Don't Look Now, But the Angels Have a Two Game Winning Streak (19/81)

The Angels won their second game in a row by stomping on the visiting Chicago White Sox tonight, and beating them 7-2.

It was Peter Bourjos bobblehead night tonight, and White Sox second baseman, Gordon Beckham, couldn't wait to get his hands on one (above).

Here's the rundown from tonight's game:


Albert Pujols hit his second home run of the season, a three-run shot to center field, and hopes to be turning a page. However, his other three at-bats were nothing spectacular, but let's see where this goes.

Longtime Angels hitting coach Mickey Hatcher was fired last night, and the original 2002 World Series coaching staff now has only two remaining members: Mike Scioscia and first base coach Alfredo Griffin. The Angels are now 1-0 under new hitting coach, Jim Eppard, and fans couldn't hope for a better start than that.

To clarify, Hatcher was not the problem for the Angel's hitting woes this season or any of the previous seasons in which the Angels underachieved offensively. However, since he was  unable to solve the problem, he becomes expendable. General Manager, Jerry Dipoto talked about bringing some fresh air into the clubhouse, and I think that's just what the Angels needed. Eppard has been with the organization awhile and has worked with guys like Mark Trumbo, Mike Trout, and Howie Kendrick in the minors where they were tearing it up offensively. I think he'll bring a great feeling of familiarity to the guys and get them relaxed. It's like sharing the dugout with your old Little League coach now in the majors.

Also, unlike Hatcher, I think Eppard, 52, still has all his teeth.

Interesting note, Jerome Williams is undefeated at Angel Stadium. Since joining the team late last year, Williams has made seven starts at home and has won each one of them. Also, as an Angel, the guy only has one bad start. Quit the talk about Barry Zito being the best fifth starter in baseball, the underrated Williams is shutting opponents down.