Lisa Blumenfeld - Getty Images
m a g i c (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
Final Score in Anaheim: Angels 8, Blue Jays 3
The postgame interview broadcast on Fox Sports West was the dullest insult to Ervin's greatness that has ever been foisted on the Angels television audience. Jose Mota brought up unexciting subjects like Ervin's hip turn and his pitching coach's reaction. Michael Eaves (apparently demoted from the Lakers broadcast) was no better, demanding inanities from his centerfield booth to a headphoned Righthander on the field, broadcast as a buzzkill endgame live at the stadium and live on television. What a drag it is getting sold a bill of corporate sponsored goods. A whole lot of mumbling managed to dumb down a major victory into a yawning of a fawning ... without drama, pacing or poetry. Later in the broadcast Mota and Eaves gabfested on the Blue Jays jock to ensure their clubhouse access. In that discussion, Eaves, the non-baseball dolt, called Roy Halladay "Holiday" with the stupid arrogant confidence of a wrong way driver on a one-way street. Angels postgame telecasts are just a flat-out wreck.
The exciting four-run 2nd inning saw classic Scioscia-era small ball destroy the heretofore dominant Romero, pretty much the post Roy Halladay Blue Jays ace. A squeeze by Erick Aybar to bring home Reggie Willits (starting in Center Field as Torii Hunter was attending his son's high school graduation) was the "awesome" highlight (too bad it did not happen 19 months ago in Bahstin) of the inning, but Mike Napoli's 2-run bomb in the 6th inning was a reminder that these Angels are down but not out in the still young 2010 season.
The great commentary of the game was at our GAME THREAD.
Roll Call: ladybug, angels_rally_mom, 44FAN, opiejeanne, HalosFanInNorCal, OC Awhole1, Fred Fredrix, MH252525, GutterDem0n, salmonforever, BigBangRobbDawgg, halofolife, chikmagnet_565, RexTookMyStash, Rev Halofan, red floyd, Slyintine, Figgi4life, Angelsrthebest101, eyespy, chairmanofthebar, princeton11loveshalos, ryanfea, Raaddad, Ed@northridge, blochead, DAD OF VLAD, stuck in Romania, Suboptimal, Dono Romantico, Quinlan's Goofy Swing, Clutch, clover_black, LazorkoRules, Robviously, b0rd3rline, hbhalofan, XYZ123
Total Users: 38
Total Posts: 661
0 recs | 99 comments
Voted for Voodoo
But Napoli is so definitely getting laid
red floyd - May 25, 2010
Ay-men.
opiejeanne - May 25, 2010
Totally
I voted Ervin as well, and it took me no time to decide. Still, Napoli deserves a lot more than 11%. He must deserve some of the credit for calling Santana’s game. The pacing was incredible. At times, Ervin would get the ball back from Napoli and never step away from the pitching rubber, going immediately into his set position and ready to throw. When he concentrates like that and works quickly, he is dominant.
jjackflash - May 25, 2010
CG for Ervin.
And he kept our ’pen out of the game. POTG: Voodoo.
halofolife - May 25, 2010
Good to see Mighty Maicer back in the line-up
Stay healthy dude!!!!
Raaddad - May 25, 2010
Great win tonight
POTG = Voodoo
RexTookMyStash - May 25, 2010
Finally!
Something to cheer about!
It makes Vlad’s 2HR 5RBI night a little easier to swallow.
Doesn’t it?.?.?…
Great win, I still miss Vladdy.
Halo Hurricane - May 25, 2010
I miss vladdy too especially when we have Bunicula in his place
Angelsrthebest101 - May 25, 2010
lol @ Bunicula reference
I loved that (those?) book(s?).
cath619 - May 26, 2010
hopefully vlad keeps up this tear
, kills it for a few more years, and retires into the hall as a ranger.
just another FU to the FO, straight outta texass.
clover_black - May 25, 2010
Would love to see Vlad have a couple more good years, but he's likely to go into the hall as an Expo.
snowhor - May 26, 2010 via mobile
He did win his MVP as an Angel.
Of course, so did Baylor, and if and when he gets in, I doubt it will be as an Angel.
red floyd - May 26, 2010
F that - If a team no longer exists and the player was great elsewhere, he should go to the still-existing team
Andre Dawson going in as an Expo pissed me off last year. He should have gone in on the Cubs. Did anyone in Montreal even care?
Commander_Nate - May 26, 2010
The Hall is independent from MLB and doesn't give a shit about what a certain team's fans care about.
It’s a museum dedicated to baseball’s history. Vlad’s 8 years with the Expos were largely outstanding and will trump his excellent then very good 6 years with us.
Had we kept him for another year to help even the playing time, we could have made a case for him going in as an Angel.
Instead, we get to look at the cute Matsuiland signs.
snowhor - May 26, 2010 via mobile
Except
that he went to the playoffs and won just as many awards as an Angel then the Expos. His time with the Angels are more important to baseball’s history then his time with the Expos
ryanfea - May 26, 2010
I think we could have tried to make that case had his playing time with the two teams been more equal.
I don’t think the subjective stuff will be enough to overcome the objective truth, his stats with the Expos were better than with us. And that production has more to do with why he will be elected than one MVP award and a few playoff appearances.
snowhor - May 27, 2010
Agree
I think it will be close, but with the increasing influence of the SABR community he will probably go in as an Expo.
stolenbases - May 26, 2010
Why would SABR influence it?
hauldog - May 27, 2010
I think factors such as MVP awards, playoff appearances, and leadership are becoming less and less important now
With more and more people in the mainstream looking at things such as defense and WAR, he very likely goes in as an Expo. If we were the Yankees or Red Sox though that might be different since it seems those teams are “special” in the eyes of the media and many casual baseball fans.
stolenbases - May 27, 2010
Not a chance in hell he would go into the hall as a Ranger
hauldog - May 26, 2010
Such wicked thoughts...
Oh the irony.
Halo Hurricane - May 26, 2010
Great pitching wins games
UCIHalo - May 25, 2010
Tell that to Saunders...
stuck in Romania - May 25, 2010
and Weaver.
opiejeanne - May 25, 2010
I'm sure Santana was determined to complete the game
to keep that bullpen off the field
RedHatHalo - May 25, 2010
Although Ervin should be panther, Napoli is on a tear
Angelsrthebest101 - May 25, 2010
Trying to post on an iPhone sucks.
opiejeanne - May 25, 2010
I mean, while I was at the game.
Half the time it cut out on me when it was posting, and then I’d check and see that it had posted twice. D’oh!
opiejeanne - May 25, 2010
I couldn't even manage to post on my furschlugginer BlackBerry!
It’s great for other things, but it stinks for surfing.
Did you leave your Gnome card with the stadium people, or are you mailing it directly? We’re doing the latter, being naturally skeptical folks.
rspencer - May 26, 2010
We left it with the stadium people.
I dunno about this. If they do take 6 weeks to arrive, we won’t be here. We sold the house while we were in Ireland. We will be living in a tiny cottage near Lake Arrowhead until we find a house in the Seattle area, and right now mr opiejeanne is dismantling the bathroom. Arrrgh!
opiejeanne - May 26, 2010
we left it wth the Stadum people too.
Did they say it would take 6 weeks???
firebird81 - May 26, 2010
I was told they "might" mail it in 4-6 weeks
So I’ll look forward to receiving it in September.
linkbruin - May 26, 2010
go download opera mini for blackberry
it makes internet…. well…. internet. It is essential for blackberry internet usage
Balls and Strikes - May 26, 2010
It takes some patience, but I do it every day.
snowhor - May 26, 2010 via mobile
with starts like these...
there’d be no need for outside help. Good shit, Santana.
SenorChuckles - May 25, 2010
3rd Echelon - May 25, 2010
Denied our gnomes!!!!
Then to rub it in, they showed a slideshow of the gnome at various places around the world. The whole crowd was booing….
firebird81 - May 25, 2010
awesome
merch fail deserves a hearty booooooo
Rev Halofan - May 25, 2010
there were actually people dressed like gnomes!!
firebird81 - May 25, 2010
That was funny.
opiejeanne - May 25, 2010
And that it got!
The whole thing started with the title, “WHERE IN THE WORLD IS THE GARDEN GNOME?” We yelled, “CHINA?”
rspencer - May 26, 2010
Just a dang postcard.
That’s all we got coming in the park tonight. Saying “We apologize” for circumstances beyond their control as to why there was no gnomes to give out. They were lucky the team got off to such a great start scoring runs, because the crowd was a tad testy that one of the more talked about promotions turned out to be a bust. Had they played like they did yesterday, there would have been a lot more booing and chants of “we want our gnomes”.
Yeah, we’ll EVENTUALLY get a gnome, but it’s not the same as being able to hold them up en masse to cheer on the Angels during the game.
I’d be interested to find out what the heck happened. Did someone goof and not order them on time? Were they coming from China and inspectors find them full of enough lead to kill a horse? On the card it says “4 to 6 weeks” for delivery. So it doesn’t sound like they missed out on getting them here by just a couple days.
Ah well. I’ll bet the people most upset are sellers on e-Bay who already pre-sold them and promised deliveries of this week. lol
But the Angel bats made up for it.
RedHatHalo - May 25, 2010
Napoli Bobblehead
took 5 frickin months to arrive last year. That is just bullshit.
Rev Halofan - May 25, 2010
bigger insult?
5 month nipple bobble head delay, or tonight’s post game interview?
Quinlan's Goofy Swing - May 25, 2010
We couldn't hear it above the noise in the stadium. What happened?
opiejeanne - May 26, 2010
They should have Mrs. Napoli bobblebood figurine.
SalmonStream - May 26, 2010
Same problem with "Bobby Grich retro '80s t-shirt" last season.
Only about half of the crowd got them, rest (including me and son) got postcards. I called FO the next day and complained about the lack of planning involved. Obviously they are slow learners.
Bonus: We got 2 extra shirts 2 months later.
I so wanted to get a gnome—such a goofy, WTF sorta item.
hbhalofan - May 25, 2010
It's perhaps the goofiest promotional giveaway since the Home Plate Serving Tray
They were going to be the centerpiece of our weekend festivities. Oh, well, at least we got 30 per cent off at the team store.
rspencer - May 26, 2010
I heard
that the gnomes were on a boat in the pacific on Monday, and wouldn’t be getting here until tomorrow. the vendor called the halos promotion guy on Monday and said “ummm, they won’t be there until Thursday” which, needless to say, was a surprise to the Angels.
it was a really good thign the Angels played well
2pintsofbooze - May 26, 2010
That gnome looked kind of freaky up close
Especially the eyes. Looks like something evil spirits would love to possess.
stolenbases - May 26, 2010
i want a gnome
email me for my address
DAD OF VLAD - May 25, 2010
Referring to your postgame comments: Eaves is the absolute worst
I can’t believe they dropped Hud and kept this dude.
I’d take Phyz over this guy.
And you’re right, Rev, the postgame was very poorly executed
Raaddad - May 25, 2010
it was an insult
especially after such an upbeat game.
Rev Halofan - May 25, 2010
At least Terry handles the radio portion with some class and elan
Raaddad - May 25, 2010
Was that who was doing the interview on the field?
We could hear Santana and Mota and someone else as we were leaving.
opiejeanne - May 25, 2010
Never fear
Eaves mentioned at the very end that Billy Mac will return tomorrow.
rspencer - May 26, 2010
I watched the Rally Raadad video even though we were leading
RexTookMyStash - May 25, 2010
Do so at your own risk
Hey. but you’re there at the end, bro—aren’t you?
Raaddad - May 25, 2010
Swervin' Ervin' shakin' things up for my fantasy team!
And the Rangers get the Royals now? WTF?!
Commander_Nate - May 25, 2010
Gnome Fail
RexTookMyStash - May 25, 2010
There were four young guys sitting in front of us, one who had a laugh like Horshak
from Welcome Back, Kotter. They were hysterical. They started looking up the stats for the Jays and shouting out their numbers at them in the dugout. Bautista looked around at them after they yelled at him about how unimpressive one of his years was. Everyone in our section was laughing.
opiejeanne - May 25, 2010
I think
I heard those guys, though I particularly noticed when they (?) were razzing Reed. Dad & I were in sec. 124 tonight.
jjackflash - May 25, 2010
Well, heck, we were neighbors.
opiejeanne - May 26, 2010
Back in '06 or '07, my friends and I got Vernon Wells to flip us off
We were quite proud of ourselves.
At a different Jays-Angels game, my good buddy drunkenly asked a visiting Jays fan what Canada was doing in the American League. I sorta felt bad for the guy because he was obviously a legit fan and was sporting their old style jersey from their early 90’s glory days, but it was still a funny question so I laughed.
Commander_Nate - May 26, 2010
How long does Napoli waste away in the 7 spot?
when he is hot, he is red hot. Ride him to glory Mikey, RIDE HIM TO GLORY!
Quinlan's Goofy Swing - May 25, 2010
Glad I rushed home from work to read a summary of...
how bad the post-game Angels broadcast was? wtf?
Glad the Angels won…always a the best news to hear after a long day.
BryanHarvey'sMoustache - May 25, 2010
blogbasher
if only you had the balls to initiate the conversation in public instead of try to pick apart that to which you could never compare.
Rev Halofan - May 25, 2010
Oh!!!...
Innernet burn?
Commander_Nate - May 26, 2010
public??
im still in the closet. ; )
BryanHarvey'sMoustache - May 26, 2010
This isn’t over, doubters…
I don’t know how good this Angels team will ultimately be, but strength of schedule accounts for most of the difference in the division so far. Texas ‘aint great. Even with all the fail on the part of the Angels, the Rangers have only been able to build a 5 game lead – while playing a much, MUCH easier schedule.
By example, check out the number of games each team has played against the league leaders (and their records against those teams):
Rays
Angels:… 3 (1-2)
Rangers:. 0
Yankees
Angels:… 6 (3- 3)
Rangers:. 3 (0- 3)
Twins
Angels:… 4 (1-3)
Rangers:. 0
Tigers
Angels:… 7 (2-5)
Rangers:. 4 (2-2)
-—Now, check out the number of games by each against the league’s bottom feeders – where the Rangers have had a feast:
Orioles
Rangers:. 2 (2-0)
Angels:… 0
Royals
Rangers:. 4 (4-0)
Angels:… 0
Seattle
Rangers:. 6 (5-1)
Angels:… 3 (2-1)
-—The number of games played against other AL teams is much more even, as are the win/loss records – with a slight edge actually going to the Angels:
A’s
Angels:… 6 (4-2)
Rangers:. 6 (3-3)
Red Sox
Angels:… 4 (0-4)
Rangers:. 3 (1-2)
Blue Jays
Angels:… 5 (4-2)
Rangers:. 6 (1-5)
White Sox
Rangers:. 3 (2-1)
Angels:… 2 (2-0)
Indians
Rangers:. 3 (2-1)
Angels:… 3 (2-1)
LAASurfin - May 25, 2010
Verrrrry Innnnnteresting
jjackflash - May 25, 2010
on the MLB channel tonight
They mention that VLAD had a 2-HR game against the Royals. Then they say it was the 2nd 2-HR this season for Vlad. Then they say that the other one was also against the Royals. Then I ma like… wait a minute … Angels have not even played the Royals one time this season. Then they say the final score was Rangers 8-7 over KC. Then I was like “oh this baby ain’t over at all.” Then I read this and realize that not only have the Rangers played easy teams… they have not played as many tough, good teams as us. Then it is settled.
Rev Halofan - May 25, 2010
Good work
and seeds for optimism
Raaddad - May 26, 2010
Interesting, but...
…we still need some kind of bullpen if we’re going to make a run at it.
What we have now just won’t do at all, no matter who we play.
The Limey - May 26, 2010
we still need to find a way to win against the tough teams.
firebird81 - May 26, 2010
Yeah, I remember that week or so in April when Texas played in NY and Boston and failed.
That relieved a lot of my fears. The fact that they haven’t even played the Rays or Twins yet or faced the Yankees as much as we have is even more encouraging. So too is the fact that they barely took that two game set from us and it was really only because of our pen and Mike’s stupid use of it.
Commander_Nate - May 26, 2010
daaamn...good work Surfin....
keep me and my dimming halo optimistic.
BryanHarvey'sMoustache - May 26, 2010
Very good analysis
Downing Rules - May 26, 2010
Napoli
is one one of those comet-like offensive streaks, and seems to be doing much better from a defensive standpoint as well. To the extent there is anything to CERA, he certainly deserves some of the credit for helping Santana work quickly and stay focused throughout the night.
jjackflash - May 25, 2010
Go Angels and Go Suns!!!
WillGoAngels27 - May 26, 2010 via mobile
Isn't Torii kind of young to have a kid graduating from high school?
Maybe he was one of those Doogie Howser prodigy kids.
Good win tonight, hopefully we get the series tomorrow.
I’m not a fan of the 4 PM start times though.
bc56274 - May 26, 2010
hahahahaha
me and my wife were talking about that last night. he must’ve been like 16 when he had his son.
2pintsofbooze - May 26, 2010
According to Wikipedia, he's 34. So you're pretty much right on the money!
red floyd - May 26, 2010
My wife asked the same thing...
“Are you sure his kid is not graduating from Kindergarten?”
Downing Rules - May 26, 2010
From his website
http://www.toriihunter.com/project_father-drug-addiction.php
Torii’s oldest son is 13. Maybe they meant “Junior High”?
red floyd - May 26, 2010
But in that story,
Torii’s only 29.
cath619 - May 26, 2010
Oops.
I just saw the 2010 copyright on the bottom.
red floyd - May 26, 2010
No worries;
it was an interesting read.
cath619 - May 26, 2010
Great game for Ervin
He gave up 3 homeruns, but did it as well as possible. You can afford to give up homers when you don’t let anyone else on base. It’s perfect pitching when you have a decent lead – pound the strike zone. They might hit a couple bombs off you but Ervin gave them no chance whatsoever to string together a big inning.
Blylevenesque pitching, if you ask me.
RallyMonkey5 - May 26, 2010
It was a joy watching him pitch
10ks and 1 walk is awesome! Goes to show you how much more damage all those walks can cause compared to the solo homers.
stolenbases - May 26, 2010
Man I sure love those CG'S!!
Any night I don’t have to see a bullpen arm come into the game is a great night! Now hopefully we can throw a CG every night! OVerall, great win hopefully they learn how to hit shitty pitching and not just good pitching. Come on, Ass backwards Angels are here to stay!
angelskid2210 - May 26, 2010
The best way around the bullpen is to never hand the ball to them!
Downing Rules - May 26, 2010
But when what would Fuentes do, besides work on his cheesy porn stache?
I think he should make pizza for the team. Which raises the question, would he throw the dough like a paper airplane too?
~MMP~ - May 26, 2010
The bullpen needs innings under its belt to gain confidence and form
avoiding them and letting them sit stale on the bench until the playoffs is not going to help anyone.
RexTookMyStash - May 26, 2010
It might help us actually get to the playoffs.
Fred Fredrix - May 26, 2010
Well the only way we gt to the playoffs is to avoid the Bullpen
so take your pic, another playoff run and chance to win it all or sitting at home watching the Rangers in the playoffs and maybe have a top 10 draft pick next year.
angelskid2210 - May 26, 2010
Yeah good point, we'll just throw 140 complete games then.
the world series is ours
RexTookMyStash - May 26, 2010
Haha that's a perfect recipe!
Let’s pitch it to the FO! I know we need the bullpen to win I just don’t see it happening without some house cleaning.
angelskid2210 - May 26, 2010
Torii Hunter
So if hes 34 now, and his oldest son is 18, that means he had his son when he was 16!?
Tony Hui - May 26, 2010
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