Omar Vizquel is coming to the Angels

 

 

Angels have added another big name to their organization, Omar Vizquel is coming to Anaheim. However, not as a player but as a  infield instructor. Who else better to teach the Angels infielders then  11 Gold Gloves winner himself.

 

I am very excited that the Angels got him because he has been one of the best infielders in my generation. He will really help Aybar and Kendrick during the spring as well as everyone else.

 

From the Angels:

 

"It's a great presence that he brings," Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto said, "and it comes from his accomplishments -- a long career that we believe culminates in the Hall of Fame. We're thrilled to have him."

Dipoto and Vizquel go back to their time together with the Indians in 1994 and even a stint of winter ball in Vizquel's native Venezuela. But the hiring, which was finalized Tuesday, was mainly the inspiration of roving hitting instructor Paul Sorrento -- who played alongside Vizquel for two years in Cleveland, resides in the same city (Seattle) and reached out to him recently about starting his coaching trek in the Angels' farm system.

Last year, Vizquel spent the season as a 45-year-old reserve infielder with the Blue Jays and spoke openly about one day becoming a Major League manager.

This, at least, is a start.

"He was gung ho; he was all for it," Dipoto said. "We're fortunate to have him. I feel like this is the start of a next great career for Omar Vizquel, and we're glad he's doing it as an Angel. We're pretty pumped about him being involved."

Vizquel takes over the role previously held by Dick Schofield, whose contract wasn't renewed. Vizquel essentially teams up with a more experienced Bobby Knoop, the 74-year-old ex-Angels infielder who was previously brought back as a special assignment infield coach.

Knoop is expected to oversee while Vizquel will be more hands-on.

It will start at Major League camp in Tempe, Ariz., around mid-February. Vizquel will switch to the Minor League side around early March, then bounce around the Angels affiliates when the season begins.

And he'll bring Hall of Fame credentials with him: 11 Gold Gloves, three All-Star Game appearances and 2,877 hits in a career that spanned 24 seasons.

"Omar had the best timing, or internal clock, of any infielder I ever watched," Dipoto said. "I don't know if he can pass on the internal clock, but he can pass on a lot of the little tips and nuances, and at the end of the day, we feel like he's the type of guy who can really go in and make a difference in a young player's career. And I'm excited to see where he goes with it."(Angels)

Angels sign avoiding arbitration Kevin Jepsen and sign right-hander Robert Coello

 

I am happy to see that the Angels are taking care of business this off-season, not only by signing free agents but by avoiding arbitration with their young players. This will assure that the Angels will have good relationships with their players.

 

 The Angels settled on a 2013 contract with relief pitcher Kevin Jepsen on Tuesday, thus avoiding arbitration with any of their eligible players.

 

Jepsen, who was in his first year of arbitration, will make $1,181,250 in 2013. When the two sides exchanged figures on Jan. 18, the 28-year-old asked for $1.4 million and the Angels countered with $975,000. (Angels)

 

Also the Angels add depth to their system by adding right-hander Robert Coello to a Minor League contract with an invitation to big league Spring Training on Monday.

Coello, 28, appeared in six games in 2010 for the Red Sox and six for the Blue Jays in '12, giving up 12 earned runs in 12 innings. With the Angels, he'll probably be a swing man in Triple-A. In his six-year Minor League career, which began with a stint for the Angels' Arizona League team in 2007, Coello has compiled a 3.33 ERA in 171 games (31 starts), posting a rate of 9.9 strikeouts per nine innings, 3.9 walks per nine innings and a 1.23 WHIP.
Listed at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, Coello spent most of last season pitching for the Blue Jays' Triple-A affiliate, going 4-1 with a 3.00 ERA in 19 games (three starts). (Angels)

Vernon Wells is Ready for His Role This Season

 

On Monday,Wells was on “Angels Talk”  AM 830 KLAA hosted by Victor Rojas and Terry Smith.

 

He was asked about the past couple of years and how he was hurt:

 

Wells Replied:

“I think that’s just part of the process. I don’t think it matters where you are in your career. You’re going to have some frustrating times, and unfortunately the last couple years have been frustrating, not only for myself, but for a lot of outsiders also. I think that’s what the off seasons are for, to kind of get a chance to regroup and refocus, and I think the thing for me moving forward is I have to be comfortable. I have to just relax and go play the game like I did when I was a kid. I don’t think I’ve done that as much as I’ve needed to.”

 

Wells was asked about coming off the bench this upcoming season:

“I think every athlete prefers just to be in the best shape they can and for whatever’s thrown at him in Spring Training. I don’t know exactly what the role is going to be. I think it’s been documented what it could be. But for me, as a competitor, you have to go in and be ready to fight. I think that’s what everyone wants to do and everybody’s going to do, because in order for this team to achieve what it needs to, everyone has to be thinking that way.”

 

 

On whether the trade rumors have bothered him …
“No, not at all. I put myself in that position, so I can’t get mad about it. I think that’s pretty obvious. You live and you learn. I’ve enjoyed my last two years, even though it’s been frustrating at times, but everything you go through you learn from it, and sometimes it takes a month, sometimes it takes a year, and sometimes it takes two years to kind of get everything straightened out. But I like the opportunity I’m going to get, and I’m going to run with whatever they tell me to do.”

On whether he’d prefer to go to a team with a more prominent role …
“I want to play, and I want to play for the Angels. But I have to earn that. That’s an easy question to answer. I want to be an Angel and I want to play. If I don’t get the opportunity to play, then obviously I need to continue to work harder because I still want to wear the uniform. I want to be able to really show what I can do, and I haven’t been able to do that the last couple of years. There’s still a lot to show some Angel fans. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to do that, and if I don’t get it, then so be it.” (MLB)

Tune in to the MLB Network to Watch a Special on th Angels

Don't miss a very special show on the MLB Network tomorrow at 10am PT to watch the greatest moments in Angels history.

 



CJ Wilson is getting ready for Spring Training

 

After having surgery on the left elbow, CJ has been throwing even before Christmas. Lets hope he comes strong because he is expected to be the number 2 starter this year.

 

“I have normal extension again,” Wilson said Tuesday at Occidental College, where he was appearing with Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton, Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price and Washington Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez at an MLB 2K13 video game commercial shoot.
“Before, I could only bend it, stretch it up to around 30%.”(LA Times)

It is very good to hear that CJ feels good because without him the Angels will have a hard time competing with the powerhouses in the AL. He needs to return to his Texas Ranger shape when he was their number 1. 

Angels Vacation to Wrigley Field July 8-11

 

If you have not seen the new schedule for the 2013 season, this year the Angels are heading to Chicago but not only to go play the White Sox but also heading ti historical Wrigley field and facing the Cubs.

 

So the Angels are offering a chance to join them on their trip to Wrigley Field to watch the Angels take on the Cubs from July 8-11.

 

Here are some of the details from:

Your Angels Vacation Package Includes

• Three nights deluxe hotel accommodations at Westin Michigan Avenue
• Exclusive event with Angels team personnel
• Game tickets to two games
• Ballpark tour of the Wrigley Field
• Architechural Tour of Chicago by Night
• Angels Road Trip Polo Shirt
• All taxes and fees included

Package Options

• Round trip airfare between Orange County (SNA) and Chicago O'Hare (ORD) on American Airlines for just $499!
• Motorcoach transfers between airport and hotel (only available with group airfare)
• Optional additional hotel nights (not available if group air and motorcoach are purchased)

Pricing

Price* Without Airfare

	Single	Double	Triple	Quad
3 Nights / 2 Games	$1,397	$949	$829	$777

Price* with Airfare and Airport Transfers

	Single	Double	Triple	Quad
3 Nights / 2 Games	$1,946	$1,498	$1,378	$1,326

 

Air Info:

Dates	Flights	Cities	Times	Stops
7/8	American Airlines #2073	Orange County (SNA) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)	8:20 a.m.-2:10 p.m.	Non-stop
7/11	American Airlines #413	Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Orange County (SNA)	2:00 p.m.-4:20 p.m.	Non-stop

If you want to book your trip Click Here
   .



Vote for Mike Trout as Sport Newcomer of the Year

Lets help Mike Trout win another award this year by voting in the Hall of Game for Sport Newcomer of the Year. The awards will be premiere Monday February 11 7/6c on Cartoon Network.

 

Click Here To Vote



Angels sign Alberto Callaspo agree to two-year deal

 

The Angels have been very active this off seasons making sure they get their arbitration eligible players taken care of and making sure they get the missing pieces for next year.

 

From the Angels website:

The Angels and Alberto Callaspo have agreed to terms on a two-year contract worth close to $9 million, with the club buying out the third baseman's final arbitration season and his first year of free agency, sources told MLB.com on Thursday (Angels)

 

This will be a nice signing to be able to let Kaleb Cowart get seasoned to step in and take over as a everyday 3rd basemen. I am hoping with in 2 years he will be ready.



Erick Aybar will be Playing for WBC

 

 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim shortstop Erick Aybar and right-handed pitcher Fernando Cabrera have been selected to participate. Aybar is slated to play for the Dominican Republic team and Cabrera for the Puerto Rico team. (MLB)

I hope that this will give Erick Aybar gain confidence to be able to take over the 2 spot in the batting order now that Hunter is in Detroit.

Angels 5K & 1 Mile Kids Fun Run/Walk Race

 

Register for the Angels 5K & 1 Mile Kids Fun Run/Walk Hey Angels Fans! Looking for a challenge? Ever dream of running on the same warning track as Mike Trout? Sign up today for the third annual Angels 5K & 1 Mile Kids Fun Run/Walk taking place on Saturday, March 30th! Participants will run and walk on a course that goes throughout Angel Stadium, including around the infield warning track. The first 5,000 participants will receive a commemorative dri tech t-shirt and a voucher to the game on March 30th when the Angels host the Los Angeles Dodgers. New this year is a health expo adjacent to the finish line! For more details on the Angels 5K & 1 Mile Kids Fun Run/Walk or to sign up today, visit angels.com/5K. Early bird prices are good through February 24th. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Angels Baseball Foundation and their continuing efforts to improve the lives of children in our community. (Angels)



Angels Avoid Arbitration with Tommy Hanson and Jason Vargas

 

Just like with Jerome Williams, the Angels avoided arbitration with their newly acquired pitchers Tommy Hanson and Jason Vargas.

 

Angels settled on a $8.5 million contract with Jason Vargas and a $3.725 million deal with Tommy Hanson. Which to me is a very good deal. READ FULL STORY CLICK HERE



Angels and Jerome Williams agree to $2 million deal

 

It is nice that the Angels and Jerome Williams were able to avoid arbitration because none wants to go through that. Jerome will be a nice back up in the rotation and a long man in the bullpen.

 

Williams, went 6-8 with a 4.58 ERA in 32 games while making $820,000 for the Angels this past season. He wont be eligible for free agency until after the 2014 season.

Angels are lettinng pitcher Reyes out of contract

 

From the Angels website:

 

The Angels and Jo-Jo Reyes are finalizing an agreement that would release the veteran left-hander from his contract and allow him to join the SK Wyverns of the Korean League, sources confirmed to MLB.com on Wednesday.

Reyes, 28, signed a Minor League deal with a Spring Training invite in November, and was going to start for the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees in 2013. When SK recently asked for permission to negotiate with Reyes' agency, though, the Halos granted it. And as of Wednesday morning, the Angels and Reyes' representation were finalizing parallel negotiations with SK that would get him to play for a more lucrative contract in the Far East and would bring the Halos compensation. The move, however, is not yet done. Originally a second-round pick by the Braves in the 2003 First-Year Player Draft, Reyes went 12-26 with a 6.05 ERA in 334 2/3 Major League innings from 2007-11, pitching for the Blue Jays and Orioles in that final season. In 2012, he went 6-2 with a 2.67 ERA in 17 games (nine starts) for the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate. (Angels)

Angels invite 20 of their top prospects to Spring Training

Kaleb Cowart is going to get his first taste of spring training along with 19 other top prospects.  Outfielder Randal Grichuk, starter A.J. Schugel, shortstop Eric Stamets and second baseman Alex Yarbrough are some of the guys that will joining Kaleb in Tempe,AZ.

 

I really hope that if Kaleb Cowart shows he could hit in spring training that they will give him a opportunity to play 3rd in the bigs. I understand that many feel like he is 1-2 years away but if he is able to hit right now why would the Angels not want to see what he could do. I feel it will be nice because he won't have pressure to be a huge impact and he will be ale to relax and just play his game with the line up that the Angels will be putting out.

 

From the Angels website:

 

ANAHEIM -- The Angels announced 21 non-roster players who will be joining those on the 40-man roster in Spring Training next month. The list includes five Top 20 prospects getting their first invite to big league camp (third baseman Kaleb Cowart, outfielder Randal Grichuk, starter A.J. Schugel, shortstop Eric Stamets and second baseman Alex Yarbrough). They'll be joined by 10 veterans signed to Minor League contracts this offseason (pitchers Billy Buckner, Tony Pena, Jo-Jo Reyes and Mitch Stetter, catcher Luke Carlin, infielders Brendan Harris and Luis Rodriguez, and outfielders Trent Oeltjen, J.B. Shuck and Matt Young) and four highly regarded Minor Leaguers making return visits (catchers Jett Bandy and Carlos Ramirez, and infielders Taylor Lindsey and Efren Navarro). Reliever Kevin Johnson, who split time in Double-A and Triple-A last year, and catcher Zach Wright, coming off his first season in pro ball, are also getting their first spring invites. Veteran reliever Fernando Cabrera, who recently agreed to terms on a Minor League contract, is expected to be added to the group once his deal is finalized. First baseman C.J. Cron, ranked as the second-best prospect in the Angels' system and coming off a year in which he drove in 123 runs for Class A Inland Empire, didn't get his first invitation while continuing to rehab from shoulder surgery. Angels pitchers and catchers report to Tempe Diablo Stadium on Feb. 11 and have their first workout the following day; the rest of the position players report Feb. 14 and take part in the first full-squad workout Feb. 15. Here are some things to watch for from the non-roster invitees:Position battles: The Angels' 25-man roster is essentially solidified, but there are still a few competitions left unresolved: Backup catcher, backup infielder, final outfielder and seventh reliever. John Hester and Hank Conger figure to compete for the backup catcher spot behind Chris Iannetta, but Ramirez and Carlin could make a run at it with a strong camp. Harris and Rodriguez will be competing against Andrew Romine and Thomas Field for the backup infielder spot left vacated by Maicer Izturis. Vernon Wells will be the first outfielder off the bench, but behind him it'll be Kole Calhoun competing against an array of fellow lefty-hitting outfielders obtained this winter -- Oeltjen, Shuck, Young and Scott Cousins, who was claimed off waivers. The identity of the final reliever -- who will join a bullpen that includes Ryan Madson, Sean Burnett, Ernesto Frieri, Kevin Jepsen, Scott Downs and Jerome Williams -- is seemingly the most unclear. In-house guys like Garrett Richards, Nick Maronde, Bobby Cassevah, David Carpenter, Ryan Brasier, Steve Geltz, Michael Kohn and Andrew Taylor will all get looks. But Johnson, Pena, Stetter and Brandon Sisk, acquired in exchange for Ervin Santana, can also make a run for it. Top prospects: The most intriguing is Cowart, who ranks No. 1 in the Angels' system and will be heading into his first season of Double-A. The 20-year-old switch-hitter is coming off a nice season for both of the Angels' Class A affiliates and could make some serious strides toward an everyday job in the Majors with a strong 2013. The 12th-ranked Grichuk, known mostly for being the outfielder drafted one spot ahead of Mike Trout in 2009, is starting to come into his own at age 21, batting .298 with 18 homers for Class A Inland Empire last year. He, too, is expected to get his first crack at Double-A this year. The 23-year-old Schugel, ranked 14th in the Angels' system, posted a 2.98 ERA in 27 starts for Double-A Arkansas in 2012. New starting-pitching depth: The Angels figure to have an experienced Triple-A starting rotation, providing the Major League club with some necessary depth beyond its five starters. Reyes (12-26, 6.05 ERA in 334 2/3 innings) and Buckner (6-11, 6.25 ERA in 138 1/3 innings) have legitimate Major League experience and figure to be joined by Barry Enright (7-11, 5.13 ERA, 140 1/3 innings) and Brad Mills (3-3, 7.76 ERA in 53 1/3 innings). (MLB)

Mike Trout and Josh Hamilton are not going to play in the WBC

I must admit I have mix feeling about not having Josh Hamilton and Mike Trout not playing for the USA in the WBC because everyone says that the best baseball is played in the US, however, when the WBC comes along the USA has not taken the tournament which it probably due to the lack of players that are ok playing in the WBC. In addition, I am ok with them not playing in the WBC because they do run the rick of getting hurt which will put the Angels season at risk.

 

However, Albert Pujols might play in the WBC for the Dominican Team which I don't like at all because he is recovering for a knee surgery and I would not want him to rush the recovery just to play.

 

From the Angels:

 

ANAHEIM -- Mike Trout and Josh Hamilton aren't expected to play in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, but Albert Pujols could. The Angels first baseman plans on suiting up for the Dominican Republic in the Classic as long as his surgically repaired right knee continues to feel good, his agent, Dan Lozano, told MLB.com.Pujols underwent a minor arthroscopic procedure to clean up the knee early in the offseason, and Lozano said in an e-mail on Saturday that he "feels great so far." Asked if Pujols will play for his home country, barring an unforeseen setback, Lozano said: "At this point, yes." But Pujols could still test the knee in Spring Training and opt out if he doesn't feel comfortable. Angels position players report to Tempe, Ariz., on Feb. 14, and players will begin practicing with their corresponding Classic teams in early March. The Dominican squad is in Pool C -- along with Venezuela, Spain and Puerto Rico -- and will begin first-round play March 7 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.Pujols, who turns 33 on Wednesday, played in the inaugural Classic in 2006, batting .286 with one homer for a Dominican team that lost to Cuba in the semifinals. He begrudgingly opted out of the '09 version because underwriters of the Classic were unwilling to provide insurance for his participation following offseason elbow surgery.Provisional rosters for all 16 nations will be announced Thursday, and Pujols may be the only Angels representative. Trout's agent, Craig Landis, told the Los Angeles Times that his client informed Classic officials early on that he wouldn't participate because he "just wanted a regular Spring Training preparation" -- which he was robbed of last year due to a nasty virus and shoulder tendinitis. Additionally, Hamilton said during his introductory news conference in December that he didn't plan to play for Team USA -- which is in Pool D with Italy, Mexico and Canada -- and Mark Trumbo hadn't received a call from manager Joe Torre as of Thursday. Third baseman Alberto Callaspo also will not be playing for Venezuela, his agent, Eric Goldschmidt, said. (MLB)

2nd Annual Home Run Challenge Jan 12th 2013

 

Join Trinity Bat Company this January ^12th and experience the Second Annual Trinity Bat Co. Home Run Challenge hosted at Mater Dei High School Baseball. Come out for this exclusive event and help support Cory Hahn with all proceeds being donated to the Cory Hahn Fund. Only $10.00 will get a ticket into a community fighting with Cory and a front row seat to a big league derby. High school, college and open (adult), will compete for the ultimate prize.

Following the competition will be an opportunity to watch big league batters up close and personal, competing for bragging rights while putting on an unforgettable hitting display. Event participants will dine on some of Southern California’s best food trucks, have the opportunity to get autographs from MLB players and get a chance to have their photo taken by the Orange County Register, and be on FOX Sports West - Angels Monthly. Be a part of our silent auction and raffle and have a chance to win signed memorabilia. Come on out with the baseball community and help Cory fight! #CORYHAHN

Details

What: 2nd Annual Trinity Bat Co. Home Run Challenge
Where: Mater Dei High School - 1202 West Edinger Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92707
When: January 12, 2013. 10 am - 4 pm
Who: Top High School & Collegiate Stars & Big League Stars (past, present and future) and many more and you!
Why: Raise funds and awareness for the Cory Hahn Fund and have fun at an exclusive event!

Food: Gourmet Food Trucks - Burger Monster, Macho Nacho, Mustache Mikes, Chick Fil A - From 10 - 2

Parking: Main Lot "Monarch Way" off of Edinger, Second lot off of Bristol just North of Edinger

Tickets: Purchase before the event below or at the two Gate locations off of Monarch Way or Bristol St.

 

(Trinity Bat CO)

 

WHO WILL BE ATTENDING THE HR CHALLENGE

Steve Garvey - Dodgers (Not Hitting)

Mark Trumbo - Angels (Not Hitting)

Travis Witherspoon - Angels

Ian Stewart - Cubs

Trayvon Robinson - Orioles

Brandon Barnes - Astros

Daric Barton - A's

Cody Decker - Padres

Nolan Arenado - Rockies

Nick Ramirez - Brewers

Cole Garner - Brewers

David Nick - Diamondbacks (Not Hitting)

Matt Scioscia - Angels

Trayce Thompson - White Sox

Tyler Rahmatulla - Cardinals

Aaron Northcraft - Braves

Bryan Nicholson - Giants

Connor Burke - Marlins

Danny Muno - Mets

Ryan Garvey - Rockies

Keith Castillo - Rays

Matthew Young - Cardinals

Jason Thomas - Hawaii Stars

Vahn Bozoian - USC

Ty Moore - UCLA

Colton Plaia - LMU

Domingo Ayala - NA

High School Round

Jeremy Martinez - Mater Dei HS
Brian Soper - Mater Dei HS
Tyler Adkison - Mater Dei HS
Tommy Hagen - Claremont HS
Abelardo Blanchet - Irvine HS
Tanner Gilmore - Bonita HS
David Gammage - Heritage HS
Philip Prendergast - South Bay Faith Academy
Stephen Lohr - Cypress HS



MLB is Adding Cell Phone in the Dugout and Bullpen

 

MLB is getting a upgrade with their communication by adding T-Mobile cell phones for their dugout and bullpen phones.

 

T-Mobile USA, Inc. and Major League Baseball (MLB) announced today at the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that T-Mobile is now the Official Wireless Sponsor of MLB. As part of the multi-year, multi-million dollar partnership, T-Mobile will work with MLB and its industry-leading digital media and technology company, MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM), to enhance America’s National Pastime on and off the field with game-changing wireless capabilities. This marks the first time in more than a decade that MLB has partnered with a major wireless provider.

Under the agreement, T-Mobile will provide MLB with a new On-Field Communication System, powered by T-Mobile’s powerful nationwide network technology. The first use of this technology will be in a wireless voice system connecting managers in select Major League dugouts to coaches in bullpens. This dugout-to-bullpen system will start to roll out in 2013 and the new On-Field Communication System solution will offer greater mobility as well as options for future innovation within the game.
“We look forward to working with Major League Baseball and are excited they have chosen T-Mobile’s technology to power a new, in-game communication system at ballparks across the country,” said Mike Sievert, chief marketing officer, T-Mobile USA. “Unlike a typical sponsorship, we’re approaching this partnership as a collaboration in which T-Mobile, MLB and MLBAM will work together to evolve the game with exciting new technology innovation enhancing the experience for customers and fans.”
“T-Mobile has made a significant commitment to Major League Baseball across our game and business and its innovative drive and expertise in wireless technology will be an outstanding addition to the baseball industry,” said Tim Brosnan, MLB executive vice president, business. “T-Mobile has been an impact player in the wireless industry and we look forward to their innovative spirit positively influencing the game and the way fans enjoy it.”
In collaboration with MLBAM, T-Mobile also will tap the power of its nationwide 4G network, currently available in 229 metro areas, reaching more than 220 million people, to further enhance and broaden network coverage and connectivity for fans in MLB ballparks. This past season, Major League Baseball recorded its fifth best attendance year in its long and storied history by attracting more than 74.8 million fans to regular season games.
Additionally, MLBAM, which develops, deploys and distributes the top-ranked sports mobile application of all-time in MLB.com At Bat, will work with T-Mobile to enrich the digital experience on its smartphones and tablets, create custom, compelling content exclusively for its customers, as well as develop promotional opportunities and unique offers for MLB.com content.
“Baseball is America’s number one digitally consumed sport and today’s baseball fan is technologically savvy and data hungry, which makes this partnership a great opportunity for not only baseball enthusiasts, but millions of T-Mobile customers,” added Sievert.
“The underpinning of a partnership with a key provider like T-Mobile mirrors baseball’s long-held belief in leveraging and implementing wireless technology to deliver first-rate products and services to the industry and our fans,” said Bob Bowman, president and chief executive officer, MLBAM. “T-Mobile will play an important role as we continue that focus on bringing top-notch content, connectivity and customizable experiences to consumers wherever they are.”
The T-Mobile investment in baseball is a comprehensive, multi-faceted marketing approach which will include partnerships with national broadcast partners FOX, Turner, MLB Network, and ESPN. T-Mobile will be the Presenting Sponsor of ESPN’s Wednesday Night Baseball, including on-air, digital, and mobile sponsorship initiatives, in addition to features on ESPN’s Baseball Tonight. T-Mobile and Major League Baseball also will develop marquee media opportunities and marketing extensions at events throughout the year, as well as local sponsorships with select MLB Clubs. Currently, T-Mobile is a sponsor of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Seattle Mariners.(MLB)

None elected in to the 2013 MLB Hall of Fame by the BBWAA

This year the annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be a very lonely place because none was elected for just the second time since 1971. The 2013 ballot featured 37 candidates, with 13 returnees and 24 newcomers. Some noticeable players on this years ballot are:

Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens,Biggio,Sammy Sosa,Piazza

 

However, like many know this years ballot was very interesting because of the whole steroids era. Of course players like Bonds, Clements and Palmeiro are in this years ballot which all of them have been proven steriod users. I am not surprise that none that has been tied to steriods got in the Hall of Fame but I feel the voters got some of the voting wrong for example

 

Craig Biggio, Jack Morris and Lee Smith. I feel like Craig Biggio was a very good player who part is of the 3,000th hit club and was one of the best 2nd base of his time.

 

Jack Morris was the one of the best pitchers of his generations. He was a 3 x WS Champ with a WS MVP. He was a very good pitcher that knew how to finish games. He just knew how to win no matter what it took and I feel because he pitch so many inning his ERA is high for the Hall of Fame but keep in mind the era he played in which will even out his ERA to others in HOF.

 

As for Lee Smith it is very simple he was the best closer of his time with 478 SV which at the time was the record for saves. He also pitched 1289.1 inning which is a lot of innings for a closer because he would be used for more then just one inning. And if you retire holding a record of a main stat you deserve to get in to the Hall of Fame 

 

However, I have a huge issue with the voting his year because I feel like the Hall of Fame voters are making the Hall of Fame voting a witch hunt because I feel like the voters are bringing their own judgements to the voting aspect. For example even if a play has never been accused of using steroids but the voter feels like the player has used steroids then the voter might not vote for the player because of his own judgement even if he has the numbers to get into the Hall of Fame. I feel like that is not going to be fair for players that played in the steroid era but never took steroids. I feel players like Biggio have been affected by this and many others in the future will be victims of this as well. So the BBWAA need to find a agreement that everyone could follow so this Hall of Fame voting does not become a joke.

            I feel there has to be a guideline like if you tested positive for steroids then you should not be on the ballot at all or else the BBWAA members will always be conflicted with the question of who took steroids? who did not? and I feel like that will make this a huge big joke.

 

            Or the one thing I would like to see happen is for the BBWAA to just accepted the fact that players took steroids because the writers that are voting for this players where making a lot of money writing about all the HR records that Bonds, Sosa and Mark were breaking. So why are the writers turning their back of this players that made them money and gave them stories to write that probably allow them to put them in a better positions then what they where at before. I just feel like that will be the fairest thing because both sides gain from the steroid era so why not just accepted and turn the page.

		The Following list is the 2013 Hall of Fame voting results (MLB) Player (Years on ballot) Total Votes Percentage Craig Biggio (1) 388 68.2 Jack Morris (14) 385 67.7 Jeff Bagwell (3) 339 59.6 Mike Piazza (1) 329 57.8 Tim Raines (6) 297 52.2 Lee Smith (11) 272 47.8 Curt Schilling (1) 221 38.8 Roger Clemens (1) 214 37.6 Barry Bonds (1) 206 36.2 Edgar Martinez (4) 204 35.9 Alan Trammell (12) 191 33.6 Larry Walker (3) 123 21.6 Fred McGriff (4) 118 20.7 Dale Murphy (15) 106 18.6 Mark McGwire (7) 96 16.9 Don Mattingly (13) 75 13.2 Sammy Sosa (1) 71 12.5 Rafael Palmeiro (3) 50 8.8 Bernie Williams (2) 19 3.3 Kenny Lofton (1) 18 3.2 Sandy Alomar Jr. (1) 16 2.8 Julio Franco (1) 6 1.1 David Wells (1) 5 0.9 Steve Finley (1) 4 0.7 Shawn Green (1) 2 0.4 Aaron Sele (1) 1 0.2 Jeff Cirillo (1) 0 0 Royce Clayton (1) 0 0 Jeff Conine (1) 0 0 Roberto Hernandez (1) 0 0 Ryan Klesko (1) 0 0 Jose Mesa (1) 0 0 Reggie Sanders (1) 0 0 Mike Stanton (1) 0 0 Todd Walker (1) 0 0 Rondell White (1) 0 0 Woody Williams (1) 0 0
		
		
		      



Will Peter Bourjos Step Up as a Everyday Player?

I have been reading a lot of articles on the web that are wondering if Peter Bourjos is going to be able to cut it as a everyday player?

 

However, two seasons ago when the Angels needed a outfielder and someone to score runs, the Angels counted on Peter to fill some of that void. In 147 games he had 502 AB with 72 runs scored, 12HRs, 43RBIs, .274 BA and a .327OPS, and this was without Albert and Josh in the lineup. I feel like Peter will be able to come close to what he did in 2011 with a strong lineup. Peter defence will always be there and his speed will be a extra. I understand that last season he did not do good but keep in mind he was always wondering if he was going to play or not. He was always under a microscope and a player is not able to be themselves if they are always looking over their shoulder.

 

So overall I do have faith that Peter will be a very good job as a everyday player. He will not be required to be another Mike Trout or anything near but he will be a very good spark on the bottom of the lineup.

Angels Offense Might be The Best In Baseball

 

Mark Trumbo could make Angels' offense special. With Josh Hamilton, Albert Pujols and Mike Trout  which where  three hitters who ranked within the top 12 in the American League in OPS last season -- their 2013 lineup guarantees to be something fierce. But if Mark Trumbo can recover from a brutal second half and recapture the success that made him an All-Star leading up to it, then the Angels really have something special. Click Here to Finish Reading the Article

For Sale a Zombie-Proof Vehicle

 

CJ Wilson has launched the Zombie-Proof Mazda CX-5 out of his Illinois-based Mazda dealership. Wilson created the model because, “what if we really did need to run and not look back?”

The new car features a luggage rack with extra gas cans, spare tires, sledge hammers and a pick axe "just in case the undead get too close."

According to Wilson, “In a class-MPG-leader like the CX5 Z-Day Edition you really have your best chance to get to point B safely. The platform lends itself to customization…” The MLB pitcher and his dealership know a thing or two about customizing the CX-5. We’ve covered his daily driver here, and he clearly knows how to put a great aftermarket touch on the crossover. Dealership GM, Eric Vates broke down the equipment a little more, “With its knobby off road tires and aggressive stance plus overhead luggage rack complete with extra gas cans, spare and sledge hammer and pick axe (just in case the undead get too close) and full brush guards and off road lighting (power grid will probably be down) this is the vehicle to cruise to safety.” He continued, “The package retails for only $7995 and can be added to any cx5 with any trim level.”

If you are on the run from the undead and have a larger family, the boys at CJ Wilson Mazda are working on a CX-9. Wilson also brought up the impressive capability of this custom CX-5, “Our previous experience at CJW Mazda has been about putting more Zoom-zoom into Mazdas– and this one just shows that we can go in the other direction and make vehicles tougher and more off-road capable as well.” Well, Zombie apocalypse, or not, this would be a terrific crossover to have in the stable and more proof that crossover doesn’t have to mean “soft-roader.” (Bold Ride)

I think CJ has seen too many movies but I must admit the CX-5 is pretty cool.