I follow through with writing two blogs in a week...haha. Anyways, I think it's been like 14 days since I wrote a blog and a LOT has happened. So it looks like we won't be seeing K-Rod anytime soon. Rumors have it that he's going to have a physical with the Mets, but again, it's a rumor. Rumors are like gravity. You wonder whether it's true or not, so you do something stupid like think you can fly and jump off a tree like Batman, then gravity hits you with the reality that you're a 250 pound 22 year old and don't have that power. Or something to that extent. And it also looks like we stopped having talks with Boras about Texiera and see what's to come of it. I mean, I don't blame Arte Moreno and Tony Reagins for doing so. To actually place a bid on a free agent, only to have teams like The Yankees or...Boston (I just threw up saying it) know what you're bidding and make it like 20x higher, is kind of ridiculous. You never know though. I'm a little worried to see another team pick him up but I'm sure we can find another person to fill. I don't like having players hop from team to team but sometimes that's part of the game. What I really would like to see is what is going to happen to Anderson. I mean, he's Mr. Angel. He's been in the organization the longest and I always like having him on the team, whether he's doing good or bad. It's good to have someone like Anderson on the team and we need someone like him around. But who knows, this is only like week 1 and already deals are going. We just have to wait and see...just like I have to wait and see when they are going to start calling for internships with the Angels Organization! Ekk!!!. Anyways, on another day.

-Ricky

...and that's the way the season ends. Angels end the Regular Season AMAZINGLY with a 100-62 record, the franchise's best season record to date and also the best record for the season in the Majors. Frankie breaks and creates new season save record with 62 saves, which is absolutely amazing. We get Mark Teixeira (hopefully we keep him if we have the funds) and find out we have two new stars in the making (Sean Rodriguez and Brandon Wood). All in all it was a great year. Unfortunately we didn't get through the first round of the Playoffs with losing to Boston...again. I hate Boston. I hate everything about that team and the fans, well most of them. I know hate's a strong word, but when you live and breathe baseball and watch your team get taken out of the race for the trophy, you can't do anything other then be sad or hate and re-vamp for next season, which I plan on doing. I thought I'd write more in this MLBLog but I got busy with my other blog I had. So my promise to whoever actually reads this thing (which is a few since I still get Dodger fans sending me hate e-mails about that Dodger vs Angel post I had ha. I don't regret what I wrote) is to actually contribute something twice a week during this off-season and throughout the 2009 Season. I'm stoked about the team next year. We still have huge potential to be in the Big Show and I'm sure the Front Office will do everything they can to make sure we get to that point. I mean come on, they got Torii Hunter. Probably one of the coolest guys I have ever read about. I'd say meet, but I have yet to actually meet him. I feel kind of ridiculous when I go to players asking for autographs or taking pictures with them. I try to act like I don't care that they're like two feet from me, but inside I'm like a little kid jumping up and down screaming "Dude Hi-Five me). I mean, I'm 23 years old and when my dad and I went to the game, I flipped that I was on the Jumbo-Tron the majority of the game. It's insane how easily I'm amused.

            So the biggest moves the Angels Front Office have made were retaining Guerrero and Lackey for the 2009 season and buying out Anderson. I honestly don't know exactly what they are trying to do, but I'm assuming they're going to save money for Teixeira to stay with the organization. I know Scott Boras is known for making sure his clients get all the money they can possibly get (which I don't blame the guy at all since baseball in itself is still a business so I applaud the man for the stuff he's done for his clients and himself). We have yet to see what will come of Frankie but I'm sure he might be heading to another team. I mean, he's asking for money and he can probably get it since closers are in demand. If he leaves, I wouldn't cry about it too hard. I wish we could keep him but that's baseball. Plus, Arredondo seems like he knows what to do out there. I honestly see him as the next K-Rod (Maybe J-Don? J-Do? I think the Angels marketing and PR team can think of a better name for the guy then I can). We still have a long off-season to go and there's 12 weeks left until Spring Training camps start to open up around the Majors.

            Another big move the Angels can make is me. Ha. A man can try. I'd figure why not and say this but I applied for the 2009 Internship Program for the Angels Organization. It took me a while to get the courage and knowledge to apply for the position, so hopefully they'll take a look at the resume I sent in and consider me a great applicant. I know some of you are probably thinking to yourself "Um, don't you think it's a bad idea to blog about your personal stuff and to put this out there". I'm going to say, yes it's probably a bad idea, but sometimes bad ideas can bring new opportunities for the better. Blogs are becoming a common day staple in this generation and maybe seeing someone go from die-hard fan to actually working in the company they love so much might be interesting to see. That's only if I get hired. Regardless of what happens with their decision, I'm writing this blog anyways. I don't plan to bad mouth specific people, maybe teams but that's because I'm a fan of the Angels, but I know my maturity will prevent me from writing I'll regret later on. After all, I am a comedian so humor is my life. Plus, if Rod Benson can do it, maybe I can. Haha. Anyways, I should be doing some work. Til next time. Go Halos.

 

 

-Ricky

So I guess that huge loss on Monday triggered something on the Angels because we took the next two games. Who can complain with that? I can't. Everything was great; pitching, defense, offense, everything. We came alive the past two nights. Matthews hit a monster solo home run in the 5th, Izturis hit a key hit single in the 7th, and Guerrero put the final sting on it in the 8th inning. What a game...Guerrero looks like his slump is done. And that's good because we need him back to his old ways. On a better note, Figgins is scheduled to start this Friday. I'm glad because he's been on the DL two times this season and we are struggling without him offensively. Well now we are getting are swing back but Figgins is clutch, he's gold. We need him back and that's a fact. And finally, INTERLEAGUE PLAY!!!!!! I love it. The Braves come to town then the Mets. Should be a good series. I haven't seen the Mets play so I'm a little excited for that one. Hopefully tickets won't sell out. Should be a good series...then a week after, we play against the Dodgers on the 27th-29th in which we will kill em again. I love the freeway series because so much trash is talked and the Angels ALWAYS backs it up. Anyhizzle, I'm gonna try to go to the game tomorrow maybe take some pictures and put them up here. We'll see. Holler.

Well so far we've lost one game in this series and that makes us 0-4 against the Rays. That team is definatly doing something right. After the three back to back home runs, I'll admit I got a little scared. Then we picked it back up...then dropped it back. But that's baseball right? You win some, you lose some. Tonight well hopefully be a little better. We'll have to wait and see. Starting off the game tonight is Jared Weaver. Hopefully he can carry us defensively. The Rays are nuts! You go from last to first practically out of no where. Maddon is doing a great job with his team. Can't blame them for beating us. Although we'll give em a good fight. Vladdy went 4-4 so I think this whole "Guerrero Slump" fiasco might be coming to a close. A few people are saying that he's getting old and he's useless but the guy is doing great now. I'm sure when he starts producing his regular BA then everyone's tune will change. In due time right? I'm going to hopefully try and go to the game tonight, most likely by myself since my other part of my hip is studying for finals (GOOD LUCK!!) and everyone else is staying for a Laker game. But I'll see what i can manage. Maybe I'll blog from the place. Til then, let's go Angels

So the Angel Game was blacked out yesterday when the grand slam was hit. I mean, it's probably a good thing I didn't see it, but to be stressed out thinking if they the Angels held back the A's for another inning was horrible. When the feed cut out, I screamed like I just saw Freddy Kruger. You could actually hear my neighbors say "What was that?" as they were looking around to one another on another bright and sunny day in California. But that sunshine soon faded to dark storm clouds when I checked out my phone to MLB.com and saw that the score jumped from 3-3 to 7-3. I cried....there goes another sweep. But hey, we still won the series. And we came out of there 5-1 on the road. So who cares right? We're still at first. I hear a lot of people criticising Mike Scioscia decision to put in Bootcheck during the inning. I know Chris Bootcheck isn't the strongest pitcher at this point in time (and especially not against the A's) but he really didn't have any choice. I mean, Frankie was out for the day. He needed to rest it up for the Tampa Series and interleague plays coming up. I know Arredondo was warming up in the 9th, but he was only going to be put in if the Angels were ahead in the 9th. So who did that leave? Oliver was used up to relieve Santana, Shields came in and did his run, and Speier also did some reliving. So Bootcheck was the only choice. He had his shot to try and work the holding off of the A's but it just wasn't his day. The Baseball Gods decided "Meh...Bootcheck we're gonna pass today. He'll get his shot later" so that's just what happened. It was fate. You win some, you lose some. We still won the series, we're still in First. We're still holding the best record in the AL. So whatever. We're good. Today, we begin our series with the Tampa Bay Brawlers, I mean Rays. I'm glad they fought the Sox. I hate em. Stupid Boston. Anyways, should be a good series.

Well the series starts off in Oakland tonight and it should be a good one. Regardless of what happens...we're still in first. If we lose all three, we're still in first. If we sweep em, we're still in first. This series is going to be crazier than living the Flavor Flave's house. Oakland hates us and we hate Oakland. It's always been there. Both teams coming into this with a 4 game winning streak (Actually we're at a 5 but meh) so one of us is coming out a loser tonight. We need to hold on to as many wins as we can get though so when we face the Rays this coming week. It's going to be an intense week on the Angels side. We need to step it up a notch and take care of both series. Then interleague play next week. Gotta love it..

What a way to have a lunch. So at lunch, I don my Angel cap and go out for a nice feast of Hot Wings and Fries at this place. Low and behold, 2 guys wear Dodger blue. I walk in and we make eye contact. I feel like Clint Eastwood walking into a saloon except I'm mexican and overweight. I place my order and I can feel the eyes of Dodger fans staring at me. Thankfully, the place had a tv with ESPN running and showed a highlight of last night's Dodger game when they lost to the Rockies. So I sit down just watching tv and I hear one of the guys say "Well at least we're not gay like the Angels" and the other guy starts laughing. I turn around and say "Um...we may be 'gay' but I think we just swept the Mariners and are first place in our division." and the riot ensued. Fans of my awesome blog, why do people insist to talk bad about another team that is clearly doing better than the other? I just don't get it. This whole Angels are better then Dodgers rivaly thing is pretty heated. One of the best rivalries in sports history. Each fan base is crazy. Both fans would fight. I think we should have a Battle Royal and just go to town on each other. That would be great. Instead of a 7th inning stretch, why not punch a Dodger fan or vice versa. I'm not advocating violence but...actually I guess I am. Don't really do it though. Especially at Dodger stadium at Free Shank Give Away night. They'll cut you up. In two weeks from now we'll be seeing another Freeway Series. I'll be there, hopefully, and supporting my team and I won't back down. We're obviously the better team and I'm tired of Dodger fans heckling us for no reason. So in two weeks, us Angel Fans will be happy to win another series. Especially in their tuff...

Before I go, here are some things Dodger fans typically say to an Angel Fan

"Los Dojers are more better than the Angels"--Quick response to fan (You speak as well as the Dodgers hit)

"Hey homie, the Angels don't even play in LA so change the name!"--Rebuttle (Um..maybe the city of Los Angeles was tired of having a losing team as their representative)

"You're an Angel fan? I'm gonna kick your a**"--This time just run. Some Dodger fans are nuts. Dodger Stadium's give aways consists of "Free magizine clip to your gun" night, "Free Shank Night", "Free get out of jail free card night" and "Tommy Lasorda Bobblehead Night" Personally I'd take the Tommy Lasorda bobblehead. Great guy and amazing Manager.

And there you have it folks. A sweep by the Angels. I don't know if you heard, but John McLaren is pissed. And I can see why. Look at this reciept. (completly fake so don't sue me). I would be too if I spent all this money just to get swept. Well, it's a bad feeling and I'm sorry, but we're better. The Angels are doing amazing as always and things are looking pretty hot for them, even without Guerrero. From what I heard and read, looks like Guerrero along with Pitcher Scott Sheilds stayed home to see a Dr. and to rest it up. As well as they should. We don't need more people on the DL. But the team is doing fine without them. Hopefully they can continue that momentum all the way to this weekend's series against the A's. I don't like them. Not personally but I just don't want them to win. ha. The fans are annoying. But that's what rivalries are for and I'm sure not all their fans are annoying. They're just proud of their team.

So a nice little rest day for everyone. Hopefully they can fix whatever kinks they have and go full throttled. What I learned about this past series with the Mariners is that, it's a good feeling to go into someone else's home turf, and completly humiliate the other team. I got so P.O'd when I go to a game, spend all that money, and we lose. It stinks. And I hope all the Oakland people can experiance that. Maybe I'm just bitter, but that's the way I am. Another blog in due time.

Well it looks like my bet of dressing up in a Rally Monkey Costume for the next home stand wll not be coming into affect. Sorry everyone. Unfortunatly, I wasn't able to watch the game on a tv since I went to the mall with a friend. By the way, Kool-Aid shoes, rad-tastic. But before you ridicule me of "HOW CAN YOU BE A FAN AND NOT WATCH THE GAME!!!!", let me tell you another thing before I continue. Thank God and Baby Jesus for MLB.com mobile content. I can watch play by play, pitch by pitch rotation on my iPhone or any phone for that matter. Great invention. Anyyyyyhoozle, what a game...

I don't know what's up with the Angels, but they amazing me. We've been doing really great lately with players that don't normally get on the field. I think Coach is doing great management work with determining who is going where. I couldn't tell you where to put who were that isn't usually a starter. But hey, that's why he's the boss. Well, kinda. I think Artie still has some say right? Ha. Yestersdays game was kind of iffy though. We were up 5-1 yet the Mariners came up to 4. It was close. I wish I was there to see the Mariner Fans think they had a shot then lose it in the 9th. From what I can see, it looks like Arredondo is going to be taking Frankie's place if he decides to leave at the end of the season. With Closer's salaries going higher and higher every season and with Frankies amazing record, I don't know if he's going to be staying. That's probably one of the most talked about items amongest Angel Fans. We all kind of know he might be leaving, but we don't want to let him go. He's done a lot to help us out. But that's the business of baseball.

And congrats to Saunders for making it to 9 wins first in the AL. Not an easy task my friend, especially in this league. The dude is ripping it up and if he doesn't make it in the All Star Game, I will stop watching the sport. Probably not, but I would be visably upset.

So tonight, let's finish it off guys and go for that sweep. Holler back shawty. Woot Woot

So who cares about the primaries anymore, it's all about a new kind of election. This election requires more than just talking to people and getting them to favor you, it's about getting results and getting them now. Sure, Obama this and Hillary that or McCain this or Bush can't do that. It's boring. This is our Oscars. The All-Star game is my equivalent to a girls Sex and the City premire. Instead of Prada shoes and designer jeans, it's all about exploding baseball bats and Majestic jerseys.

The All-Star voting process is a scary one. People take it a little too seriously, including myself. Sure, ask me personal questions like 1 Ply or 2 but don't you dare ask me who I'm voting for. If you reveal your choices, you give a little of yourself away in my eyes. That's why this year, I gotta break my habit... I'm going to announce some players that deserve to go to that game this year, not just my Angels, but other teams as well. Of course, Casey Kotchman is tearing it up on 1st baseball. The Angels are lucky to have this guy and that's why I want to nominate him and push him to get that coveted first base position. That's Angel number one. Angel number 2 and 3. Tori "It's Hunting Season" Hunter and Vladdy "is my Daddy" Guerrero need to get up on that roster. Sure, Vladdy might have a little slump here and there, but he needs to get on that field. I don't know if you recall, but this guy practically won that game with the Blue Jays about 2 weeks ago. 2 Homers in one game, not an easy task. And on personal recollection, I think Guerrero does a lot better in the Summer and he starts cracking that bat. It's probably because Southern California in the summer reminds him of the beautifulness of the Dominican Republic. And Mr. Hunter...that guy is worth the millions he's earning. All around great player, great guy (I have yet to meet but if I can, let's party Torii) and should get on the team. So vote for them!! And check out The Torii Hunter Project. Google it, he's helping bringing baseball to the youth..

But what about left field? Now Angel fans, I'm really sorry. I love the team and yes, I think Matthews deserves to get on that spot either as a DH or outfielder....but Manny Ramirez...come on!! That guy is hilarious! I hear a lot of talk about his sportsmanship and he's "Bush League" when it comes to the way he ends a play, but it's entertaining. See, I hope the "Commish" lets him do stuff on a regular bases. I don't want this to turn into the NFL where they take away the TD Dances. Baseball is always claimed as boring, but watching Manny play is always a sport in itself. So those are my stong picks for that...

As far as the NL side...there's only one key player that I really care to see play in the game and start off and that is Dan Haren. Horrible actor (watch Boys and Girls Club commercial haha sorry Dan) but amazing guy. He's an amazing pitcher and has been helping the D-Backs a lot this year. So far they're First in the NL West division and hopefully they can continue riding that trainride to the WS against of course, the awesome Angels. As of right now on the top of my head I think his record is 6-4 and I'll fight anyone who thinks he shouldn't get on the team haha. Actually, I probably won't, I'm a big sissy but Dan, you're on my fantasy team! Don't let me down!!

All joking aside, the All-Star game will not be a let down. Unfortunatly I can't make it because one, it's on the other side of the country and two, I just don't have the funds haha. But hey, maybe I'll win that MLB Baby Ruth contest and get lucky. I'll be there in two years though since you know, we're hosting it (see a few blogs down).