May 21, 2008
Vlad powers back
See? I guess it just took some tough love for Vladimir Guerrero to come around. Well, actually, I can't take any of the credit; it's just a good hitter finding his power stroke.
Guerrero crushed two home runs, a solo shot and a three-run blast, to lead the Angels over the Blue Jays, 4-3, at the Rogers Centre.
Vlad's two blasts accounted for all the scoring for the Angels, which is fine -- all you need is one run more than the other guys. However, his two hits were exactly half of the team's four, the other being singles by Garret Anderson, and the newly-activated Chone Figgins.
That the Angels mustered only four hits is just as big a story as Vlad rediscovering his long-ball aptitude. Nine nights out of 10, when your opponent out hits you nearly three to one, you're going to lose. The Angels got lucky.
John Garland pitched a good, if not spectacular game, nailing down a quality start with three runs allowed in six innings. His 99 pitches over those six frames is slightly out of character for the supposed innings eater, and he had to be followed up by Jose Arrendondo, Scot Shields and Francisco Rodriguez (who earned his 19th save).
One other note: I will give a pass to Mike Napoli on his 0-for-4 night, considering in his previous game, he notched an 0-for-0 night with three walks and a HBP. That's not easy to do, especially when Mickey Hatcher is your hitting instructor.
It is great to have Figgins back after a lengthy stint on the disabled list (leg injury), but of course, in what is becoming true Angels fashion, he was quickly replaced on the DL by Erick Aybar, who dislocated his pinkie finger. It figures.
We really need Howie Kendrick back.
Discussion
1 Comment on "Vlad powers back"
#1
Posted by Brian, May 26, 2008 10:46 AM
At first I was for giving Vlad a day off with how bad he was looking. He was constantly hacking at garbage. he was striking out on three pitches and none were close to the strikezone. However, this past week he seems to at least be waking up with three home runs. So what does Mike Scioscia do when the Angels are on national TV? He gives Vlad the night off. When his swing is coming around.
This team has no real offense and it's getting boring to watch. This tigers series scares me because if the pitchers and defense have a bad game I know we'll lose the game.
It's time for the Angels to admit the truth about Figgins first of all. Is he still hurt or not? You take him off the DL and he plays one game and then sits out the next four. Why? And where's Howie Kendrick? I keep hearing how Howie is feeling good. But then he goes to hang out with a minor league club but not to play yet. If he's ready to hang out with them let him play too and see if he's healthy.
The Angel offense right now is half bench players and minor league kids. No major league offense can survive like that. Not when most of the real hitters are slumping too.
As for those kids, the Angels need a hitting coach who knows how to get them to the next level. Maybe Mickey Hatcher is okay for the veterans but I don't see him getting the kids to the next level.
One more thing is Juan Rivera is a waste of a roster spot. He can't get enough playing time with all the outfield depth. So trade him. Get a good hitting infielder. Someone who can play second, short and third. At least a decent singles hitter. It doesn't have to be a slugger, just a good bench player to give real depth to the infield. Kids from the minors are okay for a short emergency fill-in but they just don't cut it when it goes this long.
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