May 8, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Mike Trout (27) bats against the Houston Astros in the first inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Trout Unfazed By Expectations of Encore

I find it hard to believe, that a 21 year-old kid is not affected by being one of the most important links in the chain for this team. But then again, Trout has always been applauded for having “off the charts” make up.

Money Quote:

“To be honest with you, I don’t see a change,” Richards says. “He’s the same kid, same attitude, same approach. Believe it or not, I think he’s getting better than he was last year, because guys are pitching him different than they did last year, and he’s noticing it early on in the season, and he’s starting to make adjustments.”

Did you hear that, AL pitchers, he’s starting to make adjustments.

Dipoto’s Rebuild/Reload Plan

I think people forget, about Jerry Dipoto, that he inherited this team from one of the worst General Managers in club history. Tony Reagins seemed hell bent on destroying the system that Bill Stoneman had created during his reign of terror. And although Dipoto has spent a small country’s entire 10-year budget on three players, the pieces put together by Scotty Allen do seem to paint a precise picture of what Jerry’s plan could be.

Wood Sold From One AAA Team to Another

This Brandon Wood guy, I think he’s going to be a star.

Money Quote:

Once upon a time Wood used to destroy minor-league pitching and then struggle mightily in the majors, but lately he hasn’t even done that.

There’s no joke there, just a sad reality for most minor leaguers, even the first round selections.

Angels Scioscia Not the Problem, But he Could Pay the Price

T.J. Simers, Angels fan troll.

Money Quote:

“Do you know how my week has gone?” said Scioscia when we began. “We’re playing [lousy] baseball, I’m getting my 2011 taxes audited and I’m now talking to you.”

Get him Mike, Get hiiiiiiiim.

C.J. Wilson Engaged to Super Hot Model Girlfriend

So this is what happens when you smell 100% handsome. Time to go buy me some Head & Shoulders.

Aybar, Downs Exit Early With Injuries

Erick Aybar…..hamstring. Scott Downs…..foot. Even on a good day, this team’s luck manages to take the fun right out of a win.

Patient Trumbo Drawing Walks

And I couldn’t be happier. He’ll never be a big-time 3TO player like Russell Branyan or Adam Dunn, but by not being an easy out in the lineup for opposing pitchers, he forces them to either put him on base, or risk him putting the ball in the seats. Now it’s just a matter of him continuing this throughout the season, and not letting a slump (which is bound to happen), revert him back to the “swing at anything thrown in the general direction of the plate” approach.

Money Quote:

“If it was a decision that you could easily control, anyone would only swing at strikes. But I always felt like some guys were just born with a little bit better eye, a little better plate discipline. Some guys really have to work at it, and I’m more the latter.”

But, by putting in the work, Trumbo could be turning himself into the “former.”

And now, a message from Lou Brown…

May 7, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Mark Trumbo (44) hits a home run during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Extension Suggestion: Mark Trumbo

This is a fantastic idea. Another reason to be skeptical about Trumbo is that he does his disappearing act each season. If Mark is able to remain consistent this season, I would fully expect the Angels to try to pull something like this off, and I would be the first to applaud the deal.

Money Quote:

Since the Angels went and pissed off Trout’s agent by low-balling him in his contract renewal, that means they’ll have to move on to a lesser target. That would be one Mark Trumbo.

I had almost completely forgotten about the whole “low-balling Mike Trout because he is basically an indentured servant to the team at this point on his career” thing.

Josh Hamilton Staying Calm in Face of His Deep Slump

This can also be referred to as, Josh Hamilton being too blessed to stress. We all remember how well that worked out for Vernon Wells, right? Personally, I would rather Josh get a little emotional. He’s being paid, a lot of money, to be a productive middle of the order bat. And, up to this point, he’s been Jeff Mathis.

Money Quote:

Nothing has clicked this season for Hamilton, who went hitless in four at-bats with two strikeouts Tuesday night and is batting .202 with a .248 on-base percentage, .287 slugging percentage, two homers, nine runs batted in and 40 strikeouts through 32 games.

Jeff Mathis. Brandon Wood. Whichever.

Madson feels for Jays’ Happ

For those of you who didn’t see it yesterday, J.A. Happ got wrecked by a Desmond Jennings line drive (Video below). Ryan Madson was a teammate of Happ’s in Philadelphia. So, naturally, he is concerned, as were the rest of us.

That’s just, I mean…wow.

Ankiel’s Exit Creates Void in Astros Locker Room

Now, this would be an interesting move. I understand that Rick Ankiel and the 25 home runs that he hit in 2008 were a mirage. But, I’m pretty sure that we can all agree that he would be an upgrade over J.B. Shuck. And, if the team needs a pitcher in a pinch, well, they’re covered.

Angels Have Nowhere to go But Up

Or left, or right. Or, they could be stuck in quicksand and are incapable of moving at all. Hopefuly, HOPEFULLY, this is rock bottom. But that is no guarantee. And I’m not the only one who thinks that because…

Nowhere To Go But Up? I Disagree!

Nothing like a good ol’ fashioned “FJM” to get the blood pumping.

May 4, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Mark Trumbo (44) hits a two run home run in the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Angels’ Mark Trumbo Doesn’t Want to be Labeled

And I don’t want to label you as a streaky power hitter either, Mark. But, as evidenced by your epic slump in the second half last season. You’re going to have to prove that you are not a streaky, feast or famine type of hitter.

Steals Coming Easy for Angels’ Opponents

Along with the pitching, this was one of the biggest question marks coming into 2013. Chris Iannetta has always been known as a cerebral catcher with good behind the plate skills. Hank Conger has made strides on his defense behind the plate, but still has a ways to go. What neither of them have ever done very well, is control the running game, and that is being exposed to the fullest extent by their opponents.

Angels’ Ryan Madson Begins Bullpen Session

Again. He’s starting, again. This is becoming tiresome. It feels like Madson and his agent Scott Boras are simply trolling Angels fans. I’m getting to the point where I honestly don’t expect Madson to be ready until right around the All-Star break. Which is really too bad considering the current state of the Angels bullpen.

Might be Time For Scioscia to Leave

Well hello there, Mr. Rosenthal. These articles were bound to surface sooner or later. At least it’s not a “We need to fire Mike Scioscia, like now, you guyz” type write up.

VIDEO: Ken Rosenthal talks about what is wrong with the Angels

Ken Rosenthal is a busy, busy man, people. But I apologize up front, the wee little Rosenthal, is not wearing a bow tie in this video. Saddening, I know.