Thursday Halolinks: Is Anyone Mad As Hell Besides Me?

The above picture has nothing to do with today's Halolinks other than showing the face of someone who is fed up with "things". One of the "things" I'm fed up with (baseball related only) is having to listen to Victor Rojas and Mark Gubicza show more knowledge than the entire Angels' coaching staff. I don't know if it's because I looking for it now, but it seems like at some point during every broadcast either Victor or Gubi will say something about the team's performance that someone on the bench should already have addressed, but for some reason haven't. Yesterday, it was Erick Aybar's last at-bat. Down a run in the 7th, Aybar popped out with the tying run 90-feet away. The problem? He had a 2-0 count and swung at ball three. Could someone please talk to the guy about possibly taking a pitch in that situation?

You know what else I don't get? When there are no outs, why don't more players lay down a bunt against an over shifted infield? During the 6th inning of yesterday's game, Josh Hamilton came to the plate with no outs and Mark Trumbo on first base. The Angels were down by a run, so base runners are needed. Here's what the Cubs' infield looked like:

That's the Cubs' third baseman way over there at short. In this situation, why doesn't Hamilton drop a bunt down the third base line, giving the Angels runners on first and second with no outs? I understand Hamilton wasn't signed to bunt, but in this situation, why not? It couldn't be any worse than yesterday's outcome when Hamilton grounded into a double play. I also realize something else to consider is Hamilton's ability to lay down a bunt...he has, once in his career. So maybe he's not any good at it, but someone might suggest he try it out during batting practice to see if he can at least make contact. Or after reading today's Halolinks:

• Preparation and performance win games. Anthony Rizzo had both yesterday: Cubs 8, Angels 6(10) - FOX Sports. "'I faced him a few times before in the minor leagues, so I know that's what he likes to do - throw the fastball in that spot,'' Rizzo said. ''He has a splitty, too, but I know he doesn't like to throw that with runners on. So I looked for the fastball and tried to lay off everything else.'' What's that line about insanity; If you keep doing the same thing, but expect different results? How about having one of your lowest OBP batters leadoff: Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Angels - June 5, 2013 - MLB.com. "Two games into the homestand, the Angels had won 10 of their previous 12 games. The team was four games under .500 and appeared to be gaining momentum. Although the homestand ended with losses in four of the final five games, Angels manager Mike Scioscia was able to take away some positives." Of course he took some positives away in a loss, he's had plenty of practice this season finding nuggets in the pile of crap. "I think the overall picture is that we are pitching much better," Scioscia said. "That has to continue and our offense needs to turn the corner and start to produce enough to win some of the games that we lost this week." Maybe you should turn the corner and put your team in a better position to win.
  
• Bummer: Instant replay overturns homer for Angels outfielder J.B. Shuck - angels.com. "Shuck hit a ball down the right-field line, and although it was initially ruled a home run, it was later ruled a foul ball by replay." Video: Shuck's home run overturned - MLB.com
• That was a different team...the Red Sox are playing well, the Halos are playing, they're playing...umm...okay, one of these teams are different: Los Angeles Angels at Boston Red Sox - June 7, 2013 - MLB.com. "The Angels have won their last eight games against the Red Sox, including the last six meetings in Boston."
• Bourjos aiming for Monday return to Angels - angels.com. "Bourjos -- who has been out since April 29 with a strained left hamstring -- will play center field for Class A Inland Empire on Thursday night, then join Triple-A Salt Lake for the rest of his rehab. "Three days in Salt Lake, then we'll see where he is," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "Hopefully he's ready."
• ESPN's Franchise Player Draft - ESPN
  1. MIKE TROUT, LF, LAA
  2. BRYCE HARPER, LF, WAS
• Guy Tries To Catch Foul Ball, Fails, But His Lady Friend Catches It
I included this GIF because, besides being somewhat humorous the way the girls kind of says, "you looking for this?", I thought the fat guy at the top was hilarious. Had he backed-off on the nachos, or maybe brought a glove to the game, he might have had a better chance of nabbing the ball. Instead, he does the spoiled-kid fist slam.


• Despite their record, I figure the clubs management is thinking this season is a success: MLB attendance is down, and not just at Miami Marlins games - FOX Sports. "The Dodgers are up 4,381 per game and the Angels 1,028. And while the Dodgers are clearly benefiting from the excitement created by their new ownership, neither of those clubs is performing to expectations on the field."
• It looks like Nelson Cruz still hasn't figured out how to bridge that Gulf: Nelson Cruz goes head over heels over Fenway bullpen fence chasing Mike Carp home run - Yahoo! Sports