Around The Halo 3/3/2009

The Angels blasted the Colorado Rockies on Monday with a 12-3 victory, the club collected 20 hits including their first spring home runs.

Catcher Jeff Mathis launched two in his first two plate apperances and the Angels got another from Brandon Wood. Wood had an extremely impressive day going 3-4 with a single, double, home run and three RBI. 2006’s 23rd overall pick is the topic of discussion in both the OC Register and LA Times.

From my perspective I believe it’s time to see what Wood can do everyday and with Chone Figgins the team’s only viable lead-off candidate entrenched at third base the only option for Wood is at short-stop. Wood is more than capable as a defender and his offensive potential is vastly superior than Erick Aybar’s. The 24 year old Wood has very little to prove in the minor leagues and if he struggles with the Angels Aybar or Macier Izturis are more than capable options.

Monday’s starter John Lackey gives Lyle Spencer the low down on his conditioning and progress regarding building arm strength and command of his pitches. The LA Times also tried to get “Big John” to comment on the A’s improvements over the winter. Lackey told the Times Bill Shaikin, “We like our chances.”

In case you missed it in Saturday’s edition of the LA Times, Torii Hunter was featured regarding his efforts to revitalize Little Leagues around both Orange County and Los Angeles inner cities. Hunter has been assisting youth baseball programs since his days with the Minnesota Twins when he formed “The Torii Hunter Project” in 2007.

Kelvim Escobar discusses the fear he had that he’d thrown his last pitch in the Press Enterprise.

Manager Mike Scioscia says he will wait another week to 10 days before playing Vladimir Guerrero. Vlad had scar tissue removed from his knee in November 2008.

Today the Angels are off but will hold an intra-squad game featuring Ervin Santana. Wednesday the club will be facing South Africa’s entry in the WBC with Joe Saunders taking the mound for his first outing.