I know this is an LA baseball blog, but this man deserves his own post.
Alright, I'm not teh ghey, but JJ or should I say JJ's pitching makes my heart flutter. The one bright spot on my fantasy baseball team, I had the joy of watching him pitch live last season, and within 10 pitches, knew that this kid was going to be something special for a long time.
- Josh has not disappointed, leading the league with a 1.61 ERA, tied for the NL lead in strikeouts, and 9-3 on a Marlins team that has given him little run support, and is lol awful defensively. On a better team, he would and still should be getting as much if not more than love than Greinke did last year.
- Johnson features a hard fastball, power slider, and hard change which throwing from his 6'7" frame is like pitching straight downhill on batters who rarely if ever square up on him. His 11 strikeout performance today was spoiled by the Marlins' bullpen blowing the lead for him.
- <3 <3 <3 JOSH JOHNSON, he will 100% be one of my keepers for next year, and hope he keeps up this pace, and wins his first of many Cy Youngs.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Angels Trade
Well in case you haven't heard, the Angels made a trade with the Royals today:
Angels receive: Alberto Callaspo
Royals receive: Sean O'Sullivan and Will Smith (no relation to the Fresh Prince)
- Long term I like this deal for the Angels. Yes O'Sullivan pitched well on Tuesday, but he's not a long-term solution, and neither is Smith. While the 5th starter spot is going to be a problem for the Angels for the time being, Callaspo gives them depth (2B, SS, 3B eligible) and should fit in nicely to the 3rd base role for the time being, after the failure of Brandon Wood. While Frandsen has played well, he probably isn't the long-term solution that Callaspo can be.
- Callaspo hit .300 last year with a .457 SLG and .813 OPS. While those numbers have declined a bit this year, he's hit 60 doubles in the last season and a half which is always a good sign for me. See 2009 Aaron Hill for stories of guys where doubles can start translating into more home runs. Callaspo doesn't walk a lot, but rarely strikes out either (71 BB: 80 K in the last 2 years).
- All told in a better lineup, and a winning environment, Callaspo will get an opportunity to reach his full potential, and has 20-25 HR upside with a good BA/OPS from an infielder who can play many positions. Solid pickup, still not enough though, and the need to shore up the back-end of the rotation is even greater now.
Angels receive: Alberto Callaspo
Royals receive: Sean O'Sullivan and Will Smith (no relation to the Fresh Prince)
- Long term I like this deal for the Angels. Yes O'Sullivan pitched well on Tuesday, but he's not a long-term solution, and neither is Smith. While the 5th starter spot is going to be a problem for the Angels for the time being, Callaspo gives them depth (2B, SS, 3B eligible) and should fit in nicely to the 3rd base role for the time being, after the failure of Brandon Wood. While Frandsen has played well, he probably isn't the long-term solution that Callaspo can be.
- Callaspo hit .300 last year with a .457 SLG and .813 OPS. While those numbers have declined a bit this year, he's hit 60 doubles in the last season and a half which is always a good sign for me. See 2009 Aaron Hill for stories of guys where doubles can start translating into more home runs. Callaspo doesn't walk a lot, but rarely strikes out either (71 BB: 80 K in the last 2 years).
- All told in a better lineup, and a winning environment, Callaspo will get an opportunity to reach his full potential, and has 20-25 HR upside with a good BA/OPS from an infielder who can play many positions. Solid pickup, still not enough though, and the need to shore up the back-end of the rotation is even greater now.
July 22: Dodgers 2 Mets 0
- In the 6th ever duel between two Japanese pitchers, both pitchers were exceptional tonight. Hiroki Kuroda pitched 8 shutout innings, and Hisanori Takahashi of the Mets gave up only 3 hits in 7 innnings.
- Unfortunately for him and the Mets, two of those hits were an RBI double, and solo HR to Matt Kemp. The Dodgers offense was pretty spastastically bad for most of the night, but for the 2nd straight night our starter picked the team up, and Hong-Chi Kuo proved why he should be this team's closer, shutting down the Mets in the 9th, striking out two.
- Solid win for the boys in blue, they're within 5 of the Padres now, and need to build on this momentum this weekend, heading into a 10 games stretch where they play 3 with the Giants and 7 with the Padres, a stretch that may make of break their season.
- Unfortunately for him and the Mets, two of those hits were an RBI double, and solo HR to Matt Kemp. The Dodgers offense was pretty spastastically bad for most of the night, but for the 2nd straight night our starter picked the team up, and Hong-Chi Kuo proved why he should be this team's closer, shutting down the Mets in the 9th, striking out two.
- Solid win for the boys in blue, they're within 5 of the Padres now, and need to build on this momentum this weekend, heading into a 10 games stretch where they play 3 with the Giants and 7 with the Padres, a stretch that may make of break their season.
July 22: Rangers 3 Angels 2
- The first of 7 head-to-head season defining matchups between these two clubs in 10 days went Texas' way.
- Both teams had their ace on the hill, but Cliff Lee outdueled Weaver notching his first win with the Rangers. It was a great-pitched game by both guys, but Lee was just a little bit better, and Weaver was done by some sloppy Angel defense in the 6th.
- The Angel bats were quieted for much of the night, as Lee walked none, and the Halos just couldn't string hits together. They now face an almost must-win game tomorrow with Saunders looking to change his fortunes against CJ Wilson the tough southpaw.
- Both teams had their ace on the hill, but Cliff Lee outdueled Weaver notching his first win with the Rangers. It was a great-pitched game by both guys, but Lee was just a little bit better, and Weaver was done by some sloppy Angel defense in the 6th.
- The Angel bats were quieted for much of the night, as Lee walked none, and the Halos just couldn't string hits together. They now face an almost must-win game tomorrow with Saunders looking to change his fortunes against CJ Wilson the tough southpaw.
July 21: Dodgers 2 Giants 0
- Perhaps the catastrophe of the day before, the ejections, the hits batsmen, and the suspensions were what this team needed to wake the fuck up!
- BILLINGSLEY was phenomenal pitching a complete game shutout, keeping the Giants off-balanced all night, and Blake drove in the two Dodgers runs. Can't put into words how big a start this was for Bills to give the bullpen some badly needed rest, build his own confidence, working out of jams in a tight game for much of the night.
- BILLINGSLEY was phenomenal pitching a complete game shutout, keeping the Giants off-balanced all night, and Blake drove in the two Dodgers runs. Can't put into words how big a start this was for Bills to give the bullpen some badly needed rest, build his own confidence, working out of jams in a tight game for much of the night.
July 21: Yankees 10 Angels 5
- For the first time in a long time, Pineiro did not hop aboard the quality start train, but that's to be expected in the House of Pain.
- Scott Shields' struggles on the season continued, and the 3 run bomb surrendered to the Yankees' rookie PH (Curtis?) was the nail in the coffin.
- Anaheim still had plenty of chances to get back in the game, and take the lead, but a lack of timely hitting, and some terrible base running gaffes killed their rallies, they seriously look like the Dodgers sometimes while running the bases.
- On a side note, LOL just LOL at the Yankees bullpen outside of MO. Joba is the most overrated clown in baseball.
- Scott Shields' struggles on the season continued, and the 3 run bomb surrendered to the Yankees' rookie PH (Curtis?) was the nail in the coffin.
- Anaheim still had plenty of chances to get back in the game, and take the lead, but a lack of timely hitting, and some terrible base running gaffes killed their rallies, they seriously look like the Dodgers sometimes while running the bases.
- On a side note, LOL just LOL at the Yankees bullpen outside of MO. Joba is the most overrated clown in baseball.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
July 20: Giants 7 Dodgers 5
- I can't even begin to describe what a catastrophic loss this was. I was on the verge of tears the whole night, had a nervous breakdown, and if we miss the playoffs, this will be the game that haunts me until next season.
- Xavier Paul you just cannot flat out be dropping fly balls son!
- Broxton= WORST big game pitcher ever!
- WHY THE FUCK was Kuo taken out of the game?!
- DIE GEORGE SHERRILL DIE!!!
- Xavier Paul you just cannot flat out be dropping fly balls son!
- Broxton= WORST big game pitcher ever!
- WHY THE FUCK was Kuo taken out of the game?!
- DIE GEORGE SHERRILL DIE!!!
July 20: Angels 8 Yankees 2
- Great win for the boys in red. After a rocky 1st inning, Sean O' Sullivan was lights out in place of the "injured" Scott Kazmir.
- The Angels pieced their way back into the game, and dominated the middle innings knocking out the normally stellar Phil Hughes.
- As a Dodger fan who has watched the Dodgers being unable to find a 5th starter all year, I can't say what a positive sign this was for the Angels. O'Sullivan needs to be huge for them in the next few weeks, as they try and get back in this race.
- The Angels pieced their way back into the game, and dominated the middle innings knocking out the normally stellar Phil Hughes.
- As a Dodger fan who has watched the Dodgers being unable to find a 5th starter all year, I can't say what a positive sign this was for the Angels. O'Sullivan needs to be huge for them in the next few weeks, as they try and get back in this race.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Angels July 16-July 19: Good but Not Great
- The Halos won two of their last three against the Mariners. Weaver outdueled King Felix AGAIN, and the Halos split a couple of close games in the last two. Unfortunately, Texas has won 4 of 5 to start the 2nd half, and are now 5 games up in the AL West.
- Anaheim begins its biggest stretch of games of the year in the next 2 games, playing the Yankees, Red Sox, and Rangers twice. It is imperative that they play well in this stretch to stay in the race so that they (a) stay in the race lDO and (b) are close enough that the front office is inclined to make a trade for a big bat
- Anaheim begins its biggest stretch of games of the year in the next 2 games, playing the Yankees, Red Sox, and Rangers twice. It is imperative that they play well in this stretch to stay in the race so that they (a) stay in the race lDO and (b) are close enough that the front office is inclined to make a trade for a big bat
July 16-19: Dodgers Season Falling Apart
- After a pair of tough losses on Friday and Saturday to the Redbirds, our season hit rock bottom on Sunday.
- Padilla pitched a gem but got into a big jam in the 6th, escaping it. Torre hit for him, and G.A. came through with his first big hit all season, igniting a 3 run rally, and giving us a 4-0 lead into the 8th. Our Busch Stadium curse appeared to be over until the bullpen, COLLAPSED! Schlichting and Miller got into a jam, Broxton came in for a 5 out save, and we led 4-3 into the 9th.
- Broxton's inability to finish hitters off cost him, as he refused to throw the slider, and a few big 2 out hits led to our demise, and the worst loss of the season. A Monday loss to the hated ones when our newest 5th starter (James McDonald) got torched early puts us 6 back of the Padres, and 2 out of the Wild Card, hurting to stay alive in this tough race. Kershaw-Lincecum tonight should be a dandy though, I can't wait!
- Padilla pitched a gem but got into a big jam in the 6th, escaping it. Torre hit for him, and G.A. came through with his first big hit all season, igniting a 3 run rally, and giving us a 4-0 lead into the 8th. Our Busch Stadium curse appeared to be over until the bullpen, COLLAPSED! Schlichting and Miller got into a jam, Broxton came in for a 5 out save, and we led 4-3 into the 9th.
- Broxton's inability to finish hitters off cost him, as he refused to throw the slider, and a few big 2 out hits led to our demise, and the worst loss of the season. A Monday loss to the hated ones when our newest 5th starter (James McDonald) got torched early puts us 6 back of the Padres, and 2 out of the Wild Card, hurting to stay alive in this tough race. Kershaw-Lincecum tonight should be a dandy though, I can't wait!
July 16: Cardinals 8 Dodgers 4
In the immortal words of Jim Mora: "We just got our asses totally kicked."
- Billingsley was atrocious and got torched early for our 2nd straight starter who couldn't get out of the 5th.
- Despite a few rallies, we couldn't get the big hit to get back in the game, leaving infinity million runners on base.
- Billingsley was atrocious and got torched early for our 2nd straight starter who couldn't get out of the 5th.
- Despite a few rallies, we couldn't get the big hit to get back in the game, leaving infinity million runners on base.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Dodgers 1st Half Review/2nd Half Preview
- After an April that made me want to vomit and stab multiple kittens, the Dodgers rebounded with an amazing May, a mediocre June, and decent start to July. Our abysmal play in April against some of the worst teams in the league really put us in a whole, and may be the end of us, as our 2nd half schedule is brutal to say the least.
- At least our Interleague schedule wasn't hard though (Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers, Angels twice), for a 4-11 record. Still we made up for that by just dominating the West something like 23-6.
- It's so nice to see Raffy finally playing up to his potential, and Big Game James has been as clutch as they come for the past couple of months. While Manny hasn't supplied the power I'd like to see, he's still hitting .322 and driving in runs so I can't complain. What the Dodgers really need is for Kemp and Ethier to get it going at the same time, and carry this lineup.
- Obligatory shoutout to my boy Jamey Carroll who did a tremendous job filling in for Raffy, is an on base machine, and needs to playing a lot more often.
- The Bullpen has been pretty good for the most part; Kuo is such a sicko, and Brox, Belisario, and Weaver have been solid. Sherrill has been a disaster and our need for another left-handed reliever is pressing.
- Now for the much discussed starting pitching: Kershaw has finally looked like the ace that he was born to be. Bills and Kuroda have done well for the most part, and Padilla has been sensational since returning from the DL. However, our 5th starter spot sans 4-5 starts from Ely have been an unmitigated disaster, which leads me to our 2nd half plans:
- This division is going to be tough to win. All 4 teams are very strong, and it wouldn't surprise me in the least if any one of them won it. While I know that the McCheaps won't get us the ace that we need, I find that many of our needs can be had for a cheap price, just like Frank and Jamey would like it.
- A 5th starter: we just need someone reliable, who can give us 5-6 innings of 2-3 run ball on a consistent basis. You don't expect to win a ton of games from your 5th starter, but we need to reduce the stress on our bullpen and give ourselves a chance to win these games. A veteran 3rd/4th guy like Padilla or Garland last year would be idyllic.
- A left handed reliever. Kuo is our set-up man, but we need another lefty to get those big outs in the 6th and 7th. Sherrill has been a nightmare, and we need an upgrade.
- An improved bench: Outside of Carroll our bench has been painful to watch. Belliard is now 0 for his last 28 I believe, and looks like he's trying to strike out when he's up there. GA and Reed Johnson have not been the spark that we need, and Anderson needs to be cut IMMEDIATELY for Jay Gibbons who's tearing up AAA.
I will shy away from a prediction, but if we can add a few small pieces to the puzzle, this team has a shot at a 3rd straight division title, and can certainly make some noise in the playoffs.
- At least our Interleague schedule wasn't hard though (Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers, Angels twice), for a 4-11 record. Still we made up for that by just dominating the West something like 23-6.
- It's so nice to see Raffy finally playing up to his potential, and Big Game James has been as clutch as they come for the past couple of months. While Manny hasn't supplied the power I'd like to see, he's still hitting .322 and driving in runs so I can't complain. What the Dodgers really need is for Kemp and Ethier to get it going at the same time, and carry this lineup.
- Obligatory shoutout to my boy Jamey Carroll who did a tremendous job filling in for Raffy, is an on base machine, and needs to playing a lot more often.
- The Bullpen has been pretty good for the most part; Kuo is such a sicko, and Brox, Belisario, and Weaver have been solid. Sherrill has been a disaster and our need for another left-handed reliever is pressing.
- Now for the much discussed starting pitching: Kershaw has finally looked like the ace that he was born to be. Bills and Kuroda have done well for the most part, and Padilla has been sensational since returning from the DL. However, our 5th starter spot sans 4-5 starts from Ely have been an unmitigated disaster, which leads me to our 2nd half plans:
- This division is going to be tough to win. All 4 teams are very strong, and it wouldn't surprise me in the least if any one of them won it. While I know that the McCheaps won't get us the ace that we need, I find that many of our needs can be had for a cheap price, just like Frank and Jamey would like it.
- A 5th starter: we just need someone reliable, who can give us 5-6 innings of 2-3 run ball on a consistent basis. You don't expect to win a ton of games from your 5th starter, but we need to reduce the stress on our bullpen and give ourselves a chance to win these games. A veteran 3rd/4th guy like Padilla or Garland last year would be idyllic.
- A left handed reliever. Kuo is our set-up man, but we need another lefty to get those big outs in the 6th and 7th. Sherrill has been a nightmare, and we need an upgrade.
- An improved bench: Outside of Carroll our bench has been painful to watch. Belliard is now 0 for his last 28 I believe, and looks like he's trying to strike out when he's up there. GA and Reed Johnson have not been the spark that we need, and Anderson needs to be cut IMMEDIATELY for Jay Gibbons who's tearing up AAA.
I will shy away from a prediction, but if we can add a few small pieces to the puzzle, this team has a shot at a 3rd straight division title, and can certainly make some noise in the playoffs.
Angels 1st Half Review/2nd Half Preview
It was definitely a mixed bag of results for the Halos in the 1st half. After an awful April, they rebounded in May and June, dominating those two months, and even taking 1st place for a while. However, a very bad start to July saw them fall to 4.5 games back of the Rangers at the All-Star break. Obviously the loss of KMo to that freak accident after his walk-off slam was devastating, but they have gotten by with great play from Kendrick, Hunter, and Aybar who's picked it up lately. Their top 3 in the rotation have been sensational, but Saunders and Kazmir have really struggled. To complicate matters their normally reliable bullpen hasn't provided much relief (yea i know that's a tired cliche GFY)! But they still have their X factor in Mike Scioscia who like his mentor Tommy Lasorda finds ways to get the most out of his players, so I would NEVER count any Scioscia-run team out of the race.
The Angels and Tony Reagins are in a very awkward spot right now, which I will explain in a minute, but I think the next 2 weeks will spell out the rest of their season. In the next couple weeks, the Angels will play series' against the Red Sox, Yankees, and a home-and-home with Texas. The Rangers with their newly added ace Cliff Lee are now heavy-favorites to win the division, and in this blogger's opinion the 2nd best team in baseball behind the Yankees. If the Halos fall any further back of the Rangers, I think they would be best off folding tent, for the following reasons:
- this is Texas' year, with their ownership issues, Vladdy and Young aging, Lee almost sure to depart, and the fact that they won't be able to hold onto all their young studs, this is the year they have to get it done. While their farm system is still loaded, if they get bought by a cheapskate or a moron, they could be headed for ruin. The Halos don't have as deep a system, and need a few pieces to be a legitimate contender. If they can't cut the gap, they'd be better off holding onto their young studs, going after Crawford in free agency, getting KMo back, and rebuilding their bullpen over the off-season.
If they do cut the gap however, they absolutely MUST MUST MUST go out and get a Dunn/Berkman/Lee type guy. However, whoever they do pursue should be a rental, if they are serious about getting Crawford in the offseason, in addition to KMo returning which would lock somebody out of a playing spot. The Halos must also not mortgage their future in making such a deal. All things being said, while it looks like Texas' season, I'll never bet on them not to fold, and I'll never count on Scioscia's teams not to overachieve. The next 2-3 weeks will tell the story! Good luck Halo fans (not really, but I'll insta take a Freeway World Series right now)!
The Angels and Tony Reagins are in a very awkward spot right now, which I will explain in a minute, but I think the next 2 weeks will spell out the rest of their season. In the next couple weeks, the Angels will play series' against the Red Sox, Yankees, and a home-and-home with Texas. The Rangers with their newly added ace Cliff Lee are now heavy-favorites to win the division, and in this blogger's opinion the 2nd best team in baseball behind the Yankees. If the Halos fall any further back of the Rangers, I think they would be best off folding tent, for the following reasons:
- this is Texas' year, with their ownership issues, Vladdy and Young aging, Lee almost sure to depart, and the fact that they won't be able to hold onto all their young studs, this is the year they have to get it done. While their farm system is still loaded, if they get bought by a cheapskate or a moron, they could be headed for ruin. The Halos don't have as deep a system, and need a few pieces to be a legitimate contender. If they can't cut the gap, they'd be better off holding onto their young studs, going after Crawford in free agency, getting KMo back, and rebuilding their bullpen over the off-season.
If they do cut the gap however, they absolutely MUST MUST MUST go out and get a Dunn/Berkman/Lee type guy. However, whoever they do pursue should be a rental, if they are serious about getting Crawford in the offseason, in addition to KMo returning which would lock somebody out of a playing spot. The Halos must also not mortgage their future in making such a deal. All things being said, while it looks like Texas' season, I'll never bet on them not to fold, and I'll never count on Scioscia's teams not to overachieve. The next 2-3 weeks will tell the story! Good luck Halo fans (not really, but I'll insta take a Freeway World Series right now)!
July 15: Angels 8 Mariners 3
After a lackluster road trip to end the 1st half, the Halos got off to a nice start at home.
- Pineiro continued his quality start and win train going 7 strong innings against the punchless Mariners.
- The Angels' 9-3 hitters had a fantastic night, driving in all 8 runs, combining for 10 hits including 4 doubles.
- Tonight should be a great game pitting young studs Felix Hernandez and Jered Weaver against one another. If you're a Halo fan you could pick a worse night to venture a trip down to the Big A. Big Bang Fireworks Nights FTW!
- Pineiro continued his quality start and win train going 7 strong innings against the punchless Mariners.
- The Angels' 9-3 hitters had a fantastic night, driving in all 8 runs, combining for 10 hits including 4 doubles.
- Tonight should be a great game pitting young studs Felix Hernandez and Jered Weaver against one another. If you're a Halo fan you could pick a worse night to venture a trip down to the Big A. Big Bang Fireworks Nights FTW!
July 15: Cardinals 7 Dodgers 1
Well tonight was just one of those games where absolutely nothing went right for the boys in blue, but I actually don't mind these types of losses; they sure beat one-run heartbreakers. Sort of a get all your bad play out of the way in one night sort of deal.
- Chris Carpenter brought his best stuff, and when he does that, there's not a whole lot that you can do to stop him. He scattered 4 hits and 0 walks over 8 innings, and the Dodgers never really sniffed a chance in this game.
- Kershaw on the other hand looked like the Kershaw of old, walking guys, falling behind nearly every batter, and working up a redonkulous pitch count early.
- The lone bright spot for the Dodgers was Ethier going 2 for 4 with a solo HR, and a couple of loud outs. We really need him and Kemp to pick up the slack if we are going to make a pennant run, because we're certainly not going to get any help from Frank McCheap.
- Chris Carpenter brought his best stuff, and when he does that, there's not a whole lot that you can do to stop him. He scattered 4 hits and 0 walks over 8 innings, and the Dodgers never really sniffed a chance in this game.
- Kershaw on the other hand looked like the Kershaw of old, walking guys, falling behind nearly every batter, and working up a redonkulous pitch count early.
- The lone bright spot for the Dodgers was Ethier going 2 for 4 with a solo HR, and a couple of loud outs. We really need him and Kemp to pick up the slack if we are going to make a pennant run, because we're certainly not going to get any help from Frank McCheap.
Welcome All!
Thanks for coming to visit! I will still maintain my other blog, http://marc1313.blogspot.com/, but wanted to maintain one devoted specifically to Los Angeles baseball. While I am strictly a Dodgers fan, I want to create as wide a fanbase as possible, so I will provide a nonbiased take on the Halos' current state of play as well. Within the glories and drudges of following our beloved teams, I will try and interject humor, stories, and everything that I've gained from going on 20 years of obsessively following this beautiful game.
ENJOY, and please pimp this blog to anybody you know. Would love to get a good fanbase going; I'm all about momentum, and the more positive feedback that I get, the better and more I will write. It's all about you readers, because without you I'm just some asshole talking to myself, which does describe me like 99% of the time.
- Marc
ENJOY, and please pimp this blog to anybody you know. Would love to get a good fanbase going; I'm all about momentum, and the more positive feedback that I get, the better and more I will write. It's all about you readers, because without you I'm just some asshole talking to myself, which does describe me like 99% of the time.
- Marc
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