Link Hangout

How does Jered Weaver‘s injury impact the AL playoff picture, 2012 season award prediction and even more Mike Trout. The Angels lost yesterday, and my phone broke. Needless to say, it was a bad day and I think I’m going to take it out on Hal Bodley.

Sept 2, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jered Weaver (36) is examined by a team staff member and manager

(right) after being hit by a line drive against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-US PRESSWIRE

As season winds down, it’s time to hand out awards

Mike Trout showed how complete a player he is during the Detroit series while Miguel Cabrera showed that when he has a bad day at the plate, he turns into a whiner. He is still not a lock to win the MVP award as Miggy is still a triple crown threat. I am pretty sure that Weaver’s Cy young hopes have been dashed. Short of carrying this team into October by making starts on short rest. Going down twice with injury coupled with his bad August may have been the last nails in that coffin.

Money Quote:

"Regardless, Trout’s first season has been remarkable. The fact he isn’t among the leaders in homers and RBIs will undoubtedly keep him from winning both awards."

If not leading those two categories is what keeps Trout from winning MVP, I have lost all faith in the award. Way to be small minded Mr. Bodley.

Jered Weaver’s injury and its impact on the AL playoff picture

With the way our rotation has been holding up it’s end of the deal these past few weeks, Weaver’s injury is not as big of a blow as it would be if it were to happen during, say, July. Does it hurt, no question. Weaver is still our lead dog, and I want him on the mound as often as possible. but, we are able to absorb this blow right now a little easier than a couple of months ago.

LA Angels in Wild Card race because of one big fish

I’m going to say it now, Mike Trout has been a revelation this season. And up until last month he was absolutely driving this team. But, that being said, the last few weeks he has not been the reason we are still in the race. He has still been good don’t get me wrong, but with a strikeout total north of 100 he still shows how green he is, and that he still has something to work on.

Money Quote:

"Mike Trout isn’t the only young outfielder succeeding in the majors this year. 19 year old Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals has had a comparable season. Both rookies were elected to their respective league’s All-Star team. They are also both starting center fielders for contending teams. What’s interesting is that Harper was a more highly touted prospect than Trout, but it’s Trout who’s having the more spectacular season."

Mike Trout has been more spectacular, but in no way have there seasons been “comparable.”

Risers and fallers: Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels make September pitch; Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates fall down

YAY for Power Rankings. We should be disappointed in their placement with all the hype surrounding this team coming into this season. But, considering how things have gone this year, I will happy with a playoff berth.

Money Quote:

"Los Angeles Angels. It looks like their starters have found their groove, and that means trouble for the Oakland A’s, Baltimore Orioles and any other team that thinks it’s in the wild-card race. In winning 11 of 12, which included sweeps of the A’s and Detroit Tigers last week, Angels starters combined for a 2.40 ERA. Zack Greinke and C.J. Wilson have won their past three starts with ERAs under 2.50, and Dan Haren has posted even better numbers, with a 0.69 ERA in his past two starts. Mike Trout and the offense have shown few signs of faltering, either. Trout solidified his MVP case by outshining Miguel Cabrera over the weekend with two lead-off homers and two homer-robbing catches. The Angels lead the majors in scoring, batting average, OBP and slugging percentage since the All-Star break."

Yes Oakland, be afraid, be very afraid.

American League MVP race 2012: Angels’ Mike Trout vs. Tigers Miguel Cabrera

With the season winding down, this argument is going to heat up. Do you prefer a hit first player (Miguel Cabrera), who provides huge power in the middle of your lineup? Or, do you prefer the complete player (Mike Trout), who plays spectacular defense while being a threat in every facet there is on the offensive side of the ball? I’m not biased I swear. And with Mike Trout being not only the first player in his age 20 season to post a 10+ bWAR (10.2 currently), but also being the first centerfielder to do it since Willy Mays in 1965, his value has been unmatched. Miguel Cabrera’s bWAR by the way stand at 5.6, almost half of what Trout’s has been.

Money Quote:

"In the weekend series, which the Angels swept, Trout went 3-for-11 with leadoff home runs in the final two games, four runs scored, a double and two RBIs. Cabrera went 1-for-9 with a walk, no runs scored, no RBIs and four strikeouts, including three in the series opener Friday."

I’d like to say case closed, but I’ll wait until the voters screw it up so I can rip them apart here.

How about we watch Mike Trout be Mike Trout to make us feel a little better after yesterday’s loss, I know it helps me.