Halos Heaven

Angels wait in vain for a win in Chicago - latimes.com
There was little need to linger in the clubhouse after a 4-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field sent the Angels to their fourth defeat in five games and prompted more questions about a lineup that couldn't capitalize on the early departure of Jake Peavy.  The White Sox starter twirled off the mound in obvious discomfort after delivering a second-inning pitch to Mike Napoli, departing because of a strained right-side muscle (video: Peavy hurts himself after pitch, leaves game). But the Angels could muster only one run in 71/3 innings against four relievers and have averaged only 4.1 runs over their last 15 games.Scioscia said he addressed his team's lack of focus after the players lost track of the number of outs in the fourth inning Monday — "Some things have been discussed," he said — but there were further breakdowns a day later. Hunter was caught stealing when he broke for second base too early in the second inning and Juan Rivera, in his first game back since being sidelined nearly a week because of blurry vision, was thrown out on a botched hit-and-run play in the fourth that might have cost the Angels a run (more video: Pierzynski makes the quick throw to second).

It's always something.  Doesn't it seem like the Angels just can't get their act together this season?  There's been stretches where it seemed like the starting pitching was awful, or the bullpen can't get anyone out, and now what's going on with the offense?  And it's not just the lack of timely hitting.  The club looks like they turn into a little league team once they do get on base, getting into rundowns, getting picked off, caught stealing, and running themselves out of innings.  I understand that the Angels play aggressive baseball, putting pressure on the other team by taking the extra base and creating opportunities to score, but there's a difference between aggressive and stupid.  And the Angels are being aggressively stupid on the bases.  Here's the highlights:  Frandsen makes a great play at third - Video - Kevin Frandsen fields the soft ground ball and fires to first to rob Alexei Ramirez of a base hit in the sixth inning (actually, no.  In spite of Frandsen's effort, Ramirez was safe), Napoli ties the game with an RBI single - Mike Napoli slaps a single to center to plate Torii Hunter, tying the game at 1 in the fourth inning.

Angels " Win Probability " Tuesday, July 06, 2010 - FanGraphs Baseball
Angels win probability for Tuesday, July 06, 2010

I've been meaning to add this to the daily Halolink post, but kept forgetting.  Anyway, here is the win probability information from last night's game, and look for it after each game.

Angels-White Sox Preview - 7/7/10 - FOX Sports on MSN
While Freddy Garcia rarely loses to the Los Angeles Angels, Joe Saunders has never lost at U.S. Cellular Field. The pitchers meet Wednesday night when the Chicago White Sox look for a fourth straight win and continue a four-game series against the Angels. Garcia (8-3, 4.65 ERA) is 14-3 with a 2.53 ERA in 24 career starts versus the Angels, who he last faced Sept. 13, 2006. The ERA represents his lowest against any AL opponent, and he's 4-0 with a 2.29 ERA in his last five outings against them. Los Angeles will counter with Saunders (6-8, 4.59), who is 3-0 with a 1.53 ERA in four outings at U.S. Cellular Field for his lowest ERA in a stadium where he has made multiple starts.The left-hander turned in a second straight strong outing Friday, allowing one run over eight innings in a 2-1, 10-inning home loss to Kansas City.

Fan falls from stands at Rangers Ballpark - texasrangers.com
A male fan fell from the second-deck club level and into the lower bowl at the Ballpark in Arlington in the fifth inning of the Rangers' 12-1 win over the Indians on Tuesday. The incident delayed the game 16 minutes as ballpark personnel tended to him and four other injured fans. The fan flipped over the railing before landing on his back in section 35, which is roughly a 30-foot drop. He was conscious and able to move all of his extremities. After being stabilized, he was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas.

Two things to look for in the above video link; watch the umpire's reaction as he sees the fan fall, and listen for the crowd's audible gasp.  As totally freaky this incident is, I'm really surprised this doesn't happen more often.

A’s ask MLB to warn Angels of potential riots -  The Orange County Register
The Angels play at Oakland on Friday through Sunday, and apparently riots are anticipated there when the verdict comes out in a murder trial (that is being held in Los Angeles).

Yikes.

Hunter happy this invitation never arrived -  ESPN Los Angeles
"I did it in 2002 and my swing was boo-boo in the second half," Hunter said. "It was terrible. You hear about a lot of guys doing it, so I’m a witness. Guys who have been through it, they know." Because the Angels are hosting the game, Hunter said he likely would have accepted an invitation. "I’m torn about it, but I’ll probably have to, if they ask," he said. "It’s the right thing to do."

This year his attempted steals of third are "boo-boo".

Orioles Insider: Atkins era officially over - baltimoresun.com
The Orioles announced today that first baseman Garrett Atkins cleared waivers and was given his unconditional release. He is free to sign with another team, and he said previously that he would consider a minor league deal. But not with the Orioles.

Sign him.  At least give him some time in Salt Lake City to see if he can help the team.

July 7 - BR Bullpen
2000 - Drawing one of its largest crowds, the Butte Copper Kings newest promotion, 'John Rocker Awareness Night' is a huge success as the Angel farm club of the Pioneer League offers free admission to anyone belonging to a group insulted by the Atlanta reliever in his Sports Illustrated interview. The 672 fans in attendance include single moms with multiple children, people with purple hair, 'foreigners', as well as people with alternative life styles.

Juan Pierre: