Knothole Club - Angels Stadium Website

Knothole Club at Angels Stadium - News

Lackey Goes to BoSux

Knothole Club at Angels Stadium Website

Knothole Club at Angels Stadium - News

Knothole Club at Angels Stadium - News

Custom Beer Pong/Flip Cup Tables by Chris Graves

Check out my buddy, Chris Graves, custom Beer Pong/Flip Cup tables. His website is not active yet, but you can message him on facebook: Chris Graves. If you cannot get reach him there, let me know and I'll put you in touch with each other.

Folded up the tables are: 2x2 Feet by 7 inches in depth.. It also has carrying handles for easy on the move transportation. Great for Parties,Tailgating ETC.......

Don't worry, I'm not making any commission on these bad boys, I'm just a friend trying to help another friend. That's what we do!

LA Galaxy Loses 1-1. WTF?

Congratulations to Real Salt Lake in winning the MLS Championship by beating the LA Galaxy 1-1. Seriously???? Seriously, now? To end a championship game on penalty kicks is a travesty. I cheats both the players and the fans. Yes, soccer matches are long and drawn out, but if you cannot decide a championship game on the field the game should end in a tie. End in a tie you say, let me finish. Ending the game with a tie score is a perfectly acceptable alternative to losing or winning a CHAMPIONSHIP on pure LUCK and nothing else. It takes little skill to kick the ball to a specific spot in the goal. My suggestion, to end the game in a tie is perfect. You end the game in a tie and then play a second game and so on. This would allow for another game for fans to see, bring in additional revenue.
The soccer shootout is a scam. There is truly no skill involved on the part of either player. Soccer goals are a whopping 8 feet high and 24 feet wide. All a goalie can do is guess which way the striker might kick the ball. It's not like in hockey where the goal is 4 feet high and 6 feet wide and the goalie can actually cover the area. And, when a goalie in soccer does block a shot, that has to be the luckiest play in all of sports.
Let them play I say.....Let them play. If you do not want to schedule another game, let them play til their legs fall off. That's what the fans want to see. Shootouts in soccer are zero excitement...you know the striker is going to score.....95% of the time the ball hits the back of the net.
Good luck to Real Salt Lake in the CONCACAF Champions League in 2010-2011.

Torii Hunter Wins 9th Straight Gold Glove - Abreu Signs 2 Year Deal

"TORII HUNTER WINS GOLD GLOVE AWARD

Angels center fielder Torii Hunter won his ninth consecutive Rawlings Gold Glove for fielding excellence on Tuesday. Only Roberto Clemente and Willie Mays (12 each) and Ken Griffey Jr., Andruw Jones and Al Kaline (10 each) have won more Gold Gloves for outfield play than Hunter and Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki, who also ran his streak to nine consecutive selections. Hunter had just one error in 311 chances this season, posting a fielding percentage of .997. " -From Angelsbaseball.com website.


We are happy to report that Bobby Abreu will be returning to the Angels lineup for 2010. The right field signed a 2 year contract speculatively worth $18 million. Bobby was signed on the first day of player eligibility to file for free agency. Abreu batted .293 with 15 homers, 103 RBI's, 30 Stolen Bases and 96 Runs in 152 games played. His leadership and patience at the plate helped improve batting performance and on base percentage for many Angels players.

Next on the agenda....let's see what we can do to sign a few of the other free agents before they get nabbed up by the Yankees.....booo Yankees.

Long Off Season For The Angels

It has been one week since the Angels fell from the heavens in defeat to the Yankees. I could hardly bring myself to write anything about this. Last night, I turned watched the television in total disbelief. The World Series was on and I did not see John Lackey as the starting pitcher on the mound. Instead, I saw the "finely tuned" machine known as C.C. Sabathia. All I could say to myself is, "Man. That just wasn't Angels Baseball. I cannot believe we are not in the World Series." As I watched the screen, I heard voices in the background saying, "Get 'em Phillies!" and "Beat those Yankees." When the game ended and I had time to reflect on what I had just seen, I said to my buddy, "You know something. I don't care who wins this series. I'm not going to watch another game. I'll just read it in the news." He laughed and said, "Right!" But truly...now that the Angels are out...I don't care. I do not want to be reminded of what could have been...what should have been. Time to look towards next year and think, again....It'll happen next year.

Now the Halos proceed to the off season with many things in tow. We have 7 players up for free agency. Darren Oliver, Bobby Abreu, Vladimir Guerrero, Chone Figgins, Robb Quinlan, John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar. What will be the outcome of the negotiations? Who should we be interested in keeping? I cannot truly speculate on these decisions. I can only give you my humble opinion, as an avid fan, who the Angels should spend there money on. First and foremost should be the sealing of a deal with Chone Figgins and Bobby Abreu. Next would be to try to establish negotiations with the John Lackey and Darren Oliver camps. I cannot imagine we would want to sign Vladdy for more than a year or two, but why even bother with that? As for Robb Quinlan and Kelvim Escobar...unfortunately I think they are both expendable. Let Quinny go and see if he can get some consistent playing time with a club that could use him. Escobar is just plain questionable. Do we really want to spend the time and effort into someone who may not even pitch next year? These are the things I will ponder all off season. I can say this though, no matter what the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim do, I know they will still be a team to be reckoned with in 2010.

So, if you are unable to wait for all the deals and haggling to be over with. Or, you just want to ensure you get tickets to next year's All-Star Extravaganza, make sure you click the picture to the right. Get your 2010 Angels season tickets now. Don't wait for them to disappear. Let's go Angels....Let's go Angels. That chant is months away....don't get too excited.

It has been one hell of a season. Until the Next!

Angels Down, But Not Out At 1-3 In ALCS

On a brighter note, last night's Angels 10- 1 loss to the Yankees was not as bad as that 16-4 debaucle against the Giants in Game 5 of the 2002 World Series. Does anyone recall what the outcome of that series was? I'll give you 2 guesses, but I'm thinking you'll only need 1. That's right, the Halos went on to win games 6 & 7 and became the 2002 World Series Champions. I was there for every game, drinking my Guinness on the rail at the Knothole Club and watching my favorite team kick butt. Now, the Los Angeles Angels are down 3 games to 1 against the New York Yankees. Our boys in red need to win the next 3 games to advance to the World Series. We have been the comeback team all season...we can be the comeback team for the post-season. I know the Angels have the talent to win the whole thing, but after last night's bitter loss, do they have the will to pull out another miracle? Does anyone else believe except me? What will it take for the Angels to regain post-season glory?

Inevitably, if Mike Scioscia and the Angels are not able to come through and win the next 3 games, people in Southern California will be quick to blame the officials. Truly, this would be an easy and convenient scapegoat. Unfortunately, the fact of the matter is, you cannot win games if you cannot field or hit the baseball. The Halos got only 1 run on 5 hits last night and committed yet another error in the field. C.C. Sabathia, on only 3 days rest and with little effort, gave up only 5 hits and 1 run in 8 innings. In addition, the Los Angeles pitching staff has failed to contain New York powerhouse Alex Rodriguez, who belted his 3rd homer in as many games.

The Angels will definitely need to get their bats back. Hell, those Damn Yankees scored 10 runs last night and we can only muster up 10 in 4 games. We're batting a measly .201 over those games and have a team ERA of almost 6. With those numbers, it's a wonder that we didn't get swept completely. Scioscia will need to get his team focused. Focused at the plate and in the field in order to keep World Series hopes alive. With the end so near, they need to keep their eye on the prize and play ball....play damn good baseball.

We are down, but not out of the race yet!!!!!

We want a victory Angels....Light Up that Halo....PLEASE!!!

Angels Need a Miracle

Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees tied 2-2 top of the 11th inning. Gary Matthews, Jr. gets a free pass and Erick Aybar moves him to second with a sacrifice bunt. Up steps Chone Figgins, struggling with a pathetic 0-18 at the plate in the playoffs to this point. Figgins takes an Alfredo Aceves fastball and drives it into left field between Alex Rodriguez and Johnny Damon. Matthews on his horse, 3rd base coach Dino Ebel waves him around 3rd and towards home. Johnny Damon is not known for having a very strong arm, but he is pretty much a soft toss away from home plate. Gary Matthews crosses the plate as the ball arrives to put the Halos up 3-2.

Brian Fuentes comes into the game to close out the game in the bottom of the 11th inning. First batter, powerhouse for the Yankees, Alex Rodriguez. Fuentes, American League saves leader during the regular season goes up 2 strikes on the MVP 3rd baseman. With a chance to put the first out on the board, all Fuentes needs to do is pitch around the strike zone and bait A-Rod into swinging at something unhittable. Brian Fuentes floats a meat ball down the center of the plate and Alex Rodriguez forces the ball over the short porch in right field to tie the game at 3-3.

When Chone Figgins knocked in the go ahead run in the top of the 11th, I thought to myself, this is it. I jumped for joy in utter jubilation with my fellow Knotholers. And, when Alex Rodriguez planted that ball over that 314 foot right field wall, my heart dropped right out of my chest. All season long Brian Fuentes has been frightening me....just as Francisco Rodriguez had the season before. You never know what closer you're going to get when he takes the mound. You never know if his stuff is going to be Major League or just Major Disappointment. As, Melky Cabrera hits a slow bouncer between Maicer Izturis and Kendry Morales, I'm thinking to myself, "Cool... double play! We got this." Izturis is unable to make the play and then attempts to do too much. Truly, his only play is to 1st base and get a definite out. Instead, he tries to force a play at 2nd base and throws the ball away. The ball ends up near Chone Figgins glove and he is unable to handle the ball. As it slips out of his glove and hands, Jerry Hairston, Jr. rushes to the plate...sliding into home for the game winning run.

A comedy of errors? I was not laughing. I was not even amused. A flurry of texts hit every phone in the room. It was every Yankee fan that we all knew...sending us their celebratory jeers. What could one say? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. The entire room went silent and all anyone could do is ignore the barrage of seemingly never ending texts. We now look towards Monday afternoon. It will be sunny and hot and 1:00 in the afternoon. Hopefully fun in the sun will be the theme for the Angels. I still believe. This is one of the best teams that Mike Scioscia has managed. This is one of the best teams that I've seen in Anaheim. We need to get back to baseball basics: Fielding, Hitting and Running. If the Angels could put all these things together, they can pull it off. They can pull off the final comeback of the decade. YES WE CAN!

2009 ALDS - SWEEP - Bring on Those Damn Yankees

I woke up early Sunday morning, went to Albertson's for some game supplies. Limes - check, olives - check, salt - check, celery - check, bloody mary mix - check and a bottle of Skyy vodka - check!!! Wow, was I really out and about at 7:30 am on a Sunday morning? And, for what? Sunday brunch with the boys? A mud football game in the park? No!!! It was game 3 of the ALDS. Early plans to have a huge Knothole gathering fell through. The backup plan....Bloody Marys, Pozole and Tacos at the Stadium Loft condos across the street from Anaheim Stadium. Four Knotholers gathered that day to watch the Angels try to seal the deal and sweep the Red Sox. Would we be disappointed? Our happiness would depend on a band of brothers in grey and red uniforms. A group of guys with one common bond, baseball and the pursuit for one more day in the sun.

All was going well until the bottom of the 3rd inning. Boston scores 3 runs off determination of Dustin Pedroia. Kendry Morales would cut the score by 1 with a big fly to right field, but the Sox added 2 more with a 2 run big fly of their own by J.D. Drew. The Angels would add an additional 3 more runs through the 8th inning, while Boston added just 1. The score at the top of the 9th inning seemed unbelievable at 6-4, in favor of the Boston Red Sox and JonathanPapelbon on the mound. Papelbon came into the 9th inning, not giving up a single earned run in the post season, ever. That is, he had not giving up a single earned run in 27 post season innings, a rather ominous stat in itself. That being said, Papelbon quickly sat down "Mighty" Maicer Izturis and Gary Matthews Jr. to make it a quick 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth, leading by 2 runs. This is right where Papelbon and the Red Sox wanted to be....in control and about to close out the inning to force a game 4. But, this was not to be. Not on this day. Not in front of a Boston sell out crowd. Erick Aybar was down to his final strike when he nails an 0-2 fastball into the outfield for a single. And, the rally begins. Papelbon then walks Chone Figgins putting runners on 1st and 2nd. Now up to bat, the Angels go to guy for RBI's all season, Bobby Abreu. Abreu ropes a double off the Green Monster and drives in Aybar, Figgins stops at 3rd base. What does Terry Francona do next? He has Papelbon intentionally walk Torii Hunter to get to Vladimir Guerrero. Vladdy, a guy who has been less than spectacular in post season play. Francona figured, this guy is slumping and all we need is this one out. One out and Vladdy swings at everything and cannot hit the fastball anymore. This thought process would be the undoing of the Boston Red Sox. Vladimir Guerrero proved that he can still hit the fastball. He did just that, connecting on a 1st pitch fastball dealt by Papelbon. Guerrero put that ball in just the perfect spot in centerfield, between Ellsbury and Bay...Chone Figgins and Bobby Abreu both score to put the Angels up 7-6. Papelbon had given up 3 runs in the top of the 9th with 2 outs.

Unbelievable? I say nay....it's the Angels...the "Comeback Kids." We've been doing this sort of thing all season. Francona brings in Okajima to close out the top of the 9th and give their batters a chance to pick up the win. It was not to be....closer Brian Fuentes, AL save regular season saves leader, sat the batters down 3 straight. One, two, three and the Boston crowd was completely silent. This completed the SWEEP of the Boston Red Sox and the Angels got the "monkey" off their back.

While we watched the game, we looked for Angels fans in the crowd at Fenway Park. Where were the Angels fans? What was up with the coverage? The telecast did not show a single Angels cap in the crowd...were they there? Did Boston not let any Angels fans in the game? As we jumped for joy in that Anaheim condo, we felt as if we were jumping with the Angels in Boston. It felt as if we were the only fans to have experienced this joy.

Amidst the laughter and jubilation, our thoughts turn to the Yankees. We can only hope that they lose their later game to the Twins and extend the playoffs. Could we beat the Yankees....Hell yes WE CAN!!! Will we beat the Yankees....HELL YES WE WILL!!! Bring on those Damn Yankees. Bring on ARod, Jeter, Tex, Damon, Posada, Rivera and Pettitte. The Angels have the best track record against the Yankess than any other team in baseball. These are the arguable the 2 best teams in MLB. I can definitely see this series going down to the wire....7 games. I do hope that the Angels can finish them in 4 or 5 games. It would be nice to get the rest for the 2009 World Series. There is a good possibility for the Angels and the Dodgers to meet. Let's Go Angels!!!!!

2009 ALDS - Game 1 - Bring on the Red Sox

Why will the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim win the 2009 ALDS? In simple terms, Mike Scioscia is the best manager in baseball, that's why!!!! Terry Francona is definitely no slouch in his own right. But, the fact of the matter is, the 5 game short series is unlike any other playoff in all of professional sports. This monster requires precise managing of pitchers and players. While Francona's managing style is as fierce as it is delicate, the Angels and Mike Scioscia will feast in his mediocrity. The Halos are faster around the bases than any other team in baseball. They have the ability to manufacture runs by going from 1st to 3rd like no other Angels team has in the past. While they have a myriad of home run hitters, they live by the small ball philosophy and have taken it to another level. Under Scioscia, they take pride in stealing bases, bunting, taking that extra base and moving runners over at will. Mike Scioscia has brought that National League offensive mentality to the Angels and they have literally ran with it.

With the tendency to rise in the strikezone, the fastball sometimes gets pitchers into real trouble. All too often does a pitcher rely on that heavy cannon of a pitch that is almost impossible to keep down in the zone with great consistency. While the Angels definitely have the bats and wheels to run the score up, no lead is safe when playing the Red Sox. The Angels will need to back up John Lackey with fierce competitiveness to guarantee a Game 1 victory. Without a highlight reel night at defense, the solid offense just may not be enough. Lackey needs to try to pitch to contact, which usually is not his game, and let his fielders do their job. It is highly unlikely, considering Boston's deep lineup, that John Lackey will go double digits in strikeouts. He will need to rely on Figgins, Aybar, Izturis, Kendrick and Morales to pick him up between the bags and Hunter to run down those long fly balls in center field. It is imperative that Lackey show composure and keep that ball down. His first priority will be to sit down the top of the lineup for Boston in quick fashion. One, two, three would be a thing of beauty to see in the 1st inning for the big right handed hurler out of Texas.


The fate of Game 1 for the Boston Red Sox rests on the shoulders of southpaw Jon Lester. Lester utilizes an array of quality pitches to sit batters down. His 4 seamer tops out at around 97 mph, while averaging somewhere in the vicinity between 93-95 mph. Lester also uses a 2 seamer, a cutter, an above average change-up and a wicked curveball. Like John Lackey, Jon Lester is a powerful strikeout pitcher and relies heavily on his 4 seam fastball. The command of his fastball is impeccable. That being said, that pitch makes all his other pitches highly effective when intermingled amongst a barrage of screaming 95 mph bullets. The key to success against Lester is for the Angels to jump all over that 1st pitch fastball and drive it long and hard. If the Halos can get runners on base quickly, they have the ability to run the score up and knock Lester right out of his rhythm. Getting to the bullpen will be the goal of the Angels. In the middle innings the Halos tend to bring in the runs in multitude, while the Red Sox, well, let's just say their 6th and 7th innings are not even worth comment. The bullpen of Los Angeles will need to step it up in the 8th and 9th and not put runners on for that deep, deep Boston lineup.

The chant from 2002 World Series still resounds in my head....YES WE CAN....YES WE CAN....YES WE CAN!!!! And, you know what.....Yes we can. This is one of the deepest lineups that the Angels have put up against the Red Sox in all of their meetings. In the end, it will be how well Mike Scioscia manages his pitching staff and his baserunners that decides the outcome of the game. I hope all of you were able to get tickets to tonight's and tomorrow's games. I want to hear the thundersticks. I want to look into the crowd from my Knothole Club perch and see Angels red....a Sea of Red. I want hear the Let's Go Angels resounding over the chants for Boston...they will be there, but I don't want to hear them. All I want to hear at the end of tonight's battle is the cheers of triumph for the Boys In Red - our Los Angeles Angels.

Angels Claim Third Straight AL Western Division Title

The Hunt for Red October is over!!!! Not since 1990 has any team in the American League Western Division performed the 3peat! On Monday, September 28, 2009, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim did just that, by whipping the Texas Rangers in an 11-0 showdown. On Tuesday, they downed the Rangers yet again to ensure a 3rd straight ALDS battle with the Boston Red Sox. Torii Hunter contends that the history between the Angels and the Red Sox means nothing. John Lackey says that the past has nothing to do with today. And, you know what? I agree with both Hunter and Lackey. There is not a pitcher in baseball that these boys in red cannot hit and no batter in the majors that can't be K'd. The Angels' post season nemisis will be ill advised if they go into the ALDS with full confidence that they will triumph.

In all likelyhood, the starting rotation for the Halos will be John Lackey, Jered Weaver, Joe Saunders and Scott Kazmir, while Ervin Santana takes another postseason in the bullpen. The starters for Beantown should be Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka and Clay Buchholz. If we can get on top of Beckett early in game one, we can get to that shaky bullpen of theirs. Will Lackey rise to the occassion? His last 2 starts have been somewhat lack luster at best. John Lackey has the playoff experience and the good stuff to pull off a game one win. He just needs to get his 1st pitch strikes across the place and not aim the ball. A game one victory will set the tone for the rest of the series - 2 wins at home and 1 win at Fenway Park would be ideal.

The Angels lineup is incredibly deep and fierce. Halo players are all over the American League category leaders for hitting stats. Chone Figgins is the best leadoff man in the AL this season leading all batters in runs scored with 114. Figgy is also batting .300 with 181 hits, 101 walks and 42 stolen bases. Kendry Morales tops charts with 34 HRs (6th), 107 RBIs (5th), 43 2Bs (7th), .304 AVG (14th) and a .571 SLG (2nd). As far as offense goes, the Angels will meet the Red Sox pitching contingent with speed and power. Boston fans should be worried, very very worried about what these boys can do once they get on a roll.

The picture of Shane (an Angels batboy) holding Nick Adenhart's jersey during the Halos victory celebration will be etched in my mind for years to come. To those people who think this was a shameful or disrespectful act, I say, "Shame on you! Shame on all of you." Yes, it is very tragic to have lost Adenhart so early in his young career. I see this as a celebration of his life, a celebration of his time, for all eternity, as an Angel. Nick Adenhart will always be an Angel and the boys were celebrating that, including him in their joy. If Nick were here, I can guarantee he would be right there with them. He was right there with them, as far as everyone involved was concerned. His presence is felt every day in the lives of these players and to say their celebration was disrespectful, wow....I say get a clue people. This is just another way of carrying on this young man's legacy, his life and his memory.

Barack Obama Backs Health Care Verification Revisions

Today, I called President Barack Obama at the White House, but I think he may have been golfing. I called (202) 456.1414 and left a message with a White House volunteer staffer thanking him for backing the Health Care Bill, H.R. 3200 that would require verification provisions to ensure that only American citizens receive taxpayer-funded health care subsidies. I also requested that he pressure Congressional Democratic leadership to support these provisions needed in any health care reform bill. In addition, I added that I am opposed to any BROAD AMNESTY for illegal aliens what-so-ever. I asked the volunteer if President Obama actually gets any of these comments that are left by citizens. She politely stated that he is given a detailed list of daily opinions received. I also added that I would like to see revisions allowing for prosecution and/or deportation of individuals who submit false Social Security numbers and falsify paperwork to illegally obtain health care.

Unfortunately, H.R. 3200 - the health care bill will allow illegal aliens to receive free health care services. Currently, the Democratic leadership team in Congress, specifically, Henry Waxman (Dem. California), is actively preventing verification measures to be added to the bill. On September 11, 2009, President Obama remarked and confirmed that a verification provision should be included in any health care bill. The President said:

1. Undocumented immigrants would not be able to buy private insurance on the exchange. Those who are lawfully present in this country would be able to participate.

2. Undocumented immigrants would be able to buy insurance in the non-exchange private market, just as they do today. That market will shrink as the exchange takes hold, but it will still exist and will be subject to reforms such as the bans on pre-existing conditions and caps.

3. Verification will be required when purchasing health insurance on the exchange. One option is the SAVE program (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) which states currently use to make sure that undocumented immigrants don't participate in safety-net programs for which they are ineligible.

4. There would be no change in the law that requires emergency rooms to treat people who need emergency care, including undocumented immigrants. There is already a federal grant program that compensates states for emergency room costs associated with treatment of undocumented immigrants, a provision sponsored by a Republican lawmaker.

I left my phone number and asked the volunteer to please have President Obama give me a call back at his earliest convenience. I stated that I know he is a busy man and cannot return every call to every citizen that requests one, but I am one very important individual and want to endsure that my voice is heard. I can probably expect a call within 72 hours right?

If you want change to come, you cannot sit on your duff and hope for the best. You must be proactive and call or write the people in charge. Get the numbers and addresses to your Governor (or Governator in our case), your Senators and Congressmen and your President. You elected them! You have every right to contact them.

Morales Leads Halos To Victory - Magic Number (2)

After the A's battle back from being 7 runs behind on Saturday, 09/26/09, to win 15-10, the Angels rebound behind the flawless effort of Kendry Morales. Before Saturday, the Halos had not lost more than 3 games in a row all season. Saturday's lost made it 4 games in a row and capped off the worst losing streak they have seen. The Angels rallied on Sunday to break that losing streak utilizing flawless defense and offensive might. Morales goes 3 for 3 including his 32nd homer and 3 RBI's to put him over the 100 RBI mark for the season. That is the most RBI's by an Angels firstbaseman since 2000 when Mo Vaughn drove in 117. In addition, Kendry Morales' fielding is coming along very nicely. Not known for his glove, Kendry is making smarter decisions on the hot corner. We may not see a gold glove anytime soon from him, but at least he is playing the position as well as anyone out there.

Joe Saunders grabs up his 15th win for the season, going 6 innings, giving up 3 runs on 7 hits and 1 walk, while striking out 3. Saunders started the 7th inning and gave up all 3 runs to the Athletics while retiring zero. Darren Oliver inherited 2 of those runners in the 7th when he came in and then gave up another in the 8th. Kevin Jepsen came in the game, striking out 2 to close out the 8th. Brian Fuentes earned his league leading 45th save giving up only 1 hit in the 9th inning.

The big question is, can the Angels win in the playoffs with Vladdy in the lineup and Fuentes' shaky outings? I've said it before, Guererro needs to either be dropped to 7th or below in the lineup or be used as a pinch hitter. Vladdy has not been consistent all season and when he is in the lineup, the Angels overall batting average and run production suffers. As for Brian Fuentes, well, he is as scary as Frankie Rodriguez ever was. Frankie nearly gave me an ulcer every time he took the rubber. As with Frankie, we have no idea which Fuentes will show up when he is handed the ball. My thoughts? Utilize either Kevin Jepsen or Darren Oliver in the closing position and see how Fuentes can try to hold the lead. The Angels will need consistency from both the bats and the arms to even consider a run at the World Series title, let alone get past Boston ---- ewwww. The Angels have one of the best teams in MLB and have as good a chance as any other team in baseball. Winning another championship will comedown to how Mike Scioscia manages his staff. I know the Angels can win another World Series, do you believe? Let's go Angels!!!!!!

When the Angels win tonight against the Rangers, we will win yet another Western Division title. Come out and support the Halo's. Let's pack the stands and cheer on the boys to a Red October. I will be slinging bottles in the Knothole Club tonight, but when we win Marco has assured us that the champagne will be flowing.....woooohoooooo......Go Halos.

US House of Reps Vote 259 - 167 To Keep Borders Safer

Yesterday, the US House of Representatives voted a miraculous 259-167 to keep the US/Mexico border safer. The Republicans voted unanimously 174-0 in favor of the pro-enforcement change to H.R. 324 (the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area Act) and it only needed about 40-45 Democrats to vote YES to get the Rep. Bishop (R-Utah) amendment to the bill passed. An astounding 85 Democrats voted YES with the Republicans in favor of the change. In the final minutes of voting, a total of 38 Democrats had changed their NO votes to YES. The bill now goes to the Senate for it's consideration.


What is the H.R. 324 Arizona bill? This bill would establish the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area in Arizona. It would require that the Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance, Inc in Arizona prepare and submit a management plan for the area (Arizona/Mexico Border). In addition, the plan must include and inventory all the natural and historical resources within the Heritage Area that should be protected. The Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area would encompass about 3325 sq. miles.

What does Rep. Bishop's (R-Utah) amendment allow for? Well, the original bill did not account for any enforcement dutes of Border Patrol. This huge loophole would have been used to block the efforts to stop the movement of illegal aliens, drug traffickers and human smugglers across the huge Arizona area. This amendment adds the language to guarantee no prohibitions on border enforcement and to make a permanent key highway checkpoint. It would also allow for the establishment of communication towers, fencing, cameras and/or sensors along the US/Mexico border. More than 4,000 people a day illegally cross into Arizona, overwhelming the border patrol and straining communities. Illegal immigration in Arizona accounts for 51% of Border Patrol arrests. Three times as many border crossers get through Arizona than are actually caught. Illegal aliens are taxing the facilities, land and resources in the U.S. Small town hospitals are having to close due to mounting expenses from caring for illigal immigrants. Land owners along the border are beset by cut fences, loss of cattle, theft and pollution.

The bill was voted and defeated by a tally of 249-145 on a Septemeber 8, 2009 consideration, failing to obtain it's 2/3 majority vote requirement. With the new amendment it passed with flying colors. We escaped a potential disaster in which much of southern Arizona would be largely off-limits to intense Border Patrol activities, while leaving it open to the drug and human smugglers.

Morales Filling Rather Large Shoes Left By Teixeira

Yes, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim wanted to resign Mark Teixeira at the end of the 2008 season. Did this happen? No! A huge resounding NO...to the tune of a New York Yankees $180 Million contract. What were the Halos to do now? Who would replace the steady glove and powerful bat of #25...now playing in the house that Jeter built? Will it be Casey Kotchman? Um...another no no no. Didn't Kotch go to the Braves when Tex arrived in Anaheim? The Angels would turn to Cuban born Kendry Morales to fill the large shoes left by Mark Teixeira. The only other player left on the bench that has done major leauge time at 1B for is Rob Quinlan. And, he's nothing more than an inspirational month to month fill in player. Kendry has seemed like the "Player to be Named Later." If you remember that Bull Durham quote, I commend you!

Kendry Morales was born in Formento, Cuba in the summer of 1983. The switch hitting powerhouse played for the Cuban National team up until 2003. In 2003, during Olympic qulifying rounds in Panama, Morales was released from the team and sent home on suspicion he might defect. Kendry, back in Cuba, was forbidden to play baseball again. With the game in his heart and determined to play again, he attempted to defect a total of 12 times. All he wanted to do is play baseball....it's what he knew and what he loved. Morales was finally successful in 2004. Out of Cuba, he quickly was signed as undrafted free agent in 2004 by the Angels.

Morales platooned between the minor league and the bigs, going back and forth on several occasions. Kendry's best year with the senior team came in 2007 when he posted a .294 AVG with 4 HRs, 15 RBIs on 35 hits in 119 ABs. In 2008, with Kotchman and then Teixeira holding tightly to the 1B position, Morales on played in 27 games and made only 65 plate appearances. He posted a paltry .213 AVG with only 13 hits....barely worthy of a starting bid for the Angels.
But, with Casey Kotchman gone and Mark Teixeira uncertain where his cleats might land, Morales took his off season serious in hopes of making the 2009 roster at 1B. As we all know, Mark Teixeira went off to play for the "evil empire" and their deep pockets. It was now time for Kendry Morales to show off his talents. Show he was ready to take his place at the corner that gets more action than any other fielding position other than pitcher and catcher. Could he fill the lofty shoes of #25? Could he fulfill his destiny?
To tell you the truth, I was a non-believer. I did not think that Kendry Morales had it in him. I really wanted the Angels to bid long and hard and get Teixeira. And, if not TEX....then go out and get someone comparable to man 1B. Someone with power, poise and a glove made of gold.

When the 2009 MLB season started, my fears were realized when Kendry stepped onto the field as the Los Angeles Angels' starting first baseman. All I could think is, "this guy is horrible." He can't hit, he can't field, he can't do much of anything good, except blast big bombs once in a blue moon. And, I let everyone know how I felt. Friends, fans and even a letter to the Angels asking why they didn't try harder with Mark Teixeira. As a fan, I was disillusioned and overcome with depressing thoughts of a lackluster season.

Morales began the season living up to the potential in which I had believed he was capable of. Starting the season slow and not making an impact at any position in the lineup, Kendry was actually doing worse than I thought he would. Then, all of a sudden, out of nowhere he started hitting. Hitting like a madman is more accurate. Morales made some miraculous adjustments and tweeked his approach at the plate. He started hitting. Hell, he started hitting everyone BIG.
Now, with a 6 year contract, that is good through 2010 of $4.5 Million, his numbers are right there with the man who went to the Yankees for a whopping contract worth $180 Million. Mark Teixeira is batting .285 with 35 HRs and 111 RBIs. And, what kind of numbers could Kendry Morales be putting up to make me think he is deserving of an American League MVP? Morales is batting a mere .306 with 30 HRs and 98 RBIs. Don't give me that look!!! My buddies laughing at me saying, "now do you believe he's good." Well, yes....HELL YES!!! I cannot imagine where the Angels would be without this powerhouse in the lineup. He'll probably never win a gold glove on the 1B bag. *DISCLAIMER* If Teixeira gets hurt and is out a season and Morales does it again....revamps his game and adapts....my foot will be in my mouth again. I tell you what, I look forward to the day that Kendry Morales makes me eat my words again. Morales has made me a believer.

Can you imagine if players like Bobby Abreu, Torii Hunter, Juan Rivera, Howie Kendrick and Vladimir Guerrero get hot? Can you imagine if it starts happening now, while we're in the race for the AL West Division title for the 5th time in 6 years? Can you imagine if the Angels are able to string together a monster month like they had in August? Can you imagine if the starting rotation and the bullpen are able to pull it together? Can you imagine another 2002? Well, I CAN. YES WE CAN!!! YES WE CAN!!! Do you remember that chant? Do you want to hear it again?


I can envision the Sea of Red now. I can hear the Thundersticks booming in the background. I can see the Rally Monkey jumping up and down...Jump Around...Jump Around....Jump Up... Jump Up and Get Down!!!!! Do you smell the hot dogs and the popcorn and the over priced beer? I do. I was on the rails of the Knothole Club in Anaheim to watch every game of the World Series in 2002 and will be there again. I stood there drinking my Guinness and was filled with incredible school boy jubilation when Erstad made that final out. Yes, I will be there again....we will be there again. I can feel it. LET'S GO ANGELS!!!!!!!

ANGELS CLINCH WEST......

At least that's how the headlines read this time last year. It's a tough race in 2009. With last night's victory over the Mariners, the Angels remain 4 1/2 games up on the Rangers in the Division race. And, with 7 games remaining against Texas in the regular season, it should be a hard fought run to the finish. The Texas Rangers have played exceptionally well against the Halos this year....posting a 9-3 record vs Angels thus far. What will it take to beat the Rangers and capture another Division title?

What needs to take place is.....both pitching and hitting for the Angels need to come together. Throughout the month of August, the offense picked up the slack for lackluster pitching with a force!!! The Halos scored a massive amount of runs. Now, in September, the pitching is keeping us in the games while the hits and runs are far and few between. While winning is great, it would be nice to do it without having to worry about one hit changing the outcome of the game in the 8th or 9th inning. What we are hoping for is that the boys of summer head into the Fall Classic with a head of steam....powerful arms and more powerful bats.

Maybe last night's game gave us a little glimpse of both. Jered Weaver pitched outstanding giving up 2 runs on 7 hits and no walks, and tallying 8 strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings. Weaver made only 2 mistakes, giving up solo homers to both Lopez and Johjima. Juan Rivera blasted a towering shot into the center field rocks where the camera crew resides to give the Angels a nice cushion for the win. The Seattle Mariners fall to the Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim 6-3.

Last season, we clinched the West with 17 games left in the season. This year we'll be going down to the wire. This is going to be great and builds a more competitive race for the division title. The Texas Rangers will be right on our heels all the way to the end of the season. It will keep our players working hard and trying to do their best at all times. The hard push to the finish should also keep the guys in shape and ready for any team we happen to meet in the 1st round. We need to shake off those early playoff departures and get back into the World Series.

LET'S GO ANGELS!!!!! LET'S GO ANGELS!!!!!!

Letter to President Obama - Oppose Health Care Bill for Illegal Aliens

President Barack Obama

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Obama:
Sections 242, 1702, and 1714 of the America's Affordable Health Choices Act are vaguely worded and would easily allow illegal aliens to receive taxpayer-funded health services. Please do all you can to make sure these sections are reworded to prevent abuse by illegal aliens.Unfortunately, the America's Affordable Health Choices Act is riddled with loopholes. Section 1714 states, "in determining eligibility for services under this subsection, the State may consider only the income of the applicant or recipient." This means that for certain non-essential services, a state can disregard an individual's immigration status and look only at the individual's income. Section 1702 of the bill requires that "the State shall accept without further determination the enrollment under [the Medicaid program] of an individual determined by the Commissioner to be a non-traditional Medicaid eligible individual." However, the bill does not require the government to apply the existing citizenship and identity verification requirements that exist in the current Medicare statute. Section 242 is supposed to allay the fears of people like me because it states that "undocumented aliens" are prohibited from receiving health care. Unfortunately, the bill fails to prescribe a method for determining if an individual is in this country illegally. Current programs such as SSI and Medicare require an individual to present proof of citizenship and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) already has a program (the SAVE program) for determining if an individual is eligible for social services. Please urge Congress to modify Sections 242, 1702, and 1714 in a positive manner (i.e., require individuals to produce proof of citizenship or entitlement). Allowing illegal aliens to access taxpayer-funded health care will only increase the burden for future generations.

Phone me if you would like to talk about this,

Mr. Jon Andres

P.S. Mr. President, Californians are expecting great things from you. While we are traditionally a Republican state, we supported you in the polls. We are hoping you can turn this country around. We are hoping you can bring jobs to AMERICANS. We put our faith in you. Now put your faith in us. Keep jobs in the United States for it's CITIZENS. Best Regards.

Angels fail to go 10-0 against the Royals

Ervin Santana's record falls to (7-8) after pitching 5 2/3 innings at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. Santana gave up 5 runs on 9 hits, including a pair of towering homers to Billy Butler. He also committed an error in the 1st inning which led to the Royals' initial lead. Ervin struck out 5 and walked 2 stated he, "felt strong and confident." Not confident enough to put together some quality pitches and grab up the 10th win against the Kansas City Royals though.

While Erik Aybar made an incredibly stellar diving play, robbing Yuniesky Betancourt of a line drive base hit, the Angels played less than stellar defense. The Angels went into today's game with only 64 errors - giving them an American League leading .987 fielding percentage. Bobby Abreu, Kendry Morales and Ervin Santana all have errors in this game. Santana's error was in the 1st inning allowing the Royals to score their 1st 2 runs. Both Morales and Abreu allowed balls to roll under their gloves for their costly mistakes.

The Los Angeles Angels managed to put together 10 hits and 8 walks, but only were able to get 3 runners across home plate. Abreu smacked a homer in the 5th to give the Halos their 1st run of the game. Abreu scored again in the 7th, as well as Guerrero in their failed attempt at rally. The Angels record drops to (81-55), but remain 5 games up in the AL West over the Rangers. I have a feeling the division race will come down to the wire.

The Angels thin out their triple-A Salt Lake Bees team by calling up 4 players tonight.

Infielder Freddy Sandoval

Pitcher Rafael Rodriguez

Catcher Ryan Budde, and

Outfielder Terry Evans will all join the team in Anaheim on Tuesday, 08 September 2009.

Pete Carroll Taking A Gamble - USC SUCKS

Now, let's start off by saying I am one of the biggest USC haters you will find. That being said....It is being shouted all over the country that Pete Carroll, USC coach, is taking a huge, if not detrimental gamble starting Matt Barkley as quarterback for the Trojans. The quarterback situation for possibly one of the best programs in the country is in dire need of leadership. This being the case, Carroll is opting to start a freshman instead of the incumbent Aaron Corp.

This guy has coached players that have gone on to win the Heisman Trophy and become Pro Bowlers in the NFL. If anyone on this planet knows talent in a football player, it would be Mr. Carroll. Yes, I can hate the team, but I truly respect a guy that can put together a winning program year in and year out without question. I mean, the USC football program has 7 consecutive seasons with 11 or more wins. And, they have been in BCS Bowls, including four straight Rose Bowls. How can you question a record like that? How can you question a man whose expectations for his team is still as high as the clouds and is fired up about a freshman?

Matt Barkley hails from Mater Dei High and, according to Steve Carroll, is more advanced than any other previous USC freshman quarterback at the same stage. Barkley will have all the time in the world to hit those wide open receivers. USC returns to the field with eight offensive linemen from last season and 4 ready and willing tailbacks - including one Joe McKnight. McKnight may not be as good as Reggie Bush was, but wait til the end of the season. As a Bruin fan, I wish we could say the same for our team. We will contend, but USC should roll.

I have to give Pete Carroll props for putting his decision out there right now and not at game time. This gives the media and fans a chance to get it all out now and get to game time on Saturday against San Jose State. Just imagine if Carroll happens to be right, as a Bruin fan I hope he fails, but imagine. The Trojans will have 2 more than capable quarterbacks and will solidify their offense for years to come. - Jonny Andres

Angels Month of August 17-12 Record

Angels finish the month of August decisively with an impressive 10-0 win over the Mariners. With a 17-12 record for this month, the Halo's post 180 runs, 41 homers and an attendance of 519,142. We are just shy about 400,000 more for a cool 3Mil for the season with a little over a month left....wooohooo. The Angels go 6 games up in the AL West with their win tonight and a 18-10 Texas loss to Toronto. While the offense charges on with it's 24th game with 8 or more runs since June 12, Joe Saunders pitches a gem of a game. Saunders settles down and goes 7 innings, giving up 3 hits and striking out 4 after a shaky 1st inning. Joe shows that he is 100% and ready to bring it down the stretch for the fans of Anaheim. With the acquisition of Kazmir, the starting rotation should be extremely strong. Let's hope the offense can keep those bats rolling thunder through the month of September right on into the playoffs.

It is a good possibility, with Vladdy healthy and hitting the way he is, he could keep his streak alive and get that 25th homer this season. He has already hit 13 homers and only needs 12 more in the month of September to keep that impressive streak alive. Currently, he has hit 25 or more HR's in 11 consecutive seasons. Guerrero is some kind of mutant hitting machine. His second homer tonight, he put into the upper deck of Safeco Field and the pitch was at his ankles and hit one handed. Incredible strength and absolutely no strike zone make for an impossible opponent for a pitcher to face.

What more is there to say....Let's Go Angels.....right to the World Series. Who knows, maybe we'll meet those boys in blue up the road a ways. A Freeway Series? We own the Doyers anyway.....LIGHT UP THE HALO!------ Jonny Andres