This is cause for me to use my monthly obscenity. But I'll save it for a bit. The Rangers trade Justin Smoak and prospects for Cliff Lee, who right now is probably the best pitcher in the league. Baseball Prospectus playoff odds give us only a 10% chance of winning the division this year. Our team has quite a few flaws:
People on base: this is a problem on both sides of the field. Through hits, walks, and hit by pitch, we have put 1053 men on base. Because of pitchers (mostly in the bullpen) who can't throw strikes, and fielders who lack range, we have allowed 1132.
Our catchers can't throw anybody out.
Our baserunners get thrown out by everyone.
Scott Kazmir pitches every 5th day.
The greatest hitter in team history is playing for the team we are trying to catch.
The Rangers have strong middle of the order hitters, 3 good tablesetters at the top of the order, a flamethrowing phenom closing games in the bullpen, Cliff Lee in the rotation, and a 5 1/2 game lead.
There is only one thing we can do, to paraphrase the great catcher Jake Taylor:
Let's go win the fucking division anyway.
5 recs | 131 comments
It would be hilarious
If we won the division this year. Man, I would definitely write a big old gloat post.
TheQuestforMerlin - July 9, 2010
yeah... its not impossible.
and would be hilarious.
Jay Cal - July 9, 2010
Well, the good news is...
Lee will probably only pitch every 5th day for the Rangers. I’m not so sure our catchers can’t throw base runners out at 2nd, Napoli had 2 just the other night.
Jay Cal - July 9, 2010
I just checked and
Napoli is at 28% throwing out runners. He’s on the rise. League average is 24%.
Rally Manatee - July 9, 2010
What does it mean? Nada
I doubt we can win the division with what we have regardless of whether or not Texas had Lee. But there is still the second half of baseball to be played and anything can happen. 2002 anyone?
Dono Romantico - July 9, 2010
I hate to say this but
I actually agree with Dono…wow, that hurt.
and Texas isn’t the Yankees. I’d rather watch Texas win than NY or Bos.
SalmonStream - July 9, 2010
I remember 2002 fondly.
We were EIGHTEEN games over .500 at this point in 2002.
Turks Teeth - July 9, 2010
just trying to throw some optimism in
Dono Romantico - July 9, 2010
Go for it, brother!
I’m just being nostalgic, with a dash of salt and bitters.
Turks Teeth - July 9, 2010
Optimisim is not called for
Realism is what is called for. Time to sell so that we have some hope of improving next year. This team has too many holes and not enough young players to trade to fill them.
HungryHunter - July 9, 2010
"What a difference a day makes"
only 4.5 back, hungry. Good thing you aren’t our GM. I might agree with you if we end up 8.5 back in a few games.
Downing Rules - July 10, 2010
1995 anyone?
phoenix15 - July 9, 2010
stop saying that!!!
Jay Cal - July 9, 2010
Only if we can be the M's this time.
I just threw up a little when I said that.
halofan4life - July 9, 2010
YES!
This is the response I was waiting for. Like the team suddenly starting to hit only after Kendry broke his leg, the only proper irrational response to all of this is to go on a tear while the white-knuckle Rangers pull a Mauch-job. There is zero rational reason to believe anything good will happen, and THAT is why I’m an Angel fan, dammit!
mattwelch - July 9, 2010
"Mauch-Job". Classic.
And if there is an MLB Manager incapable of handling a pitching staff anywhere in the majors right now, the one in Arlington surely must be that guy.
Stirrups - July 9, 2010
Isn't this why we are ALL angel fans?
halofan4life - July 9, 2010
That's irrational rationale?
I just ate my rations for the day.
Downing Rules - July 9, 2010
Once again....Matt articulates why I have faith
I also think that Smoak was a VERY high price to pay. Anyone who thisnks tat Lee os worth Trout+, step right up. If I were a Ranger fan, my response would be “we’d better win the whole enchilada”, because they are going to be watching Smoak rake for the M’s for a very long time.
Moondoggy - July 9, 2010
Nothing is worth Trout
He’s just too awesome.
RallyMonkey5 - July 9, 2010
It means World Series Titles in 2011 and 2012
Commander_Nate - July 9, 2010
It means FO needs to get off his ass and do something...
either buy or sell, whatever the tea leaves say. But he must do something. If he does nothing that is fail.
Nashdiesel - July 9, 2010
Do or do not. There is no try.
The OC Sports Geek - July 9, 2010
We all
know the Front office aint doing nothing. all i hear from reagings is talk, that we have options, that we have a couple of things in mind. but please all he does is talk n no action
Drizzy23 - July 9, 2010
Why don't you come back when you have some constructive to say?
All you do is blather on and repeat the same ignorant poorly spelled bullshit.
Dip shit.
RexTookMyStash - July 9, 2010
What about those of us who NEVER have anything constructive to say?
I thought it was still ok to post here . . .
Raaddad - July 9, 2010
We don't have to be constructive
but if someone is incessantly bitching about something they should at least offer some kind of solution to the problem. I think it used to be in the site rules too
Epic Dean - July 9, 2010
I need to have a rule like that
for my wife
Raaddad - July 9, 2010
Keep your pimp hand strong
Epic Dean - July 9, 2010
Wives veto that rule.
I learned that quickly. Which is why I work 50 – 60 hours a week doing a night shift job.
halofan4life - July 9, 2010
In all fairness, my wife does offer a solution to the problems she is bitching about:
That I fix it
Raaddad - July 9, 2010
I try to fix it before she notices
Epic Dean - July 9, 2010
You know how dumb that sounds? Do you know what happened the last few years he has said the same things?
Well I do and you can figure it out :)
TheAngelsColts - July 9, 2010
Karmis!
stuck in Romania - July 9, 2010
Re-agings...
he keeps getting older and older.
Downing Rules - July 9, 2010
RE AGINGS guyz
RexTookMyStash - July 9, 2010
i'll never understand why stupid crap like this makes me laugh
but it does. maybe i am too RE LAXED. well played.
daze - July 9, 2010
I need to find a way to De-age
Epic Dean - July 9, 2010
an
your point is you sack of shit
Drizzy23 - July 9, 2010
I am thinking you are on the fense since you are nothing but a Hater of any Angels talk apparently and are attacking a poster? But hey good thing I am not a mod right lol
TheAngelsColts - July 9, 2010
Win division: You have to believe
I believe Aybar will raise his batting avg to .320
I believe Iz will come back, bat second, and hit .321
I believe Howie will bat 6th, drive in 120 runs, and raise his BA to .322
I believe Torii will keep hitting as he’s been doing, and he will stop trying to steal bases
I believe Matsui will raise his avg 20 points and hit 15 hr after the break
I believe Naps will end up hitting .275 with 30 hr’s
I believe Mathis will throw out 40% of would be stealers from here on out
I believe most of our pitchers will lower there ERA. Those with high ERAs considerably.
I believe Kazmir will be able to give us 6 innings and only give up 3 runs
I believe Rivera will pick it up in the second half
Not that farfetched. Ok I talked myself into it. I believe.
vladtheimpaler - July 9, 2010
Have you been taking your daily dose of halowood?
stuck in Romania - July 9, 2010
Must Believe!
I have to believe!
vladtheimpaler - July 9, 2010
I take it you have!
So what do you believe about Wood?
stuck in Romania - July 9, 2010
Shit yeah.
We will fuckin’ soar!
SenorChuckles - July 9, 2010
But,
Do you believe in unicorns?
halofolife - July 9, 2010
They didn't show up for Noah's boat
Silly unicorns
vladtheimpaler - July 9, 2010
Along with the dragons.
Stupid dragons.
halofolife - July 9, 2010
Yes.
halofan4life - July 9, 2010
No.
RedFog - July 9, 2010
yea
good thing
Drizzy23 - July 9, 2010
you obviously are not able to use the Reply button either. You should attempt to do so as it will help you and us.
TheAngelsColts - July 9, 2010
are you done
seriously i dont care wat you say. if you dont like wat i write well then dont read it simple as that. im just giving my opinion just like everyone else.
Drizzy23 - July 9, 2010
Congrats you used the reply button ;)
TheAngelsColts - July 9, 2010
thanks
im glad someone is happy. dumb ass
Drizzy23 - July 9, 2010
He was actually giving you constructive advice
You make me skizzy miss Drizzy!
mattwelch - July 9, 2010
hey Colts...
Why are you being such a dick?
dr-awkward - July 9, 2010
just giving suggestion just like everyone does to me and everyone else.
Reply butting helps.
TheAngelsColts - July 9, 2010
and AngelsColts helped me with my replyfail problem
He can help you too!
He’s not being a dumbass Drizzle, he’s trying to give you some pointers that just may help you from being banned.
Now, about your constant negativity . . .
Raaddad - July 9, 2010
wow
what a great guy, first he talks his smack n then he wants to help me
Drizzy23 - July 9, 2010
alright alright...
just came across like a bit of a bully for a second.
dr-awkward - July 9, 2010
Hey Hey, BACK OFF
the guy moderates a football draft… HE CAN BE A DICK TO WHOMEVER HE WANTS.
PhiSlamma - July 9, 2010
he's not a dick.
many hassle each other on using the reply button.
SenorChuckles - July 9, 2010
I thought that being a dick
was sort of a pre req for this blog (and also having skin a little more than a few microns deep)
Moondoggy - July 9, 2010
I'm all for this. But let's do one thing first.
Let’s trade away all the old farts we can — for relative peanuts if we must — and bring up Conger, Bourjos, Kohn and Trumbo just to have us a show.
Make the odds even worse, then win despite them.
Turks Teeth - July 9, 2010
+1000000000000000
clover_black - July 9, 2010
Scary but I actually like that idea
Would definitely make it fun to watch.
Anaheim71420 - July 9, 2010 via mobile
It gives the Rangers a win or three they wouldn't have had otherwise
Maybe.With Kendry, I wouldn’t have been so concerned.
Side note: Lueke was involved in a date rape bust. The Rangers are probably happy to let him go from that aspect.
scareduck - July 9, 2010
I agree if we had Kendry we would probably not be as worried as we would probably have won more but with really knows
TheAngelsColts - July 9, 2010
What it gives them is a better shot in the postseason.
A postseason they were already likely to get to.
Turks Teeth - July 9, 2010
For us, it's simple:
We are battling Oakland for second place.
bc56274 - July 9, 2010
Prince Fielder and Cory Hart are available...
Why not go for one or both? Trade Rivera, Conger, Trumbo and Wood. WE NEED SOMETHING FOR GOODNESS SAKE!
Jason Andrew Martin - July 9, 2010
and for fuck's sake, too.
dr-awkward - July 9, 2010
and for Pete's sake, as well!
(I always wondered who “Pete” was . . .)
Raaddad - July 9, 2010
Rose?
stuck in Romania - July 9, 2010
Not worth it.
Let Napoli put up solid numbers, then trade him during the offseason. Then bring in Conger to take over for Jeffrey.
SenorChuckles - July 9, 2010
Yeah, let's trade Conger
Because we need to make sure we never have any young players again.
Robviously - July 9, 2010
You know if the FO did not drop the ball and trade wood we could have Miguel Cabrera who is currently leading in RBIs and AVG and 2nd in HR!
oh yeah and in Detroit, think what he could be doing in Anaheim except hitting home runs off Fuentes.
Angelsrthebest101 - July 9, 2010
rumors said that they wanted Wood, NA, HK, and Santana.
SenorChuckles - July 9, 2010
and we would be paying for his new contract
AND that horrible Dontrelle Willis contract.
SalmonStream - July 9, 2010
it means nothing.........
there are still 70 plus Angel games that they have to play in………Win 45-50 of those games……….and they’re in a good spot.
norcaliangelsfan - July 9, 2010
we need a month were we go 21-6.
and we’re back in it. Bottom line we need a damn good month and take the Texas season series.
SenorChuckles - July 9, 2010
exactly.....
there is still time for the Angels to take care of their own business………..if they play like they are capable of……..then all is well…………and if they dont………then they can only look to themselves as to why they failed
norcaliangelsfan - July 9, 2010
I think the reality is...
The All-Star game is just to dang distracting for this FO oh well…it is what it is…Bring on the KIDS
IWishWeStillHadTimSalmon - July 9, 2010
Fuck it Let's Pitch!
maze88 - July 9, 2010
LETS GO HALOS!!
LETS GO!
The OC Sports Geek - July 9, 2010
It means
SELL SELL SELL
hk47 - July 9, 2010
So much for the idea the M's wouldn't trade Lee to a divisional foe.
sothball - July 9, 2010
I have engaged in inter-divisional trade talk on LL in the past and they are always quick
to slap a poster down insisting that inter league trading never happens. What a bunch of know nothing hypocrites.
44FAN - July 9, 2010
What this was was a big F U to the Halos from 2 conspiring, jealous teams.
They hate us out there …………… they really hate us.
PieceOfAase - July 9, 2010
Sarcasm, or is that you Paris Hilton?
The username may give it away?
Turks Teeth - July 9, 2010
Anti Sally Fields?
MrBungle - July 9, 2010
I'm going to print this on my fingernails like Lindsay Lohan did in court.
44FAN - July 9, 2010
What is going through Reagins head?
A conversation between Reagins and Reason.
Reason: Tony! Cilff Lee is available. You should trade Kazmir and three prospects to get him. Seattle would probably go for it.
Tony: But, but, we have the best farm system in the world! They can carry us!
Reason: But the Yanks or Texas will get him if you don’t. What’s wrong with you?
Tony: ‘Blank stare….’
Reason: Tony, Cory Hart and Prince Fielder are available. I really think you should make a move for one, if not both. They can bring a huge boost to your line up.
Tony: Hmmm, interesting thought, but…NAHHHH! I’ll just stick with MaCanaulty (or however the hell you spell his name) and Aldridge. They’ll pick up the slack! And let’s not forget our secret weapon: BRADON WOOD! He’ll come around sooner or later! I know it’s been four years since he made his big league debut, but he sure did crush the ball in AAA. And minor players is what we’re all about! In fact, I’m thinking of trying to get Arte to change the name of the team again to “The AAA Angles.” Besides, every desicion I’ve made since I got here has been a colossal failure. Why should I stop making dumb desicions now?
Reason: Tony…ahhh it’s useless!
Jason Andrew Martin - July 9, 2010
Kazmir and prospects...
wouldn’t have fetched him.
Downing Rules - July 10, 2010
Hmmm
Not sure if Cliff Lee will make that much a difference for where Texas will end at the end of the season, I still think it will be a fairly good race in September.
Though Kazmir has been laughable, offense has been the Angels primary need by far (for seasons now), get the 700 lb gorilla or Hart (or both)! That should always be the focus if Arte wants the west coast Yankees, get bombers (or at least patient hitters….hey a transition to a rant on Hatcher, I’ll save it).
Dontbatvlad4th - July 9, 2010
Year right now I am more worried about our hitting than anything else
TheAngelsColts - July 9, 2010
Our bullpen is far worse than our offense.
Commander_Nate - July 9, 2010
hmmm... i dunno...
stuck in Romania - July 9, 2010
Texas essentially adds another 2 to 4 more wins this season
That is ground that will be extremely difficult to catch up to with the other 5 1/2 games we are behind.
ryanfea - July 9, 2010
where can i get off the Angels Wagon and
JOin the rangers Wagon?
DAD OF VLAD - July 9, 2010
Right here right now. Bye.
TheAngelsColts - July 9, 2010
You don't even have to change your name
You’ll fit right in.
ryanfea - July 9, 2010
lol
TheAngelsColts - July 9, 2010
i know that is amazing
but i do have to buy some new cloths (my whole Closet)
DAD OF VLAD - July 9, 2010
Your whole closet is made up of cloths?
Ya know, if you put them all together, you could probably make some pretty nice clothes. Just a suggestion.
The_Power_and_the_Glory_of_Robert_Horry - July 9, 2010
left field.
Downing Rules - July 10, 2010
But ... You are all missing the big question
How are the M’s going to win the Division without Lee? What is their gameplan in this whole scenario? Are thy only trying to make the division stronger so they can toughen up for the post season? So many questions, so little time.
eyespy - July 9, 2010
They have had heir asses handed to them so much (just recently, a nice sweep at home by the Royals)
That their only rationale is this puts the final nail into the Angels chances for the AL West this year.
I don’t have the heart to tell them over at LL and USSM and Mariner fandom that we did that for them by rolling out an underperforming Kazmir, Fuentes, Matsui, Rivera etc etc. Lee going to the Rangers will have nothing to do with it. We have been bad enough that we don’t need to concern ourselves with Cliffy Lee.
But I can’t take that away from them. It’s the only way they can feel relevant in the AL West.
TheQuestforMerlin - July 9, 2010
3rd Echelon - July 9, 2010
Waist of time?
Just like school was.
LazorkoRules - July 9, 2010
waist eh?
seems like such a waste to have a great demotivater get spoiled this way
blast21dave - July 9, 2010
HA HA!
I found it on a Japanese website. Translation fail!
3rd Echelon - July 9, 2010
Luminous!
b0rd3rline - July 9, 2010
Nothing is over until we decide it is!
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!
rspencer - July 9, 2010
Agreed...and I look forward to the day when you become U.S. Senator, Mr. Blutarsky!
Though I have to admit, this has been one shitty week getting only worse.
Big Easy Halofan - July 9, 2010
You're right about how this week has trended
That’s why I think we have to go all out. I think that this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody’s part.
And we’re just the guys to do it!
rspencer - July 9, 2010
Man, I really thought Conger and Kazmir would get it done.
No worries. I’m going on record right now that Ted Lilly >>> Cliff Lee after the ASB. Halos should go get Lilly and make a run at this thing.
JDT217 - July 9, 2010
Ted Lilly wouldnt be bad to pickup...........
except he doesnt help the bullpen
norcaliangelsfan - July 9, 2010
Lilly benefits from NL...
he can’t hack the AL.
Look at the castoff from the Mariners, Carlos Silva. Terrible in the AL, serviceable if not excelling in the NL.
Downing Rules - July 10, 2010
Time to blow up the team.
Trade Tori and his ridiculous contract to the Yanks, get contracts, and start to rebuild.
big0lbad - July 9, 2010
Torii's ridiculous contract?
Out of all the people on the team that have been holding us back, you suggest we get rid of one of the only people actually making an effort to win? You need to jump on a different bandwagon, or at least watch a game or two for yourself..
b0rd3rline - July 9, 2010
You know what?
Fuck it, Rangers have check-raised us right here this season and I’m willing to go all-in and say Reagins, make a damn stand and push in the chips to keep competitive. Otherwise you just let them push us right out of the playoffs!
blast21dave - July 9, 2010
Reagins was reported on ESPN...
…as having been seen outside a Borders store buying this.
It doesn’t look good for us.
RedFog - July 9, 2010
Lee to the the Rangers means nothing to us
We’re already dead meat.
SurfCityTom - July 9, 2010
Do you think the Rangers would deal Lee over to us for Conger/Kazmir?
JDT217 - July 9, 2010
we gotta put
Q and Reggie in too. They both too valuable to trade.
phoenix15 - July 9, 2010
Maybe
If we took also took Josh Hamilton’s contract off their hands.
RallyMonkey5 - July 9, 2010
maybe we should make some trades with Texas
UCIHalo - July 9, 2010
It's just Cliff Lee
Come on guys it’s not like the Rangers just got Rube Waddell, it’s just Cliff Lee. It’s not over til we say it’s over! GO Angels!
AngelFanDave - July 9, 2010
If the Ms are this dumb
I mean they didn’t even get Texas’s best prospects. Maybe Reagins should propose a trade of Trumbo, CA, and McNaulty for King Felix, some bullpen arms, and Ichiro.
phoenix15 - July 9, 2010
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