Random and not-so random thoughts for a Friday…

Joel Pineiro won the second annual Angels Cook-off Thursday. Later that night, Mike Scioscia informed the media that he’s removing Pineiro from the rotation. Put two and two together… and you have a new career for Joel. Just saying.

Thursday was kind of an odd day… Doug DeCincnes was charged by the Security and Exchange Commission for insider trading, just a day after he threw out the first pitch as part of the Angels 50th Anniversary celebration.

Last night Jeff Mathis made a big play when he blocked the plate and stopped Danny Valencia who tried to score on a single. It was a very solid play and unfortunately, probably bought Jeff Mathis another 200 at-bats.

By the way… In 16 games, Hank Conger is hitting .317 with a .962 OPS since being sent down to Salt Lake City. He also has four homeruns and 19 RBI. Funny, Jeff Mathis has 35 hits in 63 games and 15 RBI in 63 games. Why do I even bother with this stuff?

Even still…

The Jeff Mathis PR Machine must be hard at work – the Angels scoreboard operator keeps posting the statistic that the Angels are (now) 71-27 when Mathis has an RBI. Really? How about posting that he only has 132 RBI in 7 seasons? If the goal is to make Jeff Mathis look good – they need to give Angels fan more credit. We’re not buying it.

Speaking of buying it – how monumentally crazy is it that the Angels team store doesn’t sell shirts with Peter Bourjos’, Mark Trumbo’s, Tyler Chatwood's or Jordan Walden’s names on them? Hey, but you can buy a Jeff Mathis shirt! Isn’t that special? Seriously – have you (or the Angels marketing department) seen the number of young girls holding up “Peter – will you marry me?” signs?

It’s funny – they got Ervin Santana’s no-hitter commemorated on a shirt and in the store in less than a week – but continue to miss the boat on the four young guns.

Peter Bourjos continues to impress everyone with his amazing speed. Last night he went from first to third when Jeff Mathis grounded out (surprise) to the pitcher, who threw him out at first base. If you blink, you might miss something he does on the field; he’s that fast.

Check out the great interviews by David Saltzer from Angelswin. Interviews with Bert Blyleven, Mark Trumbo, Tyler Chatwood, and Peter Bourjos up (among others).

In other news…

The Angels’ Wives are partnering with the OC Animal Care Center and the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation to host the fourth annual Angels for Animals night at the Big "A" this Saturday, August 6th. Fans are invited to join the Angels' Wives at the Home Plate Gate in an effort to promote the importance of animal adoption and spaying and neutering pets.

From 4:00 PM through the second inning* (6:05 PM start time), the Angels’ Wives will sell $40 mystery bags containing a baseball signed by an Angels player or coach as well as $5 raffle tickets to win other autographed items. Fans will also have the chance to meet many of the animals currently available for adoption at the OC Animal Care Center and the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation.

This year, 10 lucky fans that purchase a Mystery Bag will also win tickets to the September 6th game vs. Seattle, a VIP Pass to meet select Angels players before the game and a chance to watch the team take batting practice from the Diamond Club.

Prior to the mystery bag event, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, Angels’ second baseman Howie Kendrick will sign autographs for a 10 dollar donation to the fundraiser. The first 200 fans in line will receive wristbands and be guaranteed a personalized autograph, limit one per person. Gates open at 10:00 AM (no camping out) and all proceeds will go to local animal shelters.

*Due to the limited number of "Mystery Bags," there will be a three bag limit per person, while supplies last.