It is another game in Baltimore, a place where left handers thrive and righties struggle. So the Angels place another righty on the mound. With a half and half 6 man ish rotation, this is just bad luck lining up. But at least Canning is used to Baltimore, facing them in his last start before getting injured. Not that this team is anything like that 2021 team. This Baltimore team is good. And that is bad, for the Angels.
Canning went 5 and 1/3 innings, giving up 3 runs on 9 hits, striking out 4 and walking 2. It could have been much, much worse all things considered.
Barria came in relief and went 2 and 2/3 innings, giving up no runs on 2 hits, striking out 1 and walking none. It was the first appearance for Barria in a long time. Maybe HE should be the 6th starter?
Not that it mattered as the Angels bats were all but silent this time. You cannot win most games with only 1 run scored.
Highlighted Recap
Baltimore had a ton of baserunners early. And while Canning got out of it in the first two innings, they got to him in the 3rd with a 2 out single.
Mike Trout remembered how to hit and hit one over the wall to tie the game!
Canning had more trouble in the 4th, and another run scored.
Despite it all, Canning didn’t really allow a real hard hit… until the 5th when he allowed a home run.
While the Angels couldn’t do much offensively, Neto continued to show off defensively.
And i mean it by show off.
Angels lose, again.
Upcoming
The Angels are now at 22-22 and in 4th place in the AL West. One more in Baltimore tomorrow, at 9:30 AM. Yeah, another early morning game for the Angels. Yeesh. Need to win the morning game to split this series.
We HAVE to put up some runs against Baltimore’s starters. Their bullpen is lights out, but their starters all have pretty weak stats. The games feel over if they make it past the 4th with a lead
Here’s the big question- is GhostGuest really Kiyotchan and vice versa? Are they all just 2002 creations?
😂
.
Yes. They are phasing out 2002. But with all this losing, it’s going to be hard to keep him away.
At least when it was just 2002 his total posting were alot less This 3 headed monster has spread like a contagion.
I am fairly new as an Angels fan, and it is pretty obvious to you guys that I am a huge admirer of Shohei Ohtani from my previous posts. I am not familiar with preShohei Angels history, but I would like to learn.
My first question: Is it true that when Arte Moreno changed previously Anaheim Angels to Los Angeles Angels, he faced significant backlash from most Angels fans? I ask this question because my previous favorite team Seattle Mariners were purchased by late Hiroshi Yamauchi, former CEO of Nintendo in 1992, at request of Washington State Senator Slate Gorton, who feared Mariners would be moved out of Seattle. Because then MLB commissioner Fay Vincent opposed to having non-American citizen owning an MLB team, he could own only 49% of the team, which he eventually had to release to the remaining owner group before his death. Mr Yamauchi is revered by many Seattle fans for his contribution. I just do not feel the same level of love and respect for Arte Moreno from Angels fans. I do know several signings including Josh Hamilton and Albert Pujols were extremely unpopular. One thing that Mr Yamauchi for Mariners is that he never interfered with the team’s GM, but that may be the reason why Ichiro only made postseason only once in 2001 and never made playoffs until last year. From what I heard and read, he keeps his private life hidden but, unlike Mr Yamauchi, scrutinize Angels operation and works closely with his GM in roster construction. Do Angels fans think he ought not get involved and should allow other higher baseball IQ personnel to handle scouting and selecting players?
My second question: Why do you think Arte decided not to sell the team before this season started? I heard there were several suitors and many speculations surrounding City of Anaheim attempts to develop and revitalize the area around the stadium. I have one possible theory. Shohei informed Arte in person couple of years ago that he would consider re-signing with Angels only if Arte does everything to strengthen this team to make this season postseason. Again, Shohei selected Angels, not Dodgers, not Yankees. He would love to stay in Anaheim. Even though it has never been published publicly, don’t you think it is strange that Angels never offered to extend his contract while other teams jumped on extending players like Acuna for Braves and Tatis Jr for Padres. I surmise that Angels have attempted but unsuccessfully because Shohei stated that he needed concrete evidence that the Angels organization has taken sufficient steps to become contenders for World Series championship. That explains why Angels did not trade Shohei at last year’s trade deadline or off season. It is gentleman’s agreement of Arte respecting Shohei’s wishes and Shohei expressing his appreciation for what Angels did for his career as a two way player. If Arte sold Angels, he would renege on the agreement.
Question number one: Most fans did not like changing the name from Anaheim Angels to Los Angeles Angels. The actual official name of the team for a few years was the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, which we all thought was ridiculous. The Angels actually did play their home games in Los Angeles from 1961 through 1965. The team was called the Los Angeles Angels during this time.
The fans had affection for Arte Moreno for the first few years of his ownership. He famously lowered beer prices at the stadium. The Angels were an elite team during the first decade of the 2000s. But then once the team started losing, the fans turned on Mr. Moreno. They blamed him for meddling, for signing high priced free agents while doing nothing to improve the rest of the team. Then fans blamed him for being cheap, for firing his scouting staff, for not wanting to spend money on the minor league quality of life. Fans don’t like how Mr. Moreno gave his friends with no baseball background high profile jobs in the Angel organization. And then there were all of the scandals of the past ten years that have happened under Mr. Moreno’s watch.
Question number two: I don’t know what Mr. Moreno is thinking about his decision to not sell the team.
So last year Perry waited till about 1/3 of the season was over to shitcan Soggy Joe. He had his replacement already on hand with Nevin. This year I believe Nevin was rehired simply because of the uncertainty of the team sale. Now that Arte has agreed to a record payroll this year and Perry is in year 3 of a 4 year deal he’s probably going to be quick to pull the trigger if the Angels keep struggling. This would not be too far fetched considering that it’s been reported that Perry and Phil have been fighting over pitcher usage. if only Perry had someone close at hand who could step in to run this team.
I believe Perry thinks that guy is Bobby Valentine. Bobby V is an established manager with years of experience. Hes well revered in Japan and Perry’s known him since hes been a kid since I think Bobby and Perry’s Dad are BFF’s going back to their Ranger days. And to ever so sweeten the rumor mill, I was at the Angel game a few weeks back and despite the fact this was Bobby V’s off day , he was hanging out in the Diamond Club drinking a beer while intently watching the Game. I tried to strike up a conversation ( Im sure I was just some Schmo to him) but he was pretty focused on the action on the field. Not like a guy who’s just enjoying some baseball.
Now you may think this is a ridiculous idea considering Bobby V’s age but Valentine is actually one year YOUNGER than last years World Series winning manager Dusty Baker. And just like Baker I’m sure Bobby would love just one more opportunity to finally get that elusive World Series Trophy .
As Rex Fregosi astutely pointed out , this is the 50 year anniversary of Bobby Vs life changing horrific outfield accident here at the Big A. Im sure Valentine feels this is the perfect place for potentially getting redemption for all his past failures.
Now don’t get me wrong I’m not necessarily advocating this move, but I feel like Perrys in a no win situation as the team, despite the record payroll, looks like its starting its slow decent into oblivion. I’m sure the Phillies success last year after they fired Skeletor on June 2nd did not go unnoticed by Perry But of course if Perry does make a change at the helm and it blows up like so many have in the past , he wont be seeing the 2024 season as Angel GM anyways.
Interesting stuff to ponder.
How many losses in a row would it take for Phil Nevin to be fired. I propose 6. Over or under?
I asked ChatGPT who the most overrated Angels players were and…
Determining the most overrated players is subjective and can vary depending on personal opinions. However, here are a few players who have been subject to some debate regarding their level of play and popularity:
1. Gary Matthews Jr.: Matthews had a standout season with the Texas Rangers in 2006, earning him a big contract with the Los Angeles Angels. However, he struggled to replicate his success and failed to live up to the expectations associated with his contract. Many fans and analysts considered him overrated during his time with the Angels.
2. Josh Hamilton: While Hamilton had some excellent seasons with the Texas Rangers, his tenure with the Angels was marred by injuries and underperformance. He signed a lucrative contract with high expectations but failed to live up to them, leading to criticism and the perception of being overrated.
3. Mo Vaughn: Vaughn had an impressive career overall, including his time with the Boston Red Sox. However, after joining the Angels in 1999, he struggled with injuries and saw a significant drop in his performance. Some fans and critics believed he didn’t live up to the hype surrounding his arrival in Anaheim.
4. Vernon Wells: After having successful seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, Wells was traded to the Angels in 2011. Unfortunately, his performance declined significantly, and he struggled to produce at the level expected of him. This led to criticism and the perception of him being overrated.
It’s important to note that these players had their moments of success and made positive contributions to their respective teams. However, they have also been subject to criticism and labeled as overrated by some fans and analysts during their time with the Angels.
So Chat bot is partial to Grandpa? Its creator must have been a Cardinals fan.
Say What!!!!!
Sorry Grandpa BB I was referring to Grandpa GiDP
I had to disagree w/ its assessment of “overrated.” I told it to give me highly celebrated angel players not necessarily worthy of their high praise:
I apologize for the misunderstanding. If we consider overrated players as those who received high praise or recognition within the Angel organization, despite their statistical performance not fully justifying it, here are a few players who fit that criteria:
Bobby Grich: Grich was a solid player during his time with the Angels, but some argue that he may have been overrated in terms of the amount of praise he received. While he was a four-time All-Star with the Angels and won four Gold Glove Awards, his offensive numbers were not as impressive, and his overall impact may have been somewhat overstated.
Wally Joyner: Joyner burst onto the scene as a rookie with the Angels in 1986, earning the nickname “Wally World” and garnering significant attention. He had a strong start to his career, but his performance gradually declined in subsequent seasons. Despite this, he remained a fan favorite and received considerable praise, which some critics argue may have been disproportionate to his overall output.
Jim Edmonds: Edmonds was undoubtedly a talented player, known for his spectacular defensive plays and power hitting. However, some argue that his reputation and popularity in the Angel organization may have exceeded his actual statistical production. While he had some excellent seasons with the Angels, his overall offensive consistency and durability were not as strong.
(These are spicy takes by the robot)
Chat Bot is now dissing Grich and his lifetime .371 OBP?
Somebody needs to shut that MFer down before it’s too late.
Another reasont not listen to Bots.
I can see where automated strike zone (bka ROBOTS) will soon make us wax poetic about the “good old human element days” sigh
Houston walked off. Why can’t we do that? I am going to have a nightmare.
Houston based loaded no outs. Still one down. It almost reminds me of another MLB team going through similar situation.
Cubs are doing Cubs thing. Astros are only one down in the bottom of 9th.
Raisel Iglesias closed the win against Texas. Houston losing 6 to 3 in the last inning. National league central as a whole don’t look that good, but I do not mind them beating up our division rivals.
Not quite a walk off, but another homer to break tie in the top of 9th inning for Braves over Texas Rangers. If this score holds, Houston, Seattle, and Texas have all lost, which means I will sleep better tonight.
Little Correction: Houston’s game against Cubs is not done quite yet. Bottom 8th, Cubs leading 6-2.
You realize that the Angels are also in competition with the entire AL East, right? Look no further and you will find the 3 wild cards.
That’s the reason why I celebrated Mets for beating Tampa Bay. I cheer for any National league team to win against AL teams, especially East and West teams except Angels, of course.
Wow, 2 walk off homeruns in the last 3 minutes. Mets over Tampa Bay and Bluejays over Yankees. Why couldn’t Angels do that today?
Cuz they’re playing on the road.
Exactly!
Because of the curse
Because they changed the name of The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile to the F’ing Frankmobile.
https://www.foodandwine.com/oscar-mayer-wienermobile-name-change-frankmobile-7499287
Aw, nuts.
Shoulda been the Carlos Spicy Wienermoblie
Of curse!
What curse?
So far the Angels are failing their “prove it” year with Ohtani it appears.
Copy that. Perry is trying to improve without giving up assets, small surgical strikes while holding his chips close to the vest. Not a swing for the fence mentality. Perhaps he knows Ohtani is packing.
maybe arte should start playing hardball w ohtani and see if he really wants to be an angel. Give him a signing deadline.
This is what I posted earlier:
First and only condition for Ohtani to stay in Anaheim: Post season spot this year.
Money is not that important for Ohtani: Evidence #1 He came to the US before 25 yo and his first three years were for MLB minimums ($350K) until he became arbitration eligible. It is reported that he would have made at least $15 mil for first three years if he waited in Japan for 2 more years. Evidence #2 It is widely known that he does not spend for himself and save all the money he makes ($40 mil + another $40 mil from endorsements this year)
As long as Angels have possibility for post season on August 1, Arte will not trade Ohtani. If Angels do not make this season’s playoff, he will most likely go to another team. (Yes, that will make many Angels fans tremendously upset.) If Angels make the postseason, however, he will be willing make concessions with Arte; Ohtani more than anything else would like to win World Series. He will be like Tom Brady, who restructured his contract so that New England Patriots had more money to improve their offensive line. He understands that baseball is a team sport; he is keenly aware that Angels need to add better bullpen help (which he sees everyday), which requires money.
Isn’t that the same type of logic we have applied here to many, many FA’s? “He’s from here”, “He went to college here”, “He loves living here”, “The Beach” “GOAT MIKE TROUT IS HERE”, et al. Based on nothing but FEELZ! This is a business, not a “feel good fan favorite” Disney movie.
Ohtani is going to go where he is comfortable, has a chance to win, and makes the most money. Not who has the cheapest fare to Tokyo. All this feely BS about he doesn’t love money is kinda moot – he invested in himself, and tossed maybe 25 million for a half billion dollar (or more) payday.
Playoffs or not, I don’t see him signing here if they merely secure a 3 and out “Wild Card ribbon” spot. And fellow followers, do we want the trAdition of paying him 55 million as he declines (and he will someday) to hit .235 and chase “milestones”?
There is zero chance you know what is in Ohtani’s mind unless you are Ohtani. Are you? You are?! How frickin’ cool.
We can all guess what his thought process is. But none of us really have a clue.
I admit that I am quite naive and romantic to a fault. Ohtani has never disclosed his mind and has said what people wanted to hear.with media. That has not changed from when he was in Japan. That is another reason why he uses Ippei as an interpreter even though it is clear that he understands English pretty well. So, I have no idea what is on his mind. Everything I posted is all speculative and based on what I would like him to be.
He has insisted on being able to pitch and bat despite being told no many times. He has proven thus far he can do both. People call him a unicorn. So I was romanticizing that he would do something totally different, like take less money to be where he desires to be.
This is also a speculation, but Ohtani does not want to make enemy with other MLB players by taking less money thereby depressing free agency market; therefore he will take the highest money that will be offered.
He will take the highest offer from the team most likely to play late into the postseason while still remaining in a geographic region that he likes is my presumption/guess.
Probably the Dodgers.
I now understand why many Angels fans are upset that Angels did not trade him last year because Arte will not allow Shohei to be traded at this year’s deadline unless the team is out of contention like last year. Angels will be marching toward dooms day scenario where they will miss playoffs, Shohei will leave and Angels get nothing in return.
Bingo! (Unfortunately)
Brilliant! 🤣
I can still hear Reagins “if the player wants to be an Angel, he’s gonna be an Angel”
🤣🤣🤣🤣
”You have 5 minutes to decide”
I’ll be at Del Taco waiting for your answer
Though I want him to sign, nothing short of winning the post-season and WS in strong fashion is going to keep him with the Halos. I have already resolved myself to start crying now.
On the open market with certain overspending teams, the Halos won’t pay him a 10 year $575M contract. Though it benefited us in the long run, Texeira taught Arte not to be used in a bidding war.
The Angels have had the two best players in MLB for multiple years and haven’t come close to winning consistently. The question Ohtani needs to answer is what will be different in 2024, 2025, 2026, etc.
The biggest risk for retaining Ohtani is that he knows how Arte, Carpino, Perry and Nevin run the franchise. Ohtani and Trout are not the keys to winning. It’s the other 38 people on roster that will determine success or failure.
I’m ready to ditch the stupid fucking hat ceremony until the team actually wins some games against teams that don’t totally suck.
No shit, it’s dumb. Trout should have came back to the dugout and just grabbed it and sat the hat on the bench and told the team, “leave that fucking hat right there until you p****s hit the ball!” aka Kirk Gibson style.
That’s what a leader would do. Trout’s not a leader.
It’s not that Trout isn’t a leader per se – it’s just that he is a 9 year kid in a grown ups body b
Sure, but how relevant are those antics? I’m not convinced either way.
The counter is that Trout has been doing his best Phillips impersonation for about 2
weeks. He hits a game tying
homer and is happy to get back on track.
It’s trite, but these guys, particularly Mike Trout and Taylor Ward need to be more productive at the plate.
Every team now has their own unique way of celebrating homers. I am certain that many of us Angels fans witnessed Orioles water theme to their antics, different for single, double, triple and homerun. I don’t think managers mind them because these seemingly outrageous acts solidify the players. I guess it is camaraderie. They help alleviate some of the psychological stress they are constantly under.
Yes, all MLB players get paid a lot of money to play children’s game, but they are also human beings. They experience the same angst and frustrations that we display and describe on our site when they lose. I was encouraged that Mike Trout did make adjustment for high and outside pitch today to hit a homerun. Ward did hit a sharp line drive at his first at bat, which was caught by Cedric Mullins. Shohei did not do shit the past two days though it looks like his timing is off slightly. Yet, most of us agree that this is the best assembled team since the last time Angels made the post season. I will be back early tomorrow morning again to cheer for Angels victory.
Right on.
It is remarkable that Orioles scored all of their runs after two outs. Also, first one was a lead off walk followed by a wild pitch, and second one after failed double play at the first base, and the first base runner steals and scores after two out single.
Our opponents run on us while we do not run on them. I have read on this site that 2002 Angels ran a lot and won the World Series. We got some fast players. Let’s use them.
The first run got on a gift walk base because Eli couldn’t catch a strike so Canning didnt get the call.
I do remember that. The umpire missed a lot of strike calls for Canning. And Angels batters got many outside the zone called strikes. I usually do not complain of umpiring, that rookie umpire was clearly biased against the Angels.
4 hits. That’s all we could muster.
Conspiracy theory…sound just like someone else on this site, J.F.
This team needs an extreme gut check. They are just showing up and picking up their paychecks.
I’m thinking hormone checks to determine if any of them are producing testosterone
Remember when we were tied with Texas for the division lead? Yeah, good times!!
Ah, .500. The halos warm and fuzzy cats meow.
Win tomorrow and we come home over .500
That’s all I got.
Where are those Damn Clouds?
I keep reminding myself we were 73-89 last season. Don’t expect to jump from 73-89 to the playoffs, just hope to see some real improvement.
So far, same ol angels. Just losing more spectacularly this season more often.
But some of the wins were also spectacular.
Very true but the implosions are outweighing the explosions right now.
74 wins?
I’d bet the under at this point.