Marketing Perfection
by Rev Halofan on Aug 10, 2008 11:24 PM PDT
in News
121 comments
It is absolutely harder to write about a baseball team when they are winning, as so much coverage one gives a team is either about what has happened and cannot be changed or what needs to be done in order for things to change. When things are happening that you like - where it ain't broke so don't fix it - instead of writing – which comes from an impulse to create or RE-present reality as you wish it to be – I simply kick back and watch the team like everyone else.
The biggest disagreements on this blog are about the coming offseason and beyond. Heated discussions concern Frankie and Teixeira, New York budgets and perceived grudges divined by casual comments reported in the sports sections of the area’s desperate, dying print editions. There was quite a quibble with Izturis batting 2nd instead of Howie, but 19-5 since the All-Star break sort of stops people in their tracks and makes even the most impassioned lineup nitpickers shrug with delight.
There is always ESPN lack of respectful coverage, Physioc’s tortuous broadcasts and why we bother with Gary Matthews Junior, but what is a complaining, pessimistic Angels fan to do when the team has suddenly transformed into the universally-acknowledged best-run franchise in sports? Our starting pitching is nails, our lineup is deep and dangerous, our defense is alert and smart, our bullpen is as solid as it gets, our bench snuffs out any other in baseball, our manager is a meticulous genius, our general manager is the gutsiest gambler on casino Earth and our owner is a championship shy of becoming a universal folk hero.
The funniest part in all of this is that there is still a segment of fans who analyze the team with the budget in mind. This is a recent, yet deeply ingrained tradition, exploited by Michael Lewis in his Moneyball classic to amplify the genius of a general manager employed by a tight-ass penny pincher. Moneyball is ancient history. It’s methodology is laughably antiquated. It is simply from an era long passed and it also has not demonstrably accomplished shit, save for making a cult hero out of Billy Beane to like, what, 400 internet baseball geeks.
Clever propaganda to the end, Moneyball saw the demise of the valuation of the Oakland franchise from the top 3rd of baseball into the bottom quarter – why? Because fans were taught to bring the budget into their analysis of players, of trades, of signings - every discussion included Lew's dollars as sympathetic sacrficial lambs - the discussion of optimisitic hope was predicated with a downer fiscal discussion as the team allegedly just could not afford talent and insisted the mantra of crystal ball stat-projections would trump investing in the hopes and dreams of fans by paying star players what they are worth.
The players did not strike in August of 2002 (amidst the Moneyball narrative) and suddenly a new era was born. MLB-AM – the internet wing of baseball – poured every franchise flush with cash. Billy's Oakland Elephants, though, cling to the past. Lew Wolff regularly lies to his fanbase while pocketing the cash the franchise reaps, while Arte Moreno has built the best team in sports ... never once saying the dream was impossible due to the lack of green. Wolff’s partners are wealthier than Arte, the Bay area is drenched with silicon valley cash and the geniuses cry poverty to foment real estate deals in all of their shortsighted glory.
Don’t think about the budget, the salaries or the income. Like the rastaman sang, You can get it if you really want it ... and as Arte Moreno would add... but you must market, market... market your dreams.
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Everyone Loves a WINNER
Much easier to market a winning product Rev.
You can also say the classic line from a great baseball movie “If you build it they will come” That would go for fans and top players.
The best part for me in the book is that there was a lot of people that still believed that there was a need for baseball people (scouts) thank god for that. I understand looking at the numbers but this is still a game run by baseball people. I like the fact that Mike is given a lot of input into player acquisitions. The club has a scouting director that is very good at recognizing talent and not afraid to take chances on players.
Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee
by Angel Aviator on Aug 11, 2008 12:10 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
We're still reaping the Donny Rowland benefits
Will there be a drop-off from “Mister Insubordination” to “The Bane”... stay tuned!
by Rev Halofan on Aug 11, 2008 12:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lets not forget
Bane has not had a 1st round choice the last 2 years picking late in the draft both years 2008 #73 and 2007 #118.
In 2006 he had #25 Conger and then didn’t pick again until #102 (no 2nd round pick).
2005 saw the team pick a few times in the 2nd though. Of course his 1st draft in 2004 the Angels had no 2nd or 3rd round pick.
Donny had a few picks along the way.
Two 1st rounders in 2000 taking the great Joe Torres #10 and Chris Bootcheck #20 then a catcher out of San Diego area Jared Abruzzo #50. In the 3rd he took Tom Murphy #80.
In 2001 draft he took Casey Kotchman at #13 in the 1st round, Jeff Mathis with #33, 2nd round Dallas McPherson #57, 3rd round Jake Woods #89.
In 2002 1st rounder Joe Saunders #12, Kevin Jepsen 2nd round#:53.
2003 1st rounder was Wood at #23, 3rd round Sean Rodriguez #90.
So you see there was a few good picks made from good positions in the draft. Not having some of these picks for the last few years makes things tougher on the scouting department.
Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee
by Angel Aviator on Aug 11, 2008 1:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting Read...
This is the impression that I get from the Oakland A’s moneyball style in terms of baseball (I’m not an expert by far so bear with me). They trade their “proven” players for top prospects. And they do this when their value is at its peak (i.e Swisher, Hudson, Haren, etc). They unleash the young guys into their starting lineups. Since new rookie pitchers need some time to get figured out by the other teams, they do alright in the beginning. But, eventually they either get figured out or they fade late in the season because of a lack of experience.
Recent examples: Gaudin last year, Eveland/Smith this year. check out how these guys started the season
I think they’ve gotten lucky (in the past) with their prospects. In my opinion, the As have hit the bottom quarter because recent prospects have not lived up to their potential combined with bad signings (ie Chavez) which has locked them up cause of their budget. I always thought that once they hit a string of busted prospects they’d spiral.
On the other hand I am so glad the Angels are a big market team with quality management running the show. Its great being an Angel fan these days. I have the confidence in the front office moves. Of course they’ve made some mistakes – Spier, Yan, Carrasco, GMJ, Finley, Hilenbrand come to mind. But, on paper and when the signings happened it seemed pretty legit to help the team. I thought the Finley signing was perfect when it happened. I don’t care if Tex (still a good trade if he walks imo) and Krod don’t get resigned. If the prospects taking their place don’t work out, I know the team will attempt to fix it.
Bottom line is we’re in first (& contenders for a long time to come). Although its easy to criticize Moreno, Reagins/Stoneman, Soth, we should be thrilled to be Halos fan this decade and not Mariner/As fans.
by stezo on Aug 11, 2008 12:47 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Good Points
Compare where we were as a franchise at the beginning of 2002 versus Oakland – they have fallen of a cliff completely based on a strategy of talking down their value while we have reached for the sky and are succeeding. I mean… at least good, knowledgeable Seattle fans HATE their ownership/management… Oaland has created a loyalty cult…
by Rev Halofan on Aug 11, 2008 12:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
ah i see what you’re trying to say. now that I think about it i met a few As fans in college and it does seem that they have been conditioned that way. it’s almost like they pride themselves on being able to get the “bang for the buck” when in fact it doesn’t directly really matter (to the fan that is)
by stezo on Aug 11, 2008 2:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Indeed.
They pride themselves on their success with little money while ignoring that Beane was spending about $40 million more on the team last year for not much success. They laud high-risk signings like Thomas or Bradley, then complain about their horrible “luck” when those signings fail. They buy into Beane’s philosophy that closers are overrated while Street’s continual choking costs them game after game.
~Till the Halo burns out...
by Zu Long on Aug 11, 2008 3:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree with you on the closer point. But, I actually think that the Thomas/Bradley and even Piazza signings were good for the As. It was their way of matching other teams’ signings of say Soriano, Vlad, Carlos Lee etc (they can’t afford them). They sign these guys and bat them 3rd or cleanup at half the price. While they have high risk, they also have a high reward, look how Thomas turned out for them. Where they failed is with their young guys… the ones that were to replace Tejada, Giambi, Dye, etc. Crosby was supposed to be an MVP? ... Harden was supposed to be an ace but injured all the time.. etc. .. Nowadays they got Hanrahan, Barton, Cust, Gonzalez… not really scared of them.
by stezo on Aug 11, 2008 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But that's the point.
They can afford them, at least a few of them. They chose to give a big contract to 3B Chavez, and took on part of Kendall’s hefty contract. Thomas worked out in 2006, but what about this year? What about Bradley and Loaiza in 2007?
$40 million between their salary last year and this year. If they’d spent some of that in the offseason, would they have needed to trade off more talent this year just six back at the break? Like Rev said, the whole “we can’t afford this stuff” line is a lie they are told by the A’s organization.
~Till the Halo burns out...
by Zu Long on Aug 11, 2008 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We're beginning to see this in other sports too...
...in England, Arsenal FC have for several years now employed a policy of selecting very young, high ceiling talent from around the world and selling on their more experienced players when they’re at peak market value to save money. They can do these because their manager, Wenger, has an obscenely good eye for talent. But they are also forced to, because the costs of their new stadium require them to pay lower wages than their competition. I guess that this is what Beane is doing to a certain extent – mortgaging the present to preserve money for the new ballpark. In Arsenal’s case it also sends a poor message to other footballers, most of whom are from overseas, Arsenal are a ‘selling club’ – which creates little loyalty among the players who know now that Arsenal is just a step on their journey to greater things.
Where Arsenal have really come apart is not so much in sacrificing talent of the senior players, but in sacrificing their leadership, which is really all that has prevented Arsenal from being Champions – they do play the most beautiful brand of football (which is probably where the analogy breaks down), but have lost their way at the back end of the last two seasons when old heads were needed to guide tehm down the stretch.
It’ll be interesting to see if Oakland suffer in a similar way, through a lack of loyalty and leadership…
I see red people
by The Limey on Aug 11, 2008 3:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Beautiful brand of ...ball"
Comparing Baseball to international football/soccer.
Reputation-wise, the Yankees are the Brazil of MLB. The team everyone knows about, and either loves, or loves to hate.
Yet, on the field, the Angels are the Brazil of MLB. Brazil’s reputation is for playing the “beautiful game”, and that’s how the Angels play baseball.
Angels fan since '67
by red floyd on Aug 11, 2008 7:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or to give it a club spin (rather than a national team one)
...let’s have the Yankees as Real Madrid – successful, granted, but so obsessed with their own image/legacy as to represent a complete turn-off to any normal fan who doesn’t live in Madrid.
I’d have the Angels as either Barcelona or perhaps Ajax – the architects of ‘total football’
Everyone loves Brazil (unless you’re from Argentina), difficult to say that about the Yankees.
I see red people
by The Limey on Aug 11, 2008 8:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
FC Bayern Munich
I will take FC Bayern Munich and the way they have done things. When they had Beckenbauer as player/coach/president things were good.
Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee
by Angel Aviator on Aug 11, 2008 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
By putting out a better product
You make more money. The product (in theory) becomes better because you have more money to invest. However, their is a temptation to run a dept beyond the market. That is where baseball sense becomes involved. Ted Turner had it. Arte Moreno has it.
Baseball sense? Pitching and Defense and Winning and keeping the dept down. Dept is ok for the present, but too much can ruin the future. Without it, you can have all the Big Bats in the world and come away with nothing. Look at NY.
Marketing plus baseball sense. Me thinks Arte has it.
Having said that, I think Arte is a genius. Got the Big Bat for the Home Run push for only 12.5 million. Beat that.
Angel Pitching, Angel Defense - get past that.
by vladtheimpaler on Aug 11, 2008 2:07 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Marketing
Need I remind anybody – we would not have this great team if Arte had not expanded the Angels market by changing the name and negotiating better media deals as a result.
Genius.
by SurfCity on Aug 11, 2008 2:13 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
yeah i forgot about that. so many people don’t understand the business aspect of the name change. idiot writers and/or dodgers fans highlight the top of the list. the angels will benefit long term from the name change. genius indeed
by stezo on Aug 11, 2008 2:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not convinced...
that the name change has had a significant impact on revenue. Although I no longer live in SoCal and don’t know what the local population thinks of the name, to me it seems like the name change just provides the punchline to a seriously over-killed joke.
I still have hard feelings about the name.
I was uncool before uncool was cool.
by WiHaloFan on Aug 11, 2008 8:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess the revenue benefit is somewhat vague
but all we know is that it was part of Arte’s reasoning for the name change. Since he has sufficient business sense to now own the Angels I guess I defer to his knowledge, but it does make the half-a$s nature of the change really puzzling. He ‘wins’ the right to call his privately owned enterprise the name of his choice, then the organization proceeds to completely disavow the name with no LA reference from the club, the announcers, at the stadium, etc. If it’s used at all it’s only nationally where it’s generally butchered up or, as you say, turned into the tiredest of jokes. A good way to hammer the name home would be to wear it in a World Series, so they should start using a Los Angeles road uni now. Then, sell that jersey since a bunch of fans running around with the name is a good way to get the word out. This is more tangible name-change revenue. They should even continue to merchandise our forever beloved ‘02 Anaheim Angels. So, they could easily market both names yet they choose to market neither…very strange.
by LUVtheLAA on Aug 11, 2008 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you...
He obviously knows what he’s doing.
You bring up a good point, I too wonder why the organization doesn’t use LA in any of its branding. Yep, strange.
I was uncool before uncool was cool.
by WiHaloFan on Aug 11, 2008 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
ONLY ONE INSTANCE USING LOS ANGELES
The only instance of branding the Angels as LOS ANGELES is by FSN WEST. They have a promo for the fact that they carry the team with a montage of Los Angeles and the narrator says “LOS ANGELES… THE CITY OF ANGELS…” and the illustration rises to the clouds where Weaver and Vladdy stand.
The name change took place SPECIFICALLY to get a better television contract because Arte new that TV ADEVRTISERS would pay more money to advertise with a team labeled L.A. than they ever would to team labeled ANAHEIM … and he got a 10 year, $550 million contract after the name change – bigger than the Dodgers Fox Prime Ticket.
It is a fact the “We Are Not L.A.” local yocals never bring up – Big advertisers will not pay top dollar to be associated with your little suburb. You might have a major league team but you don’t have a major league name and they are not buying advertising for suburbia at top dollar.
Meanwhile Arte brands the Angels simply as THE ANGELS. The brand is as prominent and powerful as ever, bitchfest whiners be damned.
by Rev Halofan on Aug 11, 2008 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
meh, I probably wouldn't be a fan without the LA in the name
http://inplaynoouts.blogspot.com/ - A blog about teams I like, written by me.
by Carl Johnson on Aug 11, 2008 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously? Why is that?
I was uncool before uncool was cool.
by WiHaloFan on Aug 11, 2008 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
2nd'ded! Need to know!
"I've got more action than my man John Woo
And I've got mad hits like I was Rod Carew" - Shure Shot, The Beastie Boys
by Zoe Necrosis on Aug 12, 2008 12:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, I'm serious
I came to college and needed a team, and I sure as hell wasn’t gonna pick the “Anaheim” Angels. I’m from LA, not Anaheim. I chose the LA Angels. They play the Red Sox and aren’t my childhood losers, the Dodgers.
http://inplaynoouts.blogspot.com/ - A blog about teams I like, written by me.
by Carl Johnson on Aug 12, 2008 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
suspect CJ is being facetious… ;)
Whodathunk we would be rooting for a former Ranger come August...?
by K3YEROUT on Aug 12, 2008 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here is to a
2008 World Series:
Game seven going into the top of the ninth, game tied at 3, K-Rod comes in to hold it with Samardzija warming up in the Cubs pen.
Watching this team make everyone in ChiTown wait 101 years might make me giggle like a school girl.
I brought sexy back, but they only gave me store credit....
by PhiSlamma on Aug 11, 2008 5:55 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Seven games against the Cubs?
I got the Angels in Five.
by Andyman on Aug 11, 2008 7:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
AHHHH!
Stop it! Seriously!
Jinx…....
Ugh!
Just kidding, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves folks…
I lived through 1982, 86, 95, 2005, 2007, etc….
Bad things can still happen – like injuries.
Jim Scully
by jimmuscomp on Aug 11, 2008 7:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to remind everyone
That on this date in 2002, Seattle ahd a 2.5 game lead in the AL West.
Angels fan since '67
by red floyd on Aug 11, 2008 8:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
In 2002
Oakland won the Div by 4…...........shit happens
Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee
by Angel Aviator on Aug 11, 2008 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The root of all evil
Even the Yankees run out of money at some point. But the excuse making A’s do need to stop making everything about money. I think some of the Angels biggest mistakes came from trying to save a few dollars. Identify the guy you want then sign him. Imagine if we had just spent a little too much on Beltran, instead of going to plan B with Finley and GMJ. So, I guess the lesson is figure out who we want to keep then just pay that dude whatever, but we can’t afford to keep everyone.
Re: HK47, I really like him in the 6 hole. His hot streaks always seem to come when he is lower in the order. The only reason to bat him #2 is to get him enough AB’s for the batting title.
by elricsi on Aug 11, 2008 8:35 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Then we probably wouldn't have
Torii. I think that the Torii signing was a realization that the GMJ signing was probably a mistake.
Angels fan since '67
by red floyd on Aug 11, 2008 8:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting Read
I agree with many of your “points”. It is hard to be critical of a team doing so well, but people being people, they have to something to bitch about. I don’t think anyone is truly unhappy about anything Angels related. How can they be?
I think we differ in our opinion on Billy Beane and Oakland’s team. I feel there are two types of owners in baseball; the “fan” owner who wants to win at all cost, and the “business” owner who wants to make a profit at all costs. Thankfully we are blessed with an owner who embraces both theories and has built a successful team while pocketing some serious coin. Billy Beane doesn’t have the luxury of this type of owner and must do what he can to do earn profits for his owners and create the perception of assembling a competetive team for the fans. In this, I think, he’s doing a great job.
Also, being a “baseball geek”, I realize our differences in the types of fans we are, but that doesn’t make me less of a fan. At the core, we’re both Angels/baseball fans, we just take different paths. Doesn’t make either of us wrong, just different.
I was uncool before uncool was cool.
by WiHaloFan on Aug 11, 2008 8:39 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Just to add on to your good points, WiHaloHan...
Unless a team has unlimited monetary resources, budget always has and always will matter and we as fans SHOULD look at every transaction’s budgetary consequences. Here’s why:
Let’s say Moreno is willing to spend up to $120 million (and no more) in a given year. As fans (and since it’s not our money) we would hope that he would spend the maximum he is willing to spend to put the best possible team on the field. However, when $10 million of that money is wrapped up in Gary Matthews Jr., that is $10 million that could have been spent on a good player.
So, while it’s easy to say, “Oh well, it’s not my money,” the fact that it “uses up” some of the budget precludes the team from using those resources for other (possibly better) players. Therefore, budget DOES matter to us fans due to the opportunity cost incurred whenever a contract is given to a player.
That said, I am incredibly grateful to have an owner who is both a fan and a business man and is willing to spend big bucks, rather than just being a business man. Wolff is free to do what he likes and I think, on the whole, Beane has done a decent enough job with a small budget, but I’m enjoying the lifestyle of a big-market team with great management.
by Dogman on Aug 11, 2008 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
when the team changed their name:
I said (in no reference-able format) “As much as I hate the sound of the name, if the business end of this name change brings the revenue to turn this team from a playoff contender to a WS contender/favorite, then so be it, We’re LAA.” And although I can’t point to anything specific that depicts where the “LA” has paid dividends, I am ecstatic with the product on the field.
In Reference to the ESPN coverage
Despite their best efforts, the word is out. I have had the luck to travel a bit to other major baseball locales or have had friends do the same and the reverence for this team from other fan bases is universal. While in Philly, New York, Bay area, San Diego, Orlando, Kansas City, St Louis, Tempe (for spring training) and Cooperstown (everybody NEEDS TO GO THERE) the fans have been blown away with the quality of baseball we play at the Big A. Nothing but the utmost respect. That is something that I as an Angels fan welcome even though I/we don’t get to see that praise from the national media.
by MidwayCityLivestock on Aug 11, 2008 10:35 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Utmost respect?
Wow. That has never ever been my experience. I envy you. I don’t think you’re making it up. But I just have never observed anything but contempt. I’m clearly talking to the wrong people.
"I've got more action than my man John Woo
And I've got mad hits like I was Rod Carew" - Shure Shot, The Beastie Boys
by Zoe Necrosis on Aug 11, 2008 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, contempt isn't the word I'm looking for.
Condescention and mockery, more like.
"I've got more action than my man John Woo
And I've got mad hits like I was Rod Carew" - Shure Shot, The Beastie Boys
by Zoe Necrosis on Aug 11, 2008 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
perfect choice of words
I predicted something like that would happen, but when you consider that we make more than the Dodgers on our local television package, the name turned out to be a blessing, as Arte predcited it would.
by Rev Halofan on Aug 11, 2008 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not Sold
Then why not just go back to …..........
CALIFORNIA ANGELS
Love the old school logo as well.
Covers all of LA and OC and so on...........Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee
by Angel Aviator on Aug 11, 2008 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lost the type Rev
California Angels
Willie Mays Aikens is FREeeeeeeee
by Angel Aviator on Aug 11, 2008 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Concur! (Note the avatar!)
And we better do it quick, before the A’s decide that calling themselves “The San Francisco A’s of Fremont By Way of Oakland” is not as big of a marketing conquest as “The California A’s”.
Francisco Rodriguez: 191 career saves. 2 career Panthers, tied with Hector Carrasco.
by Stirrups on Aug 11, 2008 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
not specific enough
It’s worth remembering that Gene Autry was awarded the Los Angeles franchise in the American League – meaning the Los Angeles market. The team has always played in the L.A. market, and the name simply reflects this fact (just like the NY Jets and NY Giants play in the NY market, even though neither team currently plays in the state of NY).
by jjackflash on Aug 11, 2008 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's also worth remembering that
this franchise has already been known as the California Angels for 35 years, roughly 73 percent of it’s existence. And that is still the banner under which they have the most playoff appearances. And that the only reason the name was dropped was because Disney wanted to promote Anaheim as a ‘specific enough’ travel destination.
Everything since has just been the haggling of papa bear, mama bear and baby bear.
Francisco Rodriguez: 191 career saves. 2 career Panthers, tied with Hector Carrasco.
by Stirrups on Aug 11, 2008 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
False.
1 under Anaheim Angels, 3 under California Angels, 3 under Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
~Till the Halo burns out...
by Zu Long on Aug 11, 2008 6:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not quite
Arte didn’t change the name until 2005. So that would be 2 under Anaheim, 3 under California, and 2 as LAA. So Stirrups is actually right (though it surprised me; the first mention I found of it was a Nov. 19, 2004 story in the Times, “Anaheim or L.A.: Which Is Baseball’s City of Angels?” by Mike Anton and Dave McKibben.
Witty .sig goes here.
by scareduck on Aug 11, 2008 7:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No yeah, you're right.
Wow. I forgot that Arte waited a year before changing the name. It seems longer than that.
~Till the Halo burns out...
by Zu Long on Aug 11, 2008 7:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Correction.
16 games as CA. 1979 was a 3-1 series loss.
Angels fan since '67
by red floyd on Aug 11, 2008 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alternatively....
15 games as CA (* I think. 3-0, 3-2, 4-3 losses)
19 games as Anaheim (3-1, 4-1, 4-3 series wins in 2002, 3-0 loss in 2004)
13 as LAA (4-1 win, 4-1 loss in 2005, 3-0 loss in 2007).
Angels fan since '67
by red floyd on Aug 11, 2008 7:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It surprises me when I am right, as well.
Francisco Rodriguez: 191 career saves. 2 career Panthers, tied with Hector Carrasco.
by Stirrups on Aug 11, 2008 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh i agree
i have a california angels logo tattoooed on my left shoulder where it was on the uniforms of the players I watched growing up.
where was all the bitching, pissing and moaning about the name change in 1995/6????
WE ARE NOT ANAHEIM !!!!!
by Rev Halofan on Aug 11, 2008 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dude, when you live in OC, you learn not to bitch at The Mouse.
Mouse is one seriously wicked mean SOB.
Francisco Rodriguez: 191 career saves. 2 career Panthers, tied with Hector Carrasco.
by Stirrups on Aug 11, 2008 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So I got the best of bothe worlds
The Angels are my team and I am not the mouse’s bitch.
WOOT!!!!!!
by Rev Halofan on Aug 11, 2008 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We get our revenge.
Every night you drive home from the stadium, zooming north up the 5 and past the 91, only to come to a screeching halt at the perennial bottleneck as soon as you get back into LA County, brought to you by the LA DOT.
Mouse made sure that the 5 was built 15 lanes wide through Anaheim, with special ramps sucking their patrons out of everybody’s way.
Francisco Rodriguez: 191 career saves. 2 career Panthers, tied with Hector Carrasco.
by Stirrups on Aug 11, 2008 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will take the bottleneck at 30 MPH to slow down the cracksmokers weaving their way toward the city of Angels….
by Rev Halofan on Aug 11, 2008 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So that's YOU?
Francisco Rodriguez: 191 career saves. 2 career Panthers, tied with Hector Carrasco.
by Stirrups on Aug 11, 2008 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now I know
who to blame for those long rides home from the stadium
Angels fan since '67
by red floyd on Aug 11, 2008 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now I know
who to blame for it taking so long for me to buy crack.
"I've got more action than my man John Woo
And I've got mad hits like I was Rod Carew" - Shure Shot, The Beastie Boys
by Zoe Necrosis on Aug 11, 2008 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
California Angels would be my pick as well
although I didn’t hate Anaheim.
Other Suggestions I have heard:
Southern California Angels: To appease the the Orange County USC fanbase…
Orange County Angels: not bad in terms of what it represents I think, except for the obvious and unfortunate reference to “The OC”
by MidwayCityLivestock on Aug 11, 2008 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why/ "The OC" came after and they are the ones who suck.
(to plagiarize Office Space)
Francisco Rodriguez: 191 career saves. 2 career Panthers, tied with Hector Carrasco.
by Stirrups on Aug 11, 2008 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Got a meeting with the Bob's do ya?
http://bills.sportsbloggingnetwork.com/
by norcaliangelsfan on Aug 11, 2008 7:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
OC?
I’m a proud resident of the 714 and I think that of all possible name variants, Orange County Angels would be the most detrimental to this team’s image / mojo. The name sounds like a minor league moniker.
Not that I’ve ever fallen in love with the current name. In fact, I have never typed or spoken aloud those words in that sequence, and I doubt I ever will. I don’t say this to bag on Arte, I won’t do that. I know what his motivations are and I wouldn’t trade him for anything.
"I've got more action than my man John Woo
And I've got mad hits like I was Rod Carew" - Shure Shot, The Beastie Boys
by Zoe Necrosis on Aug 11, 2008 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We Are Not Anaheim??
Did they move the stadium since I’ve been gone?
I was uncool before uncool was cool.
by WiHaloFan on Aug 11, 2008 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let me rephrase
...How about: We are so much BIGGER and BETTER than “just Anaheim”...
by Rev Halofan on Aug 11, 2008 11:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay, yeah
But this is the impasse, by which no no one gains a moral or psychological difference:
I know, as a resident of the 714, that we have no national identity. So on that end, it makes perfect sense to a billionaire Arizona native like Arte, to brand his new team with LA, in order to make not just the country, but the world, understand where this outstanding team is (since, as we all know, in 2002 there was this resounding outcry of “Anaheim?! Where is that?”)
But…
Firstly, anyone who thinks they have an impression of Orange County from all those television shows needs to acknowledge, first of all, that those shows are shot in LA.
Secondly, the Weekly’s class-warrior garbage about OC being a “bubble” is a FUCKING MYTH. (that’s my first F-bomb, by the way, and I spent if for a reason.)
I’ll put up the 714 against any culture LA dares to throw my way. LA has it’s barrios. I live in Fullerton’s barrio. We have more in common than apart, frankly.
That’s why it is hurtful, to be honest, to be called JUST Anaheim.
On the one hand, I understand: Anaheim is nothing on a national scale. It makes us sound like minor leaguers.
On the other hand: I do not in any way feel beholden to Los Angeles. North County does not have any commercial value, but I don’t feel the need to hide from it.
So it’s an impasse, really. I love my team, and I want the world to understand why my boys are the best. But I am not in the least bit ashamed of where I live, and I will gladly go toe to toe with anyone who thinks they know shit about my lifestyle.
"I've got more action than my man John Woo
And I've got mad hits like I was Rod Carew" - Shure Shot, The Beastie Boys
by Zoe Necrosis on Aug 12, 2008 12:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I grew up in La Mirada
There is no distinguishable difference between North O.C. and the San Fernando Valley. Same radio stations, same television stations, same everything except three numbers on the phone and the names of the street.
OC is LA, LA is OC. So the team is there. I could have been Downey or Buena Park, Hawthorne or Placentia. Anaheim had Disneyland and open space and that is the only reason why the team is there.
by Rev Halofan on Aug 12, 2008 1:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
thank you
"I've got more action than my man John Woo
And I've got mad hits like I was Rod Carew" - Shure Shot, The Beastie Boys
by Zoe Necrosis on Aug 12, 2008 1:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"no distinguishable difference between North O.C. and the San Fernando Valley"
Really? SFV has a beach on the Pacific Ocean that I don’t know about?
Francisco Rodriguez: 191 career saves. 2 career Panthers, tied with Hector Carrasco.
by Stirrups on Aug 12, 2008 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or Midway City Biotches!!!!!!
Sorry, had to represent. Necro, isn’t it great to have a venue where those frusterations can be vented amongst like minded adults… Thanks REV!!
I guess what I identified with the Anaheim name was touched on by rev when he said:
I could have been Downey or Buena Park, Hawthorne or Placentia
To me that was the draw of Anaheim. A blue collar, largley mexican, strip malls, donut shops, payday advance places, and a perfect representation of what he largest group of fans call home. The problem with LA (obviously there’s $$$ involved so really the point is moot) is that although WE realize that OC is LA and LA is OC, the rest of the country does not. LA carries a VERY different image to the rest of the country.
LA is “Drug using, wanna be actor, self absorbed, real world weary, faggots!!!!” Although sadly OC has also been mis-represented by the countless tv shows, the identity that goes along with LA is not one that I feel represents this team, it’s ownership, and it’s fans.
But again… almighty dollar… ALL Hail LAA O’ A’s.!!!!!
by MidwayCityLivestock on Aug 12, 2008 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And what's more
I can’t believe we’re still talking about the goddamn name. And I’m more guilty than anyone of that fact, and that’s because I’ve had steam building up for years now that I wanted to blow off. And I have, now. And hopefully that’s that.
Sorry for my ranting.
"I've got more action than my man John Woo
And I've got mad hits like I was Rod Carew" - Shure Shot, The Beastie Boys
by Zoe Necrosis on Aug 12, 2008 1:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps it's my approach
I’m a respect first kind of guy which has a noticable impact on most/all baseball related conversations. Not saying that you aren’t, but you never know. I was especially surprised to receive the congratulations and praise that I heard/received in Philadelphia. I mean they were so positive and so impressed with how we win ballgames. Condescention and mockery in years past maybe, but over the last 4 years…
by MidwayCityLivestock on Aug 11, 2008 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I couldn't say
But I know this: I’m the least belligerent baseball fan around. And I’m also big on respect.
"I've got more action than my man John Woo
And I've got mad hits like I was Rod Carew" - Shure Shot, The Beastie Boys
by Zoe Necrosis on Aug 11, 2008 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It just makes life easier doesn’t it? It’s almost more for self-preservation than for anything else.
by MidwayCityLivestock on Aug 12, 2008 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How does that utmost respect translate to the Angels being the least liked team in the US?
Francisco Rodriguez: 191 career saves. 2 career Panthers, tied with Hector Carrasco.
by Stirrups on Aug 11, 2008 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
...any random survey can come up with a non-Yanksox random “least-loved” team at any time. I really question the methodology of any survey where the Angels finish below 20th – and that is a testament simply to the weakness of 10-15 other franchises.
by Rev Halofan on Aug 11, 2008 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still think that survey was based on faulty methodology.
~Till the Halo burns out...
by Zu Long on Aug 11, 2008 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Respect and Like are two very different things.
I respect Joe Satriani’s music, but there’s no way I am buying an album. His music just doesn’t interest me. That’s pretty much the same failing for the LAA’s. Not enough drama. No tempestuous Owner, No flamboyant Superstars… historically the loveable losers (or the butt of “Disney” jokes). Outside of our local (and satellite) fan base, there is just no compelling reason to fly the Halo flag! Plus people HATE the rally monkey. That is one thing I did receive heat for in my travels.
by MidwayCityLivestock on Aug 11, 2008 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes but
based on attendance numbers alone we cannot be construed to be the least popular baseball franchise, let alone any other methodology short of conducting the survey in Florida swammps, Boston colleges and Times Square exclusively…
by Rev Halofan on Aug 11, 2008 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very true,
although those who conducted the survey (which I have still not seen) would probably justify the attendance numbers by referencing the fact that the team in located in the 5th most populous county in the country. And that many of those residents are likely transplants attending to see their favorite team visit the Big A. Either way, I agree with your original point:
I really question the methodology of any survey where the Angels finish below 20th – and that is a testament simply to the weakness of 10-15 other franchises.
by MidwayCityLivestock on Aug 11, 2008 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's not correct.
If the Angels have 3 millions fans nationally, and they all attended a home game during the season, the Angels would have 3 million as their attendance figure.
However, if the Marlins had 20 million fans nationally, but only 12,000 of those attended a home game during the season, the Marlins would have only 12,000 as their attendance figure.
Using attendance numbers alone would result in the Angels being far more popular when, in reality, the opposite was true. The Marlins’ 20 million fans nationally would trump the Angels’ 3 million.
[NOTE TO EVERYONE: I am not a statistical analyst! I do NOT know how the earlier survey was conducted, nor would I be qualified to pass judgement on that methodology. Also, I DO know that there are more than 12,000 people who have attended a Marlins game this season and I do NOT believe that there are 20 million people who adore the Marlins. Also, I DO know that a 3 million season attendance figure would actually represent far fewer individuals, due to the same fans attending multiple games. Somehow I just anticipate I have to state the obvious disclaimers ahead of time.]
Francisco Rodriguez: 191 career saves. 2 career Panthers, tied with Hector Carrasco.
by Stirrups on Aug 11, 2008 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The survey was conducted among ~2500 baseball fans nationwide.
From that sample size they conclude we are the 29th most popular team, nationwide. Again, faulty methodology, IMO.
~Till the Halo burns out...
by Zu Long on Aug 11, 2008 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's based on local fan attendance..
If I thought my team was going to get its ass handed to it on a platter by the Angels, I’d probably stay away too.
Completely spurious to base too many conclusions on this, there are too many confounding factors.
I see red people
by The Limey on Aug 11, 2008 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stirrups, pull your head out of your...
...So Cal was under represented in the # of fans polled relative to its population nationwide and the Angels poor showing reflects this.
I am not arguing that we are in the top 3 or even 10, but give me a fucking break if you think for ten seconds that the Angels are the least-liked team in baseball.
by Rev Halofan on Aug 11, 2008 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do NOT think that. I have NEVER advocated anything remotely close to that.
This started with Midway stating that everywhere he went, the common folk universally found the Halos to be lovable.
I thought to myself “Hmmmm. Wasn’t there some recent survey we were squawking about that proclaimed the Angels the 2nd least liked team in baseball, behind only Toronto? How could that survey have been close to accurate when compared to what Midway was observing empirically.?”
So I asked Midway for his take on the contrast.
Midway provided his take.
You responded to Midway with a declarative statement that we cannot possibly be the least liked franchise, noting that all one has to do to prove the point is to look at our attendance records.
I responded to your statement by presenting how your statement could easily be rendered incorrect, provided mythical values in certain catagories of mythical data. Simple as that.
The fact that you are presenting MORE information BEYOND attendance records (by noting the percentage of polled respondents relative to respective market share) to support an argument against that earlier survey, tells me that you must be in agreement with me. We cannot measure the popularity of the Angels based on attendance numbers alone.
Francisco Rodriguez: 191 career saves. 2 career Panthers, tied with Hector Carrasco.
by Stirrups on Aug 11, 2008 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh i misunderstood you
but i blame your wordy post.
by Rev Halofan on Aug 11, 2008 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My family would agree with you.
Verbosity is my kryptonite. Brevity some galaxy far, far away. For this I am chastised mercilessly. I could go on…
Francisco Rodriguez: 191 career saves. 2 career Panthers, tied with Hector Carrasco.
by Stirrups on Aug 11, 2008 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I suffer from the same affliction..
So much so that on occasion, I write my posts (at least ones over 30 characters) in MS Word before I post here so to make sure what I write is readable.
by MidwayCityLivestock on Aug 11, 2008 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
When you find a way to make posts
mis-interpretation-proof, let me know. My defense is more info. More info equals more words. More words equals less readability in blog culture.
Francisco Rodriguez: 191 career saves. 2 career Panthers, tied with Hector Carrasco.
by Stirrups on Aug 11, 2008 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought your disclaimer was sufficient…
by MidwayCityLivestock on Aug 11, 2008 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will add this...
if you have the mlb.tv package or extra innings packages…don’t listen to or watch the home broadcasts! Listen to the away broadcasts. The word is out…and it gets louder daily! Trust me! I live in Seattle and even my diehard non-Angel fans have begrudgingly admitted to me of their own volition…the Angels are the “best team in baseball” or “the team to beat this year!”
I am proud to say that I went to Tex’s first game at Boston and there were many Angel jerseys/hats in attendance…loved it! No flack from the Boston crowd…the entourage grows! Winning solves all! :)
Whodathunk we would be rooting for a former Ranger come August...?
by K3YEROUT on Aug 12, 2008 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i noticed that in games i saw on TV from boston or new york
and i kept pointing it out to my wife all the angel hats and jerseys in attendance (she BTW doesnt give a shit about baseball, or more importantly the angels), but i was definately stoked to see that
i pledge alliegance... to mike Scioscia
and the angels way of baseball
and to each pennant and ring we are sure to win.
one fanatic, under the halo, unwavered
with in n out and world series rings for all
by halofan4life on Aug 12, 2008 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Propaganda?
It’s a stretch to call Moneyball propaganda; the author by his own admission fell in love with the story. The problem is, Michael Lewis got the story wrong (it was the A’s scouting that got them all those good young players).
Witty .sig goes here.
by scareduck on Aug 11, 2008 4:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Which remains the most ironic part.
I especially loved the paragraph about drafting Barry Zito, and what a brilliant example that was of Beane’s ability to seek out value in collge grads.
Barry Zito. Um, yeah. The same Barry Zito who was first team All-American and Pac10 Player of the Year. Lucky for Barry that Billy knows how to dig deep and use secret math to find those under-valued prospects.
Francisco Rodriguez: 191 career saves. 2 career Panthers, tied with Hector Carrasco.
by Stirrups on Aug 11, 2008 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe someone has already said this...
when this team was founded, we went by the los angeles angels. i assume we are called the angels because of our affiliation with the los angeles area. maybe all of you who live in socal tend to be territorial (which is understandable), but the rest of the world outside of the area tend to group everywhere between santa barbara and mission viejo as the los angeles area. i’m not saying thats correct, but thats how it is. when i say anaheim, o.c., long beach, or compton in the midwest, everyone just assumes it is all los angeles. i understand the difference, my family is from there, but to anyone who hasn’t been there several times, its all L.A.
"Life is a luminous halo, a semi-transparent envelope surrounding us from the beginning of consciousness to the end."
by NoDakHalo on Aug 12, 2008 1:34 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Historic Name
PCL had the Los Angeles Angels for half a century before the Dodgers moved here. Crosstown rivals were the Hollywood Stars. I think even the city of Vernon had a team for a few years.
by Rev Halofan on Aug 12, 2008 2:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wikipedia
Has a great article on the PCL Angels.
The original Hollywood Stars became the San Diego Padres (PCL).
I believe the Vernon Tigers became the Mission Reds for a while, then came back as Vernon, and then morphed into the second generation Hollywood Stars.
Angels fan since '67
by red floyd on Aug 12, 2008 8:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay, here's my final thought on the name...
Although, I now live in Wisconsin, I lived my previous 39 years in OC with the majority of those years in Anaheim. I graduated high school in Anaheim, got married in Anaheim, raised a family in Anaheim, etc. During those years it always seemed like OC was the “red-headed stepchild” of SoCal…just a bunch of hillbillies living outside of LA. There was a lot of distain from LA for us living “behing the Orange Curtain”. When Disney change the team’s name to “Anaheim”, to those of us actually living in Anaheim there was a great deal of civic pride. We were finally a major league city!
When people here ask me where I’m from, I used to say, “Anaheim”. Then have to explain where that was. Now I say “Orange County”. Most of the time they know where that is, but sometimes I still have to explain “Between LA and San Diego”. The Anaheim Angels didn’t seem to increase geographical knowledge. So, I completely understand Moreno’s reasoning with the name change, and I think it was a very good business move. I wasn’t aware of the huge TV deal, and I think you’re right that the name has something to do with that. However, I also think that the teams’ success might have been the biggest factor in the amount, especially with the increased stadium attendance. But I concede the point, the name change was a good thing. What bothers me is on a personal level. As someone who lived in Anaheim, who calls Anaheim home, it made me feel “What? We’re not good enough for you??” It made the people of Anaheim go from major league to no league. And it kind of stung.
I suppose I’m over it (the name change), I love this team, regardless of their name, and always will. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim ROCK!
I was uncool before uncool was cool.
by WiHaloFan on Aug 12, 2008 7:06 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Physioc is way better than Rory
"Bloody your hands on a cactus tree/
Wipe it on your dress and send it to me."
by Hutch83 on Aug 12, 2008 12:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
only if you prefer Celine Dion over Aretha Franklin
by yeswecan on Aug 12, 2008 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I prefer Billy Holiday over both
"Bloody your hands on a cactus tree/
Wipe it on your dress and send it to me."
by Hutch83 on Aug 12, 2008 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
HUH?
...to each his own, but that is a stretch…
by Rev Halofan on Aug 12, 2008 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rory's voice is nasel and condescending
Plus, he’s always paired with Goobadouche.
Everyone I know under the age of 27 prefers the deep voice of Physioc and the stoned Hud.
You’re out of touch, Rev.
"Bloody your hands on a cactus tree/
Wipe it on your dress and send it to me."
by Hutch83 on Aug 12, 2008 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
if Rory's condescending, then Phyzz is pandering
Having a deep voice does not mean you are a good baseball broadcaster. Phyz’s overwrought explanations on minutiae while game-changing events are happening is the main reason I don’t like him. The other reason is that he panders to the absolute lowest common denominator in the audience—non-baseball fans. His child-like enthusiasm seems staged.
Rory, on the other hand, calls the game for baseball fans without alienating casual listeners/watchers, and he does it without the pandering. Plus he mixes in some dry humor once in a while, which is vastly more refreshing than Phyz’s clunky cracks.
Calling Guby “Goobadouche” isn’t exactly the most poignant critique of his skills. I enjoy his insight, particularly when he talks about pitcher-batter strategy. Hud has great energy, and he’s WAY less annoying than he’s ever been, but I still prefer Guby right now.
by yeswecan on Aug 12, 2008 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Golly-gee-willickers
The pandering, and the inability to shut up about inane, irrelevant matters while there’s something important happening on the field are but two of Phyz’s many failings.
by jjackflash on Aug 13, 2008 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And his diverse of vocabulary
SP: “You know Hud, this is a really special team. The Angels are really good. Really.”
And anytime anyone even remotely associated with the Red Sox appears in a game and we get a five minute recap of the “magical” 2004 world championship. And in great detail. All while we are watching an Angels game. He is talking about a different team and a different season and that is the norm for him.
by Rev Halofan on Aug 13, 2008 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i prefer the way that rory says
“light up the halo” and i forever have his call of the erstad catch stuck in my head. it still gives me goosebumps
i pledge alliegance... to mike Scioscia
and the angels way of baseball
and to each pennant and ring we are sure to win.
one fanatic, under the halo, unwavered
with in n out and world series rings for all
by halofan4life on Aug 12, 2008 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Physioc says that
Rory says “Just another Halo victory”
"Bloody your hands on a cactus tree/
Wipe it on your dress and send it to me."
by Hutch83 on Aug 12, 2008 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
by the way....
Physioc isnt that bad…. hudler compliments him really well
by AnaheimHalos61 on Aug 12, 2008 6:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I honestly don't care for either.
Ok, I have nothing against either of them. Really don’t. From what I understand Hud is a great person/wonderful father etc. Something that I do appreciate is his perspective not from a former player (like Joe Morgan and countless others) but as a bench player. There is no doubt that he loves the game. And he brings a fresh perspective. It’s that fact that makes him tolerable.
But that’s it for him. He stumbles over his words ALL THE TIME, and over simplifies: “You know, with two outs, and runners in scoring position, figgy really wants to just put the ball in play here.” Oh really Hud???? Are you sure? Frankly I disagree.
Yes, Hudler and Physioc compliment each other very well, the way stink really goes well with s#it. Last year on more than one occasion, especially on the Mota and Gubie games, (Remember those?) i would turn on the radio and listen to Rory and Terry. They are both pros. It’s abundantly clear that they both have some sort of journalistic integrity. You never want for the score on game info Try listening to Rick Monday call a Dodger game on the radio. “Hey Rick, what’s the freaking score???
Sadly I think my criticism comes from the growing belief that Vin Scully will be stepping down very soon. Although I am only 26 and therefore not heard his “prime” I still think he is a master of spoken word. His style is boarderline lyrical and although a monologue, very conversational in nature. There will never be another like him so maybe my standards for my favorite team should be slightly lower.
by MidwayCityLivestock on Aug 13, 2008 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is always...
“Twenty nine thousand people and a million butterflies.”.
Francisco Rodriguez: 192 career saves. 2 career Panthers, tied with Hector Carrasco.
by Stirrups on Aug 13, 2008 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My favorite...
Was the line after he went down 2-1 on the second batter, and the crowd moaned. Vin said something about the “Crowd seeing the pitches with their hearts.” One of my favorite things about having interleague play is that I get to hear Vin call an angels game 6 times a year!
My best friend (life long Dodger fan) thinks the best, most fitting homage for vin upon his retirement, should be a statue of Vin walking into the stadium as he has done every game for 47+ years.
by MidwayCityLivestock on Aug 13, 2008 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have a question !!
I’m not sure, but to my knowledge the Angels were called the “Los Angeles Angels” a long time ago when they first came to California – Am I correct?
by TaffyHaloBruin on Aug 13, 2008 3:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That's because they were located in Los Angeles.
Autry was awarded the franchise in Los Angeles in ‘61 and they moved to the Big A (after playing a Wrigley field west and Dodger Stadium) in ‘68 I think.
by MidwayCityLivestock on Aug 13, 2008 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Name changed to California Angels in 1965 and they moved out of Dodger stadium in 66.
~Till the Halo burns out...
by Zu Long on Aug 13, 2008 6:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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