Albert Pujols and the LA Angels: Long Term Deals for Old Guys Are a Bad Bet

Source: Bleacher Report

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim signed free agent Albert Pujols to a 10-year, $240 million contract during baseball's offseason.

His career .328 batting average—33rd best all time and tops of any active ball player at the time—along with all the home runs and his World Series performance from last fall all seemed too good to pass up.

Big mistake.

In a month with the Angels, Pujols has not hit his weight and has only picked up a single home run. Not the kind of production the Angels were expecting when they signed him.

However, this sholdn't have come as a surprise to them or to anyone else. The reality of baseball—and most other professional sports—is that careers generally end abruptly once a player gets to the Big Three-Oh.

Baseball history is littered with the corpses of players who were in the primes of their careers through their late 20s and who suddenly, when they reached their 30s, were seemingly incapable of doing anything that they could do previously.

George Bell was the AL MVP in 1987 when, at age 27, he hit 47 home runs and drove in 134. He lost his swing and was retired by age 34.

Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner led the NL in home runs seven straight years in his 20s; at age 31 his power disappeared, at age 32 so did his batting average. At age 33 he was out of the game.

Alvin Davis won the Rookie of the Year award while with the Seattle Mariners in 1984. Through his 20s he never batted worse than .271 and never hit fewer than 17 homers. His ability to hit vanished at age 30 and he retired at age 32.

Rocky Colavito was one of the most feared hitters in baseball in the late 50s and early 60s, averaging well over 30 home runs and 100 RBI per year to go along with a batting average consistently around the .300 mark. As a 32-year-old, he hit 30 more homers, but his batting average sagged to a career-low .238. He muddled through the next two years, between four different teams, before hanging up his cleats for good at age 35.

And who can forget the cautionary tale that was Adam Dunn's 2011 campaign?

Coming off eight straight years of 30 homers or better, Dunn signed a four-year, $56 million contract with the Chicago White Sox and, at age 31, didn't just have the worst year of his career; he arguably has the worst year in baseball history. His .159 batting average would now be enshrined as the lowest average ever by a non-pitcher had manager Ozzie Guillen not shut him down for most of September, leaving him short of the required number of at-bats to qualify for the "honor."

To Dunn's credit, he dedicated the offseason to getting into great condition and has had a resurgence at the plate, returning to numbers that are far more typical for his career. But the season is still young and another injury such as he tried to play through last year could completely derail his efforts again.

In fact, it should be celebrated when a player even gets to his 30s and still has a job in The Show; statistical analysis indicates that the average Major League career is a mere 5.6 years long, with one in five players not getting past their rookie season.

The fact of the matter is that age is a harsh mistress. Aches and pains that a young person could shrug off become nagging issues as we age; fastballs a hitter could drive into the gap as a 25-year-old get fouled off when their reactions fade just a fraction. In a game where the best of the best can expect to fail 70 percent of the time, even a minute drop off in a person's abilities will end their career.

This is why red flags fly all over the place when a player suddenly becomes better in his 30s, such as in the cases of alleged performance enhancing drug abusers Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens.

Clemens is a perfect example in fact. After reeling off three Cy Young awards in his 20s, Clemens had the highest ERA of his career at age 30 followed by three more decidedly unremarkable seasons before the Red Sox finally cut him loose. After joining the Toronto Blue Jays and meeting trainer Brian McNamee, he suddenly—miraculously—won back-to-back Cy Young awards with two of the best years of his career.

Then another curious downswing happened when Clemens moved to the New York Yankees. Until McNamee and his "magic" training techniques showed up again and suddenly Rocket Roger was a Cy Young candidate again.

Curiouser and curiouser.

A handful of exceptional athletes can maintain their skills longer than other players but suddenly getting better than you ever were before? We simply aren't built that way.

Which brings us back to Albert Pujols. While it is likely that his numbers will improve as he settles in with the Angels and gets familiar with the pitchers he's now facing (he has improved his batting average by 20 points in just the last 10 games, in fact), it is reasonable to assume that his best days are behind him and that the .300/30/100 days of his prime are gone forever.

And that means that the mammoth contract the Angels laid out for him wasn't just imprudent; it was flat out stupid.

Age is a harsh mistress and Major League teams should know that by now.

 

Follow me on Twitter @calgaryjimbo

Read more Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim news on BleacherReport.com

10 Reasons the Los Angeles Angels Can Still Make the Playoffs

Source: Bleacher Report

Despite the team's awful start, there is still hope in Angel Country that the team can turn things around in time to be a serious threat to earn a playoff spot. 

I believe they will do just that and to that end, here are 10 reasons why I believe they will still end up making the playoffs in 2012.

 

1.  Ernesto Frieri

He has yet to allow a run in five appearances while striking out 10 in 4 2/3 innings of work.  More importantly, the Angels are 5-0 in those games.  Coincidence?  I think not!

Frieri’s arrival was just what the bullpen needed and with manager Mike Scioscia mixing and matching his late-inning relievers instead of mindlessly handing the ball over to a “closer” at the start of the ninth inning, the bullpen as a whole is performing better than it has in three years. 

This bodes well for a team whose recent bullpen struggles have been well-documented, and his continued stellar play is one of the reasons the Angels can still make the playoffs. 

 

2.  Albert Pujols

I’m not going around saying Pujols is still going to finish with his typical offensive numbers like some of the eternal optimists out there.  But, I mean, he is bound to start hitting sometime, right?

Even if he puts up Mark Trumbo numbers the rest of the year, that’s still a huge infusion of offense from the No. 3 spot in the lineup and something I have to believe the Angels would gladly take at this point.

If and when he starts to do that, the team will let out a collective sigh and play like a 242-million-pound weight has been lifted off their shoulders.  When that happens, look for the shutouts to be replaced with crooked numbers and the win total to steadily climb.

 

3. Lesser Competition

Let’s face it. It’s a down year for traditional contenders like the Yankees and Red Sox.  Boston will almost certainly miss the playoffs this season and New York could very well join them if they don’t improve their pitching.  A playoff without the likes of Boston or New York in it hasn’t happened since the first season of the wild card in 1995.

Fellow big market teams like Detroit and Chicago are also not performing up to expectations and early-season success stories (Baltimore, Cleveland) tend to fade over time, so even though the Angels find themselves trailing seven teams for the two available spots, they are only five games out. 

 

4. Wake Up!

As much as I hated to see it happen, the recent firing of Mickey Hatcher could prove to be a much needed wake-up call to a team that has seemingly been asleep at the wheel all year.

I personally don’t blame Hatcher for any of the team’s offensive woes, particularly with Pujols’ prolonged funk, nor am I fan of scapegoats, but sometimes a shake-up is required to remind everybody that jobs are on the line here.

If that’s the case here, then the firing can be considered justified and if the team for whatever reason starts hitting like it was in spring training, then it could make the Angels a tough out for the remainder of the season.

5.  Trout Season

Rookie Mike Trout is batting .316 on the season since being called up, and a sizzling .359 in his last 10 games.  He has been flying around on the basepaths and in the outfield, and his hustle appears to be infectious.

There’s no question the Angels have been playing better since he joined the team, and it looks like the seasoning he got last year vs. major league pitching is ready to pay off this year.

If Trout puts up Rookie-of-the-Year-type numbers the rest of the season, it would be a big reason why the Angels can and will make the playoffs.

 

6.  Extra! Extra!

As in an extra wild card up for grabs this season.  If last year showed us anything, it’s that it is a long season and things can remain undecided right up until the last out is made in the last game.

To that end, an underachieving team like the Angels, who may have been tempted in the past to start mentally making offseason plans, will continue to scratch and claw its way through the tough stretch they are in as long, as they continue to believe they still have a realistic chance to make the
postseason. 

And once they string a few wins together, look out.  After they conclude their series with the White Sox, they have a 10-game stretch against the Padres, Athletics and Mariners.  That’s a great opportunity to get on track offensively. 

Don’t be surprised if they break out a hit party one of those games and score like 15 runs.  They might also go 9-1 during this span heading into their three-game set with the Yankees.  If they do something like that, it could be a positive sign of things to come.

7.  Support the Cause

I’m surprised the team didn’t start some kind of “Run for Ervin” campaign, where folks could sign up for a 5 or 10 K run to show their support for pitcher Ervin Santana, since it was obvious the offense was not doing anything for him.

Zero runs in five starts?  Really?  Is that not some kind of record?  Even when Anthony Young was on
his way to losing 27 consecutive decisions, I think the Mets managed to score at least one run in 25 of those games.

No wonder Santana was smiling ear-to-ear the other day when the Angels put up a two-spot in the bottom of the third against the A’s.  Who’s to say whether that had anything to do with his early-season struggles but ask any pitcher and they’ll likely tell you it’s much more preferable to pitch with a lead than from behind.

In either case, Santana turned in a gem of a performance that night and if he continues to pitch like that, and the team continues to score runs for him, it could help the Angels get into the playoffs despite their horrible start.

 

8. The Two Dans

Angel starter Dan Haren’s first eight starts have been underwhelming and certainly not befitting someone who carries “Ace-like” stuff to the mound.  Three of those starts were particularly troubling.  There was the Kansas City Debacle (5 ER in 5.1 innings), the Minnesota Massacre (5 ER in 3.2 innings), and the Oaktown Beatdown (4 ER in 6 innings).

In between those less than stellar performances he did manage to make three consecutive starts (two of which came against first-place clubs) where he looked like the Dan Haren the team expected.  So which Dan Haren is the real one in 2012?

These next eight starts will say a lot about what we can expect from him going forward.  If he can
pitch like he did when he shut down the Indians and the Orioles, the Angels will be back on track and ready to continue their slow, deliberate climb out of the cellar and into playoff contention.

 

9. Hitting is Contagious

Pujols gets most of the attention (rightfully so), but the fact remains several Angels are struggling at the plate.  Erick Aybar is hitting .187.  Peter Bourjos .193.  Chris Ianetta was hitting .197 before he got injured.  And Alberto Callaspo, who led the team in hitting last year with a .288 average, was at .238.

If those guys, or the ones chosen to replace them, can make even modest improvements to those numbers, then the Angels could experience a domino effect where numbers go up across the board. 

That would certainly translate to more wins and get the team right back in the thick of things, where they expected to be all along.

 

10. Arte's Call

At this point, there is absolutely no reason for Angels owner Arte Moreno to sink even one more penny into this team this season.

There’s an old adage in poker that says you don’t throw good money in after bad and that seems to be the appropriate state of mind at this point.  This season is like a hand of No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em.  $155 million has already been committed and it’s like the team just got a horrible flop. 

In cases like that, if it’s not meant to be then you write that hand off and prepare to play the next hand next season with hopefully better cards.

However, if you get to see the turn for free and things improve dramatically, and you head into the river with a legitimate chance to win and it’s only going to cost you $10 million more to see the final card,
then at that point you are pot committed and you put in the extra $10 million.

Translation:  If the Angels are leading or right there among the leaders for the two wild card slots,
then Moreno can give the green light to go rent a pending free agent for the remainder of the season if they can find a willing trade partner.

If the offense is clicking, then maybe they can convince the disappointing Phillies to trade Cole Hamels to them for the stretch run.  Or maybe they can pry away Zack Greinke from Milwaukee.  What???  It could happen!  And if it does, then the Angels would be well-positioned to earn their ticket to the postseason party.

Read more Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim news on BleacherReport.com

Angels GM on firing Hatcher: 'The voice needed to change' (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

With the offense and its expensive centerpiece "grossly underperforming," Los Angeles Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto decided a change was needed.

NL opposition may help Pujols find swagger

Source: MLB.com by Alden Gonzalez

Albert Pujols, who's struggled in his first two months in the American League, will face pitching he's a lot more familiar with when the Angels embark on Interleague Play this season.

Will Mickey Hatcher Axing Ignite Angels Urgency?

Source: Halos Heaven by Rev Halofan

I was in the shower, thinking about the sense of urgency that a firing in the workplace creates in the other workers...

Mickey Hatcher was fired as batting coach for the Angels. He didn't take an AB for the team in all his time here and one could argue that his dismissal is no guarantee of an offensive improvement based on the impossibility of quantifying events outside of the chalk lines. The reality is that a former Dodgers player had to go and it was not going to be Mike Scioscia. Check back if we fall fifteen games behind the

Game Recap 5/16/12: 99 problems, but a pitch ain't one - Angels 7, White Sox 2

Source: Monkey with a Halo

The Halo's season has been smothered with issues from the bullpen to the line up to "Where are we supposed to put all of these outfielders...", and something clicked tonight. Whatever that something was, it led the Angels to a victory over the Chicago White Sox.

Angels 7, White Sox 2 

This win was the definition of a team win. The entirety of the line up made significant contributions to tonight's win.

Mike Trout continues to wow the crowd each time he steps on the field. As I have mentioned time and time again, this kid (I say that talking about someone my own age...) is Angels' baseball. He's quick, aggressive, and he hustles. He can play small ball and hit for power. Not once has he hesitated to stretch what appears to be a questionable double into two bases with time to spare. Trout might just be the Angels' newest "secret weapon". 

Alberto Callaspo has flown under the radar since the beginning of the season as one of the many third basemans that the Angels were trying out. His bat has come alive these past few games and continues to grab several extra base hits for the Halos. He is earning his place as the two spot in the Angels' line up.

ALBERT PUJOLS. HE DID IT. AGAIN. Now, the fact that he hit his second home run of the season the day after Mickey Hatcher was relieved from his duties as the Angels' hitting coach, is probably just as coincidental as his home run after his infamous day of rest. Either way, Pujols' is gaining confidence at the plate. I could do without the routine fly-out to right field every game, but I'm willing to continue the baby steps pace for one of the game's greatest hitters.

Kendrys Morales, Vernon Wells and Howie Kendrick have been piecing together RBIs and extra base hits in a timely manner. They've been a solid part of the Angels' recent successes on offense. Wells is fighting for his position. He's aware and is making it a point to let everyone else know that he doesn't want to go anywhere. With another home run tonight, Wells might be finding his stroke again and that's precisely what this team needs out of a veteran player.

Mark Trumbo continues to show off his power and timely hitting. His extra base hits have been nothing short of helpful for the Halos in their victories as of late. Although he has been moved around quite a bit on defense, Trumbo has found his comfortable spot in the line up and has made the most of it. With the way things have been going for him on offense, his momentum is a force to be reckoned with. 

A struggling Erik Aybar hit a double to get the Angels on the board this evening, and his double represented his first RBI in a couple of weeks. Aybar is a base runner and a small ball player that is necessary for the Angels' success. An occasional shot off the outfield wall isn't frowned upon either.

Jerome Williams threw with the best of 'em today. He pitched a solid eight innings before Jason Isringhausen took over in the ninth inning to close out the game. Williams is making a name for himself as a part of this Angels' rotation. The more solid starts we can accumulate, the less we have to go to the bullpen for that extra (nail-biting) help.

Whereas I still choose to maintain a realistic mentality about the Angels and this progress they are making, I won't let it take away from how exciting these wins have been. Seeing a glimpse of the team fans have known and loved is satisfying. For now, of course.

These next few games may be exactly what the Angels need to regain their confidence and do away with the pesky problems we've seen.

We're all aware that the Angels have approximately 99 problems (give or take a few), but tonight, a pitch ain't one.  

White Sox-Angels Preview (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Game No. 1 under Los Angeles Angels new hitting coach Jim Eppard would have to be considered an overwhelming success. The team plated its most runs in more than a week, and most importantly, Albert Pujols homered.

White Sox Miniseries Ends - Pregame Picks

Source: Halos Heaven by scottnak

The White Sox's two game series at the Big A ends today!

Probables:
White Sox (Sale) @ Angels (?) - 12.35PM

Pregame Picks:
Pick the position of the Angels player who...
> Strikes out first
> Gets the last Hit
> Scores the 3rd Run

Pick6 picks are available for selection as well!

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Funny day for Albert Pujols to go deep

Source: ESPN Los Angeles

ANAHEIM -- Maybe it was just a coincidence that Angels first baseman Albert Pujols hit his second home run of the 2012 season the day after his team fired hitting coach Mickey Hatcher in a clear attempt to shake things up with a struggling ballclub. Actually, it definitely was a coincidence. No new hitting coach, Jim Eppard included, could make any real sort of difference in only a few hours on the job. But it was a happy, welcomed coincidence for the Angels, who used a three-run homer from Pujols and a two-run homer from the also-struggling Vernon Wells as the difference in Wednesday's 7-2 win over the Chicago White Sox.

MiLB.com: No. 3 prospect Cron drives in four

Source: MLB.com

Wilson looks to sweep set vs. White Sox

Source: MLB.com by Zack Meisel

Chris Sale will look to settle into his now permanent role in the rotation on Thursday when he faces the dangerous Angels lineup in the finale of the White Sox two-game series in Southern California.

Firing Mickey Hatcher was a desperate move the slumping Los Angeles Angels had to make (Yahoo! Sports)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

A new hitting coach may or may not wake up Albert Pujols, but L.A. had to try something with a season slipping away.

Rangers' Darvish rolls to sixth victory (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

And the beat goes on for RHP Yu Darvish.

AL Capsules (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Albert Pujols welcomed his new hitting coach to town with a go-ahead three-run homer and Vernon Wells added a two-run shot to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 7-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night.

Pujols, Wells homer to lead Angels over White Sox (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Albert Pujols welcomed his new hitting coach to town with a go-ahead three-run homer and Vernon Wells added a two-run shot to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 7-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night.

3 up, 3 down: Angels 7, White Sox 2

Source: ESPN Los Angeles

ANAHEIM -- On the day new hitting coach Jim Eppard officially took over, the Los Angeles Angels put together a complete offensive performance and comfortably topped the Chicago White Sox, 7-2. Jerome Williams pitched eight innings to earn the win, his fourth of the season. It was the first time in over a month the Angels scored at least seven runs against an opponent not named the Minnesota Twins. The Good: Power from the power-less. Hey, it definitely looks good on paper.

Eppard Shepherds Some Offense! LA Angels Top Chicago White Sox 7-2

Source: Halos Heaven by Stirrups

Jerome Williams took the mound and took yet another step towards Comeback Player Of The Year, holding the White Sox to only 2 tough runs on 10 hits. And that second run would NOT have happened had Mike Scioscia played Peter Bourjos on PBJ Bobblehead night instead of sticking to Vernon Wells. For the absent, Wells barely missed catching up to a Gordon Beckham fly ball, one that a

Pujols homers as Halos overpower White Sox

Source: MLB.com by Alden Gonzalez

In their first game under new hitting coach Jim Eppard, the Angels, led by home runs from Albert Pujols and Vernon Wells, came alive to back Jerome Williams' gem against the White Sox.

Angels beat White Sox, 7-2

Source: Orange County Register by BILL PLUNKETT, OCREGISTER.COM

The Angels offense came to life with home runs from Albert Pujols and Vernon Wells in a 7-2 defeat of the Chicago White Sox Wednesday night.

Pujols’ three-run home run to straightaway center field in the third inning was just his second of the season but it gave him eight RBI  and a .310 average (9 for 29) over his past seven games. Wells is also warming up. His two-run home run gives him hits in 11 of his past 14 starts and a .306 (11 for 36) average over his past 10 games.

Mark Trumbo also had three hits, part of a 12-hit night for the Angels offense in the team’s first game since the firing of Mickey Hatcher as hitting coach.

That backed another outstanding start from Angels right-hander Jerome Williams. Williams held the White Sox to two runs on 10 hits over eight innings (one a solo home run by Dayan Viciedo).

Williams is now 7-0 in his first seven starts as an Angel, a record winning streak in the franchise’s history for a player starting his career with them. Williams has a 1.39 ERA as a starter at Angel Stadium since joining the team last season.

– Anaheim.

More Angels coverage:

Does Hatcher firing expose  friction in Angels’ power dynamic?

What impact can new hitting coach have in mid-season?

Series preview: Five questions about … the White Sox

Hatcher takes the fall for Angels’ struggling offense

Santana sharp again as Angels shut out A’s

On the road with the Angels: Minnesota (again?) and Texas

Walden working to expand repertoire

Is Trout-Bourjos dynamic a dilemma for Angels?

Weaver delivers Letterman’s Top 10 list

Closing time: Angels aren’t the only team having trouble keeping a closer

More on the Angels blog:

Angels beat White Sox, 7-2 is a post from: Angels blog

Hump Night Game Thread #2

Source: Halos Heaven by Stirrups

Jim Eppard Coming Out Party Night!!!

Make It Last Forever!!

(see what I did there?)

LA Angels: Could Mike Scioscia Be the Next to Go in the Albert Pujols Regime?

Source: Bleacher Report

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim fired hitting coach Mickey Hatcher on Tuesday, and Mark Saxon of ESPNLosAngeles.com reports that it is because the front office was just frustrated of seeing Albert Pujols struggle.

Hatcher, one of manager Mike Scioscia's very good friends and longtime teammates, likely met his fate at the hands of either owner Arte Moreno or general manager Jerry DiPoto (via Saxon).

Even though the firing came after a game that saw the team collect 12 hits, Hatcher's lineup has been shut out a major-league-leading eight times.

Pujols has had the most documented struggles, hitting just .212/.248/.288 with one home run, 14 RBI and only eight doubles entering play on Wednesday.

Needless to say, that is not what the Angels paid him $240 million over 10 years to do.

The Angels paid Pujols to help build a championship-caliber team in Anaheim—er, Los Angeles—and his sluggish start has had a large impact on the team's record of 16-21 (entering play on Wednesday).

Yes, the rest of the offense has struggled as well, but that doesn't mean that most of the blame can't be placed on Pujols.

Or, if you're the Angels' front office, you could choose to put the blame on the skipper.

Scioscia has been the Angels' manager since 2000 and delivered the team its first ever World Series championship in 2002 (Hatcher was the hitting coach then—just sayin').

That being said, his team has not delivered so far in 2012. Analysts, fans and likely other general managers tabbed the Angels as legitimate contenders after signing both Pujols and C.J. Wilson this offseason, but saying that they have yet to live up to expectations is an understatement.

The front office already overreacted by firing Hatcher, so could the dismissal of Scioscia be next?

The Angels have been Scioscia's team since 2000, but now, after just a month-and-a-half, it has quickly evolved into Pujols' team.

After committing that much money to a guy, I guess that makes sense.

If the front office was smart, it would keep Scioscia with the team.

Pujols' performance is pretty much calling the shots at this point, though, so the status of essentially the entire coaching staff may just be up in the air—yes, bullpen catcher included. 

Read more Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim news on BleacherReport.com

Quick Hits: Reds, Youkilis, Angels, Beltran, Orioles

Source: MLB Trade Rumors by Zach Links

Links from around baseball as Wednesday becomes Thursday..

• The Reds are not seeking outside help at third base with Scott Rolen on the disabled list, writes John Fay of the Cincinnati Inquirer.  General Manager Walt Jocketty also said that he hasn't had discussions with the Red Sox, shooting down any speculation that the club might have interest in Kevin Youkilis.
  
• Angels manager Mike Scioscia wouldn't go into much detail about the firing of hitting coach Mickey Hatcher, but it clearly wasn't his choice, tweets Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com.  "Obviously the GM’s position is to try to make changes, whether it’s personnel or staffing, that he believes is going to help us [get] better, and we have to respect that," said the skipper.
• Carlos Beltran didn't feel that the Giants made a strong effort to re-sign him last season even though the club knew that he liked playing in San Francisco, according to Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle (Twitter links).  However, the team did talk with agent Dan Lozano in generalities, Schulman tweets.
• Peter Schmuck of The Baltimore Sun hopes that the Orioles will spend the money neccessary to keep Matt Wieters and Adam Jones in the fold despite the team's bad luck with hefty contracts in the past.
• In a piece for Deadspin, Craig Fehrman gives an inside look at the Atlantic League's Bridgeport Bluefish.

Eppard suited to hit ground running in Anaheim

Source: MLB.com

How much impact will a change at hitting coach have on an underachieving offense? That remains to be seen. With Jim Eppard, called up from Triple-A to replace the dismissed Mickey Hatcher on Tuesday, the Angels at least know they have familiarity.

Details emerging about Dallas investigation

Source: Orange County Register by BILL PLUNKETT, OCREGISTER.COM

According to reports in Texas, the investigation that led to the arrest of five Dallas-area high school students including a son of Angels outfielder Torii Hunter involved a sex club in which the male students would drug girls and then have sex with them.

Darius McClinton-Hunter, the 17-year-old son of the Angels’ outfielder, is one of the Prosper High School students who was arrested earlier this week. He was released on $15,000 bond Monday.

Torii Hunter has taken a leave from the Angels and been placed on the restricted list while he deals with the family situation. A lawyer for the arrested students has denied the charges.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia said he spoke with Torii Hunter on Wednesday but the team still has no idea when he will return. There is no time period specified when a player goes on the retricted list.

“Again, it’s a personal matter,” Scioscia said. “I think that he obviously has a lot on his plate that he’s dealing with. That’s where we’re going to leave it.”

– Anaheim.

More Angels coverage:

Series preview: Five questions about … the White Sox

Hatcher takes the fall for Angels’ struggling offense

Santana sharp again as Angels shut out A’s

On the road with the Angels: Minnesota (again?) and Texas

Walden working to expand repertoire

Is Trout-Bourjos dynamic a dilemma for Angels?

Weaver delivers Letterman’s Top 10 list

Closing time: Angels aren’t the only team having trouble keeping a closer

More on the Angels blog:

Details emerging about Dallas investigation is a post from: Angels blog

Scioscia, players react to Hatcher's dismissal

Source: MLB.com

Manager Mike Scioscia and the Angels' players shared their thoughts in the wake of the club's decision to fire hitting coach Mickey Hatcher.

Wednesday Night Game Thread

Source: Halos Heaven by Rev Halofan

Two-Game Series: White Sox at Angels Game Thread.

Eppard brings some familiarity to Anaheim

Source: ESPN Los Angeles

ANAHEIM -- Of the nine hitters in the Los Angeles Angels' lineup Wednesday for their game against the Chicago White Sox, new hitting coach Jim Eppard has already coached seven of them during a regular season. That's the familiarity Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto wanted in his new hire when he decided to fire longtime coach Mickey Hatcher following Tuesday night's 4-0 win over Oakland. Eppard has tutored Mike Trout, Mark Trumbo, Howie Kendrick -- and everybody else in the Angels' lineup except for big-league veterans Albert Pujols and Vernon Wells.

Same as it ever was, same as it ever was

Source: Orange County Register by BILL PLUNKETT, OCREGISTER.COM

Tuesday’s firing of hitting coach Mickey Hatcher represents a big change for the Angels. He had been their hitting coach since Mike Scioscia was hired as manager in 2000. That made Hatcher the longest-tenured hitting coach in the majors before Tuesday.

But some things didn’t change today — the Angels’ starting lineup is the same in back-to-back games for the first time this season.

Lineups:

ANGELS (16-21)

CF Mike Trout

3B Alberto Callaspo

1B Albert Pujols

DH Kendrys Morales

RF Mark Trumbo

2B Howie Kendrick

LF Vernon Wells

SS Erick Aybar

C  Bobby Wilson

RHP Jerome Williams (3-1, 4.19)

WHITE SOX (17-20)

CF Alejandro De Aza

2B Gordon Beckham

DH Adam Dunn

1B Paul Konerko

C  A.J. Pierzynski

RF Alex Rios

SS Alexei Ramirez

LF Dayan Viciedo

3B Brent Morel

RHP Gavin Floyd (3-3, 2.53)

– Anaheim

More Angels coverage:

Series preview: Five questions about … the White Sox

Hatcher takes the fall for Angels’ struggling offense

Santana sharp again as Angels shut out A’s

On the road with the Angels: Minnesota (again?) and Texas

Walden working to expand repertoire

Is Trout-Bourjos dynamic a dilemma for Angels?

Weaver delivers Letterman’s Top 10 list

Closing time: Angels aren’t the only team having trouble keeping a closer

More on the Angels blog:

Same as it ever was, same as it ever was is a post from: Angels blog

Dan Rubenstein heads to Columbus, Ohio to meet Hall of Fame legends Ricky Henderson, Frank Thomas,...

Source: Halos Heaven by SBN Studios

Dan Rubenstein heads to Columbus, Ohio to meet Hall of Fame legends Ricky Henderson, Frank Thomas, Johnny Bench, Wade Boggs, Rod Carew & more as they play contest winner Tim Wisecup in the Pepsi Max Field of Dreams.

American League notebook -- Wednesday, May 16, 2012 (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Baltimore: LHP Zach Britton threw four scoreless innings Tuesday during his second start in extended spring training, and he is due to pitch there again Monday. Britton, on the disabled list all season due to a left shoulder impingement, might be able to rejoin the Orioles in late May or early June. ... LF Xavier Avery started for the fourth consecutive game to open his major league career. After hitting ninth Tuesday, Avery was back in the leadoff spot for the series opener at Kansas City.

5/16/12 Lineup: Bourjos Night, Sans Bourjos

Source: Halos Heaven by stevefinleyallstars

5/16/12 Lineup: Bourjos Night, Sans Bourjos

Trout CF, Callaspo 3B, Pujols 1B, Morales DH, Trumbo RF, Kendrick 2B, Wells LF, Aybar SS, Wilson C, and Williams on the mound.

If Bourjos isn't going to play on Peter Bourjos bobblehead night, he's never going to play.

Game Preview 5/16/12: Up to the offense - White Sox @ Angels

Source: Monkey with a Halo

 

      @    

Chicago White Sox (17-20) @ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (16-21)

Pitching Probables: CHI – Gavin Floyd (3-3, 2.53 ERA)  LAA – Jerome Williams (3-1, 4.19 ERA)

Game Info: 7:05 PM PT; TV - Fox Sports West; Radio - KLAA 830

Yesterday was an interesting day for the Angels, to say the least.  After the Angels put a solid, all-around, team effort into beating the Oakland A's, the Angels' hitting coach of 13 years was released and replaced.  Triple-A Salt Lake hitting coach, Jim Eppard, has now joined the coaching staff in Anaheim as the Halo's brand new hitting coach. Since the Angels are about moving forward, I will too.

The baseball world has turned their eyes to the struggling Angels once again. This time, however, all eyes are on Eppard and how he will affect the Angels' offense.  It wouldn't be realistic to think that one man can simply come in and make the line up the most destructive line up in baseball, over night. But what I am hoping to see is a pair of fresh eyes analyzing and adjusting the hitter's issues. Welcome aboard, Eppard. 

The Angels have another odd, two-game series ahead of them and they are two games they could use. As the Angels inch closer and closer to a .500 record, every single game counts. 

We saw hot bats from Mike Trout and Albert Pujols last night. Alberto Callaspo is even making contributions to the Angels' offense. 

The bullpen is looking decent right now and pitchers are getting the job done. Run support helps from time to time. 

The White Sox are coming off of a tough loss to the Detroit Tigers after giving up a 6-0 lead in the late innings. The Halos are facing a team with a very similar record, but are also facing a touch pitcher in Gavin Floyd. Floyd's last outing consisted of 7 2/3 scoreless innings and has put on incredible performances in his last few starts. 

The struggling Angels offense faces a tough match up with Floyd on the hill tonight, but as long as the defense prevents the Sox from scoring runs, it is (once again) up to the offense to win the Angels this ballgame. 

Can't win without runs, after all.

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Abreu latest example of baseball’s wackiness

Source: Orange County Register by JEFF MILLER, OCREGISTER.COM

The Angels’ failing offense is among the worst in the American League and on Tuesday cost hitting coach Mickey Hatcher his job.

And Bobby Abreu wasn’t even good enough to remain with the Angels, the team releasing him near the end of April despite owing him $9 million for this season.

On Wednesday, against the Padres, Abreu not only was in the starting lineup for the Dodgers, a team with a 24-12 record (8 1/2 games ahead of the Angels), but he also was batting third.

Since signing with L.A.’s other big league team, Abreu has hit .296 with four doubles and four RBI in 27 at-bats. In 24 at-bats for the Angels this season, he hit .208.

More on the Angels blog:

 

Abreu latest example of baseball’s wackiness is a post from: Angels blog

Abreu latest example of baseball’s quirks

Source: Orange County Register by JEFF MILLER, OCREGISTER.COM

The Angels’ failing offense is among the worst in the American League and on Tuesday cost hitting coach Mickey Hatcher his job.

And Bobby Abreu wasn’t even good enough to remain with the Angels, the team releasing him near the end of April despite owing him $9 million for this season.

On Wednesday, Abreu not only was in the starting lineup for the Dodgers, a team with a 24-12 record (8 1/2 games ahead of the Angels), but he also was batting third.

Since signing with L.A.’s other big league team, Abreu has hit .296 with four doubles and four RBI in 27 at-bats. In 24 at-bats for the Angels this season, he hit .208.

More on the Angels blog:

 

Abreu latest example of baseball’s quirks is a post from: Angels blog

Series Preview: Angels vs White Sox

Source: Halo Hangout by Tyler Brett

The Los Angeles Angels (16-21) host another short two-game series against the visiting Chicago White Sox (17-20) in a matchup of third place teams trying to make … [visit site to read more]

Angels Fire Hitting Coach: Fan’s Reaction (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Los Angeles Angels fired hitting coach Mickey Hatcher yesterday. The announcement came after the team's game Tuesday night. Hatcher, a longtime major league player himself, had been a member of the Angels coaching staff since 2000.

Los Angeles Angels: Do Angels Fans Regret Signing Albert Pujols?

Source: Bleacher Report

Do Los Angeles Angels fans regret the fact that they signed Albert Pujols to that massive contract?

Mickey Hatcher sure does.

Hatcher was the Angles' hitting coach. I say "was" because the Angels fired Hatcher, as Pujols and company have floundered at the plate so far this season. Fair or not, Albert Pujols is being blamed by some for Hatcher's firing.

When a player is hitting .212 with one home run on the season, at the beginning of a $240 million contract, who do you think is going to go? The star making all that money? Or the lowly hitting coach who has been with the organization for 13 years?

Not a tough decision to make.

To be fair, Hatcher had grown unpopular with Angels fans prior to Pujols' arrival. Having said that, the lowly hitting coach really isn't the story here.

Pujols is the story.

I hate to say "I told you so," but...I told you so.

Sorry, I just had to say it. You see, I called it back in August, before the Cardinals made the playoffs or won the World Series, before Pujols ever officially hit free agency. I said then that the Cardinals should not re-sign Pujols unless he was willing to give the Cardinals a hometown discount.

The great Pujols, now 32 years old, is breaking down before our very eyes. The Angles will be paying him $30 million per year when he's 39 years old!

Please don't take this as the rant of a die-hard Cardinals fan who is thoroughly enjoying watching Pujols struggle after he left the best franchise in all of baseball for more money. Hey, I still have Pujols' No. 5 jersey hanging in my closet. I didn't burn it, even though I wanted to. I've moved on, and like I said then, the Cardinals are better off for having not paid Pujols the kind of money the Angels did.

My question, Angels fans, is this: If you had a do over and it was your call, would you have signed Pujols to that massive contract?

I think we all know how Mickey Hatcher would vote.

Read more Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim news on BleacherReport.com

Los Angeles Angels Fire Hitting Coach Mickey Hatcher: Fan’s Reaction (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

On Tuesday, May 15, the Los Angeles Angels fired hitting coach Mickey Hatcher. The decision to let him go is a long time coming for the Angels. The only thing that surprises me is that Hatcher lasted this long.

Mickey Hatcher Fired: What Coach's Firing Means for Albert Pujols and Angels

Source: Bleacher Report

It's too bad the Los Angeles Angels didn't just fire Ron "Papa Jack" Jackson. His "somebody's gotta pay" mantra would have been quite appropriate for the situation.

The Angels fired hitting coach Mickey Hatcher on Tuesday night (see Los Angeles Times report), simply because somebody had to pay. The Angels currently rank 22nd in the majors in runs scored, 14th in team batting average, 27th in on-base percentage and 22nd in slugging percentage. The team hasn't been hitting this season, and pinning it all on the hitting coach was the convenient thing to do.

It was also the sensible thing to do. The Angels don't have as much offensive talent as, say, the Texas Rangers, but they certainly have more talented hitters than most clubs. They should not be as offensively inept as they are.

And of course, there's the big guy. Albert Pujols started his first season with the Angels as a lifetime .328 hitter, and he's hitting .212 in the middle of May. The only reason his average is that high is because he collected three infield hits on Tuesday. He hasn't been driving the ball this season, and it's been painful to watch.

As the team's hitting coach, it is (excuse me, was) Hatcher's job to figure out what Pujols was doing wrong and fix it. He had a month and a half to get the job done, and failed to do so. 

Prince Albert's struggles at the plate were a sign that he and Hatcher simply weren't on the same page. Earlier this month Pujols called out Hatcher for speaking to the media about a speech the slugger gave during a closed-doors meeting.

"Mickey shouldn't have said that," Pujols said when he learned that Hatcher had spilled the beans, according to the Los Angeles Times. "No disrespect, but I'll talk to Mickey about that."

After that incident, Pujols kept on struggling, and he kept struggling because he was still doing the same things that led to a .217 average in the month of April.

I am not a professional hitting coach, but even I can tell Pujols' approach at the plate has been a mess this season. He's starting his swing too early, resulting in a lot of can-of-corn fly balls and weak ground balls to the left side of the infield. He's also swinging at a lot of pitches outside the strike zone. Per FanGraphs, he's swinging at 38.6 percent of the pitches outside the zone, to be exact. 

Despite the obviousness of Pujols' flawed approach at the plate, Hatcher was unable to get the team's star slugger back on the right track.

One of them had to go. The fact of the matter is, Hatcher isn't the guy with a 10-year contract worth well over $200 million. Now that Hatcher's gone, it's a good bet that new hitting coach Jim Eppard will have Pujols looking more like himself in no time.

This isn't all about Pujols, though. Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto made that abundantly clear when he opened up about Hatcher's firing to the media.

According to ESPNLosAngeles.com, Dipoto offered all the usual cliches, such as baseball being a "results-oriented business" and the notion that the Angels simply needed a "different voice."

Then there was this:

"We've struggled with situational hitting, we've struggled to get on base in ways other than the safely hit ball. Good hitters are also patient hitters. This is not necessarily about the individual message as much as the team-wide message we need to stress with our players."

The rough translation: We fired Hatcher because he wasn't the right man for this lineup.

This is true. Hatcher was hired to be the team's hitting coach shortly after Mike Scioscia was hired to be the team's manager in 2000, and it was his job to put Scioscia's offensive philosophy into action. The Angels' current lineup isn't constructed to abide by that offensive philosophy.

The Angels of the early 2000s were renowned for being an aggressive, National League-style ballclub. It was all about getting 'em on, getting 'em over, and getting 'em in. Angels players were aggressive at the plate, and even more aggressive on the basepaths.

When the Angels won the World Series in 2002, the "Moneyball" movement was just starting to gain traction. They were the anti-Moneyball team, and they remained an anti-Moneyball team for quite a while.

The times have been a'changing in Anaheim in recent seasons. Slowly but surely, the Angels have transformed from a scrappy ballclub with aggressive hitters to a ballclub full of station-to-station guys. They have become a Moneyball team.

The numbers suggest that Hatcher just wasn't quite sure how to react to the changing times. In 2009, the Angels finished second in the American League in runs scored and third in team OBP. In 2010, they finished ninth in the league in runs scored, and 13th in team OBP. In 2011, they finished 10th in runs scored once again, and 11th in team OBP.

So despite the fact the Angels had been transforming into a Moneyball club over the last couple seasons, they clearly hadn't been performing like one. 

The transformation was completed this past offseason when the Angels inked Pujols. They ceased being the Angels, and became more like a West Coast version of the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox– a high-priced team comprised of base-clogging sluggers.

Hatcher lost his job because he couldn't adjust to the new way of doing things in Anaheim, and he may not be the only man to lose his job over a failure to adjust.

The Angels decided to pin the team's struggles on Hatcher now, but nobody should overlook the fact that Hatcher answered to Scioscia. He was Scioscia's guy, and he's gone now. If the team continues to struggle, how much longer will it be before the Angels' brass concludes that Scioscia is just as bad a fit for this team as Hatcher was?

At the rate the Angels are going, it may not be long. The Angels sent a clear message when they fired Hatcher, and that message is that the franchise has shifted into a "What have you done for me lately?" mode.

If the Angels don't shape up, more heads are going to roll. Somebody's gotta pay.

 

Read more Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim news on BleacherReport.com

M-I- C-(See you real soon)-K-E-Y (Why? Because we love you)

Source: Angelswin.com

 
By Bruce Nye - AngelsWin.com Columnist 
The Angels relieved Mickey Hatcher of his duties as hitting coach yesterday surprising the sports world while at the same time, pleasing thousands of fans.  The Angels have been shut out 8 times this year more than any team at this date in MLB history since 1907.  Their hitting and scoring statistics are among the lowest in the American League.

Jerry Dipoto made the announcement last evening without Angels' manager, Mike Scioscia present.  He said it was a sad day.  Mickey Hatcher had been the Angels hitting coach for 13 years - the longest by any MLB team.  Prior to that, Hatcher was the hitting coach for Mike Scioscia, when he managed the Dodgers' AAA team in Albuquerque .  He also played with Scioscia as a member of the Dodgers.

Mickey was a lovable, fun loving guy whom, when with the Dodgers would dance and cheer while the Mickey Mouse song was played for him.  Hatcher carried around an over-sized glove with which he used to prank other players.

Once as a coach for the Angels, he found some green paint and  used it to paint himself from head to toe.  Mickey didn't realize the paint was enamel, which wouldn't allow his skin and pores to breathe.  After the players got their laughs at the Green Giant, he complained to Bert Blyleven that he couldn't breathe and thus Mickey had a terrible time removing the paint.
For trivia buffs, Mickey was the replacement for Kirk Gibson in the 1988 World Series.  In that World Series, Hatcher hit a home run and raced (not trotted) around the bases.  This prompted Joe Garigiola to say, "He's afraid they're going to take it off the board."  Hatcher was never known as a home run hitter, although he had decent hitting stats as a major league player.
Players and fans loved him until the Angels players offensive numbers began to slip downward.  Once in 2009 all nine players in the game had a .300 batting average or higher when the Angels had strong offensive numbers.  In 2010 and 2011, the offense  struggled much to the dismay of the Angels fans.  But in 2012, with expectations so high with the signing of Albert Pujols,  a return of a  healthy Kendrys Morales and Mark Trumbo, the Angels have stumbled out of the gate in April and mid-May.
Hatcher is an inspirational man with an upbeat personality.  He was a tireless worker with the players.  He preached his motivational message that the game is simple - relax and wait for your pitch.  Think positive.

Firing people is not new in the Angels organization.  They fired Eddie Bane after he selected Mike Trout in the draft and they fired Ned Bergert who was instrumental in 1992 in ending to several in the terrible bus accident.  He was later promoted to the head trainer.

So why was Hatcher fired?  He had a squabble with Albert Pujols in early May.  In a closed door meeting, Pujols told the players that an early season slump was not new for him and to keep the faith, because he will return to prior years' form.  When Hatcher mentioned this to the media, there was a mild disagreement.  Pujols did not want any closed door comments mentioned in the media.  So was that it?

The decision goes deeper than that.  This was Jerry Dipoto's decision and a message o Mike Scioscia.  In the past years, the Angels have not had a strong GM and it has been largely Scioscia's team.  This is a message to Scioscia that his friend, Mickey had to go.  The numbers said so, and he said so.  Time will tell if this decision was wise.

The new hitting instructor, Jim Eppard comes from the Angels Triple A team in Salt Lake City where he was Trumbo's and Mike Trout's hitting coach.  Also, Eppard was in the Rockies organization and Dipoto is a big fan of his work.

Angels prospect Cron keeping positive

Source: MLB.com

Does Jerry Dipoto run the team by crowdsourcing?

Source: Monkey with a Halo

When Jerry Dipoto was hired as Angels GM a few months ago, he was considered an excellent candidate because he was a former player, but also a progressive thinker who was up to speed with modern statistical analysis.  In his brief tenure, his resume of transactions and decisions suggests that he may not be relying on knowledge from his playing days or highly detailed statistical studies, but rather crowdsourcing.

Just look at these moves he has made since taking over:

• Signing Albert Pujols to a ginormous contract
• Signing C.J. Wilson away from the Rangers
• Releasing Bobby Abreu
• Calling up Mike Trout
• Firing Mickey Hatcher

These are either well thought out orchestrations of a very smart baseball executive, or so it would seem. 

Angels Fire Hitting Coach Mickey Hatcher

Source: Halo Hangout by Tyler Brett

This wasn’t the season the Angels were supposed to have. They had signed Albert Pujols, the best hitter of a generation in free agency. visit site to read more]

Albert Pujols: Angels Fire Hitting Coach Amidst Slugger's Struggles

Source: Bleacher Report

With Albert Pujols mired in the worst slump of his career, and the Los Angeles Angels sitting 12th in the American League in runs scored, it does not come as a surprise that the team fired hitting coach Mickey Hatcher on Tuesday, according to Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com. 

The #Angels have dismissed hitting coach Mickey Hatcher.

— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) May 16, 2012

According to Scott Miller of CBS Sports, before a series with the Minnesota Twins two weeks ago, Pujols stood up in front of his teammates to deliver a pep talk, which Hatcher told reporters about before the game. 

Pujols was none too thrilled about his words in the locker room being told reporters for the whole world to hear. 

Mickey should have never told you guys that. That stuff needs to be private. He should have never told the media.

What we talked about at the meeting, not disrespecting Mickey, but that stuff should stay behind closed doors.

The fact that the Angels are near the bottom of the league in runs scored isn't a huge surprise, considering they have finished ninth and 10th in that category the previous two seasons. They are a team built on making contact, not working counts, drawing walks and hitting home runs. 

That was supposed to change with Pujols, but his struggles have only magnified the Angels' offensive woes. 

When a team has high expectations coming into the season and fails to play up to them right out of the gate, heads will roll. Manager Mike Scioscia isn't going anywhere, and you can't fire players—well, you can, but the Angels aren't going to eat the albatross that is Vernon Wells' contract.

So someone has to answer for the struggles of the team. Considering that Pujols had a problem with Hatcher that went public, it was easy for the Angels' front office to make this decision. 

When the choice comes down to keeping a star player who is signed for 10 years and $240 million versus a hitting coach making around six figures, the decision is easy. 

Of course, there could end up being a bigger issue here. Drew Silva of Hardball Talk points out that Hatcher is a longtime friend of Scioscia, who was not present when the firing was announced.

The Angels are obviously feeling the pressure from this season. Pujols has been pressing since Opening Day, though he did have three hits on Tuesday night. His rift with Hatcher was the perfect opening for the team to hold someone accountable for the disaster that has been the first five weeks of the season.

 

For more conspiracy theories on hitting coaches getting fired and all the baseball information you could ever hope to find, be sure to follow me on Twitter. 

Follow @adamwells1985 

Read more Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim news on BleacherReport.com

Los Angeles Angels vs. Chicago White Sox - Series Preview (5/16-5/17)

Source: Angelswin.com

By Brian Waller, AngelsWin.com Columnist

Angels/A’s Recap: WOW! In a 24-hour period so much has changed. This team is like a crazy roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain; the ups and downs of this season have fans everywhere jumping for joy one day and pulling their hair out the next. The Halos dropped the opener of their brief two game series with the Oakland Athletics but they managed to win game two for a series split. Although Tuesday’s game was just one game out of a 162 game season, it signified much more. I, like many of you, have thought this team was poised to break out numerous times this season..I actually think now is the time!
Albert Pujols went 3-for-4 on Tuesday, finally resembling the old Pujols that dominated baseball for 11 seasons in St. Louis. This was a much needed performance, not just for the Halos but for Pujols’ psyche. It’s no secret that he has looked lost at the plate recently, a 3-hit performance has to boost his confidence somewhat. Hopefully yesterday’s game is a sign of things to come and not an aberration.
Mike Trout continues to improve and produce. Let’s be honest, the Angels have had some big prospects come through the system that flat out flopped once they got to the majors, I think each and every one of us are crossing our fingers thinking Trout is just too good to be true. On Tuesday, Trout showed that he just might be the real deal as he went 3-for-4 with a home run, an RBI and 3 runs. Harper-Mania may be sweeping the east coast but so far in 2012, after only 57 at-bats, Trout has 3 home runs, 8 RBI’s and 3 stolen bases…all while batting .316. Over the course of 500 at-bats Trout’s projected numbers are 26 home runs, 64 RBI’s and 24 stolen bases. Not too shabby for a 20 year old leadoff hitter.
Although Pujols and Trout had big games, the biggest news happened off the field as General Manager Jerry Dipoto dismissed longtime Angels’ hitting coach Mickey Hatcher. I don’t want to criticize Hatcher anymore then has already been done but I think it was pretty apparent that a change had to be made. It was a loooong time coming. Although it didn’t work out this season for Hatcher with the Angels, I honestly wish him the best in the future.
Angels/A’s MVP(s) Ervin Santana. Angel fans have gotta’ love the way Santana has turned his season around. After starting 0-6, he has won his last two starts, improving his record to 2-6. His ERA continues to drop with each outing, standing at 4.36 after Tuesdays win against the A’s. It was a big win by the Angels going into another short series against the Chicago White Sox.

Angels/Twins Preview

The Angels will welcome the Chicago White Sox to town for a quick 2-game series beginning tonight at the "Big A". There is a lot to feel positive about if you are an Angels fan; Mike Trout and Albert Pujols are coming off of big offensive games, the bullpen has allowed only 1 earned run in the last 5.1 innings, and the Halos get a new hitting coach which will hopefully improve a lackluster offense. Although it’s a short series, it’s an important one because it starts a stretch in the schedule where the Angels will play 12 games against the White Sox, Padres, A’s and Mariners who have a combined 65-84 record. If the Angels are going to make a move and get back into the race before summer then this may be the stretch to do so.

Pitching Match-ups: 5/16 – Jerome Williams (3-1, 4.19 ERA) vs. Gavin Floyd (3-3, 2.53 ERA) 5/17 – C.J. Wilson (3-2, 3.42 ERA) vs. Chris Sale (3-2, 3.08 ERA)
Weather: 5/16 – Sunny with a high of 83 degrees 5/17 – Partly cloudy with a high of 80 degrees
Game Times/Channels/Promotions: 5/16 – 7:05 p.m. / FSW / Peter Bourjos Bobblehead 5/17 – 12:35 p.m. / FSW
Player to Watch Albert Pujols without a doubt is the player to watch this series. Fans, sports analysts and probably Pujols’ own teammates are wondering if yesterday was King Albert’s breakout game and a sign that he is back on track or if it was an aberration. The Angels will be facing two good young pitchers in Chris Sale and Gavin Floyd so it will be interesting to see how Pujols performs, especially now that the Halos have a new hitting coach.

Angels’ Team Statistics / League Rank (as of 5/7/12)
Offense Avg.: .250 / 7th OBP: .301 / 12th SLG: .379 / 11th OPS: .680 / 11th Hits: 309 / 6th HR: 32 / 10th RBI’s: 127 / 12th R: 134 / 12th BB: 88 / 14th SO: 248 / 10th SB: 19 / 9th
Pitching W: 16 / 11th ERA: 3.93 / 7th SV: 5 / 14th SVO: 11 / 12th IP: 322.2 / 10th HR: 35 / 11th BB: 106 / 12th SO: 257 / 8th Avg.: 245 / 7th WHIP: 1.26 / 4th

Opponent Interesting Facts

Founded: 1893, as the Sioux City, Iowa franchise in the minor Western League. Moved to Saint Paul, Minnesota in 1895, then to Chicago in 1900 when that league was renamed the American League, and which became a major league in 1901.

Formerly known as: Sioux City Cornhuskers, 1894. St. Paul Saints, 1895–1899. Chicago White Stockings, 1900–1904.

Home ballpark: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago. (This park, originally known as "New Comiskey Park", was opened in 1991; the original Comiskey Park was in use from mid-1910 to 1990. The original home field in Chicago was South Side Park. The previous home field in St. Paul was Lexington Park).

Uniform colors: Black, Silver, and White

Logo design: The letters "SOX", interlocked in Old English Script font

Current Team motto: "Appreciate the Game"

2005 World Series Championship Season Motto: "Win or Die Trying"

Fight Song: "Let's Go, Go-Go White Sox" by Captain Stubby and the Buccaneers

All-time regular season record (through 2010): 8628 wins — 8413 losses — 101 ties — 3 no-decisions

Local Television: Comcast SportsNet Chicago, WGN, WCIU

Local Radio: WSCR 670AM "The Score"

Mascot: Southpaw

Television Announcers: Ken Harrelson, Steve Stone

Radio Announcers: Ed Farmer, Darrin Jackson

Spring Training Facility: Camelback Ranch, Glendale, Arizona

Albert Pujols: Star Slugger Made It Impossible for Angels to Keep Hitting Coach

Source: Bleacher Report

With Albert Pujols mired in the worst slump of his career, and the Los Angeles Angels sitting 12th in the American League in runs scored, it does not come as a surprise that the team fired hitting coach Mickey Hatcher on Tuesday, according to Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com. 

The #Angels have dismissed hitting coach Mickey Hatcher.

— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) May 16, 2012

According to Scott Miller of CBS Sports, before a series with Minnesota two weeks ago, Pujols stood up in front of his teammates to deliver a pep talk, which Hatcher told reporters about before the game. 

Pujols was none too thrilled about his words in the locker room being told reporters for the whole world to hear. 

Mickey should have never told you guys that. That stuff needs to be private. He should have never told the media.

What we talked about at the meeting, not disrespecting Mickey, but that stuff should stay behind closed doors.

The fact that the Angels are near the bottom of the league in runs scored isn't a huge surprise, considering they have finished ninth and 10th in that category the previous two seasons. They are a team built on making contact, not working counts, drawing walks and hitting home runs. 

That was supposed to change with Pujols, but his struggles have only magnified the Angels' offensive woes. 

When a team has high expectations coming into the season and fails to play up to them right out of the gate, heads will roll. Manager Mike Scioscia isn't going anywhere, and you can't fire players—well, you can, but the Angels aren't going to eat the albatross that is Vernon Wells' contract.

So someone has to answer for the struggles of the team. Considering that Pujols had a problem with Hatcher that went public, it was easy for the Angels front office to make this decision. 

When the choice comes down to keeping either a star player who is signed for 10 years and $240 million or a hitting coach making less than six figures, you know what is going to happen. 

Of course, there could end up being a bigger issue here. Drew Silva of Hardball Talk points out that Hatcher is a longtime friend of Scioscia, who was not present when the firing was announced.

The Angels are obviously feeling the pressure from this season. Pujols has been pressing since Game 1, though he did have three hits on Tuesday night, and his rift with the hitting coach was the perfect opening for the team to hold someone accountable for the disaster that has been the first five weeks of the season.

For more conspiracy theories on hitting coaches getting fired and all the baseball information you could ever hope to find, be sure to follow me on Twitter. 

Follow @adamwells1985 

Read more Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim news on BleacherReport.com

Miami Marlins at Atlanta Braves Highlight MLB Schedule for May 17, 2012 (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The 2012 MLB regular season is well underway with a full month of baseball already in the books. It is still a long road to October baseball but paths are already starting to take shape and many surprises have already occurred along the way. The beginning of the year brings promise but at this point in the season anything can still happen.