John Lackey Bullpen Session Report

by Rev Halofan on Sep 29, 2008 3:45 PM PDT in Angels News

I watched John Lackey throw a 30-pitch full strength bullpen session to Steve Soliz in preparation for his start against Boston in Anaheim on Wednesday evening. Angels pitching coach Mike Butcher stood in as batter. Orlando Mercado was also present but is not in this photo.

Although John was coming off of a lackluster start against the Rangers you would not know it by the way the pitches absolutely zipped right in to hit their spots. Soliz, an early-1990s product of the academically-rigorous Cal State L.A. baseball program, danced his catcher's glove around the plate like a complicated trigonometry formula, but professor Lackey completed each arm-stretching algorithm with flair and precision. Lackey's infamous slurve dove in to Soliz' glove location with biting dips that challenged the occasional loophole in the laws of physics.

Butcher offered not one word of coaching nor advice and everything else about the appearance on the bullpen mound was as routine as a jogging drill.

One can only assume that Lackey's lackluster Friday night was a straight fastball session meant to delight Texas hitters and just break a sweat.

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sounds good

I’m getting really excited for this series. we’re actually picked to win by 6/10 of ESPN “experts”.

and yes, cupie, “we’ve up”

Kotch would've had that.

by howiestheman on Sep 29, 2008 4:01 PM PDT reply actions

You know what's interesting about that..

If you go to the series page on ESPN ( http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2008/series?series=boslaa ) you can look at the stats for LAA vs BOS. However, they sure as hell don’t try to make it clear that the stats they are showing you are some sort of historical playoff stats and not the much more relevant stats from this year.

Check out the numbers for a biased presentation of the odds.

by Neo8234 on Sep 29, 2008 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions

and saw that too

then shook my head in disgust.

Kotch would've had that.

by howiestheman on Sep 29, 2008 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Stats were from last year's ALDS -- surely this year's seasonal stats don't matter at all

While “shocked” to see the likes of Phillips and Neyer pick Boston in the series, I take this as a very auspicious sign. Last time they bet against Our Lads in Red (spring of this year for the neophytes), we bore witness of their so-called expertise.

by Big Easy Halofan on Sep 29, 2008 8:56 PM PDT up reply actions

And speaking of bearing witness, very awesome, Rev

I am a nut for watching bullpen sessions and this one would have been sweet. Hopefully it holds true and he has his curve ball in tip-top shape come Wednesday.

by Big Easy Halofan on Sep 29, 2008 9:01 PM PDT up reply actions

There is still no one I'd rather have pitching a big game in the post season......

than Big John…….but Erv and Joe are up there now…..and with a good series….they’ll show the world who the best team is…….

Miss you Kotch......Love you Trent

by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 29, 2008 4:09 PM PDT reply actions

How did you score that opportunity Rev?

The Angels may have beat them 8 times in a row, but winning three before they do is all that matters.

by hauldog on Sep 29, 2008 4:23 PM PDT reply actions

The Rev has connections!

When I'm not at the stadium, I'd rather be watching my Halos back in Costa Rica!

by Dono Romantico on Sep 29, 2008 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Must have been a birthday gift.........

by LittleCupcakes on Sep 29, 2008 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Opportunity for what?

to see the bullpen session? It occurred prior to the game on 9/28. Garland had a bullpen session during the game.

by Downing Rules on Sep 30, 2008 11:57 AM PDT up reply actions

cool thanks

The Angels may have beat them 8 times in a row, but winning three before they do is all that matters.

by hauldog on Sep 30, 2008 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions

last sentence should be more like...

one can only “hope”…..“assume”-ing is bad

Go Angels!

by Four Ts on Sep 29, 2008 6:06 PM PDT reply actions

HATER

I don’t think anyone would believe

by vlad IS my man on Sep 29, 2008 6:24 PM PDT reply actions

that Steve Phillips would pick the Angels

by vlad IS my man on Sep 29, 2008 6:25 PM PDT up reply actions

John will be fine

I really think it’s important that we have home field against these guys. You never know what can happen in that bandbox in Boston. But in front of a raucous crowd, I think John will be pumped and at his best.

Should be a good one.

I feel the need, the need...for speed!

by Gorbachav5 on Sep 29, 2008 8:37 PM PDT reply actions

Over/under 5 hits allowed by John in Game 1

Under

"There's only one way to become a hitter. Go up to the plate and get mad. Get mad at yourself and mad at the pitcher." -Ted Williams

by AnaheimHalos61 on Sep 29, 2008 9:19 PM PDT reply actions

Whenever I see Steve Philips

Give his unbiased, well informed concise insight, I am always shocked that the Mariners have not hired him as their GM. Common sense in Steve, is like caffeine in 7-up, never had it, never will.

YOU DON'T KNOW THE POWER OF THE DARKSIDE.....

by halofolife on Sep 30, 2008 10:38 AM PDT reply actions