Finally finishing up the American League, I think the AL West could probably be won by any of the four teams that are in the division. But here is who I think will be the winner...
1.) Texas Rangers- KEY ACQ: DH Vladimir Guerrero, SP Rich Harden I LIKE: Josh Hamilton- I think Hamilton will bounce back nicely from struggling last season and will have a productive year, I don't know about an All-Star yet still good year. I HATE: Harden- I cannot see that going well for him, he pitched fine in the AL but he always gets hurt. Big red flags for me. PREDICTION: They will win by a rock of Ron Washington's cocaine, it should be battle all year long. I think the Rangers bullpen will be the difference for them.
2.) Los Angeles Angels- KEY ACQ: OF Hideki Matsui SP Joel Pineiro I LIKE: Kendry Morales- I think he will be a bonafide stud in 2010 and will dominate for this team this season. Morales should be an All-Star this season. I HATE: Brian Fuentes- I think he is probably one of the shakiest closer in Major League Baseball with more than forty-five saves. He is a headcase waiting to happen. PREDICTION: Another team that could make the playoffs if the chips fall right. They need a good year out of Fuentes, and their pitching staff has potential, the question is will they capitalize on this?
3.) Seattle Mariners- KEY ACQ: 2B Chone Figgins OF Milton Bradley SP Cliff Lee I LIKE: Lee- Despite his early injury, he has shown to be one of the best pitchers in the Majors and proven it in both leagues. King Felix and him back-to-back is tough as hell. I HATE: Bradley- He is a cancer to almost all team he has played for but I will say Ken Griffey Jr. might be a guy to settle him down, still I think he will have another down year. PREDICTION: They have the ability to be a playoff team but they need a big year from a lot of guys, which seems a lot of ask from guys like Jose Lopez, Ian Snell, and others.
4.) Oakland A's- KEY ACQ: SP Ben Sheets, 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff I LIKE: Andrew Bailey- He is an upcoming closer for the A's and I think he will be a force in the bullpen. I HATE: Sheets- I cannot believe he is their number one, and he really hasn't pitched well this whole spring so I worry he breaks down by June. PREDICTION: They have a ton of youth that are starting or ready to go in their minor leagues so if the develop quickly they could contend for the AL West. I also really like Brett Anderson too.
-Charlie.
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Showing posts with label Los Angeles Angels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Los Angeles Angels. Show all posts
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Vlad the Impaler Heads Quietly Into Arlington
Before we get going on the Vlad story, I have a new blog for all of you to check out when you visit the Corner. It's called Sports Chump and it covers the major topics in sports. I would definitely suggest reading the story on the coaches who all lost their jobs because of their physical attitude towards players, hell of a read.
There was a mild baseball story last night that I think is a bigger story than people believe. Vladimir Guerrero signed a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers. I feel this is a smart move by the brass in Arlington because Guerrero is a hell of a designated hitter option and gives them an upgrade on defense once in awhile.
Since the Angels have dismantled somewhat losing John Lackey to Boston and Chone Figgins to Seattle plus a perplexing signing of Hideki Matsui and now losing Guerrero. People would be right to assume that the AL West is wide open. The Rangers went 87-75 finishing second in the AL West and were in the Wild Card hunt until the last couple of weeks.
Despite being somewhat injury-prone year last year, Guerrero hit near .300 with 15 homers and still played in 100 games. With the Rangers doing the one year deal, that means that they do not have much stock put into what Vlad might do this year, yet if he has a huge year, it will be a great success. I believe he still has some in the tank when it comes to the offensive end and maybe, he doesn't have the same speed to cover the field yet he has a cannon of an arm.
The other thing about the Rangers is they are a very young team who will continue to get better in the next couple of years. Sometimes adding that key veteran free agent can be the difference from finishing just out of the playoff hunt to making the playoffs and possibly some noise when there. In my opinion, they might still be a year away with some uncertainty with their young pitching but if they get that together, the Rangers may contend for AL West.
-Charlie
There was a mild baseball story last night that I think is a bigger story than people believe. Vladimir Guerrero signed a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers. I feel this is a smart move by the brass in Arlington because Guerrero is a hell of a designated hitter option and gives them an upgrade on defense once in awhile.
Since the Angels have dismantled somewhat losing John Lackey to Boston and Chone Figgins to Seattle plus a perplexing signing of Hideki Matsui and now losing Guerrero. People would be right to assume that the AL West is wide open. The Rangers went 87-75 finishing second in the AL West and were in the Wild Card hunt until the last couple of weeks.
Despite being somewhat injury-prone year last year, Guerrero hit near .300 with 15 homers and still played in 100 games. With the Rangers doing the one year deal, that means that they do not have much stock put into what Vlad might do this year, yet if he has a huge year, it will be a great success. I believe he still has some in the tank when it comes to the offensive end and maybe, he doesn't have the same speed to cover the field yet he has a cannon of an arm.
The other thing about the Rangers is they are a very young team who will continue to get better in the next couple of years. Sometimes adding that key veteran free agent can be the difference from finishing just out of the playoff hunt to making the playoffs and possibly some noise when there. In my opinion, they might still be a year away with some uncertainty with their young pitching but if they get that together, the Rangers may contend for AL West.
-Charlie
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Boston's Answer to the Yanks
The Yankees brought in the likes of C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeria last year winning them the World Series. The Boston Red Sox twittled their thumbs watching the Yanks out-bid them for Tex and couldn't catch the Yanks all year. Now they answer with John Lackey, which I admit is a great deal for the Red Sox.
John Lackey is a guy who is underrated because he plays out on the west coast leading to not many people talking about his performances. He was a consistent performer for the Los Angeles Angles in the last five years with not having an E.R.A. over four, also during that time had over 10 wins, and started over twenty games each year.
Lackey was considered to be the top pitcher in the MLB Free Agency pool this winter and honestly, I didn't think much of him because of not knowing the stats Lackey had and now I am convinced he will be a difference maker for the Red Sox this season. The only Yankee that owns Lackey is Teixeria, which some might consider a big deal but Alex Rodriguez plus newly acquired Curtis Granderson both hit under .200 against Lackey. Trust me, you do not want to see Beckett-Lackey-Lester in a playoff series. All have experience and they know how to win. Much better than the Sabathia-Burnett-Joba
Also can we end the Angel dynasty on the way out? I mean yeah they did get Hideki Matsui but they have lost Lackey, and Chone Figgins. Not to mention, Francisco Rodriguez left last year. I do not the Angels will win the AL West because the team I talked about next post will win it.
-Charlie.
John Lackey is a guy who is underrated because he plays out on the west coast leading to not many people talking about his performances. He was a consistent performer for the Los Angeles Angles in the last five years with not having an E.R.A. over four, also during that time had over 10 wins, and started over twenty games each year.
Lackey was considered to be the top pitcher in the MLB Free Agency pool this winter and honestly, I didn't think much of him because of not knowing the stats Lackey had and now I am convinced he will be a difference maker for the Red Sox this season. The only Yankee that owns Lackey is Teixeria, which some might consider a big deal but Alex Rodriguez plus newly acquired Curtis Granderson both hit under .200 against Lackey. Trust me, you do not want to see Beckett-Lackey-Lester in a playoff series. All have experience and they know how to win. Much better than the Sabathia-Burnett-Joba
Also can we end the Angel dynasty on the way out? I mean yeah they did get Hideki Matsui but they have lost Lackey, and Chone Figgins. Not to mention, Francisco Rodriguez left last year. I do not the Angels will win the AL West because the team I talked about next post will win it.
-Charlie.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
LCS Picks Where the Nation Endures Chip Carey & Joe Buck
Here are the picks for the final four of baseball. I think even though there were sweeps during the division series I thought the playoffs were off to a good start. The Cardinals-Dodgers had a lot of competitive games and the Twins-Yankees was also a great series despite the sweep.
NL
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers- I think this has the makings to be a great series because you have a team in LA who might not have a better time then now to win a World Series. In addition, they have a solid bullpen, which is like having a great offensive line in playoff football. The Phillies have this great offense and Cliff Lee has proven already he can take a team on his back yet their bullpen is still shaky. I could care less what you say about Brad Lidge two saves in the first series, he is still Lidge aka better version of Derrick Turnbow. I would like to pick LA but I have to stick to my guns at the beginning of the season. PHILLY in six
AL
Los Angeles Angels vs. New York Yankees- The Angels played great in the first series and so far has been getting thrown under the table so far. No one realized how good their pitching staff is and Torii Hunter has been playing out of mind so far. You can tell he wants a ring and they have a lineup of guys hitting .300. The Yanks have Alex Rodriguez now hitting out of his mind thanks to Kate Hudson and now they become a true threat. I worry about the three-man pitching staff but CC Sabathia looked impressive in the first series. None of those pitchers struggled and its a big risk for Yanks if they lose. I think New York offense is too tough for anyone. NY in five.
-Charlie.
NL
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers- I think this has the makings to be a great series because you have a team in LA who might not have a better time then now to win a World Series. In addition, they have a solid bullpen, which is like having a great offensive line in playoff football. The Phillies have this great offense and Cliff Lee has proven already he can take a team on his back yet their bullpen is still shaky. I could care less what you say about Brad Lidge two saves in the first series, he is still Lidge aka better version of Derrick Turnbow. I would like to pick LA but I have to stick to my guns at the beginning of the season. PHILLY in six
AL
Los Angeles Angels vs. New York Yankees- The Angels played great in the first series and so far has been getting thrown under the table so far. No one realized how good their pitching staff is and Torii Hunter has been playing out of mind so far. You can tell he wants a ring and they have a lineup of guys hitting .300. The Yanks have Alex Rodriguez now hitting out of his mind thanks to Kate Hudson and now they become a true threat. I worry about the three-man pitching staff but CC Sabathia looked impressive in the first series. None of those pitchers struggled and its a big risk for Yanks if they lose. I think New York offense is too tough for anyone. NY in five.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Whose Ready for the Four-Hour Drama?!
In my opinion, I enjoyed the baseball playoffs a lot because it is very simple and clear cut plus there have been those years where every game has been an absolute classic. Who can forget 2003 with the Red Sox losing to Aaron effin' Boone and the Cubs losing thanks to Steve Bartman. Then in 2004, you have the Red Sox epic comeback along with the Brad Lidge game against Albert Pujols. Here are the picks for the first round of games.
NL
Colorado Rockies vs. Philadelphia Phillies- This is probably the least exciting series out of the four for sure and I really feel that this series could go either way. Colorado has struggled with left-handed pitchers this season, which isnt a good thing when they are facing Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels in the first two games. But here is the kicker, if the Rockies keep it close they get to face the arguably the worst bullpen in the playoffs right now. We all know how Colorado are the comeback kids. I am taking Philly because I have rolled with them all year might as well stick to it. Wont be easy though. PHI in 5
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers- Everyone is talking about the Cardinals going to the World Series and I have been saying that since early July. The pitching staff they have, add the offense, and they play pretty good defense too. I really cannot find a chink in their armor. It also tough to pick the Dodgers when they have struggled all second half but never count out Joe Torre/Manny Ramirez. STL in 4
AL
Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees- Honestly, the game tonight that the Twins won was epic. They were down a bunch of times and just battled back consistently. Now they play a Yankee team who has looked strong on the offensive end but you have to wonder about their starting pitching. Also CC Sabathia has been less than stellar in the playoffs. The Twins are the hottest team and the recent trends have signaled that leads to a big playoffs. The big spenders get it done though. NYY in 4
Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels- Now this has been an absolute bashing whenever these two teams get together and the Sox have came out ahead every time. I feel like Mike Scioscia tends to choke when the playoffs are on the line in the past couple of years. The pitching staff of the Sox will be the difference in this one, they have the experience and they know how to handle this opponent. BOS in 4
-Charlie.
NL
Colorado Rockies vs. Philadelphia Phillies- This is probably the least exciting series out of the four for sure and I really feel that this series could go either way. Colorado has struggled with left-handed pitchers this season, which isnt a good thing when they are facing Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels in the first two games. But here is the kicker, if the Rockies keep it close they get to face the arguably the worst bullpen in the playoffs right now. We all know how Colorado are the comeback kids. I am taking Philly because I have rolled with them all year might as well stick to it. Wont be easy though. PHI in 5
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers- Everyone is talking about the Cardinals going to the World Series and I have been saying that since early July. The pitching staff they have, add the offense, and they play pretty good defense too. I really cannot find a chink in their armor. It also tough to pick the Dodgers when they have struggled all second half but never count out Joe Torre/Manny Ramirez. STL in 4
AL
Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees- Honestly, the game tonight that the Twins won was epic. They were down a bunch of times and just battled back consistently. Now they play a Yankee team who has looked strong on the offensive end but you have to wonder about their starting pitching. Also CC Sabathia has been less than stellar in the playoffs. The Twins are the hottest team and the recent trends have signaled that leads to a big playoffs. The big spenders get it done though. NYY in 4
Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels- Now this has been an absolute bashing whenever these two teams get together and the Sox have came out ahead every time. I feel like Mike Scioscia tends to choke when the playoffs are on the line in the past couple of years. The pitching staff of the Sox will be the difference in this one, they have the experience and they know how to handle this opponent. BOS in 4
-Charlie.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
R.I.P. Nick Adenhart
What a terrible tradegy it was when Nick Adenhart's life was taken from us on early Thursday April 9th.
You know a lot of coaches say "Play every game like its last." This honestly was the last game that Adenhart will ever play in after pitching six scoreless innings in a no-decision game against the Athletics. I have no idea what it must be like for the guys in the Angles clubhouse to lose a teammate instantly. I cannot even comprehend what that would be like.
The other thing I would just like to say is that I hope drunken driving rules get tighter because this guy had a suspended license from a previous drunk driving and now he kills three guys? I hope that throw the book at this guy.
RIP Nick Adenhart.
-Charlie.
You know a lot of coaches say "Play every game like its last." This honestly was the last game that Adenhart will ever play in after pitching six scoreless innings in a no-decision game against the Athletics. I have no idea what it must be like for the guys in the Angles clubhouse to lose a teammate instantly. I cannot even comprehend what that would be like.
The other thing I would just like to say is that I hope drunken driving rules get tighter because this guy had a suspended license from a previous drunk driving and now he kills three guys? I hope that throw the book at this guy.
RIP Nick Adenhart.
-Charlie.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Some Free Agent Rumblings
A couple big free agents signings went down in the past couple of days and I hate bringing this up because its not needed in sports; I think the economy is proving to show a lot of these guys arent getting the deals they wanted.
Abreu to the Angels:
-The Angles shored up their outfield by adding Bobby Abreu who I still believe has a couple years left in the tank and is a serviceable right fielder whose now going to be in left due to having the strongest arm in right, Vladamir Guerrero. Abreu in his statement made it sound like he wanted no part of being the full designated hitter for the Angles. This should help the middle of the order tremendously and add a left-handed bat to the lineup. If I live in Los Angeles of Anaheim I would be stoked right now that our team got Abreu for a cheaper price than Manny Ramirez who is obviously better but I dont believe the Angles want to spend that sort of cash. Just to give Abreu last three years averages... BA: .294 HR: 17 RBI: roughly 103. Those are great results for a five or six hitter.
Dunn to the Nationals:
By reading some of the comments on the ESPN.com article, it seems like a lot of the fans of Washington (yes all thirty of them) are upset that their GM Jim Bowden, the former Cincinnati Reds GM is hiring all former Reds players to their squad. Now Dunn gives them more offensive prowess but they really do not benefit all too much from this deal. I dont understand Dunn, he had some opportunities to go to supposed winners and he decides to be a National. Doesnt make sense. Here are his averages... BA .244 HR: 40 (Dunn has hit 40 consistently the last four years) RBI: 101.
-Charlie.
Abreu to the Angels:
-The Angles shored up their outfield by adding Bobby Abreu who I still believe has a couple years left in the tank and is a serviceable right fielder whose now going to be in left due to having the strongest arm in right, Vladamir Guerrero. Abreu in his statement made it sound like he wanted no part of being the full designated hitter for the Angles. This should help the middle of the order tremendously and add a left-handed bat to the lineup. If I live in Los Angeles of Anaheim I would be stoked right now that our team got Abreu for a cheaper price than Manny Ramirez who is obviously better but I dont believe the Angles want to spend that sort of cash. Just to give Abreu last three years averages... BA: .294 HR: 17 RBI: roughly 103. Those are great results for a five or six hitter.
Dunn to the Nationals:
By reading some of the comments on the ESPN.com article, it seems like a lot of the fans of Washington (yes all thirty of them) are upset that their GM Jim Bowden, the former Cincinnati Reds GM is hiring all former Reds players to their squad. Now Dunn gives them more offensive prowess but they really do not benefit all too much from this deal. I dont understand Dunn, he had some opportunities to go to supposed winners and he decides to be a National. Doesnt make sense. Here are his averages... BA .244 HR: 40 (Dunn has hit 40 consistently the last four years) RBI: 101.
-Charlie.
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