Angels Finally Cut Scott Kazmir

The Angels have released left-hander Scott Kazmir. He has been getting lit up in AAA and had an ERA over 17. He has been a joke for awhile now. The weird thing is he is only 27 years old. Kazmir posted a 3.51 ERA and 742 strikeouts in 689 2/3 innings for the Rays between 2005 and 2008, including a league-high 239 K's in 2007. Then he went to the Angels and his career end (5.31 ERA and 5.7 K/9 in 35 starts).

He is young enough that if he can find his stuff he can make a comeback, and I guarantee some team will pick him up. I just don't know if he will ever find his stuff again. Mets are rumored to have interest...seems about right.

Kendry Morales Out For The Season

- The Los Angeles Angels announced Wednesday that first baseman Kendrys Morales will undergo season-ending surgery on his left ankle.

Morales met with an ankle specialist in Colorado on Monday and, after consulting with Angels trainers and doctors, elected to undergo surgery to "clean up" scar tissue and bone cysts in the area of the ankle he fractured while celebrating a game-winning home run on May 29, 2010.ESPN

This sucks for the Angels and for all fantasy owners across the land. Morales is a real good 1st baseman who is capable of hitting 40 homers and being the cleanup hitter of a line up. It's too bad he's gone for the season. Especially since he had the celebration injury that caused him all of 2010. I believe Morales is a free agent after this year so he could be a potential steal for anyone taking the risk as he is only 27.

Fallout From Vernon Wells Going Down

"The Los Angeles Angels are stretched for outfielders after placing Vernon Wells on the 15-day disabled list with a strained groin suffered in Monday's loss to the White Sox (ESPN)."

This is kind of a big deal for the Angels, as Abreu doesn't really play the field that much anymore and is 37 years old. So, the Angels are going to need to bring in someone else. That person could be 19-year old Mike Trout, who was ranked as the top prospect coming into the 2011 season. It seems like the perfect idea, until Mike Scioscia shot the idea down. For now the Angels are going to go with a combo of Abreu, Amarista, and Trumbo. I am thinking this is because the last time they rushed one of their prospects up (Brandon Wood) it didn't go so well, as he is now on the Pirates. Kind of sucks, as it would've been real interesting to see Trout up in the big leagues.

Angels @ Red Sox Preview

The Angels finally found a way to beat the Red Sox last night by keeping them up till 3am. It was bullshit, and the only reason they had to play it out last night is because the Angels didn't want to play a doubleheader today. Whatever, fuck'em...

Today we got Lackey going against Joel Pineiro. This will be Pineiro's 2nd start after opening the season on the DL with shoulder issues. Pineiro gave up 1 run and 4 hits over 7 innings Saturday, but didn't get a decision as the Angels lost 2-1 to the Rays.

Lackey usually pitches well against the AL West, so I have some faith that he will be decent today. On the season Lackey is 2-3 5.65 ERA, but is 4-0 against the Angels with a 2.45 ERA against his former team.

Ortiz has crushed Pinerio in his career going 11 for 25 with 3HRs and 3 doubles. I think the Red Sox are going to crush the Angels today, and hopefully Ortiz will lead the charge.

Red Sox win 8-4
Player of the Game: Ortiz
Game starts at 1:35pm

***Red Sox Lineup***

Ellsbury, CF
Crawford, LF
Youkilis, 3B
Gonzalez, 1B
Ortiz, DH
Lowrie, SS
Drew, RF
Saltalamacchia, C
Scutaro, 2B

5 Angels, 3 Red Sox

I don't count games with rain delays in the middle of them as actual games so I'm going to act like this game never happened. If it did happened it started with a pretty good pitchers duel with Josh Beckett and Ervin Santana for 4 innings with no earned runs.

How it ended was Bobby Abreu hit a two-run, two-out single off Daisuke Matsuzaka in the 13th and the Los Angeles Angels closed out a 5-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox at 2:45 a.m.

Francona knows that Ace K doesn't RP and does NOT pitch after midnight. 2 things he failed to pay attention to.

Either way it sucks to have lost a winnable game.

Angels @ Red Sox Preview

The Red Sox are 7-0 against the Angels and could be back to .500 if they win tonight. On paper they should as Ervin Santana goes against Josh Beckett, but the Sox you just never know this season.

I am really interested in tonight's game. Beckett was subpar last time out, and they had his next start pushed back. So, I want to see how healthy/affective he is tonight. Overall this season he has been good (2-1 2.65 ERA). A big part of that is that fact that he is committed to throwing strikes. So far this season Beckett had walked only 9 batters in 34 inning while strikingout 32. You do that you're going to win, it's as simple as that.

Ervin Santana has been OK, but nothing special this year (1-3 4.89 ERA), and overall hasn't been all that great against the Sox in his career (2-3 4.58 ERA). He is also a right, which the Sox have been able to handle well lately, so I expect the Sox to finally be back to .500 and ride this winning streak to 4 games.

Red Sox win 6-4
Player of the Game: Gonzalez
Game starts at 7:10pm

Red Sox 7, Angels 3

After watching that disaster of a Celtics game, at least there was some good news for Boston. The Red Sox once again beat the Angels as Lester outdueled Dan Haren. It looked like it was going to be another classic case of the Red Sox getting great starting pitching, but their bats not showing up, but when the bats finally did show up starting in the 6th inning they showed up in a big way.

Boston got back-to-back HRs from Papi and Gonzalez, which was great to see as it was only Gonzalez's 2nd HR of the year. Hopefully this will mean he will get more of his power stroke going. Scutaro also added a HR just a couple batters laster.

That's all the Sox would need as Lester with 7 strong innings striking out 11 batters while allowing only 1 earned run. Papelbon looked a little rough in the 9th, but it was a non save situation, he hadn't pitched in awhile, and the game was out of hand by then, so I'm not reading into it too much.

With the win the Red Sox are now in 3rd place in the AL East at 14-15 and 4 games behind the Yankees for 1st.

Angels @ Red Sox Preview

Red Sox are 5-0 against the Angels this year, and with Weaver out of the way there is a good shot that they can continue this streak especially with Lester on the mound. So far Lester has been his "ace" self going 3-1 with a 2.52 ERA. He has also enjoyed some success against the Angels winning his last two starts with a 0.64 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 14 innings.

The problem is the guy he is going against is no slouch. Haren has been unhittable this year going 4-1 with a 1.23 ERA. I guess we can take some solace in the fact he is a left hander and is only 1-4 at Fenway.

Boston did a good job last night of wearing out Weaver, they need to do the same tonight if they want to beat Haren. I have no faith in the Angels bullpen so getting Haren out early would go a long way to winning this game. I think they get it done.

Red Sox win 5-3
Player of the Game: Pedroia
Game starts at 7:10pm

Red Sox 9 Angels 5

Red Sox wore Weaver down, something no team had been able to do all season. I was at the game last night, and one of the best at bats I have ever seen was Dustin Pedroia fouling off 9 pitches in a 13 pitch at bat. At the end of the at bat Pedroia had put the Sox in the lead with a 2 run single. It's hard to explain how awesome it was, but you could just see Weaver lose all the gas he had left in the arm, and at that point you just knew the Red Sox had it.

Buchholz pitched OK, not great he went 6 innings allowing only 2 runs, but also let up 8 hits and only had 2 Ks. He seemed like he was still having problems keeping the ball down, and never really looked all that confident. Still, it was a quality start and I'll take it since I really didn't give the Red Sox much of a chance to win this game.

Boston put the game away in the 7th inning scoring 6 runs. Two of them coming off an Ortiz HR, which is good because he has lacked his power stroke lately. Boston is getting on a little bit of a roll now. They have beaten two of the ALs top pitchers in the last 2 days (Weaver, Hernandez), and are just two games away from .500. I know that's odd to say, but with how bad they had been playing you have to look at the positives.

Angels @ Red Sox Preview

Red Sox pulled off the win yesterday in dramatic fashion, but that was against the Mariners and that shouldn't have been that hard. Tonight the Red Sox get Jered Weaver and the Angels. Weaver has been the best pitcher in baseball and is currently 6-0 with a 0.99 ERA, which is just straight silly. That is bad news for a Boston team that has really struggled to score runs this year.

Buchholz is on the hill for the Sox, and has had a rough start to the season going 1-3 with a 5.33 ERA. His confidence seems to be shaky, and Buchholz seems to be one of those guys that can let that carry from game to game. So for him to come out and start strong is a must tonight.

There doesn't seem to be a lot going the Red Sox way for tonight, but Weaver's ERA is 7.76 in five starts at Fenway, so there is a chance. One would think Boston's offense is going to have to start rolling at some point, but I just don't see it with the way Weaver has been pitching.

Angels win 6-2
Player of the Game: Weaver
Game starts at 7:10pm

Red Sox @ Angels Preview

The Red Sox have seemed to have started to get things going, but this Angels team is hot right now going 8-2 in their last 10 games. Tonight (if you're still awake) we will see Beckett go against rookie Tyler Chatwood, and for once this pitcher is actually a righty!!!!

Beckett has been great. He is 2-1 with a 1.80 ERA, and looks like the Beckett that used to be the Red Sox ace. I think he will have another strong outing tonight, as I am not a big believer in the Angels lineup (especially with Morales on the DL). The key, as usual, will be whether or not the Red Sox can get anything from their offense. I like their chances against this rookie, and it's nice to see guys like Youk finally start to breakout.

A guy who could have a big game is Ortiz, who eats up righties, and is due for a monster game. Obviously all eye will be on Lowrie who is the hottest player in the majors right now (batting .531 (17 for 32) with three homers and 11 RBIs in his last nine games).

Red Sox win 6-2
Player of the Game: Ortiz
Game starts at 10:05pm

Time For The Angels To Let Kazmir Go

The Angles have been waiting for Kazmir to regain his form, but I am starting to believe he is never going to get back to being what he once was. When he was with the Rays Kazmir was a borderline Ace, but now he is a guy who tops out at 85 on the radar gun, and on top of that has poor control.

Kazmir opened the season going 1.2 innings allowing 5 runs on 5 hits with 0 Ks. It took him 63 pitches to get through 1 2/3 innings. It is really just sad at this point, and the Angels need to cut their losses. The only thing keeping him in the rotation is the fact that he is making $14.5 million left on his contract, which finally runs out after this year. It's pretty crazy to think he is only 27 years old and his arm is already shot.

More Bad News For Kendrys Morales

"The Los Angeles Angels already knew that Kendrys Morales was recovering slowly from a broken leg and would begin the season on the disabled list. His stay on the DL could now be longer than expected. Morales also has soreness under the ball of his left foot, and the team is uncertain when he will return (ESPN)."

Even after trading for Wells the Angels need Morales to come back healthy if this lineup is going to be any good. Mark Trumbo will be filling in for Morales until he can return, and even though he hit .340 with five homers in Cactus League play, he isn't Morales. Then again, before we freak out too much it is April, and they Angels are going to play this safe. Once he returns I don't see much reason why he won't be his former self.

2011 MLB Preview: Los Angeles Angels

2010 Record: 80-82

Pitching:

1. J. Weaver
2. D. Haren
3. E. Santana
4. S. Kazmir
5. J. Pineiro

Not a bad rotation. Weaver had a hell of a year in 2010 (13-12 3.01 ERA over 224.1 innings). If the Angels had a better offense Weaver could've easily had 18 wins. Behind him the Angels also have Dan Haren (5-4 2.87 ERA 1.16 WHIP in 14 starts with Angels), who I actually think will end up being the "ace" of this staff. Santana had a really good year in 2010, but he is one of those guys who seems to have a good year every other year. Kazmir is looking to bounce back, and although early reports indicate that he looks better on the mound, they seem to say that about everyone this time of year, so I wouldn't put too much stock into that. Pineiro is solid, and a decent guy to have as your 5th starter. The bullpen could be a little alarming. Fernando Rodney will start the year at closer with Downs setting him up, but I wouldn't be overly confident in Rodney.

Batting:

1 Erick Aybar SS
2 Bobby Abreu DH
3 Kendry Morales 1B
4 Vernon Wells OF
5 Torii Hunter OF
6 Howie Kendrick 2B
7 Alberto Callaspo 3B
8 Peter Bourjos OF
9 Jeff Mathis C

The Vernon Wells trade was dumb, because of the money, and no one will argue that, but that doesn't mean the Angels didn't upgrade their offense. Abreu, Morales, Wells, Hunter give the Angels a very nice 2-5 hitters. I worry about their leadoff spot, because Aybar isn't all that great, so a big thing for them this year could be the improvement of Peter Bourjos. This lineup doesn't WOW you, but I really think people forget that this could be a team that puts up some runs, and plays great defense. Sure, it won't last long with Wells, Abreu, and Hunter aging, but for this year they should be in good shape.

Overall:

When I started this preview I really thought I was just going to shit on the Angels for having such a terrible offseason, but there are a lot of things to like about this team. They have a very solid rotation with a lineup to back it up (not to mention play some defense). Morales needs to come back healthy and have a big year, but if he does this could be a dangerous team.

2011 Record: 88-74

Baseball News

Here is the latest from around the MLB...

- The Rangers (as noted before) are shopping around Michael Young, who has asked for a trade. The problem is finding a suitor this late in the offseason. The rumors that was going around the most was that he was going to head to the Rockies, but that changed today, as the Rangers were not happy about what they were going to get back in the deal (Eric Young Jr) and the Rockies don't see to want to give anything more. The Angels were also rumored, but all they have to offer is Scott Kamir and the Rangers are said to have no interest in him. Another team was the Astros, but they have also dropped out because of the price of his contract. So right now there isn't much news on where he WILL go, only where he WON'T go. One team that I think should get involved is the Blue Jays. That just makes a lot of sense to me.

- Speaking of the Blue Jays they are looking to unload Juan Rivera. He was really traded for only to get rid of Wells contract. No word yet on who might be interested. My guess is not many.

- CC Sabathia lost 30 pounds, which should help his surgically repaired right knee.

- The Red Sox signed Alfredo Aceves for about $650K, and is basically just some starting rotation depth and he will most likely be sitting in AAA most of the year.

Michael Young Demands Out Of Texas

"After hearing his name in countless trade rumors and seeing his infield position filled by Adrian Beltre, Michael Young has "grown disillusioned with his diminished role" on the Rangers and wants out of Texas, according to Yahoo's Tim Brown. According to Brown, Texas has told Young that they will push to trade him in the coming days (MLBTradeRumors)."

There had been rumors ever since the Rangers signed Beltre that Young was going to be moved. Most rumors suggest that the Rockies are the most likely landing spot, but today there are also rumors that the Angels have jumped into the mix. The Angels have had a terrible offseason, so adding a bat like Michael Young on top of Vernon Wells would certainly soften the blow. Yet would the Angels be willing to take on another overpaid player (Young is owed $48MM over the next three years)? That seems like a lot for the Angels to take on, but after then taking on Wells silly contract I guess nothing would surprise me.

Vladimir Guerrero Situation Getting Interesting

We have been waiting for Vladimir Guerrero to sign with the Orioles for some time now, as he was rumored to have been offered between $4.5 million and $5.5 million. Now Vlad is saying he has a deal on the table for $8 million, but won't say who it is, but we know it is not from the Orioles. So who could it be?

It is really a short list (Blue Jays, Angels, and Rangers), and I just don't see any of those teams offering that kind of money. My guess is that this is complete bullshit. We have heard all along that Vlad has been looking for a 2 year deal, and it is not pleased at all with the offers he has been getting. My guess is that he caves in the next week or so and signs a 1 year deal with the Orioles for about $5 million.

Angels Offseason Makes Me Want To Puke

We haven't discussed this yet, but the Angels recently made a trade with the Blue Jays. Blue Jays sent Vernon Wells and his $86 million contract over the next 4 season for catcher Mike Napoli and outfielder Juan Rivera.

When I first read the trade I didn't think it was that bad. Angels get another guy who is good in the field and has decent pop in his bat, but I also thought that Blue Jays would be eating a good chunk of his contract. It turns out they aren't paying any of it.

So for the next 4 years the Angels are going to be paying top dollar for a 32 year old outfielder with declining skills. Sure, he hit 31 HRs with 88 RBI's last year, but that is sure to go down as he heads from a top 10 HR hitting ballpark to a bottom 10 HR hitting ballpark.

In an offseason when they missed out on Crawford, Beltre, and Soriano they instead spend a ton of money on a player that will never live up to the contract. And it's not like this is a roster that has a ton of talent. Abreu, Hunter, and Wells are all aging. Aybar and Hendrick have never lived up to the hype. Kazmir is looking more and more like he will never turn it around, and their bullpen is nothing to get excited about.

Sure Weaver, Santana, Morales, and Haren are all good players, but they aren't enough to get this team to the playoffs, and things are only going to get worse.

Figgins Going Back To Angels?

That is the rumor that rolling around today. Figgins has been somewhat of a letdown for Seattle, but he was a hell of a player for the Angels, so maybe this would be a good fit. The Mariners are obviously pretty far off from being a good team, so if they can land more prospects and get rid of the $26 million he is owed over the next three seasons that could let them go out and get some kind of power hitter in the future.

This just makes sense on so many levels. Top Seattle prospect Dustin Ackley could slide into that open spot. On top of that the Angels really wanted Crawford, but Figgins could fill that gap (at least for base stealing). Anyways, there is nothing officially, but this has to be something the Angels are looking at.

Angels About To Make Some Moves (UPDATED)

After losing out of Carl Crawford the Angels have for the most part been in a standstill. At the beginning of the offseason they were thought to be one of the teams that would be throwing around a lot of money, but since have really done nothing.

Today there are rumors that Scott Boras has informed some teams that he has a five-year, $70 million offer in hand for Beltre, which is thought to be from the Angels. Along with that there are a lot of rumors that they are about to sign Scott Podsednik.

At this point if the Angels are going to compete at all next year Beltre is a must. Yea, I think he is going to do nothing once he signs that contract, but the Angels really could use some offensive power.

Scott Podsednik I guess is the poor mans Carl Crawford. Actually I don't even like that. He has speed, but not as much as he used to, and he is nothing but a band-aid.


***UPDATE***

Maybe it wasn't the Angels that offered that deal... "there are hints that the Halos have dropped out of the Beltre sweepstakes, according to Joe McDonnel, after Beltre turned down the club's mega offer. McDonnel cites a source that says "there's no room for further negotiation (ESPN)."