Torii Hunter comments on Gay Athletes

 

Torii is being criticised for his comment about gay athletes and how he will feel if he would have a gay teammate. In a recent interview Torii Hunter says

 

"For me, as a Christian … I will be uncomfortable because in all my teachings and all my learning, biblically, it's not right," Hunter told Baxter. "It will be difficult and uncomfortable."

 

many people are getting on Torii for this comment for example:

 

SomethingSomething wrote: "Now I'm very happy the Angels got rid of Torii Hunter. He went from a player I liked and admired to someone I cannot root for."

 

 LKegen wrote, "Between this and his comments after the Angels signed Josh Hamilton, I'm glad Torii Hunter is no longer with the team."

 

JohnnyFelix wrote: "I guess Torii just skipped over all that stuff that Jesus taught in the New Testament."

 

Torii Hunter says that his comment was taken out of content. (LA Times)


Former Angels OF/DH Hideki Matsui retires



Hideki Matsui played 10 years in the MLB and 10 in Japan. He played with the Angels for one year. He will mostly be remembered for his time as a Yankee, ESPN

Texas Is Still Not Done With Josh

A small Texas-based  company is suing Josh Hamilton over a clothing line. Josh uses  "Play Hard, Pray Harder" slogan which the company is stating that they on the rights to.To read the full details CLICK HERE.



Angels Trade Kendrys Morales for Jason Vargas

 

Angels have been very busy this off season they have just added another arm to the rotation. The Angels acquired LHP Jason Vargas from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for infielder Kendrys Morales.

 

Vargas, 29, finished the 2012 season with a 14-11 record with a 3.85 ERA (217.1 IP - 93 ER) and 141 strikeouts. The left-hander led the Mariner staff in wins and quality starts (22) while setting career highs in wins, starts, innings pitched and strikeouts. The Southern California native finished amongst the American League leaders in starts (T4th), quality starts (4th), innings pitched (6th), WHIP (1.178, 10th) and complete games (2, T10th). (Angels)

 

I am very happy to see this trade it is not a huge trade but it is one that will help the Angels make it to the playoffs. Vargas is a fly ball pitcher which I have seen for years pitch with Seattle, he is very dependable and he is very consistent. He will benefit very much from a change of scenery just like Doug Fister did after leaving Seattle for Detroit.

 

I am also glad to see that the Angels did not trade Peter or Mark because they are young and still under team control for some years to come. Also I really like Morales but he is a Scott Boras client and Morales has also pointed out that he wants to play the field again. However, that is not happening when you have Albert playing first so after the season ends he will leave the Angels as a free agent with the Angels not offering him a new contract.

 

So overall I feel like the Angels helped themselves not only for this season but for the future seasons by not trading their future. This probably means that either Joe Blanton or Garret Richards will be in the pen.

Recap of Josh Hamilton Press Conference

Josh Hamilton was introduced to the media this pass Saturday at the ESPN Zone in Downtown Disney. The event was not open to the public but fan did have the opportunity to hang out behind the railing and watch everyone pass by including Art Moreno Mike Scioscia Mark Langston Jerry Dipoto and Bobby Grinch.

Crowed before the press conference started

 

Art Moreno leaving the event

 

Mike Scioscia At the Press Conference

 



Mark Langston Getting to the Press Conference

 

Angels Great Bobby Grinch

 



Josh Was very cool and really good with the fans. He interactive with everyone and really took his time signing baseballs bats jerseys and taking many pictures with fans. I was able to get a bat and a baseball sign by Josh which was really nice.

 

Update on Josh Hamilton signing with the Angels

 

According to Ken Rosenthal the Angels visit with Josh before the signing.

 

Ken Rosenthal‏@Ken_Rosenthal

Sources: #Angels owner Arte Moreno and team president John Carpino visited Josh Hamilton at his home in Texas earlier this week.

 

Now none could tell me the Art Moreno is no dedicated to winning!!!

Don't be surprise if the Angels trade Peter Bourjos for R.A Dickey or maybe release Vernon Wells and trade Mark Trumbo for some pitching.

Josh is going to have his physical on Friday and probably have his press conference Saturday

 

This are some reactions to the signing of Josh Hamilton:

 

Torii Hunter‏@toriihunter48

I was told money was tight but I guess the Arte had money hidden under a Mattress. Business is business but don't lie.

Torii Hunter‏@toriihunter48

Great signing for the Angels. One the best players in baseball.

 

Mike Trout‏@Trouty20

Wow

 

"I was shocked, I won't lie to you,'' Pujols told USA TODAY Sports. "We talked this afternoon. He's really pumped up. So am I. He's going to perform and help our organization. We're blessed and excited to have him.''

 

I though this was really funny:

 

David Price‏@DAVIDprice14

lol angels...starter gets a win against that team it should be worth 2 wins haha

Josh Hamilton is coming to Anaheim

Angels did it again this off season with the recent signing of Josh Hamilton to a 5year/ $125million contract. Dodgers could keep Zach I will take Josh. This will give the Angels on of the best line-ups in baseball with the best 3-4 in baseball. More details will be up as they are provided.

 

O the best part the Angels take away Josh from the Rangers.



 



Angels Will Introduce Ryan Madson, Tommy Hanson Joe Blanton and Sean Burnett

 

Angels will be holding a press conference tomorrow Wed Dec 11, to introduce the new set of Halo pitchers Ryan Madson, Tommy Hanson Joe Blanton and Sean Burnett. The press conference will be televised by Fox Sport West starting at 11:30am PST

Angels Lose Angel Sanchez in Rule 5 Draft

 

Angels were going to count on Angel Sanchez to fill in as a utility infielder but was selected by the White Sox in the Rule 5 Draft on Thursday.  Tommy Field, who was claimed off waivers from the Twins, and Brendan Harris, signed to a Minor League deal, will compete with Andrew Romine for the utility-infield spot. (Angels)

Angels Spring Training Tickets Go On Sale Dec 20

 

Angels Spring Training schedule is up and tickets go on sale Thursday, December 20th at 9 a.m. visit the Angels website for more details.

 

Some good games to go to watch this year's includes match ups with the 2012 World Series champion San Francisco Giants (Feb. 27 and March 24), Dodgers (March 1), Texas (March 27) and  personally the game to go to this year in spring training is against Team Italy (March 6).


Angels are Busy During the Winter Meetings

 

Once again this off season the Angels add some depth to the rotation and bullpen. Angels sign Sean Burnett to a two years $8 million with a option for a 3rd year for $4.5 million with a $500,000 buyout.

 

Burnett is 30 years old Lefty that posted a 2.76 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP in 176 1/3 innings while pitching for the Nationals from 2010-12, averaging 7.8 strikeouts and 2.7 walks per nine innings. Burnett throws sidearm, uses a heavy sinker to get a lot of ground balls -- 53.3 percent for his career -- and can also get right-handed hitters out. He had bone spurs removed from his pitching elbow in the off season, but is expected to be fully healthy for Spring Training. (MLB)

 

 

The Angels did not stop with Sean Burnett because they also sign Joe Blanton to a two-year, $15 million contract with a option for a 3rd year.

 

 

Blanton is 31 years old Right Handed that went 10-13 with a 4.71 ERA in 31 games  with 30 starts for the Phillies and Dodgers in 2012. Blanton has been a inning eater but he does give up the long ball with 29 Hrs last year. (MLB)

 

I really like the Sean signing because he will help out Downs especially because Downs is getting older and he needs to be healthy. Also this will give Angels better weapons in the close games with two strong lefty that could match up very well.

 

However, I am not sure about the Joe signing because for the money I don't think he is that big of a upgrade from Jerome Williams, however, don't rule out maybe Joe was sign for a back up starter and maybe a log relieve man because he has always had a very good arm. This will allow the angels to sign one more pitcher like  Brandon McCarthy or Edwin Jackson. Personally I would want Brandon McCarthy.

 



Add Another Award To Mike Trouts Trophy Case

 

Mike Trout wins two 2012 GIBBYS Awards for Rookie of the Year and Play of The Year.

 

The play of the year was the famous home run that was robbed by Mike Trout of the bat of JJ Hardy on June 27 at Oriole Park.

Torri is heading to the Tigers but he will always be a Halo at heart

 

It was pretty sad to see Torri Hunter signing with the Tigers but I understand the move from the Angels side of things. I am very happy that he sign with a good team that will allow him to be close to his son. However, Torri is a very special player that gave the Angels fan everything he had every day. Every time I meet him he always had a huge smile and he was always very good especially with the kids. But please take the time to read a message that Torri has put up on his website for all Angels fans to read. Click Here

Angels Fan Cruise January 25-28, 2013

Join Garrett Richards, Nick Maronde, and Tim Salmon in the annual Angels Fan Cruise.

 

Here is some info:

 

Angels Fan Cruise aboard the Carnival Inspiration® / Baja Mexico, January 25, 2013

3-day cruise from $359¹Friday - Long Beach
Saturday - Ensenada
Sunday - "Fun Day" at sea
Monday - Long Beach

AAA Member Benefits:

• One hour cocktail reception
• $25 shipboard credit per cabin
• One bottle of wine per cabin
• One gift per passenger

for more info Click Here

 

Garret Anderson Signing January 5, 2013

AT the same signing as Troy Glaus and Scott Spiezio, Garret Anderson will also be signing. Here is some info.

 

January 5, 2013
Time: 11am
Frank & Son Collectible Show
19649 E. San Jose Ave.
City of Industry, CA 91748

Baseball Helmet	$59.00
Baseball Bat or Baseball Jersey	$59.00
Artwork	$59.00
Flat	$59.00		Larger than 16 x 20
Equipment	$59.00
Game Used Item	$59.00
Figurine	$39.00
Baseball Mini-Helmet	$39.00
Baseball or Flat	$39.00		16 x 20 and smaller
Inscription	$20.00