tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071821160912623340.post920309666988207879..comments2023-07-20T17:50:39.903-07:00Comments on True Grich: What? Me worry?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071821160912623340.post-52643981835860739422012-04-30T20:20:26.448-07:002012-04-30T20:20:26.448-07:00I was working on a piece exactly like this right a...I was working on a piece exactly like this right about the same time you published this piece. Rest assured, Great Minds do Think A like. <br /><br />Well I guess I'll junk mine now.<br /><br />Thanks!Jay Calhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12832702450863195060noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071821160912623340.post-91874357122627067362012-04-30T14:14:39.661-07:002012-04-30T14:14:39.661-07:00James,
I agree with you 100% about the Mike Sciosc...James,<br />I agree with you 100% about the Mike Scioscia of years gone by, the one who managed aggressively, played the hot hand, and ALWAYS got the most out of his talent. Those Scioscia managed teams were always so much fun to watch, win or lose (and so unlike the 2011 and 2012 versions, thus far).<br /><br />I am wondering what happened to that guy? I think I saw his picture on the back of a milk carton. I never said that he doesn't know how to do his job, I just think that the players no longer respond to him. It would certainly not be the first time in sports that a superior coach or manager wears out his welcome in the current situation.<br /><br />When a class act and leader like Torii Hunter speaks out publicly and says that the team is "going through the motions," that definitely got my attention, and tells me that things are much worse in that clubhouse than they seem.<br /><br />There's my final two cents, now it's time for ME to "turn the page."Bob in section 514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071821160912623340.post-22519082843746215812012-04-30T10:16:24.600-07:002012-04-30T10:16:24.600-07:00One last comment from me and then I'm "tu...One last comment from me and then I'm "turning the page" (I know you'll like that statement)...<br /><br />"Buying the hype" is hardly being optimistic.Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08516628770185768877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071821160912623340.post-69327911702588953422012-04-30T10:09:41.954-07:002012-04-30T10:09:41.954-07:00Bob - Again, maybe you missed my first statement i...Bob - Again, maybe you missed my first statement in my post - "I'm frustrated." I don't know how any Angel fan couldn't be absolutely and totally frustrated. I have the same list of issues that most Angel fans do (again as I stated in my blog). I get it. I live it. I understand it. I'm not saying the opinions of fans, columnists, etc. are invalid because I agree with most of them. I SAID AS MUCH IN MY POST.<br /><br />The only thing I can't do is place the blame on Scioscia. A guy doesn't win a world series and five division championships by not knowing how to do his job. The last two years were more of a result of Tony Reagins ineffectiveness to improve the ball club than it was Scioscia's managing in my opinion.<br /><br />When you start out saying, "it must be wonderful to view the world through Halo-red..." and then say "you conveniently ignored..." I'd say you have an axe to grind with a certain amount of venom. Clearly you misunderstood the purpose of my post - otherwise, we wouldn't be having this dialog. I mean what part of "I'm not here to pile on" don't you understand? I've done plenty of that when I've felt like it, but right now - I just don't feel the need.Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08516628770185768877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071821160912623340.post-60281330810095089672012-04-30T09:37:33.730-07:002012-04-30T09:37:33.730-07:00James,
There's no venom in my comments whatsoe...James,<br />There's no venom in my comments whatsoever. Sorry you took it that way. All I am saying in a nutshell is that someone needs to light a fire under this team of underachievers and I do not believe that Mike Scioscia has the capability of doing so any longer, that's all.Bob in section 514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071821160912623340.post-31720840862426153352012-04-30T09:24:39.287-07:002012-04-30T09:24:39.287-07:00James,
I'm a life-long Cubs fan so I know all ...James,<br />I'm a life-long Cubs fan so I know all about laughingstocks. That didn't mean that I had to blindly love & support Lou Piniella after it was obvious to everyone that the team had stopped responding to him. I see a lot of parallels between this year's Angels and my beloved LA Kings (speaking of perennial laughingstocks). The Kings were big spenders last offseason but by December it was clear that Terry Murray (despite being a good and well respected head coach) had "lost" the team and they were lifeless and comatose. Management made the right move in firing him and hiring Darryl Sutter and, lo and behold, the Kings right now are the surprise team of the NHL playoffs. And yes, the Kings have historically had many years of mediocrity just like the Angels but that should not and did not figure into the coaching change. The fact is that management and the fan base were correctly disappointed with the roster not playing up to its capabilities (just like our favorite baseball team, not only this year but in 2010 & 2011 as well).<br /><br />With the Angels, for me, it's not a case of optimism or pessimism but more about the entertainment value that is not being provided. This team is stale and BORING. They do not play Angels baseball any longer. The Angels used to be looked upon as a "scrappy" team. Now, they are scrappy without the "s." And can you honestly tell me that Scioscia has gotten the most out of his talent in the past two seasons plus one month??? Seriously? Despite your blind optimism don't you just get even a wee bit frustrated at what we are seeing this season? Just because the Halos have had many years of mediocrity in the past is no reason to look the other way when players are no longer responding to their leader. <br /><br />Just because the masses (fans, beat writers, etc.) are placing some of the blame on Scioscia, his coaching staff and their approach does not invalidate their opinions. I am just wondering, did you really enjoy the past two seasons and how do you like this one so far? Seems like there is no bigger laughingstock in baseball than the Angles right now, given the money they have thrown away on players who are no longer with the team.<br /><br />I went to spring training twice this year and I bought into the hype (read optimism) as much as anyone. But I would be a fool to look at this team and the way it is performing right now and pretend that everything is wonderful with it.<br /><br />Finally, I was never a Jeff Mathis basher. Besides, the Halos have a suitable replacement for his bat as long as Mike (oops, I mean Jerry) keeps Alberto Callaspo on the roster.Bob in section 514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071821160912623340.post-65491539926552952962012-04-30T09:08:39.375-07:002012-04-30T09:08:39.375-07:00Bob - perhaps you missed this line in my post - &q...Bob - perhaps you missed this line in my post - "I’m not here to pile on. There are plenty of bloggers, talk-show hosts, columnists and fans in general doing enough complaining and ranting. Why add to it? It’s not much fun and at this point it’s redundant. I’m not much for following crowds anyway." <br /><br />So, if you're looking for me to state the obvious about Texas, Hatcher and Butcher - you're wasting your time this time around. That wasn't the purpose of this post. Sorry to disappoint you.<br /><br />Seems like there's a little extra venom in your comments, Bob. Relax, take a deep breath - it's a long season.Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08516628770185768877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071821160912623340.post-60663820977103293152012-04-29T22:48:01.950-07:002012-04-29T22:48:01.950-07:00Bob,
It is nice to view a baseball team with optim...Bob,<br />It is nice to view a baseball team with optimism. You should try it sometime. Forgive me if I don't join the whine fest. I really don't have much more to say; except that it appears you miss Jeff Mathis. Who knew? And one last thing - hating on Mike Scioscia is typical of fans who fail to see the big picture and forget what it was like when this franchise was somewhat of a laughing stock.Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08516628770185768877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071821160912623340.post-15117016564127967392012-04-29T21:28:20.298-07:002012-04-29T21:28:20.298-07:00James,
It must be wonderful to view the world thro...James,<br />It must be wonderful to view the world through Halo-Red colored glasses. But one item which you conveniently ignored is that Texas is for real and is not going away. I was shocked to read that they have already outscored their opponents by 53 runs this season. That's almost as many runs as the Angels have SCORED. And for those Scioscia apologists who think that management doesn't matter, take a look at the terrific job that Mike Maddux has done with the Rangers pitchers, formerly a laughingstock & guaranteed to run out of gas in August. Scioscia's biggest failing is his undying loyalty to Mickey Hatcher and Mike Butcher, who have ruined many more careers than they have resurrected. And as for your dig at whipping boy Jeff Mathis, last time I looked he had two more homers than the $240 million man and Kendrys combined (in 16 at bats, no less). It is amazing to see how the Halos and Rangers have switched places in such a seemingly short period of time, and despite the tens of millions that the Angels have spent (thrown away??).Bob in section 514noreply@blogger.com