Observations after 2 v. BoSox

by autry's cowboys on Apr 24, 2008 8:31 AM PDT

Since it is likely inevitable that we will face the Sox in any postseason effort and given our track record against them, I thought I would lay out a couple of positives I have observed during these past two games in Bahston.

Kotchman has proven that he can hit left-handed pitching (admittedly a small sample size) with authority. In 11 AB's he has posted a .500 OBP, .909 SLG, and a .455 average. Good for Kotch as this is a huge step for him so far especially given his superior defensive skills.

Aybar has shocked me. He has been hammering the ball and seems to be improving daily with the leather. He has made some plays in the gap that are revealing of his natural ability and potential to be a great SS for years to come. B. Wood perminentely to 3B? Possibly.

Mathis has contributed immensily and is showing signs of the Mathis we have been hearing about for the past 4 years or so. His pitch selection has allowed him to contribute in vital situations.

Shields looked good last night....especially given his track record at Fenway. He recovered well after Izzie dropped the feed from Aybar. I have to admit that I was a little worried about how he would handle an extra out.

Frankie looked good and was lights out last night. He seemed to be pitching with a confidence that has been lacking (or maybe it has been my confidence) in previous outings. His location was impecable and he was painting the corners. His fastball (according to the scoreboard gun) was in the 92-94 range. The changeup he threw to Ellsbury was devastating and it was clear that Ellsbury was fooled.

Yes, it has only been two games, but we surpassed our run total in our first game this season v. the BoSox than we accumulated in our entire '07 ALDS effort. This is a good sign. We are producing runs and are pounding the ball, exchanging blows with a quality, run producing powerhouse. The result was frustrating on Tuesday to say the least, but Aybar and Mathis both showed that they are not intimidated by the stigmata of Fenway. Boston threw a AAA pitcher at us in game 1 and a Lester with only 3 days rest in game 2, but we are without our 2 best starters as well.

Come October, when we have a healthy Kendrick and Lackey, I think we will be lookin' pretty darn good. This is, of course, a small sampling, however I think alot of us get caught up in the negativity (myself included) produced from games v. Bahston and I think it is important to focus on some of these positive aspects. Just some thoughts!!

This Fan-Post is authored by an independent fan. Tell us what you think and how you feel.

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Truth

Eventually, we’re gonna start winning there just as easily as we win in other parks. That is to say, we’re not a .325 team.

Casey Kotchman is the man. And I agree, Aybar has impressed me in every facet of his game.

Northeastern University Huskies: Mediocre hockey, guaranteed.

by Carl Johnson on Apr 24, 2008 9:08 AM PDT reply actions

Good call on the runs.

even though we lost the first, we still scored a good amount of runs against the Sox in all three games. Very, very positive.

Whatever dude.

by Mayheminthehood on Apr 24, 2008 3:15 PM PDT reply actions

My $0.02

The Angels pounded AAA pitching in one game and not at all in another. Not sure what that means, but I’m pretty sure it’s not all that. Props for getting to their bullpen. GMJ won’t be hitting any two jacks in one game off Beckett in the ALDS. And the Angels aren’t getting Escobar back this year.

Frankie had been pitching every game for five games of six before this series. He needed a day off.

Mathis is probably just having a little offensive streak. Don’t read too much into it, as there’s a lot of bad mileage on him in the minors (two years of Salt Lake mediocrity).

I like Aybar more this year than last, but it’ll take more than a hot month for me to really take a shine to him. Though I will say this: only one CS in four attempts, a huge improvement over last year (4-for-8).

Witty .sig goes here.

by scareduck on Apr 24, 2008 4:36 PM PDT reply actions

Aybar CS

and I think that one was on a called a hit and run to be fair.

Sea-at-ha-ha-ha that's funny.

by hauldog on Apr 24, 2008 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions

All of which are valid points...

however, pounding AAA pitching in one game is better than NO games. Naps said today that they had no film of Masterson, which is a difficult task for any major league club. My hope of getting Escobar back is just that….hope. Atleast he is throwing again….no doubt a long road to recovery.

I’m not really reading too much into Mathis at this point, just trying to see what has been seen in him by the scouts for the past 3 or 4 years. It may not continue, but I’m gonna enjoy it while it lasts. And at the very least, he did his part in Bahston.

As far as Aybar goes….I dont think he was ever really given much of a chance for any length of time so for him to have a hot month shows, if nothing else, great ability and potential.

by autry's cowboys on Apr 24, 2008 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Rob, ordinarily I agree with you

But the Angels have historically struggled against new pitchers. Masterson is a projected strong #2 or an elite setup man. And Beckett’s due for regression. Look at his earlier HR/FB% for a better idea of where he’s going.

Frankie only had to pitch to one batter. He’s a professional, he’ll be fine.

Mathis and Napoli are feeding off each other, and it’s a beautiful thing to watch. As long as one succeeds, I suspect the other will as well.

I can deal with Aybar hitting .250 if he keeps making plays in the gap.

Northeastern University Huskies: Mediocre hockey, guaranteed.

by Carl Johnson on Apr 24, 2008 6:11 PM PDT up reply actions