Who dat: Angels edition.

If you're like me, you've been neglecting baseball a little bit because of the thrilling hockey postseason. But, now that the Canucks have bowed out to the hated Blackhawks, I'm able to focus most of my sports attention to Los Halos (I save about 10 percent for the C's and there potential upset of the Cavs). With last night's 3-4 loss to the Rays, despite Jered Weaver's career high 12 K gem, my Angels are 15-21 and 5.5 games back of division leading Texas. One thing I've been noticing lately is that a couple of the players gracing the lineup card these days aren't so well known. So, that inspired me to do a new feature called "Who Dat?!" Angels edition.

Trevor Bell: Most probably remember Bell from last season. He earned the nickname "Bozo" Bell around this blog because his grandfather was the original Bozo the Clown back on WGN in Chicago. Bell made his MLB debute in August on '09, going 5.3 innings of 4 run ball against the Rays (no decision). This year he replaced Quinny on the roster and has allowed 2 runs in 1.3 innings (13.50 ERA). We're always wondering if he'll live up to the hype.

Bobby Cassevah: A 34th round pick in 2004, BC has worked his way up through the Angels organization. He had a 3.68 ERA in 57 relief outing for AA Arkansas, was drafted in the Rule 5 by the A's in 2009, and then given back to us on the Ides of March 2010. Welcome back, Bobby. So far, in 6.3 innings pitched he's allowed 7 runs (7.11), with 6 Ks. Sad to see you go, Quinny. Andrew was right: the extra B is for Bees.

Ryan Budde: A lot of Angel fans will remember Budde for a walk off double he nailed in 2007 against the Yankees in the 10th inning. He's been with the Halos since 2001, not counting a brief tour with the Phils thanks to Rule 5 again, and has career numbers of .167/1/4 over 30 games. This year, however, he's clubbing .444/1/3 with Mathis on the DL. While he may not be best friends with J Weav after 2 passed balls yesterday, he's still starting off well.

Kevin Frandsen: Born in Los Gatos, Franny is a former SF Giant who went to the Servite of San Jose (Bellarmine Prep) and played a little in the bigs before rupturing his Achille's. He was then sent to the Red Sox, who released him on April 28 of this year, leading to the Halos getting him off waivers the very next day. The San Jose State grad replaced the injured Izzy (off to the DL) and is already 3 for 6 on the Angels (1 walk and 0 Ks). He's a true second baseman shifting to third and he's even been playing in place of Brandon Wood. Uh oh. 

Michael Ryan: Drafted in the 5th round of the '96 draft by the Twins, our "elder" outfielder (33 in July) was signed this February and given a Spring Training invite. So far, this year, he's 2 for 8 (.250) with 1 double and absolutely no other stats. No offense, but shouldn't Terry Evans be up? I mean, you an even ask Michael!

So, the next time you are watching a game with some "real fans" and one of the aforementioned players gets in the game, be sure to thank the LSF for giving you the 411 on the lesser knowns on the 25 man roster.

If we can win the weekend series with the A's, I will easily forget the poor start.

Go Angels Go.

-- Sent from my Palm Prē