole his fourth base of the season and provided the run-scoring single in the eighth that padded the Yankee lead to 7-1.
Pettitte was precise in his 2010 home debut. The 37 year old set the Halos down in the sixth, despite allowing a pair of one-out singles. He induced an inning-ending double play to preserve the 3-0 Bomber advantage. The Angels were 2-of-9 with runners in scoring position, a staggering statistic for the efficient AL West players. Park relieved Pettite in the seventh and was an out away from a scoreless two-inning stint out of the pen. Morales clocked a 1-1 pitch to the second deck for the first Anaheim tally. Robertson loaded the bases in the ninth on single from Howie Kendrick, Brandon Wood and Jeff Mathis. Abreau’s rocket shot was the first Angels’ grand slam since Mark Teixeira went four-deep against the Yankees in August 2008. Joe Girardi found solace in summoning his future Hall-of-Fame closer from the bullpen to salvage the game. Rivera struck out Torii Hunter and set down Matsui to seal the deal. Robertson faced five batters and surrendered four runs. Rivera made it look easy, as Mo typically does, by stamping out the final two batters.
Parting Points: It’s always nice to see Bernie Williams back in the Bronx.
Song of the day- “Pretty Fly (for a white guy)” by the Offspring
Showing posts with label Anaheim Angels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anaheim Angels. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Bitter Bronx Baseball Backdrop
It was a bitter night for baseball in the Bronx when the Bombers and Los Angeles Angels suited up for game one of the ALDS. There would be no frozen ropes during this tough test. Instead, pitching and defense ruled the evening. The operative word of the chilly night was “ace”. New York left-hander, C.C. Sabathia was every bit a poised pitcher the Yankees hoped he’d be in the playoffs when they signed him to a record deal last Spring. The southpaw fired eight superb innings of one-run ball, and was backed by Bomber bats. The night belonged to the home team and the Yankees played ordinary October baseball reminiscent of the late 90’s. The Angels were sloppy on the cold New York grass and mustered just four hits at the plate. If the Bombers were characteristic of their elegant baseball style, the Angels were anything but. Anaheim committed three crucial, uncharacteristic errors in the field. The result: a 4-1 win for New York in the ALDS opener.
Sabathia was a workhorse as he mowed through the Angels order, setting down seven via the strikeout. He walked his first batter in the post-season, his only of the night. The big lefty went to a three-balls count just two other times throughout the four-hit affair. C.C. produced loud roars from the hometown fans who endured the blistery weather and frigid temperatures. Sabathia chants were heard throughout the stadium, even more pronounced than those meant for Mariano Rivera. The Hall-of-Fame closer came in to pitch a hitless ninth inning and lock down his record 36th post-season save. The victory was too familiar for Bronx backers with hopes of a return to the glory days, and the Fall Classic. Solid pitching afforded the offense an opportunity to build on a lead. Bomber captain, Derek Jeter, set the tone in the bottom of the first with a leadoff opposite-field single. Third baseman, Alex Rodriguez, continued his playoff success in the first inning for New York. Rodriguez ‘s sacrifice fly off Angels’ starter, John Lackey, gave the Yankees an early edge. It was ARod’s seventh RBI of the post-season. Johnny Damon went 2-for-5 Friday and scored on a Hideki Matsui bloop pop fly in the first inning. Any Little-leaguer would have made the play, but outfielder Eric Aybar and third baseman, Chone Figgins, experienced a miscommunication. Damon was able to advance a base on Juan Rivera’s error, the first of an atypical three by Anaheim.
The Yankees lead by two runs until the fourth inning. Sabathia gave up his only run on Kendry Morales’ single. Lackey hurled 5 2/3 innings and scattered nine hits, while walking three. Matsui got the better of Lackey again in the fifth. The DH posted a double to centerfield to score Damon. New York increased their lead to 4-1 the next frame. Melky Cabrera has struggled at the plate so far this post-season. Last night, he drew a bases loaded walk in the sixth and reached second on Lackey’s throwing error trying to pick the outfielder off first. Melky scored on Jeter’s single to center. Jeter plowed into second base on the play courtesy of the usually sure-handed eight-time Gold Glover, Torii Hunter’s error. Lackey’s night ended on his team’s error-prone aberration.
Jason Bulger replaced Lackey on the hill for the Angels. He did not allow a hit, but threw a wild pitch and walked two of the seven Yankees he faced. Meanwhile, the Bombers’ ace continued to toss strikes and stump the opposition, drawing ire from the frustrated Angels’ dugout. Visiting Manager, Mike Scioscia, suggested the crowd was a factor last night. Perhaps C.C’s greatest moment was fanning pinch-hit power catcher, Mike Napoli to end the seventh. The Angels must have been equally upset with the way they played and how they just couldn’t figure out how to hit Sabathia. The Anaheim defense contributed as much to the Yankee win as Sabathia’s sure-proof pitching arm.
Rain is in the forecast for tonight when career 100 game-winner, A.J. Burnett, faces Joe Saunders, winner of 48 regular season games. The stakes are high and the shivering temperature will surely speak volumes about series. Barring any postponement, the Yankees are in a great position with their scheduled pitching plan. Any shift in the slated rotation may throw the Bombers off balance and give the Angels a chance to catch their frosty breath.
Parting Points: “The first cut is the deepest”- Sheryl Crowe
Sabathia was a workhorse as he mowed through the Angels order, setting down seven via the strikeout. He walked his first batter in the post-season, his only of the night. The big lefty went to a three-balls count just two other times throughout the four-hit affair. C.C. produced loud roars from the hometown fans who endured the blistery weather and frigid temperatures. Sabathia chants were heard throughout the stadium, even more pronounced than those meant for Mariano Rivera. The Hall-of-Fame closer came in to pitch a hitless ninth inning and lock down his record 36th post-season save. The victory was too familiar for Bronx backers with hopes of a return to the glory days, and the Fall Classic. Solid pitching afforded the offense an opportunity to build on a lead. Bomber captain, Derek Jeter, set the tone in the bottom of the first with a leadoff opposite-field single. Third baseman, Alex Rodriguez, continued his playoff success in the first inning for New York. Rodriguez ‘s sacrifice fly off Angels’ starter, John Lackey, gave the Yankees an early edge. It was ARod’s seventh RBI of the post-season. Johnny Damon went 2-for-5 Friday and scored on a Hideki Matsui bloop pop fly in the first inning. Any Little-leaguer would have made the play, but outfielder Eric Aybar and third baseman, Chone Figgins, experienced a miscommunication. Damon was able to advance a base on Juan Rivera’s error, the first of an atypical three by Anaheim.
The Yankees lead by two runs until the fourth inning. Sabathia gave up his only run on Kendry Morales’ single. Lackey hurled 5 2/3 innings and scattered nine hits, while walking three. Matsui got the better of Lackey again in the fifth. The DH posted a double to centerfield to score Damon. New York increased their lead to 4-1 the next frame. Melky Cabrera has struggled at the plate so far this post-season. Last night, he drew a bases loaded walk in the sixth and reached second on Lackey’s throwing error trying to pick the outfielder off first. Melky scored on Jeter’s single to center. Jeter plowed into second base on the play courtesy of the usually sure-handed eight-time Gold Glover, Torii Hunter’s error. Lackey’s night ended on his team’s error-prone aberration.
Jason Bulger replaced Lackey on the hill for the Angels. He did not allow a hit, but threw a wild pitch and walked two of the seven Yankees he faced. Meanwhile, the Bombers’ ace continued to toss strikes and stump the opposition, drawing ire from the frustrated Angels’ dugout. Visiting Manager, Mike Scioscia, suggested the crowd was a factor last night. Perhaps C.C’s greatest moment was fanning pinch-hit power catcher, Mike Napoli to end the seventh. The Angels must have been equally upset with the way they played and how they just couldn’t figure out how to hit Sabathia. The Anaheim defense contributed as much to the Yankee win as Sabathia’s sure-proof pitching arm.
Rain is in the forecast for tonight when career 100 game-winner, A.J. Burnett, faces Joe Saunders, winner of 48 regular season games. The stakes are high and the shivering temperature will surely speak volumes about series. Barring any postponement, the Yankees are in a great position with their scheduled pitching plan. Any shift in the slated rotation may throw the Bombers off balance and give the Angels a chance to catch their frosty breath.
Parting Points: “The first cut is the deepest”- Sheryl Crowe
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
California Clinches Championship
Mike Scioscia and the Anaheim Angels wrapped up the AL West title after an 11-0 romping of the Texas Rangers Monday night. The Angels won a lopsided game behind an invigorating Ervin Santana. The five-year Angel hurler helped the home team take their fifth division crown in six years with a complete game seven-hit shutout. The 92-64 Anaheim ballclub will open a first round best-of-five playoff series in California next week. Their opponent will be the AL wildcard winner. Boston is the heavy favorite and needs only one win or a Texas loss to earn a spot into the playoffs.
Kendry Morales, who clubbed just three longballs a year ago, smacked his 33rd of 2009. The first baseman drove in three runs, and was aided by outfield All-star, Vladimir Guerrero, on offense. Rookie flamethrower, Tommy Hunter, struggled to keep the home team off the bases. The Alabama native suffered the shortest start of his promising career. Maicer Izturis stroked three hits. Guerrero and Erick Aybar drove in a pair of runs apiece and Bobby Abreu also a three-hit night. Izturis keyed a three-run third inning with his two-run single. Abreu tripled and scored in the fourth. Hunter allowed seven hits and just as many runs in just 2 ½ frames. The Rangers’ relief effort was just as dismal. Dustin Nippert and Jason Grilli each gave up a run. Doug Mathis was of little support, permitting two runs in just one inning. Texas’s shoddy defense committed three errors that led to two unearned Angel runs. Conversely, Anaheim sparkled defensively and got an outstanding effort from their starting pitcher. The AL West Champions are 14-12 in September, and averaging only 4.2 runs per game. It is important they gain momentum heading into the final six games of the regular season. The offense racked up 12 hits against their division rivals. The bats were alive and the Angels used their gloves to smother Texas’ wildcard hopes.
The West was the Angels to win, and they were not going to be denied on this Monday night in front of their excited fans. After the division-clinching contest, the Angels formed a mob around the winning pitcher. They returned to the field after a short celebration to honor their deceased teammate, Nick Adenhart. The players reverently touched Adenhart’s #34 in the outfield and held up his jersey. The
bittersweet title was well-deserving. The Angels every year seem to differentiate themselves from the pack. They are a vastly underrated team as of late, and really have blossomed into a dominant franchise. What began as a doleful season may end in a World Series splash.
Parting points: It’s pre-season hockey time already? Cool.
What has gotten into those Minnesota Twins? They always find a way it seems.
“Don’t be surprised if I fall head over feet”-Alanis
Kendry Morales, who clubbed just three longballs a year ago, smacked his 33rd of 2009. The first baseman drove in three runs, and was aided by outfield All-star, Vladimir Guerrero, on offense. Rookie flamethrower, Tommy Hunter, struggled to keep the home team off the bases. The Alabama native suffered the shortest start of his promising career. Maicer Izturis stroked three hits. Guerrero and Erick Aybar drove in a pair of runs apiece and Bobby Abreu also a three-hit night. Izturis keyed a three-run third inning with his two-run single. Abreu tripled and scored in the fourth. Hunter allowed seven hits and just as many runs in just 2 ½ frames. The Rangers’ relief effort was just as dismal. Dustin Nippert and Jason Grilli each gave up a run. Doug Mathis was of little support, permitting two runs in just one inning. Texas’s shoddy defense committed three errors that led to two unearned Angel runs. Conversely, Anaheim sparkled defensively and got an outstanding effort from their starting pitcher. The AL West Champions are 14-12 in September, and averaging only 4.2 runs per game. It is important they gain momentum heading into the final six games of the regular season. The offense racked up 12 hits against their division rivals. The bats were alive and the Angels used their gloves to smother Texas’ wildcard hopes.
The West was the Angels to win, and they were not going to be denied on this Monday night in front of their excited fans. After the division-clinching contest, the Angels formed a mob around the winning pitcher. They returned to the field after a short celebration to honor their deceased teammate, Nick Adenhart. The players reverently touched Adenhart’s #34 in the outfield and held up his jersey. The
bittersweet title was well-deserving. The Angels every year seem to differentiate themselves from the pack. They are a vastly underrated team as of late, and really have blossomed into a dominant franchise. What began as a doleful season may end in a World Series splash.
Parting points: It’s pre-season hockey time already? Cool.
What has gotten into those Minnesota Twins? They always find a way it seems.
“Don’t be surprised if I fall head over feet”-Alanis
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Halos Held Helpless
The New York Yankees held on to best the California Angels of Anaheim in a showdown struggle for AL East supremacy Wednesday. New York has beaten the home team twice in the last two days using a dose of Anaheim’s own medicine. The back-to-back one run victories are being endorsed by fans who enjoy watching the Yankees play small ball. The Bombers won 3-2 yesterday, a night after their come-from-behind 6-5 scuffle at Angels Stadium. The team could clinch the AL East title this weekend, with an emphatic statement against the Red Sox at home. Right now, New York is proving they are the team to beat, backed by a solid lineup and defense and clutch hitting.
The resilient bombers started A.J. Burnett yesterday afternoon. Burnett went 5 2/3 innings, struck out 11 batters and gave up two runs. He left the game with the lead before turning it over to the bullpen, led by a crop of relievers, Ian Kennedy, Damaso Marte, Jonathan Albaladejo, Phil Coke and Mariano Rivera. Rivera threw blazing fastballs in the ninth to preserve the victory and send New York home with a 2-1 series win. Scott Kazmir pitched well for the Angels over six innings. Kazmir has only registered one win in five of his last tries for the California club. Kazmir allowed five straight Bombers to reach base in a decisive fourth frame. In the fourth, New York scored all three of their tallies on four hits. Second baseman, Robinson Cano, got the Yankees on board with a two-run single, and Melky Cabrera provided a one-run double.
The Angels did their scoring in the bottom of the fifth and sixth off Burnett. A.J. yielded two hits in each of the innings Anaheim crossed the plate. Chone Figgins, the third base leadoff man, had three hits, including a double. Former Yankee, Bobby Abreau, and right-fielder, Gary Matthews, Jr., contributed the RBIs for the home Halos.
The Bombers had not won a series in So Cal since 2004 prior to this week. Anaheim’s inability to drive in runs was the main factor in determining the victor Wednesday. Exhaustion probably played a role for the Angels because the bats looked sluggish after playing 40 games in the last 41 days. The Halos were fanned a season-high fifteen times as their offense was virtually rendered a non-factor. The athletic club walked away with a one run loss after stranding 10 runners in scoring position. Despite scoring their initial run in the fifth, Anaheim left a baserunner standing on third as Burnett stingily closed out the inning. They left runners on first and second in the sixth, and one more on third in the seventh frame. The Angels came close to tying the score or taking the lead in the eighth with Kennedy on the mound. Howie Kendrick was hit by a pitch and Matthews, Jr. drew a pass on a full count to advance the runner. Pinch hitter, Caesar Izturis, struck out before Kennedy issued his second walk to Figgins. The reliever induced a fly ball off the bat of Eric Aybar for the third out and the Angels came up empty in the eighth. Rivera struck out the first two hitters he faced in the bottom of the ninth, and got his namesake, Juan Rivera, to pop up to end the game.
Rivera now has 42 saves in 2009. Burnett pitched exceptionally well through the first four innings and finished with 11 strikeouts total. He had pinpoint control, and Joe Girardi did not micromanage the bullpen, but used his staff appropriately. It was a little scary for Kennedy because he hasn’t pitched in so long. I was not sure what to expect from the young hurler in his return to the mound on the road with a small lead. Kendrick whiffed three times for the Halos, and first baseman, Kendry Morales, was fanned four out of the five times he stepped to the plate. The Angels did display decent defense during the contest. Mark Teixeria tried to score in the fourth inning on a Shelley Duncan line drive to the outfield, but was nailed at the plate by Rivera’s strong throw from left. Tuesday night, the Yankees snapped the Angels’ five game winning streak against New York. The teams could face each other next month for the pennant. Will the Yankees be the ones to continue their recent streak, or will Anaheim find a way to bounce back?
Parting Points: “I’m in love. I’m all shook up”- Elvis
Too bad about Wayne Gretzky stepping down as Coyotes coach, but he really did not have success in four seasons behind the bench.
The resilient bombers started A.J. Burnett yesterday afternoon. Burnett went 5 2/3 innings, struck out 11 batters and gave up two runs. He left the game with the lead before turning it over to the bullpen, led by a crop of relievers, Ian Kennedy, Damaso Marte, Jonathan Albaladejo, Phil Coke and Mariano Rivera. Rivera threw blazing fastballs in the ninth to preserve the victory and send New York home with a 2-1 series win. Scott Kazmir pitched well for the Angels over six innings. Kazmir has only registered one win in five of his last tries for the California club. Kazmir allowed five straight Bombers to reach base in a decisive fourth frame. In the fourth, New York scored all three of their tallies on four hits. Second baseman, Robinson Cano, got the Yankees on board with a two-run single, and Melky Cabrera provided a one-run double.
The Angels did their scoring in the bottom of the fifth and sixth off Burnett. A.J. yielded two hits in each of the innings Anaheim crossed the plate. Chone Figgins, the third base leadoff man, had three hits, including a double. Former Yankee, Bobby Abreau, and right-fielder, Gary Matthews, Jr., contributed the RBIs for the home Halos.
The Bombers had not won a series in So Cal since 2004 prior to this week. Anaheim’s inability to drive in runs was the main factor in determining the victor Wednesday. Exhaustion probably played a role for the Angels because the bats looked sluggish after playing 40 games in the last 41 days. The Halos were fanned a season-high fifteen times as their offense was virtually rendered a non-factor. The athletic club walked away with a one run loss after stranding 10 runners in scoring position. Despite scoring their initial run in the fifth, Anaheim left a baserunner standing on third as Burnett stingily closed out the inning. They left runners on first and second in the sixth, and one more on third in the seventh frame. The Angels came close to tying the score or taking the lead in the eighth with Kennedy on the mound. Howie Kendrick was hit by a pitch and Matthews, Jr. drew a pass on a full count to advance the runner. Pinch hitter, Caesar Izturis, struck out before Kennedy issued his second walk to Figgins. The reliever induced a fly ball off the bat of Eric Aybar for the third out and the Angels came up empty in the eighth. Rivera struck out the first two hitters he faced in the bottom of the ninth, and got his namesake, Juan Rivera, to pop up to end the game.
Rivera now has 42 saves in 2009. Burnett pitched exceptionally well through the first four innings and finished with 11 strikeouts total. He had pinpoint control, and Joe Girardi did not micromanage the bullpen, but used his staff appropriately. It was a little scary for Kennedy because he hasn’t pitched in so long. I was not sure what to expect from the young hurler in his return to the mound on the road with a small lead. Kendrick whiffed three times for the Halos, and first baseman, Kendry Morales, was fanned four out of the five times he stepped to the plate. The Angels did display decent defense during the contest. Mark Teixeria tried to score in the fourth inning on a Shelley Duncan line drive to the outfield, but was nailed at the plate by Rivera’s strong throw from left. Tuesday night, the Yankees snapped the Angels’ five game winning streak against New York. The teams could face each other next month for the pennant. Will the Yankees be the ones to continue their recent streak, or will Anaheim find a way to bounce back?
Parting Points: “I’m in love. I’m all shook up”- Elvis
Too bad about Wayne Gretzky stepping down as Coyotes coach, but he really did not have success in four seasons behind the bench.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Andy's Angels Atrocity
The demonic Angels continue to haunt the New York Yankees in Anaheim. Bronx Bombers’ starter, Andy Pettitte, was reluctantly rocked by a rallying Angels team on Saturday afternoon in California. The unfriendly West Coast loss saw the Yankees fall two games behind the Boston Red Sox in the A.L. East. Boston hammered the hapless Kansas City Royals 15-9 last night, as John Smoltz picked up his first win as a Red Sox hurler.
The pesky Anaheim offense got the better of Pettitte in a seven run fifth inning. Pettitte was pulled from the game rashly after being roughed up. Mike Napoli knocked a nifty go-ahead double off New York reliever, Dave Robertson, in the fifth, and added a solo shot in the seventh for the Angels. The Yankees clubbed a season-high five long balls, including two each by Alex Rodriguez and the newest Bomber, Eric Hinske. Still, the Yankees were defeated by the grind-it-out home team.
Pettitte turned in a subpar mound performance and failed to go the distance to salvage an overused Bomber bullpen. New York’s magnificent southpaw was provided a four run cushion, but could not sustain the advantage against the team’s Achilles heal opponent. The Yankees were vaulted into a first place tie before heading out to SoCal to face their nemesis. But, the curse of the Angels that plagued Joe Torre has also hampered current New York skipper, Joe Girardi. Anaheim has 24 runs in the first two games against the flattened New Yorkers. The stubborn Angels’ base running was no match for the defensively depleted Bombers and the stadium caused more headaches yesterday.
Pettitte was brilliant through three scoreless innings until the fated fifth frame. The Angels administered a 14-8 comeback victory on their mindless way of spanking the Yanks even without sluggers Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter. Anaheim leads the majors in come-from-behind wins with 26, one more than the Yankees. The Angels punished Yankee pitchers for 16 hits, counting the seven by Pettitte. The 37 year old did not survive past the fifth because of the big blow off Brandon Wood’s bat. Wood, a Triple A prospect recalled on Friday, socked a two run homer with no outs. Howie Kendrick capped off the inning with a single, good for two more Angel tallies.
Former Yankees outfielder, Bobby Abreu, candidly contributed three RBIs against his old team. Jared Weaver started on the hill for the Angels. Weaver surrendered Rodriguez’s 569th career blast in the first. Arod would dish out a second serving later in the game to place the All-star third baseman 10th on the all-time homerun list. Hinske, an acquisition from Pittsburgh last week, homered in the second inning, his second as a Bomber. Robinson Cano extended the Yankees lead in the fourth inning to 4-0 when his single resulted in two runs. Hinske smacked his second shot in the seventh off Darren Oliver. Jason Bulger, pitching in relief for the Angels, issued Arod’s second tater, and Hideki Matsui reverberated as the very next batter.
The Yankees cut the Angels lead to two when Hinske lined out to second with the tying run at the plate. New York inched as close as they could manage before the Angels offense exploded for a second time. Anaheim tacked on four more runs in the bottom of the eighth off Phil Coke to put the afternoon out of reach for the Yankees. Pettitte took the upsetting loss, enduring his second straight. The left-hander’s 2009 stands at 8-5 and his ERA at 5.94 in his last four outings. Saturday was Arod’s first multihomer gem of the year. The Yankees are just 7-17 in Anaheim the past five seasons. Friday night Joba Chamberlain and the Yankees were on the losing side because the Angels staged a comeback from a 5-1 deficit. The opening game was perhaps a microcosm of the way things are headed as the Bombers close out the series today.
Parting points: Song of the day- “Angel of Mine”- Monica
The pesky Anaheim offense got the better of Pettitte in a seven run fifth inning. Pettitte was pulled from the game rashly after being roughed up. Mike Napoli knocked a nifty go-ahead double off New York reliever, Dave Robertson, in the fifth, and added a solo shot in the seventh for the Angels. The Yankees clubbed a season-high five long balls, including two each by Alex Rodriguez and the newest Bomber, Eric Hinske. Still, the Yankees were defeated by the grind-it-out home team.
Pettitte turned in a subpar mound performance and failed to go the distance to salvage an overused Bomber bullpen. New York’s magnificent southpaw was provided a four run cushion, but could not sustain the advantage against the team’s Achilles heal opponent. The Yankees were vaulted into a first place tie before heading out to SoCal to face their nemesis. But, the curse of the Angels that plagued Joe Torre has also hampered current New York skipper, Joe Girardi. Anaheim has 24 runs in the first two games against the flattened New Yorkers. The stubborn Angels’ base running was no match for the defensively depleted Bombers and the stadium caused more headaches yesterday.
Pettitte was brilliant through three scoreless innings until the fated fifth frame. The Angels administered a 14-8 comeback victory on their mindless way of spanking the Yanks even without sluggers Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter. Anaheim leads the majors in come-from-behind wins with 26, one more than the Yankees. The Angels punished Yankee pitchers for 16 hits, counting the seven by Pettitte. The 37 year old did not survive past the fifth because of the big blow off Brandon Wood’s bat. Wood, a Triple A prospect recalled on Friday, socked a two run homer with no outs. Howie Kendrick capped off the inning with a single, good for two more Angel tallies.
Former Yankees outfielder, Bobby Abreu, candidly contributed three RBIs against his old team. Jared Weaver started on the hill for the Angels. Weaver surrendered Rodriguez’s 569th career blast in the first. Arod would dish out a second serving later in the game to place the All-star third baseman 10th on the all-time homerun list. Hinske, an acquisition from Pittsburgh last week, homered in the second inning, his second as a Bomber. Robinson Cano extended the Yankees lead in the fourth inning to 4-0 when his single resulted in two runs. Hinske smacked his second shot in the seventh off Darren Oliver. Jason Bulger, pitching in relief for the Angels, issued Arod’s second tater, and Hideki Matsui reverberated as the very next batter.
The Yankees cut the Angels lead to two when Hinske lined out to second with the tying run at the plate. New York inched as close as they could manage before the Angels offense exploded for a second time. Anaheim tacked on four more runs in the bottom of the eighth off Phil Coke to put the afternoon out of reach for the Yankees. Pettitte took the upsetting loss, enduring his second straight. The left-hander’s 2009 stands at 8-5 and his ERA at 5.94 in his last four outings. Saturday was Arod’s first multihomer gem of the year. The Yankees are just 7-17 in Anaheim the past five seasons. Friday night Joba Chamberlain and the Yankees were on the losing side because the Angels staged a comeback from a 5-1 deficit. The opening game was perhaps a microcosm of the way things are headed as the Bombers close out the series today.
Parting points: Song of the day- “Angel of Mine”- Monica
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Accessing Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were poised and positioned for a perfect playoff push last year. The 2008 team made a robust run and was in a win-now mode. They sailed through the regular season in splendid fashion. The Angels won the AL West division outright and posted 100 wins, only to be ousted in round one by the Boston Red Sox. The incongruence stumped many baseball fans and disappointed the players on the team.
Anaheim took a small step back this off-season with the departures of famed closer, Francisco Rodriguez, and hard-hitting hammerer, Mark Teixeira. Both free agents signed with Big Apple teams. K-Rod will bail out (no pun intended) the Mets and Teixeira will hit 3rd in an expensive Yankees lineup. The Angels also lost starter Jon Garland to the Diamondbacks and veteran OF, Garret Anderson. Anderson signed a contract with the Atlanta Braves and his overall toughness will be missed. Two key acquisitions did surmount however, and will boos the club. OF Bobby Abreu and closer, Brian Fuentes, are serviceable replacements for Anderson and K-Rod. Garland’s replacement is a major question facing wily manager, Mike Scioscia this Spring. Scioscia’s clubs have historically relied on the strength of their pitching staff, and this year remains no different. The essential element for 2009 is the starting pitching and productive relief unit. Scioscia quipped about focusing on a being more productive and disciplined offensive team this year.
Minor League Pitcher of the Year, righty Anthony Ortega, will compete for the 5th starter spot. Ortega impressed Angels scouts in Triple A with a 5-0 record and under 3 ERA. Nick Adenhart, also a right-handed hurler, is in the mix for the spot as well. Adenhart’s ERA is bloated, he lacks command, is shaky, and does not possess a dominant pitch. I don’t see how that meets the criteria needed to be listed on the Opening Day roster. Pitchers who are projected to be listed on Opening Day are starters, John Lackey, Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders, Jered Weaver, and Dustin Moseley. Santana may not be available for the start of April, but should be ready by the middle of the month. Ervin was 16-7 with 214 strikeouts last season for Anaheim. The 26 year old is in his prime and on the upside of his career. Lackey is the number one starter. In 6 seasons, his record stands at 91-63, so clearly John has a knack for winning. He tossed three compete games in 2008. Lackey is prone to the long ball and should occasionally give up the homerun. He will still nail down wins for the Angels.
Saunders had a breakout year a season ago and is the team’s bonified lefty. The Virginia Tech grad won 17 games in 2008. An ailing shoulder is the main concern for Saunders. If he continues to feel tightness, the Angels will have a big problem on their hands to deal with. Weaver is a solid number 4 starter and great when he is on his game. He has fine form for a pitcher and career-wise, he has always compiled double digit wins. The Angels need Weaver to step it up a notch in his fourth year as a major leaguer. His strikeout-to- walk ratio is impressive and the team should expect a lot out of him when he takes the ball.
The Angels’ bullpen might be a little deeper than a year ago because of Fuentes. Scot Shields and Jose Arredondo reclaim their relief roles and significant set ups. LHP Darren Oliver and RHP Justin Speier bring strong bullpen arms as well. Oliver is often-used and Speier is pretty good at protecting late inning leads. In 2008, he did give up more runs than he normally has though.
3B Chone Figgins is again the team leadoff man. His contributions and intangibles are valuable to this scrappy offense that picks away at opposing pitchers. Figgins can play multiple positions, so he has adaptability. He also steals about 30 bases each season. Abreu will likely hit second and be the left fielder. All-star RF, Vladimir Guerrero, is the feared third hitter. Guerrero is a Gold Glove player with a strong and accurate arm. The RBI machine guns down runners and has an over .300 batting average each year. Since Abreu draws a lot of walks and Figgins can score on a base hit up the middle, I think Vlad’s RBIs will be through the roof this year.
Torii Hunter is the game’s best centerfielder. He will bat behind Vlad and hit cleanup. Hunter’s position in the order protects him because he will see decent pitches with Guerrero hitting ahead. Hunter came to Anaheim from Minnesota in 2008 and hit 21 homeruns, driving in 85. He tied his career base on balls mark with 50. Hunter’s batting average needs to climb back up past .280. I am surprised he never hit .300 in his Twins days. The veteran is consistently good and the stable bat in the heart of the Angels order. Hunter’s bat will have to make up a portion of Teixeria’s production.
The Angels field a resilient outfield of experienced ballplayers. Their infield is the opposite. Anaheim will rely on young and underdeveloped, unproven players to have heavy-duty defensive roles. Kendry Morales takes over the Teixeria at first base and is expected to bring his .249 career average to the fifth spot in the lineup. Kendry is only a third year player but will be tested from the start of the year. DH Juan Rivera, 2B Howie Kendrick, C Mike Napoli and SS Erick Aybar round out the bottom of the order. Brandon Wood will also compete for 3B.
Napoli is a adequate power bat for a catcher. He hit 20 homeruns in 2008 and his average has steadily gone up each year he’s started behind the plate. Mike is the bottom of the order punch Anaheim needs, but he is also very effective with the leather. 25 year old Dominican SS Aybar has excellent potential to emerge this year. He hit .271 last season in 346 at-bats. The youngster has awful post-season numbers, so should the Angels return to October baseball, Aybar has to improve. Kendrick, if healthy, is a lock to hit .300. He is one of the best low outside fastball hitters in today’s game. Howie is prone to hamstring pulls so expect to see reserve Sean Rodriguez fill in at times. Backup catcher, Jeff Mathis, is a proven dynamic defender and notable bench player. Maicer Izturis and Robb Quinlan are viable infield options as well. In the OF, Gary Matthews, Jr. is nursing a torn tendon in his knee. Matthews will miss at least one month. RHP Kelvim Escobar has a nice breaking ball but don’t expect to see that until May. He will hopefully return to the back end of the rotation then. Escobar is healing from a strained calf and hurt shoulder. He hasn’t pitched since winning 18 games in 2007, so his status is anybody’s guess.
Kendrick could be the difference between a division winning year or a team that misses the playoffs. The Angels are offensively-challenged but Kendrick’s extra-base hit potential is imperative for the club. He can consistently give the Angels a big boost. Hunter should be very focused this year on reducing strikeouts. He’s a formidable bat and stellar fielder. Guerrero will be the team centerpiece in the last year of his contract. Rivera needs to earn his pay at the DH position and pick up the slack when Vlad and Torii are slumping. The Angels are not a championship-caliber team, but pity the fool who takes any Scioscia team lightly. Just ask the guy across town, Joe Torre.
Parting points: “Dream of Californication…”
Since it’s 3/11 day, what better album to have spinning than 311’s Blue Album?
The Big East tournament is going on all week. A few upsets occurred to far. This is my favorite tourney before the Big Dance and I’d love to attend.
Anaheim took a small step back this off-season with the departures of famed closer, Francisco Rodriguez, and hard-hitting hammerer, Mark Teixeira. Both free agents signed with Big Apple teams. K-Rod will bail out (no pun intended) the Mets and Teixeira will hit 3rd in an expensive Yankees lineup. The Angels also lost starter Jon Garland to the Diamondbacks and veteran OF, Garret Anderson. Anderson signed a contract with the Atlanta Braves and his overall toughness will be missed. Two key acquisitions did surmount however, and will boos the club. OF Bobby Abreu and closer, Brian Fuentes, are serviceable replacements for Anderson and K-Rod. Garland’s replacement is a major question facing wily manager, Mike Scioscia this Spring. Scioscia’s clubs have historically relied on the strength of their pitching staff, and this year remains no different. The essential element for 2009 is the starting pitching and productive relief unit. Scioscia quipped about focusing on a being more productive and disciplined offensive team this year.
Minor League Pitcher of the Year, righty Anthony Ortega, will compete for the 5th starter spot. Ortega impressed Angels scouts in Triple A with a 5-0 record and under 3 ERA. Nick Adenhart, also a right-handed hurler, is in the mix for the spot as well. Adenhart’s ERA is bloated, he lacks command, is shaky, and does not possess a dominant pitch. I don’t see how that meets the criteria needed to be listed on the Opening Day roster. Pitchers who are projected to be listed on Opening Day are starters, John Lackey, Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders, Jered Weaver, and Dustin Moseley. Santana may not be available for the start of April, but should be ready by the middle of the month. Ervin was 16-7 with 214 strikeouts last season for Anaheim. The 26 year old is in his prime and on the upside of his career. Lackey is the number one starter. In 6 seasons, his record stands at 91-63, so clearly John has a knack for winning. He tossed three compete games in 2008. Lackey is prone to the long ball and should occasionally give up the homerun. He will still nail down wins for the Angels.
Saunders had a breakout year a season ago and is the team’s bonified lefty. The Virginia Tech grad won 17 games in 2008. An ailing shoulder is the main concern for Saunders. If he continues to feel tightness, the Angels will have a big problem on their hands to deal with. Weaver is a solid number 4 starter and great when he is on his game. He has fine form for a pitcher and career-wise, he has always compiled double digit wins. The Angels need Weaver to step it up a notch in his fourth year as a major leaguer. His strikeout-to- walk ratio is impressive and the team should expect a lot out of him when he takes the ball.
The Angels’ bullpen might be a little deeper than a year ago because of Fuentes. Scot Shields and Jose Arredondo reclaim their relief roles and significant set ups. LHP Darren Oliver and RHP Justin Speier bring strong bullpen arms as well. Oliver is often-used and Speier is pretty good at protecting late inning leads. In 2008, he did give up more runs than he normally has though.
3B Chone Figgins is again the team leadoff man. His contributions and intangibles are valuable to this scrappy offense that picks away at opposing pitchers. Figgins can play multiple positions, so he has adaptability. He also steals about 30 bases each season. Abreu will likely hit second and be the left fielder. All-star RF, Vladimir Guerrero, is the feared third hitter. Guerrero is a Gold Glove player with a strong and accurate arm. The RBI machine guns down runners and has an over .300 batting average each year. Since Abreu draws a lot of walks and Figgins can score on a base hit up the middle, I think Vlad’s RBIs will be through the roof this year.
Torii Hunter is the game’s best centerfielder. He will bat behind Vlad and hit cleanup. Hunter’s position in the order protects him because he will see decent pitches with Guerrero hitting ahead. Hunter came to Anaheim from Minnesota in 2008 and hit 21 homeruns, driving in 85. He tied his career base on balls mark with 50. Hunter’s batting average needs to climb back up past .280. I am surprised he never hit .300 in his Twins days. The veteran is consistently good and the stable bat in the heart of the Angels order. Hunter’s bat will have to make up a portion of Teixeria’s production.
The Angels field a resilient outfield of experienced ballplayers. Their infield is the opposite. Anaheim will rely on young and underdeveloped, unproven players to have heavy-duty defensive roles. Kendry Morales takes over the Teixeria at first base and is expected to bring his .249 career average to the fifth spot in the lineup. Kendry is only a third year player but will be tested from the start of the year. DH Juan Rivera, 2B Howie Kendrick, C Mike Napoli and SS Erick Aybar round out the bottom of the order. Brandon Wood will also compete for 3B.
Napoli is a adequate power bat for a catcher. He hit 20 homeruns in 2008 and his average has steadily gone up each year he’s started behind the plate. Mike is the bottom of the order punch Anaheim needs, but he is also very effective with the leather. 25 year old Dominican SS Aybar has excellent potential to emerge this year. He hit .271 last season in 346 at-bats. The youngster has awful post-season numbers, so should the Angels return to October baseball, Aybar has to improve. Kendrick, if healthy, is a lock to hit .300. He is one of the best low outside fastball hitters in today’s game. Howie is prone to hamstring pulls so expect to see reserve Sean Rodriguez fill in at times. Backup catcher, Jeff Mathis, is a proven dynamic defender and notable bench player. Maicer Izturis and Robb Quinlan are viable infield options as well. In the OF, Gary Matthews, Jr. is nursing a torn tendon in his knee. Matthews will miss at least one month. RHP Kelvim Escobar has a nice breaking ball but don’t expect to see that until May. He will hopefully return to the back end of the rotation then. Escobar is healing from a strained calf and hurt shoulder. He hasn’t pitched since winning 18 games in 2007, so his status is anybody’s guess.
Kendrick could be the difference between a division winning year or a team that misses the playoffs. The Angels are offensively-challenged but Kendrick’s extra-base hit potential is imperative for the club. He can consistently give the Angels a big boost. Hunter should be very focused this year on reducing strikeouts. He’s a formidable bat and stellar fielder. Guerrero will be the team centerpiece in the last year of his contract. Rivera needs to earn his pay at the DH position and pick up the slack when Vlad and Torii are slumping. The Angels are not a championship-caliber team, but pity the fool who takes any Scioscia team lightly. Just ask the guy across town, Joe Torre.
Parting points: “Dream of Californication…”
Since it’s 3/11 day, what better album to have spinning than 311’s Blue Album?
The Big East tournament is going on all week. A few upsets occurred to far. This is my favorite tourney before the Big Dance and I’d love to attend.
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