tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72372272011-06-06T16:48:45.489-07:00A weblog devoted to #55 of the Anaheim Angels, Jeff DaVanon. How is he doing? Is he getting his due respect yet? Let's watch and see...mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.comBlogger2091100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1140764550999672552006-02-23T23:00:00.000-08:002006-02-23T23:02:31.013-08:00

Watching Jeff DaVanon can now be found athttp://www.watchingallangels.com/ Same Jeff obsessionSame writingNew home, new name, and implicit permission to keep watching Angel games even though Jeff won't be playing in them (except in June when the Angels play the D-backs)Update your bookmarks, and thanks for reading!Love,Maya

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1139962729852291352006-02-14T15:58:00.000-08:002006-02-14T16:18:49.896-08:00

Both the US and Canada are well along the path towards yet another gold medal game. I'm overly invested in this because (I'm proud to say) three members of the US team are alumnae of my high school. This includes three-time Olympian Angela Ruggerio, who after graduating from my high school and Harvard, shouldn't be trying to get on the Apprentice for something to do after hockey.In related

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1139587839979190252006-02-10T07:40:00.000-08:002006-02-10T08:10:40.056-08:00

The city of Anaheim's expensive crusade to remind people they exist, suffered a blow yesterday when the jury sided with the Angels in the name-change contract dispute.I've been pretty clear that I think Arte can do what he wants, and I'm all for whatever elevates the team to a level that demands more respect and more marketing and advertising revenue. Plus, I live in LA, so I happen to feel a

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1139375729039406462006-02-07T20:57:00.000-08:002006-02-07T21:15:29.083-08:00

Jeff is a snake!He's signed a 1-year major league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The D-backs, apparently concerned about Jeff's bad shoulder (a rumor confirmed!) have structured the deal so that they are protected if Jeff cannot contribute on a daily basis due to his shoulder. There is an option for year 2.All the Jeff fans will be very very pleased to hear this, I'm sure. Congrats to Jeff

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1139346803545385172006-02-07T12:47:00.000-08:002006-02-07T17:16:57.073-08:00

Welcome to the continuation of JeffWatch '06. According to Ken Rosenthal over at FoxSports, Arizona is once again interested in signing Jeff. This time to a one-year $525k deal with a player option for '07. DaVanon, 32, figures to get considerable playing time in the Diamondbacks' outfield, likely sharing time in center with Eric Byrnes and possibly spelling Luis Gonzalez in left. His signing

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1139006326368624682006-02-03T14:19:00.000-08:002006-02-03T14:38:46.446-08:00

I've known since September that I was going to re-launch the site with a new name and a new look. Since I've been on blogger for a long time, and thought myself CSS enough to muddle through, this didn't cause me stress.But Keith keeps looking at Pearly Gates, and would like for us to move to our own domain and a non-blogger host, etc. I've certainly had dreams of a more sophisticated image

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1138835285587758062006-02-01T14:37:00.000-08:002006-02-03T12:17:27.376-08:00

Guess what time of year it is?It's select-a-seat, that special time of year when dreams are crushed, the strong and fast rise to the top, and any advances that technology may have made in the past 20 years are employed only as they relate to the ancillary practice of photocopying.If you have, or wish to have season tickets, this is the week when you can change your location or add additional

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1137776343547383092006-01-20T08:55:00.000-08:002006-01-20T08:59:03.593-08:00

Rumors keep putting Jeff farther and farther away. But it's all about landing a job, not about my being able to catch a game. Denver has been signing minor-league contracts w/ spring training invites like crazy, but not with Jeff.This report puts him in talks with the Red Sox and/or the Mets....

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1130546421532061862006-01-17T17:39:00.000-08:002006-01-17T14:17:58.536-08:00

Old news from the On the DL girls (love you!)Some might ask how I could stoop so low as to care about such things.I spent an awful few months working the front desk for a hotel outside Chicago. It was not a four-star place. It was bar mitzvahs and insurance training seminars all the way. But for some reason, it was also the pre-season-but-non-training-camp home of the bears. Yes, DA Bears.And the

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1136955837594064942006-01-10T20:07:00.000-08:002006-01-10T21:03:57.656-08:00

So, you're a multi-millionaire professional athlete, and it's your birthday. Where do you decide to spend the evening? Disneyland?... Well, almost - Downtown Disney.So I was cruising around the dial and thought I'd check out Angel talk on the radio. You know- to see if they said anything more about Ersty going to centerfield. (Not much more than a reference to the Steve Bisheff column in today's

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1136656551216878002006-01-07T08:37:00.000-08:002006-01-07T13:45:51.683-08:00

The college football season has ended and WJD will not dwell on what may have been, but will instead turn our attentions from purple to red. Spring training is little more than a month away, and preparations have already begun for this year's annual pilgrimage. Pitchers and catchers are due to report February 15, and the Angels have extended invitations to twenty-one non roster players to the

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1135193805514789542005-12-21T11:32:00.000-08:002005-12-21T11:36:45.523-08:00

I happen to like Arizona. We've liked going there for spring training so much that it's our first choice for a place to relocate to. Jeff also lives in Scottsdale, so that would be nice for him.Also, the AL-West should be playing the NL-West in inter-league this year. But we'll all have to wait and see where Jeff actually lands.I'll tell you one thing, there is a whole lot of Jeff Google action

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1135035149258368802005-12-19T15:26:00.000-08:002005-12-19T15:32:29.266-08:00

Josh Paul and Joe Maddon will get to spend another year together discussing literature and pitch selection, as 6-4-2 tells us that JP has indeed been traded to Tampa Bay. Yay Josh!

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1134763326005600422005-12-16T11:24:00.000-08:002005-12-16T12:02:06.076-08:00

So via Matt Welch (who I've read and admired for many years, but never linked to here because I don't really consider him a baseball blogger) I learned the sad news that the Marquis de Sade, our favorite bar/joint in Prague, is no more.Truthfully, it was my second-favorite. But my favorite place closed down in 1998, so we were left with the Marquis.Keith and I actually met and first dated when

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1134516719028833362005-12-13T15:03:00.000-08:002005-12-13T15:31:59.083-08:00

This was just so cool I had to post about it.Narwhals seriously freak me out. I think they are cool, but there was a specimen in the Field museum in Chicago, displayed behind glass in a large foyer, or maybe even an area with tables where children on field trips eat their bag lunches. As a girl on such a field trip, I remember staring at it, fascinated and also scared to death. What was this

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1134468609744599232005-12-13T01:23:00.000-08:002006-02-23T22:11:26.616-08:00

Robin left a question in the comments:"What is DFA'd? what happened to Jeff and Josh Paull? There is nothing on the Angels' website about Jeff. I think he's a great player and if he gets to start every game on another team he will probably do really really well. What happened?"There are parts of that I can easily answer, and parts that we must simply chalk up to the mystery of life...DFA'd is "

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1134177903711697492005-12-09T17:10:00.000-08:002005-12-09T17:25:03.723-08:00

The past day (24 hours plus a smidge) has been a bit traumatic in my little world.Jeff and Josh Paul were both DFA'd. *sniff* *sniff* OK, I've shed my single tiny, tear for each of them. And I wish them both well in their post-Halo careers.and Gary Barnett was run out of town in Colorado.I crossed paths with Gary and his family many times during our shared Northwestern years, and I always

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1134177019526780002005-12-09T17:02:00.000-08:002005-12-09T17:10:19.536-08:00

via the blog for Freakanomics, we get this interview with Joe Maddon about what he is reading (best part, it was suggested by Josh Paul):Q: Are you doodling lineups, doodling rotations—JOE MADDON: You know what? No, not yet. We’re talking about that on the way over here. Remember the book “Blink,” you guys read “Blink” yet? Got to read “Blink”. Anyway, it’s about thick slices and thin slices. Put

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1134062824194361372005-12-08T09:24:00.000-08:002005-12-08T09:36:24.853-08:00

Dear Jeff,Happy Birthday!!!!We couldn't think of anything to get you, so we are designating you for assignment.Many Happy Returns!!Love,Your friends at the Los Angeles Angels of AnaheimI actually put Jeff's birthday on my calendar so I wouldn't forget it this year. Looks like that wasn't required.

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1133580887976495922005-12-02T19:26:00.000-08:002005-12-02T19:34:47.976-08:00

Argh! First Turnbow, then Jenks, and now... Via Pearly Gates, it appears yet another former closer in the Angel farm system is flourishing after being released from under the halo. Right-handed reliever Joel Peralta, acquired on waivers from the Angels, continues to sparkle in the Dominican Winter League. He has allowed just three earned runs in 15 innings in 17 appearances for Gigantes. He also

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1133580028173779362005-12-02T19:03:00.000-08:002005-12-02T19:20:28.210-08:00

Alas, the pursuit of Paul Byrd has ended....sniff Carrasco will have the inside track on the fifth spot in next year's starting rotation. Rob, Chronicles, Richard, and everyone around the Haloshere are all as dumbfounded as I.Hopefully, at next week's swap meet in Texas, Stoneman will keep his head on and won't give away the farm for a few magic beans.

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1133116819884738052005-11-27T09:45:00.000-08:002005-11-27T10:40:20.333-08:00

I’m your only friendI’m not your only friendBut I’m a little glowing friendBut really I’m not actually your friendBut I am Blue canary in the outlet by the light switchWho watches over youMake a little Byrdhouse in your soulNot to put too fine a point on itSay I’m the only bee in your bonnetMake a little Byrdhouse in your soulBill Stoneman apparently does not have this song on his iTunes playlist

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1132440960943017592005-11-19T14:54:00.000-08:002005-11-19T14:56:00.953-08:00

The Spring Training schedule is upnow don't say I never gave you anything...

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1131512517934475082005-11-08T20:45:00.000-08:002005-11-09T10:00:58.140-08:00

I'm told there will not be an Angel Fest next year due to the World Baseball Championship.Look for it to return in 2007.Considering that I was underwhelmed with the previous offerings, I don't know if this is good or bad news.

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1130811262390935442005-10-31T18:09:00.000-08:002005-10-31T18:14:22.403-08:00

That the Angels are supposed to win it all in 2006? So says some sports guy at msnbc.comHe arrives at this conclusion by demonstrating why the other teams won't win. It's a valid course of argument to take, but it is also easy to refute because the conclusion rests on such a vast number of points and lesser conclusions. Sort of like proving that one person comitted a crime by arguing that I

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1130540286516525562005-10-28T15:38:00.000-07:002005-10-28T15:58:06.526-07:00

There is nothing so beautiful as the anticipation of scandal. Can you smell it? And those of us who follow baseball have had a stay of execution of sorts, because it has been said that an outfielder on an AL playoff team tested positive for steroids.Someone I've never heard of but supposedly would be in a position to know something has said it's a name people will care about.One would think that

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1130536403939457322005-10-28T14:28:00.000-07:002005-10-28T14:53:23.993-07:00

It's that time of year.The time when my ears stop ringing from stadium anthems and halo stix, and the part of my brain that has been bypassed for a number of months starts giving me a hard time.Another season has passed and hysteria has once again gripped and released me. This week brought with it the arrival of the "magical box of promotional crap." This is a pre-purchased shipment of every

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129657924317173602005-10-18T10:39:00.000-07:002005-10-18T10:52:04.366-07:00

Thanks to everyone who has dropped by during this 2005 baseball season. And mad props to everyone in the halosphere for a job well done. These last few weeks have been really awesome. As we move into the off-season we plan to still post here and this is what is on the horizon:News about the moves [If Byrd is re-signed, happiness, if Figgins is overpaid, not so much happiness]JeffWatch [Many

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129578813745781902005-10-17T12:49:00.000-07:002005-10-17T12:53:33.770-07:00

Paul Byrd's last "perspectives" piece for MLB is up now.I really hope we keep him. He was one of our most consistent starters, and by the end of the season I happen to think he was our #2 guy, leaving big John as #3. He was the only off-season Stoneman move to still look good the morning after when the beer goggles wore off.I hate to see him beating himself up after pitching so well last night.

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129568080554540062005-10-17T09:16:00.000-07:002005-10-17T10:36:40.890-07:00

"Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more."We had one more shot. So we put on our battle gear and our game faces, carried with us whatever magical totems we could muster, and did all we could with the only weapons allowed to us-- our thunderstix and our voices.Winning the series was only an outside possibility, but winning the game seemed do-able. Failing that, playing like we were

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129529136869872242005-10-16T22:34:00.000-07:002005-10-16T23:05:36.896-07:00

Time to start countin' 'em down. Only one hundred and sixty nine days until the Angels begin anew against the Mariners in Seattle on Monday, April 3. I can hardly wait.What will transpire between now an then, one can only guess, nay - hope. Right now, the Angels already have $68,250,000 committed to ten players. Arte has publicly stated he's willing to increase next year's payroll if the right

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129490569133179482005-10-16T11:50:00.000-07:002005-10-16T12:31:57.016-07:00

Tonight's game will be announced as a sellout, but there will be plenty of green seats visible to the nationwide viewing audience. The sea of red has been parted by White Sox pitching, leading many Rally Monkey bandwagoners to sell their seats.Three days ago, the Angels Ticket Exchange had less than one hundred seats available for today's game. After Friday's loss, that number increased to over

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129481179677604762005-10-16T09:35:00.000-07:002005-10-16T10:19:38.333-07:00

Desperation has begun to set into Mike Scioscia's mind. - From this morning's LA Times: With Steve Finley's poor performance during the season followed by an even worse performance during the playoffs, the Angels have considered benching him and moving Garret Anderson to center field.Scioscia said he had considered moving Anderson to center, as well as moving Chone Figgins there and playing Robb

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129447653725942492005-10-16T00:17:00.000-07:002005-10-16T00:27:33.730-07:00

I happen to think that part of the problem is that the White Sox have some kind of superior scouting on the Angels. The only people to perform well batting-wise are Quinlan and Kotchman, and those are guys not usually in the line-up and whatever holes exist in their swing or predictability in their outcomes has not yet been discovered.Since everyone else is sucking ass-- and by everyone I

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129391807299370182005-10-15T08:20:00.000-07:002005-10-15T09:17:56.750-07:00

Some fans went above and beyond the call of duty last night, so here's to you (cue the Budweiser commercial music) Mr. I'llneverletdougeddingsforgethatcallfromgametwo -o-o:There was the fan a few seats down from us in F129 who let his friend heckle Eddings via cellphone since he couldn't make it to the game. He turned his volume all the way up and held the phone toward for more than a few minutes

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129365601562564982005-10-15T00:09:00.000-07:002005-10-15T01:41:59.720-07:00

You lollygag the ball around the infield. You lollygag your way down to first. You lollygag in and out of the dugout. Do you know what that makes you? - Larry? - Lollygagers. ~ Bull DurhamWhat happened to that team I saw Monday night at Angel Stadium? The team I saw just four days ago was not the same team that took the field tonight.Tonight's team looked lethargic in the outfield, infield, and

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129360105366327542005-10-14T23:41:00.000-07:002005-10-15T00:08:25.373-07:00

I've done what I could with a camera, but I really should have audiotaped it.I was expecting the first few innings to be very Doug-centric. And they were. Josh got loud applause when he was introduced, and the umpires were booed. And then the game started, and the hazing began.For the most part it was little-league stuff. "Hey Doug!" "Nice call Doug!" "You suck!" And then everytime he had

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129357934923048702005-10-14T23:32:00.000-07:002005-10-14T23:32:14.926-07:00

With nothing else going on tonight, we truly were the "Eddings go home" team.

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129357689644365392005-10-14T23:28:00.000-07:002005-10-14T23:28:09.643-07:00

The best sign! Security took it early in the game, but she had anticipated that and brought a back-up. Which they also later took. She didn't get tossed though.

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129357613566883302005-10-14T23:26:00.001-07:002005-10-14T23:26:53.573-07:00

Despite what the Angels said, this cop is not standard-issue RF security, even for the playoffs.

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129357566489642572005-10-14T23:26:00.000-07:002005-10-14T23:26:06.496-07:00

Keith made copies (double-sided on 110 paper) of Pearly Gates' poster and passed them out to all who asked

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129357508686553882005-10-14T23:25:00.000-07:002005-10-14T23:25:08.690-07:00

Security looked at this sign, but decided it wasn't objectionable

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129357468975854522005-10-14T23:24:00.001-07:002005-10-14T23:24:28.980-07:00

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129357447075078972005-10-14T23:24:00.000-07:002005-10-14T23:24:07.126-07:00

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129308278508185172005-10-14T09:40:00.000-07:002005-10-14T10:43:43.096-07:00

Presenting Doug Eddings is a Douche [I dig the alliteration]I guess it's healthy to channel your anger into a hobby or constructive activity.Edited to add:Also, I just realized that the Josh Paul Drinking Game (which I made up for fun last August) is now poised to sweep the nation, and has, in a sense, already swept the nation.The original JPDG rules were: (and I don't like to drink, so the idea

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129274962931207922005-10-14T00:14:00.000-07:002005-10-14T00:29:22.966-07:00

So in the NYT, Eddings cops to being ambiguous. But Eddings criticized himself for not being more emphatic in signaling that the ball was in the dirt. After the pitch, he made a hand motion to his right before pumping his fist, which most observers thought was his sign that Pierzynski was out. "The only thing I'm down on myself is I should have sold it either way," Eddings said. "I should

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129247135920777302005-10-13T15:33:00.000-07:002005-10-13T16:45:35.986-07:00

Last night's situation has resurrected the age-old (or at least, really freaking old) debate over instant replay in baseball.I'm not sure that it should have, since I contend that it isn't about catching or not catching the ball "cleanly", but about the confusion over whether the batter had been called out. A confusion which should not exist in an organized sport that is over 100 years old. I

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129223209711451112005-10-13T09:36:00.000-07:002005-10-13T10:40:13.103-07:00

Since I have a certain wealth of knowledge about Josh Paul stored up in my head, this seems as a good a time as any to post it.Josh was born and raised in Chicagoland. Mostly in the northern suburbs (born in Evanston, high school in Buffalo Grove). Despite the geography, which should have caused him to have cubbie blue blood, he grew up a Sox fan, only going to Sox games. This sox love was passed

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129175177319410002005-10-12T20:33:00.000-07:002005-10-13T11:17:40.606-07:00

Bullshit.My anger is matched only by my frustration that Josh didn't just tag him for the heck of it. Rex Hudler always says a pitch is "too close to take", and this was the embodiment of that in a different scenario. I have lots of love for Josh, and I hate to see him at the center of something like this.I'd love it if in the next game every Angel batter trotted over to first whenever they felt

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129161823275225292005-10-12T16:59:00.000-07:002005-10-12T17:03:43.280-07:00

So I randomly stumbled across the most magnificent thing...Vintage Base Ball LeaguesEspecially the New York GothamsWay cool.

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129160423185802852005-10-12T16:24:00.000-07:002005-10-12T16:40:23.190-07:00

All of those errant pitches, foul tips, and other regular and post-season wear-and-tear has apparently taken it's toll on Bengie. B-Mo will DH tonight and protect Vlad in the fourth slot while his brother will call the signs to Wash and bat eighth.What this means is that Rivera, (who is batting .500 vs. Buehrle), will be riding the pine tonight. Garret will be in his regular spot in left and will

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129149992136470582005-10-12T13:31:00.000-07:002005-10-12T13:46:32.166-07:00

If you haven't been checking in on the MLB site, you might not have noticed that Paul Byrd has been "pseudo-blogging" the post-season. Basically talking to a reporter who writes up what Paul says and uses the first person.There is a lot of "I'm just going to take it one game at a time" and "I just hope I can help the ball club". It isn't exactly hard-hitting, but it is interesting.His latest

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129098191326114142005-10-11T21:53:00.000-07:002005-10-11T23:23:11.380-07:00

Finally! We can put to rest all of those "Well, Scioscia is 0-5 in post-season game ones" references.With Bartolo off of the ALCS roster, the Angel starters need to get the job done to ensure Colon's roster replacement never takes the mound. Byrd stepped up and pitched the Angels to a game one victory. There are pitchers who throw and there are those who pitch. Byrd and his old-timey wind-up

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129073196040456892005-10-11T16:14:00.000-07:002005-10-11T16:26:36.046-07:00

I have just been given terrible news:I am told that Kevin Gregg, aka "the white flag" is being touted as the probable game 2 starter.This is what I posted about Kevin back in July: Kevin Gregg is a Big Flag While I am, by nature, a stay-to-the-last-drop and where-the-heck-are-these-people-going? sort of fan, there is one point in a game when my instinct is to flee. That point arrives

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129055354064931522005-10-11T11:25:00.000-07:002005-10-11T11:29:14.066-07:00

My friends who are still in Chi-town tell me that there is a round-up of the Halosphere in the "please think we are cool" Tribune RedEye. I don't know who is in it or what was said. But there you go....Being southsiders, my friends are also looking for a friendly wager.

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129053327444141432005-10-11T10:55:00.000-07:002005-10-11T10:55:27.450-07:00

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129053265534466512005-10-11T10:54:00.000-07:002005-10-11T10:54:25.536-07:00

Is it really a celebration if you have to throw an elbow to get the press to back off?

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129053203329044492005-10-11T10:53:00.000-07:002005-10-11T10:53:23.336-07:00

The crowd was on it's feet for most of the game. And we were LOUD!

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129053146419710082005-10-11T10:52:00.000-07:002005-10-11T10:52:26.470-07:00

There will be no running onto the field

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1129012940626047702005-10-10T23:10:00.000-07:002005-10-11T00:01:19.123-07:00

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1128932574239939102005-10-10T01:06:00.000-07:002005-10-11T16:13:57.183-07:00

The horror movie continues. I love Shields, maybe more than I should, but arrggh! And why the hell are baserunners getting thrown out for no freaking good reason? There are games that you don't win, and I can handle those. But this was a game that we just up and lost, and I hate that. It sucks. Talk about horror movies.And everyone is all "relax, Colon is pitching"? Relax! He's been shaky. Shaky

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1128918344800106352005-10-09T20:35:00.000-07:002005-10-09T21:25:44.856-07:00

Yep, you saw it. The series is now tied at 2-2. This is normally where I would rant about Finley's spot in the lineup, which pushes Figgins to third base, which pushes Quinlan out of his rightful spot at third base. And if you saw tonight's game, you know how much these moves affected the outcome.Now is the time to focus on tomorrow's fifth and deciding game. Feel free to break out your cliche of

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1128838734762940432005-10-08T22:33:00.000-07:002005-10-08T23:18:54.796-07:00

I can't help but marvel at what I have become.Around three years ago, I went to my very first game at Angel stadium. It was the last game of the season, "fan appreciation day." I was handed my first pair of thunderstix. I did my first Halo cheering. I don't remember much about the game. I don't remember who we played. I don't remember if we won the game. Some people sitting near us won

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1128799362177865342005-10-08T11:15:00.000-07:002005-10-08T12:37:40.523-07:00

"A hundred bucks says I can get us a rain-out for tomorrow." - Crash DavisAfter yesterday's 11-7 loss, the Yankees have somehow managed to get a rain-out for today's game. Game four will now be played Sunday at 4:30 PDT, with the possible game five in Anaheim pushed back to Monday at a time yet to be determined.Sure, my view may be a bit biased, but am I the only one who is tired of hearing about

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1128490988854187892005-10-04T22:15:00.000-07:002005-10-04T22:52:30.383-07:00

That's what it will take to get this thing done. No worries - Big, Bad John is on the mound tomorrow and I like our chances. Colon didn't pitch poorly except for that first inning, which of course, was the difference in the game. Had our arthritic left-fielder gotten a better jump on Cano's well-struck ball in the first inning, the score would have been 1-2 instead of 4-2.But alas, it was not to

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1128227456237756752005-10-01T20:23:00.000-07:002005-10-01T21:35:36.890-07:00

To be an Angel fan, is to be a baseball fan. - You must be a fan of the game itself in order to have weathered through all the lean years the Angels have yielded.Two of this year's eight playoff slots have yet to be decided , and only one game remains in the regular season. Even the Angels' first round opponent has yet to be decided. (That's right, I said "first round.") All of this uncertainty

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1127888293272823562005-09-27T22:28:00.000-07:002005-09-27T23:23:07.650-07:00

The Angels' Magic Number is 0!The Halos have won 10 of their last 11 games, and (Warning: Cliche Ahead) none was bigger than Tuesday's 4-3 victory which clinched the AL West Division. For the second year in a row, the final out was made by the left fielder, and the Angels poured out of the dugout in jubilation. (Juan Rivera got the honor this year, and this site's namesake, Jeff DaVanon had the

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1127800541077139212005-09-26T21:43:00.000-07:002005-09-26T23:30:23.196-07:00

As you already know by now, the Angels took game one from Oakland 4-3. (And if you don't, why are you turning to Watching Jeff DaVanon for your scoreboard needs?) As I and countless others have previously pointed out, the Angels only needed to win two of the four games in Oakland to reach the post-season. But I'm with Sean over at Purgatory. The team only needs to win two, but I want a sweep.

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1127771706952825282005-09-26T15:03:00.000-07:002005-09-26T15:27:45.276-07:00

So, the mystery of who the man dressed in red tights with "CH" in a yellow heart has been solved. It's none other than....el Chapulín Colorado - ("the red grasshopper") the Mexican superhero from the70's. (Many thanks to Foxpaw for solving this one!) Now, of course, the question is why was he there?He emerged from the players only area before the team boarded the bus for Oakland yesterday, so who

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1127705691486738782005-09-25T20:01:00.000-07:002005-09-25T22:31:02.083-07:00

Midway through today's game, David Courtney (the Angel Stadium announcer) announced the Angels' busses would be leaving the stadium parking lot precisely forty-five minutes after the game ended. So, who were we to not take a hint? - And since the Devil Rays took full advantage of all of Bartolo's high fastballs, resulting in an 8-4 Halo loss, we wanted to leave the stadium on a high note.Most of

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1127538769962731292005-09-23T22:05:00.000-07:002005-09-23T22:12:49.966-07:00

Another come-from-behind victory coupled with another Athletics' loss, and the Angels' Magic Number has been reduced to 6!

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1127517953733387952005-09-23T15:52:00.000-07:002005-09-23T16:35:55.356-07:00

Much has been written about the Halos' recent late-inning exploits, so I will not attempt to expound and will instead look at their remaining games. There are only 10 games left - 3 at home against the Devil Rays, 4 in Oak-town, and 3 in Texas.With a lead twice that of the White Sox, the Angels are clearly in control of their own destiny. Their "one game at a time" mantra will be especially

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1127238621724826912005-09-20T10:26:00.000-07:002005-09-20T10:59:43.900-07:00

Not that I'm expecting the Angels' season to end anytime soon by posting this, but today's LA Times lists a few highlights about the 2006 Angel Schedule. The Angels will play their home opener next season against the Yankees. The Angels open the 2006 season at Seattle on April 3. After three games against the Mariners, the Angels return to Anaheim for three games against the Yankees (April 7-

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1126976102579226012005-09-17T08:57:00.000-07:002005-09-17T10:37:31.583-07:00

The Angels were in the fight of their lives Friday night. Struggling to put an end to their four-game losing streak, and desperately trying to maintain their lead in the American League West after an Oakland loss, the game pushed into extra innings - and my mind (and heart) were elsewhere. Dr. Lewis Yocum was due to examine former Angel Troy Percival that night. His findings would either give

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1126752795043525872005-09-14T21:45:00.000-07:002005-09-14T21:49:25.410-07:00

So, after originally being down 0-6 the Angels came back and tied the game twice - 7-7 and 9-9. The closer, who was summoned early from the bullpen, had an opportunity for a rare win (if the Halos could just manufacture one more run). The headline was set to read: "Sweepless in Seattle." But alas, it was not to be.The rally in the top of the ninth fell short, and in the bottom of the ninth, the

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1126674707488255472005-09-13T21:45:00.000-07:002005-09-13T22:17:13.743-07:00

Why was he back in the lineup again for the fourth straight day? Why is Erstad still hitting behind Vlad? Why wasn't Byrd pulled in the ninth immediately after the first person reached base?Apparently, I misspoke, (um - wrote), when I said the Angel bats had come alive. They have returned to their dormant status as the Angels lost another one-run game. Byrd pitched another gem - 8.0 innings, 2

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1126663704078514642005-09-13T18:18:00.000-07:002005-09-13T19:08:24.136-07:00

I have been, and will continue to be, quiet for about a week. I'm working a Microsoft conference that is in town. I working transportation, which I've never done before, and my main responsibility is to write down when the conference buses pass my location. I only mention this because I find it so hard to believe that I'm being paid what I'm normally paid to run a whole event to do this "

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1126485438499061142005-09-11T16:37:00.000-07:002005-09-13T22:18:48.266-07:00

With only twenty games remaining in the regular season, the Angels' bats have come alive at the right time of the year. The team put up double-digits in the hits column each of the their last three games and had eight, count 'em, eight home runs as they swept the Chi Sox. Quinlan, Erstad, Anderson (2), Figgins (2), and even Finley got in on the act.Steve's average now stands at a whopping.....

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1126134956700083042005-09-07T16:11:00.000-07:002005-09-07T16:15:56.706-07:00

So thanks to yet another "jeff davanon wife" search in my stats log (I still get at least 1 hit a week from people googling that. Why? And why me?) I bring you the oddly-recent, rather exhaustive-Jerry DaVanon interview at Astros Dailyenjoy.

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1126124705988144692005-09-07T13:15:00.000-07:002005-09-07T13:25:05.996-07:00

Jeff has had something like 1 at-bat in the last 14 games.I'd like to think it isn't just my status as jeff-obsessed that makes this weird.Is he being punished for being tossed out of that Oakland game?Is he too close to having to be paid more money due to the additional incentives for games/plate appearances in his contract?Did he make a pass at Soscia's sister?Did he publicly accuse Finley of

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1126062484244975002005-09-06T21:25:00.000-07:002005-09-06T21:28:50.636-07:00

When will Charlie Brown ever learn? He always thinks Lucy is due to hold that football. And every time he runs full speed ahead, only to have Lucy pull the ball away at the last minute and ends up flat on his back.After B-Mo doubled to lead off the ninth inning in a tie game, Scioscia lifted him for a pinch runner - no doubt sensing that a victory may be within reach. (I know I did. It had been

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1125516386757655712005-08-31T12:15:00.000-07:002005-08-31T12:26:26.766-07:00

Rumour has it that Finley is on the bench from this point forward, to be replaced by Figgins in CF. I am both happy and sad at this news. I am glad to see Finley gone. But I do not consider Figgy an appropriate long-term CF candidate. He manages fine, don't get me wrong. But I'd rather see Juan, or Jeff, or even Q, or anyone else except GA or Figgy out there. Figgins is an infielder who can

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1125515392509666732005-08-31T11:53:00.000-07:002005-08-31T12:47:47.623-07:00

It was such a perfect moment. One that I would tell people about. One that I would be able to hold and carry with me through time. An extra-inning game. Amazing pitching. Strong defense. Frankie at his best and worst. Scrappiness and grit nudging open the door of opportunity, and then Vlad busting it wide open, his legend all but complete. The crowd on it's feet, strangers hugging. #300 being

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1125339282403651062005-08-30T11:03:00.000-07:002005-08-30T13:19:05.630-07:00

A few months ago, I opened my door and signed my name for a certified letter. Certified letters are rarely a good thing. But this was a letter from Gov. Bush of Florida, urging those of us in the meeting and event industry to reconsider his state as destination for our clients, and to come see all that it has to offer as guests.So I filled out the information and didn't expect anything to come of

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1125342754208066352005-08-29T12:12:00.000-07:002005-08-29T12:12:34.213-07:00

The Figgi (what else would you call plural Figgins?) were in the house. Here's some of them (we assume, based on their loud Figgins-centric cheering and huge "get Figgy with it" sign)

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1125342666699674622005-08-29T12:11:00.000-07:002005-08-29T12:11:06.703-07:00

Rex talks with the players before the game

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1125342641531883152005-08-29T12:10:00.000-07:002005-08-29T12:10:41.536-07:00

Mike argues a call in Friday's game

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1125342467963281762005-08-29T12:07:00.000-07:002005-08-29T12:07:47.966-07:00

We take on Tampa! Full report to follow

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1124921320332612272005-08-24T14:37:00.000-07:002005-08-24T15:08:40.376-07:00

A month or so ago, I was watching Baseball tonight, and the topic of discussion was the Nationals.The comment was made that they could not stay in the top, due to their reliance on winning 1-run games. I guess that a 1-run win is not viewed as a ringing endorsement of a team's strength and prowess. Over any given season, it was stated, a team should expect to have a 50/50 split when it comes to

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1124774532443575022005-08-22T22:22:00.000-07:002005-08-22T22:22:12.446-07:00

More fun with collages. Is this the face of a man who is about to ask me about my camera?

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1124773855449220572005-08-22T22:10:00.000-07:002005-08-22T22:10:55.480-07:00

Photo day collage

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1124743836633975132005-08-22T13:50:00.000-07:002005-08-22T15:29:21.430-07:00

Well, we're finally nearing the moment of truth. Mike Scioscia will soon be making a decision about changing the composition of the team's outfield for the remainder of the season. The blogosphere has been chatting about it, the print media has been hinting about it, and now even Angels website is preparing the fans for possible changes."It is not what I expected, " Finley stated.Well, it's not

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1124733832244344572005-08-22T10:37:00.000-07:002005-08-22T11:03:52.290-07:00

So yesterday brought the triumphant return of photo day. The day when the fans are allowed on the field (a thrill in itself) and the players and coaches are paraded in front of us, ostensibly for the purpose of taking photographs, but in reality, taking pictures would require them to pause on ocassion, so it is more of a parade/meet and greet/ experiment in becoming a member of the paparazzi.

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1124602438364244332005-08-20T21:35:00.000-07:002005-08-20T22:36:35.076-07:00

Well, I know enough to know that, (like Richard), Finley has escalated himself to Mo Vaughn-like status with his now infamous quote. I also know someone else who is "busting his butt" and has a salary more than five million dollars less.Since being tossed for throwing his equipment in Oak-town ten days ago, our hero has been absent from the starting lineup. (Yes, Rivera's power surge may have

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1123361659377890022005-08-06T12:18:00.000-07:002005-08-06T13:54:19.440-07:00

Yep, it's that time of year again. Time to prepare for the post-season. Wow! How sweet it is to type that last word - again. But there's a high price to pay for the team's success.Although the itemized post-season invoice has yet to arrive, the gross invoice has already hit my account - and payment in full is due by August 24 (less than three weeks from today). How much do you ask?...Well, the

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1122759727676391132005-07-30T14:35:00.000-07:002005-07-30T14:42:07.726-07:00

We are D-Vo! In the top of the seventh inning of today's game at Yankee Stadium, trailing 3-1, Scioscia turned to this site's namesake player and J. D. did what he does best. - He worked the count full before drawing a walk and later came around to score. Nearly every 5 at bats, (5.1) Jeff touches home plate. His 36 runs are the fifth most on the team despite his minimal playing time. His on base

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1122528003255168812005-07-27T22:15:00.000-07:002005-07-27T22:20:03.260-07:00

FYI, you might notice a new voice here at Watching.... My husband, who probably was sick of me parroting his theories without giving him due credit, is now posting as well. More than a year after I started this blog, I am proud to say I am finally bringing you the sort of informed, well-written, coverage that I always planned to think about providing. It just isn't coming from me. OK, back to

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1122498591191233422005-07-27T13:38:00.000-07:002005-07-27T14:11:33.583-07:00

That's what I shouted as I spied Bill Stoneman darting through the Angel Stadium concourse after another Angel loss. I've seen him in his focused sprint toward the Angel offices at the conclusion of a few games, but he never stops or acknowledges any greetings.Clearly Scioscia has lost confidence in his bullpen and help is needed. He's violating his 5/100 rule and letting his starters remain in

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1122359238128689612005-07-25T22:26:00.000-07:002005-07-25T23:30:37.600-07:00

There is nothing like going to a ballpark, and Angel Stadium is mine. I live and work in Los Angeles, which means I endure sitting in traffic for over an hour in order to see most games. However, once I walk through the tunstiles those gridlock memories are a thing of the past. I have always been an Angels fan - Los Angeles - California - Anaheim - Los Angeles (of Anaheim.) The name has changed

Confidentialnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237227.post-1121719721669106942005-07-18T13:45:00.000-07:002005-07-18T13:48:41.676-07:00

Jeff hit his first homerun from the left (they should write articles more often about how much he sucks from the left I guess) and it came with two RBIs. Jeff scored the only RBIs in the game for the Angels. All in all, it was pretty sweet. But a 1-run victory is always stressful.

mayahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01276392892616863239noreply@blogger.com0