It is tough to come up with a solid theme for this week’s column. So let’s just spray to all fields and see if a theme develops.
The Freeway Series showed just how big of a talent gap exists between the Angels and the world champs. Just go position by position and realize we only have one position player who would make their team. Two if they move Neto to second base.
That was not just a sweep, that was a beat down. Here is the measure of the destruction in key numbers.
I was texting with my friends during that season and one mentioned the packed house at the Big A. Then I thought “and everybody seems to watch these games.” So I got curious and looked into the overall attendance and ratings boost of the Freeway Series and the numbers are huge.
And now onto something completely different. I’ve known since the Cactus League that I had the ability to ask for press credentials to the Angels and simply had not done it. I signed up for Tuesday and was approved. I then received an email from the Angels rep who approved my Spring Training credential and invited me to the preseason food and merchandise event who told me the Angels were hosting a group of at risk youth that day. She saw my name on the list and would love for me to give the event some coverage.
So I did.
That’s my shot of Adell in the dugout. I was in the dugout and I spoke with Jo Adell, who once again was a great guy. I also spoke with Gubi, another great guy. I walked so close to Trout our shoulders almost brushed then stood about 5 feet from the cage while he took BP.
I also saw Salmon quite a bit. He is definitely the mayor of Angels land. Here is a shot of him talking hitting with Zach Neto and Wayne Randazzo. Keep in mind this is just hours after Neto hit his amazing 2 run shot that that gave the Angels a walk off win after being no hit for 8 innings.
The event was incredible and I had a chance to speak with a lady from DA’s office and a couple of teachers and kids.
Here is my piece which includes the quotes I directly got from Adell and Gubi. Real journalism! It was a great experience and one I will do again.
I was initially surprised when security told me to head to the dugout, but I also didn’t hesitate. Walking through that tunnel, seeing the sun, then the Angels on the field was an incredible experience. I tried to stay professional, but come on, that’s a dream. I wasn’t quite sure I was in the right spot then I saw Trent Rush and I’ll again attest he’s a good dude. He reached his hand out, said “good to see you again” and made me feel welcomed.
None of this would be possible if Rev didn’t send me an invite to write at HH and you guys/gals being so great. I share this story not to brag but to hopefully make you feel like a part of the journey.
I will say the press box is lame. Quiet as a library. All you hear is clicking of keys. When Trout hit a bomb I instinctively stood up then realized I was the only one doing so. The pregame part of being press is ridiculously cool but covering the actual game turns something that is fun into work.
The focus here really should be on the OC GRIP program and the good it does in the community. The teachers, kids, and law enforcement personnel all gushed praise on it. The team might suck, but this is important work and they deserve kudos for doing it.
Easily the most notable thing at Angels games are the chants of “Sell the team!” and “Arte sucks!” With an empty stadium, the chants can clearly be heard all around the Big A and on the broadcasts.
I feel bad for the players hearing them, but does Arte hear them?
There are some fun things happening on the farm. MLB.com named their best surprise for each club this week.
I’m starting to imagine this swing in Anaheim soon.
An outfield rework is critical. Mike Trout is no longer a high quality defender in center field, Josh Lowe is abysmal in left field, and Jo Adell should probably be traded. He has two years of club control remaining and the Angels will not be good within two years.
From around baseball:
We are one month away from the draft. Here are 6 burning questions.
Prep for the draft (and watch more entertaining baseball) by diving into the college game. The conference tournaments are in progress and ESPN has a ton of coverage.
Enjoy your weekend and link what I missed. This Monday we take time to honor those who gave their lives so we can be safe and talk about trivial things like baseball. I will see my family for the first time in a few months and can’t wait to give my little nephews hugs.
Side note: writing post game articles here is fun but it also takes up time. Charles and John are doing a lot and could use some help. So if you’d like to pick up a game or two per week, please let us know. As you can tell the recaps can be short, long, sarcastic, funny, or just the facts. We’d appreciate any help.
