Iz and Nap win!

by vladtheimpaler on Mar 31, 2008 3:04 AM PDT

Now, I'm not sure this is new news, because I can't figure out this new site, but I think it is.

IZ and NAP win starting JOB. YEEEHAAAAAA. They deserve it. All Iz had to do was to stay healthy. Wow. I'm excited!

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http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080330&content_id=2467762&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana

by vladtheimpaler on Mar 31, 2008 3:11 AM PDT reply actions

mathis may be superior defensively, but nap is pretty solid and i like his bat over jeffs, and it may just be me, but i just cant see aybar being that successful as a major league shortstop, he may prove me wrong down the road, but right now, izzy deserves the job

Angels Pitching-Get Well Soon!

by Sorbo182 on Mar 31, 2008 3:25 AM PDT reply actions

I agree 100%

Show 'em your a panther... Show 'em what you can do....

by stuck in Romania on Mar 31, 2008 4:09 AM PDT up reply actions

The right choices

without a doubt - Nap and Izturis deserve the first crack at this. When in doubt, OBP should win out in this lineup. There are very few people in this lineup that can draw a walk and these two can.

Kudos to Scioscia for figuring this out.

by jimmuscomp on Mar 31, 2008 8:21 AM PDT reply actions

Based on the throws to second...

Nap was high on every single throw to second.

Angels fan since '67

by red floyd on Mar 31, 2008 7:13 PM PDT up reply actions

What if

Mathis & Aybar start on Tuesday?

Although there is something symbolic in being selected to play on Opening Day, it doesn't really say anything about how playing time will be divvied up. I'm far more concerned with the fact that GMJr. appears to be penciled in as the #1 DH, ahead of the far more deserving (but far less remunerated) Juan Rivera.

by jjackflash on Mar 31, 2008 8:31 AM PDT reply actions

I liked the what if you said at first.

but did not agree that Rivera is "far more" deserving. Matthews has had one hot stick recently and he not only deserves to be in the lineup, he NEEDS to be there. I sure hope his hot hitting continues, though, and if it does not, THEN put in Rivera. He is a very capable run-producer.

But it is just at this point in time, Matthews has a hotter bat.

Shopping for a new signature, but ran out of money...

by Downing Rules on Mar 31, 2008 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions

Hmph

In a career that has lasted a lot longer than 49 spring ABs (a good half of which probably came against guys who'll never pitch in the majors), I'll wager on Rivera's .291/.340/.473 outshining GMJr.'s .261/.334/.419.

No doubt GMjr. had a very nice spring before tweaking his ankle, but I have a hard time even considering him to have a hot bat when (in all likelihood; I honestly haven't checked) a good portion of those hits came against minor league pitching.

by jjackflash on Mar 31, 2008 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions

Fair enough...wonder what Scioscia is thinking?

Shopping for a new signature, but ran out of money...

by Downing Rules on Mar 31, 2008 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions

this is almost meaningless

I mean literally on smidgen above meaningless really. These guys are going to platoon at these positions
6 games a week 4 for Naps and 2 for mathis
3-4 for Izzy 2-3 for Aybar. Until Izzy gets hurt (i.e. pulls a hammy)

Aybar will improve too, as someone gets more playing time their confidence goes up. When you're feeling good about your defense you'd notice how suddenly your hitting the ball better too. It is hard to play off the bench, kind of like being a successful pitch hitter. Your not in the flow of the game and then BAM! your in and have to swing and make something happen. Our only concern shouldn't be with SS and 3B and DH or even the OF rotation, Scoc will move people around and we will be find. Any concern shoud be with our pitching and getting to a point where we are healthy, until then the rag tag group we have must hold down the fort...

Relax... Everything is fine

by Sinatrasratpack on Mar 31, 2008 8:33 AM PDT reply actions

You would probably have a better confidence boost, though...

if the coach went 100% with you instead of relying on you and someone else.

I thought Aybar's surprise pop in ST and his steady defense would have won him the nod to be the everyday SS until his performance dictated otherwise. Maybe jjflash is right, though, in that it will be Aybar and Mathis on Tuesday. Not sure what Sciosc has going on in his mind...

Shopping for a new signature, but ran out of money...

by Downing Rules on Mar 31, 2008 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions