If you blog it, they will lose. . .

After winning nine consecutive series, the lowly Royals come to town and sweep the Angels. The Royals have now won their last five games against the Cherubs. As if this is not enough, someone told me that the women are better-looking in Kansas City also. While I collect my thoughts, consider this remarkable turn of events: Che wants to be traded. Yeah, we want him to be traded, but who will have him?

Considering my recent and sudden excitement, I have been humbled. I try to look up for once and shed my cynicism, and just when I do, the Halos teach me my annual lesson. I will return to heckling Sosha and crew from behing the computer screen, which is more fun anyway.

On the lighter side, Percival has completed his comeback. From Rotoworld:

The Cardinals purchased the contract of RHP Troy Percival from Triple-A Memphis. Percival allowed one run -- that coming in his first appearance -- over 6 2/3 innings for Memphis, enabling him to complete his comeback and return to the majors. The Cards will use him in middle relief for now, but he'll be put into a setup role if he's successful.

I will try to post a "Hit List" tomorrow.

Drive-by blogging

It may very well be that the Angels do not lose another game this season. Okay, at least not another loss at home. Certainly, it feels like the Angels can't lose lately. Another sweep for the Halos as they discard the Pirates in three straight. The Pirates took them into extra innings twice, but was there anyone who really felt as if the Angels were in serious jeopardy of losing either game? Even down 4-0 on Friday night, it was expected they would fight their way back. After coming back and winning 5-4, they embarrassed the Bucs yesterday 10-1 before finishing them 4-3 today. They are simply having a tremendous first half. They won't likely play quite as well after the break, and Sosha will find a way to slow them down (he tried hard today), but it's fun right now.

All congratulations to U.S. soccer for winning their fourth Gold Cup title today by defeating Mexico 2-1 in the Finals held in Chicago. The U.S. owns Mexico since 2000, but had not beat them in the final before today. Bravo! The Mexicans play dirty, and yet still can't beat the U.S. American soccer is on the rise.

Riverside Rangers go for victory #1 under the lights tomorrow night. The match is not sold out, so it will be blacked out on local TV coverage. Why not come out to watch in person? The players are approachable and autographs are easy to come by.

Sosa hits 600th. Hilton still in jail.

In other news, Vladimir Guerrero is good. Yes, it’s funny the way things work out at times. But it appears he’s worth the money. Who knew? I wish the same could be said for Piñada Colon. I swear I can smell his breath when I watch him on TV. He stinks.

Angels win yet again last night fueled by some Houston mistakes along with Vlad’s monster home run that capped a six-run seventh inning. Congratulations to Terry Evans for his first major league hit, a two-run clout to left. The Angels have found yet another bat more productive than Anderson’s.

Fellow bloggers, Alberto Callaspo went 5-for-6 in a minor league game yesterday. Eat your heart out.

Today is the longest day of the year. The Angels have the day off. Use your day wisely. I have chosen to embarrass myself again on the pitch. Knights FC tonight at BLD. Won’t you join us at the Grange End?

The King of Sweden it will not irk . . .

What is wrong with this blog?

The effect is clear. There is nobody writing, and apparently even fewer reading the darn thing. I mean to ask, what is the cause? The Angels are one of the hottest teams in baseball, and after a phenomenal comeback two nights ago, even I’m excited about the team’s chances come autumn. Even last night’s sad result shouldn’t frustrate our spirits, especially as it affords us another great story, the triumphant return of the big “O” to Anaheim. In other news, CS Fullerton got dumped out of the CWS quicker than lager turns into we all know what.

The Angels stand at 45-27, the second best record in the Major Leagues. Their home mark of 25-10 is the very best. They’re hitting .288 as a team and have four regulars hitting over .300. They are one of a handful teams with an ERA under 4.00. They also lead the American League in stolen bases. In almost every aspect of the game they are excelling. Two nights ago, they pulled a victory out from a 9-4 deficit, bailing out His Lackness after one of his poorest outings of the season. After a five run seventh inning to even up, Trainwreck capped a sensational game with a game-winning RBI hit in the ninth, scoring Willits from first base. Fig ended 6-for-6 on the night, the first Angel in over ten years to do so, since S&S did it in 1996, when he was still swinging with his eyes closed. At his current pace, Anderson will likely take another ten years before he compiles six more hits. But GA’s injury woes have been beneficial. It has given Rookie of Year Reggie Willits his chance. Willits had three more hits last night, putting him at .337. He also leads all AL rookies in stolen bases and runs scored, and is quickly becoming a fan favourite.

Not only can I barely compose a paragraph concerning the Angels recent surge, but last night we had the added delight of seeing our team host an old favourite, Orlando Palmeiro. The Big “O” lived up to his just billing, going 4-for-5 with a pair of doubles. How did we let this guy get away? Do you know he still lunches with Garret Anderson and Tim Salmon? At least he claims he does and I believe him. Not only is he the Big “O” and it helps to be seen in public with such a person, but he’s also such a lousy tipper, that GA and Fish can always find a ready scapegoat when the waitress realizes she’s been had by a pair of millionaires.

For the first time in nine appearances since 1990, the Titans were dismissed after two games in the College World Series. They got dusted by OSU and then lost a marathon against UC Irvine. Yes, UC Irvine. I’ve not much more to say, and I invite Wise&Eck to add his thoughts. I hated college almost half as much as I hated high school and if Fullerton didn’t have such a good baseball team, I wouldn’t give my mater neclegentissimus another thought.

There is more and in spite of it, the “Less Hip” crew is dumb. Oh, what hope we had when we first began. Perhaps we’ve just failed. Fellow bloggers, let us take up and blog! If you write it, they will come.

the baseball diaries

"Well, what's the use in complaining,
When you've got what you don't need?
Anyone would think you were hardened too,
What do you want me to believe?"

The Hit Parade!

23 hits, 16 runs, WOW!! And Leave it to Weaver found his way again, giving up only one run over 7 innings, dropping his ERA to 3.88. Too bad Fat Tire gave up to more. Doesn't matter when EVERY starter has a hit and/or a run scored. GM Juicer? WORD! 4 hits, the grand salami, and my respect. Cab Fare? G'd up! 4 hits, 2 ribbies, 4 runs scored, cab ride home with a hottie or 2... Krotch Gobbie? Yes, more where that came from! MoNapoli? Pass Go, collect $400. Sit 'N Sleep? He's one lazy ... . Which obviated Bladimir Guerrero's (say it like Jose Mota) bat. Hmm, "How many times can I get thrown out in a game?" he must've asked himself. Whatever, they ripped Boof and Mini-soda to pieces, wanting to do the same tonight as Lambo faces the hope of the white north, Scott Baker.

halo,
dil8d halo

"What the hell is happening?
I can't think of everything.
I don't know what day it is,
Or who I'm talking to..." -- New Order