Seeing is believing

If you had told me that after losing 7-0 one night, the Angels would turn around and come from five runs down to win the next night and then follow that up with a game where they only had two hits and won 1-0, I would have politely smiled at you and looked around the room for someone to come and take you away in a straight jacket.

And yet… that’s exactly what happened in the Angels final two games of their most recent home stand with the Texas Rangers. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it for myself. That’s the thing about baseball – every time you go to a game, you just never know what you’re going to see or what might happen and there is always a chance you will see something amazing or unbelievable. Baseball is beautiful that way.

There was a point Wednesday night where I thought to myself the season was on the verge of spiraling out of control and I thought about the possibility that the Angels could find themselves 7 games out of first. There was a point where my utter disgust for the team was hinging on being at an all-time high.

And then… slowly, but surely things began to happen and just like that – my attitude began to shift and I began to believe the team could not only win the game, but go on to win the division. To say this team showed me something is an understatement of sorts. It’s not like this is the first time this season that they’ve come from five runs down to win. They did it Tampa Bay and in Chicago and I now believe they’re capable of doing this on any given night.

That kind of knowledge and faith speaks volumes. It allows a fan like me to believe anything is possible and when you go to and watch games with that kind of perspective; it’s a lot more fun.

Thursday’s game was beyond words. In some ways it was typical of the kind of run support the Angels have given Jered Weaver all season long and on the other hand, the outcome was exactly the opposite of what has been typical this year.

I’ve mentioned in this blog a time or two about the margin of error and how small it is for the Angels this year. The last two games against Texas are exactly the kind of things that go a long way to making a difference in that margin in my opinion. That being said – losing three out of four in Oakland just prior to the Rangers’ series definitely hurts.

The bottom line is that as I sit here today and look ahead, I have hope and that’s the one thing any fan wants. This team has holes and issues with its offense, but it also has championship caliber pitching and a one-two punch in Jered Weaver and Dan Haren that is second to none.

And how about Jered Weaver? If you have yet to see him pitch a game this year; you owe it to yourself to make it to a game where he starts. He’s having a season that goes beyond the usual superlatives. Saying that he’s amazing or incredible just doesn’t do it justice. In a day and age when superlatives are used to frequently and often inappropriately, the normal praises just don’t do Weaver justice.

A sub 2.00 ERA is just unthinkable in the American League. A 1.81 ERA and a .095 WHIP is just draw droppingly good.

John Lackey was never this good. Most pitchers can’t even dream about doing this well. Jered Weaver is going beyond anyone’s expectations and he has emerged not only as the team’s ace and unquestionable leader – he has emerged as a truly exceptional talent. I simply love to watch him pitch and compete. I can’t remember a pitcher who has brought me more joy as a fan.

Again, do yourself a favor and make it to a game where Weaver starts so that years from now you can say – I saw Jered Weaver in 2011. Granted, there are many more games to play and we don’t know how things will turn out – but the possibility for true greatness is possible. This is a baseball memory that you will want to have. Don’t miss out. Even if you’re not an Angels fan – if Weaver is coming to a stadium near you (Hello Cleveland and Detroit!), you should make the effort to see him pitch.

Regardless of what happens this year, I will never forget what Weaver has done thus far. It’s been amazing to watch.

Switching gears…

Not so amazing… well, you know that would be Jeff Mathis. Now why would I bring up Mathis yet again?

Well, I happened to tune into to Angels talk on Thursday with Jason Brennan and Rex Hudler and “The Wonder Dog” had an interesting observation about Mathis. The Hud-man believes the Angels sent Hank Conger down to get regular playing time so that he can be ready when the Angels trade Jeff Mathis in the next two weeks.

That’s right… TRADE Jeff Mathis. Granted, this is all speculation on Hudler’s part, but he made his observation with conviction and insight and has the strong impression that the Angels are “show casing” Mathis for a trade right now. According to Hudler there are a couple teams interested in Mathis.

Back to back improbable wins and then the rumor about Mathis? Somebody pinch me.

Seriously, if Tony Reagins can shed this team of Mathis and somehow manage to improve the squad, you will be able to color me duly impressed (actually shedding Mathis would definitely be addition by subtraction regardless of who they got in return). I’m not going to hold my breath, but the idea almost makes me giddy.

Last, but not least – big time congratulations to Jordan Walden for becoming the first Angels rookie to save 23 games in his first season. Walden was hitting 100 MPH Wednesday night and is clearly finding his groove. That being said, it’s interesting to note that he has blown six save opportunities along the way, but for some reason most Angels fans haven’t complained much or maybe they simply haven’t noticed. I suppose there is a blog in that observation… (Maybe later).

In any case – I’m loving this season and watching it unfold one game at a time. Let’s keep this ride going because it’s just too much fun to stop.

Checking in

The 2011 baseball season is 41 days old today and when the day is done, I will have seen 20 games (in person), including trips to Kansas City and Arlington. Cheryl has been with me for all but one of those games. We’ve already seen more games than most sane people do in a year.

I recognize that we may be a little crazy. Then again fan is short for “fanatical” and if we are anything, we are just that – fanatical.

Next week, while the Angels are away Cheryl and I will make our first ever trip to see the Inland Empire 66ers as guests of the team for a special “Bloggers night.” If you’ve never been to a minor league baseball game, you should give it a try; it’s very fan and family friendly and a ton of fun.

So, here we are on May 10, the Angels are in first place and it’s time to check in. I know I’ve written several posts, but today is all about really checking in, taking stock, reflecting and just chatting in general.

We’ve seen a lot of stuff and taken a lot of mental notes along the way. First of all, it’s absolutely awesome to see the Angels a top of the Western Division. Even though it’s early, it’s still nice just the same.

I’ve noticed quite a few things in my first 41 days of the season; including things I didn’t expect to see and things I’ve never seen before.

So far… we’ve seen Peter Bourjos hit two stand-up triples in a single game. We saw Dan Haren throw a one-hitter and Alexi Amarista and Tyler Chatwood make their major league debuts. We’ve seen more of Hank Conger than we ever thought we would (and that’s a good thing) and we’ve seen Mark Trumbo make an early case for Rookie of the Year honors. We’ve seen Jered Weaver take the next step in what is shaping up to be a tremendous career and Mike Scioscia even managed a milestone of his own with his 1,000 win as a manager (although we missed that).

We thought we’d have seen Kendrys Morales on the field by now and now we have no idea when we will have that pleasure. We didn’t expect to see Vernon Wells hit below .200 and now he’s hit the disabled list. We’ve seen more than enough of Scott Kazmir, but he’s sure to show up again at some point in time.

Along the way, we’ve celebrated our birthdays at the stadium (the Angels lost both games), eaten a few hotdogs, met Angels alums Eli Grba, Albie Pearson, Bob Lee, Roger Repoz, Moose Stubing and Scott Lewis for the first time and got reacquainted with Mark Langston, Troy Percival, Rod Carew Chuck, Finley, Bob Boone, Rex Hudler, Tim Salmon and Shigetoshi Hasegawa as well.

Sadly, we’ve lost a few 514 Fanatics this year – as some of them did not renew their tickets for one reason or another. Our section has been a little less festive and even those that returned haven’t been around as much as in years past. We seemed to be a little more spread out; however, it hasn't stopped us from making the best of the times at the ball park.

Cheryl has been busy baking and bringing cupcakes and other goodies to share with our neighbors in the stands. Other fanatics have brought goodies of their own from time to time and even though are numbers have dwindled, we are never lacking for food and fellowship in 514.

Baseball games at Angels' stadium are much more than just baseball games for us. We get to spend time with friends, family, etc. Over the years we’ve seen fanatics get married, have children, celebrate milestones, birthdays and even pass away. The experiences are not limited to what happens on the field for us and quite frankly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

We never know what's going to happen at a game; be it on the field or off. Last night we learned that fellow fanatics Jeff and Lena are expecting their second child. Looks like their son Elijah is going to have a sibling in October. I guess there's more than one way to recruit new fanatics!

Not a good thing

Yesterday, I was extremely disappointed to hear that Rex Hudler would not be back in the Angels broadcast booth for 2010. I first read about this on the LA Times Blog.

I blogged about Rex last month and asked fans to "Embrace the Wonder Dog."

I wrote then that Rex is one of us. I meant what I said then and I still believe that today. He is an Angels fan through and through. I feel like I just lost a member of my family – my Angels family. What makes this even sadder is that we didn’t even get a chance to say thank you or good bye.

I know most people either love Rex or hate him. There usually isn’t any middle ground. Personally, I loved his unbridled enthusiasm and always positive outlook. Quite frankly, we could all use a little more of those things. I believe he was a great ambassador for the Angels and baseball as a whole. He’s the kind of guy who gets kids hooked on baseball because he gives them his time and shows them how much fun the game is. Kids flock to a guy like Rex for a reason. He’s simply a joy and isn’t baseball supposed to be all about having a good time?

Did he offer up the best analysis and insight? No, not really. He did bring a certain perspective and I appreciated what he had to say. He was spontaneous and never scripted and in this day and age, I find that refreshing.

Rex was known to venture out of the broadcast booth and into the stands from time to time to deliver a baseball to a kid or to hug to a fan. There were no walls with Rex. He was an open book and what you saw, is what you got. He was an original, one-of-a-kind personality.

Steve Physioc will also not be back. I can’t say that I’ll miss him much. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t dislike Physioc per say; I could take him or leave him.

Next year Rory Markas and Mark Gubicza will team up to do the television broadcasts and Terry Smith will team with Jose Mota on the radio. Ugh. I’m not a fan of Mota. I know he’s a nice man and I’ve heard he’s a great individual. I just don’t care much for his style and find him hard to listen to. I’m someone who brings a radio to the games and with this change, I’m afraid my fan experience isn’t going to be the same next year.

I’m going to miss Rex. I’m going to miss running into him outside of the stadium and seeing him pump up the crowd. Rex always left fans feeling great about Angels baseball. He had that kind of impact.

I’m sure Rex will land on his feet some where; never-the-less, I’ll miss him just the same.

God bless you Rex Hudler. You enhanced my experience as a fan and I appreciate that more than you will ever know.

Tis the season

Tis the season for optimism…

According to Nick Cafardo of Boston.com , 41 year old Gary Sheffield is ready to make a comeback and would be willing to DH. Nice of Gary to be so "willing" isn’t it? He’s quoted in the article as saying "I’ve never worked so hard in the offseason as I have this one. I’m 100 percent dedicated to my training." Excuse me while I yawn. Isnt' that what they always say when they get to this point in their careers?

Jerry Crasnik of ESPN reports Dallas McPherson is supposedly 100% healthy (according to his agent, a reliable source I’m sure) and has been invited to compete for the starting job at third base for the Oakland A’s. Does 100% "healthy" really mean he’s just eating better? I'm just asking. In any case, some Fantasy Baseball "managers" are licking their chops and making notes on their draft sheets as we speak.

"Everyday" Eddie Guardado wants to pitch in 2010. Per mlb.com he feels strong after knee rehabilitation program. Of course you do Eddie. Guardado is 39. He is also a lefty. Translation: He will have a job until his arm falls off or he turns 65, which ever comes first.

While were at it... let’s send Spring Training invites out to Steve Finley, Luis Gonzalez and anyone else who might be working out this off season.

Other news, thoughts, ramblings

Apparently, not everyone is optimistic this time of yea... The Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti made it clear today that any speculation about the Dodgers sending Chad Billingsley to Toronto for Roy Halladay is nothing more than speculation per the LA Times blog. Huh? If it was speculation to begin with - did we really expect it to be anything more than tha later on?

Speaking of Roy Halladay, Mike DiGiovanna reports that the Angels are back in the hunt for Roy Halladay. Really? Does this mean Lackey is as good as gone? I hate this...

Giovanna writes - Lackey, who sat out the first six weeks of the 2008 and 2009 seasons because of arm injuries, is believed to be seeking a contract comparable to the five-year, $82.5-million deal A.J. Burnett signed with the New York Yankees last winter. Some team executives believe Halladay, who is a year older than Lackey, could be signed to a similar deal.

If the contracts are going to be similar – why not just keep the guy who came up through the Angels system? That way the Angels don’t have to part with any other talent. I’m not a rocket scientist, but that shouldn’t be too hard to figure out, right?

And if you really want to make a trade – go get Josh Johnson of the Florida Marlins. He’s only 25 and is looking for a four year deal - which the Marlins have decided not to give him. Seriously, Josh Johnson is an ace and again, he’s only 25. Last year was his first full year in the bigs and he posted an impressive 3.23 ERA. He also struck out 191 batters in 209 innings. His career ERA is 3.40. Did I mention that he’s only 25?

Speaking of trades... this talk about the Angels interest in Curtis Granderson is making me nauseous. Granderson is a nice player (an all-star even), but he can't hit lefties to save his life. Granted the Angels could use a left handed bat in their lineup and I know Scioscia loves a good platoon, but please just say no to Granderson. I have a feeling he's going to cost the Angels too many good prospects and their system really needs the depth. I think the Angels would be better off saving any prospects for a better deal down the road. Unless, I'm wrong about the cost, I'll bet this doesn't come close to getting done.

The LA Times reported today that Rex Hudler and Steve Physioc will not be back with the Angels in 2010. For the record, firing the Wonder Dog just stinks. Rory Markas and Mark Gubicza will handle the TV coverage and Terry Smith and Jose Mota will be on the radio. I really liked the teaming of Rory and Terry and will miss that combo. I am not looking forward to Jose Mota on the radio, at all. The Angels "brand" just got a little weaker in my eyes.

Last, but not least - John Sickels has a blog and he has ranked the top Angels prospects. It’s definitely worth investigating.

Great Expectations

And so the waiting continues. I don’t like it much, but like so many things in life, it’s one more thing that’s out of my control. The game won’t get here soon enough, but at least we have a game.

Even though the rain thing was a bummer, there is a silver lining. When this series goes to 7 games, John Lackey could get the call on three days rest. Mike Scioscia probably isn’t thinking that far ahead, but I can. Don’t get me wrong, I’d be perfectly fine with Weaver getting the nod. Either way, the Angels will have a true competitor on the mound.

I want this in the worst way. I know there are more important things going on in the world today and yet winning still matters. The Angels stand for something. They’re about teamwork and a group of guys who are like a family, who have had to deal with real life issues and all the things that go with that. They're out to complete a goal and have remained focused on that goal, despite adversity, despite life itself.

We don’t know how the story will unfold today. We don’t know who might become a hero. We could end up talking about tonight’s game for years to come or we could end up wanting to forget about it. The anticipation is tremendous.

What is it about us fans that make us want to beat the Yankees so much? For me, it’s about making sure a self-centered turd like Alex Rodriguez never gets to experience what it means to be a champion. It’s about the stereotypical, arrogant Yankee fan who think that when his/her team wins, it some how makes them better than anyone else. It’s because when I look at the Yankees I see a team that plays without honor. I see mercenaries that are hired to complete a task and are there because they are receiving top dollar for their services. It’s about an organization that has tried to find a short cut to a title by simply buying whoever they want. It’s about an organization that thinks they’re bigger than the game itself.

The Yankees need to be knocked out in the worst way and the Angels are just the team to do it. I believe they’re up to the challenge. The stage is set for an incredible show. It couldn’t be more dramatic.

The media loves the Yankees, but we know the Angels are actually the better story. I want the Yankees to be irrelevant, a mere footnote in the 2009 season. The Angels are a team that is all about hope. They're all about getting up every time someone knocks them down. Sometimes they lift each other up, sometimes it's us fans that give them an emotional lift by being loud at games. This season they've found a multitude of ways to keep pushing forward.

Vic, a 514 Fanatic recently ran into a down trodden Rex Hudler after an Angels loss and told him “Angels shine brightest when it’s darkest.” Rex said, “I like that.” I do too.

Hollywood couldn’t write a better script. They’d never cast this group of players into their real-life roles.

Let’s expect the incredible and believe in miraculous. Let's Go Angels.

Joe gets the call

John Lackey deserved better. He pitched well, but his team didn’t show up. That wasn’t the Angels team I’ve been watching all season long. I don’t know what happened. All I know is that I’m glad that one is out of the way.

Time to do what the Angels do so well… and that's to simply turn the page. No pointing fingers. No could a, would a, should a… This one is done. Time to move on.

When the Angels were down in Boston during game 3 of the ALDS, I felt calm. I never felt like the team was out of it. Tonight, I felt uneasy and never could get comfortable. Now that it’s over. I feel calm again. I really do.

I’m confident the Angels are going to win tomorrow. There, I said it. I put it out there. I honestly believe the Angels are going to take game 2. That faith has a lot to do with who will be starting tomorrow’s game.

I’m stoked Joe Saunders will make the start in game 2 of the ALCS. In case you’re wondering why I am so excited, you can read a previous post of mine where I documented the little bit of history Cheryl and I have with Joe.

I have a tremendous amount of confidence in Saundo (as dubbed by Rex Hudler). I believe Joe embodies the spirit of what it means to be an Angels baseball player. He mirrors the steady nature of his manager, Mike Scioscia. He’s not flashy; he just gets the job done. Guys like Joe don’t get a lot of attention, but his winning generates headlines for his team.

And winning is what he has done since he came off the disabled list. He’s 7-0 since his return. Winning is what he always does. In 2008 he led the team in ERA and wins. This year Joe tied Jered Weaver for the team lead in wins with 16 despite spending a few weeks on the disabled list.

Not that any of that matters. It’s all more of a foot note, really.

I guess sometimes we find comfort in past history and there is a lot of that we can call on, but from my point of view it’s just a gut thing. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking… is that all you have?

It isn’t about statistics or match ups, or the weather or anything else. It’s all about this team’s resolve and their ability to come through when others might think they’re about to fold. Adversity has made this team strong and I’m sure that will be evident tomorrow night. I can feel it. And again, Joe Saunders will be on the mound. Man, I like the sound of that.

So buckle up folks. This ALCS is about to get interesting and a whole lot more fun.

Embrace the Wonder Dog

Rex Hudler is one of us. When it’s time to line up and take sides, there’s no question where Rex stands. He’s an Angel through and through. He wears his 2002 World Series ring with pride and he should. He gives everything he has to the team, the fans and the organization. Rex is a team player. A throw-back. Like I said, he’s one of us.

For Rex, baseball is still just a game. He knows it was a privilege for him to have been a part of the game as a player for so many years. He acknowledges what a blessing it is for him to still be a part of it as a broadcaster. Kids love him. Mom’s love him. Grandmas especially love him and who better to judge the character of a man than grandma?

So why write about him now?

As I wait for the play-offs to begin, I start to think about why I love the game of baseball so much and all the things that make the game so enjoyable. One of those things is Rex.

If you’re looking for deep analysis about the upcoming series, you’ve come to the wrong place. There are countless others out there doing that and quite frankly they can do it better than me. I’m here today to write about the thoughts that run through my head as the Angels approach the play-offs. I recognize that I have no control over what happens on the field or the front office. I’m not here to second guess Mike Scioscia or Tony Reagins. Granted, there may be times when I don’t agree with them or I might be disappointed with the decisions they make, but that’s just part of being a fan.

And there’s never been a better time to be an Angels fan. When I think of what it means to be a fan, I think of Rex. I think about his unbridled enthusiasm. I think about his boundless energy and positive outlook. I think about his ability to unite a crowd for one common purpose and that’s to cheer on the Angels.

It doesn’t hurt that Rex tried to pattern his game after Bobby Grich either. How can I not love the Hud Man?

So, if you haven’t done so yet – I encourage you to embrace the one they call the Wonder Dog. It will make your journey through this baseball season and beyond, all the more enjoyable. Baseball is supposed to be fun and nobody knows that better than Rex.

It's like that...

Do you remember when you were a kid and you looked at all the presents under the Christmas tree with your name on it? Remember feeling like Christmas was never going to get here and once it did, you were so happy you couldn’t stop smiling all day long?

The play-offs are like that, only better.

It’s like being a kid all over again. The anticipation coupled with anxiety makes you a walking, talking ball of contradictions. You’re excited. You’re nervous. You can’t wait for it to start. You can’t wait for it to be over. That feeling that consumes you is something you wouldn’t trade for anything.

I absolutely love the fact the Angels will be playing the Boston Red Sox. I want them to exorcise their demons. Time to buck the trend. Put a stop to the assumption that every time the Angels face the Red Sox in the play-offs, bad things happen. Let’s end it once and for all. Time to get the monkey off the Angels’ backs and back where it belongs – in rally mode.

There’s a certain element out there that’s already planning and predicting a Red Sox/Yankees ALCS. Bah-hum bug. The media types out there need some new material.

Besides, some of the Red Sox could use an early vacation. Summer is fast approaching in Australia and Jonathan Papelbon can head over there to work on his tan. I mean come on, if anyone could use a little sun, it’s Papelbon.

Jason Varitek’s arm is going to need some serious rest and recovery after he tries and fails to throw out the Angels on the bases. It’ll be like the Wiley Coyote trying to catch the Road Runner. It ain’t happening.

You see, I’m thinking about a party in November. I’m visualizing standing shoulder to shoulder with Angel fans from across the south land, lining a parade route and feeling like Christmas has come early. I want to see some “Sean O’Sullivan-like” dancing. I want to see Rex Hudler so amped up he’s actually speechless for a minute and then see him erupt into unbridled enthusiasm.

Most of all, I want to see Nick Adenhart’s jersey doused in champagne again.

Let’s do this.