Angels Celebrate Jackie Robinson Day 10-3

On the day after Jackie Robinson Day, the Angels and Twins wore 42. As teams around Baseball honored his legacy, these two in particular gave their fans a hell of a game. One with aggressive base running, great defense, and balls in play a plenty. Also bad fielding, hair pulling decisions, and dropped balls. That the Angels won was a relief to be sure.

Recap

Good Heaney, bad Slegers

Andrew Heaney took the mound and the question on everyone’s mind was “Will it be good Heaney or bad Heaney?”. Today, it was good Heaney. He went 5 and 1/3 innings and gave up 2 runs on 2 hits (Both after he left). 6 strikeouts against 3 walks. Part of the reason for his success was inducing 3 double plays, using the defense to get through the innings quickly.

It was a quick quiet game to start on both sides. Took until the bottom of the 4th for either pitcher to even sweat a little. That’s when the Angels got 2 on thanks to a Trout walk and Upton double, all with 2 outs. The pitching coach came out to calm the Twins starter down, but it didn’t work as Walsh drove both of them in with a single up the middle. What was so surprising was that this was against a lefty starter.

The good times turned sour in the 6th as Heaney struggled and was pulled only for Aaron Slegers to give up 3 runs, 2 being charged to Heaney. A double play limited the damage to just 3, but it was a devastating stain to the good Heaney start. Still, plenty of innings left for the offense to win the game.

Rod Carew offense

And the offense did respond, gaining two in the 6th. This was due to bloops, aggressive running, and luck. A Fletcher bloop single, a broken bat Ohtani double, and a seeing eye Trout single gave the Angels the lead again. Rod Carew nods in approval.

It wasn’t an easy time the rest of the way, however. Justin Upton dropped a ball going from his glove to his hand to make a double turned single a double again. That runner scored thanks to Aaron. Also Trout and Iglesias failed to catch a ball hit between them. Still, no runs scored on that as Mike Mayers picked up his fielders.

The aggressiveness did not stop as the bottom of the 7th brought in more runs. Infield hit for Churches, a single by Rengifo that got just by everyone into right. Then, Fletcher fake bunted and hit one by right over the head of the first baseman. An IBB to a Trout and it was bases loaded for Justin Upton.

Grand Slam!
He pimped that and he deserved it.

A grand slam for Hot Pocket and it was fitting. Jared Walsh wanted in and went back to back with him.

Back to back!

Wrap it up

Cisheck came in to pitch the 8th, the hard part out of the way with a 7 run lead. He made it look easy and looks to have found his role. The Twins responded with a catcher for a pitcher and pitched better and worse than the fans, not topping 60 mph. Alex Claudio finished the game, and securing the win. Not that he made it easy, as he loaded the bases with 2 outs, as is tradition.

The Angels are now 8-5 on the year and tied with the Mariners atop the AL West for now. Q is in the mound tomorrow vs the Twins at 6 pm. Shoemaker will be going for Minnesota.

114 Comments
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Mia
Legend
Mia
2 years ago

Tonight’s game is cancelled due to COVID in the Twins clubhouse.

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Mia

Damn!!

Angels2020Champs
Legend
2 years ago

Rojas at 1B, Bemboom at C

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago

I predict Shohei gets the nod for next Wednesday’s 4/21 afternoon start. The Angels have like 5 Thursday off days though the end of June ( way more than any other day of the week) so Wednesday starts would minimize post start recovery day impacts.

Mia
Legend
Mia
2 years ago

Old friend alert: Ol’ Shoey is throwing for the Twins tonight!

Maybe Alex will interview him pre-game.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Mia

Mixed feelings. How about Shoey gets a no decision and we tee off against the Twins relievers?

WallyChuckChili
Legend
2 years ago

How about Shoey gets scratched, the Angels dominate and we get cool tweets from his wife?

red floyd
Legend
2 years ago

I’m up for tweets from his wife. Danielle is the Queen of Twitter.

Twebur
Legend
2 years ago

Is Taylor Ward the next Ty Buttrey? Drove by the old house and read this?

https://www.halosheaven.com/2021/4/17/22389011/los-angeles-angels-mlb-news

“While speaking with reporters, Maddon Taylor Ward, but said that he wasn’t playing at the alternate site. He said that Ward is currently dealing with “things going on in the world”, so we don’t really know if he’s injured or if he’s just dealing with some personal matters. 
“There’s some stuff going on there,” Maddon said. “We couldn’t consider him just based on the amount of time he’s been on the field.”

Mia
Legend
Mia
2 years ago
Reply to  Twebur

Yesterday I posted the same thing and said I think it’s COVID, but we’ll see

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Mia

based Upon Fletch’s inference I think you are spot on:

https://twitter.com/JeffFletcherOCR/status/1383201047808671746

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago

Wouldn’t surprise me to see Slegers get optioned to the ATS and Pena getting activated from the IL in the next week or so. if not Slegers then Ben Rowan will probably get the DFA hook.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
2 years ago

Great game! Heaney looked great. Felt bad for Slegers. Upton was great to listen watch with that granny and listen to pregame on 830 going to the game. Walsh back to back was just icing on the cake. Seeing Astudillo pitch in person was hilarious.

steelgolf
Super Member
2 years ago

I was in section 102 and those Astudillo pitches were something I have never seen before in an MLB game, but they were exactly what I see in my kids Little League games.

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago

You felt bad for Slegers?? The person you SHOULD have felt bad for was Heaney! Because Slegers cost him a victory.

On top of the fact that Slegers’ crap performance cost Heaney a W, Slegers actually vultured the Win for himself! So, his crap performance stole the win from Heaney and put it in his own column. Talk about injustice!

I sure hope Slegers went to Heaney in the clubhouse and apologized!

Angels2020Champs
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Kids and I met Slegers parents at a game last week. Nice people.

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago

I am not ready yet to give up on Slegers, but last night was not a good one for him.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Bundy threw a bunch of strikes in his 4/6 start. I remember looking at the scoreboard and seeing 25 or so strikes to 5 balls. Seemed like once he pitched around the zone more, changing eye level, it resulted in more balls but also swings and misses.
I looked at the scoreboard last night and saw Slegers had 9 strikes to 1 ball after getting hit up a bit.
May be a big difference in SP and RP though

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

That was old school Luis Sanchez vulturing right there.

rspencer
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

K-Rod did a little vulturing in the 2002 postseason as well.

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  rspencer

Which games? I remember he gave up a 2run HR to Soriano in the ALDS, but other than that I don’t remember him giving up any runs after that. You’d have to get hit around (or at least give up runs) to vulture a win.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago

Is it me or does Kenley Jansen look alot like Craig Robinson?

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago

The Doyer Friars game is pretty awesome. The Pads just tied it up with 2 outs in the 9th

Fansince1971
Legend
2 years ago

comment image&ct=g

Great win!!

MikeSalmon
Super Member
2 years ago

Remember when some of us were paying attention to our minor league talent and it was usually, Adell is great, bring him up! And oh yea, maybe Walsh deserves some time seeing MLB pitching too, but man: Jo Adell, baby!
???

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  MikeSalmon

I know not what you are speaking of.

ryanfea
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  MikeSalmon

Let’s not give up on Adell so quickly

MikeSalmon
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  ryanfea

I’m not giving up on Adell; I want him to be “all that.” Just pointing out how the way a guy looks in the minors has very low predictive value for how he’ll look in the bigs.

Walsh has almost never looked “lost” on the Angels. From what I saw of Adell, he looked lost most of the time. Hope the kid can get it together!

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  MikeSalmon

uh Jared Walsh 2019 looked extremely lost. kudos to the Angels for being patient and working with him.

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Agree. I saw some of his first AB’s in person and he was not at all impressive. It goes to show that patience does sometimes pay off as you say.

MikeSalmon
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

How soon I forgot: in 2019: Walsh had 87 PAs, hit .203 and K’d on 35 of those 87 PAs.

I might have had that sort of trauma from watching something so horrible your conscious mind just blocks it out.

matthiasstephan
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  MikeSalmon

Jabari Blash killed the minors. So did Brandon Walsh. It doesn’t always work out.

That said, I really think Adell and Marsh become part of our future All-Star OF.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  ryanfea

Why would you? His bat looked great in ST. He cut down on his swing, laid off questionable pitches and still hit rockets.

Now if he can just figure out his defensive game.

TheOrangeCurtain
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  MikeSalmon

The good part is, starting in 2022 Walsh will be the full-time 1B without Grandpa Pujols weighing down the roster. RF will be open for either Adell and/or Marsh to step into. And given that 2022 is Upton’s last year under contract and his age, he’ll be taking the DH at-bats more often when Ohtani can’t. Leaving both LF and RF open to rotate in Marsh and/or Adell possibly. The future seems brighter than it has for a while…

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
2 years ago

We are first in RS in our division and second in the AL, not bad at all. We are a 1/2 game back of the M’s for first. We sure do like to score 7th inning on. Walsh is the real deal and is a good RF but we really need his bat and fielding at first right now. Renny had a good game tonight also. I am very happy that JUp is showing his old form at the plate but still needs some work in the field. How many times have you seen an 0-2 count turn into IBB? I know it’s a Trouty thing. Even with Rendon down for the count for awhile, is there any better top 5 line up as good?

max
Trusted Member
max
2 years ago

8-5, on a pace for 99 wins

MikeSalmon
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  max

Of course every fan says this, but at some point this team could win 10 straight.

Now: wouldn’t that be kinda cool?

Which reminds me: apparently the blister is bad: Ohtani isn’t scheduled to pitch at any time thorough the 27th. Of course, they could push another guy back and get him a start before then. I wanna see him pitch without a blister!

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  MikeSalmon

So Bundy Pitches on Monday and Canning on Tuesday?

MikeSalmon
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

I haven’t seen the latest Blister Report. I wanna see Ohtani on the mound ASAP, though.

red floyd
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  MikeSalmon
Last edited 2 years ago by red floyd
WallyChuckChili
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  red floyd

We need Motivation comment image

red floyd
Legend
2 years ago

Didn’t watch the game, but caught the highlight.

I love some Upton Funk.

I love it when Upton Funks you up the other team.

red floyd
Legend
2 years ago

Was that MattV or Sutton who made the “Take a Ride with Justin Upton” call? I kind of like that for a HR call.

MikeSalmon
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  red floyd

WAY better than what I may have blurted: “Here’s a long…deep drive from Upton…have a flap of skin from the roof of your mouth with a Hot Pocket salami!”

They would have DFA’d my ass the next day.

Darth_Duane
Member
2 years ago

So uh, guess who ended up with that Upton grand slam ball?

<==== This guy did!



MikeSalmon
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Darth_Duane

How much did you have to pay the kid for the ball?

j/k: congrats!

red floyd
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Darth_Duane

As Victor once said, “Are you serious?”

That’s awesome!

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Darth_Duane

Wait Wat???

Darth_Duane
Member
red floyd
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Darth_Duane

Were you able to get JUp to sign it?

Darth_Duane
Member
2 years ago
Reply to  red floyd

No, an usher said we might be able to reach out to him on twitter to ask but that they don’t allow people to hang around the player parking lot or anything for autographs during covid.

Darth_Duane
Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Darth_Duane

Unfortunately the replay only shows my back as I turn before i snag it on a bounce off the step =(

https://imgur.com/a/GLqPfSA

red floyd
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Darth_Duane

Ryan, do you see? That’s how you handle the bounce!!!!

FungoAle
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Darth_Duane

Cool!

...Rev Halofan
Editor
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Darth_Duane

Hell YEAH! And ALWAYS on the carom. A GRAND SLAM ball, hope you have a mantle and case for that one!

steelgolf
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Darth_Duane

Nice, that thing landed about 25’ from my son and I, we were right by the foul pole. He was the loud kid with long hair yelling “Let’s Go Angels” even after the slam and Walsh shot.

Angels2020Champs
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  steelgolf

Kids screaming at the ballpark is what it’s about

Darth_Duane
Member
2 years ago
Reply to  steelgolf

Fans were loud at the game, I was loving it. With 30% capacity or whatever it felt like there was more energy than when the place is full.

steelgolf
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Darth_Duane

It was especially loud after that slam. Congratulations on getting that ball, that was the game changing shot that sealed a much needed victory!

red floyd
Legend
2 years ago

LIGHT UP THE HALO!!!

Just Another Halos Victory!!!

comment image

FungoAle
Super Member
2 years ago

Man, I would like to hang out with Alex and do some shots. She has an upbeat personality, fun and washes out Gubi on the TV. Halo good luck charm.

Jim Atkins
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  FungoAle

of course, I’m old enough to be her father. Then again, if we lived in one of those hillbilly states where you can marry your first cousin when you’re 12, I could be her great-grandfather.

red floyd
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Jim Atkins

As are Designerguy and I. That doesn’t stop either of us from insisting that she is our significant other!!!

I think Mia has some skin in the game as well.

Last edited 2 years ago by red floyd
Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Jim Atkins

Actually I met her father and 2 sisters at the diamond club one night. Nice family and a very proud papa. But, like MNT she definitely got the golden fairy dust from the family gene pool.

...Rev Halofan
Editor
Trusted Member
2 years ago
Reply to  FungoAle

Wife asks what I want for my birthday two years ago.

“Alex Curry Bobblehead”

“Are you serious?”

“Yep that’s all”

She got it. I got a steak dinner too but the bobblehead is still in a place of honor.

red floyd
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  ...Rev Halofan

Apparently the OC Dugout has signed ones available for $50.

IvanX
Trusted Member
2 years ago

That game was so fun!

Jim Atkins
Super Member
2 years ago

Lately the baserunning has been totally amazing. Keep on pushing, all the time. Really like to see them making things happen, keep defenders off kilter.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Jim Atkins

2002 all over again.

FungoAle
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Had the Angels at 100-1 in the WS that year.

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  FungoAle

They were never 100 to 1.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

They were on August 18,2020

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

I meant in 2002. Either before the season started or any time during they were never 100 -1.

I know because I actually DID have a ticket on them. Got it right before the season started. It was 40-1.

FungoAle
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Yep, off-shore sports book, in the UK. The year before, the Angels had a good team, just injuries hit em. So they were a value play. Plopped a lovely Franklin on it. But college football ate most of it back.

Off-shore sportsbooks you get much longer odds on the futures than Las Vegas, much better. I don’t follow the books anymore.

Last edited 2 years ago by FungoAle
JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  FungoAle

When did you get that? I talked to ALOT of people in Vegas that year, including people who lived there and went around to different sports books in early Spring and even late winter. The longest odds I heard was 60-1, though one guy claimed he got 75-1, but I could not confirm it.

I never heard 100-1.

FungoAle
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

I had an offshore account with a company called Bodog. Used to place bets before around the Winter Meetings, not sure they are around anymore but you can find many that still exist. The ones in the Caribbean were very shakey. UK was good and more solid financial footing.

Just looked right now, Vegas Insider has the Halo’s at 22-1 but you can search offshore and get 40-1. Have to get it early, once season starts, they just decline.

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  FungoAle

I know about Bodog. I was with them for a few years, though I believe they have changed their name now.

I am still refuting your 100-1 claim,about 2002.

FungoAle
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

Well, I can’t prove it. But if you bet sports overseas, very common to get longer odds. The only risk was that the US would close down places as it was illegal. The British sportsbooks started to open satellite sites in Antigua among other sites in the Caribbean. Angels were crappy the year before won 75 games as the Mariners 116. This was a recipe for “good” odds the following year.

So…was able to search and found they opened at 75-1 in Las Vegas so offshore was a cinch that 100-1 could be realized. See AP article below:

Thursday, October 17
Updated: October 18, 9:42 AM ET 
 
Angels a narrow favorite at Vegas books
Associated Press
LAS VEGAS — The Anaheim Angels, who opened the season a 75-1 pick to win the World Series in some sports books, are now a slight favorite over the San Francisco Giants.
The Angels were 6-5 favorites over the Giants at most local sports books, which expect good betting on the World Series because both teams are from California.
The odds vary at different sports books.
At the beginning of 2002, Angels were 75-1 at Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas sports books, while the Stardust had them at 40-1.The Giants began the year as 7-1 favorites at the Stardust and 25-1 at Bally’s and Paris.
“I think the Angels are more of a complete team,” John Avello, director of race and sports book operations for Bally’s and Paris, said Thursday. “But anything could happen. Your bats could go cold, but I like the Angels.”
Despite the odds, Joe Lupo, race and sports book director for the Stardust, isn’t convinced.
“I think the Giants will win. Just my personal opinion,” he said.

Last edited 2 years ago by FungoAle
JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  FungoAle

Again, the 75-1 I could believe because somebody who lived and bet in Vegas gave me that exact number. After early money came in, the odds went down to 60-1 and in some places 50-1.

I got my ticket at the Bellagio in late March and it was 40-1.

FungoAle
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  JackFrost

My last comment on this, coming from someone who had years (mid 90’s thru 2010) of offshore book accounts when technically was illegal to do so. The offshore odds were “always” longer (i.e. greater) to entice the action. If it was 75-1 legally on a bet placed in Nevada, 100-1 is extremely believable. Anyone who was a serious player with offshore accounts knew to check overseas to see what was being offered. It’s all changed now with the passing of legalized sports betting in selected states. 100-1, Halos, 2002.

Had the SF Giants on a $100 hedge at 8-1. You could get 8-1 at the start of the playoffs when the Giants were 7-1 at the start of the year. Giants won like 8 games in a row to end the year. Evidence that for short odds, no need to make a play until October.

WallyChuckChili
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  FungoAle

You fell victim to one of the classic blunders
.comment image

JackFrost
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  FungoAle

I guess we will have to agree to disagree. I have been betting off-shore for over twenty years myself. The lines are usually identical to what Vegas has. If there is a difference it is usually very small. The off-shore books don’t have their own line makers. They take their odds from Vegas.

Jim Atkins
Super Member
2 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

Roger that.

red floyd
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  Cowboy26

2002-2009, really.

Cowboy26
Legend
2 years ago
Reply to  red floyd

Sorry but if you ain’t first. you’re last.