Final Score in Los Angeles of Anaheim:
Angels 7, Sudenly tough and shockingly resilient Cleveland Indians 6
In seasons to come, what will they be calling this game? The Bases Loaded Jason Bulger Save? The Gary Matthews Retro Night Game? The Matt Palmer scoreless relief game? The Rex Hudler Stormtrooper Game? It was a classic in Anaheim on an 80s-themed retro giveaway night, Bobby Grich throwing out the first pitch in front of 43,000 fans wearing a teeshirt replica of his 1980s Angels uniform.
Ironically, the most historic event in Angels lore that took place tonight might to have even come at Angels Stadium of Anaheim as AAA pitcher Sean O`Sullivan pitched a no hitter, one walk shy of a perfect game, for the Salt Lake Bees.
The game started with Jered Weaver getting squeezed by home plate scumpire Jeff Nelson and almost ended with closer Brian Fuentes choking up his 2nd game in a row. But a quick hook to get Fuentes and the introduction of Palmer in the 6th inning were the chess moves that worked by the Kasparovian Scioscia tonight. Wever allowed 4 runs in 5 innings and was far from sharp, throwing 102 pitches, allowing 8 hits, 2 HR and walking 3. Fuentes was even worse and has yet to record an out in his two appearances this series.
But all is well with the Angels remaining 2.5 games ahead of the Texas Rangers in the AL West. Light up the Halo Duran Duran, the Boys are Back in town!
0 recs | 112 comments
Panther(s)
Bulger…..
GMJ…
Soth…..
and SOS for his NO NO!
norcaliangelsfan - July 28, 2009
And Palmer.
opiejeanne - July 28, 2009
I take back many of the bad things I've said about GMJ
I’d like to re-direct them towards Brian FUentes.
Brew Angel - July 28, 2009
tough call on panther but I had to go with Bulger, he inherited a tough situation and saved the game
tanana40 - July 28, 2009
w/o GMJ heroics
nothing to save
Moondoggy - July 28, 2009
yeah....can't win with less runs
ladybug - July 28, 2009
w/o save
Fuentes BotG
hobbit_86 - July 28, 2009
Fuentes
50 hours ago he was unhittable, as close to a sure thing as any closer in the majors. Now he can’t get even one out! What the hell happened?
Brody - July 28, 2009
Might be the Indians just have his number, like Shields and Boston.
TheOptimist - July 28, 2009
Thank god the Indians are 11 back.
Zu Long - July 28, 2009
He sits tomorrow night
No matter what.
Brody - July 28, 2009
For whatever reason it seems like the Angels always struggle to close the game out again Cleveland
Even going back to Percival
stolenbases - July 29, 2009
Might be the only one, but I'm giving a shout out to my boy
Matt Palmer.
TheOptimist - July 28, 2009
me two...
whats funny is that i wanted to buy his jersey after i saw him on the roster cause he has my last name…but if he sucked i would be the only one knowing my last name is palmer and i would look like a spier fan…but now, i might have to get one.
figgifig - July 28, 2009
If the pregame quiz question had been
“Name three Angels who will be Panther candidates”, nobody would have scored any points.
leftwing - July 28, 2009
^^TRUE^^
funny but true
Rev Halofan - July 28, 2009
Dunno.
Palmer might have gotten at least one vote.
Zu Long - July 28, 2009
Only if he had been starting.
matthiasstephan - July 28, 2009
gmj came through in a huge way
but bulger got out of basically the toughest situation a reliever can be put in…
ZiK - July 28, 2009
Our Panthers
GMJ and Bulger
world must be ending
PS Rex Hudler as a storm trooper
WTF
princeton11loveshalos - July 28, 2009
Rex was awesome
moosemastr - July 28, 2009
Hud should be a Jawa.
Downing Rules - July 29, 2009
very tough
i give it to GMJ he finally came in on the clutch and didnt choke for once
CA2AZAngelsVET - July 28, 2009
Bulger
GMJ’s hit was huge and he deserved panther for it. If Fuentes did his job, then GMJ would have been panther. But because Fuentes shat the bed, and Bulger saved what looked like another defeat, Bulger is the man.
Brody - July 28, 2009
this, exactly.
neochoa - July 28, 2009
Panther = Scioscia for pulling Fuentes!
Dono Romantico - July 28, 2009
I'll go with that one...Soth acted quickly
ladybug - July 28, 2009
I'm digging the 80's outfits...
reddawnman - July 28, 2009
They look odd with RED helmets, though.
Downing Rules - July 29, 2009
gmj = PANTHA
bulger just did his job….
BryanHarvey'sMoustache - July 28, 2009
His job?
Bases loaded and no one out. The odds say that more than one run should score.
Brody - July 28, 2009
Your a relief pitcher...
your job is to get the outs and keep the scoring to a minimum.
BryanHarvey'sMoustache - July 28, 2009
GMJ is a hitter.
His job is to drive in runs.
Zu Long - July 28, 2009
Isn't a hitter's job
NOT to be directly responsible for an out?
turs12 - July 28, 2009
No.
That’s one big mistake some Saber-guys make. RUNS win games. Not baserunners. There’s some debate about what’s more valuable with one out, man on third: sac fly or a walk?
Zu Long - July 28, 2009
doesn't that depend too much on game context too?
I mean in the 1st inning I’d for sure want the walk, and in the 8th inning of a tie game I’d for sure want the sac fly.
MH252525 - July 28, 2009
That's why it's a debate. :-P
Zu Long - July 28, 2009
From 1999-2002
it was by .1 Runs better to take the walk than the sac fly, but it definitely has to be affected by the high power numbers, ie one person hitting a 3-R HR skews the numbers more than a person hitting into a DP. In todays game id say its virtually a tossup, and really depends how late/close the game is.
anaheim angels - July 29, 2009
That is true for any pitcher
So any time anyone ever gets a hit or scores a run, a pitcher is not doing his job? Or if a pitcher pitches a complete game shutout, he is just doing his job?
Obviously not.
Brody - July 28, 2009
difference between reliever and closer
its the difference between
krod and shields
mariano rivera and brian bruney
Andrew Bailey and Gio Gonzalez
the closer is your #1 reliever
and Bulger did more than just his reliever job
princeton11loveshalos - July 28, 2009
His "job" is normally not to close out a ball game......
I voted GMJ anyway, but arguing with your point seemed like fun.
Downing Rules - July 29, 2009
It's not GMJ's job to get hits? Interesting.
leftwing - July 28, 2009
he gets paid to do more than just hit....
I see what everyone is saying but you dont get pulled from a game for going 0 for 4 or NOT getting a hit when the bases are loaded. However, you DO get pulled from a game for giving up a run as a pitcher.
BryanHarvey'sMoustache - July 28, 2009
Depends on the game.
Sometimes one run is enough to get pulled. Sometimes it isn’t. If you don’t hit well enough, you get pulled from future games before you even get a chance to swing. Point is, it’s still your job.
Zu Long - July 28, 2009
Okay...Panther goes to Gary Jason Mathews Bulger Jr.
BryanHarvey'sMoustache - July 29, 2009
Quentin ... center ... out.
Downing Rules - July 29, 2009
gotta go with GMJ
without his hit (which none of us expected), Bulger doesn’t get the chance.
but Bulger was pretty awesome, too
howiestheman - July 28, 2009
Without Fuentes shitting his pants Bulger doesn't get a chance
GMJ did what he’s overpaid to do
Bulger was nails
Epic Dean - July 28, 2009
All 3 were great
Gotta give it to GMJ, though.
chairmanofthebar - July 28, 2009
GMJ
not only does he never get any love around here, but Bulger has nothing to save if GMJ doesn’t give us the cushion.
Caseys Kiss of Death - July 28, 2009
As clutch as bulger was, I have to go with GMJ on this one, just becuase he also got the double earlier in the game
that started the rally.
Zu Long - July 28, 2009
tough one to give panther to
GMJ gets it though.
Bulger and Palmer looked GREAT.
SP, sans Lackey, giving up early runs and struggling through every inning is getting kind of old, though.
clover_black - July 28, 2009
seriously... really old
trojanangelfan - July 29, 2009
GMJ put us in the position with a clutch 2 out bases clearing double
Bulger had a great save, but GMJ gets my vote
Moondoggy - July 28, 2009
a lot of unlikely heros tonight
but what the heck is up with Fuentes? thats 8 straight batters without recording an out
UCIHalo - July 28, 2009
My initial reaction was to award Bulger the Win the Hold and the Save
It felt that important (or maybe that was the stomach acid talking)
FanGraphs almost seems to share the feeling.
Bulger’s WPA is a hefty .431
GMJ comes in at .321
Fan Since 1981 - July 28, 2009
I agree
I love what GMJ did. But man, what a clutch save. Nobody out, bases loaded, two-run lead, four straight guys have gotten on base, and after a blown save last night…. I know everyone in here was cringing at the thought of another Bulger grand slam.
By the way, K-Mo and Aybar turned a hell of a double play.
Brody - July 28, 2009
and against victor martinez too
anaheim angels - July 29, 2009
Lets go for a first
Duel Panthers
eyespy - July 28, 2009
For today,
Gary Matthews jr. is panther of the game. Never thought I would hear myself say that
JoseGuillenSux - July 28, 2009
44FAN - July 28, 2009
Indeed. Kudos to Matt for pitching on 2 days rest after his Saturday start.
Fan Since 1981 - July 28, 2009
I was just thinking about that.
That earns him a few more points. 3 more innings against a tough lineup on 2 days rest… that’s pretty bad ass.
Zu Long - July 28, 2009
My head says Matthews for panther
but my heart says Bulger. We needed him to step up big time.
Light_it_Up - July 28, 2009
I went with Matthews
he’s hitting .346 with RISP this year.
Fred Fredrix - July 28, 2009
Watch please...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbjrUOSss_o
SenorChuckles - July 28, 2009
Wow
can’t believe I just spent 0:47 seconds of my life watching that LoL
Figgi4life - July 28, 2009 via mobile
cant touch this :p
SenorChuckles - July 28, 2009
I had to watch it twice!
lol
Moondoggy - July 28, 2009
nice, the dude got some moves...
SenorChuckles - July 28, 2009
That dude is probably a girl.
opiejeanne - July 28, 2009
storm troopers are the best backup dancers tho :p
SenorChuckles - July 28, 2009
Hahahaha! Awesome and silly.
And awesome.
My girls grew up doing stuff like this. It was fun.
opiejeanne - July 28, 2009
I hope Fuentes is OK
But tonight, all my love goes to Gary Matthews. It’s not often he a) Kickstarts an Angels rally then b) drives in the winning runs ALL IN ONE GAME. GMJ for Panther.
moosemastr - July 28, 2009
The Bulge FTW
Chzburger Jones - July 28, 2009
Panther of the game...
is Rex Hudler for sure. did you guys see how he stuck one of those foam darts onto one of the cameras? M-V-P, M-V-P!
ghsu - July 28, 2009
palmer vote
whats funny is that i wanted to buy his jersey after i saw him on the roster cause he has my last name…but if he sucked i would be the only one knowing that my last name is palmer and i would look like a spier fan…but now, i might have to get one.
figgifig - July 28, 2009
credit where credit is due
gotta be GMJ. It’s just like Spiderman says, “Everybody gets one.”
turs12 - July 28, 2009
venting on over managing and Mota
First, who in the heck was Mota suppose to be tonight? Anyways, I do like Scoscia as a Manager, I think he is a good Manager. But, he also over coaches at times and tonight was an example when he over coaches. If its not broke why fix it? Should of left Palmer in the game in the 9th. I just do not get it, I have seen this too man times. Too much text book, where we have to bring in the closer in the 9th. Palmer was throwing fine, keep him in.
I was compare this to basketball. If a shooter is hot, do you take him out or keep him in?
Ca1IFORNIA ANGELS - July 28, 2009
btw
I love the hats, best baseball hats in baseball, love the blue/red.
Ca1IFORNIA ANGELS - July 28, 2009
eddie murphy from his stand up delirious
SenorChuckles - July 28, 2009
“…and GI Joe got stuck and GI Joe got stuck …”
Downing Rules - July 29, 2009
How are you gonna get tenure
if you don’t know who eddie murphy is?
Rev Halofan - July 28, 2009
have you seen delerious?
SenorChuckles - July 28, 2009
oh yeah
and RAW … I wish he would do another standup movie.
Rev Halofan - July 29, 2009
Seriously now hes doing kids movies but hey its your life.
SenorChuckles - July 29, 2009
Yep, just like Ice Cube...
guy goes from songs like “F&$# THE POLICE” to kids movies. Awesome transition, yo.
Downing Rules - July 29, 2009
money talks even to a hardcore thug :p
SenorChuckles - July 29, 2009
I get it now...
…you’re they guy who runs 1866Baseball:
The Limey - July 29, 2009
hilarious
NoDakHalo - July 29, 2009
O MAN Fuentes is gonna give me a heart attack one day. I miss perci lol
robi s - July 28, 2009
I thought that was Percy.
He was also nails against Cleveland.
hittheg - July 29, 2009
Up!
scottnak - July 28, 2009
Real treat for me tonight - 11 rows behind Angel dugout
I was one those jackasses looking stupid in the background whenever a right hand hitter was up and they had the shot of the batter. Great diversity in the crowd, Angels fans from Tulsa sitting in front of us, and I was sitting with visitors from Albuquerque (no spell check :) )
Also had a great perspective of Figgy’s handiwork at 3B. I’ve said it a thousand times, but his improvement defensively has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Gary Matthews hit was thrilling…honestly I was not expecting that at all, I was hoping for a fluke bloop hit or something. GMJ for Panther!
swiss mcgee - July 28, 2009
Fan getting nailed by that Aybar line foul ball
Did anyone see that on TV – It bounced off what I thought was someone’s head!
swiss mcgee - July 28, 2009
I saw some guy
Waving people down there….Didn’t see the impact, though…
Figgi4life - July 29, 2009 via mobile
It was almost as thrilling as Abreus AB pic
anaheim angels - July 29, 2009
Huh. There must be some kind of ethereal pull towards Tulsa from Anaheim.
That’s where I became a fan.
Zu Long - July 29, 2009
Just got back from the game
I hands down have to give the panther to Bulger. Yes GMJ had a great night and a very clutch 3 run double. However had the Angels have lost the game with a 3 run lead in the 9th after blowing a 2 run lead in the 9th yesterday it would have been DEVASTATING. Bulger prevented that with outstanding pitching and that’s why he’s my panther.
Had GMJ not hit the 3 run double and the Angels go on to lose another typical game of course we all would have been bummed, but preventing the heartbreaker loss is why I’m giving it to Bulger.
MH252525 - July 28, 2009
GMJ!!!
i didn’t see the game but i saw the highlights….FINALLY!
SCHalo - July 29, 2009
Yeah, I felt kind of bad that you weren't there for your great moment of triumph.
Zu Long - July 29, 2009
Also just got back from the game....
couple of points…
1) Bulger for Panther…. I thought we might have to come back to really unhappy Halosphere tonight but Bulger proved this team does have something speical, i truly believe it, we somehow find a way even when somebody else sucks.
2) Great crowd today… 43000 fans all very into it, i felt as though we were playing Texas, New York, or Boston
3) Awesome give-away today… good looking shirt, a lil big, but Arte always does a good job when it comes to taking care of us (the fans)
4) Crazy idea on my part that will prolly get some of you guys yelling at me buttt, if we are able to land a starter in a trade, might it be worth considering throwing Weaver in the pen for the stretch run… i realize that it weakens our already depleted starting rotation but if we are able to acquire someone in a trade we might be able to survive with Lackey, New Pitcher, SOS, Santana/Saunders (whoever survives the trade season and the wrath of Soth), with Palmer hanging around as a spot 5 guy or even putting Trevor Bell on the short list for the 5 spot…
again I haven’t really put too much consideration into this and don’t less of me as a person if it sounds ridiculous in your eyes… just throwing it out there see what you guys think… nice early game tomorrow
Let’s Go Halos and Let’s Go Tigers Tomorrow!
trojanangelfan - July 29, 2009
Strong disagree from me
Weaver is also an extreme FB pitcher when you want your bullpen to induce GBs
anaheim angels - July 29, 2009
Fuentes is doing his best Justin Speier imitation...
Downing Rules - July 29, 2009
HGH for Panther because seriously, for $10 million a year, his great Halo moments are far-and-few in-between
It isn’t like Torii with highlights left-and-right, where we can take the guy for granted.
HGH would have to have 50 more go-ahead/game-winning hits to earn his salary for the year.
BBFan1 - July 29, 2009
We shouldn't be giving it to him out of pity..
…if he was a better player, he’d have earned more
The Limey - July 29, 2009
Padres fan here.
You guys need Heath Bell.
Bad.
Zach (maestro876) - July 29, 2009
lol
normally I’d say that’s a bad idea, but that is actually something I want happen. Maybe Quinlan for Bell and Gonzalez? ;)
vlad IS my man - July 29, 2009
That guy who blew the all-star game?
Zu Long - July 29, 2009
FYI: Fuentes in 2007
On June 21st of that season he picked up his 20th save. To that point in the season he had thrown 33.1 IP, 25Ks, 8 BB, 4 HRs allowed. His ERA was 1.89.
In each of his next four appearances he blew the save and incurred the loss. The 5th appearance was in a non-save situation.
June 22: 0.1 IP, 4H, 3R
June 25: 0.2 IP, 3H, 2R
June 28: 0.2 IP, 3H, 4R, 1 HBP, 1 HR
June 29: 0.2 IP, 1H, 2R, 1BB, 1 HR
July 1: 1 IP, 2H, 2R, 2 BB
He lost the closer’s role after this and did not pick up another save over the rest of the season.
I don’t have the details at this time as to what caused this implosion (i.e. Was he trying to pitch with an injury? Fatigued? Loss of confidence?)
Fuentes is a very good pitcher (career K/9 rate of 10.17, career FIP of 3.65, career ERA of 3.48). The Angels need to find out if he is hurt or fatigued.
Fan Since 1981 - July 29, 2009
norcal looked into this and discovered that Fuentes had gone on the DL immediately afterward.
I was wondering the same thing myself.
Zu Long - July 29, 2009
Sadly, those numbers are all better than his last two starts.
At least he managed to get some batters out!
That said, I do have faith that Fuentes, if not hurt, will completely overcome this. Can we please try to not boo him next time he comes out in the ninth?
AlanFalcon - July 29, 2009
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