myLot Discussions| Death Of An Angel: Anaheim Mourns. | | It's been a really sad day here. Rookie pitcher Nick Adanhart was killed by a hit and run driver just hours after his debut game with the Angels (I think he was called up for a few games last year but not as a starter). He was 22 years old. The Angels postponed tonight's game. Watching the news I see that four families have been affected by this tragedy. Life is so fragile. I made it a point to call my daughter, tell her I loved her and to please be careful on the road. Are you counting your blessings, my friends? | |
| | Phillies Win the National League Pennant | | Last night, the Philadelphia Phillies won the 5th game of the National League Play-offs, to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers, 4 games to 1.Now fans of the Phillies just need to wait until the American League Play-offs end.Next Wednesday, the winner of the American League Play-off will play against the Phillies in the World Series to Crown the Champion of this year in Major League Baseball.It looks like most likely it will be the New York Yankees, although not long ago with a commanding lead, the Yankees lost to the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS, meaning although the Yankees have a major advantage, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim can still make a comback and win.
I'll be watching to see which team will be next in line for the Phillies juggernaut.Go Phillies. | |
| | Why don't most people think before they act? | | After reading about the tragic death of Nick Adenhart (Los Angeles Angels pitcher), why don't more people think before getting behind the wheel of a car loaded? This really makes me mad when somebody loses their life when this could of been prevented. Three people killed in this accident and the guy who ran the red light while being drunk already had a prior conviction for DUI before. We need tougher laws than the ones already! | |
| | Astros sign Carlos Lee to 6-year deal | | The Houston Astros had one of the most anemic offenses last season and owner Drayton McLane Jr. showed he was willing to spend money to change that. Houston signed outfield Carlos Lee to a six-year, $100 million deal on Friday to bolster the worst offense in the National League.It was the largest contract in Astros history. Last season was Lee's fifth straight with at least 30 home runs and 99 RBIs.
The Astros also signed pitcher Woody Williams to help a pitching staff that could be without Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte. Astros manager Phil Garner, who said Houston will be a better team with Lee in the heart of the order, said the deals show McLane is "stepping up in a big way." "We feel like these are two big questions that have been answered for us," Garner said. Adding Lee will give the Astros another power threat besides All-Star first baseman Lance Berkman, who had 45 home runs and 136 RBIs and finished third in NL MVP voting behind Philadelphia's Ryan Howard and St. Louis' Albert Pujols. "I won't disappoint you," said the 30-year-old Lee, whose contract includes a no-trade clause for the first four years. "Let's go for the championship."... | |
| | Davis to Arizona, Estrada to Milwaukee in 6-player deal | | The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired left-hander Doug Davis from Milwaukee on Saturday in a six-player deal that sent catcher Johnny Estrada to the Brewers. Right-handers Greg Aquino and Claudio Vargas also went to Milwaukee, while the Diamondbacks obtained a pair of youngsters, left-hander Dana Eveland and outfielder Dave Krynzel. The 31-year-old Davis is 62-63 with a 4.35 ERA in eight major league seasons. He was 11-11 with a 4.91 ERA in 34 starts last season with Milwaukee and, like Estrada, is arbitration eligible. The 30-year-old Estrada hit .301 with 11 home runs and 71 RBIs during his only season with Arizona. The switch-hitting former All-Star had the sixth-best batting average among NL catchers. Starting pitching behind NL Cy Young Award winner Brandon Webb was a major weakness for the Diamondbacks last season. Davis, who has thrown at least 200 innings in each of the last three seasons, joins Webb and Livan Hernandez in Arizona's projected rotation for next year.
"With the addition of Doug we have three perennial 200-inning guys who more often than not are lower ERA guys," Diamondbacks general manager Josh Byrnes said. "I think our rotation is... | |
| | Davis to Arizona, Estrada to Milwaukee in 6-player deal | | Davis to Arizona, Estrada to Milwaukee in 6-player deal
PHOENIX (AP) -- The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired left-hander Doug Davis from Milwaukee on Saturday in a six-player deal that sent catcher Johnny Estrada to the Brewers.
Right-handers Greg Aquino and Claudio Vargas also went to Milwaukee, while the Diamondbacks obtained a pair of youngsters, left-hander Dana Eveland and outfielder Dave Krynzel.
The 31-year-old Davis is 62-63 with a 4.35 ERA in eight major league seasons. He was 11-11 with a 4.91 ERA in 34 starts last season with Milwaukee and, like Estrada, is arbitration eligible.
The 30-year-old Estrada hit .301 with 11 home runs and 71 RBIs during his only season with Arizona. The switch-hitting former All-Star had the sixth-best batting average among NL catchers.
Starting pitching behind NL Cy Young Award winner Brandon Webb was a major weakness for the Diamondbacks last season. Davis, who has thrown at least 200 innings in each of the last three seasons, joins Webb and Livan Hernandez in Arizona's projected rotation for next year.
"With the addition of Doug we have three perennial 200-inning guys who more often than not are lower ERA guys," Diamondbacks... | |
| | Astros sign Carlos Lee to 6-year deal | | The Houston Astros had one of the most anemic offenses last season and owner Drayton McLane Jr. showed he was willing to spend money to change that. Houston signed outfield Carlos Lee to a six-year, $100 million deal on Friday to bolster the worst offense in the National League.It was the largest contract in Astros history. Last season was Lee's fifth straight with at least 30 home runs and 99 RBIs.
The Astros also signed pitcher Woody Williams to help a pitching staff that could be without Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte. Astros manager Phil Garner, who said Houston will be a better team with Lee in the heart of the order, said the deals show McLane is "stepping up in a big way." "We feel like these are two big questions that have been answered for us," Garner said. Adding Lee will give the Astros another power threat besides All-Star first baseman Lance Berkman, who had 45 home runs and 136 RBIs and finished third in NL MVP voting behind Philadelphia's Ryan Howard and St. Louis' Albert Pujols. "I won't disappoint you," said the 30-year-old Lee, whose contract includes a no-trade clause for the first four years. "Let's go for the championship."... | |
| | Angels agree to terms with Gary Matthews Jr. | | ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Gary Matthews Jr. had a tough decision, choosing between the Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants. Family won out. Matthews, whose 7-year-old son lives in nearby Santa Monica, reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday on a $50 million, five-year contract with the Angels following a career year with the Texas Rangers. "You spend so much time away from your family when you play baseball, and no amount of money can make up for that," Matthews told The Associated Press while driving to San Jose for Thanksgiving. "This move is a way for me to accommodate my son and be around him more." Matthews' parents also live in Southern California. His father, known as "Sarge," also was a big-league outfielder, beginning his with the Giants. The younger Matthews has been called "Little Sarge." `I'm so appreciative that they gave me a chance to literally follow in my father's footsteps," Matthews said. "It would have been something just to have another Bonds and Matthews in the Giants' outfield. But this move was for my family." Longtime San Francisco star Barry Bonds' father, Bobby, was a member of the Giants when Gary... | |
| | Angels sign free agent OF Matthews, Jr. | | ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) - The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have landed the impact player they coveted. The Angels on Wednesday agreed to terms with center fielder Gary Matthews Jr. on a five-year deal. Although no financial details were announced, the Los Angeles Times reported the deal to be worth $50 million.
One of baseball's premier defensive outfielders, Matthews also has added an offensive dynamic to his game in recent years. He hit .313 this past season for the Texas Rangers - by far his career high - and also recorded personal bests with 19 homers and 79 RBI, most by an American League leadoff hitter - en route to his first All-Star berth. Angels general manager Bill Stoneman is looking to upgrade the club's stagnant offense at third base, first base and center field. The late-blooming Matthews helps accomplish just that, allowing Chone Figgins to move permanently to third base or back to his super-sub role. "One of our objectives during this offseason was to improve ourselves in center field," Stoneman said. "We believe Gary is a great fit for this ballclub. In addition to his outstanding play in center field, he has the versatility to... | |
| | Speier gets `dream job' with Angels | |
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Justin Speier thinks general managers around the majors realize more than ever the importance of a strong bullpen. That concept landed the 33-year-old right-hander a four-year, $18 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels. "This is a dream job with a team that's going places, a team that's definitely in championship contention," Speier said Tuesday on a conference call. "It was an opportunity I could not pass up. It was intriguing to me when they came calling." Speier will earn $3.75 million next season, $4.25 million in 2008, $4.75 million in 2009 and $5.25 million in 2001. Speier, who agreed to terms on Sunday, joins a bullpen that ranks among the AL's best.
"I think a lot of general managers are watching the playoffs these days and realizing a strong bullpen is essential," he said. "You started seeing setup guys getting paid more than in years past. I think general managers have realized they're an integral part of the game. "I've been watching the Angels' organization and had my eye on them for 10 years because it is a dream job. They've always had good pitching and a good bullpen." The Angels already... | |
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