This being a family website I will try to refrain from swearing in a long, comma laden string of profanity over tonight's game. If the Angels don't make the playoffs there will be a lot of reasons why. The terrible start highlighted by Albert Pujols worst month as a professional ballplayer. The inconsistent seasons by the vaunted starting rotation. The stubborn refusal to start Mike Trout over Vernon Wells for the first 30 games. The flippin' BULLPEN OF PERPETUAL SORROW. The four game sweep by the Rays. Losing three of four to the A's just a week ago. But tonight's loss will be right up there among the reasons the Angels could very well be watching October baseball. YOU HAVE TO WIN GAMES LIKE TONIGHT. YOU FREAKIN' CAN'T LOSE TO THE ROYALS. YOU CAN'T. End of story.
Game Notes
— Zack Grienke was the man tonight. This is why the trade was made and this is why the Angels will try to sign him long term. He was dealing the entire night and took a shutout into the ninth inning. I listened to the game on the radio so I can't really say one or another if Greinke had lost something after giving up the one out single the ended up getting him pulled.
— Kendrys Morales will be a beast next year. Of this there can be no denying.
Halo A Hole
We can argue the move to the pen by Scioscia till the end of time. I for one think it's the right move. Your closer is supposed to be able to come in a get the final outs. Again, listening on the radio I couldn't tell you if Grienke was tired or no, with 109 pitches thrown you're kind of in a no man's land. Frieri has, for the most part this season, been a capable closer. I'm not going to hang Mike Scioscia out. The blame lies on Ernesto for coming in a giving up back to back homers that led to the loss. Your best reliever should be able to close the door. Tonight, the door started to close on the Angels in October.
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