.jpg&w=244&h=193&zc=1 "Mike Trout and the sophomore slump that wasn't")
.jpg&w=244&h=193&zc=1 "Why the Pujols contract isn't as bad as you think")
Game Recap 6/22/12 -- Call It A Comeback -- Angels 8 Dodgers 5
Dear Dodger Fans,
It's okay. I understand your frustration. Your team was riding high with a solid first couple of innings and looked like you were on your way to righting your sinking ship. We Angel Fans were in your same boat just a dew month ago. We too, would get overly excited about the illusion of our team playing well only to have our hopes dashed by a superior team. Look, your run as LA favorite sons was a nice little story in April, but this is the real part of the season and this is big boy baseball. And tonight, was exactly what big boy baseball players do.
Angels 8 Dodgers 5
Game Notes
-- Yes, Dan Haren got the win. But his start continued a trend of his inability to get batters out when he's ahead in the count. Haren got rocked in the first two innings, but somehow managed to go five innings and keep the Angels in the game. To put it simply, Haren needs to start pitching better if the Angels have any hope of long term success.
-- Mike Trout is really, really good. But what makes him special is his sense of the moment. Superstars know how to elevate their game at the right moment and between the go ahead home run and the ridiculous speed he showed scoring from first on a single, Trout found the moment. MVP anyone?
-- I love how Mike Scioscia is using his bullpen. In a normal circumstance Scott Downs does not pitch the seventh inning. The old Mike would have saved Downs for the eighth since he is the "set-up man". But with the game in doubt, Scioscia threw his best guy out there. Brilliant!
Halo Hero
So that's why the Angels gave him that new deal? Erick Aybar was everywhere tonight. He had a double, a triple and 2 RBI at the plate. He made a couple of nice plays in the field, including a acrobatic double play to squash a Dodger rally. Seems like the pressure is starting to ease and Erick is playing at the pace he is capable.
It's too bad Williams is under the weather. It's looking like Haren needs a little DL vacation while Richards is on a streak and Weaver is back. I wasn't watching Gameday last night but, and I realize he's not a power pitcher, in his last start I didn't notice him get up to 90mph until the fourth inning and he only touched it a few times after that while he lasted. Many of the pitches labeled some form of "fastball" were in the 84-87 range. I'd have to think that's a little down for him. I have to feel like all is not well in Harenland.
