The archive has produced another grab bag of 1980's Angels' memorabilia. Chili Davis was one of my favorite players.  This video clip from 1985 is from before his time with the Angels, but he expresses himself nicely.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2mdQFPwY-w

July 1988; Chili hits a monster home run off of Jack Morris.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5wzmPW5nX0

And finally, the rarest video of them all.  The 2008 Angels should watch this one.  From August 1988; Red Sox, Fenway, Clemens.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XL4iVh9md4

A's fan favorite Nick Swisher has been traded to the White Sox for three minor leaguers.   He signed a contract ($26.75m for 5 years) in May 2007 which at the time appeared to be reasonable enough such that the A's could have kept him (at least from a financial perspective).

Here are some highlights from an AP story dated May 11, 2007 at the time of the deal: Nick Swisher and the Oakland Athletics agreed Friday on a $26.75 million, five-year contract that also includes a one-year club option for 2012. "This lends us some stability with the club as we move forward into the new stadium," A's GM Billy Beane said. "He does things offensively we'd like everybody to do. He takes a lot of walks and hits a lot of home runs." Swisher will earn $700,000 this year, $3.5 million in 2008, $5.3 million in 2009, $6.75 million in 2010 and $9 million in 2011. The club option is worth $10.25 million, with a $1 million buyout.

The trade link: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3179423

With the latest twists in the loop (GMJ, Kelvim) setting the roster won't be easy.  Some of it may depend on who the Angels play in the 1st round.  Here's an updated look (some of course are obvious):

Pitchers (no particular order)
1.Lackey.
2.Weaver.
3.Kelvim(?) Have to hope that the shoulder is okay.  At least there is an explanation now for his 10.19 ERA in 4 September starts.  If he's not okay, the Angels may have to look to Santana or Colon.
4.Saunders - He hasn't been as sharp in August and September. The start in Texas was brutal. I think Bart is a better 4th starter option, though he probably won't be making the team.
5.Frankie
6.Oliver
7.Speier
8.Shields, except he's probably lost his job as set-up man.
Sosh looks to be going with a 10 man staff. I don't like Saunders or Bootcheck right now, as both have been shaky in September.  Especially Bootcheck, and that's too bad because he's a strikeout pitcher (33Ks in 34.2 2nd half innings) thanks to that mid-90s heat.

Catchers
9.Nap 10.Math
Infielders
11.Kotch
12.HK
13.OC
14.Figgy
15.Izzy
16.Kendry
Outfielders
17.Vlad
18.GA
19.GMJ??
20.Reggie
21.Juan

That leaves 4 spots between Aybar, Quinlan, Haynes, Moseley, Bootcheck, Santana and an outside shot for Colon. I was hoping Colon would get another start, given that Saunders hasn't pitched well recently, but it looks like he is being left off the team. It would have been nice if he got a start in Oakland, to demonstrate that his stuff against the Mariners wasn't a fluke. The goodwill Santana had developed in September (24Ks in 21.1 innings, ERA of 1.27) went out the window in his last start. Very questionable if he'll make it now.

I don't know if he is pitching hurt or is losing something, but his "stuff" hasn't been the same for about the last month.  Specifically:

1. His control is poor and he is lacking command of his fastball.  Post all-star BB/9 of 5.54 vs career ratio of 3.8  The velocity of the fastball also is off as he doesn't appear to be blowing it by hitters.
2. More alarming is that the slider has lost its bite.  Frankie used to throw two great sliders; one which buckled hitters knees and he threw for a strike, the other being the one with exceptionally late break such that it looked like a fastball as it approched the plate but then would suddenly drop.  Now, his slider appears to be rolling/hanging more than usual or he's bouncing it.
3. The stats: opponents had never hit even .200 against Frankie in previous seasons but are hitting .220 post-all star, with a WHIP of 1.46 vs. career marks of .185/1.08

I know I am nit-picking over a small sample size and that I'm coming off as an alarmist, but he hasn't appeared as overpowering/dominating as he has in the past.  

Check out the blazing fastball and absolutely filthy slider in the video highlights from his 42nd save Sept.14 and his 47th save Sept.30.  Again, it's all observational, but Frankie hasn't been showing that stuff recently.

http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/multimedia/tp_archive.jsp?c_id=ana&ym=200609

The one and only, Mr. October, REGGIE JACKSON!  From Reggie's last season with the Angels, 1986.  Angels called up Morales.....but I called up REGGIE.  The 2007 Angels need the power and karma of Reggie.  GO ANGELS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=882f4WD51QE

"Ain't no stoppin' us now.  We've got the groove!"

Going through the archives, another highlight clip vs. the Yankees has been found.  Same series as the previous video clip, this one dates back to August 18 1988 from Yankee Stadium.  More familiar faces show up this time around in this time capsule from the 80's.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY4ouyMJkus

Another oldie highlight clip from the 80's.  It's August 16, 1988 in Yankee Stadium.  Please be seated when you see how many runs the Angels score.  Even more unusual, given that 1988 was a decent year for pitching, as the AL ERA was only 3.97.  Let's hope Hatcher is watching these vids.  Maybe it will give him some ideas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEerljzpgVA

Perhaps the overpaid morons of this year can learn a lesson or two from this vintage video.  
A REAL HITTER saves the day in the exciting conclusion to a game dating back to July 6, 1988. Watch for Mr. Meatball, who would later be vanquished in the ALDS during the magic 2002 season.  ENJOY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkgaELGdplU

Hello Angels fans,

I have been able to salvage from an old VHS tape, obscure highlights from a July 6, 1988 game between the Angels and the Blue Jays at Exhibition Stadium.  In an otherwise forgettable season, this was a really good game.  Hope you have fun seeing players of the past.  Part 1 of the highlights is up for now and the conclusion will be posted soon.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOD5wplNrLw