1. Websites don't want to write about the Angels, even when they have incredible games, like game 2 of this series.
I'm actually surprised. Not so much surprised that they didn't write about the Angels, because God knows that the East Coast bias wouldn't allow that. But surprised, because it's the Yankees. There really wasn't much about it other than Garret Anderson's incredible night. The only other thing they wrote about was A-Rod's 2 solo shots, and that's it. But there was so much more about that game than the home run hits, no matter who hit them. How about Mussina, who was supposed to be a tough pitcher last night, leaving after 1 2/3 innings? What about the billions of hits, and walks, and all the run support that Escobar is usually not very accustomed to? And it wasn't even close to being a great game for Escobar himself, even if he did get the win. I'm just surprised that the sites didn't say more about the Yankees, since they are part of that East Coast bias. Maybe they're trying to save face, after all the writing they did on how wonderful the Yankees are and how great they've been playing lately, only to have their streak squashed by a West Coast team that they give so little credit to, no matter if it was their best game of the year or not. I guess they figure if they don't write anything about it, no one will notice that the Angels are a better team.
2. A-Rod really is probably the best baseball player currently playing.
But that still doesn't mean I have to like him. In fact, I really don't like his attitude. He probably is a decent guy, and I'm probably being way too critical and judgmental, but that's my prerogative. So sue me. But even still, I won't take from the fact that he's amazing, and even though I don't like him, watching him is crazy. He knows what he's doing. Though playing third base has put on some poundage for him (ha!), I bet he was even better to watch at short stop. Too bad I wasn't paying attention to baseball then, and all I have is the now.
3. Though Garret Anderson has a low batting average, he really does have a great eye.
I was reading an article in the LA Times about him today. They actually talked to him about game 2, and the slump he's been in this year. He's not hitting nearly as well as he has in the past, dipping lower in his average than he ever has. However, aside from his injuries and mechanics, GA really does have a great eye. He's patient, waits for his pitch, and is pretty good about getting the bat on the ball. Even if he lines or pops out or whatever, he doesn't strike out too often. So even though his 10 RBIs and 2 home runs yesterday seems like a rare occurrence, I'm not going to count Anderson's day as a fluke. In the article, he said he's been consistent with his swing and not tried to make adjustments to over compensate for his slump. It's important, he says, to stay consistent. And hopefully he'll prove that. Even in today's loss, he kept making contact.
4. Reggie Willits is definitely in a slump, but I still think he exemplifies small-ball excellence.
He's been striking out like a madman lately. It's really unfortunate to watch his at-bats and see his frustration, which he definitely shows after every single one. But he still is doing something right; if he goes back to what he was doing earlier, when he was batting .330, and keeps consistent even when he starts to slump, Reggie will be just fine. Every player goes through it. And I don't think his stint in the top 5 in AL batting averages was a fluke either. He just needs to not make too many adjustments, and heed Garret's advice on the issue. But even with the striking out, it's rare for Willits not to get to 3-2, milking at least 8 pitches from the pitcher at each plate appearance. And especially as a lead-off, that's his job - to allow everyone to see as many pitches as possible. This is what has made Figgins so successful this year. Not only does he get on-base by hitting, he gets on base by walking and by showing a billion pitches. You just have to give Reggie some credit. The guy has walked almost 60 times this year, none of which were intentional that I can recall (and I'm pretty certain on that issue), and didn't play nearly as many games as some of the people at the top of that stat.
5. Each game is a totally new animal.
Yes, the momentum from a prior game win, I'm sure, gives the team confidence to go out and try to repeat. But, every game scenario is different, even if you're playing the same team. Today's game really proved that. After an 18 run game yesterday, the Angels only scored twice, and didn't have many hits to stretch the entire game. You can't expect from one day to the next to be completely consistent. That IS the idea, but there are so many strategic and even uncontrollable variables in the game of baseball that you can't expect the same results every night. Too bad the Angels used up all their hits last night... ha! and finally...
6. Nothing good comes out of New York...
Ok, I know that's a lie. And this proves it.
Seriously, the most amazing thing to ever come out of New York.
And if you don't agree... tsk tsk...
I should be nice, they're probably all Yankees fans... ha! The Reign of Kindo, you guys are seriously amazing. The End.
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