Results tagged ‘ Mariners ’

Game 40: Angels-Padres …

Greetings from gorgeous San Diego and massive PETCO Park, site of the Angels’ first Interleague game of the year …

Angels (17-22)

Mike Trout, CF
Maicer Izturis, 3B
Albert Pujols, 1B
Mark Trumbo, RF
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Vernon Wells, LF
Erick Aybar, SS
Bobby Wilson, C
Jered Weaver, SP

Padres (14-25)

Will Venable, RF
Cameron Maybin, CF
Chase Headley, 3B
Yonder Alonso, 1B
Jesus Guzman, LF
John Baker, C
Everth Cabrera, SS
Alexi Amarista, 2B
Jeff Suppan, SP

Some pregame notes …

  • The Angels are just going to have to deal with the fact they won’t have Kendrys Morales‘ bat in the lineup during these road Interleague games … or are they? Pujols told Mike Scioscia recently about playing third base, which he did for seven games last year and spent a good portion of his first two big league seasons at. Scioscia said, “We’re a long way off,” from seeing Albert at 3B and it won’t happen this weekend. But it could happen during that six-game stretch from June 8-13, when the Angels play in Colorado and Arizona. That would allow Scioscia to get Pujols, Morales and Trumbo in the same lineup. … Who needs defense?
  • Back to Albert. It’s not just that he’s hit home runs the last couple of days. It’s the way he’s hit those home runs that make you think he might — just might — be starting to turn it around. The one off Gavin Floyd saw him keep his hands in on a fastball and drive it to left-center field. The one off Chris Sale was on a high fastball that he stayed back on and drove right up the middle. “The way he puts it,” Scioscia said, “he feels really comfortable about the process and where he’s going to end up. He says that when he gets there, you’ll see a big difference.”
  • Ernesto Frieri is right back where it all started, just two weeks after being acquired for infielder Alexi Amarista. In case you hadn’t noticed, Frieri hasn’t allowed a hit and has struck out 10 batters — 10! — in his first 4 2/3 innings with the Angels. Amarista is playing second base and will stay there now that Orlando Hudson has been released.

Some Angels links from Thursday …

  • C.J. Wilson can’t find strike zone, defense can’t find fly balls, offense can’t find firepower — Halos give one away to White Sox
  • Torii Hunter won’t return until the situation surrounding his son is resolved
  • Notebook, on the spark Trout has given the Angels and the production Izturis and Alberto Callaspo are providing in the 2 spot
  • Justice: Dismissing coaches never easy

Some AL West links …

And things are not looking good for my Heat right now.

– Alden

Game 39: White Sox-Angels …

White Sox (17-21)

Alejandro De Aza, CF
Gordon Beckham, 2B
Adam Dunn, 1B
Paul Konerko, DH
Alex Rios, RF
A.J. Pierzynski, C
Alexei Ramirez, SS
Dayan Viciedo, LF
Brent Morel, 3B

Pitching: RH Chris Sale (3-2, 3.08 ERA)

Angels (17-21)

Mike Trout, RF
Maicer Izturis, SS
Albert Pujols, 1B
Mark Trumbo, DH
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Vernon Wells, LF
Alberto Callaspo, 3B
Peter Bourjos, CF
John Hester, C

Pitching: LH C.J. Wilson (4-3, 3.42 ERA)

Some pregame notes …

  • Pujols has driven in 12 runs in his last 10 games, after driving in just five runs in his previous 27.
  • Last night was the first time manager Mike Scioscia trotted out the same lineup on consecutive days all season.
  • Callaspo has six multi-hit games in his last 10. Scioscia, on the platoon (of sorts) between Callaspo and Izturis, which has been working for him a lot better: “It’s primarily on-base percentage what we’re looking for. In that 2-hole, when you look statistically, Howie’s been really comfortable hitting in an RBI situation, whether it’s fifth or sixth, and in the 2-hole, he’s maybe not as comfortable, statistically. … I think the options we have for on-base percentage, with Mike Trout leading off, for the 2-hole, the best options we have is Izturis and Callaspo. … It hasn’t shown up yet, but I think if you look at what the top of the lineups have done, we are creating more situations.”
  • The Angels are 16-4 when scoring four runs or more and 1-17 when scoring three or fewer.
  • The Angels have gone five straight games (51 straight innings) without an error.

Some Angels links from Wednesday …

Some AL West links …

And the Heat’s supporting cast will have to step up today.

– Alden

Game 37: A’s-Angels …

Athletics (19-17)

Jemile Weeks, 2B
Cliff Pennington, SS
Josh Reddick, RF
Seth Smith, LF
Kila Ka’aihue, DH
Josh Donaldson, 3B
Daric Barton, 1B
Kurt Suzuki, C
Collin Cowgill, CF

Pitching: RH Bartolo Colon (3-3, 3.96 ERA)

Angels (15-21)

Mike Trout, CF
Alberto Callaspo, 3B
Albert Pujols, 1B
Kendrys Morales, DH
Mark Trumbo, RF
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Vernon Wells, LF
Erick Aybar, SS
Bobby Wilson, C

Pitching: RH Ervin Santana (1-6, 5.09 ERA)

Some pregame notes …

  • Angels manager Mike Scioscia didn’t want to go into any detail on Torii Hunter‘s situation. Asked for any updates, he said: “Same thing, personal issue. No update.”
  • Scioscia, on Colon being able to throw 38 consecutive strikes the last time he faced the Angels: “It wasn’t like he was throwing four-seam fastballs down the middle and saying, ‘Hey, here’s a strike.’ He had uncanny command, he had uncanny movement with a lot of two-seamers and was able to really hit spots. He turns his fastball into three or four different looks. It was just a ridiculous amount of strikes he threw, but they were all quality pitches with good movement.”
  • Asked Scioscia about the possibility of hitting Pujols lower in the lineup while he tries to figure some things out. Here’s what he said: “You’d only consider that if it was going to be a means to a better end. We don’t see that as anything that’s going to get us there right now. One thing is, is you look at some different lineup considerations, we definitely feel better to grind it out with where Albert is now.”

Some Angels links from Monday …

Some AL West links …

And with Chris Bosh out, the Heat will be tested.

– Alden

Game 36: A’s-Angels …

Athletics (18-17)

Jemile Weeks, 2B
Cliff Pennington, SS
Josh Reddick, RF
Jonny Gomes, DH
Seth Smith, LF
Josh Donaldson, 3B
Daric Barton, 1B
Kurt Suzuki, C
Collin Cowgill, CF

Pitching: RH Tyson Ross (1-3, 7.71 ERA)

Angels (15-20)

Mike Trout, CF
Maicer Izturis, 2B
Albert Pujols, 1B
Kendrys Morales, DH
Mark Trumbo, RF
Alberto Callaspo, 3B
Vernon Wells, LF
Erick Aybar, 2B
Bobby Wilson, C

Pitching: RH Dan Haren (1-3, 4.19 ERA)

Some pregame notes …

  • The Angels placed outfielder Torii Hunter on the restricted list so he can handle what the club called a “personal matter.” Hunter’s 17-year-old son, Darius McClinton-Hunter, was one of five arrested in Prospect, Texas, on charges of sexual assault. It’s not known how long Hunter will be out at this point.
  • To take his place on the roster, the Angels called up LHH outfielder Ryan Langerhans from Triple-A Salt Lake. Langerhans wasn’t with the club by the time they were taking BP, but was expected to be available for the series opener.
  • Trumbo will see the bulk of the playing time in right field while Hunter is away. If Peter Bourjos, Trumbo and Trout are in the same outfield, manager Mike Scioscia said, it would be Trumbo (stronger arm) in RF and Trout in LF.
  • Situations like this, it sure is good to have a guy like Trumbo who can bounce around and give you production at different positions. “His numbers are good everywhere he plays, but I think as opposed to sitting here on the bench or going out and playing a different position than he has before, he’s fine with playing a different position,” Scioscia said. “He understands the situation, he’s a good athlete, and he’s shown well in the corner outfields and first base and been able to pick up third base, so we’ll see how it goes.”
  • Scioscia, on Pujols (.196/.234/.275): “There’s a lot of video tape that [Mickey Hatcher is] poring through, we’ve pored through, Albert has pored through, and really, there’s indicators on both sides of the fence as to what he’s doing when he swings well and what he’s doing when he’s not so locked in. The key is the feel in the batter’s box. And Albert’s searching for a feel. … There’s not one clone to how he needs to look at the box. It comes into him getting a comfort level, getting a feel in the box, and once he gets that, just running with it. Because once he gets it, it stays for a long time.”
  • Scioscia doesn’t anticipate any problems with Haren (tight lower back) tonight.

Some Angels links from Sunday …

Some AL West links …

And the Heat beat the Pacers in Game 1 of their second-round series, but Chris Bosh is now out indefinitely.

– Alden

Game 32: Angels-Twins …

The Angels will look to finally get a run for poor Ervin Santana. They’ve been shutout in each of his last five starts, making him the first pitcher since at least 1974 to suffer such fate, according to STATS LLC …

Angels (13-18)

Mike Trout, CF
Alberto Callaspo, 3B
Albert Pujols, 1B
Kendrys Morales, DH
Torii Hunter, RF
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Vernon Wells, LF
Erick Aybar, SS
Bobby Wilson, C

Pitching: RH Santana (0-6, 5.59 ERA)

Twins (8-21)

Denard Span, CF
Brian Dozier, SS
Joe Mauer, 1B
Josh Willingham, LF
Ryan Doumit, DH
Danny Valencia, 3B
Erik Komatsu, RF
Drew Butera, C
Jamey Carroll, 2B

Pitching: RH Carl Pavano (2-2, 4.62 ERA)

Some pregame notes …

  • Scott Downs (left knee) is available today as closer, manager Mike Scioscia said.
  • Dan Haren said his lower back was feeling a little better today, after he struggled with it during last night’s start. He doesn’t expect to miss a start, as he said Tuesday night, but will take it easy today. The off day surely helps.
  • Scioscia on David Pauley, who had four shutout innings out of the bullpen on Tuesday: “It was very impressive. And I think what was more impressive was that he got into his game and you saw him pitch a little more, as his outing went on, he really pitched well. He threw some pretty good breaking balls, he’s got a good changeup and sinker, and I think the last couple innings, it was really reminiscent of what we saw him do in Seattle.”
  • The seven shutout through 31 games not only leads the Majors. It’s the most the Angels have ever had that early in a season. “I don’t know if there’s going to be a reason for everything, but it’s just that seven times this year we haven’t gotten it done like we need to,” Scioscia simply said.
  • Peter Bourjos has now started just twice in his last 11 games. More on that later.

Some Angels links from Tuesday …

Some AL West links …

And the Heat look to finish off the Knicks tonight.

– Alden

Game 31: Angels-Twins …

It didn’t look very promising earlier, but the skies have opened up, the rain is gone and the field is dry. Looks like we’ll get this game in no problem (fingers crossed) …

Angels (13-17)

Mike Trout, CF
Alberto Callaspo, 3B
Albert Pujols, 1B
Torii Hunter, RF
Mark Trumbo, DH
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Vernon Wells, LF
Erick Aybar, SS
Chris Iannetta, C

Pitching: RH Dan Haren (1-2, 3.43 ERA)

Twins (7-21)

Erik Komatsu, CF
Brian Dozier, SS
Joe Mauer, 1B
Josh Willingham, LF
Ryan Doumit, DH
Danny Valencia, 3B
Trevor Plouffe, RF
Drew Butera, C
Jamey Carroll, 2B

Pitching: LH Scott Diamond

Some pregame notes …

  • Scott Downs says he feels “very lucky,” after finding out that he only has a bruise in the back of his left knee and won’t have to go on the disabled list. Mike Scioscia said he could be available — as his closer — today or tomorrow. Huge sigh of relief for a bullpen that came in with the second-highest ERA in baseball.
  • The rotation for the Texas series is official, with C.J. Wilson getting the start in the opener on Friday, opposite Yu Darvish — the man the Rangers essentially chose to spend their money on instead. The staff had been throwing so well collectively (2.26 ERA in the last 17 games) that he didn’t want to change anything. Jerome Williams and Jered Weaver will follow.
  • Jered Weaver got his wish. He got to do David Letterman‘s Top 10 today. He was up here near the press box for about 30 minutes taping it. The subject was: “Top 10 Signs You’ll Never Throw A No-Hitter.” No. 1 was supposed to be: Because you play for the New York Mets.” But they changed it. For a sneak peek, click here.
  • Kendrys Morales is fine health-wise, by the way. Not in the lineup for a second straight day due to back-to-back opposing lefty starters. I’ll have more on that later.

Some Angels links from Monday …

Some AL West links …

And the Heat are kicking themselves for not closing out the Knicks in four. They should.

-- Alden

Game 30: Twins-Angels …

This is not a re-run. The Angels really are playing the Twins again. Promise. …

Angels (12-17)

Maicer Izturis, SS
Alberto Callaspo, 3B
Albert Pujols, 1B
Torii Hunter, RF
Mark Trumbo, DH
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Vernon Wells, LF
Chris Iannetta, C
Peter Bourjos, CF

Pitching: RH Jered Weaver (4-0, 1.61 ERA)

Twins (7-20)

Denard Span, CF
Brian Dozier, SS
Joe Mauer, C
Ryan Doumit, DH
Danny Valencia, 3B
Chris Parmelee, 1B
Trevor Plouffe, RF
Erik Komatsu, LF
Jamey Carroll, 2B

Pitching: LH Francisco Liriano (0-4, 9.97 ERA)

Some pregame notes …

  • LaTroy Hawkins (broken pinkie finger suffered while fielding game-ending comebacker) was placed on the disabled list, with veteran right-hander David Pauley (signed to a Minor League deal in late March) getting called up from Triple-A Salt Lake to take his place. The usual recovery time from a broken pinkie is roughly 4-6 weeks, but the Angels will re-evaluate Hawkins in two weeks to see where he’s at.
  • The Angels are hopeful Scott Downs will avoid a DL stint, after suffering a bruise on the back of his left knee while trying to get out of the way of a comebacker. Downs will rejoin the team today, but there’s still no telling when he’ll rejoin the pitcher’s mound.
  • Until Downs returns, manager Mike Scioscia said the ninth inning will be done “a little bit by committee,” with Ernesto Frieri and Jordan Walden both getting looks back there.
  • Weaver was named American League Player of the Week (surprisingly for the first time in his career) for his no-hitter on Wednesday night.
  • Scioscia, on eventually giving Kendrys Morales more at-bats against opposing lefties (3-for-13 against them this year): “The schedule gives you some built-in looks to give him a little time off to make sure that he’s staying fresh. He’s played a stretch of games and he’s come out of it fine. We definitely want him to get some looks against lefties also; it’s just a matter of where our pieces can fit.”
  • Pauley, a 28-year-old with a good sinker, posted a 2.15 ERA in 39 games for the Mariners last year, but a 5.95 ERA in 14 games for the Tigers. Pauley had another Minor League deal from the Blue Jays, but chose the Angels because “there was an opportunity to come and play, and that’s all I really wanted.”

Angels links from Sunday …

Some AL West links …

And the Heat failed to close out the Knicks on Sunday.

– Alden

Game 27: Blue Jays-Angels …

Blue Jays (15-11)

Kelly Johnson, 2B
Yunel Escobar, SS
Jose Bautista, RF
Adam Lind, 1B
Edwin Encarnacion, DH
Eric Thames, LF
Brett Lawrie, 3B
Colby Rasmus, CF
Jeff Mathis, C

Pitching: RH Henderson Alvarez (1-2, 3.62 ERA)

Angels (10-16)

Mike Trout, CF
Maicer Izturis, 3B
Albert Pujols, 1B
Kendrys Morales, DH
Torii Hunter, RF
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Mark Trumbo, LF
Erick Aybar, SS
Bobby Wilson, C

Pitching: RH Ervin Santana (0-5, 6.16 ERA)

Some pregame notes …

  • The Dodgers finalized their deal with former Angels outfielder Bobby Abreu, who was released last week. “It was a tough decision, and there was no doubt that he was going to settle into a place to play,” manager Mike Scioscia said. “He can still do a lot of things on the baseball field.”
  • Braves third baseman Chipper Jones weighed in on Pujols’ slump (as passed along by colleague Mark Bowman). Here’s what he said: “It happens to everybody.  At some point in everybody’s career, they’re going to struggle. Albert made this game look easy for an awful long time. But no matter how good you are, at some point you’re going to go through one of these stretches. While I don’t share everybody’s concern with Albert’s slump, I know Albert is going to bounce back just fine. When he does get out of it, I’m glad we don’t play him. He’s experiencing what us mere mortals have experienced for years.”
  • Kevin Jepsen was optioned to Triple-A in order to make room for new reliever Ernesto Frieri.
  • Scioscia said he expects Frieri to pitch “later in the game as opposed to the middle,” saying: “All reports point to a guy who really will fit into our bullpen and be able to be a part of the component that’s going to hold leads for us.”
  • Chris Iannetta is not in the lineup for a second straight game due to some swelling he’s nursing in his right hand/wrist, suffered on a hit by pitch on Wednesday. He’s expected to be back out there Saturday and Scioscia said he’d be available to pinch-hit tonight.
  • The Angels have been involved in a shutout each of the last three games (2 wins, 1 loss) for the first time since 1989. They’ve never been involved in four in a row.

Angels links from Thursday …

Some AL West links …

And the Miami Heat took a commanding 3-0 series lead on the Knicks last night.

– Alden

Game 25: Twins-Angels …

Twins (6-17)

Denard Span, CF
Alexi Casilla, 2B
Joe Mauer, DH
Josh Willingham, LF
Ryan Doumit, C
Chris Parmelee, 1B
Trevor Plouffe, 3B
Clete Thomas, RF
Jamey Carroll, SS

Pitching: RH Liam Hendriks (0-1, 6.89 ERA)

Angels (9-15)

Erick Aybar, SS
Vernon Wells, LF
Albert Pujols, 1B
Kendrys Morales, DH
Torii Hunter, RF
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Mark Trumbo, 3B
Chris Iannetta, C
Peter Bourjos, CF

Pitching: RH Jered Weaver (3-0, 2.02 ERA)

Some pregame notes …

  • Not the ideal lineup in terms of on-base percentage in front of Pujols today. Aybar and Wells have a combined (meaning, adding the two numbers up) OBP of .486. Pretty good for one player. Not so much for two. For Wells, it’s his first start in the 2-hole since 2007. Angels manager Mike Scioscia said he’s trying to get more power at the top, saying: “We’re kind of going caveman on this lineup, just trying to go big.”
  • Scioscia, on the confidence of winning back-to-back wins: “There was a little bit of frustration to our start, but that points to a team with confidence because I don’t think you’d have any frustration if you weren’t confident. But these guys know they can play better. It’s good to get a couple of wins, and hopefully we can carry that momentum moving forward.
  • Mike Trout ran a 3.53 from home to first base on a bunt single yesterday. Scioscia and third-base coach Dino Ebel each said that’s the fastest they’ve ever seen.
  • Bobby Cassevah, activated off the DL and optioned to Salt Lake recently, has given up five runs in nine Minor League innings, good for a 5.00 ERA, including three runs in Triple-A on April 21. Asked if Cassevah is close to rejoining the Angels, Scioscia said: “I think his game is close. We’ll see how things pans out, but I think his game is more in line with what we saw when he was up here. He had a ways to go. He was really set back and it takes guys time to work their way back into their stuff and their command and everything.”

Some Angels links from Tuesday …

Some AL West links …

And former Dolphins, and prominent Chargers, linebacker Junior Seau died today. Tragic news.

– Alden

Game 24: Twins-Angels …

Twins (6-16)

Denard Span, CF
Alexi Casilla, 2B
Joe Mauer, DH
Josh Willingham, LF
Danny Valencia, 3B
Ryan Doumit, C
Chris Parmelee, 1B
Clete Thomas, RF
Jamey Carroll, SS

Pitching: LH Francisco Liriano (0-3, 11.02 ERA)

Angels (8-15)

Mike Trout, CF
Alberto Callaspo, 3B
Albert Pujols, 1B
Torii Hunter, RF
Mark Trumbo, DH
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Vernon Wells, LF
Erick Aybar, SS
Chris Iannetta, C

Pitching: RH Jerome Williams (1-1, 5.51 ERA

Some pregame notes …

  • One day after Pujols was evidently peeved details of his involvement in a hitters’ meeting got out, he and Mickey Hatcher have moved on.
  • Peter Bourjos has started just one of the last five games and it may not get any better with Trout playing center field every day. When asked if a demotion to Triple-A has been discussed, manager Mike Scioscia said: “I think there’s a huge role for Peter on our club. If it’s not playing seven days a week, there’s going to be playing time for him here, and he definitely makes our team deeper. We’ll see how it progresses. Right now we want him to fit into our team and hopefully make us stronger.”
  • Scott Downs is available today after converting a four-out save last night.
  • As for what the dynamic between Downs and Jordan Walden is in the ninth right now, Scioscia said: “The bottom line is we need arms in the back end of our ‘pen holding leads, and it has to be more than Scott Downs. So, whether Jordan goes back to being closer, which his stuff plays really well in the closer’s role, or if Scott Downs just takes off and runs with it and becomes a closer and somebody like Jordan Walden becomes a setup [man], we need depth at the back end of our bullpen.” Scioscia didn’t dismiss the possibility of Downs remaining as closer, but said the ideal situation is for Walden to be closer and Downs to be able to match up in the seventh and eighth.
  • Kendrick has now been out of the 2 spot for back-to-back games, and it appears it’ll stay that way for a while. “I think right now, hitting in the 6 hole is really good for him because he’s going to get RBI opportunities,” Scioscia said.

Some Angels links from Monday …

Some AL West links …

And Knicks forward Amar’e Stoudemire will miss at least Game 3 against the Heat after punching a fire extinguisher.

– Alden

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