Rev's Rant/Report

by Rev Halofan on Apr 4, 2007 9:01 PM PDT in Angels News

Observations after three days at the stadium:

Shea Hillenbrand's two hits were hacking doinkers that could have easily been popups. Happy they fell, but no indicator of being on track.

Vlad is the first right handed batter that I have ever seen receive a shift. And it actually worked and failed one time apiece this afternoon.

Casey Kotchman and Vlad each hit monster fouls, Vlad followed his with a line drive HR to Center and Kotchman backed his up with an RBI single.

The new Terrace level gift shop is nice enough, but the supposedly awesome wall of hats has less of a selection than the average LIDS store in a mall and the merchandise in general has sameness to it.

Either there is no Bobby Grich plaque to go with his bust in the Hall of Fame shelving or it was swiped early on opening day.

Gary Matthews Junior is a GREAT Centefielder and is an absolute improvement on defense for the club. Any statistical measurement or defensive metric that says he is league average is a crock of shyte. I put Gary Pettis a smidge above Erstad, Devo and Showboat Edmonds as the all time great Angel Centerfielders, and these three games had many examples of superior defensive skills that would allow for Matthews' name to occupy the same sentence as the four aforementioned Angel greats.

Cabrera and Izturis are fine defensively.

Believe the hype, there is a spring in Garret Anderson's step that I have not seen since 2003. Our long national nightmare may be over.

Jose Molina had a bunt single. Its like free ice cream - you couldn't live on it, but it is sweet.

Reggie Willits' first hit means that every position player who has appeared in a game has had a hit and every pitcher who has taken the mound so far has recorded at least one out.

Frankie looked great opening night, a little half-assed and almost disinterested today. He could have cared less to talk to Mike Butcher when our new pitching coach came out to the mound in the 9th with trouble-a-brewing.

Justin Speier is going to be the stealthy NAILS player of the season.

The California Pizza Kitchen slices look much bigger than the Dominoes portions of the past few seasons. Not all of the concession stands are season-ready.

Skimping on security? It looks like security guards at the stadium are from an outsourced company. I've never seen more aggressive homeless people bumming change in the parking lot and selling bootleg Angel shirts and hats and saying "C'MON BE A FAN" in a confrontational tone when the sale is turned down. This will turn off more casual fans and first-time visitors than a 10-0 loss. Of course, seeing how slow and unresponsive they are IN the stadium during the game it appears that you are on your own in the parking lot afterwards...

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Vlad...

looks like he is in his 2004 MVP mode. Howie/GMJ are major upgrades over Kennedy/Erstad of 2006. Imagine what this team will look like when Juan Rivera comes back for the stretch run!

Peanuts...Get your Overpriced Peanuts!

by Angel Hawker on Apr 4, 2007 9:49 PM PDT reply actions

not to rain on Vlad's parade...

but we must remember this is against Texas who he has always owned.

I need a new signature.

by thrill000 on Apr 4, 2007 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Morales is coming to DH

And Shay will have a backup roll.

Put Kendry Morales at 1B, and move Sean Rodriguez to 3B......NOW LETS GO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by acuda27 on Apr 4, 2007 10:41 PM PDT reply actions

That will never happen

Shea was signed primarily to DH. He is proven--nearly guaranteed for 18 HR, which isn't fantastic but is solid. The only person who's going to threaten Hillenbrand's role is Rivera. If Morales continues his awesome development and has a predictably phenomenal year at AAA (assuming Kotch doesn't go down, in which case he'd get called up), look for the Angels to not exercise Shea's club option and let him go to Free Agency at the end of the season. Then Kendry will come up and DH. Maybe.

Light Up That Halo!

by Clutch on Apr 5, 2007 3:00 AM PDT up reply actions

when i watch this team

i feel like they are finally getting those clutch hits at the right times. How many men were left on base last season? That was a major problem that seems, at this point, to have been solved.

I need a new signature.

by thrill000 on Apr 4, 2007 11:21 PM PDT reply actions

Defensive metric?

I don't need advanced defensive metrics to show that GMJ's glove is mediocre. For starters, how about that lame-ass error he made in the third inning of Monday's game? I don't think he's terrible, just that it's not enough to justify his signing (and it's liable to get worse as he ages).

Fire Mickey Hatcher. An entire generation of Angels offense depends upon it.

by scareduck on Apr 4, 2007 11:52 PM PDT reply actions

I had wondered

whether that drop was because he was afraid Vlad was going to flatten him. It sure looked, on the replays, as if he were looking away to see if he was about to get pummeled. Sure enough, in today's paper, he said that's pretty much what happened. Yeah, he should have caught it, but perhaps Vlad gets half of the error for that one.

by jjackflash on Apr 5, 2007 12:08 AM PDT up reply actions

And what about

the sure homer he took away today?

by jjackflash on Apr 5, 2007 12:09 AM PDT up reply actions

I've already blogged on this

He heard the footsteps of a large man with one leg longer than the other lumbering toward him. I'd have dropped that thing, too! ;)

I think they have to develop a bit better communication out there and Vladdy has to yield to the CF, who ultimately is the quarterback of the outfield. Maybe GMJ has to be more vocal and lead the outfield.

'86 never happened!

by Downing Rules on Apr 5, 2007 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions

He's fine

Nobody's happy about the error, but GMJ also made a great catch to end that inning before any runs could score. So far he's got 3 great catches and 1 mistake. I can live with that.

GMJr has wall presence. Its a great thing to have in center. Its instincts and the ability to control your body and make catches at the wall.

Figgy was off and on. Finley had zero wall presence. Anything hit deep, he had no chance to make a play. Garret in 2004 wasn't fast enough to get back there.

Last time we had a fulltime CF with wall presence was 2002 and Erstad. Good things happened that year.

If I went to war and could only take one weapon, it would be an HK47.

by RallyMonkey5 on Apr 5, 2007 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions

D-fens

He does seem to know his way around the wall.

There is a theory that the stadium at Arlington is bad for CF zone ratings, we'll see how GMJ does out here after a few months.

Also, I have never been blown away by Torii Hunter's numbers out there, and Griffey Jr's have been absolutely awful. That tells me that people really remember the over the fence grabs and forget all those singles that drop in. I remember that basically nothing dropped in front of Pettis, he was a God out there.

The thing I am most encouraged about with GMJ tho is that he seems to be a natural at leading off. Figgins hit awful batting #1 last year, but has always been good hitting #9, so this lineup is really shaping up to be something.

P.S. How about that play when GA slid into the catcher? I saw the replay from long range and he was really moving on the bases.

by elricsi on Apr 5, 2007 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions

It sounded reasonable

I first read it here, I think, and thought it sounded reasonable, and then GMJr. pretty much confirmed that hypothesis in the paper.

I'd be afraid of getting run over by Vlad, too.

by jjackflash on Apr 5, 2007 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Shift

There was a shift against a right handed hitter prior to what the Rangers did to Vlad. In Mark McGuire's (then) record setting season, the Astros' second baseman (Biggio) was moved to Left Centerfield. I think Sheffield had one against him too, but I'm not sure about that one.

by RH15 on Apr 5, 2007 12:04 AM PDT reply actions

My thoughts

I had the pleasure of attending Tuesday's game to see Vlad make Padilla his little bitch yet again.

I tried the California Pizza Kitchen offering: a considerable upgrade over Domino's, though not as good as the CPK restaurants. But I don't expect that at a ballpark, where they don't have a kitchen to make the pizzas fresh to order. It seemed about the same size as the old Domino's, though perhaps a half inch bigger in diameter. I had the BBQ Chicken pizza; also for sale is a basic cheese and a pepperoni. Bonus: they also serve Sam Adams Lager at the CPK establishment. Only $6.75 for a 20-oz. cup. Frank McCourt would charge you $8.25 (at least) for 16 oz.

Still no brown mustard for the hot dogs. What gives?

I could not locate the Ruby's Diner concession. It's not mentioned in the program, though on my way out I finally noticed a sign saying it's behind §257. I'll look next time.

I was disappointed in the program: there was no scorecard! It used to be in the middle. Now (at least for this issue), it's a paper insert, and the purveyor from whom I purchased mine forgot to give me the insert. On the other hand, it was actually easier to use the insert (once I got my hands on one, that is). We'll see if future issues of the program (officially named Angels Magazine or some such) follow the same format.

There's usually a heavy police presence in the parking lots. I didn't really notice them, or any other security, for that matter, but I wasn't looking. In game, there were no incidents in my section.

Hillenbrand looks like he might be pressing a bit. I hope that either he gets on track quickly, or the the Angels don't wait half a season hoping he'll improve while Kendry Morales rips the cover off the ball at SLC.

Kendrick has looked a little shaky on defense at times, and at others has looked more than capable.

Kotchman looks healthy; I have a feeling he's going to make a lot of people (including a handful of rather vocal critics on this board) look like morons. As if contracting mono somehow was a poor reflection of his batting skills. Yeesh. He actually got jammed a little bit on that dinger he hit the other night, and still took it to the deepest part of the park (though not over the wall without an assist from Lofton).

Speier's stuff looks filthy...if he stays healthy, this will be the best Angels 'pen since the end of 2002.

by jjackflash on Apr 5, 2007 12:25 AM PDT reply actions

Addendum

One more thing. Red jerseys should never be worn in a real game. Certainly not at home. Home whites and road greys. This is major league baseball, not a rec league softball.

by jjackflash on Apr 5, 2007 12:28 AM PDT up reply actions

how 'bout no more batting helmets?

by yeswecan on Apr 5, 2007 12:35 AM PDT up reply actions

Red Jerseys

Couldn't agree more. They looked really tacky. I was horrified at first - but at least when they put the white on yesterday it was a relief.

Someone actually gets PAID to design goofy stuff like that???

by SocalAngelFaninOC on Apr 5, 2007 7:29 AM PDT up reply actions

I enjoyed the red jerseys...

As long as it is used sparingly...like one out of 10 or something.

by Sweetmeats on Apr 5, 2007 7:49 AM PDT up reply actions

agree...

I thought the same thing. The new red jerseys look kinda cheap... I dunno.. stick with White, and Gray, and maybe throw in the sleevele white with red sleeves from last year... I kinda liked those.

jeff

Help me out, and help raise money for the MS Society of OC http://www.ms150baytobay.com/sipperphoto

by sipperphoto on Apr 5, 2007 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions

I loved the red jerseys

I thought they looked great. Red is a power color. Proven fact that red is a "winning" color. Arte got a psychological power bat for a lot cheaper than a multi $$$ contract.

Just think of us as bullfighters waving our awesome red jerseys in front of the A's bulls when we stick it to them.

Happy days are here again The skies above are clear again So let's sing a song of cheer again Happy days are here again

by ladybug on Apr 5, 2007 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions

I want one

As a fan, I want to wear red, not white, when I'm in the stands.

I need a new signature.

by thrill000 on Apr 5, 2007 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions

i dunno

one thing i do know is that the Ring came immediately when we switched to Red.

don't mess with Red. and they looked fine to me.

by rbrianc on Apr 5, 2007 9:24 AM PDT up reply actions

Don't get me wrong

I loved it when they changed the color scheme in 2002. But I think there's such thing as too much red. A large swath of red is actually difficult on the eyes (on mine, anyway).

I'm just not a fan of two-toned uniforms anyway. I think they should be uniform in color (one solid, but with other colors only as accents). I realize I may be in the minority on this one.

Incidentally, I will wear red shirts to the game. Wore my HH shirt on Tuesday, and I also have a red Rolling Stones Angel Stadium concert shirt (a way cool shirt), which is also red. But on the field, that's a different story.

But, whatever. I suspect that most of the time, they'll wear home whites.

by jjackflash on Apr 5, 2007 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions

I wore mine Tues and Wed

I was on the look out for other HHers, but found ZERO.

I need a new signature.

by thrill000 on Apr 5, 2007 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions

You guys are WEALTHY...

I'm hittin' McD's prior to the game and walking it in...

CPK is already pricey outside of the park, imagine what it costs when marked up triple inside the park?

'86 never happened!

by Downing Rules on Apr 5, 2007 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions

Ha!

I grill my own hot dogs, ziploc'em up, and head to the games!

by Caseys Kiss of Death on Apr 5, 2007 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions

Good idea!

When you go as much as I (maybe you, too) do, it makes no sense to buy food at the stadium. You literally double or triple your event costs.

If I went once a month, surely, I would be getting soaked for the food costs.

Don't worry "hawker," I still might buy a bag o peanuts in case I forgot to buy them at Trader Joe's before the game... ;)

'86 never happened!

by Downing Rules on Apr 5, 2007 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions

More often than not

I'll bring my own food to the game, unless I'm running short on time. I spring for a beer or two, and maybe some peanuts or Cracker Jack. But I almost always bring my own $0.99 bottle of water, instead of the $4 version they sell.

by jjackflash on Apr 5, 2007 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions

me too

I am bringing my 5 yr old to the game Saturday & going to load him up at AM/PM before the game. He gets a hot dog and an ice cream sandwich from the stadium....the rest is bring your own!

Happy days are here again The skies above are clear again So let's sing a song of cheer again Happy days are here again

by ladybug on Apr 5, 2007 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Bringin' the 3 yo tonight!

He is more focused on taking cover during the fireworks display than anything. He can't stand the explosions. That's why I take him into the team store during the national anthem...

He watches the '04 and '05 DVD's ad nauseum, so he has been getting used to the fireworks by watching those...

He knows all the players by name, now, even got him wired with the new names. Should be a fun evening tonight near the bullpen.

'86 never happened!

by Downing Rules on Apr 5, 2007 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions

right about the cops

after a while, I stopped looking over my shoulder like usual and started pounding

by Higz on Apr 5, 2007 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions

parking lot riff-raff?

I guess the Angels ARE moving up

by Hutch (someone took my name) on Apr 5, 2007 2:59 AM PDT reply actions

T-Shirt Sellers in the Lot

Those guys have been there for years. They used to be in the dirt lot next to the McDonalds (construction zone now?)...

They would pressure you on the way in for tickets, peanuts and shirts. What an array of goodies they always had! Never bought from them, though.

They would never remember me, even though I said the same thing to them every day. "No, don't want any of your crap!"

'86 never happened!

by Downing Rules on Apr 5, 2007 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions

Bobby Grich was stolen?

I walked in that shop Opening Day and was going to take a pic of all the busts...GRICH included. Now to think I may have been one of the few to see his last moments? It was a nice bust and will be fondly remembered.

by Sweetmeats on Apr 5, 2007 7:08 AM PDT reply actions

Butcher

i'm starting to worry.

on TV, one of the first two games (i think it was Lackey), he wanted to go out to talk to him, and Scios stopped him.

Lackey promptly got out of it.

he better cool his jets some. right now he's the weakest part of the pitching staff.

by rbrianc on Apr 5, 2007 9:27 AM PDT reply actions

Saw that as well

It was Lackey and Butch looked very embarrassed when Scosh putlled him back...After that I saw Roenicke come over and offer him some encouragement, but Butch rolled his eyes...Stay in the dugout and let the ACE work his magic...

Lets win with what we got!!!

by P237 on Apr 5, 2007 10:01 AM PDT reply actions

Butcher

is getting no love at all from the pitchers. Watch their body language when he talks to them, even in the dugout.

Buddy, we miss you, man!

Although, how the heck can we complain at 3 - 0?

'86 never happened!

by Downing Rules on Apr 5, 2007 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions

and Bud is 2-0

The wait is over! The wait is over! Play Ball!

by gorams77 on Apr 5, 2007 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions

Rams going with Defense or the hot Wideout?

Should be an interesting draft, if Ginn is still on the board.

'86 never happened!

by Downing Rules on Apr 5, 2007 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions

I cant see anyway that

they draft a WR. They just signed Drew Bennett at WR so they are set there. They HAVE to go D. I hope Okoye or Branch are still around...

The wait is over! The wait is over! Play Ball!

by gorams77 on Apr 5, 2007 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Small Sample Size

for Rants/Raves

This is Darby from Yorba Linda...

by cupie on Apr 5, 2007 1:58 PM PDT reply actions

Rave

The new custom Angels Bud Light Aluminum bottles. They are nice.

No offense? Howie, Kotch and Napoli will change your mind.

by hauldog on Apr 5, 2007 2:08 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah, but

What kinda sample size though?

WHID - Walks + Hiccups/Innings Drank

Walks to Restroom Plus Hiccups per Inning (WHID)
Divide the total number of hiccups and visits to the can (walks) allowed by the drinker by his total number of innings drank. For example, if Jason Schmidt allows 138 hiccups and 61 urinal splashes in 150 innings of drinking, his ratio is 1.33 ((138+61)/150).

This message brought to you by AVODART®.

by Bilko 420 on Apr 5, 2007 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions