Halos Heaven

Oh damn...

Looks like Mr. Reagins reads this site.

cmy912 - August 28, 2009 reply

I was thinking the same thing

I heard the report on Fox Sports Radio.

This seems a bit like desperation...

…although there don’t seem to be better options besides Palmer, and Scioscia wants Palmer in the pen forl ong relief.

Why would Tampa Bay trade away a starter when they are in the thick of the wild card race? What do they know that isn’t being said? He’s only 25 years old. Makes me wonder…

Salary dump

See below. I don’t think this is a reflection on Kazmir, just an attempt to open up some room on the payroll for free agent season soon.

George Kaplan - August 28, 2009 reply

I could understand that explanation if they were ...

…out of the race. But they are still within reach of the wild card. They’re only 3 1/2 games behind Boston. If he’s healthy, they appear to be folding their cards awful early…or so I would read it as a fan of the Rays.

They have Sonnastine and Wade Davis to fill his spot.

http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=431148

He’s had good stats…he’s just been pretty bad this year. I think its a good move though

cmy912 - August 28, 2009 reply

only time will tell if this is a good move

mastermind565 - August 28, 2009 reply

He's been solid against 3 potential playoff teams

new york ( 2-0, 2.63 era, .88 whip, 220 baa) both starts in tampa
boston ( 2-0, 3.27 era, 1.73 whip, .289 baa) both starts at fenway, crappy whip but still 2 wins in fenway
texas ( 1-1, 2.92 era, 1.05 whip, .208 baa) 1 home 1 away game, 1 run over 5 innings in arlington

He has been good of late.

I love this move

I've been a fan of this move since the rumors started popping up in July

What are the spects we’re giving up like?

Epic Dean - August 28, 2009 reply

#5 starter!

We need somebody from somewhere now with MLB record and experience.

I like him over Garland anyway. He will do. Who knows take him out of that stinky artificial stadium he plays in and put him outdoors on real grass in the fresh air (cough, cough) and sunshine and he will probably be even better.

I like this move...

I think under Mike Butcher, Kazmir could be better.

And it’s totally Ninja style In the name of Del Taco, make it happen!

The first Ninja thing he did all year

Unless you count getting Abreu for next to nothing.

This is why they call him the Ninja!

hopefully this will shut some people up.

Amen.

opiejeanne - August 28, 2009 reply

Quioted from EaSsPeeiN

Kazmir has struggled to a 5.92 ERA this season, but five of his last six starts have been “quality starts.” He would likely pitch out of the bullpen for the remainder of the season in Los Angeles.

Don't trust anything ESPN says

We all know he’ll start. Dumbasses!

LMAO

how awkward would that be

mastermind565 - August 28, 2009 reply

No kidding.

I’m sure Soth would start him and use Bell/SOS/Palmer/Whoever out of the pen more likely!

Positives versus negatives

On the plus side
Career ERA of <4
Career average >9k per 9
Much stronger over the last month – his current ERA may be misleading
At the risk of stating the obvious, we need a 5th starter desperately
Not giving up any of the high end starting pitching prospects

On the red side of the ledger
Poor ERA this year
Only pitcher >200 IP once in his career
Sweeney and Torres (in particular) have some promise
Poor control and failure to pitch deep into games

All in all, I’d give this a thumbs up…

The Limey - August 28, 2009 reply

If he's only slightly better than Palmer

He’s younger and has more success in the past. And who are we giving up? Alexander Torres and Matthew Sweeney, I’ve never heard of these players before.

pay attention to the minors!

I’ve heard of both of them, especially Torres. But Torres is at least 2 years away from contributing at the big league level. He’s not Trevor Reckling, and may not be any better than Will Smith (who’s just a bit behind him on the development curve). Probably a fair price, IF Kazmir is healthy. I’m not sure about that elbow.

Ok that's fair.

But with our over crowded infield… how soon does Sweeney make it to 1B, blocked by Kendry. Or 3B blocked by Figgins/Wood? Is he better than either of those two options? Probably not.

And losing Torres might hurt us, especially as wildly spread we used our minor league pitching staff this year. But I’d gladly take Kazmir and his paper thin elbow over Torres who is completely unproven in MLB, let a long AAA.

I was just saying

that there has been buzz about both of these guys. But I agree that they are expendable. Both are a few years away. Sweeney’s hardly a can’t-miss guy, and I don’t think anyone has Torres pegged as a #1 or #2. I agree that it’s a worthwhile deal (I’d have a different feeling if Reckling were involved).

A moot point, in any event, as it appears that the deal is dead.

it makes my heart sad.

The Angels hate injury prone minor leaguers

Like Dallas McPherson. It’s their organizational policy to downgrade big talent players who are injury prone. The notion of “if they would only stay healthy” is not a recipe for success.

I’m sure if Sweeney doesn’t have injuries in the past he’s not on the trading block.

Nashdiesel - August 28, 2009 reply

They hated McPherson

I thought they let Glaus walk & handed McPherson the job.

Seik1177 - August 28, 2009 reply

Salary dump

It isn’t a negative reflection on Kazmir. He’s owed $22.5M if his 2012 option isn’t picked up, and $33.5 if it is. He’s still young and resilient, but I am sure the Rays are looking for ways to trim the budget, perhaps to make a signing in the offseason.

I can’t complain about it, nor about the rumored cost in players.

George Kaplan - August 28, 2009 reply

how long....

is Kazmir under contract for? I think it’s a great move actually. I live near NY, and people here always complain about the Mets giving him away.

eastcoastAngel - August 28, 2009 reply

that is because mets fans are complainers

The Mets would be no different if they had never traded Kazmir, he is far far far from a difference maker.

Team option in 2012

Throwing the jockniffers a bone

this move is SO stupid that I don’t even have words for it. Kazmir is an injury waiting to happen and is always too close to the gascan for comfort.

The Rays fans don’t seem very happy with the idea of trading Kazmir.

I dunno

Take their opinions any way you wish, but the tone isn’t a happy one.

George Kaplan - August 28, 2009 reply

lol.

My favorite quote so far

We are the Marlins North

by sternfan1 on Aug 28, 2009 4:05 PM EDT reply reply actions actions 0 recs

the same guy spammed

RAYS 2015

you got to love it right?

Please do not let him speak for us.

He’s a massive troll.

The guy's only been injured twice in the last few yrs....

How is it stupid?

Giving up two guys who probably won’t do anything in the majors for a guy that’s a clear upgrade over the fifth starters we’ve been throwing out there seems like a good move to me.

Reagins may have given up a little more than he should have, but this certainly makes the team better right now.

Not clear that he's a "clear upgrade" while also coming with long term risk

but in the last 3 starts

he’s had a 3.20 ERA

How is he not an upgrade

over Bell and SOS? You’re telling me that if you had the option, you’d rather pitch Trevor Bell tonight than Scott Kazmir? Not a chance.

W6G+K?

The Limey - August 28, 2009 reply

Are people going to stop using the acronym now?

NO

Because if we “get” Kazmir he is essentially then a part of “what we got.” ;)

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090828&content_id=6663260&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana&partnerId=rss_ana

If it is on Pravda, it is probably a done deal.

Is that the official Czech Republic newspaper?

;)

So who gets relegated from the roster? Bell?

mastermind565 - August 28, 2009 reply

They already sent Rodriguez down

They are supposed to give Bell another Shot… what’s up with Loux, is he still around?

Loux is gone

Speierville

Greta name for DFA's...

Speierville…ha!

Loux “…yeah…I just moved to Speierville…the OC was just too harsh…”.

I didn't hear that.

Hmm… I guess you send Bell down and bring him up when you expand the roster?

Have to applaud the risk....

Only 25 years old (turns 26 in January)… locked up through 2011 (and maybe ‘12 if they pick up the option)… He can help them win now and that’s what this is all about

nzach54 - August 28, 2009 reply

Hard to complain

Torres and Sweeney both have interesting futures, but Kazmir is still only 25 and he’s signed to a below-market contract through 2011, with an option on 2012. This could be a remarkable deal for the Angels; if Kazmir had been healthy this year he might have been the high-excitement trade possibility of the off-season, the kind of player who costs three or four quality prospects to acquire. That’s a big if of course, but he’s still yet to hit his prime, it’s too early to give up on him as just wasted potential.

By the way, how the hell did he clear waivers?

Suboptimal - August 28, 2009 reply

...

Exactly what I was thinking.

Erstad4Prez - August 28, 2009 reply

Maybe he didn't clear waivers

He was probably claimed by the Angels.

Brickhaus - August 31, 2009 reply

Rev, change the title to ,,,,

W6G’n K

He is a traveler of both time and space, to be where he has been

That is a great one

I will work with that…

Mayhem channeling yoda...

…we need someone to start a 60’s poetry recital…

No, he's channeling Robert Plant

red floyd - August 28, 2009 reply

My guess

Kazmir will be our best pitcher down the stretch and will start game 2 or 3 of the first round.

which means his ERA could still hang around 5.00

ihearhowie2.0 - August 28, 2009 reply

Here's the thing

Kazmir’s not great. He’s not even good at this point. But he’s been about average the last three months and that’s certainly better than SOS and Bell have been. He also has the potential to pull out a great game every once in awhile.

His FIP is only in the 4.5 range, so he’s not as bad as his numbers look. It’s a good move simply because it’s an upgrade. The chances that Sweeney or Torres make a major league impact are slim to none.

I like the Twins move better

Getting Rauch from the D-Backs for a PTBNL.

They pulled the story from MLB.com

Wonder what that means…

lol

from mlbtraderumors.com……. " Marc Topkin reports that Kazmir remains in the Rays clubhouse. He hasn’t been told anything about a trade and actually thought the writers who asked him about it were kidding."

Everything I have read says Sweeney won't last at third

Then there is this:

The Angels would be getting Kazmir at a time when he finally is on a roll, posting a 3.20 ERA in his last three starts — two against the Blue Jays, one against the Rangers

We could have used him in Toronto!.

Sweeney's D was thoroughly panned prior to this season.

There had been reports this spring, however, that he had made great strides despite last year’s injury. His fielding % was only .908, but it was a small sample size.
Even if he did have to move to first he still has the bat to carry the position.

You have to give up something to get something.

Sweeney is blocked at first by Kendry

And at 3B by Longoria

The Rays have no 1B prospect…until now. DUN DUN DUN.

I agree

Kazmir is already a major league player – who knows if Sweeney and Torres ever make the transition successfully.

Where were these guys ranked on our top prospect lists?

Did BA have them in the top 20?

Sweeney was not in the top 20, Torres was #14 by Sickels

Sweeney missed all of '08

He would have been 20 in High A, competing with Trumbo and Conger for most moonshots. He had out-homered both of them at Cedar Rapids.

Agree

The Sickels list was from December – it does not take into account the 2009 season

Not in the top 10.

Can’t find the top 20.

That's if you think you're getting something worthwhile back

I like Kazmir

I also penciled him in for a poor year this season due to the WS hangover.

Torres walk rate is an abortion. I am not sure we will miss him.

/Not to mention being blocked by Trumbo.

Although I hate Trumbo.

Unless Trumbo learns to take a walk

He’s not going to do anything at the major league level. He’ll be Dallas McPherson with less power.

I am not a fan of Trumbo. AT ALL

Reminiscent of

Edwin Jackson anyone?

That would be sweet.

Bet the Doyers want him back.

Seriously?

Seriously what?

You guys got Jackson for a bag of balls from the Dodgers

I wasn't sure what Doyers meant.

I assumed, since Jackson was traded by the Rays this offseason, that it was some weird nickname for them.

Nope. I have a lot of respect for the Rays

I was really bummed when they lost last year

Got it.

I think its a pretty even deal overall. We don’t have the budget room yall do, so clearing Kaz out allows us to work a deal with Carl Crawford. In my mind, that’s the more imperative issue. Kaz is infuriating more than he’s brilliant these days.

Worth the risk IMO.

Keeping Crawford is key for you guys.

maybe a change will do him good?

Static Shock - August 28, 2009 reply

This trade deal is even on the front page of Lookout Landing now,

Matthew makes this remark even though the Mariners are and have been clearly out of the AL West race for some time. What does any move the Angels make affect the Mariners chances this season anyway.

I’ve thought about this for about a half hour now and I’m still not sure how I feel about the move as it relates to us.

They aren't even in the same hemisphere as the Angels at this point.

but if he sucks and we're saddled with another bad contract

it brings us closer to them

ihearhowie2.0 - August 28, 2009 reply

One year.

I think his troubles this year stem from the extra playoff mileage.

He will make a nice addition to the Angels 2010 rotation IMO

a la Bedard...

Woof. What a serious boat anchor that guy is.

Yes, please

There was a time Kazmir was at the top of the AL. He’s still young. I don’t see either of those prospects making it to the bigs.

Unless he’s in the bullpen, in which case Rex has been sharing his stash with Tony.

Carl Johnson - August 28, 2009 reply

Two of the Angels warmest (not hottest) prospects are not going to make it to the bigs? Hmm. Seems Tampa might be thinking they could be a good nucleus going forward. IMHO.

Tampa already has a good nucleus

This was only about dumping salary and picking up some decent prospects in return. Neither one was in the Angels top 10 at the beginning of the year and probably still wouldn’t be.

A secondary nucleus that leads to Nuclear fusion and then they EXPLODE

in 2010?

Have fun when his arm falls off.

Again.

P Brady - August 28, 2009 reply

We have very good team surgeons!

then why is escobar still on the DL?

touche

Reattaching his shoulder takes time to heal

Hey – the docs at least got him throwing back in the low 90’s

yeah

and next year he’ll be throwing in the low 90’s for Kansas City.

And we'll enjoy hitting the hell out of his pitches too!

I will wipe a tear away

Every time Napoli goes deep hitting Escobar.

Man you guys are cruel

highlandhalo - August 28, 2009 reply

i know :( i miss escy...

P Brady is pathetic!

Have fun not making the playoffs in TB loser!

Static Shock - August 28, 2009 reply

k

P Brady - August 28, 2009 reply

All I know is the guy is 2-0 Against the Red Sox this year

And has a post season win over the Sox too, right?

Weird

I don’t understand this.

me either

ihearhowie2.0 - August 28, 2009 reply

What don't you understand?

Do you think this is a bad move? The move is a salary dump to free up dollars for the Rays.

Yep

Olney: “The Rays definitely would get salary relief in the deal. Tampa Bay is barreling toward a series of tough financial decisions because of its payroll restrictions, and the 25-year-old Kazmir is in the first year of a three-year, $28.5 million deal.”

Maybe I'm missing something...

Kazmir cleared waivers this month. Why didn’t Reagins just put a claim in?

Good question

That was a ninja trick.

If the Angels put in a claim, so does someone else to block the move. We aren’t giving up much to get a major league ready pitcher.

That can't be it

For the waiver to even make it to the Angels, all the other teams with worse records had to pass.

That's the better question.

If this is true, why the hell did the Sux pass?

Their brillance of acquiring penny and smoltz?

Phhffffft

That only makes sense if:
a) they have exhausted their stock of AA prospects, and
b) they believe – once again – that they are cursed.

sarcasm.

I knew penny would suck.

I did not have high hopes for Smoltz

belief in curses = fellow sarcasm.

Risk

Because of the risk that Tampa says, OK, he’s yours. Perhaps the Red Sox didn’t want to make any more room on their 40-man roster?

They have this kid named Kotchman not doing much of anything for them.

Not Exactly

A whole bunch of teams can put in a claim. It’s just that when there are multiple claims, the record says who wins negotiating rights. But a player will be on waivers for a period of time, and teams are free to make claims at any point during that window. Teams make waiver claims not knowing if another team already has done so.

I think this is all Maddon's way of saying

Sorry about not playing Fuentes and Figgins in the All-Star Game.

LMAO

+1 :)

I'm ambivalent

I don’t understand why NOW. Yeah he’s turning it around a bit, but why, then, would the Rays give him up, esp. given that they’re not far out of the wildcard race?

On the other hand, I see in the comments over at MLBTR that Kazmir did well under Butcher and struggled when Butcher left, so maybe that’s it—maybe Reagins, Scioscia, Butcher, et al believe they’ll be able to nurture his renaissance into a top of the line starter for years to come. He also gives good depth to the rotation; it’s certainly better to have him on the mound than to keep trotting out Trevor Bell every 5 days and possibly ruin his development.

At best, Kazmir eats some innings and keeps the Halos in the race, and then provides some quality outings and experience during the playoffs. After all, he has tons of experience facing the Sux, so at least he helps overcome that particular hurdle (though I still don’t think pitching is the problem in that situation). At worst, Kazmir is mediocre and we’re able to include him in an offseason package for a Halladay—think about it, wouldn’t you rather give up a guy you had for a month and aren’t that attached to, than a Saunders or a Weaver? Or, at the least, adding Kazmir would make giving up Weaver or Saunders to get Halladay that much less painful. I don’t know. Perhaps if he turns it around here he also gets flipped for mid-to-high level prospects at some point, this offseason or next.

I don’t know. I don’t think this move was the best one to make, but given the circumstances I think it’s relatively low risk (if the Halos don’t like what they get, they release him in September and no other team in contention can add him to their playoff roster at that point, and he’s certainly not likely to take the team OUT of contention with his arm), and potentially decent reward. Better to have a young vet than a scared out of his wits rookie. I like where this could go!

WELCOME RAYS TROLLS

My stock answer here is: Pat Burrell

Hahahaha

I would fall on the side of being in favor of this deal, but is it real?

Deal "falls through"

Link

Shit

It's off again.

CRAP

LAT reports it's on

LINK

No. It's on again!

Me thinks Shaikin tried to scoop everyone

and jumped the gun a bit.

i think you're right

although this was posted about 20 mins before the Angels' site reported it falling through

So it's off again!

i think it was on, then it was off

in that order

YES!

Does this mean we have to change our ridiculous really cry?

er, rally.

Fuck so is the deal on or not?

That’s my first in August, I think.

I don't think you got great mileage out of it

Sorry to say

yeah you are right

Kind of anti-climatic. :(

Ninja Fail?

In other news,

Harden claimed by Twins

wow.

dang.

well its just a waiver claim

they dont have him yet

Harden>Kazmir?

yea but i doubt we get harden

even if the twins cant sign him

i dont get it?

who do the twins offer their proposal or do the Cubs tell them what they want?

As far as I know, it’s a two-way negotiation. Hence, the Red Sox pulled back Brad Penny when the Yanks claimed him. They don’t want any dialogue between mortal enemies…

alright thanks

for the 5 or 10 games a year he's healthy enough to pitch

hopefully its still a work in progress.

Deal or no deal?

Do I get to see 26 beautiful women with briefcases?

No, only Howie

Bald is beautiful.

no the Other HOWARD

If it happens, it's a great move

A 25-year old LHP with a career ERA+ of 115. Led the AL in starts at age 23. Led the AL in strikeouts at age 23. One year YOUNGER than Jered Weaver and Ervin Santana. Injured earlier in the year, he appears healthy now, as evidenced by an August record of 3-1, giving up less than a hit per inning, and striking out batter/inning.

johnnyangel101 - August 28, 2009 reply

Yep. This is a good deal.

Think of it in terms of losing Lackey in the offseason.

A front four of Weaver, Kazmir, Santana and Saunders is pretty good. If they sign Lackey you have three potential #1’s in Lackey, Kaz and Santana with a couple of #2’s or #3’s. That’s a great rotation.

Say what you want about Kazmir, but he is a really good pitcher entering his prime. If he is healthy this is a good deal for the Halos.

We should ALL hope it goes through.

jimmuscomp - August 28, 2009 reply

Kazmir was dominant just two years ago

when he logged 200+ innings and led the majors in strikeouts. He’s only 25, so one down year isn’t a black mark on his otherwise excellent career thus far. Yeah, he has control issues and he has games where he throws way too many pitches, but he still has top of the rotation type potential and is starting to show signs of being the old Kaz.

killa3312 - August 28, 2009 reply

what I told my buddy

What do you think about this? I don’t know too much about kaz, aside from his high pitch counts and suspect era, but we can use the arm for sure, as long as we keep scoring 7+ runs per game. As for the rooks, it’s a crap shoot, we’re stacked with bats so sweeney is expendable. We didn’t lose any starters either. as for torres….meh

So I’m cool with this move. And I think the rest of Angels nation is.

Nation?

Yeah, when did we get our own nation? What's next? "Cowboy Up!"???

We do have the real deal in Gene Autry, after all.

county.

I can pitch for the Angels if their new gameplan is to rely on 7+ per game.

Unfortunately, this isn’t going to happen, especially in the post season.

Please refrain from using the term

Angel Nation.

All nations are douche bags

Red Sox – Douche bags
Raider – Douche bags

I am sure I am missing some

dont forget the lame ass cowboys...

I wouldn't say SBNation is a douche bag

agreed

but Clippers nation sure is

hey now

that is uncalled for

so is the raider nation bashing .

Lots of things that Raider fans and Sux fans have in common:

abomination
damnation
extermination
impregnation
resignation
insubordination

Seconded

highlandhalo - August 28, 2009 reply

I meant to say HH'ers or something to that extent

my bad

I forgive you.

Now lets never speak of this again.

but can I ever forgive myself?

only time will tell……

I think with good friends and good food

Over time we can all forgive ourselves.

amen brotha

either that or take another hit from Rex's stash. You'll forget everything.

LosAngel - August 28, 2009 reply

Reagins is such a tease

Hoffman also was claimed by an unknown team

SF

Wilson hasn't been too reliable as of late.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

Deal is Done

according to MLBTR

Kazmir, 5th starter, bam.

we got em, bam

god bless you good sir :)

He is entering his prime

all he needs is change of location

I absolutely love this deal

And I love you for making this official.

I Heart PhiSlamma like Acuda hearts Kendry Morales.

If this isnt official

Im making another post demanding an edit button to save face in times like these….

well my love for you

returns to just a strong admiration. Sorry those are the rules.

Its going through

I can sense it in the force.

It feels like it needs to happen.

This is the equivalent of getting a handy and the girl stopping before you finish. Can I get a hand?

Are you sure you just don't have gas?

Shit,

that WAS it.

Nevermind we just landed Bonds

Bonds are much safer than Stocks.

Both are better than bad gas.

Too bad that was posted 30 minutes before MLB.com posted that the deal fell through

Original

Angels probably had to up it.

So you're saying we added another guy?

Most likely

or Angels asked for cash;

Um...

Believe the Angels beat reporter or some dude at the NY POST. Hmmmm

Joel Sherman

How reliable is this info???

So its on again!

Hey stirrups its on AGAIN!

TWSS

haha

Its on again!

I like roller coasters

Me too.

flash the camera

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/08/angels-close-to-deal-for-scott-kazmir.html

Done deal!

W6G goes up in flames!!!!!!

Damnit, we have been on a massive winning streak!

Not necessarily.

We Would’a Won With What We Got
or
We Wouldn’t Win With What We Got

Depends on your dispostion…

W5KG

We Will Win With What Kazmir’s Got

good riddance

Maddon likes Willits, give em Reggie to seal the deal

Can we throw in GMJ too?

now you are being greedy.

deal off

The Rays were deeply offended by this request

I counter by throwing in Robb Quinlan’s wife. It’s a LOCK to happen now.

The Rays

Would like to know if Q is also part of the deal

It would be off again.

Don’t push our luck, bloc! (Little do they know, Mickey Hatcher will be in Mrs. Quinlan’s luggage as a “secret” part of the deal … SHHHH don’t tell anybody!!!).

lol

Maddon requests 1 years worth of momma Guerrero’s cooking and it is a done deal.

Man you ain't kidding

That’ll be a win win.

4:40pm: Sherman says that no money is changing hands in the deal, so the Angels are absorbing the over $20MM owed to Kazmir over the next two years.

Just read that

C’mon Kazmir… you get some money for being traded.

The Sherminator...

I laughed

I want this to be official dammit

I hate getting mixed messages. Its like my ex girlfriend. Blah!

No always means YES

Uh, yeah. Let us know how that works out for you, ok?

not so well in the past;)

Hey, don't give up yet! Persistence is a virtue.

Once you get into jail, it will certainly take that meaning.

rape is funny until it happends to you...

I could not imagine…that’s why I try like hell to stay out of jail, chuck.

The trick is

To punch the first inmate you see in the face and then everyone will respect you.

Not the first inmate

The biggest inmate. And be nice to the gays… because if they kick your ass, you become everyones bitch.

I saw Shawshank Redemption.

the trick is to shit yourself daily ;)

Uh...

there are some fetishes that are into that. So, I’ll just continue working on staying out altogether.

well now im out of ideas :/

lol

Sherman reporting through a tweet that kazmir deal is done.

According to a tweet we got roy halladay also

Halladay in Cambodia

LOL.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/Jello_Biafra_talks_about_California_politicsCC.jpg

jello looking good

Too drunk to rosterbate

Brickhaus - August 31, 2009 reply

My favorite quote from these trade rumors:

“he is gone, raysdude19… might have to change that to angelsdude19 or raysdudeevan”

minute by minute updates

is Sherman from the NY POST just BEHIND on the dirt or ahead of it?

He might have decent Rays contacts.

feel bad for weaver

because kazmir pitches in a playoff series before him.

Hell no he doesnt.

nah

What games have you been watching?

weaver's post all star break numbers

ip hits runs er hr bb k’s era whip baa
47.0 55 32 32 8 18 41 6.13 1.55 .291

kazmir’s
49 43 24 24 4 17 41 4.41 1.22 .231

What games have I been watching?

i think u saw weavers cg shutout for sure

:)

Yes I did

I thought he had a couple of bad starts. Those numbers are terrible.

Right now...

I think its Lackey, Weaver, and whoever emerges the reliable pitcher of Santana, Saunders, or Kazmir.

Only if Kaz is better than Weaver in the final month

And I don’t think it’s likely. Common, the only reason half of us know Kaz’s name is because ESPN has touted him for your years as the East Coast David, coming out to slay the Yankee and Red Sox Goliaths. If he’s pitched in any other division, he wouldn’t be nearly as well knows,

Some series require 4 starters if you go on normal rest

I feel bad for Kazmir

He was in his exercise shorts and was told be reporters of this trade. He had no idea. :(

by* instead of be

I feel bad for Kazmir

he is making 20 million dollars … oh wait … I don’t feel bad for him if he gets notified of a trade in the nude!!!

Isn't it 28 over 3 years?

$9M per year? That’s not bad.

Very good if he can do stuff

Its not like he got traded to the Pirates or Nationals

You dont get a hard throwing lefty, who is 25, and recently led the AL in strikeouts for two A ball prospects every year.

Excellent job.

his fastball velocity has steadily declined from an avg of 93.7 mph in '04 to 90.7 mph this season

It’s not the overwhelming pitch it once was

and weaver used to throw 94

Yes.

jimmuscomp - August 28, 2009 reply

MLBTradeRumors now say

Angels acquire Scott Kazmir.

Shouldn’t it read Rays acquire Sweeney and Torres? Where is the East Coast Bias?

Ok. Now that one deserves a rec.

But it could have been “Yankees Lock Up The East. Rays Fold.”

ESPN will say something like

Sox and Yanks killer leaves division

Where is the All-in Moment? :p

Hahaha

Nice

NY POST Joel Sherman

not backing down, confronting twitterers who bring up MLB.com denial of trade by saying TRUST ME… looks like SK is on his way.

link...

…TWEET LINK…

REV .....

I got my source on other line ( i think you know who i’m talking about ) he says its not final but very close. Could go either way

Deadend - August 28, 2009 reply

How's your spicy chicken burrito?

Give my regards to the cute gal working cashier at the Corona Del Taco.

dead end

is almost that good

Sounds like a road to nowhere, if you ask me.

I know that Del Taco

matthiasstephan - August 28, 2009 reply

Then you know where the Torii Hunter deal was done.

wow

So it might be off again?

Yes, it might be off or it might be on.

Could go either way

Too much fun. Much better than working for a living.

hey stirrups its OFF again... :(

If nothing more

this trade gives a little bit of insurance in case Lackey leaves via free agency

Riveraistheman! - August 28, 2009 reply

PERHAPS

perhaps MLB pulled it because they owe a favor of breaking the story to a news outlet with four letters.

They didn't pull it

They changed positions. No favor is worth delivering the wrong information.

MLB.com pulled it from front page

Angels website changed it

Ah, got it.

I thought what was on the angels site was the mlb.com story…i’m so confused.

at one time it was the same story

then it was axed form the mother ship and rewritten on the satellite

Was that a Skylab satellite?

KLAA?

soemthing

w/ higher ratings…

Lodge is haulin' 'em in.

For all those who say we're giving up too many good prospects

I remember a couple other guys who showed great power in A ball. One of them was released at age 28 by the Florida Marlins. The other continues to sit at our AAA team racking up stats down there but not being able to produce at the majore league level.

And as for pitching prospects – who knows? One arm injury and it could be over.

I'm for making this deal

But I believe

One arm injury and it could be over.

is damning either way.

I wonder how good kaz's insurance is

It’s not like this guy is a model of efficiency.

This is a good move though, since we aren’t selling the farm though.

True

But at least Kazmir has shown he can pitch (and pitch effectively) at the major league level.

true dat.

One stray meteor and the Angels dynasty is over

NO ONE GO TO ANY GAMES

Seriously if a meteor hits Angels Stadium

I’m pretty sure the Angels move to Tempe Diablo Stadium.

"oceanfront property in Arizona"

great George Strait song.

I also think Maynard from Tool says

I’ll see you down in Arizona Bay.

"Tool kicks ass Beavis"

That was a doggone funny episode of Beavis and Butthead where they were watching one of the first Tool videos.

46 and 2

IIRC

My bad

Aenima

And a PTBNL

who could that be?

Willits

Perhaps a catching prospect? Buddie or Wilson?

M A F F I S

Geff Maffis?

IT might be takign a while

becasue the Angels are swinging another deal to clear room on the 40-Man roster

Get a bullpen arm

please

and get Brian Downing a louder microphone.

+1

BTW

What did you think of the ceremony last night?

My "review" from last night's post-game thread:

The pre-game Hall-of-Fame festivities were AWESOME. I attended the game and the only issue was that it was difficult to hear Brian Downing’s voice. I hope somewhere on the internet his speech will be posted.

I saw Jim Fregosi walking along the Terrace Level concourses with his RING in hand during the 5th inning or so. Wow. That was one awesome piece of jewelry. I was shell-shocked at the ring and could not get out the words “Can I have a photo with you, Jim.”

At least it didn't come out like

“hey Jim, I desperately want to make love to a school boy” ;)

Dumb and Dumber, FTW!

Willits for Joakim Soria

I can dream, right?

I like this deal

Iunno. I think Willits is worth a Soria + Greinke

We would need them to throw in a PTBNL

if we are going to give up a future HOFer

it might be taking a while

because Del Ninja is still waiting on his Del Nacho Burrito order

He's going for the classic "Naugles" items that Del took on when they bought them out:

Macho Burritos and Macho Sodas FTW! Naugles!!!!

http://twitter.com/SPTimesRays/statuses/3612302945

in the BODY

of the post please or it doesnt link

bleh

http://twitter.com/SPTimesRays/statuses/3612302945

Clickable link

MLB Traderumors add.

5:00pm: Topkins tweets that the deal should be finalized within an hour.

Tompkins - Saint Petersburg Times

Now that’s info I can believe.

not yet... :D

AnaheimHalos61 - August 28, 2009 reply

So this is how twitter works.

Is a deal happening with the Brewers

For Hoffman?

Just kidding.

I heard we got Beckett.

(joke)

Just to make him Sosh's personal Lasagna fetching boy.

I'd feel dirty about that.

Like I might still have to boo him.

Might? I would

Still pissed about the bean ball

Me too

A toddler armed with a 98 mph fastball. I fucking hate that guy. That’s the second f-bomb I’ve used on him this year.

I think you have to say the F word when your talking about Beckett...

fuck Beckett

highlandhalo - August 28, 2009 reply

buck Feckett

Epic Dean - August 28, 2009 reply

His job would be to wash Chupa's jockstrap after every game.

red floyd - August 28, 2009 reply

If you agree to a PTBNL

Can you F*** with someone and say… okay take GMJ. He’s the ptbnl.

Nope

Its different with every trade.

Sometimes its based on the traded players preformance, sometimes its salary based.

Its all up to the clubs, one club usually cannot screw another like that.

There's always a list

It’s usually 2 to 4 players that both teams agree on. A lot of the time, they can’t trade them because they’ve just been drafted. So the team that gets the PTBNL gets to choose from the list at a later date.

Sorry Rev

I still get bored when Biggs is on the radio.

http://www.malcolminthemiddle.co.uk/images/Bryan-Cranston-Kazmir-the-Flying-Camel-Sept08-MITMVC.gif

I'm not sure if this bodes well for us

LOL

EPIC

my shangrila beneath the summer moon

I will return again!

When Im on, when Im on my way.*

*Depending on the source

flying camels FTW!

I'm taking off guys

See you in the game thread in about 3 hours.

Is this happening?

I hope so. Kazmir as an Angel would be a great thing!

Brody - August 28, 2009 reply

Looks like it

So it's on again? (catching up on the thread, only getting this far down to this point...)

kazmir was just taken off the list of probable pitchers for the rays this series

NICE!!!

imyhero - August 28, 2009 reply

This series is a four game series...

and he just pitched yesterday. So, he should be the first pitcher on the rays next series. I think that was a bogus warning sign, IMHO.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tom_verducci/08/28/kazmir.trade/

I love this deal!

Think about it guys, we get a young guy that has tons of upside locked in for two more years…Butch will do great things with him. This just came across…

Unless his arm falls off.

He’s a prime candidate for tommy john.

But the angels gave up basically nothing for him, and if anything, he can be used as a sweet deal in a trade.

Is this a good acquisition?

Someone tell me what I should be feeling right now.

bc56274 - August 28, 2009 reply

Very good career numbers against the Red Sox

- Lefty
- 25
- Not too expensive
- Could benefit from change of scenery, aka Edwin Jackson
- Career numbers against Texas extremely good

- HES TWENTY FIVE

Feels good man.

I wonder if this means good riddance to Lackey.

bc56274 - August 28, 2009 reply

That's the problem...

….every article I’m reading says that this is insurance because “the angles will lose john lackey in the winter” i don’t understand how it’s come to us losing lackey?!

Because someone will offer him insane money

and too many years, and the Angels will move on.

Exactly.

And it will be the right decision

BoSoxs will give him the money >:(

Meanwhile...Lackey has been giving off signs of whiny-ass. He may have checked out last season.

I hate to say it

But I see Lackey in Texas working for Nolan Ryan

Diving Catch - August 28, 2009 reply

Uh

- Lefty. Ok, I like that against probably Yanks and Bo Sox lineups
- 25… And declining? Fastball velocity steadily sinking, he’s made little progress in going deeper into games.
- $25 mil over a little over 2 years. Ok if he pitches like pre-‘09, an annual albatross of Sarge Jr. like proportions if he continues to pitch like he has in ’09.
- Edwin Jackson, as far as I know, didn’t see any decline in his stuff. At any rate, Dontrelle Willis also saw a change of scenery, and… well, that didn’t work out so well.
- ok. He’s beat up on Texas. That’s a plus.

GMJ albatross?

I think you should look at more starting pitchers salaries that are post arbitration.

09:$6M, 10:$8M, 11:$12M, 12:$13.5M club option

8 million is not an albatross.

If he sucks or gets hurt, which are both likely outcomes

You’d be paying $25 mil for a little over 2 seasons (including the buyout to get out of ‘12). That’s almost the same amount annually that we’re giving GMJ.

For his position, he is not paid all that much

GMJ is a 4th OFer paid like an Allstar at this point

wasted money is wasted money

doesn’t matter which position it goes to.

Except Kazmir was good

And even now is serviceable. GMJ had one ridiculous season and that’ it. Kaz also has upside, given how young he is. This contract is not at all like GMJ’s.

Given Kazmir’s history, I don’t see how you can say it’s “likely” that he’ll suck.

I love you optimism

You don’t see any other option besides surgery or sucking?

By the way when you are walking 5 batters per 9IP in AA you shouldn’t be compared to someone who lead the AL in strikeouts

Since the all star break

he’s an upgrade, and it’s not just an upgrade slotted into the #5 spot.
post all star break :

Kazmir: 4.41 era, 1.22 whip, .231 baa
Lackey: 3.18, 1.13, .223
Santana : 4.61, 1.34, .258
Weaver: 6.13, 1.55, .291
Saunders: 7.67, 1.94, .350

Kazmir got victimized by a bad reliever coming in and letting inherited runners score. Not sure how that will change much here, but i’m sure not having grant balfour coming in to put out a fire will improve his era.

I like this trade a lot.

That's compelling

And I hope his August slippage isn’t a more relevant trend.

Oh good

Liking this more and more!

He could be outstanding. That's a possible outcome.

But not a certain one. There are reasons for Tampa being so willing to let this guy go for prospects that no one outside the Halos organization have heard of, and it has to do with declining stuff, injury risk, and money.
That’s my point.
He could also be great, especially with a southern california marine layer over his head, and I hope he destroys the Rangers in late September and whoever else in October. I hope he reaches 200 innings next year at the head of our staff. I hope he pitches well enough in 2011 to have us exercise his option. I hope for all of these things and acknowledge that they are likely.
I just see too much potential for him to go all Eric Bedard on us to justify the costs. That’s all.

second to last line should read, "acknowledge that they are POSSIBLE"

Fair enough.

I like the risk

good and worried.

good that kazmir can help us more that O’Sully, Bell, or Palmer.
and worried that this makes it harder to sign all five upcoming FA’s this year, not saying we were going to sign all five.

Just grab Abreu

and Vlad, but fill it with incentives and we win.

Well...if you consider that

last year he was a crucial part of the Rays in last years playoff run, he’s averaged a mid 3’s era having an era in the 5’s this year and his first year in the majors….

The "falls through" headline is on the homepage at mlb.com

Seriously, so confused.

Posted at 506 EST

Things have changed since then.

MLB Traderumors Kazmir Updates

Here is a good timeline:

read this

5:00pm: Topkins tweets that the deal should be finalized within an hour.

4:33pm: Joel Sherman of The NY Post hears from a source that the deal is done, and Kazmir is "definitely going to the Angels

exactly what I linked just after your post.

Saw those

But thanks anyway.

And "those" are post-"falls through"

Fasten your seatbelts. Del Taco in Corona is getting some serious activity by men in red shirts.

LOL

I get it

I’m just skeptical of Twitter as a source. Someone’s not doing their job when the Angels beat reporter is getting scooped on an important Angels lead by a dude at the NY Post. The same NY Post that said ARod was “98% gonna be an Angel” however many off-seasons ago that was.

You make very very good points here.

damn I forgot about that.

i thought the source

was a TB beat reporter, doing his thing on Twitter.

and I thought the know-it-all ass clowns in NY were just jumping on the TB guy’s lead…?

feNOMINAL - August 28, 2009 reply

Finalized shortly

from MLB Trade Rumors
vr, Xei

Xeifrank - August 28, 2009 reply

i love this deal

Its hard not to

NY POST CONFIRMING

The NY POST says it is a DONE DEAL…

Do I get a cookie?

I so totally read something and posted it before all you!

OWNED

I read that in a dream about 4 weeks ago.

How ’you like THEM APPLES?

FFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU.........

I know a fellow whose last name is FU...

are you channeling him? ;)

This seems to be a trade that helps both teams.

While I myself have felt something should be done to bolster our bully, getting a major league ready starter is better. Lets put it this way, a 25 year old under contract, who happens to be a southpaw, is a better option than Brad Penny or most other names being tossed around. And for two prospects, good deal.

halofolife - August 28, 2009 reply

a 25 year old who has pitched excellent

against the red sox, yankees, and rangers this season too.

Biggs is gonna have the Angels President in a few minutes on his show.

I think thats going to be the best indication of how done this is.

Gotta love Mr Kuhl. He's so cool.

Keep us radio-deprived internet junkies updated...

I would like to know what the heck happened to Quentin.

well, Mel freom Fullerton is also there…so you KNOW LOL

Oh dear lord, no...

red floyd - August 28, 2009 reply

Flew out to center, I think

Carl Johnson - August 28, 2009 reply

Please let me know what he's saying...

…dont have a radio near me

Biggs is saying the deal is not dead….

go to am830klaa.com and you can download and stream it.

Please tell me this deal is pending on a full scale physical on

his shoulder and elbow…. Notice a very disturbing trend in hs FB velocity ….

2004 67.6% (93.7)
2005 65.2% (92.6)
2006 56.2% (91.9)
2007 69.6% (92.1)
2008 75.3% (91.7)
2009 63.3% (90.7)

I think he is a TJ candidate waiting to happen.

laxtonto - August 28, 2009 reply

velocity is bullshit, location is key...

Uhh, no... Most guys need both. There are a few exceptions, yes,

but if this were really true you’d a have a lot more guys who couldn’t throw 90 in the mlb

well played...

A lot of that from 2009

Was the beginning of the season, before his DL stint. From what I’ve read, he’s been back up around his prior year velocity the last couple of weeks.

weaver, santana, saunders, lackey, arredondo

all must be in that same line for TJ surgery

http://twitter.com/angelsbaseball

ACCORDING TO ANGELS BASEBALL TWITTER ITS A DONE DEAL

imyhero - August 28, 2009 reply

someone tell biggs!

What does facebook say?

;)

Bloggy McBloggerson has also confirmed!

He is also reporting that his mom’s basement smells like laundry detergent.

Wahoo!!!

Man, I love this deal

That's not the official twitter

I

See, this is why quoting Twitter sucks

Bio: Angels baseball; not an official site, but officially interesting.

I wonder what Mel from Fullerton thinks?

Is that the guy that asked Rev how many games he's missed in the past three years?

no that was jerry in Buena Park

jerry , aka Jim Lackey

Ahhh. That guy was funny. He sounded like he thought you were a loser after you said you miss about 20 games a season.

sounds like it.

or jerry
, or jeff.

There’s only three people that call into the show.

Mel is the one who prattles on and on and on and on….

he thinks trading Vlad, Torii and Joe Saunders would be a good idea, but only on a Sunday, before noon,

I thnk Biggs is just waiting for the Pres to make the announcement

definitely

What does Obama have to do with this deal?

Who is running the country while he’s chomping Del Taco with Tony Reagins?

Joe Biden of course!

I wish funktastic Huckabee was in Obamas cabinet.

But Joe Biden is much more entertaining. You never know WHAT he’ll say!

I remember him saying something about Cheney.

like he is the most evil VP in the history of the United States. Or something like that.

well

it is true, though.

feNOMINAL - August 28, 2009 reply

yea but not many politicians are willing to say that..

Yeah, they hate that "telling the truth" thing.

Does anybody know...

Kazmir’s playoff stats last year? I’ve tried to Google them, can’t seem to find em

1-1

4.21 era, in 5 starts

12 ER in 25-1/3 IP

Google is a search engine...

baseball reference is the source of the info:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kazmisc01.shtml

He pitched okay

Not great. Definitely walked a TON of guys (18 in 25 innings)

walked 10 in 10 innings of the world series

i’m going to go out on a limb and say he will be ace like working with mathis and this defense

22k's FWIW.

Compares to Erik Bedard on BBRef.com!

Yikes.

Erik Bedard was pretty damn great until he was 28

If Kazmir does the same, we will be in very good shape.

Brody - August 29, 2009 reply

Any confirmation anywhere yet?

We've been cryin out now for much too long, and now we're gonna dance to a different song!

Oooh ooh, Kaz it up! Kaz it up, Kaz it up!

Sung to?

“I want to sex you up?”

I was thinking more Damned's "Smash It Up"...but I think Color Me Badd works just as well, actually.

Angels team president is there…..

Dennis Kuhl.

yeah, Dennis Kuhl

I hate radio...

too slow.

Angels Pres. should just tweet it.

lackey, weaver, santana, saunders, kaz

i like this , a lot.

MLBTR Update

5:59pm: It’s the trade that just won’t be made official. Topkin says there won’t be a trade announcement made until after tonight’s Rays-Tigers game in Detroit. Naturally, the game is in a rain delay.

nice.

mlb network right now discussing it.,...

john heyman says its pretty much done…verducci says it’s all about money for rays

I'll pitch in $20

I'll see your $20 and raise you another $20.

ill buy

some World Series tickets so i raise your 20 and 40 to 750

So this means we dont re-sign lackey then...?

And sign Figgy instead this offseason…?

Can Reckling be ready in 2010 or does he need more time?

Maybe we go with Bell...?

He needs more time

he walks way to many people

i think he will be ready in late 2010 early 2011

We want to, probably can't

We wanted to keep Tex, but can’t compete with Yanks.

Wytelitning - August 28, 2009 reply

Kuhl on AM 830 now

Am830’s website is reportingit as done on the front page.

Dennnis is on now

I hate all this build up

It better pay off.

Biggs is on with President right now

Here we go....

Angels prez claims ignorance

ugh

What does the rotation look like now..?

Lackey
Kazmir
Weaver
Saunders
Santana

I think it'd go more like this...

Lackey
WEAVER
SAUNDERS
Kazmir
Santana

at this point for me, i'd go

lackey
santana
kazmir
weaver
saunders

Agreed

Brody - August 29, 2009 reply

Kuhl doesn't even know about?!

he can't say anything

kuhl

is a liar

he dodged the question

Boooo

This better happen

I already updated my fb to welcome kazmir.

I don’t wanna look like a fool…

you have a facebook? You are already a fool ;)

Feel much better rolling Kazmir out then SOS/Bell

Palmer needed in pen with the condition its in

gorams77 - August 28, 2009 reply

Agreed

Kazmir looks like Jeff Mathis' Brother

separated at birth?

Except Kazmir's a better hitter

+1

Oh Biggs you kiss ass.

This is a worthless interview.

I wonder what number Ka$h Money wears considering K-Mo rocks the one-nine

38?

He’ll be twice as good in Anaheim.

makes sense :D

he would so get laid like everyday in that case

nope thats Darren Olivers number

maybe 57? thre time as good?

angels web site says deal is off

nselbe7 - August 28, 2009 reply

That's an old article.

Like tens of minutes old.

http://blogs.tampabay.com/rays/2009/08/kazmir-hasnat-heard-anything-yet.html

ok hope ur right

nselbe7 - August 28, 2009 reply

check it my friend...

My policy:

Nothing has happened until it’s MLB.com confirmed. None of that mlbtraderumor crap

Figgi4life - August 28, 2009 via mobile reply

MLBNetwork says deal is on and will be finalized with in the hour

devildogamp - August 28, 2009 reply

Ah!

I hate trades. Tell me when it’s official

Figgi4life - August 28, 2009 via mobile reply

Just reading LA Times.

It said Oliver is leaning to playing another year, good news indeed

Can anyone find a random tweet to confirm this?

Otherwise I don’t believe it.

Tweety, Sylvester...what's the difference?

Tampon Bay and Detroit have begun play.

only 54 more outs need to be recorded before we hear the news.

scary tampon

Ca1IFORNIA ANGELS - August 28, 2009 reply

is he our 4th starter?

Id like the deal more if we can make one more deal for a power middle reliever. Our middle relief and set up man scares me.

As for this deal, I like it if he pitches well in September and in the play offs.

Jepsen isn't all that bad

post all star break

jepsen : 1.80 era 1.00 whip .227 baa (21k in 20 innings), 2-1 record, no blown saves

Bulger: 1.59 era 1.18 whip .212 baa (0 homers, he had 7 pre all star break) 2-0, no blown saves

just adding on

comparing either of these two to shields, and they are the better option by far looking at shield’s post all star break numbers from 2008 – 2004.

Still a lot of baseball left in September, but I’m confident with either of these guys … until they decide to blow their first save since june. Jepsen hasn’t blown one all year, Bulger only twice.

Take out the triple a bp guys, and our pen is championship caliber.

Jepsen hasn’t blown one all year

(knocks on wood)

Dondo/Bulger/Palmer/Jepsen

Have been very reliable as of late. They’re great 5/6/7th inning.

Palmer can go 3-4 innings every other start (although we wouldn’t want this to happen). He’s posted a 2.76 ERA over July and August in 39.1 IP. 2-0 record

Dondo can do 3 per full rotation (every 5 games). He’s been looking like his old self with every start (minus giving up 4 ERs like 3 games ago). 13 Ks in 11 IP is what I like seeing.

Bulger, I won’t forget when he did an amazing job to clean up Fuentes’ mess vs the Indians. And of July and August: he’s posted a 1.96 ERA in 23 IP. With 4 Wins, 4 Holds, 1 Save, no blown saves.

Jepsen is our setup man. He has the velocity, and he’s working on the control. In July and August, he’s posting a 1.79 ERA in 25.1 IP. 2-1 with 9 Holds and no Blown saves.

We sent Loux down which was a good move. Rafael will be the new Loux, but he’s showing some improvement. He’s the “when we’re down a ton, give this guy experience” reliever.

Fuentes has been shaky as of late. But giving him 2-3 runs to work with is enough. July and August he’s posting a 4.77 ERA (ouch) but that’s because of two meltdowns: 6 ERs in 0 IPs hurts your ERA. However, minus those two performances: he would be posting 1.19 ERA in 15.1 IP. 1-1 Record. 14 Saves and 2 Blown saves (one was in the meltdown).

So really, our relievers are mostly solid. I think. Their ERAs definitely don’t do them justice. But as of recent. Our relievers have been lights out, for the most part. It’s our starters and our cold bats that are the cause of our losses.

It’s kind of ironic that, ever since we had that game with all .300 hitters, our bats have been less than average. 3-6 record since then, getting outscored 41 to 34.

rays want 1 more player to complete the deal

Then give them the third player...

Jesus…

matt92130 - August 28, 2009 reply

Jesus can't hit a curve ball.

figgifig was quoting MLBTR:
6:17pm: Man on the scene Marc Topkin hears that the Rays may also receive a player to be named later in addition to Torres and Sweeney.

Good call Harris!

matt92130 - August 28, 2009 reply

That whole Jesus thing is a fairy tale. A myth.

Of course He could hit a curveball. And he could teach Mathis a thing or two about laying down a sacrifice.

he was good w/the wood

Carpenter, you know.

maybe he was making bats that wouldn’t shatter.

give them Mathis

Pros N Cons

Pros
1. Least Reagins did something
2. Kazmir is a young lefty
3. He s a 2 time All star
4. Has pitched well of late, wins against Texas, New York and Toronto.

Cons
1. Lots of money left in contract
2. Injury Prone

haloak - August 28, 2009 reply

Having him locked up for two more years...

is good.

He’s only 26. Younger than Santana and Weaver.

This makes a good, young core to the rotation. Too bad Adenhart isn’t around to be part of it too….

jimmuscomp - August 28, 2009 reply

still waiting for confirmation??

ugh… this is going to drive me nuts all night!

howiestheman - August 28, 2009 reply

Rays want one more player.

Let the speculation begin

willits

quinlan?

howiestheman - August 28, 2009 reply

Mathis!!!!!!!!!

Yes, but after the season is over.

Maybe we are waiting for GMJ to waive his no trade clause

not gonna happen, but I can dream.

LosAngel - August 28, 2009 reply

They said "post-game" Detroit-TB.

It’s nuthin-nuthin in the third inning.

oops.

one nil red wings over lighting in the 3rd.

Are you sure were not talking Lions-Bucs?

halofolife - August 28, 2009 reply

Barry Sanders kicked the extra point, eh?

norcaliangelsfan - August 28, 2009 reply

I'm thinking Herman Moore with the PAT.

And Scott Mitchell for one of the worst starting QB’s ever. I’m not even a Lions fan, why do I know so much about that crappy team, god I need a life.

halofolife - August 28, 2009 reply

i like the move

FWIW

Hey Rev

your favorite caller greg from (i think ventura) agrees w/you about Kazmir

i have changed my mind three time today

which side is he on?

drink your kool-aid rev, Tony Reagins wants you to.

oh i only saw the first and came back again right now

but basically (after 30 mins of rambling) he said he doesn’t like it…where do you stand at the moment

i am for it

why not

what made you go from

this move is SO stupid that I don’t even have words for it. Kazmir is an injury waiting to happen and is always too close to the gascan for comfort.

to

why not

one number

25

i did not realize that he was that young. That alone is reason enough.

We need to add a proven MLB pitcher to the rotation if we want to make it to post season

you know that. Seriously.

zzzz… zzzz… zzzz… zzz

adirondackangelfan - August 28, 2009 reply

please help...

im at work and not sure whats goin on…deal or dead?

gotta wait for the Tigers-Rays game to end.

“No announcement until after the game” is what I have heard.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=290828106

Follow along:

Wow...

Garza just got blasted. 5 runs. That’s going to delay our little announcement a bit. Dang it.

deal but not officially announced or something.

no word yet

most seem to think it’s a deal, but we won’t know for a couple hours

howiestheman - August 28, 2009 reply

still talking

supposedly

http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090828&content_id=6663260&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana

i dont know if someone has posted this already but....

does this mean dead or are there apparently still talks???

AnaheimHalos61 - August 28, 2009 reply

OLD NEWS

the timestamp on that is 2:06 PM our time

woops ;P

AnaheimHalos61 - August 28, 2009 reply

This deal would make me not feel so bitter about losing out on Peavy.

no evidence

we were ever that deep in it …

oh I know, boo- yah!

Fred Rogins had the Aybar/Izturis play last night/morning on "Morning Joe"

and they are all Red Sox* fans on that show.

Ha, i just read that "rogin is often confused for jason bateman"

…that’s just funny and very untrue

the biggest thing

does this mean that the Rays have given up on this year?

No they have Sonnastine and Wade DAvis

And what

will his nickname be?

Well, phyzz and rex were trying to find someone...

….on the team to call dog, he could be kaz-dog!

I got one

once they announce this watch out!

Kazaam?

RubixsQube - August 28, 2009 reply

Kazmir--->Cashmere--->wool from goats =

La Cabra

Chone's Chonies - August 28, 2009 reply

why keep us in suspense

His nickname is "Rico Suave"

haloak - August 28, 2009 reply

Alexi Amarista came out of the Kernels' game in the 5th

No injury delay or anything. I hope that doesn’t mean he’s the third player.

good hitter with a decent eye we wont miss him...

man i hope its not him

Scott "T-Bone" Kazmir ;)

here is one ... the great kazoo (don't recall what that was from )

Beckett hit Scutaro in the head

Just thought you’d wanna know

Funkin Josh Beckett with his gay soul patch...

speaking of HBPs...

here is the greatest fight ever! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xgu90A9Ei20&feature=related

Such a little bitch

on a non-angel related subject I hope Barkley throws 4 INTsin his first game and gets benched

norcaliangelsfan - August 28, 2009 reply

hater

bruin

+100

Fight On!

trojanangelfan - August 29, 2009 reply

Barkley is the man dude

Guy has a cannon

angelsown3417 - August 28, 2009 reply

and so far sucked in camp

But he was named the starter

how has he sucked?

angelsown3417 - August 28, 2009 reply

becuase corp was hurt - no other reason.

if he was ok then he would be holding a clipboard. He was aweful in camp. Check the articles in the daily news

Amen

Screw Barkley and the Traveller he rode in on…

gorams77 - August 29, 2009 reply

What The F

is this guy a Halo or not???

Did the Angels FINALLY make a move for a pitcher????

R I D I C U L O U S that it took this long for what appears to be an attempt at a trade for an arm.

Dono Romantico - August 28, 2009 reply

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DEAL !

Yet???

BWAAAAHAHAHAHAHA ! ! !

Dono Romantico - August 28, 2009 reply

In other news...

Texas is losing to Minnesota.

how do the dodgers lose to the fuckin reds

Caseys Kiss of Death - August 28, 2009 reply

Hilariously

that’s how.

hah!

Caseys Kiss of Death - August 28, 2009 reply

I don't know how, if this is true

more of you aren’t shitting your pants in excitement.

“Ohh, but his pitch count is too high, waaaaaaahhh, waaaaaahhh. This porridge is too cold…”

PUH-LEASE.

He’s been injured this year, but look at the guy…he’s a staff ace (oh, boo-fuckin’-hoo, he’ll only give us 6 1/3 innings). He’s 25 freakin’ years old. He’s a kid. He’s a strikeout machine with a low career ERA. He’s been a Cy Young waiting to happen since high school. And he’s less money that Gary Fucking Matthews. For the next two years.

And he’s available for two GOOD, but not untouchable prospects.

Give him to me. Now. Please. Where’s the pen to sign this shit?

yep

could potentially have 3 ace pitchers peaking a month from now.
lackey santana and kazmir

weaver has taken a giant leap back from his great 1st half, and saunders has had one good start all year right?

kazmir will be the only guy not afraid to face texas, every other starter in this rotation has been lit by the rangers this year

Saundo has had more than 1 good start my friend...

3 ?

he’s going to need to win out to get a start in the post season imo

6 starts and allowed 1 R or less.

but i get where your coming from.

Spoken like a mets fan

;)

Rays game over!

Waiting SUCKS

BALLS!!!!!

I wanna know NOW!

This feels like Teixeira all over again

with all this waiting around not knowing what is going on

lackey41 - August 28, 2009 reply

They bumped up the "no deal" article to a lead at mlb.com

They also added the following quote to the piece.

Before the Angels’ game against the Athletics on Friday night, manager Mike Scioscia said: “There’s a lot of speculation out there but there’s nothing really to talk about. We don’t talk about specific players. There’s nothing imminent.”

How do they live with themselves?

All of these bald-faced lies?

I know, right?

I mean, there’s party lines and formalities, sure, but to be this openly untruthful about it is unbecoming a Soth…

OFFICIAL

It is official JSUT ANNOUNCED

really????

great news!

lackey41 - August 28, 2009 reply

Where???

WHERE

pretty happy about this

The Limey - August 28, 2009 reply

Look at the Rev!!!

Big man coming through with the breaking news…. atta boy, love it.

matt92130 - August 28, 2009 reply

Rays Postgame Announced it

Somber broadcaster was wishing him well and discussing hte psychology of being traded. DEFINITELY CONFIRMED

When is that idiot Phyzz going to wax poetic about it?

RIGHT NOW!!!!!

Heard it

SWEET

JUST HEARD IT FROM PHYZZ HOLE

trevor hoffman going to the giants it seems

hope they beat the rocks

Why did they wait?

Is there a PTBNL in the deal?

Yes

Hmmm....

I wonder who?

3 player for 1 deals…ugh

Will it be a minor leaguer, though?

If I had to guess...

The poor, unnamed soul is likely a minor leaguer stuck on a bus somewhere.

The Rays were probably given a list of lower level prospects and have a certain amount of time to make choice.

who?

the giants, the angels?

I AM PUMPED

This was a good deal in my eyes

A great deal, maybe. I guess time will tell.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL—-The Tampa Bay Rays have traded left-handed pitcher Scott Kazmir to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for left-handed pitcher Alex Torres, third baseman Matt Sweeney and a player to be named later.

Kazmir, 25, is 8-7 with a 5.92 ERA (111-IP, 73-ER) in 2009, his sixth season (fifth full season) in the majors. He leaves Tampa Bay as the franchise’s all-time leader in wins (55), innings pitched (834), strikeouts (874), starts (144) and quality starts (71). Kazmir is the only pitcher to be named to two All-Star Games as a Ray. He was acquired from the New York Mets on July 30, 2004, along with right-handed pitcher Jose Diaz in exchange for right-handed pitchers Victor Zambrano and Bartolome Fortunato.

Torres, 21, is a combined 13-4 with a 2.75 ERA (147.1-IP, 45-ER) in 26 appearances (24 starts) between Rancho Cucamonga and Arkansas (AA) this season. He went 10-3 with a 2.74 ERA (121.1-IP, 37-ER) for Rancho Cucamonga, earning California League All-Star honors and a July 31 promotion to Arkansas, where he went 3-1 with a 2.77 ERA (26-IP, 8-ER). Overall he has 149 strikeouts in 147.1 innings, while limiting opponents to only four home runs and 116 hits, good for a .222 opponents’ average. The Valencia, Venezuela native will report to Montgomery (AA).

Sweeney, 21, hit .299 (63-for-211) this season for Rancho Cucamonga (A) with nine homers, 44 RBI, a .379 on-base pct. and .517 slugging pct. while playing third base and designated hitter. The left-handed hitter was sidelined the entire 2008 season while recovering from ankle surgery, and this year spent more than two months on the disabled list with a right hip injury. The two-time minor league All-Star was selected in the eighth round of the 2006 June Draft out of Rockville, Md. He will report to Charlotte (A).

fuckin yanks won again dammit

Why does this bother you

how can you be from LA and like the yanks

I don't like them at all.

I just don’t get bent out of shape when the win a regular season game against the White Sox.

it is about home field. I want the halos to have it in the playoffs

it is bout

eliminating the White Sox – who have our number – from the playoffs…

arnt the Angels better on the road

“road warriors”

on a walk off hr

and the cards just won on a walkoff from albert

talking about Kaz after the commercial on ESPUN

how has kaz done against the yanks?

Second best lifetime ERA in the majors with 10 games started

#1 is AJ Burnettt

W6G+SK?

We Will Win With What We Got + Scott Kazmir

Just wanted to say 677 comments in.....

YAHOO!

Now that is Ninja baby! I like this deal. I like this deal. I like this deal.

Ca1IFORNIA ANGELS - August 28, 2009 reply

heath bell

Now bring in Heath Bell. Also, when I heard we made a trade today I was hoping GMjr was sent to Tampa. haha

how the hell is TOMKO !!! pitching so well?

bruin fans.

can’t even find the game thread…

pretty sure this guy is one of your own

linkbruin - August 28, 2009 reply

well at least texas lost

From Tampa

Kaz move was a salary dump to keep Crawford next year. He is a very slow starter that gets stronger with confidence and innings…….he will never be a bullpen option.
Rays are deep in starting pitching in minors so the move made sense. We need a 1st baseman and it looks like we got one out of the deal in a year or two when Pena moves on ($$$ and BA). Kaz has lost a couple of MPH and control is very suspect, but he could be a very good add as he learns to pitch rather than throw now that velocity has gone down because of injuries…..only 25.

RaysFan1966 - August 28, 2009 reply

Solid deal

I was skeptical at first, because I, like a lot of you, wanted to hang on to Sweeney, but this is really a sound investment. Yeah his K’s are down, but the dude’s 25, we got him through 2012 at most, and it wasn’t too long ago that Kash was a menace in the AL East. It gives us a different look in the rotation, and the opportunity to have a 1-2 punch in him and Thunder Mountain to rival Haren and Webb at their best for Arizona…if you just kinda overlook the messy “new contract” and “hip issues” arguments. A lot to hope for, but great move nonetheless!

MostAngelic - August 28, 2009 reply

PTBNL?

Joe Madden stated that he was ecstatic about the PTBNL. My guess, it will be Reggie Willits. It was mentioned during the game the other night that Madden has long coveted Willits, this trade was held up at the last minute and an additional player was added. Seems to make sense imo. Not bothered by this if true, love his energy, but Reggie would never crack the Halo lineup.

TMBTRUMPET - August 28, 2009 reply

Just so long as it's not Wood

Reagins seemed to be preparing everyone for a bombshell when he was on the air with Reagins.

Er, Smith.