Link Hangout

The Angels are going with a closer by committee approach to close out the season, Torii Hunter wants to stay in Anaheim and a whole lot of talk about how the Angels simply don’t have enough time. This season is getting short and it’s got me thinking, would I rather the Angels be competitive-ish until the end, or, would I rather they be like the Astros, and know going into the season that there is no hope.

Sept. 18, 2012; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Torii Hunter (48) singles in a run in the first inning of the game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

Angels to use closer-by-committee with Ernesto Frieri, Kevin Jepsen, Scott Downs

Sounds like this would have been a great idea, say, a month and a half ago when the team started sinking in August. Too little, too late with this decision Scioscia.

Money Quote:

"The move was made after Frieri blew saves in his last two appearances, last Saturday against the Kansas City Royals and Wednesday night against the Texas Rangers, “to take a little pressure off a guy whose confidence is not quite where it should be,” Scioscia said."

I’m just going to walk away now.

Torii Hunter upbeat about Angels’ interest in re-signing him

I say Bring him back. I’ve said it all year long, and I’m not wavering from that stance one bit. Peter Bourjos obviously has no place here, and even if Vernon Wells doesn’t get traded, he seems to have gotten quite comfortable in his bench role. Torii wants to stay here, will take a pay cut to stay here, and still has some juice left in those legs. That, and the whole “he is the heart and soul of this team” thing.

Money Quote:

"But Dipoto is expected to exhaust all efforts to trade Wells, and Bourjos, Trumbo or Kendrys Morales could be used in a trade for a starting pitcher or reliever, opening more outfield and designated hitter at-bats."

I also say keep Morales. Let’s not get crazy and blow this whole thing up now.

Angels find it difficult to explain their troubles

In-Con-Sis-Ten-Cy. There, that about covers it. Great pitching, no hitting. Just enough runs, not enough bullpen. Offense didn’t show up today? doesn’t matter, C.J. Wilson handed out a five spot in the first inning anyway. This team was on the same page for about two total months this year, and they were awesome. The problem is, the season is six months long. It’s been fun at times, but if you want an explanation, it’s a lot more simple than you think.

Money Quote:

"“It’s tough,” Greinke said, shaking his head and searching for an answer. “We’ve been playing good. It’s just, the other teams have been playing good, too. “We can do better, but we can’t do much better. I guess you have to give Baltimore and Oakland credit. You keep waiting for one of them to stumble, but they’re not. It’s making it tough.”"

A spade is a spade kind of thing, right Zack?

Time not on the Angels’ side

You’re not kidding, but there really is nothing that can be done about it now except win. If the Angels win out (Yes I live in Fantasy Land, why do you ask), then they can force the issue. But that is a tall order, and one I’m not sure that this team is capable of.

Money Quote:

"Fatigue doesn’t seem to be the issue. Frieri’s average fastball velocity is 95.0 MPH since the All-Star Break, which is up from the 93.5 MPH he averaged prior to the break. The problem is right-handed hitters have figured out his fastball. After hitting just .089 with no homers against Frieri’s fastball prior to the break, they are hitting .333 with five homers since."

Well, Damn.

The 2012 Los Angeles Angels Season: A Colossal Disappointment

I have been getting more and more into sabermetrics this year, and sites like Beyond the Boxscore are one of the reasons. They explain stats down quite regularly so that the average fan can really sink their teeth into this information. That, and good writing helps as well.

Money Quote:

"The finger of blame shouldn’t be pointed at their offense. The Angels rank first in the majors with a team wRC+ of 113. The Angels have received above-average production from Mark Trumbo, Torii Hunter, Pujols, Erick Aybar and Morales. They’ve received otherworldly production from Mike Trout, and decent production from Howie Kendrick and Alberto Callaspo.Sounds like a really solid year, right?How about the greatest offensive season in Angels history?"

Oh really? Now I feel worse. Damn you sabermetrics.

Video Time:

You would think that the two teams we are chasing would be playing flawless baseball right now. Even Buck Showalter makes a Buck Showalter face at this one.