After a tough loss against the Dodgers on Thursday, the Angels bounced back with a close win against San Diego last night, with Kelvim Escobar really impressing. Esco gave up two runs in 3.67 innings (working on a limited pitch count of 44), and even knocked in a run with the bat! There wasn't a single person in the entire organization that thought Big Kelv would be back to the mound this quickly, and with his progression, we are now looking at a May 1st-ish return for one of our most underrated hurlers.
Other inspiring news at the game last night saw Vlad rip his first home run of the Spring (which is a tad scary to me), my catching choice Jeff Mathis nail a two run double, Kendry Morales knocking a triple and scoring a run, and newbie Bobby Abreu and Juan Rivera (who I guess is a newbie all over again after testing free agency) each getting a double. The offense is finishing the preseason just like they started it, and it's a good thing because we're going to need to lean on that throughout out first month with the rotation banged up the way it is. Meanwhile, Justin Speier allowed one run and three walks in his 1.3 innings, in an attempt to quickly remember why we don't like him. Kevin Jepsen looked strong with 2 Ks in his only inning on the mound.
The final game of Spring Training is at Angel Stadium tonight, with the Padres making the trip up the 5 freeway for the rematch. Sean "SOS" O'Sullivan is going to get the start for the Halos, with Darren Oliver, Scottie Shields, and Brian Fuentes slated to get action as well. O'Sullivan, who really showed some promise last year, posted a 12.86 ERA in the Spring, pretty much killing any chance of a shot with the club this time around. He'll be starting in AA with the Travs.
After Saturday's test, the Halos get a day off before the real things gets underway. Oakland will be coming into town to start things off in a truly exciting fashion. Would you believe that our opening day starter is Colonel Joe Saunders? How impressive. It's not long ago that we were following our favorite Halo lefty in the minors, and really not long ago that we were cheering him as one of the most underrated pitchers in the rotation last season. The Springfield, VA native (not the Springfield of the Simpsons, of course) was completely crazy last season with his 17-7 record and his 3.41 ERA. That, in addition to the fact that Lackey and Ervin are both hurt, has set up the V-Tech grad as our new #1 (at least for April). Joey is going to try and start another triumphant season against Oakland's Dallas Braden (all together now...WHO?). Braden has a career 6-12 record and 5.44 ERA, which is obviously less than impressive. Last season, however, the Big D went 5-4 with a 4.14 ERA to help him earn a spot on the rotation. Braden leads a squad of hurlers for our rivals that is the only rotation since the 1978 Milwaukee Brewers to consist of players that are 26 years or younger. I guess if I was an A's fan, I would be stoked on that, but since I hate them, I'm totally saying how weak it is. 100% baseball, eh?
Of course, does anyone mind if I take a stroll down the Angels opening rotation and their ages? Saunders (27), Weaver (26), Adenhart (22), Moseley (27), and Loux (29). That's a pretty damned young rotation too, and even when we get healthy, we're only adding Lackey (30) and Santana (26). Now I want to continue looking at the ages, because it is getting me excited to cheer for a "young" team. Around the starters: Morales (25), Kendrick (25), Aybar (25), Figgins (31) (but Wood is only 24), Mathis (26), and then the much older outfield crew of Rivera (30), Hunter (33), Vlad (34), and Abreu (35). We've got an upstart infield that is ready to blossom, and a strong/elder outfield ready to anchor those young sluggers. While Bronx, NY native Vin Scully may have said that the Angels aren't expecting to win 100 games this year, I'd have to point out that this year the Angels are "Fan Strong," and the fans are ready for another season of greatness. Now, if only we could beat the Red Sox in the playoffs.
I'm ready. I'm ready for the 49th season in the history of the Angels franchise. I'm ready for another AL West divisional championship. I'm ready for a push through the first round of the playoffs. Heck, I'm ready for another World Championship.
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