Yesterday in Tempe the Angels battered former Angel Bartolo Colon and the Chicago White Sox 13-3.
I must confess I was a bit worried about the Angels offense but they are looking spectacular this spring. They’ve scored 101 runs in their last 9 games. That’s ridiculous. My biggest worry was infield offense and so Erick Aybar, Howie Kendrick and Kendry Morales are bringing it.
However all three have been flexing their muscles, especially Aybar. If Aybar brings the doubles, triples and occasional homer like he has in Tempe, the Halos will have the lighting bolt at short many fans wanted Brandon Wood to be. Aybar is currently hitting .477 with 3 home-runs and nine extra base hits.
On Sunday Gary Matthews Jr. was told he would be used as an extra outfielder. Matthews was not happy and stormed out of the managers office and was given the day off according to MLB.com. Monday, Matthews was back and spoke to the media.
“Based on how I recovered from surgery and how I’ve performed this spring, my opinion is that I’m an everyday player,” Matthews said. “I discussed this [with Scioscia and Reagins]. We agree to disagree at this point.
At this point the Angels who are big on clubhouse chemistry have to hope that Matthews will no become a distraction. Even if Matthews waives his no-trade clause, the Angels will be hard pressed to move him. He is not under reasonable contract where the Angels could get something useful in return like the Jose Guillen situation.
Matthews will not be a starter at least for now, but he will play quite a bit. He’s a better defender than Guerrero, Abreu and Rivera at this point so he could be used as a defensive replacement, and pinch hitter. Also with the way Mike Scioscia likes to shuffle his lineup it’s quite possible Matthews could platoon with Juan Rivera.
There is a story out that the Cincinatti Reds have interest. The Angels would be looking for starting pitching now that they’ve learned that John Lackey will be out until May. Plus there is the continued speculation as to the availability of Jake Peavy.
Joe Saunders appears to be on schedule to be the opening day starter on April 6th in Anaheim. Mike Napoli is also on schedule to open the season at catcher.
This afternoon in Tempe Nick Adenhart will take on the Chicago Cubs. The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports Net at 1 pm.
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