Easy, easssssssy. I’m still a little blurry. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Hamilton’s Allergies not Linked to Drug Use, Doctors Say

Well, that’s nice. Now, about this whole “not hitting like he’s supposed to thing. What say you, good Doctor?

Money Quote:

“You have a hallway up the middle of your nose and sinus cavities on each side,” said Hamilton, whose addiction to drugs and alcohol led to a ban from baseball from 2003-2005. “When you breathe air, it goes up and down the hallway.

I’ve got to find a way to work this into a conversation with my kids. I just have too.

How Much Should the Angels be Encouraged by Josh Hamilton’s Turnaround?

This turnaround that you’re talking about, I haven’t seen it. He’s become a “meh” hitter, instead of being a terrible hitter, but he’s being paid to be a force in the heart of the order. This isn’t a turnaround, this is a blip.

Money Quote:

Elsewhere, the decrease in Hamilton’s swinging-strike percentage has helped him cut down on his strikeouts. There actually haven’t been many of those lately, as he’s struck out in about 19 percent of his plate appearances since May 5, as opposed to 28 percent of his plate appearances before May 5.

OK. There is that. But an out is an out is an out. He needs to make less of them.

MLB Sees More Contract Extensions, Less Free Agency

The Player that was quoted early in this article, is exactly what is wrong with free agency, and it paints players as greedy, money-grubbing human beings. I understand getting paid, but if you get offered $75MM over five years, how much more do you really need?

Money Quote:

“The biggest problem the union faces is that there should be more criteria and practical experience before agents can be qualified to represent players with the decisions at hand,” Boras said. “A large number of players believe that a social relationship is the primary foundation — in other words, ‘I like the guy,’ rather than qualifications.

Yup. Heaven forbid a player approach baseball like it’s a game when he’s being offered tens of millions of dollars.

The Worst of the Best: The Week’s Wildest Pitches

An Angels pitcher made the cut. But, which one?

The Halos Demons (The Angels Season From Hell)

I still like “Season of Doom.” But, “Season from Hell” has a nice ring to it as well.

Money Quote:

I just wish the Angels would toughen up and say “it’s on like donkey kong” because for now, it looks like it’s on like Amanda Bynes at a rave.

Ohhhhhhhhhh. Burrrrrrrrrrrn.

How do These Starting Pitchers Still Have a Job?

Betcha can’t guess who made this list.

Weaver Pitches “Free and Easy” During Simulated Game

Free and easy? Great. Any word on the three-or-so MPH he lost on his fastball yet?

(Photo Credit: MLB.COM)

Kevin and I tackle the tough topics like, being awake for hours straight and changing clothes while podcasting about the Angels. We also touch on the lesser known topics like Ryan Madson, Jered Weaver and the rehab assignments that await them in the near future. We discuss Torii Hunter‘s crazy adjustment to baesball and whether or not it is sustainable. Personally, I’m missing Torii more and more each day especially with how he has almost completely re-invented himself as a baseball player. I also try to get to Kevin to talk bad about his favorite off season signing, Joe Blanton.

Tune in every week as Kevin and I continue to make utter fools of ourselves for your entertainment. You can follow both of us on twitter. Kevin is at @kevinlappin and I am at @mike_hllywa. You can tweet us questions there about the Angels, baseball and how to properly groom a two-toed sloth. or you can send us an email to: whythehellnotpodcastlaai(at)gmail(dot)com.

Apr 7, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver (36) looks for a sign in the first inning of the game against the Texas Rangers at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Weaver Feels Good, But Will Need Rehab Starts

Only so that he can get his stamina up. I would like to see Weaver get his way and see Mike Scioscia simply slot him back into the big league rotation. But that’s not going to happen.

Too Many Two-Out Runs Are Costing the Halos

Gee, you don’t say. I wonder though, what percentage of those two-out runs actually belong to C.J. Wilson? Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like he mucks everything up with two outs.

Money Quote:

Of the 197 runs the Angels have allowed, 47 percent of them have been scored with two outs.

*snip*

For comparisons sake, the rest of the American League West has only allowed 35 percent of their runs with two outs.

Oh. Oh, my.

Dizziness, Bright Lights an Issue for Josh Hamilton

If this is a legitimate problem, as Josh states, then he is going to need to get under control, and do it quick. And, bright lights? It’s Major League baseball. Methinks that shouldn’t be a problem.

Money Quote:

“I’m just off,” he said. “However you want to write it, however you want to describe it — I’m just off.”

Boy, I’ll say.

Fielding-Independent Game Recap

Because we are Angels fans, we must be gluttons for punishment. Enjoy Joe Blanton’s last start being broken down by Jeff Sullivan at Fangraphs.

Josh Hamilton Strike Zone Constellation: The Crooked Drone

Tune in next time to see if Josh can form the Pegasus constellation with his swing happy approach.

Torii Hunter’s New Approach Produces Big Results

Torii Hunter‘s BABIP to close out 2012 was preposterous. The BABIP that he finished the season with, was preposterous. But, the fact that for 100 games now, Torii has maintained this new approach, and continues to keep finding holes, is too big of a sample size to ignore. Is it too late to replay the offseason and get Torii back?