Spring Training: Giants Beat Dodgers

The Giants topped the Dodgers 3-2 in 10 innings, with Chad Billingsley and Clayton Kershaw both giving up one run in two innings on three hits.  Matt Kemp hit the first spring home run for LA, and Blake DeWitt went 2-for-2 with a double and two walks.  Josh Towers and Carlos Monasterios, long-shots for the fifth rotation slot, both threw two scoreless innings.

Casey Blake had to leave the game in the bottom of the second after straining his rib cage.  The injury is believed to be minor.  Corey Wade was shut down after he developed tenderness in his shoulder.  He will be out of commission for two weeks.

The Dodgers will take on the Colorado Rockies tomorrow, with Hiroki Kuroda making his spring debut.  Also appearing for the first time will be the bullpen committee: Hong-Chih Kuo, George Sherrill, and Jonathan Broxton.

8Mar2010 | Mr. LA Sports Fan | 0 comments

Spring Training: Dodgers Fall, Martin Gets MRI

The Dodgers fell to the Chicago White Sox 8-4, their first loss of the spring.  Eric Stults threw two scoreless innings, allowing only one baserunner on a walk.  Russ Ortiz allowed only one hit in two innings of work.  Jeff Weaver, Eric Gagne, and James McDonald each struggled, combining for all eight runs and twelve of Chicago’s 14 hits in just four innings.  Matt Kemp had an RBI-double and scored a run, Manny Ramirez had a single, double, RBI, and run scored, and Blake DeWitt reached base twice.  Tomorrow the Dodgers will face the Cubs in Mesa, with Clayton Kershaw and Carlos Monasterios expected to pitch.  Due to possible rain, none of the seven projected Opening Day starters will make the trip.

Russell Martin injured his hip or groin, and was forced to miss the morning workout and the game in order to undergo an MRI.  Brad Ausmus started in his place.

6Mar2010 | Mr. LA Sports Fan | 0 comments

USC Football: The Twists and Turns of the Special Teams in 2010

As the end of the 2009 recruiting season drew near, the USC Trojans thought they had the nation’s premier prep punter/field goal kicker all but signed and delivered.

Matt Darr, Scout.com’s No. 1 high school kicker, from Frontier High School in Bakersfield, CA, had given Pete Carroll his verbal commitment early on and eagerly awaited the signing day, expecting fully to become a Trojan.

Then Pete Carroll left the Trojans for the Seattle Seahawks, and everything changed.

Just before the signing date, rumors swirled that Darr was no longer considering the Trojans because when Carroll left, so did the Trojans special teams coach, Brian Schneider.

The rumors were true.

On the day when high school players could sign with their new colleges, Darr penned his name on the bottom line with Fresno State.

USC was left with who they had, which wasn’t bad because Jordan Congdon did a pretty good job in 2009.

Now let’s fast forward to Mar. 3, 2010.

RIP.com, the official USC web site, reports that Lane Kiffin has hired John Baxter, the longtime Fresno State special teams coach away from the Fresno State Bulldogs.

Yep, the very same Fresno State that Matt Darr had jilted the Trojans for when he left because USC’s special teams coach departed when Pete Carroll did.

Ironic, eh?

Wait, the road still turns.

Today, it was reported that USC’s kicker, Jordan Congdon, a devoutly religious young man, will leave USC to attend Princeton’s Theological Seminary.

Now, USC is looking for a new kicker and Fresno State is looking for a new special teams coach.

Funny how things work out…

Funny, that is, until a missed kick costs either program a game they should have won.

How this turns out is still a story ending that remains to be written.

4Mar2010 | Rick McMahan | 0 comments

Spring Training Update: Manny to Taiwan, B Game News, Koufax in Camp

Manny Ramirez will travel with Joe Torre, James Loney, Hong-Chih Kuo and others to Taiwan to play an exhibition series against the Chinese All Star team.  Manny was vague about his interest in making the trek, but confirmed he will join the group traveling across the Pacific.  Don Mattingly will stay behind to manage the rest of the team in Arizona.

The Dodgers played a “B-game” against the White Sox, winning 4-2.  Eric Stults threw a scoreless inning, striking out two.  Charlie Haeger didn’t have such luck, giving up a home run to the first batter he faced.  Carlos Monasterios, a long-shot candidate for the fifth starter slot, threw a perfect frame.

Sandy Koufax is in Glendale, acting as a coach for the pitching staff.  Koufax appeared at the Nokia Theater on Saturday with Torre to benefit the skipper’s Safe at Home Foundation.

2Mar2010 | Mr. LA Sports Fan | 0 comments

Frankie Telfort: The Would-Be Trojan Linebacker Is Still a Winner

About eight months ago, I had the privilege, along with some others at a Trojan round-table chat, to interview Frankie Telfort, the 2009 Trojan linebacker recruit from Gulliver prep school in Miami, Florida.

While this opportunity marked the first time I had engaged Telfort, it was by no means the first time I had heard of the then-No. 8 prep linebacker as rated by Scout.com.

Most recruiting junkies were well aware of his exploits on the field, the eye-popping measurables such as the 4.4 40-yard dash times, and the multitude of highlight-film hits he regularly dispensed to unfortunate opponents.

What I wasn’t aware of and what became abundantly clear after our chat was just how intelligent and focused this young man was.

When asked what he hoped to accomplish in his career at USC, Telfort didn’t hesitate to respond, “I hope to get a great education.”

Of course, he also expected to get playing time in his freshman season, particularly at the “will” or weakside linebacker position, but when asked if he had given thought to possibly switching to the safety position to utilize his tremedous speed, Telfort said no, he wanted to stay at linebacker where he could be in on as many plays as possible.

I then wrote an article on Telfort based on the interview and I wrapped that piece up with an observation: “Frankie Telfort would be a success in whatever endeavor he chooses to pursue.”

Then, less than two moths later, Frankie Telfort’s world came crashing down.

During a routine examination given to all USC athletes prior to playing, it was determined that Telfort had a heart condition that forced Frankie from the game he loves.

The condition, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, affects roughly one in every 500 people and is the leading cause of heart-related death among people under 30 years of age.

Many athletes have died of this disease, including Hank Gathers, Boston Celtic forward Reggie Lewis, and former Portland Trail Blazers center Kevin Duckworth.

Last year, Cuttino Mobley of the Clippers was forced to retire due to the condition.

When Telfort was advised of this, he, of course, was crushed.

But instead of hanging his head, Telfort moved on with the same stubborn conviction that allowed him to become the tremendous football player he was.

USC, to its credit, honored Telfort’s scholarship, but, as part of the agreement, head coach Pete Carroll asked Frankie to help out the team.

Telfort tackled the assignment with all of the vigor that he used to dispense on opposing ball carriers.

Recently, Telfort was offered a coaching position on the east coast when he graduates.

However, don’t be surprised if Telfort turns that job down.

After all, he is a pre-med student at USC with hopes of one day becoming a dermatologist or a cardiologist.

That cardiologist gig also has a story behind it.

In July of last year, Telfort travelled to Minnesota to undergo a second round of tests to see if his heart condition had abated enough to allow him to play.

Sadly, the news was the same. Frankie’s heart just wasn’t strong enough to play football.

But Frankie returned to the Southland with an offer from his cardiologist in Minnesota to intern there after his graduation from USC to see if he liked it.

If he goes that route, expect Telfort to tackle the heart problems of his patients like one of those poor ball carriers he routinely laid out in high school.

Like I said eight months ago, Frankie Telfort would be a success in whatever endeavor he chooses to pursue.

And I am more sure of it now than ever before.

26Feb2010 | Rick McMahan | 0 comments

Laying the Foundation: USC Football Recruiting, 2011 (Part 2)

When we last peered into the future, we saw the 2011 five star prep recruits that the Trojans had offered scholarships to and their possible interest in USC.

Now we turn our attention to the four star high school football players who hold scholarship offers from USC.

Initially, I had intended this series to be a two part affair but since Lane Kiffin and company have been so busy on the recruiting trail, I will have to extend it to three articles.

While the basis for these articles required the Trojans to have offered a scholarship to the players in question, I am also going to list those players (who have a rating of four stars or better) who don’t hold a offer but who have USC listed as “high” on their list of potential suitors.

The list of four star prep recruits is rather extensive, so lets get going:

George Farmer:

This 6′2″, 197 lb., 4.38 forty speedy wide receiver has long been thought to be a slam dunk for the Trojans. But not so fast. The receiving mate of 2010 Trojan recruit, Robert Woods (Both played at Serra high school) has recently gone on record as saying he is open to all suitors. While the Trojans remain “high” on his list, don’t look for a verbal commitment any time soon.

James Vaughters:

The Trojans need linebackers and James Vaughters fits the bill. 6′2″, 232 lbs, mean and with a nose for the ball, Vaughters has been offered by almost all of the premier programs in the country. James Vaughters lists his interest in the Trojans, like all of his suitors, as “medium.”

Doran Grant:

This speedy (4.37 forty) corner back has many suiters and lists the Trojans, like all others, as “medium” on his list. Possessing good size (5′10″ and 180 lbs) and athleticism (40″ vertical leap), Grant has great instincts to go with his solid fundamentals.

Sammy Watkins:

Another fast wide receiver with good size (6′1″, 180 lbs.), Watkins, who hails from South Ft. Meyers, Florida, has USC listed as “medium” on his list. However, it should be noted that Sammy Watkins lists Florida as “high” on his list and they indeed have offered Watkins already.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins:

With three tight ends from the 2009-2010 prep class already in USC’s fold, it would appear that the Trojans don’t have a pressing need at the position. However, Seferian-Jenkins, who goes 6′7″ and 245 lbs, has the size and athleticism that intrigues the Trojans (and almost all of the premier national programs). Of greater importance is that Seferian-Jenkins lists USC, along with UCLA as “high” on his list.

Anthony Wallace:

A 6′2″, 235 lb. beast of a middle linebacker, Anthony Wallace has all the traits that fit the mold of Trojan linebackers of the past. Though listed as a middle linebacker, Wallace has the speed to also man both the “mike” and “will” linebacker positions. Wallace has the Trojans listed as “medium,” which is what he lists all of the potential suitors who have offered him.

Jalen Grimble:

If the name sounds familiar, it should. Jalen Grimble is the younger brother of 2009-2010 USC tight end Xavier Grimble. Jalen Grimble, a 6′3.5″, 250 lb. defensive end who had five sacks as a sophomore, lists the Trojans as only “medium” on his list of potential suitors, which number in the dozens. However, Jalen Grimble has camped at USC, which should, along with the blood ties, work in the Trojans favor.

Wayne Lyons:

Almost every significant program in the country is after this 6′1″, 190 lb. safety who hails from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Included in his junior stats is an eye popping 21 tackles for loss. It is interesting to note that although Lyons camped at Florida, they have yet to offer him while almost every of major program has. Like all others who expressed interest in Wayne Lyons, he has the Trojans listed as “medium.”

Greg Townsend Jr.:

Son of the former Raider linebacker, Greg Jr., has all the traits of a great defensive end. 6′4″, 240 lbs, with a nose for the ball, Townsend had 10.5 sacks in his freshman and sophomore years. Townsend lists the Trojans as “medium,” but has camped at USC, which should help the Trojans cause.

Kris Harley:

This 6′2″, 260 lb. defensive tackle combines power and speed to its best effect on the defensive line. Harley, who hails from Indianapolis, IN., had five sacks as a junior and a solid 29″ vertical leap speaks of his athleticism as well. Although he will have to put on some weight at the college level, Harley has the frame to accommodate it. Harley lists his interest in the Trojans, like all others, as “medium.”

Aaron Green:

A quick, though small (5′10″, 175 lbs) running back from San Antonio, Texas, Aaron Green has all of the instincts of a great runner. Holding more than a dozen scholarship offers, Green lists the Trojans as of “medium” interest, which is the same as all of the others who have offered this electrifying back.

Okay, this list represents only about half of the four star recruits the Trojans have offered.

Many of these athletes will be five stars (as rated by Scout.com) by the time their senior seasons are complete.

For the Trojans, who have undoubtedly did their homework on these prep stars, the only rating that matters is what they have seen and they like them enough to have offered scholarships, which is good enough for me.

Next: Part 3 will finish up the balance of four star prep athletes the Trojans have offered.

24Feb2010 | Rick McMahan | 0 comments

Five’s for Fighting: Fifth Starter Slot Up For Grabs

The fifth starter slot: a place in the pitching rotation always in flux.  Most clubs don’t feel the need to go out and stabilize the last necessary spot, opting instead to use strategically placed off-days or low-end starters to make ends meet.  The Dodgers have a very wide-open spot this year, just as they did last year.  The candidates are:

James McDonald, Carlos Monasterios, Scott Elbert, Eric Stults, Charlie Haeger, Russ Ortiz, Josh Lindblom, Josh Towers

Vegas money says a player out of the system will get the chance: either McDonald, Elbert or Stults.  Ortiz has to be absolutely magnificent during Spring Training to warrant consideration, and the same goes for Towers. The coaching staff feels most comfortable with McDonald in the bullpen, where he flourished last season, as opposed to the rotation, where he collapsed. He needs to have an impressive spring to become a horse in the race; he can’t win by default as he did last season.

Monasterios is a tough choice.  Taken by the Dodgers in the Rule 5 draft after buying the pick from the Mets, Monasterios has to impress to stay.  If he doesn’t make the team out of Spring Training, he immediately returns to the Philadelphia organization.  The team likely does not want to make the money spent on the pick null and void, but the righty has to show he has what it takes to be on the big-league roster.  If he can’t, the Dodgers will likely just send him back to Philly.

Elbert needs to start.  He spent time in the bullpen last year as a reliever, but when in Triple-A, he started most of the time.  If he can’t make the rotation, he needs to go back to Albuquerque.  Elbert needs starters innings, not bullpen innings.

Eric Stults could have the inside track to make the club since he is out of minor-league options.  If the Dodgers cannot make room for him, he will be designated for assignment, where any number of clubs could try to claim him.  Stults has the honor of being the only pitcher for the Dodgers to toss a complete game in the 2009 season, which was also a shutout victory.  Stults also threw a complete game shutout in 2008 against the White Sox.

Stults is my pick.  He has the experience of pitching in the big-leagues, and he has the best track record of any of the possible candidates.

There’s still a lot of time left to decide who will win the rotation spot and join Clayton Kershaw, Hiroki Kuroda, Chad Billingsley and Vicente Padilla. The important thing to remember is that this time is coming soon. Today, Dodger fans are blessed with the four most beautiful words in the English language: Pitchers and catchers report.

20Feb2010 | Mr. LA Sports Fan | 0 comments

Top 10 Angels Prospects To Watch for In 2010

The East Coast is frozen solid. The South has been hit everything from floods to blizzards. The Pacific Northwest is soaked torrential downpours.

Here in the Southwest, we call that baseball weather.

The weather outside might be frightful for the rest of the country, but down our way it just means Spring Training is right around the corner.

Out in sunny Arizona, pitchers and catchers have already arrived en masse to gear up for Cactus League play, and over the next couple of weeks, the slow trickle of position players will quickly become a steady stream into camp.

In fact, Spring Training is really a collusion of two different camps.

On the one hand, teams have their starters and veterans. Guys who sport guaranteed, multi-million dollar contracts and, barring serious injury, a spot on the Opening Day roster. The only thing they need to worry about is getting in shape for the long season ahead.

Torii Hunter and Bobby Abreu will not be fighting for a job in Tempe this year.

On the other hand, Terry Evans, Ryan Budde, and Trevor Bell will.

This Spring, the only starting position battle yet to be locked up on the Angels roster is third base, and Brandon Wood has been all but handed the job. Instead, managers and coaches will be using the time to anticipate which of their Minor League stars will make it in the Majors, and when.

The Angels in the outfield are starting to show some age, the infield’s future remains murky, and there is still no clear-cut No. 1 pitcher or catcher.

Now is the time for the Halo youth to shine.

Say what you want about the importance of Spring Training numbers. What matters is how these youngsters perform against big league talent in front of their big league managers.

Today’s Spring standout could be next year’s All-Star MVP.

Take a look at the top 10 Angels prospects to keep an eye on in 2010. First up, starting pitchers…

SP Trevor Reckling

The 6′1” lefty has been on the Angels’ radar screen the past two seasons—and he’s only 20.

Despite never appearing at any level higher than Double-A, Trevor Reckling is already considered the best starting pitcher in the Angels’ organization and is on the fast track to make his big league debut sometime in the next two years.

He is said to feature a stellar curveball/changeup combination to go along with his firm fastball, all of which benefit from Reckling’s unusual rocking motion in his delivery, giving him a high release point and a tough downward angle on his pitches.

Apparently, the motion works.

In 2008, he recorded 28 consecutive scoreless innings and has produced a sub-3.00 ERA in every year of his professional career but one.

Last season , Reckling posted a 2.93 ERA in just over 135 innings with the Arkansas Travelers.

The one knock against his game is that he can be wild at times, a bigger indication that he is young rather than unskilled.

Because of this, Reckling should be headed to Triple-A Salt Lake to start the season. His natural abilities aside, he needs the experience at a higher level before he joins the big club.

But that day is coming, and I believe sooner rather than later.

If the Angels’ pitching staff has another year of injuries and poor play, look for Reckling to get an early call-up. Otherwise, his best chance to make the squad might be in 2012, when the Joel Pineiro and Scott Kazmir deals expire.

SP Sean O’Sullivan

Sean O’Sullivan made his Major League debut in 2009, and not a moment too soon.

By mid-June, the Angels were well back of the Texas Rangers in the standings and playing like it. But a fiery speech by manager Mike Scioscia and an injection of young blood proved to be just what the doctor ordered.

The Angels came roaring back, in part because of the efforts of players like O’Sullivan, who helped round out a beleaguered starting rotation that had been physically beaten and emotionally drained.

O’Sullivan went 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA in his first three starts, including seven innings of one-run ball in his debut against the San Francisco Giants.

From there, the league seemed to figure him out and he wound up with ERA just shy of 6.00, but by then the foundation had already been laid.

The 22-year-old righty gained a lifetime of experience last season when he helped his team bounce back from the dark days of Nick Adenhart’s death and the mediocrity that followed to become champions of the AL West.

Despite coming in at 6′2”, 230 pounds, though, O’Sullivan still has some room to grow.

If he can learn to spot his pitches and use his size to generate more power on his fastball, we could be looking at the solid middle reliever of the future, or perhaps even a No. 4 or 5 starter.

SP Anthony Ortega

Coming into last season, Anthony Ortega was said to be the next best pitching prospect for the Angels, after Adenhart and Reckling.

But in three games at the big league level, he never made it past the fifth inning and surrendered 13 runs in just 12 innings pitched.

Nerves were clearly an issue last season and if he can overcome the mental block of failing in his first effort, Ortega may turn out to be a valuable piece in the Angels’ rotation.

Since making his professional debut at the age of 20, Ortega has absolutely sprinted through the Minors, posting a 2.52 ERA in five starts after being promoted to Triple-A in 2008.

To be honest, his path is reminiscent of Adenhart’s just a year earlier. Adenhart had quickly earned the title of top Angels prospect and was given a shot at the Major League level in 2008.

He failed spectacularly and struggled throughout the rest of the season in the Minors. The next year, however, he had a fabulous Spring Training broke camp with the big club after injuries sidelined John Lackey and Ervin Santana.

Before the tragic accident that took his life, Adenhart tossed six shutout innings against the Oakland A’s, showing the poise of a much older pitcher.

Now is the time for Ortega follow in his footsteps and prove his worth to the Angels this spring. If he does, he will certainly be on the short list of starting pitching alternatives this season.

SP Trevor Bell

Much like Ortega, Trevor Bell had an unfortunate introduction to the Major Leagues.

He was unable to live up to the hype around him and despite winning his second start, he finished the season with a 9.74 ERA, surrendering more runs than innings pitched.

But also like Ortega, not to mention O’Sullivan and Reckling, time is on Bell’s side.

At just 23, Bell is well on his way to making the Angels’ roster sometime in the near future.

Apart from his shaky debut, Bell dominated in the minors last season, posting a combined 2.70 ERA with 89 strikeouts in just 22 games in Double- and Triple-A.

At the big league level, Bell’s breaking pitches seemed to flatten out and his fastball, though stout, was often left over the heart of the plate.

Spring Training will be a huge test for the lanky right-hander. Scioscia, pitching coach Mike Butcher, and the rest of the Angels brain trust will be looking for Bell to improve his stamina and maintain consistency over the next month of play.

With several young, strong pitchers ahead of him at both the Major and Minor Leagues, Bell may not have the opportunity to become the next big thing in the Angels’ rotation.

However, a solid late-inning relief spot a la Scot Shields is not out of the question.

And now, from pitchers, we look at their battery mates…

C Ryan Budde

It’s been three years since Ryan Budde impressed anyone offensively. Yet, he has earned Major League call-ups in each of those three seasons.

From 2008-09, he’s had five at-bats against big league pitching and absolutely nothing to show for it, save for two strikeouts last year.

But then, offense has never been a priority for Scioscia, at least out of the catching position.

No, the most important attribute for a catcher in his eyes is defense. At Salt Lake last season, Budde threw out potential base-stealers at a phenomenal 42 percent clip and turned 10 double plays while making just eight errors.

If he wants to make the Major League roster, however, he’ll have to show dramatic improvement at the plate this spring.

Budde is a career .234 hitter in the Minor Leagues and with very little power. With the Angels, he bats .130 and slugs just .174.

Yet, as I said before, he continues to see time, however limited, at the big league level.

This spring, pay as close attention to his performance as the arbitration proceedings for Jeff Mathis. If he and the Angels remain at odds, this season might be his last in Anaheim, opening the door for Budde to take over the backup duties.

All he has to do is be impressive in Spring Training.

C Bobby Wilson

Bobby Wilson is in much the same boat as Budde. Both are more talented behind the plate than they are next to it, sporting a strong throwing arm, a decent glove, and a disappointing bat.

Unlike Budde, however, Wilson’s disappointing offense does not extend into the Minor Leagues.

In 97 games at Triple-A last season, Wilson batted .271 with eight home runs and 55 RBI. Very impressive, especially considering he was called up to the Majors several times, throwing off his timing when he got sent back down.

Wilson also gunned 38 percent of would-be base-stealers at Salt Lake while committing two fewer errors than Budde.

Again, his potential shot at the big leagues may hinge on the outcome of Mathis’ negotiations. Scioscia is certainly a fan of defense, but the Angels will not overpay for a one-dimensional backup.

If 2010 is indeed Mathis’ last season in Anaheim, look for Wilson to be the man to take his place.

Until a better option comes along, or is revealed in Spring Training, Mike Napoli looks to have the starting catcher’s job fairly well locked up, giving Wilson a limited window to squeeze his rather bulky frame through.

As with every prospect, spring will be key for Wilson to finally secure a spot in the Majors.

C Hank Conger

At the tender age of 21, Hank Conger is easily the most interesting catching prospect to come along for the Angels in quite some time.

A former first round draft pick for the Angels back in 2006, Conger had a truly impressive season at Double-A last year when he batted .295, belted 11 homers, and drove in 68 RBI—all while playing in 123 games.

Durability is clearly no concern.

Neither are strikeouts, of which he only had 68. By comparison, Napoli fanned a total of 103 times in 114 games with the Angels.

Conger has yet to play at the Triple-A level, which is where he is likely headed when Spring Training ends.

If he maintains the high degree of performance he’s shown throughout his professional career, he’ll no doubt be given a shot as a call-up this season, and could make the Major League roster out of camp by next year.

The only area of his game that could use improvement is his defense. Conger threw out 30 percent of runners on the base paths last year, but made 14 errors behind the plate.

I sense that high number has a lot to do with Conger’s low age, but it remains an area he’ll have to work on this year.

And if he does, watch out, Nap.

Now, on to the infield…

INF Freddy Sandoval

Last year, this spot might have been occupied by Sean Rodriguez.

But after he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for pitcher Scott Kazmir and Brandon Wood was picked to take over third base for a departed Chone Figgins, Freddy Sandoval has risen to the top of the infield depth chart.

In five seasons at the Minor League level, Sandoval has spent the majority of his time at second and third base, not exactly the most vacant positions on the Angels’ roster.

However, third base may be his position of the future.

Wood is going to be given every opportunity to secure the third base job long-term. From my vantage, that just means he has every opportunity to fail.

Wood looks like former Angels bust Dallas McPherson with half the power and twice the strikeouts. It shouldn’t be long before he is removed from the hot corner in favor of a player with real talent as opposed to potential.

Right now, Sandoval is all potential, but this spring is his chance to show what kind of talent he really has.

He was a .300 hitter last season at Triple-A, mostly singles and doubles. What he lacks in power, he makes up in speed, swiping 12 bags in just 67 games in Salt Lake.

In only 11 games with the Angels in 2009, Sandoval managed to smack a double and flash some leather with a couple of sparkling defensive plays.

At 27, Sandoval is nearing the now-or-never period in his career. Fortunately for him, the only man standing in his way is the most overrated prospect in club history.

When Wood is benched, listen for two in-house names to take his place: Maicer Izturis, and Freddy Sandoval.

Finally, let’s turn to the outfield…

OF Chris Pettit

As I alluded to early on, the Angels in the outfield are starting to get up there in age.

Both Torii Hunter and Bobby Abreu are over the age of 35, and neither is guaranteed to be with the team after the 2012 season.

Juan Rivera, the youngest of the bunch, will be 31 this year and has already been dangled in numerous trade rumors to fill other holes on the team.

If there is an area to break through on this Angels squad, it is the outfield.

If there is a man to do it, it is Chris Pettit.

Pettit has been a force at the plate throughout his career in the Minor Leagues. He hit .321 at Triple-A last season, pounding 30 doubles and eight home runs while driving in 58 RBI.

He also threw in 18 steals for good measure.

In 2009, Pettit saw 10 games at the big league level and managed to stroke two singles.

This spring, he’ll look to improve on that mark and prove to Scioscia that the Angels won’t need to look for replacement outfielders any time soon.

Pettit won’t make the big club when they break camp. Reggie Willits, who is out of options, and Robb Quinlan will almost certainly be warming the bench and spelling the outfielders when they need a break.

Look for Pettit to make an impact as a call-up later this season. That is, as long as his spring goes as planned.

OF Terry Evans

At 28, Terry Evans is out of options, meaning if he doesn’t make the Angels’ Opening Day roster, he’ll be made available for other teams to claim.

This poses an interesting scenario for the Angels, who are likely all set in terms of outfield backups. Willits and Quinlan look to once again be the go-to guys whenever Abreu, Hunter, and Rivera need a rest.

If that is the case, Evans will have to outperform his big league counterparts this spring, a task he is more than capable of.

Evans hit .291 in Salt Lake last year with 26 homers and 90 RBI, earning himself a spot on the Minor League All-Star team. He also performed admirably at all three outfield positions.

In seven at-bats at the Major League level, he had two hits, including a solo big fly.

At 28 years of age and all out of options, Evans needs to break through now more than ever. Unfortunately, he has two stellar veterans and two capable backups to get past. And he only has a month to do it.

Like Evans, though, Willits is also out of options. And while he’s been a fan-favorite since his ascension in 2007, he has failed to latch on as a consistent name on the Angels’ roster.

Willits’ game is simply too limited. He’s a slap hitter who relies on speed, but isn’t on base enough to be effective with it.

Evans’ job this spring will be to hurdle the diminutive Willits and claim a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Again, it’s a tougher assignment than it sounds, but one that Evans should be able to handle cleanly.

19Feb2010 | Johnathan Kroncke | 0 comments

Jered Weaver Leads Race for L.A. Angels’ Ace in 2010

With pitchers and catchers due to report to Spring Training this week, the race to find the next ace for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim is about to heat up.

Typically a strength in Anaheim, it was the Angels’ pitching staff that set an ominous tone at the start of the 2009 season.

John Lackey injured his shoulder just weeks before Opening Day. Ervin Santana was sidelined after straining his forearm early on in Spring Training. Kelvim Escobar, in his haste to fill the Angels’ rapidly depleting staff, suffered further setbacks in his recovery from shoulder surgery.

And of course, barely three games into the year, rookie stud Nick Adenhart was killed in a tragic drunk driving incident.

Questions hung heavy alongside grief around the mound at the Big A.

This year, the grief has subsided but questions still remain.

Lackey returned last season to anchor an Angels staff that essentially lacked a fifth starter for much of the year. He was so successful, in fact, the Boston Red Sox rewarded him with a brand new five-year deal this offseason.

With their ace on his way to Fenway, the Angels were involved in numerous trade and free agent rumors throughout the Winter Meetings and beyond.

But despite making a very public push, Angels GM Tony Reagins failed to acquire either Roy Halladay or Cliff Lee, the two biggest names on the trade block. It wasn’t until mid-January that he was finally able to strike a deal with what looks to be the next best option.

Joel Pineiro, a key part of the St. Louis Cardinals rotation last year and a veteran of the AL West after spending several seasons with the Seattle Mariners, will return to the American League to round out the Angels’ starting staff.

Now, with a veteran hurler thrown into a decidedly youthful mix headed up by Jered Weaver, the Angels look to sport one of the strongest starting rotations top to bottom in all of baseball.

Take a look at how the how the Angels’ starting pitchers will shake out in 2010.

1. Jered Weaver

In 2008, after yet another injury to Lackey, the Angels handed Opening Day honors to a 25-year-old Weaver.

The responsibility may have been too great as Weaver lost to the Twins in Minnesota, but the move showed just how highly thought-of he was in the eyes of Angels brass, who picked the youngster over veteran and World Series champ Jon Garland.

This time around, Weaver is two years older, two years wiser, and has established himself as a legitimate, front-of-the-rotation threat on the mound.

Despite his 6′7” frame, he lacks an overpowering fastball, which tops out at a meager 90-91 MPH. Contemporaries like Felix Hernandez and Justin Verlander routinely hit those speeds with changeups.

But what Weaver lacks in power, he makes up for in intelligence and mound presence.

His delivery is a study in the art of deception. Winding up, Weaver is all arms and legs as he comes off the mound, hiding the ball behind his lanky body until just before the moment of release.

In doing so, he takes full advantage of his bland fastball by sneaking in his plus off-speed pitches to keep hitters off balance.

Like Lackey before him, Weaver is also an intense competitor who has learned to harness his emotions and use them to bear down when times are tough on the field.

He showed uncommon poise in the face of adversity in 2009, and walked away with career highs in wins (16), strikeouts (174), complete games (4), and shutouts (2).

Weaver is the ideal candidate to lead this Angels rotation, not just in 2010, but potentially for years to come.

2. Scott Kazmir

After featuring a nearly endless string of substitutes and rookies at the No. 5 spot, the Angels finally made a move to bring strength and stability to their rotation.

In mid-August, they acquired Kazmir, ace of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Despite being just 25 years old at the time of the trade, Kazmir is an unquestioned veteran in the Major Leagues, including leading his squad to its first AL East championship, American League championship, and Word Series appearance.

Kazmir struggled mightily with Tampa early in 2009, but was a revelation for the Angels during his brief regular season stint out West, though his playoff performances were far less impressive.

His fastball lost some zip last season, but it remains the centerpiece of his repertoire, which also features a revitalized slider.

Ironically, the only knock against the left-handed pitcher is his tendency to throw too many pitches.

Kazmir often hits the century mark on his pitch count by the fifth or sixth inning, putting more pressure on the Angels’ bullpen to pick up those crucial outs in the middle of games.

Given Kazmir’s age, however, there is plenty of time for him to improve on all aspects of his game. And under the watchful eye of pitching coach Mike Butcher, who worked with Kaz for a season in Tampa, he’ll look to do just that.

3. Ervin Santana

This was an extremely difficult decision. The No. 3 spot in the rotation is hardly the most critical, but with two former All-Stars and a talented veteran in the mix, it was tough to leave anyone out.

In the end, it came down to which man had the best stuff, and when he is on, Santana is one of the best pitchers in the game.

In just his second start in the Major Leagues, Santana hurled a five-hit, complete-game shutout of the eventual World Series champion Chicago White Sox.

Since then, however, he has struggled to find consistency on the mound, often having one good game then one bad, one memorable month then one to forget.

In 2008, it looked as though he had found his stride, making his first All-Star team and pitching admirably for much of the season. But a forearm strain delayed his 2009 debut and when he finally made it back to the mound, it took him weeks before he was effective again.

This year, barring any setbacks in Spring Training, look for Santana to return to his All-Star form.

His fastball routinely reaches 95-96 MPH and is backed by a devastating off-speed combination reminiscent of Francisco Rodriguez. The only question left to be answered is how his mental status will hold up through the season.

If he can repeat his 2008 performance, Santana could easily move up the pitching depth chart, and fast.

4. Joel Pineiro

The veteran righty who first made a name for himself with the Seattle Mariners has finally returned to the AL West.

After Halladay and Lee, Pineiro was the best name left on the pitching market and the Angels did well to secure his services. Injuries hampered much of his career with the Cardinals, but in 2009 he showed what he can do with a clean bill of health.

Pineiro accrued a 3.49 ERA, his highest mark since 2002 with the Mariners, and picked up 15 wins, one shy of his career best in 2003.

He also featured the best ground-ball-to-fly-ball ratio in the Majors last year, a result of his newly acquired sinking two-seam fastball that has turned him into a contact pitcher.

Despite moving back to the offense-heavy American League, Pineiro’s ability to force opponents to hit the ball on the ground should prove effective with the Angels’ stellar defense there to back him up.

But perhaps his greatest asset to this team will be his experience. Pineiro has been on good and bad teams, pitched injured and healthy, and helped multiple squads reach the postseason.

No matter what situations may arise for this mostly young pitching staff, Pineiro will be there to help guide his new mound mates through thick and thin.

5. Joe Saunders

It seems odd that the man who opened the 2009 season for the Halos should be relegated to the fifth spot just a year later.

But rest assured, his placement is more of a testament to the overall strength of this rotation than a personal knock against Saunders.

Coming off an All-Star year, Saunders was nearly flawless over the first month and a half, including an incredible 1-0 victory over Zack Greinke and the Kansas City Royals.

However, it proved to be a cruel summer for Saunders. He spent the next three months searching in vain for the form he began with, and it wasn’t until late August that he would find it.

The key to Saundo’s game is pinpoint accuracy. His stuff isn’t the most overpowering or most deceptive in the league. But when he spots his fastball and is able to work in his change and curve, there are few in the league who are tougher to face.

When he doesn’t, the big lefty’s pitches tend to hang over the middle of the plate. Last year, those mistakes lead to a career-high 29 home runs surrendered.

Again, though, much of that failure came in those long summer months in the middle of the season.

Like Santana, if he can find the consistency he showed in 2008, Saunders will be a major threat to invade the top of this rotation.

14Feb2010 | Johnathan Kroncke | 0 comments

National Signing Day 2010: USC’s Seantrel Henderson Not Delivered Yet

Amidst the celebration of a very promising prep recruiting class delivered by new USC head coach Lane Kiffin, there remains the spectre of possible sanctions that may be coming the Trojans way via the NCAA infractions committee.

These possible sanctions, tied to whatever is found regarding the Reggie Bush investigation, continue to cast a pall over the Trojan football program and now it appears that it may eventually cost USC its arguably most coveted recruit.

Seantrel Henderson, the mammoth offensive lineman from Minnesota, who made his decision for the Trojans late yesterday afternoon, has not signed his letter of intent and doesn’t plan to until later this month.

According to his father, Sean, Henderson will wait until USC appears before the NCAA investigation committee to see what, if any, sanctions are coming the Trojans way.

According to an article in Sports Illustrated, Henderson wants to make sure that USC doesn’t receive excessive penalties, which may limit Henderson’s full potential while at the school.

Seantrel Henderson didn’t address the issue himself, preferring to let his father do the talking on this subject.

What Henderson did address was the comfort he found at USC while on his recruiting trip and the quality of the recruiting class the Trojans had acquired.

Saying that he expected the Trojans and Florida to vie for the national championship the next three years, Henderson had only good things to say about USC and his future with the Trojans.

Of course, if USC does receive severe sanctions from the NCAA, Henderson’s future will be elsewhere.

So, the final determination as to the quality of this years recruiting class for USC remains to be seen.

Despite the fluid nature of Seantrel Hendersons signed letter of intent, USC’s recruiting class was more than could be reasonably expected given the timing and departure of Pete Carroll.

Hats off to Lane Kiffin and his staff for bringing in an amazing class under difficult circumstances.

This is a quality class, especially in the skilled positions such as tight end and wide receiver.

Quarterback Matt Barkley should shine for years to come with this incredibly talented group.

That is if the Trojans can provide offensive line protection that will give him time to find and throw to his receivers.

All that is left now is to find those offensive linemen.

And the Trojans hope that search starts with the signing of Seantrel Henderson.

4Feb2010 | Rick McMahan | 0 comments