It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's Under-Appreciated Man!
Another good news edition of Halolinks:
Some very good news from one of the guys we love to hate: Leukemia Free - U.S.S. Mariner. "I underwent a bone marrow biopsy yesterday morning – my third one, in fact. The procedure is pretty crappy, and involves drilling into my tail bone to extract some bone and marrow samples for testing. On the list of fun things to have done to you, it ranks just slightly ahead of watching Carlos Peguero try to hit a curve ball. But, the test gave my doctors a chance to look beyond simple blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels to determine the current state of my recovery. A few minutes ago, they called with the results of the test. All clean, no leukemia anywhere to be found." Although Dave Cameron is a one of those smarmy Seattle Mariners' fans, we're all extremely happy he's going to be around to degrade our Halo club.
The OC Register's Bill Plunkett will answer your questions today during their first live chat: Join live Angels chat Thursday at noon - The Orange County Register. "As part of our coverage of this exciting time for Angels fans, we are going to start a live chat feature at www.ocregister.com/sports. The first one is scheduled for Thursday at noon." My question for Bill is, "How awesome is it to work with Sam Miller?" Actually, I'm going to check this out because it has a high probability of being bad. In an entertaining car wreck sort of way...without the casualties...but a whole lot of blood.
And speaking of Sam, here's his latest page view whoring: What to expect from Kendrys Morales? - The Orange County Register. "After Kendrys Morales' broken leg, a setback after surgery and almost two years away from baseball, it's hard to predict what the Angels will get from the slugger in 2012. It's impossible, really. But he's not the first player who ever missed a year or more with a traumatic injury, so we're looking at a dozen similar players who came before him."
MORE LINKS AFTER THE BREAK...
There are still a few relief pitchers available who could help the Halo pen: So, What's Left? A Look At Remaining Right-Handed Relief Pitchers - MLB Daily Dish. My pick, "Joel Zumaya: Like Wuertz, he's coming back from injuries. He missed the entire 2011 season, but he's always had huge velocity and good numbers when he's been healthy enough to pitch. He's a very intriguing pitcher, and he's only 27." Sure, his arm almost fell off, but remember when he threw 100 mph? And 27 is the new 25.
If I had a lawn I'd want these guys to mow it: Angels give Orange dream field - The Orange County Register. "The 10-member crew had adopted the 58-year-old ballfield in May as their volunteer service project for the yearly major league baseball groundskeepers' convention." Yearly groundskeepers' convention? How fun would it be to party with those guys! "This is a hybrid. This is a cross, ah, of Bluegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Featherbed Bent, and Northern California Sensemilia. The amazing stuff about this is, that you can play 36 holes on it in the afternoon, take it home and just get stoned to the bejeezus-belt that night on this stuff."
I know redfloyd has appeared on a game show or two, has any other members of the HH community been contestants? MLB game logger wins three straight on Jeopardy - CBSSports.com. "Dan McShane, a game logger for MLB productions, is cleaning up on Jeopardy. He won Tuesday night, marking his third consecutive victory -- running his total winnings to $40,001." Tell us all about it in the comment section below!
This seems sort of cool, except the contestants aren't us regular fans, but members of MLB organizations: Baseball IQ - MLB Network. "Baseball IQ, MLB Network's first-ever game show, premieres Tuesday, January 24 at 9:00 p.m. ET. Hosted by MLB Network's Matt Vasgersian, Baseball IQ is a recall-based trivia show featuring two participants, 30 minutes and a chance to win up to $45,000 for charity." How about a chance to win $45,000 for the WiHalo fund?
FAN Projections: Some Other Third Basemen - FanGraphs Baseball. "He (Alberto Callaspo) kept the contact rate high as always, but bumped his walk rate up to a career-high 10.8 percent. While he still does not show much power, when you make that much solid contact, add in some walks, and play good defense at third, you get a good player (3.6 WAR in 2011) at a cheap price." He not exciting, but he gets the job done. But then, there's always this guy...
Agent: Melvin Mora wants to play in 2012 - Yardbarker. "Eric Goldschmidt told FOXSports.com that Mora, who turns 40 next month, is pursuing a contract that would include an invitation to major-league spring training. Mora appeared in 42 games for the Arizona Diamondbacks last year, mostly at third base. He posted a .228/.244/.276 line with zero home runs and 16 RBI." Yeah, right.
0recs |
114
comments
Comments
In re: Zumaya
“An AL GM on Joel Zumaya: ‘Our doctors don’t think he would pass the physical based on what they see.’”
Is that its contract is under 4 million per year. I don’t want to overpay a bullpen arm, have them turn into a fuentes/rodney and then feel obligated to use them because we are paying them so much
Morales was only supposed to hit .280 with 25 HR in 2009, remember?
I’ll use that as a baseline for my expectations when he gets back.
Also, let’s just bring Joe Saunders back and use Williams as that relief guy we’ve been looking for. Our IF defense is custom built for a guy like Joe…plus I’d like to begin using the phrase “Colonel Saunders” again.
then you encourage people to lie about their health to get money
I used to work with blood/plasma/platelet/marrow/stem cell collection donation. Paying is NOT a good idea. You CAN get paid to donate plasma, but that is for manufacturing & processing for an eventual transfusion product. However, if you see the clientèle (some, not all) doing the paid plasma, you will think twice about wanting that bodily fluid transfused to you.
Donating marrow is supposed to be an altruistic act. You are doing it to save another’s life.
Work computer. XP is the standard shit for most things.
What’s even better is while I use Google Chrome for my own internet tomfoolery, all the insurance companies’ main websites where you go to do underwriting are ONLY compatible using Internet Explorer. Thems the breaks.
I only started drinking when I turned 21. But I did A LOT of it over the ensuing 10 years. I wasn’t even enjoying it anymore, really, so it’s time to give it up. Or at least try to. The beginning is hard but now it’s pretty easy. Out of all the platitudes that are repeated ad nauseum in AA, one I think rings true is “It’s easier to stay sober than it is to get sober.”
Every day is a different level of “what soda pop will I drink instead of drinking” decision and then I just get on with the damn day. Onward, one day at a time.
Family Challenge with Rays Combs, the year before he offed himself. We (my family) were winning until the last “event” (which was a human gift wrap)—The show’s producer came up to us before the event to say “I hope you guys understand this, because I don’t”. It was chaotic and we ended up losing that event and the show, but it’s all good because I won a sweet digital wristwatch and my family was stuck with a hefty tax bill because we were given a bunch of other stuff we didn’t want.
My Aunt’s mother is Marni Nixon, who’s kind of a big deal though she was kept secret for years so most people don’t know about her. She was the ghost singing voice for the actresses in The King and I, West Side Story, and My Fair Lady. Anyway, she appeared on an episode of a modern take on To Tell the Truth and I didn’t appear on the show, but I was holding the winning raffle ticket which netted me a toaster oven. You know how they say “some members of the audience may receive…”? That was me.
Another “fake game show” story I feature in without appearing in was an episode of Whose Line is it Anyway? I was in the audience and Drew asked us for the name of an unlikely superhero. I was the first to shout out an answer, as can be heard here:
Thanks for sending me to two hours of watching Ben Stein on YouTube,
I vastly prefer Jimmy in that role than on his own show (even if my cousin does work for him on said show). Oh well, nobody cares what I think, I don’t ever watch live TV.
You know I just realized I don’t know how to contact you… you’d think I’d have a way, but I don’t. In any case – I understand that “Buttercup” is Dennis Kuhl’s baby. He’s the one who loves that song and made it part of the 7th inning torture process… Just so you know. I mean if there was a letter writing campaign to someone about this hideous song – Dennis Kuhl is the guy to write.
not a huge fan of the questions he is choosing to answer
interesting analysis on Hatcher though. As far as I can tell Hatcher leaves it up to the player to find out what is wrong with his swing and if the player approaches Hatcher than Hatcher will help…. Doesn’t seem very efficient
Comment From Dave Newell:
I noticed that the pitching staff has not been the same for a few years. Do you think that this year will be the year Angel’s pitchers get back on track?
I’m pretty sure I remember seeing Dye’s lower leg/shin area snap into two pieces after fouling off the pitch, and while it slowed him some in the field he came back at the plate just fine. The only concern about the ankle is about him planting that that foot into the ground and still feeling comfortable swinging just as hard and stuff. I’m not a baseball player, nor a lefty so I don’t know how that affects his swinging, but that’d be my only concern. It’s a bone break not a ligament rip so I think that also changes things too.
In re: Zumaya
“An AL GM on Joel Zumaya: ‘Our doctors don’t think he would pass the physical based on what they see.’”
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
Also, congrats to Dave Cameron!
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
Stay strong, Dave
We’re all pulling for you
Moondoggy - January 12, 2012
Props to you, Dave.
Being an Angels fan just wouldn’t be the same without you telling us how much we suck.
Zu Long - January 12, 2012
That piece on Kendrys is pretty encouraging
Also, great news about Dave.
BigGame48 - January 12, 2012
My only requirement for veteran bullpen help
Is that its contract is under 4 million per year. I don’t want to overpay a bullpen arm, have them turn into a fuentes/rodney and then feel obligated to use them because we are paying them so much
ItCouldHappen - January 12, 2012
Would you have broken your rule by 1 cent to get Oliver for $4M?
AlanFalcon - January 12, 2012 via mobile
in a heartbeat.
I would have donated at least 10 bucks to make it happen
ItCouldHappen - January 12, 2012
You gotta believe!
Balls and Strikes - January 12, 2012
x
Balls and Strikes - January 12, 2012
I did this at Fenway
Hoakie Joe had a terrible start and Palmer only accentuated it, I think it was 17-6 and I was in the left field……. Started flapping. No avail
ItCouldHappen - January 12, 2012
Morales was only supposed to hit .280 with 25 HR in 2009, remember?
I’ll use that as a baseline for my expectations when he gets back.
Also, let’s just bring Joe Saunders back and use Williams as that relief guy we’ve been looking for. Our IF defense is custom built for a guy like Joe…plus I’d like to begin using the phrase “Colonel Saunders” again.
Commander_Nate - January 12, 2012
Yes!
I was thinking the same thing about Jerome. As much as I like him as a starter, I’d prefer that he be the long man/backup in case of injuries.
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
Kendrys' Komps aren't so bad
I’m still skeptical, but if Kendrys can live with some discomfort, maybe he’ll be alright.
He’ll be swinging a bat and running in straight lines. It’s not like we’re asking him to dunk a basketball or drop into coverage.
johnnyangel101 - January 12, 2012
thanks for the USSMariner link
this is what unites us as a baseball community.
the Mariners still suck
ladybug - January 12, 2012
Wi
Your writing is just getting better and better. Awesome.
LAASurfin - January 12, 2012
Oh, and in the photo above,
Under-Appreciated Man does not appear to be making that stop. I don’t appreciate that.
LAASurfin - January 12, 2012
it might just be the angle
but, yeah, dosen’t look like it
the king of CERA - January 12, 2012
Cats cause leukemia
hope they change the federal law that will make donating bone marrow something that the donor can be compensated for.
Rev Halofan - January 12, 2012
then you encourage people to lie about their health to get money
I used to work with blood/plasma/platelet/marrow/stem cell collection donation. Paying is NOT a good idea. You CAN get paid to donate plasma, but that is for manufacturing & processing for an eventual transfusion product. However, if you see the clientèle (some, not all) doing the paid plasma, you will think twice about wanting that bodily fluid transfused to you.
Donating marrow is supposed to be an altruistic act. You are doing it to save another’s life.
ladybug - January 12, 2012
At Hoag Hospital, they pay you in movie tickets
LanaBanana - January 12, 2012
yes, they can do 'donor incentives'
that’s to get people to donate. It’s merely bribery.
ladybug - January 12, 2012
I think this site knows me too well.
Mayheminthehood - January 12, 2012
Mine is a travel website ad
I havent left California in any significant way in two years.
Computer, sometimes, its like you dont even know me.
PhiSlamma - January 12, 2012
Also
Windows XP?
Bro, we need to talk.
PhiSlamma - January 12, 2012
Work computer. XP is the standard shit for most things.
What’s even better is while I use Google Chrome for my own internet tomfoolery, all the insurance companies’ main websites where you go to do underwriting are ONLY compatible using Internet Explorer. Thems the breaks.
Mayheminthehood - January 12, 2012
I hear ya
by the way, you still on a sober streak?
PhiSlamma - January 12, 2012
81 days of SoberInTheHood.
It’s pretty cool. Different, but cool.
Mayheminthehood - January 12, 2012
Congrats, Mayhem!
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
I'm starting one of those
when I get back from vegas next week.
Seik1177 - January 12, 2012
Good time to do it.
Vegas used to always make me want to quit everything…even living.
Mayheminthehood - January 12, 2012
What prompted the break, if you don't mind me asking?
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
Not really a break...I hope.
I only started drinking when I turned 21. But I did A LOT of it over the ensuing 10 years. I wasn’t even enjoying it anymore, really, so it’s time to give it up. Or at least try to. The beginning is hard but now it’s pretty easy. Out of all the platitudes that are repeated ad nauseum in AA, one I think rings true is “It’s easier to stay sober than it is to get sober.”
Mayheminthehood - January 12, 2012
Oh wow. You and I have followed similar paths, then.
I found myself drinking alone once college was over and I just felt that I was headed in the wrong direction.
Thanks for sharing that quote, it’s great.
Best of luck and dedication on your journey, my friend.
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
We'll see how it goes.
Baseball season is going to be weird with no booze and/or weed. At least at first.
Mayheminthehood - January 12, 2012
Oh wow, giving up the green stuff, too?
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
I'm not quite ready to make that leap yet.
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
You get so much more free time
Enjoy it.
eyespy - January 12, 2012
Congratulations
I’m about three years in. It got to where it wasn’t any fun for me either.
JeffJoiner - January 12, 2012
Congrats on the three years, Jeff!
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
Thanks
JeffJoiner - January 12, 2012
Congrats to all of you
Every day is a different level of “what soda pop will I drink instead of drinking” decision and then I just get on with the damn day. Onward, one day at a time.
Rev Halofan - January 12, 2012
I just drink water
Evey thing after, you figure out on how to get to sleep, is free time with the kiddies, and honey dews.
eyespy - January 12, 2012
my shows
spring training tickets for the SF giants
WHY?
DAD OF VLAD - January 12, 2012
You live in the Bay area and they're watching you.
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
DAD OF VLAD - January 12, 2012
Mine is ebay. I guess now I know what my wife does all day.
Balls and Strikes - January 12, 2012
I have a damn converse ad covering up the home/fanpost/fanshot etc. buttons at the top
the king of CERA - January 12, 2012
In order to survive cancer you must first have cancer
I’d rather go on a game show. But it’s nice to know Cameron is on the mend.
JeffJoiner - January 12, 2012
I was on a game show.
Family Challenge with Rays Combs, the year before he offed himself. We (my family) were winning until the last “event” (which was a human gift wrap)—The show’s producer came up to us before the event to say “I hope you guys understand this, because I don’t”. It was chaotic and we ended up losing that event and the show, but it’s all good because I won a sweet digital wristwatch and my family was stuck with a hefty tax bill because we were given a bunch of other stuff we didn’t want.
My Aunt’s mother is Marni Nixon, who’s kind of a big deal though she was kept secret for years so most people don’t know about her. She was the ghost singing voice for the actresses in The King and I, West Side Story, and My Fair Lady. Anyway, she appeared on an episode of a modern take on To Tell the Truth and I didn’t appear on the show, but I was holding the winning raffle ticket which netted me a toaster oven. You know how they say “some members of the audience may receive…”? That was me.
Another “fake game show” story I feature in without appearing in was an episode of Whose Line is it Anyway? I was in the audience and Drew asked us for the name of an unlikely superhero. I was the first to shout out an answer, as can be heard here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDKqgIPNFYQ
Of course, all of that pales to first-pitch throwing at the big A. (Except probably surviving cancer.)
AlanFalcon - January 12, 2012 via mobile
Ryan Stiles pointed at you!
That’s much better than throwing out a first pitch.
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
I loved that show
ladybug - January 12, 2012
I love Whose Line
The user 12Medbe on Youtube has hours upon hours of Whose Line clips, that I watch a lot. Have never laughed harder than at a few of their gags.
TheKingfish - January 12, 2012
Mrs. red floyd won the "dial in" game on the original "Deal or No Deal".
Won $10K. More than I won on Jeopardy! and Ben Stein combined. It covered a trip to Hawaii for all four of us.
red floyd - January 12, 2012
Thanks for sending me to two hours of watching Ben Stein on YouTube,
I vastly prefer Jimmy in that role than on his own show (even if my cousin does work for him on said show). Oh well, nobody cares what I think, I don’t ever watch live TV.
AlanFalcon - January 13, 2012
four questions to plunkett
no postings of any of my Qs yet.
Rev Halofan - January 12, 2012
oops spoke ttoo soon
sorry that picture is so big
Rev Halofan - January 12, 2012
Hahahaha...did you mean to post that or was that an accident?
He was probably all “WTF”.
Mayheminthehood - January 12, 2012
i thought it would be a tiny avatar
really.
Rev Halofan - January 12, 2012
Nothing wrong with putting your stamp on the conversation.
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
it was just SO random
Rev Halofan - January 12, 2012
Still, it was just so...HH-esque. Perfect.
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
Best laugh I've had all day.
Mayheminthehood - January 12, 2012
surprised the shit outta me
Moondoggy - January 13, 2012
That was awesome.
WiHaloFan - January 12, 2012
totally
ladybug - January 12, 2012
Are you mocking me?
WiHaloFan - January 12, 2012
totally
ladybug - January 12, 2012
Buttercup...
You know I just realized I don’t know how to contact you… you’d think I’d have a way, but I don’t. In any case – I understand that “Buttercup” is Dennis Kuhl’s baby. He’s the one who loves that song and made it part of the 7th inning torture process… Just so you know. I mean if there was a letter writing campaign to someone about this hideous song – Dennis Kuhl is the guy to write.
True Grich - January 12, 2012
Rev Halofan
When I said, I don’t know how to contact you – I meant you as in Rev Halofan….
True Grich - January 12, 2012
got it.
Chairman Dennis Buttercup Jeterslobber Kuhl, professional amateur golfer, the man who is assisted by Tony Reagins.
Rev Halofan - January 12, 2012
Woah, there is seriously a Cody Evans question in Plunkett's chat.
Apparently Cody’s family is participating.
~MMP~ - January 12, 2012
Just asked a question
guess which one is me
DAD OF VLAD - January 12, 2012
My favorite comment so far...
“Will spring training be as fun and open as before, or will things like security and access get a little tighter with Albert’s arrival?”
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
Rally Monkey question was pretty great too
~MMP~ - January 12, 2012
there seems to be some lag
DAD OF VLAD - January 12, 2012
I know, I can't see your comment yet.
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
no they are up two of them
DAD OF VLAD - January 12, 2012
Where?
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
awsome-o
DAD OF VLAD - January 12, 2012
Hahaha, I thought that was you.
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
not a huge fan of the questions he is choosing to answer
interesting analysis on Hatcher though. As far as I can tell Hatcher leaves it up to the player to find out what is wrong with his swing and if the player approaches Hatcher than Hatcher will help…. Doesn’t seem very efficient
ItCouldHappen - January 12, 2012
Yeah, he should answer your Fleet Pete question. It was a good one.
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
Hahah. From Plunkett's chat:
“are the beer prices going to stay the same? "
~MMP~ - January 12, 2012
his answer did wonders for our stock price
Moondoggy - January 13, 2012
I just asked a question.
See if you can guess which one.
Mayheminthehood - January 12, 2012
4000 games for the win!
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
Panther?
DAD OF VLAD - January 12, 2012
Si
Mayheminthehood - January 12, 2012
I love that he's a diet Mountain Dew guy....
I bet he has a sweet pad in his mother’s basement
ItCouldHappen - January 12, 2012
Found someone from here's question
Comment From Panther:
How many baseball games have you seen in your lifetime? Is it more or less than 4000?
~MMP~ - January 12, 2012
Wait, what?
Comment From Dave Newell:
I noticed that the pitching staff has not been the same for a few years. Do you think that this year will be the year Angel’s pitchers get back on track?
What is this guy talking about?
~MMP~ - January 12, 2012
I am interested in his ideas
I would like to subscribe to his newsletter
ItCouldHappen - January 12, 2012
Oh DoV
“Why is GA to lazy to come back to the Angels and be there hitting coach?”
~MMP~ - January 12, 2012
Go after Ray Bernal, DOV!
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
Ray Bernal does not approve.....
ItCouldHappen - January 12, 2012
like that question
DAD OF VLAD - January 12, 2012
Ooh, Bill is gettin' a little chippy with Rev.
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
Aw, they edited my last comment.
Long live Halos Heaven!
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
Now it's there. Weird lag.
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
Hah! The jokes on Bill
I have no real job!
ItCouldHappen - January 12, 2012
he is not answering my questions
jerk
DAD OF VLAD - January 12, 2012
I wish you could have gone after Ray Bernal.
That would have been worth the price of admission.
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
i did but it did not show up
i said "kids leave you but Championships never do
DAD OF VLAD - January 12, 2012
Ha!
5thStarter - January 12, 2012
Bill Plunkett was stoked on HalosHeaven.
But not stoked on WiHaloFan. Watch your back, Jim!!!
Mayheminthehood - January 12, 2012
D'oh!
WiHaloFan - January 12, 2012
One Plunkett Point:
ladybug - January 12, 2012
Dennis Kuhl...
Buttercup is his “baby.” Just saying…
True Grich - January 12, 2012
so was the painting to Jeter
Why does he build us p when our chairman is rooting for another team?
Rev Halofan - January 12, 2012
Kuhl is a good man.
He keeps his heart, and job separate.
eyespy - January 12, 2012
They skipped Jermaine Dye
I’m pretty sure I remember seeing Dye’s lower leg/shin area snap into two pieces after fouling off the pitch, and while it slowed him some in the field he came back at the plate just fine. The only concern about the ankle is about him planting that that foot into the ground and still feeling comfortable swinging just as hard and stuff. I’m not a baseball player, nor a lefty so I don’t know how that affects his swinging, but that’d be my only concern. It’s a bone break not a ligament rip so I think that also changes things too.
DMAGZ13 - January 12, 2012
was at that game
you could hear it
DAD OF VLAD - January 12, 2012
Didn't he break his arm/wrist colliding with Bengie Molina at some point?
Or am I thinking of someone else…
WhatShouldIThrowToday? - January 12, 2012
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