Fin

Let me preface this by saying there is nothing wrong with being a cheerleader. It's just not for me.

Especially for this team. The Angels have the 4th highest payroll in baseball and they need to be accountable for it. I don't care if the players didn't negotiate their contracts or the Angels added up bad contracts; they need to play every single night.

Front office, you're definitely accountable on this... but I'll get at you at the end of this rant.

There were way too many games that they lost this year to bad, bad teams. I've said it all along, you don't win a division by beating up on bad teams, but you definitely lose it by losing to bad teams.

I'll tell you what, though. The young players stepped up and played their hearts out for this team. Starting with Peter Bourjos. Any time you're replacing an annual gold glove recipient you're going to have pressure on your shoulders.

And the kid stepped up without flinching. Prior to the season I didn't see him playing as well as he did this year. Petey gets an A.

Mike Trout. What can I say. 20.Damn.Years.Old. That's all I can say. And scary, this kid is going to be damn scary in the coming years. He provided a jolt to the team that was so sorely needed and got them back in the race.

It's going to be amazing to watch this kid grow into an all-star.

Which leads us to the rookie of the year. Mark freaking Trumbo. Bourjos' pressure was nothing compared to what was on Trumbo. And he exceeded any expectations to fill the shoes of Kendrys Morales. Hell, plenty of times I saw "Morales, who?!?" on my timeline.

Trumbo was supposed to be the guy that held down first base while Morales got better. Instead, he turned into the heart of the team. Whenever the Angels needed a homerun, his named was uttered by the announcers. When no one wanted to step up, he took the job.

And the pitchers.

Without the grit and guts of Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, Ervin Santana and Jerome Williams in rotation these Angels would not have competed. And as bad as the bullpen is, Scott Downs proved to be a reliable arm (which proved me wrong; I hated his contract).

But mainly the starting pitchers kept these Halos afloat. No thanks to Kazmir, who decided to give up on the bigs.

_________________________________________________________________
Bad news bear time.

First, the thing that pisses me off the most.

Vernon freaking Wells. Where's your heart, guy? First year jitters? I better not hear that during the offseason. Don't promise us fans anything, either. We just want to see results.

Get in the cages, shag balls, do some HGH, whatever. Figure it out... because we know we're stuck with your contract. Like any work situation, we know we don't like each other, let's just get the job done.

Mike Scioscia. Ever heard of consistency? For two years running now you've been playing spin the wheel-o-lineup. How about letting your players adjust to their spot in the lineup.

The injury excuse couldn't be used because you had the majority of your guys every night. You're shuffling obviously isn't working, so stop.

And don't take a "we're glad we competed" line from Tony Reagins or Arte Moreno. These guys expected to win the AL West. Don't tell let them tell you any different. They can't say different because they took on a contract from an aging outfielder they didn't need. They can't say different because they paid a lot of money to "revamp" the bullpen.

They can't say because they passed up the chance to bring back Vladimir Guerrero.

Out of all excuses I hear during the offseason, the excuses out of Moreno's and Reagins' mouth won't touch the earwax on the outside of my ear. I don't want to hear it.

With time, this team will be at the point you two expected. And the expectations you created in our minds will be met.

Until then, I'll appreciate the players effort but I won't "ra-ra" them. Not this year. Not for what's expected of them.

I'll see you at the yard.

True Angel

RIP Nick Adenhart

You will always be remembered. The Angels up there needed you more than the Angels in Anaheim, and they got a strong Angel in you.

It's Not That Bad, Angels Fans

I admit, I lost a lot of faith in Anaheim's Los Angeles squad once the Angels lost Mark Teixeira to the Yankees and stood by its stance not to sign Manny Ramirez. The team made no major moves to improve an offense that sputtered around and came to a halt for the second consecutive year against the Boston Red Sox.

Sure, they signed Bobby Abreu and Brian Fuentes, but does that make them better than when they had Francisco Rodriguez and Teixeira? Call me crazy, but I say yes.

Tony Reagins is putting his trust in the young farm players who have been raised under the Angels' mottos: work hard, run first to third, and keep the drama out of the clubhouse and dugout. And I like it.

This Angels team doesn't have a superstar who has an ego (K-Rod was a little over the top for my tastes) nor one who doesn't seem out of place (as much as I loved Teixeira, he just never seemed good teammate to be around—someone who is there cheering you on no matter what). Teixeira never sold me on the fact that he wanted to be with the Angels, even during the time he was playing with the team. He was a risky rental, but one the Angels gambled on because they had a 25-year-old Cuban ready to burst onto the baseball scene.

And as sad as it was to see Garrett Anderson, the franchise's most successful player and highly under-appreciated, leave, it was time to give Juan Rivera the at-bats to become the player he is capable of being.

Now look at their clubhouse. Young players eager to prove themselves like Morales, Howie Kendrick, Brandon Wood, Erick Aybar, Sean Rodriguez and Matt Brown. Coupled with quiet superstars like Vladimir Guerrero, Bobby Abreu, and John Lackey. Some will argue they have one of the top pitching staffs in the Majors with the emergence of Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders, and their always strong bullpen. And don't forget Kelvim Escobar is fast on his way to returning to the team, some saying as early as late April.

And most importantly of all, they have players such as Torii Hunter and Lackey who carry a clubhouse presence invaluable to a team.

Anchoring it all is the Angels rock, Howard's TVs finest, Mike Scioscia. There's a reason the Angels locked him up through 2018. He runs a tight ship, and players love his style of play and no-nonsense attitude.

I think this Angels team is exactly that, a team. A group of individual parts coming together to create a baseball atmosphere where they have one common goal. And you can see that in the team's excitement to have Abreu return from his stint in the World Baseball Classic.

I wasn't able to see that when this offseason began. All I saw were dollar signs and heard talks of contracts. And now that the season is a couple weeks away and the winter fog has cleared, it's time for the Angels to return to what they were in 2002: a quiet bunch of baseball players who play loud on the field.

On Opening Day 2009, Scioscia will have a 25-player roster to work with, and he will need all 25 of them to work together to be able to ride down Katella Avenue carrying the 24-inch World Series trophy.

Jeff Kent Just Got A Whole Lot Cooler

Someone had to finally say it.

First of all, I am all gung-ho about the history of the sports and its athletes. I especially love sports announcers I grew up listening to and who paid their lives to the games that they loved like Bob Miller, Chick Hearn, and Southern California's voice of baseball, Vin Scully.

I grew up following the Angels and Dodgers but my allegiance was always with the Angels that played so close to my hood. And I always admired Scully's knowledge of the game and his impeccable research of the players, in both leagues. But recently I have thought the dude goes off on tangents that put me to sleep. If I ever need to get some rest I tune into a Dodgers game and let Scully send me on the nap train.

Jeff Kent agrees. In an interview with the LA Times' TJ Simers, Kent said Scully: "talks too much" after the golden voice said that Kent is benefitting by hitting in front of Manny Ramirez.

"I've been here four years and I have never seen Vin Scully down here in the clubhouse," Kent said. "How does Vin Scully know me? How does Vin Scully know Derek Lowe?"

"Everyone says I'm hitting now because some guy says so on TV?" he says, and first time someone has ever called Scully "some guy."

That'a'way Kent. I know it is hard in LA after all the attention went towards Manny, but now you have brought some eyes and ears your way after those comments.

You may not see Scully in the clubhouse, but I also know that we won't see you in the Dodgers outfield seats after those comments. However, Angels fans think you're funny.

Cubbies Fans: The Signs Are There

First To Third caters to Chicago Cubs fans because the best friend of LJ is a huge Cubs fans, and the Cubs is First To Third's second favorite MLB team.

For those reasons, F-to-T finds hope for the faithful like this one or provides ways to receive good karma.

From Baseball Tonight:

The Cubs did something on Wednesday that they hadn't done in almost forever -- swept a doubleheader on the road, winning each game by at least eight runs. The last time they did that, back in 1908 against the Cardinals (according to Elias), they won a World Series.

Cubs v. Angels, World Series.

Arte Moreno - Great Owner

From my friend Stacey about her experience with Los Angeles Angels Owner Arte Moreno last night:

Well first of all, when he was leaving after the Angel game tonite, of course he signed autographs and took pictures...he's kickass like that. He also told Jason he remembered him from spring training...he gave him a signed ball after one of the games because Jason had waved at him to say hello.

He proceeds to offer the group of us tickets for the game tomorrow...they will be in will-call...they're pretty good seats too!!

Then he asks if we had shirts...it was funny because no one had an Angel shirt on. Someone asked if he was gonna give us shirts. Well, he said we needed to look like real Angel fans so he had the workers open the already closed team store...by then a group of people had gathered around to see what was going on...he let everyone...probably between 30 and 40 people by then...go into the team store and pick out whatever shirt they wanted and gave it to us for FREE. He also threw in hats too! Can you freakin believe that?? It was pretty damn cool...I got pictures because he stood at the register and signed everyone's hat and shirt and took more pictures until the last person got their stuff.

I've always thought he was a nice guy, but that was really an unforgetable experience...so there's my shout-out to Arte Moreno...best owner in baseball...and one hell of a kick-ass Mexican!!

I am sure other owners in professional sports have done things like that, and know they donate to charities, but to hear it first hand from a friend makes me appreciate respect the Angels owner even more than I already do.

Moreno could have easily taken the back door out of the stadium and left the park unnoticed. Instead, he decides to go out in public knowing that Angels fans would recognize him, and treats them to free gear and tickets.

A great man, a great man.

Although, he did raise the light up cups in right field by a dollar. I am just saying ... I guess we all have our imperfections.

Dodgers Fans Do Something Angels Fans Can't...

I cannot believe I overlooked what possibilities the Los Angeles Dodgers-Boston Red Sox exhibition game held at the LA Coliseum would bring.

100,000 fans, majority of which would be Dodgers fans, and majority of which would be Mexicans, sitting with obnoxious, snooty Red Sox fans.



I love how the camera man, or someone next to him says: "there is an Angels fan..."

Red Sox fans waltz into Angels Stadium and do as they please whenever they visit. At worst peanuts get thrown at the Red Sox fans.

But not with Dodgers fans ... they will break off Red Sox fans if they feel slighted in even the littlest bit.

I should have attended the game disguised as a Dodgers fan and pointed out every Red Sox fan that said something to my vato hermanos and watched the beauty that ensued.

1986 Dodgers Are The Boogie Bunch

These dudes make me want to go and purchase a satin jacket on ebay ASAP. Pedro Guerrero and Orel Hershiser own in this video.

Dedicated to my cousin, Grandpa Whiffer, a huge Dodgers fan that likes to go to sleep before 9 p.m.

Side note: I was at a swap a month ago and there was a sports memorabilia vendor there. Written on one of their tables? "Angles suck, Dodgers rule!"

At least Dodgers' fans can spell their own team name right... getting by in this world, one word at a time.

Baseball Winter Meetings

It is that time again.

The time when all baseball fans wonder and dream about moves that their favorite baseball team will make in the offseason. So many expectations all filled with hope.

Who will they sign? Who will be traded? What rumors will come true?

Johan Santana is on the trading block and the AL East rivals, Boston and New York, and fighting for his arm. But will a wild card team pick him up? Does he want to stay on the East Coast versus the West Coast? What about his no-trade clause?

Boston or New York will pay the money to give Santana the extension he is seeking if he is traded. There is no better way to stick it to your rival than to sign the best pitcher in the majors. Like I said in the past, Boston is the new evil empire. Ultimately I think that Boston has the upper hand on a deal over the Yankees. They have the young, talented center fielder in Jacoby Ellsbury to roam around in place of Torii Hunter.

And how about Miguel "Jabba the Hutt" Cabrera?

I think he ends up with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim by the end of this week. Arte Moreno has said that they had a deal in place and was frustrated over the talks.

"I've felt we had a deal with them twice," Moreno said of the Marlins, who apparently cut bait and decided they needed more in exchange for the 24-year-old slugger.

Do not mess with a frustrated Mexican. This deal will get done. They have plenty of young talent for the Marlins and have multiple players that play the same position that will not hurt the Angels too badly.

Andruw Jones? Word around the block is that the Dodgers are hot on Jones, with the outfielder seeking the money that Hunter got from the Angels.

Erik Bedard and Miguel Tejada are said to be on the trading block as well. Both will help any team, especially Bedard and his strong arm.

There will be some happy fans and some disappointed fans no matter what, and lots of hope will be lost.

Have fun at the bar arguing with your buddies about why your team will be making the best moves. I know I will.

Alex Rodriguez - Where Will He Go?

The best baseball player in the MLB is a free agent, and is looking to get a historical paycheck for the tune of about $30 million per year for ten years.

Is he worth that much money? My answer is yes. Roger Clemens, who was average at best this past season, got a $28 million prorated deal with the Yankees. And without A-Rod, the Yankees would not have made the playoffs.

Here is the look at the highest salaries in the MLB last year (not including Clemens):
1. A-Rod - $27.7 million
2. Jason Giambi - $23.4 million
3. Derek Jeter - $21.6 million
4. Manny Ramirez - $17 million
5. Todd Helton - $16.6 million
6. Bartolo Colon - $16 million
7. Andy Pettite - $16 million
8. Jason Schmidt - $15.7 million

Is he worth $30 million a year? Yes. If Jason Giambi is making $23 million, then you can pay A-Rod the money his agent is requesting.

Colon and Schmidt were scheduled to play once every five games, and both were unable to do that for a full season. A-Rod plays in 150+ games a year, and will be taking his stats with him, wherever that may be.

Another reason this guy should be paid that much is the revenues he will be taking to a team. The media coverage, merchandise sales, ticket sales, and marketibility are all intangibles that make him worth that money.

And now to my list ranking from worst shot to best shot at landing this big fish:

Mariners
I have heard that they may be in the running, but raise my eyebrows at that one. Yes, he has played there before, but why would he go back? They are not a big market team and is not a city that his family would enjoy. Fat chance.

New York Mets
How to stick it to the Yankees further? Join the Mets in their new stadium and put the spotlight on the other baseball team in the Big Apple. They have a better chance than the Mariners because of their location. A-Rod's wife loves New York because she is able follow her ventures in the city. But, they already have all-star players in the two positions A-Rod would play, with third baseman David Wright and shortstop Jose Reyes (although I heard the Mets would be willing to part with Reyes). The looming question: is A-Rod willing to deal with the media scrutiny that comes along with playing in New York, again? I say no.

San Francisco Giants
A-Rod has gushed about playing in San Francisco at AT&T Park, and he could replace Barry Bonds as the "worth the price of admission" player with the Giants. He likes the city and can break the home run record in the same place it was broken. But are the Giants willing to pay him? This is a one of my two sleeper picks, but there is a big reason I have my doubts (*see Dodgers explanation).

Chicago Cubs
Like San Francisco, A-Rod likes Chicago and the history of Wrigley Field. Plus, they have a manager he loves in Lou Piniella. Problem is the Tribune Co. may never let it happen because the sale of the team is still pending. A-Rod is not going to sit around waiting for the team to be sold to its new owner.

Boston Red Sox
You have to throw the Red Sox into the mix because they are the new evil empire in the MLB. But I think the Boston have too much pride to swallow (yes, they swallow) his contract especially with the feuds they have had with him when he was with the Yankees. If they do not re-sign Mike Lowell, they may be a player in the sweepstakes.

Detroit Tigers
My other sleeper pick. They have the money and a squad A-Rod would like to play with. Also, the Tigers have dealt with his agent, Scott Boras, who represents all-stars Magglio "The Perm" Ordonez and Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez. Jim Leyland is a manager he would like as well.

Los Angeles Dodgers
Now we are getting to the big boys; the teams who can only blow the chance at getting A-Rod. The Dodgers have only given themselves a better chance at A-Rod with the signing of Joe Torre. The familiarity of Torre and his managing might make it a smooth transition for Rodriguez to head out West. It is Hollywood, he can be on the big stage with less media scrutiny (but there will be some) than in New York. They are a storied franchise that appeals to a player like A-Rod, and have a chance to take make a splash in the playoffs next year.

Two glaring factors that make them the number two team:
1. Dodgers Stadium is not a hitter's ballpark. It will not be fun chasing the home run record in his later years in that stadium. Ah, his later years, which brings me to my next point (*the one that applies to San Francisco and the other NL teams)...

2. They are in the National League. Why would he change leagues now? And more importantly, why minimize the days he can get out on the diamond in the later stages of his career? Did you see Barry Bonds play left field with the Giants this past year? It was painful to watch, and I bet he would have given anything to DH for the whole season. In the American League, A-Rod can. No more errors at third base, just getting into the batter's box everyday. He can preserve himself by being a DH in the AL and chase down every record he dreamed of breaking.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Now, this is not a biased pick. This is real, and once you read why, you will understand.

• When Arte Moreno bought the Angels he had a vision of making them as big as the Dodgers. He started putting up Angels billboards in Los Angeles county and asking those who live in that county to give the Angels a look. He is enamored with A-Rod, not only as a player, but at his marketibility. Moreno once talked of starting an Angels television channel, and with A-Rod he could start it.
  
  
• The Dodgers may have just blown their own chance at A-Rod by hiring Joe Torre; not regarding A-Rod's willingness, but based on Moreno's pride. What better way to steal the Dodgers mojo by signing the biggest fish on the pond? The spotlight is currently on the Dodgers and Moreno does not like that. He has worked so hard to get the team to be recognized nationally, and now this is his opportunity to take it to that next level. Dodgers recognition level.
  
  
• Moreno can market the (expletive) out of A-Rod and make money back from the signing. He would love to be the owner of the team when A-Rod breaks the home run record, and be able to say "I signed the home run king."
  
  The media around Anaheim would not be as harsh on A-Rod as they would be in New York and down the freeway in Los Angeles. A pleasing environment for A-Rod and his family. His wife is in Southern California and can continue her ventures down the way in Los Angeles or in Orange County.
  
  
• Mike Scioscia. A-Rod showered Scioscia with praise last year, more so than any other manager (source NY Daily News):
  

  A-Rod couldn’t have enough nice things to say about Mike Scioscia, first throwing some love his way in an on-field interview with Kim Jones on YES, then telling reporters by his locker that Scioscia should be credited with making the Angels into the gritty team they are.
  
  Asked about the Yankees’ huge 14-9 win, A-Rod replied, “It just tells you how tough and competitive a team those guys are over there; that’s a tribute to Mike Scioscia. They never stop.”

  
  He wants to play for him. He has the wheels to run in Scioscia's offense.
  
  
• Angels Stadium. He kills it at Angels Stadium. In three games in 2007, he hit .417 with three home runs and six RBIs in Anaheim. His slugging percentage? 1.167. He has a .332 lifetime average in 77 games at the stadium.
  I have seen it live, he loves to hit the ball into the bullpens of both the Angels' and visiting teams' in left field.
  
  
• He would be welcomed with open arms. Rarely do Angels fans "boo" their own players, and he is what they have been waiting for. They have an open third base position for him to take, and a smiling Vladimir Guerrero who would sigh a breath of relief at his arrival. The pressure will not be as high as in New York, Boston or Los Angeles.
  
  
• His agent, Scott Boras' office is located in Newport Beach and he regulary sits in the Diamond Club behind home plate when A-Rod plays in Anaheim. Him and A-Rod could wine and dine together all they wanted, year round.
  

All signs point to Anaheim, the ball is in Moreno's glove.

---

So there you have it... it will probably be a couple months until we know where he will be going, but at least you have these thoughts on your mind.