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