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Matt Palmer, Gary Matthews Provide a Welcome Mat to Victory, Jason Bulger Gets a Save

Not Donnie Moore

More photos » by Chris Carlson - AP

Not Donnie Moore

Final Score in Los Angeles of Anaheim:
Angels 7, Sudenly tough and shockingly resilient Cleveland Indians 6

In seasons to come, what will they be calling this game? The Bases Loaded Jason Bulger Save? The Gary Matthews Retro Night Game? The Matt Palmer scoreless relief game? The Rex Hudler Stormtrooper Game? It was a classic in Anaheim on an 80s-themed retro giveaway night, Bobby Grich throwing out the first pitch in front of 43,000 fans wearing a teeshirt replica of his 1980s Angels uniform.

Star-divide

Ironically, the most historic event in Angels lore that took place tonight might to have even come at Angels Stadium of Anaheim as AAA pitcher Sean O`Sullivan pitched a no hitter, one walk shy of a perfect game, for the Salt Lake Bees.

The game started with Jered Weaver getting squeezed by home plate scumpire Jeff Nelson and almost ended with closer Brian Fuentes choking up his 2nd game in a row. But a quick hook to get Fuentes and the introduction of Palmer in the 6th inning were the chess moves that worked by the Kasparovian Scioscia tonight. Wever allowed 4 runs in 5 innings and was far from sharp, throwing 102 pitches, allowing 8 hits, 2 HR and walking 3. Fuentes was even worse and has yet to record an out in his two appearances this series.

But all is well with the Angels remaining 2.5 games ahead of the Texas Rangers in the AL West. Light up the Halo Duran Duran, the Boys are Back in town!

Results_medium

Poll
Panther of the Game
Jason Bulger
157 votes
Gary Matthews
126 votes
Matt Palmer
55 votes

338 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs  |  Comment 112 comments |

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Comments

Display:

Panther(s)

Bulger…..
GMJ…
Soth…..

and SOS for his NO NO!

Godspeed Nick - RIP - 1986-2009

by norcaliangelsfan on Jul 28, 2009 10:12 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

And Palmer.

THIS… IS… ANAHEIM!!

by opiejeanne on Jul 28, 2009 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I take back many of the bad things I've said about GMJ

I’d like to re-direct them towards Brian FUentes.

by Brew Angel on Jul 28, 2009 10:13 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

w/o GMJ heroics

nothing to save

I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer.

by Moondoggy on Jul 28, 2009 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fuentes

50 hours ago he was unhittable, as close to a sure thing as any closer in the majors. Now he can’t get even one out! What the hell happened?

by Brody on Jul 28, 2009 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Might be the Indians just have his number, like Shields and Boston.

#34 Forever
Plugging the upside since 2006.
Never give up, never surrender!

by TheOptimist on Jul 28, 2009 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Might be the only one, but I'm giving a shout out to my boy

Matt Palmer.

#34 Forever
Plugging the upside since 2006.
Never give up, never surrender!

by TheOptimist on Jul 28, 2009 10:13 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

me two...

whats funny is that i wanted to buy his jersey after i saw him on the roster cause he has my last name…but if he sucked i would be the only one knowing my last name is palmer and i would look like a spier fan…but now, i might have to get one.

by figgifig on Jul 28, 2009 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If the pregame quiz question had been

“Name three Angels who will be Panther candidates”, nobody would have scored any points.

by leftwing on Jul 28, 2009 10:13 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Dunno.

Palmer might have gotten at least one vote.

~Till the Halo burns out...

by Zu Long on Jul 28, 2009 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Only if he had been starting.

Check out these games:

Multiplayer Baseball: http://www.mmobaseball.com/createaccount.aspx?ref=9687

Multiplayer Football: http://goallineblitz.com/game/signup.pl?ref=16986650

by matthiasstephan on Jul 28, 2009 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

gmj came through in a huge way

but bulger got out of basically the toughest situation a reliever can be put in…

by ZiK on Jul 28, 2009 10:13 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Our Panthers

GMJ and Bulger
world must be ending

PS Rex Hudler as a storm trooper

WTF

Aybar is a nowhere man, Sitting in his Nowhere Land, Making all his nowhere plans for nobody.

by princeton11loveshalos on Jul 28, 2009 10:14 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Rex was awesome

Let's win one for Nick

by moosemastr on Jul 28, 2009 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

very tough

i give it to GMJ he finally came in on the clutch and didnt choke for once

by CA2AZAngelsVET on Jul 28, 2009 10:14 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Bulger

GMJ’s hit was huge and he deserved panther for it. If Fuentes did his job, then GMJ would have been panther. But because Fuentes shat the bed, and Bulger saved what looked like another defeat, Bulger is the man.

by Brody on Jul 28, 2009 10:15 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Panther = Scioscia for pulling Fuentes!

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

by Dono Romantico on Jul 28, 2009 10:15 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

gmj = PANTHA

bulger just did his job….

Do it for Nick '09

by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Jul 28, 2009 10:15 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

His job?

Bases loaded and no one out. The odds say that more than one run should score.

by Brody on Jul 28, 2009 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Your a relief pitcher...

your job is to get the outs and keep the scoring to a minimum.

Do it for Nick '09

by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Jul 28, 2009 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

GMJ is a hitter.

His job is to drive in runs.

~Till the Halo burns out...

by Zu Long on Jul 28, 2009 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Isn't a hitter's job

NOT to be directly responsible for an out?

by turs12 on Jul 28, 2009 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

No.

That’s one big mistake some Saber-guys make. RUNS win games. Not baserunners. There’s some debate about what’s more valuable with one out, man on third: sac fly or a walk?

~Till the Halo burns out...

by Zu Long on Jul 28, 2009 10:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

doesn't that depend too much on game context too?

I mean in the 1st inning I’d for sure want the walk, and in the 8th inning of a tie game I’d for sure want the sac fly.

by MH252525 on Jul 28, 2009 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

From 1999-2002

it was by .1 Runs better to take the walk than the sac fly, but it definitely has to be affected by the high power numbers, ie one person hitting a 3-R HR skews the numbers more than a person hitting into a DP. In todays game id say its virtually a tossup, and really depends how late/close the game is.

That'll only happen if that one prospect is the second coming of Christ and redemption for mankind can only be achieved by smacking many balls out of the yard.
-The Limey

by anaheim angels on Jul 29, 2009 1:20 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That is true for any pitcher

So any time anyone ever gets a hit or scores a run, a pitcher is not doing his job? Or if a pitcher pitches a complete game shutout, he is just doing his job?

Obviously not.

by Brody on Jul 28, 2009 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

difference between reliever and closer

its the difference between

krod and shields
mariano rivera and brian bruney
Andrew Bailey and Gio Gonzalez

the closer is your #1 reliever
and Bulger did more than just his reliever job

Aybar is a nowhere man, Sitting in his Nowhere Land, Making all his nowhere plans for nobody.

by princeton11loveshalos on Jul 28, 2009 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

His "job" is normally not to close out a ball game......

I voted GMJ anyway, but arguing with your point seemed like fun.

I love this team.

by Downing Rules on Jul 29, 2009 12:42 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

he gets paid to do more than just hit....

I see what everyone is saying but you dont get pulled from a game for going 0 for 4 or NOT getting a hit when the bases are loaded. However, you DO get pulled from a game for giving up a run as a pitcher.

Do it for Nick '09

by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Jul 28, 2009 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Depends on the game.

Sometimes one run is enough to get pulled. Sometimes it isn’t. If you don’t hit well enough, you get pulled from future games before you even get a chance to swing. Point is, it’s still your job.

~Till the Halo burns out...

by Zu Long on Jul 28, 2009 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

gotta go with GMJ

without his hit (which none of us expected), Bulger doesn’t get the chance.

but Bulger was pretty awesome, too

Thank you, Nick Adenhart. You will always be remembered. #34

by howiestheman on Jul 28, 2009 10:15 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Without Fuentes shitting his pants Bulger doesn't get a chance

GMJ did what he’s overpaid to do

Bulger was nails

by Epic Dean on Jul 28, 2009 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

All 3 were great

Gotta give it to GMJ, though.

The time is out of joint; oh cursed spite, that ever I was born to set it right.

by chairmanofthebar on Jul 28, 2009 10:15 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

GMJ

not only does he never get any love around here, but Bulger has nothing to save if GMJ doesn’t give us the cushion.

by Caseys Kiss of Death on Jul 28, 2009 10:17 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

tough one to give panther to

GMJ gets it though.

Bulger and Palmer looked GREAT.

SP, sans Lackey, giving up early runs and struggling through every inning is getting kind of old, though.

What do you need a fancy suit for, Charlie, you ain't got no job to wear it to.

by clover_black on Jul 28, 2009 10:18 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

seriously... really old

2009 Angels Season: Let's Do This For Nick

by trojanangelfan on Jul 29, 2009 12:25 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

GMJ put us in the position with a clutch 2 out bases clearing double

Bulger had a great save, but GMJ gets my vote

I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer.

by Moondoggy on Jul 28, 2009 10:18 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

a lot of unlikely heros tonight

but what the heck is up with Fuentes? thats 8 straight batters without recording an out

by UCIHalo on Jul 28, 2009 10:19 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

My initial reaction was to award Bulger the Win the Hold and the Save

It felt that important (or maybe that was the stomach acid talking)
FanGraphs almost seems to share the feeling.
Bulger’s WPA is a hefty .431
GMJ comes in at .321

by Fan Since 1981 on Jul 28, 2009 10:20 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I agree

I love what GMJ did. But man, what a clutch save. Nobody out, bases loaded, two-run lead, four straight guys have gotten on base, and after a blown save last night…. I know everyone in here was cringing at the thought of another Bulger grand slam.

By the way, K-Mo and Aybar turned a hell of a double play.

by Brody on Jul 28, 2009 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

and against victor martinez too

That'll only happen if that one prospect is the second coming of Christ and redemption for mankind can only be achieved by smacking many balls out of the yard.
-The Limey

by anaheim angels on Jul 29, 2009 1:23 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

For today,

Gary Matthews jr. is panther of the game. Never thought I would hear myself say that

Please get rid of Speier. "Yes, I suck."- Jose Guillen.
R.I.P. Nick Adenhart, Marquis Cooper, Steve McNair, and Frank Grimes, or Grimey, as he liked to be called

by JoseGuillenSux on Jul 28, 2009 10:28 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I was just thinking about that.

That earns him a few more points. 3 more innings against a tough lineup on 2 days rest… that’s pretty bad ass.

~Till the Halo burns out...

by Zu Long on Jul 28, 2009 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

My head says Matthews for panther

but my heart says Bulger. We needed him to step up big time.

by Light_it_Up on Jul 28, 2009 10:32 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I went with Matthews

he’s hitting .346 with RISP this year.

by Fred Fredrix on Jul 28, 2009 10:35 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Wow

can’t believe I just spent 0:47 seconds of my life watching that LoL

Figgins is an All-Star. Period. Congrats, Figster!

by Figgi4life on Jul 28, 2009 10:38 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions   0 recs

cant touch this :p

They want power, We want respect...

by SenorChuckles on Jul 28, 2009 10:50 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hahahaha! Awesome and silly.

And awesome.

My girls grew up doing stuff like this. It was fun.

THIS… IS… ANAHEIM!!

by opiejeanne on Jul 28, 2009 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hope Fuentes is OK

But tonight, all my love goes to Gary Matthews. It’s not often he a) Kickstarts an Angels rally then b) drives in the winning runs ALL IN ONE GAME. GMJ for Panther.

Let's win one for Nick

by moosemastr on Jul 28, 2009 10:37 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

The Bulge FTW

"F it, let's pitch." - Ervin Santana

by Chzburger Jones on Jul 28, 2009 10:38 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Panther of the game...

is Rex Hudler for sure. did you guys see how he stuck one of those foam darts onto one of the cameras? M-V-P, M-V-P!

by ghsu on Jul 28, 2009 10:39 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

palmer vote

whats funny is that i wanted to buy his jersey after i saw him on the roster cause he has my last name…but if he sucked i would be the only one knowing that my last name is palmer and i would look like a spier fan…but now, i might have to get one.

by figgifig on Jul 28, 2009 10:39 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

credit where credit is due

gotta be GMJ. It’s just like Spiderman says, “Everybody gets one.”

by turs12 on Jul 28, 2009 10:53 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

venting on over managing and Mota

First, who in the heck was Mota suppose to be tonight? Anyways, I do like Scoscia as a Manager, I think he is a good Manager. But, he also over coaches at times and tonight was an example when he over coaches. If its not broke why fix it? Should of left Palmer in the game in the 9th. I just do not get it, I have seen this too man times. Too much text book, where we have to bring in the closer in the 9th. Palmer was throwing fine, keep him in.

I was compare this to basketball. If a shooter is hot, do you take him out or keep him in?

by Ca1IFORNIA ANGELS on Jul 28, 2009 10:57 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

btw

I love the hats, best baseball hats in baseball, love the blue/red.

by Ca1IFORNIA ANGELS on Jul 28, 2009 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

“…and GI Joe got stuck and GI Joe got stuck …”

I love this team.

by Downing Rules on Jul 29, 2009 12:45 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

How are you gonna get tenure

if you don’t know who eddie murphy is?

by Rev Halofan on Jul 28, 2009 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

have you seen delerious?

They want power, We want respect...

by SenorChuckles on Jul 28, 2009 11:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh yeah

and RAW … I wish he would do another standup movie.

by Rev Halofan on Jul 29, 2009 12:12 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep, just like Ice Cube...

guy goes from songs like “F&$# THE POLICE” to kids movies. Awesome transition, yo.

I love this team.

by Downing Rules on Jul 29, 2009 12:46 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I get it now...
I do like Scoscia as a Manager, I think he is a good Manager… I have seen this too man times…Too much text book

…you’re they guy who runs 1866Baseball:

All the members of this team is first-class contribute in baseball. I like it extremely. I am study every match of it.

I see red people

by The Limey on Jul 29, 2009 2:17 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

O MAN Fuentes is gonna give me a heart attack one day. I miss perci lol

by robi s on Jul 28, 2009 11:02 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I thought that was Percy.

He was also nails against Cleveland.

Who goofed? I've got to know.

by hittheg on Jul 29, 2009 12:09 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Up!

RIP Nick Adenhart :(

by scottnak on Jul 28, 2009 11:09 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Real treat for me tonight - 11 rows behind Angel dugout

I was one those jackasses looking stupid in the background whenever a right hand hitter was up and they had the shot of the batter. Great diversity in the crowd, Angels fans from Tulsa sitting in front of us, and I was sitting with visitors from Albuquerque (no spell check :) )

Also had a great perspective of Figgy’s handiwork at 3B. I’ve said it a thousand times, but his improvement defensively has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Gary Matthews hit was thrilling…honestly I was not expecting that at all, I was hoping for a fluke bloop hit or something. GMJ for Panther!

Nick Adenhart - 1986 - 2009 R.I.P.

by swiss mcgee on Jul 28, 2009 11:29 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Fan getting nailed by that Aybar line foul ball

Did anyone see that on TV – It bounced off what I thought was someone’s head!

Nick Adenhart - 1986 - 2009 R.I.P.

by swiss mcgee on Jul 28, 2009 11:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I saw some guy

Waving people down there….Didn’t see the impact, though…

Figgins is an All-Star. Period. Congrats, Figster!

by Figgi4life on Jul 29, 2009 7:42 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions   0 recs

It was almost as thrilling as Abreus AB pic

That'll only happen if that one prospect is the second coming of Christ and redemption for mankind can only be achieved by smacking many balls out of the yard.
-The Limey

by anaheim angels on Jul 29, 2009 1:27 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Huh. There must be some kind of ethereal pull towards Tulsa from Anaheim.

That’s where I became a fan.

~Till the Halo burns out...

by Zu Long on Jul 29, 2009 8:50 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just got back from the game

I hands down have to give the panther to Bulger. Yes GMJ had a great night and a very clutch 3 run double. However had the Angels have lost the game with a 3 run lead in the 9th after blowing a 2 run lead in the 9th yesterday it would have been DEVASTATING. Bulger prevented that with outstanding pitching and that’s why he’s my panther.

Had GMJ not hit the 3 run double and the Angels go on to lose another typical game of course we all would have been bummed, but preventing the heartbreaker loss is why I’m giving it to Bulger.

by MH252525 on Jul 28, 2009 11:31 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

GMJ!!!

i didn’t see the game but i saw the highlights….FINALLY!

by SCHalo on Jul 29, 2009 12:15 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Also just got back from the game....

couple of points…

1) Bulger for Panther…. I thought we might have to come back to really unhappy Halosphere tonight but Bulger proved this team does have something speical, i truly believe it, we somehow find a way even when somebody else sucks.

2) Great crowd today… 43000 fans all very into it, i felt as though we were playing Texas, New York, or Boston

3) Awesome give-away today… good looking shirt, a lil big, but Arte always does a good job when it comes to taking care of us (the fans)

4) Crazy idea on my part that will prolly get some of you guys yelling at me buttt, if we are able to land a starter in a trade, might it be worth considering throwing Weaver in the pen for the stretch run… i realize that it weakens our already depleted starting rotation but if we are able to acquire someone in a trade we might be able to survive with Lackey, New Pitcher, SOS, Santana/Saunders (whoever survives the trade season and the wrath of Soth), with Palmer hanging around as a spot 5 guy or even putting Trevor Bell on the short list for the 5 spot…
again I haven’t really put too much consideration into this and don’t less of me as a person if it sounds ridiculous in your eyes… just throwing it out there see what you guys think… nice early game tomorrow

Let’s Go Halos and Let’s Go Tigers Tomorrow!

2009 Angels Season: Let's Do This For Nick

by trojanangelfan on Jul 29, 2009 12:39 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Strong disagree from me

Weaver is also an extreme FB pitcher when you want your bullpen to induce GBs

That'll only happen if that one prospect is the second coming of Christ and redemption for mankind can only be achieved by smacking many balls out of the yard.
-The Limey

by anaheim angels on Jul 29, 2009 1:29 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

HGH for Panther because seriously, for $10 million a year, his great Halo moments are far-and-few in-between

It isn’t like Torii with highlights left-and-right, where we can take the guy for granted.

HGH would have to have 50 more go-ahead/game-winning hits to earn his salary for the year.

Or is Kendry perhaps the one who needs to sit?

by BBFan1 on Jul 29, 2009 2:41 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

We shouldn't be giving it to him out of pity..

…if he was a better player, he’d have earned more

I see red people

by The Limey on Jul 29, 2009 2:47 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Padres fan here.

You guys need Heath Bell.

Bad.

Love we shine like a burning star
We're falling from the sky tonight

by maestro876 on Jul 29, 2009 7:00 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

lol

normally I’d say that’s a bad idea, but that is actually something I want happen. Maybe Quinlan for Bell and Gonzalez? ;)

RIP Nick Adenhart 4/9/09

by vlad IS my man on Jul 29, 2009 8:44 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

FYI: Fuentes in 2007

On June 21st of that season he picked up his 20th save. To that point in the season he had thrown 33.1 IP, 25Ks, 8 BB, 4 HRs allowed. His ERA was 1.89.

In each of his next four appearances he blew the save and incurred the loss. The 5th appearance was in a non-save situation.

June 22: 0.1 IP, 4H, 3R
June 25: 0.2 IP, 3H, 2R
June 28: 0.2 IP, 3H, 4R, 1 HBP, 1 HR
June 29: 0.2 IP, 1H, 2R, 1BB, 1 HR
July 1: 1 IP, 2H, 2R, 2 BB

He lost the closer’s role after this and did not pick up another save over the rest of the season.

I don’t have the details at this time as to what caused this implosion (i.e. Was he trying to pitch with an injury? Fatigued? Loss of confidence?)

Fuentes is a very good pitcher (career K/9 rate of 10.17, career FIP of 3.65, career ERA of 3.48). The Angels need to find out if he is hurt or fatigued.

by Fan Since 1981 on Jul 29, 2009 7:11 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Sadly, those numbers are all better than his last two starts.

At least he managed to get some batters out!

That said, I do have faith that Fuentes, if not hurt, will completely overcome this. Can we please try to not boo him next time he comes out in the ninth?

Let's do this for Nick Adenhart, Courtney Stewart, and Henry Pearson.

by AlanFalcon on Jul 29, 2009 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

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