Doesn't Torii Hunter know that the Rallii Monkii is soooo 2002?
Hmmm, maybe this blog isn't the best place to say it, but what's done is done.
In any case, here's Torii's quote from yesterday's press conference...
"Then I thought about 2002, and the rally monkey. This rally monkey has been a thorn in my side and in my nightmares, so I'm just happy to be a part of this organization and be a part of the monkey. I thought about kidnapping him plenty of times, but now the monkey's going to be my friend. I'm really going to like this monkey. We're going to be in the malls together, walking the beach, everything. So that's my buddy and my new best friend - and Rex Hudler."
So if I were to read between the lines, does that make Rex Hudler a monkey?
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Offseason Week In Review - November 25
I often wish that mankind was capable of learning. For instance, when will sports fans learn that deals that get done are (almost) never started as a rumor. We have heard about A-Rod and Miggii Cabrera for months, yet we wake up one day and our starting shortstop is gone. And then later in the week, we have 36 outfielders.
It's not just the Angels, Lakers fans still talk about Jason Kidd rumors and Kevin Garnett rumors but there were no rumors of the Trevor Ariza trade. OK, that's my rambling...Oh yeah, one more, A-Rod...by the time we heard that he had talked with the Yankees, the deal was done.
The one thing that everyone can agree on is that Bill Stoneman never would have made this trade. It also seems to be universally accepted that this deal is a prelude to a bigger "master plan." With the target of that plan being Migii Cabrera, the big hitting, big eating 3rd Baseman from the Florida Marlins. The Angels currently (temporarily?) have Maicer Izturis or Erick Aybar as the starting shortstop. And there are six starting pitchers - John Lackii, Kelviim Escobar, Jered Weaver, Jon Garland, Joe Saunders and Ervin Santana.
Angels sign free-agent CF Torii Hunter for $90 million
One year after signing CF Gary Matthews Jr to a 5-year $50 million contract, the Angels have signed CF Torii Hunter to a 5-year $90 million contract. Next week, I expect to see the Angels sign CF Andruw Jones to a 5-year contract. Apparently, Tonii Reagins' blueprint to success is to corner the market on center-fielders. I've heard that the Dodgers are trying to trade Juan Pierre.....
Vladimir Guerrero finishes 3rd in AL MVP Voting
Angels RF Vladimir Guerrero finished 3rd in voting for the 2007 American League MVP balloting. Vladii's .324 avg, 27 home runs and 125 rbi were nowhere near the .314 avg, 54 home runs and 156 rbi that winner Alex Rodriguez compiled, but nobody else was near either. Vlad finished 9th last year and 3rd in 2005 after winning MVP honors in 2004.
It's not just the Angels, Lakers fans still talk about Jason Kidd rumors and Kevin Garnett rumors but there were no rumors of the Trevor Ariza trade. OK, that's my rambling...Oh yeah, one more, A-Rod...by the time we heard that he had talked with the Yankees, the deal was done.
Headlines for the past week (November 19, 2007 - November 25, 2007)
- Angels acquire SP Jon Garland for SS Orlando Cabrera
- Angels sign free-agent CF Torii Hunter for $90 million
- Vladii Guerrero finishes 3rd in AL MVP Voting
The one thing that everyone can agree on is that Bill Stoneman never would have made this trade. It also seems to be universally accepted that this deal is a prelude to a bigger "master plan." With the target of that plan being Migii Cabrera, the big hitting, big eating 3rd Baseman from the Florida Marlins. The Angels currently (temporarily?) have Maicer Izturis or Erick Aybar as the starting shortstop. And there are six starting pitchers - John Lackii, Kelviim Escobar, Jered Weaver, Jon Garland, Joe Saunders and Ervin Santana.
Angels sign free-agent CF Torii Hunter for $90 million
One year after signing CF Gary Matthews Jr to a 5-year $50 million contract, the Angels have signed CF Torii Hunter to a 5-year $90 million contract. Next week, I expect to see the Angels sign CF Andruw Jones to a 5-year contract. Apparently, Tonii Reagins' blueprint to success is to corner the market on center-fielders. I've heard that the Dodgers are trying to trade Juan Pierre.....
Vladimir Guerrero finishes 3rd in AL MVP Voting
Angels RF Vladimir Guerrero finished 3rd in voting for the 2007 American League MVP balloting. Vladii's .324 avg, 27 home runs and 125 rbi were nowhere near the .314 avg, 54 home runs and 156 rbi that winner Alex Rodriguez compiled, but nobody else was near either. Vlad finished 9th last year and 3rd in 2005 after winning MVP honors in 2004.
Previous Off-Season Weeks In Review
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Its Hunting Season with Torii in Town
The Halo’s who have been trying to land another strong hitter for several years, agreed to a five-year, $90 million deal Wednesday with free agent Torii Hunter, who hit .297 with 28 homers and drove in 107 runs for Minnesota this year.Three teams -- the Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals -- extended five-year offers to the former Minnesota Twins star, and the Angels seemed set in center field with Gary Matthews Jr., a superb defender who is entering the second year of a five-year, $50-million contract.
A seven-time Gold Glove winner, the 32-year-old Hunter will be the everyday center fielder and hit in the middle of the lineup, making it tougher for opposing pitchers to pitch around Guerrero.
Although Hunter's arrival seems to make last season's center fielder, Gary Matthews Jr. odd man out in an outfield with Guerrero in right and Anderson in left, Los Angeles manager Mike Scioscia said it would give him more options. Hunter said, "I've watched the Angels play for a long time, I've seen these guys work us [during the American League championship series] in 2002. They play the game the right way, they play hard-nosed baseball every day, they go first to third, which I like."
"Torii is going to be in center field virtually every day. Gary will be in the outfield almost every day, so the other two guys will split up the DH," Scioscia said in a conference call. "We want all four of those bats in the lineup."
The Angels, who for three years have been searching for a power bat to protect Vladimir Guerrero in the lineup, were in serious trade talks with the Florida Marlins for Miguel Cabrera, but Reagins refused to say Wednesday night whether they would still pursue the power-hitting third baseman. Two days earlier, the Angels traded Gold Glove shortstop Orlando Cabrera to the Chicago White Sox for pitcher Jon Garland.
Reagins says he plans to "speak with Gary in depth" in the next few days and said the signing of Hunter "is no indication" that Matthews, who recently spoke to Commissioner Bud Selig about a 2004 shipment of human growth hormone sent to him by a pharmacy being investigated for illegal performance-enhancing drugs, is facing a lengthy suspension in 2008.
Reagins, busy so far this winter, likely will stay that way this winter since the Angels currently have six starting pitchers, plus Matthews, among others who might go in a trade. Reagins first contacted Hunter's agent, Larry Reynolds, this week. "They came in trying to get something done in a hurry and it worked out," Reynolds said. "In the past, we said we're going to pursue every opportunity to make our club better. This was an opportunity. I had the support of some people around me, then I got aggressive."
The deal doesn't bode well for the futures of Juan Rivera and Reggie Willits in Anaheim. Rivera, one of the team's most productive hitters and a solid defender in 2005 and 2006, sat out most of 2007 because of a broken leg and now moves to fifth on the outfield depth chart. Willits, who replaced the injured Anderson last May and provided a much-needed spark in the leadoff spot, batting .293 with 74 runs in 136 games, may be out of a big-league job. Both could be used as trade bait to get an even bigger bat such as Miguel Cabrera or an infield upgrade such as Baltimore shortstop Miguel Tejada, whom the Angels would want to move to third base.
"Torii is going to be in center field virtually every day. Gary will be in the outfield almost every day, so the other two guys will split up the DH," Scioscia said in a conference call. "We want all four of those bats in the lineup."
The Angels, who for three years have been searching for a power bat to protect Vladimir Guerrero in the lineup, were in serious trade talks with the Florida Marlins for Miguel Cabrera, but Reagins refused to say Wednesday night whether they would still pursue the power-hitting third baseman. Two days earlier, the Angels traded Gold Glove shortstop Orlando Cabrera to the Chicago White Sox for pitcher Jon Garland.
Reagins says he plans to "speak with Gary in depth" in the next few days and said the signing of Hunter "is no indication" that Matthews, who recently spoke to Commissioner Bud Selig about a 2004 shipment of human growth hormone sent to him by a pharmacy being investigated for illegal performance-enhancing drugs, is facing a lengthy suspension in 2008.
Reagins, busy so far this winter, likely will stay that way this winter since the Angels currently have six starting pitchers, plus Matthews, among others who might go in a trade. Reagins first contacted Hunter's agent, Larry Reynolds, this week. "They came in trying to get something done in a hurry and it worked out," Reynolds said. "In the past, we said we're going to pursue every opportunity to make our club better. This was an opportunity. I had the support of some people around me, then I got aggressive."
The deal doesn't bode well for the futures of Juan Rivera and Reggie Willits in Anaheim. Rivera, one of the team's most productive hitters and a solid defender in 2005 and 2006, sat out most of 2007 because of a broken leg and now moves to fifth on the outfield depth chart. Willits, who replaced the injured Anderson last May and provided a much-needed spark in the leadoff spot, batting .293 with 74 runs in 136 games, may be out of a big-league job. Both could be used as trade bait to get an even bigger bat such as Miguel Cabrera or an infield upgrade such as Baltimore shortstop Miguel Tejada, whom the Angels would want to move to third base.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Angels + Cabrera = Trade
The Angels have made a trade involving Cabrera. Unfortunately, it's not Miguel Cabrera, but rather Orlando Cabrera.
The Angels are sending Gold-Glove winning shortstop Orlando Cabrera to the Chicago White Sox for 28-year old starting pitcher Jon Garland.
If this deal were made last week, I'd swear that it was a precursor to A-Rod coming to the Angels, but now I'm not sure. Do the Angels really think it's Brandon Wood's time? Is Miguel Cabrera coming, moving Chone Figgins to short? Are the Angels going to trade one of their starting pitchers for somebody? Is the Miguel Tejada to the Angels rumor finally going to happen?
In any case, it seems strange to me. Cabrera just won a Gold Glove and hit .301 with 86 rbi. He has only one year left on his contract so that could be a possible reason for moving him.
Garland is coming off a season where he went 10-13 with a 4.23 era. Garland's best year was 2005 when he was 18-10 with a 3.50 era. Garland also has one year left on a 3-year $29 million contract.
The Angels are sending Gold-Glove winning shortstop Orlando Cabrera to the Chicago White Sox for 28-year old starting pitcher Jon Garland.
If this deal were made last week, I'd swear that it was a precursor to A-Rod coming to the Angels, but now I'm not sure. Do the Angels really think it's Brandon Wood's time? Is Miguel Cabrera coming, moving Chone Figgins to short? Are the Angels going to trade one of their starting pitchers for somebody? Is the Miguel Tejada to the Angels rumor finally going to happen?
In any case, it seems strange to me. Cabrera just won a Gold Glove and hit .301 with 86 rbi. He has only one year left on his contract so that could be a possible reason for moving him.
Garland is coming off a season where he went 10-13 with a 4.23 era. Garland's best year was 2005 when he was 18-10 with a 3.50 era. Garland also has one year left on a 3-year $29 million contract.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Offseason Week In Review - November 18
American League awards were handed out and two of baseball's biggest names, Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez, are in the news again.
Outfielder Reggie Willits finished 5th in voting for the 2007 American League Rookie Of The Year. Willits received two 2nd place votes and five 3rd place votes in the balloting. Boston second baseman was the runaway winner followed by Delmon Young of Tampa Bay, Brian Bannister of Kansas City, Dice-K of Boston and then Willits. Last year, rookie Jered Weaver also finished 5th in the voting.
John Lackey finishes 3rd in Cy Young voting
John Lackey finished behind Cleveland's C.C. Sabathia and Boston's Josh Beckett for the AL Cy Young Award. Lackey finished with a 19-9 record and league best 3.01 era.
Mike Scioscia finishes 2nd in AL Manager Of The Year voting
Manager Mike Scioscia received four 1st place votes, but it wasn't enough to beat out Cleveland's Eric Wedge for the 2007 AL Manger Of The Year. Scioscia won the award in 2002.
A-Rod Is Set To Return To The Yankees
Free-agent 3rd Baseman Alex Rodriguez looks to be headed back to the New York Yankees. After opting out of the last three years of his mega-deal, A-Rod has secretly dealt with the Yankees, shunning his agent Scott Boras. A-Rod is rumored to have signed a 10-year, $275million deal with the pinstripes.
Free-Agent Barry Bonds indicted on perjury
Tainted home run king Barry Bonds has been indicted for perjury and the obstruction of justice. It seems that he won't be returning to baseball in 2008 to pursue the 3000-hit milestone - he is 65 hits shy of 3000. Sadly, I'm starting to feel sorry for Barry. He's a jerk and a bad teammate. But doesn't the United States government have something better to do than to try and get Bonds to admit to steroid use? Aren't there bigger criminals? Bigger issues? I guess not.
Headlines for the past week (November 12, 2007 - November 18, 2007)
- Reggie Willits finishes 5th in AL Rookie Of The Year Voting
- John Lackey finishes 3rd in Cy Young voting
- Mike Scioscia finishes 2nd in AL Manager Of The Year voting
- A-Rod Is Set To Return To The Yankees
- Barry Bonds indicted on perjury charges
Outfielder Reggie Willits finished 5th in voting for the 2007 American League Rookie Of The Year. Willits received two 2nd place votes and five 3rd place votes in the balloting. Boston second baseman was the runaway winner followed by Delmon Young of Tampa Bay, Brian Bannister of Kansas City, Dice-K of Boston and then Willits. Last year, rookie Jered Weaver also finished 5th in the voting.
John Lackey finishes 3rd in Cy Young voting
John Lackey finished behind Cleveland's C.C. Sabathia and Boston's Josh Beckett for the AL Cy Young Award. Lackey finished with a 19-9 record and league best 3.01 era.
Mike Scioscia finishes 2nd in AL Manager Of The Year voting
Manager Mike Scioscia received four 1st place votes, but it wasn't enough to beat out Cleveland's Eric Wedge for the 2007 AL Manger Of The Year. Scioscia won the award in 2002.
A-Rod Is Set To Return To The Yankees
Free-agent 3rd Baseman Alex Rodriguez looks to be headed back to the New York Yankees. After opting out of the last three years of his mega-deal, A-Rod has secretly dealt with the Yankees, shunning his agent Scott Boras. A-Rod is rumored to have signed a 10-year, $275million deal with the pinstripes.
Free-Agent Barry Bonds indicted on perjury
Tainted home run king Barry Bonds has been indicted for perjury and the obstruction of justice. It seems that he won't be returning to baseball in 2008 to pursue the 3000-hit milestone - he is 65 hits shy of 3000. Sadly, I'm starting to feel sorry for Barry. He's a jerk and a bad teammate. But doesn't the United States government have something better to do than to try and get Bonds to admit to steroid use? Aren't there bigger criminals? Bigger issues? I guess not.
Previous Off-Season Weeks In Review
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Offseason Week In Review - November 11
A slow week filled with post-Halloween sugar-induced hallucinations of A-Rod becoming and Angel and Miguel Cabrera becoming an Angel. Headlines for the past week (November 5, 2007 - November 11, 2007)
Marlins want Howie Kendrick in any trade for Miguel Cabrera
Let the rumors begin. The Florida Marlins have said that any deal with the Angels involving big bat, bigger appetite, 3rd baseman Miguel Cabrera must involve Howie Kendrick. The Marlins are reportedly asking for Kendrick, 3rd Baseman Brandon Wood, SP Nick Adenhart and SP Ervin Santana. Bill Stoneman would have never made this deal and personally, I wouldn't either. But new GM's tend to want to make a splash and Cabrera and his size-40 pants would be a big one.
Vladimir Guerrero wins Silver Slugger Award
I'm not really sure this is news. I mean, of course, Vlad wins a Silver Slugger award. It is his 4th straight (in 4 years with the Halos) and 7th award overall. Chone Figgins and Orlando Cabrera also had nice offensive years, but were bested by Yankees Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter.
Previous Off-Season Weeks In Review
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Rumor Mill
Rumor Mill Spins
By the Angels acquiring Cabrera, they probably would replace Kendrick by moving Chone Figgins from third base to second, even though they would weaken their defense at both positions this would help keep Figgy in the everyday lineup.
The Marlins might ask the Angels for Howie Kendrick and their top two prospects, third baseman Brandon Wood and pitcher Nick Adenhart for third baseman Miguel Cabrera.
By the Angels acquiring Cabrera, they probably would replace Kendrick by moving Chone Figgins from third base to second, even though they would weaken their defense at both positions this would help keep Figgy in the everyday lineup.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Cabrera Wins Gold Glove
American League Gold Glove Awards were announced today and Angels' shortstop Orlando Cabrera won his first award in the American League.Cabrera led all qualified American League shortstops with a .983 fielding percentage and also had a league low 11 errors.
Cabrera has won the award once before while with the Montreal Expos in 2001.
Jose Guillen Accused Of Steroid Use
This steroid head hunt is hardly newsworthy, but it's always nice to pile on Jose Guillen.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Guillen "ordered more than $19,000 worth of drugs from the Palm Beach Rejuvenation Center between May 2002 and June 2005."
Guillen was an Angel during the 2004 season. While with the A's in 2003, Guillen allegedly had the drugs shipped to the Oakland Coliseum.
Guillen joins Troy Glaus and Paul Byrd as former Angels accused of steroid use.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Guillen "ordered more than $19,000 worth of drugs from the Palm Beach Rejuvenation Center between May 2002 and June 2005."
Guillen was an Angel during the 2004 season. While with the A's in 2003, Guillen allegedly had the drugs shipped to the Oakland Coliseum.
Guillen joins Troy Glaus and Paul Byrd as former Angels accused of steroid use.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Offseason Week In Review - November 4
The Dodgers sign manager Joe Torre and the local media is trying to make the A-Rod Sweepstakes a local competition.
The Angels are considered one of the front-runners in the A-Rod sweepstakes. But do you really want the Angels to commit that much money ($350 million) for that long (10-12 years)? Negotiations can officially begin on November 14th.
New GM Tony Reagins Heads To First GM Meetings
Tony Reagins, the new Angels general manager, is heading to Orlando, Florida this week for the GM meetings. First time action for the new GM.
Angels will not re-sign Bartolo Colon
The Angels announced that they will not pursue free agent Bartolo Colon. Colon just finished his 4-year, $48 million contract with the Angels. It will be interesting to see what others team are willing to risk on Bart.
Coaching staff to return
Mike Scioscia's supproting staff will be back in place next season. Contract extensions were given to bench coach Ron Roenicke, hitting coach Mickey Hatcher, pitching coach Mike Butcher, bullpen coach Orlando Mercado, bullpen catcher Steve Soliz and base coaches Alfredo Griffin and Dino Ebel.
Chone Figgins has minor surgery
Chone Figgins underwent minor surgery to remove the hook of the hamate bone in his left wrist. Figgins suffered from a bone bruise for most of September limiting his ability to bat right-handed.
Roster Moves
The Texas Rangers claimed outfielder Nick Gorneault off of waivers. Gorneault, 28, had his first cup of coffee with the Halos this year, playing in two games and going 0-for-4 at the plate. The team also announced that OF Tommy Murphy, 28, and RP Marc Gwyn, 29, were placed on waivers making room on the Angels 40-man roster.
-----------------------------
Previous Off-Season Weeks In Review
October 28, 2007
Headlines for the past week (October 29, 2007 - Novmeber 4, 2007)
- A-Rod Officially Opts Out Of Contract and Becomes A Free Agent
- Reagins heads to GM meetings in Orlando
- Angels Announce that they will not attempt to re-sign Bartolo Colon
- Angels coaching staff re-signed for next season
- Figgins has minor surgery
- Angels place OF Tommy Murphy and RP Marc Gwyn on Waivers
- Texas Rangers claim OF Nick Gorneault From Waivers
The Angels are considered one of the front-runners in the A-Rod sweepstakes. But do you really want the Angels to commit that much money ($350 million) for that long (10-12 years)? Negotiations can officially begin on November 14th.
New GM Tony Reagins Heads To First GM Meetings
Tony Reagins, the new Angels general manager, is heading to Orlando, Florida this week for the GM meetings. First time action for the new GM.
Angels will not re-sign Bartolo Colon
The Angels announced that they will not pursue free agent Bartolo Colon. Colon just finished his 4-year, $48 million contract with the Angels. It will be interesting to see what others team are willing to risk on Bart.
Coaching staff to return
Mike Scioscia's supproting staff will be back in place next season. Contract extensions were given to bench coach Ron Roenicke, hitting coach Mickey Hatcher, pitching coach Mike Butcher, bullpen coach Orlando Mercado, bullpen catcher Steve Soliz and base coaches Alfredo Griffin and Dino Ebel.
Chone Figgins has minor surgery
Chone Figgins underwent minor surgery to remove the hook of the hamate bone in his left wrist. Figgins suffered from a bone bruise for most of September limiting his ability to bat right-handed.
Roster Moves
The Texas Rangers claimed outfielder Nick Gorneault off of waivers. Gorneault, 28, had his first cup of coffee with the Halos this year, playing in two games and going 0-for-4 at the plate. The team also announced that OF Tommy Murphy, 28, and RP Marc Gwyn, 29, were placed on waivers making room on the Angels 40-man roster.
-----------------------------
Previous Off-Season Weeks In Review
October 28, 2007
- 2008 Schedule Released
- 2008 Spring Training Schedule Released
- RP Chris Resop claimed off waivers by Atlanta
- GM Bill Stoneman Resigns
- Tony Reagins Introduced as new GM
- Paul Byrd accused of HGH use while with Angels
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Tradition
Joe Torre was hired Thursday to manage the Los Angeles Dodgers, taking the job two weeks after walking away from the New York Yankees.
Torre's contract is reportedly for three years and slightly more than $13 million. Torre moves from one storied franchise to another, taking over a team that finished fourth in the NL West this season and hasn't won the World Series since 1988.
Ok that is that now for a rant. I do not care about the Dodgers so much, but they are from LA and growing up watching them with my father (His favorite team, but not the one whom drafter him. The Angels) I did grow up with the tradition that was Dodger Blue. I suffered through years with managers like Terry Collins, Buck Rodgers, Marcel Lachemann, Doug Rader, Cookie Rojas and Moose Stubing, and Gene Mauch all running the Angels while Tommy Lasorda ruled the Dodgers. I hoped for that kind of tradition. The Dodgers had the best players of the day. They had some new innovation, Nomo, Fernando, A cripple whom pitch hit to win a playoff game. They signed players but the mostly developed players from within. Orel Hershiser, Steve Sax, Eric Karros, Mike Piazza, Fernando Valenzuela, Ron Cey, Don Sutton 5 World Championships, 9 Pennants, and 15 Pl
ayoff Appearances since they have been in LA. And only two of those playoff appearances since Tommy left town for Dodger retirement.Now they sign the same manager whom only led one team to the playoffs before joining the Yankees. That team 1982 NL West Atlanta Braves. He started managing in 1977 with the Mets. Not much Dodger tradition. The Dodgers left tradition behind the day the Angles hired an entire staff of ex-Dodgers starting with Mike Scioscia.
It seems to me in recent years the team LA needs to follow, the one whose owner is not in debt, has money and the want to build what the Dodgers have lost, is the Angels and Moreno. Torre is a nice shinny Band-Aid that you get at the pediatricians office with cartoon characters. It looks cool but you still have the open wound underneath and you still have a band-aid on. Torre is not tradition except to say that he is starting to become one. One in which the Dodgers don’t win and have to cover up their mistakes with fancy cartoon band-aids.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
