Game 1: Angels 3 Athletics 0
On opening day, most major league clubs like to start out the year with a big display of fireworks, literally and figuratively. But that is not how it’s done in Anaheim. Instead of scoring a bunch of runs in an offensive onslaught, the Angels won a close ballgame in traditional Mike Scioscia fashion. Monday night’s starter, Joe Saunders pitched 6 2/3 shutout innings, the bullpen provided solid relief, and new closer Brian Fuentes preserved the 3-0 victory with his first save as a member of the Halos. Not exactly a game that is going to provide ESPN with a bunch of highlight clips, but nevertheless, it registers in the wins column for the Halos.
Here are some thoughts from the opener:
- After going 2-for-4 with a home run and 2 RBIs, will Howie Kendrick become a permanent fixture in the number two slot?
- Was it just me or did Vlad look real slow on his “RBI single” in the third inning? Has age really caught up to him that fast?
- Are you a little worried about Kendry Morales?
- Should Scioscia have let Saunders finish the seventh inning? Was he pulled too soon even after 93 pitches?
- If Saunders pitches like that on a consistent basis, is John Lackey expendable this offseason?
Related posts
Excellent analysis of Dodgers roster for 2010: http://yallkiltit.wordpress.com/2010/03/06/dodgerblast-spring-training-roster-analysis/ 
I was with the UCLA Alumni Band; I sat in the 4th row of the box seats, a few rows ...
Joey, your right, but what were you thinking was going to happen? whats your point here? you called every UCLA ...
I was at that game as well. Where'd you sit? 
Murshed Zaheed aka Nestor is a government employee and if you google his name you will find it is many ...
Comment by Matt Tolich on 7 April 2009:
I would have left Saunders in to finish the 7th, but it’s not like the bullpen blew it.
Vlad did look pretty slow, but that could’ve been any number of things.
And my guess is that the nerves got to K-Mo.
Comment by Joey Kaufman on 7 April 2009:
Well, ya, the bullpen didn’t blow it at all, but if a pitcher is doing well, like Saunders was, I like to see him get his fair share of pitches. He only had 93.
I actually just read before the game that Vlad had strained muscle in his chest. I’m a little worried about the guy to be honest with you. I think Scioscia should supplement Vladdy’s decline in power with Napoli in the lineup everyday. HE HAS POWER!!!
Ya, I agree with you on K-Mo and nerves. I think he deserves at least a month or two before we start to become too critical of him.