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Playoff Pitch
Like Max Bialystock from The Producers, the Angels can't buy a hit. But they can beat the A's.The Angels capped off a dramatic series victory over their northern rivals thanks to an offense that EXPLODED for three runs. While the win was important, the Angels still have serious reason to be concerned.
Los Angeles of Anaheim may have as good of a pitching staff as any team in the American League, but it's time to face the facts--the offense is not turning around. Steve Finley was an enormous bust, and the Halos should have known better than to risk signing a 40-year old, no matter how healthy he seemed. Orlando Cabrera has also been a major disappointment, but it's not like the Angels can replace his sorry bat with Chone Figgins.
Bill Stoneman had some bizarre comments to TJ Simers in the LA Times in responding to question about whether he regrets letting Troy Glaus go. First he called it a "dumb [butt] question" and said he should "walk away." Then Stoneman said: "we might not have had the money needed to go out and get a shortstop and center fielder."
Gee, guess that worked out.
LAist does think that Stoneman was justified in getting rid of Troy Glaus and his injury history, even if he has having a good year in Arizona. Dallas McPherson was a less expensive, yet still viable option, and who could have predicted his own injury. But come on, Bill! You may have won a World Series, but you're not infallible. Just like all GMs, you have to answer questions when it appears you might have made a mistake. Thanks to the lousy lineup you assembled, the Angels now have to rely on shutouts from Ervin Santana to win games. (Yes, we know you got Ervin Santana)
Take a cue from another GM in this town, and learn some humility. And all of the OC will dream that Steve Finley's bat wakes up in time to bring another SoCal team to the playoffs.
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