ALCS Game 1: John Lackey @ CC Sabathia
ALCS Game 2: Joe Saunders @ A.J. Burnett
According to the Angels' own website, pitchers John Lackey and Joe Saunders will be the starters in ALCS games 1 and 2 at Yankee Stadium. The assumed Yankee pitchers in those games will be CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. The logic of starting Saunders is two-fold: Lefties pace good at the billion-dollar-Bronx-bandbox and Angel Righty Weaver dominates on his home turf, where Games 3 and 4 are scheduled to take place.
While the Angels have many choices in great pitchers, the Yankees are hindered in a laughable dropoff in starting pitcher strength after their "Initial" two starters. The Bronx Bust may have to gas-out the obese Sabathia while the Halos have a luxury of four able-bodied starters in reserve in Matt Palmer, Ervin Santana, Scott Kazmir and Jered Weaver.
0 recs | 107 comments
Great call
sets up for Weaver at home in game 3. Having him pitch at home is a better fit for WEaver and to top it off he is 5-1 in day games.
I like it alot
P237 - October 13, 2009
This is the right call
Saunders has all the right splits – he’s a lefty and he has a good GB/FB ratio. Given Kazmir’s start against Boston, I’m worried that there are some lingering arm problems. His velocity was way down and he couldn’t seem to locate his offspeed stuff.
Colonel is the way to go!
Gorbachav5 - October 13, 2009
and Saundo is well rested
SCHalo - October 13, 2009
I am good with this.
hauldog - October 13, 2009
I wonder who the people who voted no thought would be better.
opiejeanne - October 13, 2009
Most likely Kazmir.
hauldog - October 13, 2009
He might be good in New York. Saunders has been very good recently.
opiejeanne - October 13, 2009
You never know with the lurkers, they just like to vote and nothing else.
Then you always have fans from other team sites that like to mess with the polls.
44FAN - October 13, 2009
i like it
give Kaz time to recover from his Boston outing…and Saundo is pitching really good
Angels_48 - October 13, 2009
Unreal
They are relying on CC Sabathia to win 2 games, potentially 3 if the series is stretched out. I’m losing sleep, continuously pondering whether he will be an ALCS bust again.
The Yankees signed the guy, thinking he is an absolute iron man, but if I recall correctly, his stuff is not electric in terms of movement. He throws BBs, which our guys are good at waiting on. Burnett is a good pitcher against us, but nothing fabulous. Pettitte has a losing history against our squad, but still a threat. I believe Pettitte has been knocked around more than he has pilfered holes through the line up. Now Chad Gaudin, he also has a history against us, mostly his Oakland days though. That guy scares me in whatever fashion he is used because he has solid stuff.
I try to believe that the Red Sox just were not good this post season but then everything points to the Angels just being awesome and playing inspired ball. Boston had every opportunity to beat our closer in game 3 too, but Fuentes’ post season form seems to be in tact. Hopefully that inspiration will not be expired this series!
Vlad Dracul - October 13, 2009
Sabathia post season ERA 6.54
in 5 post season series.
Pettitte 3.89 but no more HGH for him so who knows who shows up against us.
Burnett 1.50 ERA in one series.
Philip Hughes is so so but is one of those California kids. Those guys tend to beat our asses.
Vlad Dracul - October 13, 2009
You've got to be kidding me
This is a horrible idea. If we want to throw a lefty against New York, why not Scott Kazmir. He has ace stuff, had a sub 2 ERA since coming over from Tampa, and has the best record and history against the Yankees.
Saunders has given up way too many HR’s this season to believe he’ll keep the ball out of the stands in New York. The only way this is a good idea is if it’s too darn cold for the Yankees to hit the ball out, then Saunders seems like the best option, but I highly doubt it.
Bad call Mike, bad call.
Angelwood - October 13, 2009
Weaver is a fly ball pitcher and Kaz is coming off a rough start
Saundo pitching well. I don’t see how this doesn’t make sense.
linkbruin - October 13, 2009
Not sure about that one
Saunders has a good road record and is an east coast boy. I think I saw a graphic yesterday on MLB Network and Saunders was in top 10 in road wins, which may be why Mike uses him here.
Vlad Dracul - October 13, 2009
Kazmir allows about as many flyballs as Weaver
Saunders has a better chance of keeping the ball on the ground, where it can’t go over any outfield walls. Flyballs are a big problem in that tiny stadium. This has to be the right call—I’m actually somewhat surprised Scioscia took this into consideration. Usually he goes with his gut, not with the numbers.
Suboptimal - October 13, 2009
And welcome to HH.
AlanFalcon - October 13, 2009
Kazmir's ace stuff
Has gone the way of the dinosaur the last 3 weeks. You can argue ERA all you want, but in his last 6 starts (including Sunday), Kaz has struck out 19 guys in 36 innings. When you’re a “power pitcher” who gives up a lot of fly balls, that’s not a good thing. Something tells me that Kazmir is hurting again, or at least has a tired arm.
Saunders has struck out 19 in 37 innings, but he’s also not a strikeout pitcher. He gets quite a few groundballs. And he’s been just as good as Kaz the last month and a half.
Gorbachav5 - October 13, 2009
I approve of this.
Unless Saundo pitches like shit, in which case I will say I did not approve of this.
clover_black - October 13, 2009
Ha, nice!
Clutch - October 13, 2009
I agree with you.
Unless you are wrong, in which case I disagree with you.
Stirrups - October 13, 2009
I think that this is great.
I really like our man Saunders, especially late this season as he got stronger and stronger. Scioscia is showing a lot of confidence in him, which I think will help Saunders.
The Angels can win this.
RubixsQube - October 13, 2009
I'm down with this
Now, would you guys like to know how I got ripped in 4 weeks?
Higz - October 13, 2009
P90 X
Vlad Dracul - October 13, 2009
Does it involve NEVER wearing a t-shirt and posing for pics with your best male friends?
SIgn me up.
clover_black - October 13, 2009
Bring the oil!
Higz - October 13, 2009
did i stumble onto the wrong board?
Downing Rules - October 13, 2009
That depends
How are your pecs?
Higz - October 13, 2009
The ladies want to know.
opiejeanne - October 13, 2009
Invested in derivitives?
Stirrups - October 13, 2009
Like this
SenorChuckles - October 13, 2009
Damn, sorry about that
SenorChuckles - October 13, 2009
If it won't be Palmer and Q, I like this option very much.
AlanFalcon - October 13, 2009
have you guys seen the start for game 3??????
Angels_48 - October 13, 2009
are you missing the word TIME?
Yes, and I LOVE IT! Declare it a holiday in SoCal! Playoff matinee, doesn’t get any better than that!
Downing Rules - October 13, 2009
This is the right call...
…and it makes me feel like Nostradamus
The Limey - October 13, 2009
See below
I type too slow on the iPhone to keep up.
BruinHalo - October 13, 2009 via mobile
Good call Limey but as picker extraordinaire of HH, I think Weaver will pitch game 3.
44FAN - October 13, 2009
I defer to your superior predictive skills, sir
The Limey - October 13, 2009
This MLB Fanhouse article says Scioscia has indicated Weaver will pitch Game 3
http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/13/angels-rotation-tilting-left-for-alcs/?tid=sbn
44FAN - October 13, 2009
In case you all weren't sure...
This decision by the Soth confirms all suspicisions that The Limey is really pulling the strings in that clubhouse.
Want evidence?
He thought of this idea and posted it hours ago. After I suggested he let Scioscia know, this information is released by the Angels website.
I rest my case.
BruinHalo - October 13, 2009 via mobile
I would rather have Kaz going in game 2
he has more experience and is on normal days rest. He has a good track record against the Yanks and I would love to see Saundo and Weave at home to close it out!
angelskid2210 - October 13, 2009
Quinland shown taking batting practice today
courtesy MLB Network
Vlad Dracul - October 13, 2009
-d
Harold Reynolds speculates that Philip Hughes DID NOT throw a cutter to the Angels lineup back on Sept 14 (15?) because the Yankees knew they would face the Angels, thus hiding is out pitch.
Al Leiter stroking AJ Burnett, Carlos Pena stroking Bobby Abreu, Reynolds stroking Philp Hughes.
Vlad Dracul - October 13, 2009
I once said, and I still feel this way, that of all our starters besides John Lackey
the one I have the most confidence will come up big and keep us in the game against another ace is Hokey Joe. Saving Jered for the home game is a good call, and getting ground balls against the Yanks in that stadium is hugely important.
TheOptimist - October 13, 2009
+1
The Colonel will lead us to victory.
Zu Long - October 13, 2009
CC is the key to the series
The Red Sox had two great starters, but the Yankees only have one. Burnett is just wild, his control was pathetic the other day. Pettitte is probably not reliable either at this point, and I seem to remember the Angels always handing him his ass. After that, it’s like, Chad fucking Gaudin? He’s been released, signed to a minor league deal, and traded outright for cash, all in the last six months.
So they have to rely on CC to pitch three games for them. He was terrible in his last regular season start and merely okay in the division series. The Twins hit him, but they had a lineup full of rally-killers. He chewed up the likes of Matt Tolbert and Delmon Young, but the Angels don’t have any black holes in their offense (unless Mathis is playing). It will be particularly interesting if Girardi starts him on short rest in Game 4. He’s already thrown a lot of innings this year, and he didn’t respond well to three-days rest in the NLDS last year. If he doesn’t come through again, I think the Yankees are sunk.
Suboptimal - October 13, 2009
Mathis actually had a hig against Lester
that was wild
Vlad Dracul - October 13, 2009
Thank god for higs
The Limey - October 13, 2009
I'll say
Higz - October 13, 2009
They're stroking John Lackey now.
Despite being 5-7 with 5.44 ERA lifetime against NYY
Vlad Dracul - October 13, 2009
Even though that’s from the official site, it’s still just speculation.
"Saunders, who allowed two or fewer earned runs in seven of his last eight outings, wasn’t needed for Game 4 against the Red Sox in Boston and will be well rested if he draws the assignment at Yankee Stadium. He hasn’t pitched since Oct. 4 when he went five innings in Oakland."
Notice the IF. I guess they’re just like us. Sitting around on an off-day thinking of things to write about.
hittheg - October 13, 2009
I interrupt this blog-cast to bring you the following Papelbon fail moment...
http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=7041201&c_id=ana&topic_id=7222200
3rd Echelon - October 13, 2009
Still cannot believe it
If you watch the video closely, Abreu hits Figgins in the face with his hand when he runs across the plate
Vlad Dracul - October 13, 2009
Hahaha he did!
nice job pointing out
JoseGuillenSux - October 13, 2009
oh damn he sure does
mattwelch - October 13, 2009
ohh crap haha
he nails him lol
Angels_48 - October 13, 2009
I can watch that over and over and....
and NEVER get tired of it.
angelsfan777 - October 13, 2009
I like how the feed cuts off right before Buck says "they have TIED this game."
neochoa - October 14, 2009
games 6 and 7
so kazmir and lackey will go in games 4 and 5, and for games 6 and 7, if necessary, weaver can pitch game 6 on full rest. do you think weaver would get the call in game six or saunders? up 3-2, down 3-2, either way?
baseball667 - October 13, 2009
Home=weaver
Away=hokie joe
BruinHalo - October 13, 2009 via mobile
So...
I have no idea
BruinHalo - October 13, 2009 via mobile
Depends on how they've done so far, but....
…. I’d expect Saunders in Game 6, and then Lackey in Game 7. Weave is good for Game 1 of the World Series. Less good against left-handed sluggers playing on a Little League field.
mattwelch - October 13, 2009
No games 6 or 7 when we win in 4.
But….. if it comes to that, I say we blow everybody’s mind’s and show our depth by throwing out six starters this series. Lackey will feel bad if he doesn’t get two shots.
AlanFalcon - October 13, 2009
and 140 pitches in each one.
opiejeanne - October 13, 2009
Bullpen OPP AVG in Post season
Angels .147
Yankees .348
Vlad Dracul - October 13, 2009
Starter's ERA in the postseason
Angels 2.67
Yankees 1.42
And that’s with that stellar performance by Lackey. Yankees starters gave up a total of 3 earned runs and struck out 21 while walking 6. Also gave up 14 hits in 19 innings. Yankee pitching is doing just fine.
GMan83201 - October 14, 2009
The Yankees played Minnesota, the Angels played the Red Sox. Whole lot of difference between the two teams.
opiejeanne - October 14, 2009
I believe
In Scioscia we trust
mustard_man - October 13, 2009
Good video of Angels workout today right now on MLB Network
Ch. 213 on DirecTV
Saundo throwing in the pen
3rd Echelon - October 13, 2009
MLB Poll: Which LCS are you looking forward to?
ALCS: 58%
NLCS: 42%
3rd Echelon - October 13, 2009
I'm so excited about this series.
Last week I was nervous but this time I’m excited.
Not saying that it’s going to be easy but we can do this.
I expect it to be just as loud with Angels fans at game 3 & 4 as it was for games 1 and 2 against boston.
angelsfan777 - October 13, 2009
anyone else
buy world series tickets this morning? i got some for games 2 and 7
AnaheimHalos61 - October 13, 2009
No
Assuming a lot were put on hold for public sale but how knows
Vlad Dracul - October 13, 2009
Games 6 and 7...
Stoked. But i’d be happy to never see the games if the angels win sooner.
BruinHalo - October 13, 2009 via mobile
I made the mistake of trying to pick my section and game....
And I got shut down faster than the Red Sox in game 1. No tix for me.
AlanFalcon - October 13, 2009
Games 6 & 7. I am stoked!
LosAngel - October 13, 2009
Game 1. P237
red floyd - October 13, 2009
I tried....just wanted 1 ticket....
it took 15 minutes to process it and then it came up with nothing on my first choice. 2nd choice 15 minutes later (total 30 minutes) they were all gone. I’m a little bummed.
angelsfan777 - October 13, 2009
Almost the same here, except the tickets that came up on the second try were so high and so far down the right field line
that we’d need an oxygen tank. I suggested we buy them anyway and resell them through the appropriate vendor in order to buy better tickets, but my husband didn’t want to bother. I was at school or I would have done it.
opiejeanne - October 13, 2009
Game 2. P249. Two tix.
(and now the clock begins to tick on the wait for the phone call from Rubixs…)
Stirrups - October 13, 2009
we are in section 420 for game 1 and crappy seats for game 6 & 7
salmonforever - October 13, 2009
I fully expect to not be sitting in my seats,
but roaming the concourse, changing my view, meeting and screaming along with fellow fans.
Stirrups - October 13, 2009
I love to see CC pitch on short rest
Hopefully screws him for game 4 and if we need a game 7, he’ll be on full rest, but hopefully won’t have recovered from game 4. I think NY should go with a committee approach in game 4 since there is an off day after, but if they want to potentially ruin CC for the rest of the series, it sounds good to me.
LosAngel - October 13, 2009
Exactly my sentiment
They figure since they have so much $ invested in him, then they better utilize this. I’m hoping our hitters see that and just wait him out.
Maybe it will all blow up in Yankees’ face
Vlad Dracul - October 13, 2009
go angels...
beat those stinkling ass yankees
hurlerhurley - October 13, 2009
stinking ass yankees
to hell with Sabathia… light his ass up (like a pumpkin on halloween) for 6-7 runs
go angels…
hurlerhurley - October 13, 2009
It's the Angels against the world
That what it seems like
Vlad Dracul - October 13, 2009
Not the first time.
TheOptimist - October 14, 2009
in soth we trust
doesnt matter what we think
mikvitu - October 13, 2009
The Colonel has been great
i’m completely okay with this. Kaz also has some pretty bad numbers at Yankee Stadium, which really makes this good.
howiestheman - October 13, 2009
I Get It
I liked Kaz going second as well, but Saunders already has a ludicrous amount of rest built up. He’s got to get in there if he’s going to be any kind of sharp when we make it to the World Series.
The layoff between series is ridiculous. These set in stone schedules have created yawning gaps where no baseball happens when baseball should be THE sports topic.
Aside from hideous mustard/mud throwback unis.
Kernel - October 13, 2009
Got game 7 tickets for World Series should be interesting
Angelsrthebest101 - October 13, 2009
That should be a great day to watch the arrival of the victory parade!
Stirrups - October 13, 2009
On the Angels frontpage of their website Scoscia is saying what his rotation is until tomorrow
Angelsrthebest101 - October 13, 2009
*is not saying what his rotation is until tomorrow*
Angelsrthebest101 - October 13, 2009
Sorry if someone else posted this already, but it's so full of crap I just had to share it.
This is a post from Pinstripe Alley. http://www.pinstripealley.com/2009/10/13/1084133/side-by-side-matchups-yankees-vs
It is basically a side by side comparison of all players from Yankees and Angels. Here is what makes it hilarious. First he is using only the stats from the last month, which he believes is more indicative of the real numbers……(not the worst idea I have ever heard). However in his analysis whenever a Angel player is playing better the last month he explains it away as some kind of anomaly and gives the advantage to the Yankee player. Whenever the advantage goes to the Yankee player for the last month, but not for the whole season, he gives it to the Yankee player. Classic homerism / flawed logic.
Here are just a few tidbits:
So the recent information reigns supreme, got it.
Oh, OK, we are using the whole season now, got it.
Um, tentative advantage? I guess we are back to using recent numbers……not sure?
Ahhhh…. Damon is in a slump. I guess we will go back to the season numbers, got it.
Oh, Hughes got screwed because he gave up a few runs? Makes sense, I guess we should give the advantage to the Yankees. Hmmm, so Oliver loses ground because he HASN’T given up any runs? Interesting.
pslakerfan - October 13, 2009
Hmmm....Somebody did already post this.
Now I look like an idiot. Only the 7th time today, so that’s about the usual. LOL
pslakerfan - October 13, 2009
Better go to sleep now
Don’t wanna set any records…
BruinHalo - October 13, 2009
Not even close to a record.
But thanks.
pslakerfan - October 13, 2009
Yanks starting pitching is laughable after the first two?
Respectfully disagree. Andy Pettitte has shown he has “some stuff in the basement” as Rocky Balboa would say. Andy 14-8 and an ERA of 4.16…not Cy Young numbers but perfectly fine for a #3 starter. And he dominated the Twins in the first round too. Don’t count on him being a pushover.
GMan83201 - October 14, 2009
This guy is an idiot
To say that the Yankees starting pitching is laughable after CC and Burnett, are you kidding me? I will take Pettite pitching over any of the Angel starters in the postseason. Even your first 2.
Joe T Portland - October 14, 2009
Well
that is a far less respectful way of disagreeing.
GMan83201 - October 14, 2009
that's stupid.
really? you’d take old, steroidy pettite over any of the angels starters?
really??
you’re dumb.
retrohalo - October 14, 2009
So, it's official now? Lackey, Saunders, Weaver and Kazmir in that order.
I was listening to KNX on the drive home and they announced it, then said Scoscia was going with the three-man rotation. They must not have enough fingers on their hands.
opiejeanne - October 14, 2009
When did Scioscia say three man rotation
hauldog - October 14, 2009
Read what I wrote. He didn't, KNX did. That's why I said they didn't have enough fingers.... to count up to four.
opiejeanne - October 14, 2009
Sorry, don't mean to sound cranky and that came out cranky.
opiejeanne - October 14, 2009
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