Manager Mike Scioscia is having a difficult time getting a feel for the deepest team he's ever fielded, and it really showed last night during the Angels 5-3 loss to the Oakland Athletics.
For what seems like the 30th time this season (the Angels have only played 11 games) Rookie of the Year runner-up, Mark Trumbo was on the bench. Currently sporting the best batting average on the team, behind Maicer Izturis, the former first baseman's glove at third base has been his downfall. Scioscia claims to not have given up on Trumbo's third base project, but has made the baffling move to start Alberto Callaspo's .174 batting average at third base 7 times this season.
Scioscia was quoted before the game saying:
"We want to get Trumbo in there as much as possible. Nothing's changed from spring training," Scioscia said. "Right now, there are some guys that look like they're about to break out that we want to keep playing in the lineup."
He can't be talking about Callaspo, can he? It's either that or Erick Aybar's .171 batting average. Hope that factors into the contract negotiations.
However, in AC's defense, he went 2-4 and has yet to commit an error at third base, but I mean COME ON, it's Trumbo we're talking about.
More Growing Pains
On Monday night when Jered Weaver's pitch count was getting a little high, the Angel's skipper pulled his ace in favor of Kevin Jepsen to come close out the seventh. Scott Downs made his return and pitched a shutout ninth. LaTroy Hawkins finished the shutout, although no thanks to his defense as the Angels committed two fielding errors forcing the veteran reliever to throw 31 pitches.
Last night, Scioscia tried to do the reverse and, as it so happens, produced reverse results. Despite only throwing 85 pitches, Scioscia came out to pull starter Dan Haren after two outs, but with two men on. Downs came in to get the last out.
Not wanting to throw his best reliever out there after having him sit a half inning on the bench, Scioscia brought in hard throwing Jepsen, and the 2011 Angels bullpen reared its ugly head. Jepsen and rookie reliever, David Carpenter, combined to blow the lead and the save by giving up four runs to put the Angles down 5-2.
Scioscia made a genius move the night before because it worked out, but really looked like an idiot here by entrusting a one-run lead to two relievers with very limited experience in high pressure situations.
Not Everyone Hates Vernon
He may be the most hated man in an Angels uniform (let's all agree that it's a crime to keep Mike Trout anchored in the minors), but what the guy needs is some confidence. It's hard to build that confidence when you know that all 40,000 people in the stadium hate your contract and batting average. Hopefully last night was a step in the right direction for the Angel's second-highest paid player. Wells had two hits last night, including a blasting line drive home run to center field in the 9th inning.
Pujols Still Homerless
This is the longest Albert Pujols has ever gone without a home run to start the season. Maybe it's the AL pitchers, maybe it's the contract, maybe it's an Angels curse, but it's probably just him trying too hard. Nothing to worry about...yet. However, the man who disdains being called El Hombre hit a towering popup on a 3-1 count in the ninth that was probably the highest fly ball I've ever seen hit to the shortstop.
Speaking of Pujols, it was Albert Pujols Bobble Head night that attracted a sellout crowd last night. Attending my second game of the season, I was able to get my hands on one of the 40,000 figures. Don't expect me to sell mine on eBay for $20 though. I've been waiting to get an Angels bobble head for years.
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