2010 April | Los Angeles Angels Fan Blog

After Slow Start, Angels Get Back On Track

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have been one of the most consistent franchises in all of baseball over the past decade. After undergoing a bit of a roster overhaul this winter, many counted Mike Scioscia’s out of the AL West race. Two weeks into the season, the doubters looked smart, as the Angels struggled mightily out of the gate. Since then, the Angels have gotten back on track as they have climbed above .500 after 15 games. While the club did lose franchise icon Vladimir Guerrero, the parting seems like a good decision for both parties. Guerrero is a shell of his former self as he now hits for limited power and his unable to play in the field due to a bad knee. The Angels replaced Guerrero with reigning World Series MVP, Hideki Matsui, who has been a good fit into the Angels lineup. Matsui is a good, professional hitter who excels at working the count and feasting on pitchers mistakes. While Matsui has been good, the Angels have to be worried about former top prospect Brandon Wood, who has yet to figure out how to hit big league pitching. Wood was once thought to be a perennial contender for the batting title, but has struggled to hit in several stints at the major league level.

by Josh Weiner at the Sports Fan Blog Network

April 21, 2010 Posted by jmw24 | Josh Weiner, Los Angeles Angels, Original Content, Vladimir Guerrero | american league west, Angels, brandon wood, hideki matsui, Los Angeles Angels, Mike Scioscia, Vladimir Guerrero | No Comments Yet

Mentor’s effect is still felt

Ervin Santana will start the Angels’ third game of the season tonight against Minnesota, following Jered Weaver and Joe Saunders.

It’s a fitting trio of pitchers to open the season — all of them having been mentored in a way by departed ace John Lackey.

“It’s totally different (than a few years ago) when John had to lead three young guys,” said Weaver. “For me, Saunders and Santana, he set a tone. Now we all know what it’s like. We all know what a playoff atmosphere is like. There’s nobody holding anybody’s hands anymore.”

The Angels stuck with their first night batting order.

Jeff Mathis was behind the plate again, having earned the lead spot at catcher over slugger Mike Napoli with his defensive skills. It didn’t hurt that his first at-bat of the season was a home run Monday. He hit safely again Tuesday.

Click here to read the full article – By GREGG PATTON of The Press-Enterprise

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