Don't Blame Pujols for Hatcher's Exit

I've talked to Mickey Hatcher a couple of times at Fan Fest and other autograph opportunities.  He's a really great guy!  Always positive, always happy and always encouraging.  His wife seats near our season tickets, and she is always friendly and sweet.  Mickey is like a Rex Hudler.  A fan favorite and a strong hold in the community.  He is a presence with the Angels that will be missed, but sometimes even nice guys don't get the job done.

That said, I'm tired of reading posts and tweets from angry fans claiming this is just the first change made by management that is directly related to Albert Pujols.  You know what?  That's not really true.  Let's be honest, our offense hasn't been getting it done for a couple of years now.  If anything, Mickey's close friendship with Manager Mike Scioscia is the reason Mickey didn't lose his job back in 2009.  Your offense has to to support the pitching with runs.  We have an incredible pitching staff.  Santana should not be 2 and 5. 

It's not Albert Pujol's fault that Mickey got fired, but I'm sure he was the straw the broke the camels back.  The signing of the greatest player in the MLB today and then his sudden, dismal hitting slump simply made the decision more clear.  Mickey had to go.  It happens, he will be fine, and Angels fans will always have a special place in their heart for Mickey Hatcher.

On a different note - so glad to see Santana get the win last night.  I just love his smile.



Ervin Santana and my son JD - Little League Day 4/22/12



Pujols Needs a Vacation!

I was just talking to a co-worker (who happens to be a fan of the Evil Empire and loves to rub it in when my Angels lose) and he casually asked me when Albert Pujols was going to hit that first home run.  "He already has!"  I snipped.  "Last night?" Yankee fan replied.  "No, it was a while ago, but it feels like forever ago."  I said.  The Yankee fan just chuckled in agreement.

It's almost painful to watch Pujols at bat these days.  I'm no expert at batting, but I know enough from watching Little League games to know when a batter is trying his hardest to pull the ball.  And Pujols looks almost desperate at the plate.  That same advice you give your son in Little League applies even now; "Relax", "Have Fun", "Stop trying to make every pitch a home run!"

I saw this on Facebook today on the MLB Memes page.  Sadly, there is truth in this!

While I know the season is young and there is still a lot of baseball ahead, the Angels lack of urgency worries me.  Compared to the 2002 World Series Champions, the demeanor the 2012 Angels is almost the same; casual, no worries, no sense of urgency.  The difference?  The 2002 Angels were relaxed and honestly had no idea they'd win it all that year.  The 2012 Angels are defending not only their pay roll, and Albert's signing, but the image now that they are a winning team.  Every successful person will tell you that winning is partly luck, but staying on top takes determination, focus, and drive.  Something the 2012 Angels desperately need to find in themselves... soon.

Short Homestand will Hopefully Light a Spark for the Halos!

Tonight, the Angels start a quick 4 game home stand with two games against the Oakland A's and two games against the Chicago White Sox.  They come home limping after a crucial series loss to Texas, Albert Pujols not gaining any head way out of his slump and with the announcement just a few minutes ago that Torii Hunter has been placed on the restricted list for personal reasons.  It's desperate times folks.  They need to be inspired.  They need a fire lit under their butts.  They need to find passion.  I'm hopeful this quick 4 home stand in Anaheim gives them the boost they need to break out of this slump.  What else can an Angels fan hope for?

It's very clear why the Angels aren't winning - they have simply lost all concentration and they are not mentally in the game.  I'm hoping the local fans give them a boost of confidence tonight.  I hope there are few boos.  Our boys need to know the fans are behind them for better or worse.  We know what they are capable of doing this season, and we fully expect things to turn around.

My son asked me last night if Pujol's career was over.  I laughed and told him that with his career numbers so far, it was crazy to entertain such a thought.  Impossible!  But still, we worry.  Because we are baseball fans, and baseball fans worry.  Things can only go up and improve from here for Albert.  You have to believe it will.

Let's go Halos!  I'll be watching - will you?