Skipper gets the big award!

The disciples are not surprised: Mike Scioscia is the manager of the year!

Congratulations Mike!

Should they stay or should they go? (Part 2)

The Angels’ free agents, the low down:

Vladimir Guerrero – It is hard to be an Angels fan and not have a special place in your heart for big daddy. With that said, what have you done for us lately? It seems like pure fiction to imagine Vlad back in the outfield. It pains us to just see him run from home to first base. Additionally, with Napoli and Junior as viable choices for DH, it is hard to see how Vlad fits into a 2010 Angels team. Even so, we all expect to be wearing our Guerrero jerseys for years to come.

Chone Figgins – As a lead-off man, it doesn’t get much better. About all we could hope for are a few more homers. Chone demands top dollar and will get it. This one is definitely about the money. After holding on to Bobby Abreu, expect Tony Reagins to pull out all the stops to keep Figgy in Anaheim.

John Lackey – As the big Kahuna of the Angels rotation, it seems Johnny boy is looking for the big payoff and who can blame him. He’s got Cowboy’s million dollar box seats to cover. John’s staying in Angel’s red is a question of whether or not the management considers him a 10 million dollar pitcher or a 16 million dollar pitcher. Hopefully John stays, but it is doubtful. We all wonder how much the Yankees and Red Sox think he is worth.

Kelvim Escobar – The potential lost to injuries is extremely disheartening. Hopefully he gets healthy and back into a starting rotation. For the Angels, Kelvim seems to be too much of a risk and doubtful he will stay.

Darren Oliver – Although a little long in the tooth, Darren has been the Angels’ most consistent mid reliever, this is a tough call. Scioscia Disciples would like to see him return, but call it a 50/50.

Rob Quilan – Everybody knows Rob, but with only 115 at bats in 2009 can anybody remember seeing him at the plate? It is uncertain how much impact, if any, this free agency will have on the 2010 Angels’ season.

Should they stay or should they go? (Part 1)

The Angels’ free agents, the skinny:

Vladimir Guerrero – Goodbye, good luck and we’ll never forget you.

Chone Figgins – Stop looking elsewhere. The grass is greener in Anaheim

John Lackey – Goodbye, good luck and we’ll probably see you in the 2010 playoffs.

Kelvim Escobar – Goodbye and get healthy.

Darren Oliver – Tough call, could go either way.

Rob Quilan – Goodbye and hope you find a starting position somewhere else.

Bobby Abreu is back for two (or three) years.

Bobby Abreu is the first of several potential free agents to sign back as an Angel. Scioscia Disciples is happy to see Bobby get bumped up from his previous 1 year 5 million dollar deal to a 2 year 18 million dollar deal with a club option for a third year.

The past season's buzz has all been about Bobby's plate discipline and positive influence on the younger players. At our house this isn't the only thing we love about señor Abreu. Our entire family gets a blast out of seeing beefy Bobby boy stealing the bases. Add to this the fact that he is arguably the coolest MLB player to hang out with at an Orange county karaoke bar and there is no doubt that Bobby is a great deal for the Angels. 

2009 Season Closer

The 2009 season has been bittersweet. With our beloved Angels crushing the Red Sox in the ALDS only to lose to the Yankees in the ALCS it is time to relax and anticipate the upcoming 2010 season.

As a point of interest, I went to a sushi lunch with my wife today and we were discussing the World Series MVP Hideki Matsui. We would both love to see such a Japanese player join the Angels. "I believe Matsui is a free agent," I told my wife. "It will never happen," she replied. Just then I looked down at the cucumber roll I was about to eat and saw a remarkable likeness of the Yankee's DH from the land of the rising sun. Is this a sign from the heavens? I don't know. I guess I will need to check the tea leaves.