Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (71-45) @ Cleveland Indians (51-66)
Starters: LAA – Trevor Bell (0-0, 6.75 ERA) CLE – Fausto Carmona (2-7, 6.37 ERA)
Game Info: 4:05 PM PT TV-Fox Sports West, Radio-KLAA 830 AM, KFWB, KWKW 1330 AM
Alright, Trevor Bell, let’s see what you got.
Mike Scioscia has already thrown down the gauntlet on Sean O’Sullivan that his rotation spot isn’t necessarily safe when Joe Saunders returns, so that warning probably goes double (at least) for you, Bell. The competition for the fifth starter spot should be a wide open competition and a strong performance against a lowly team like Cleveland would be a good start for Bell. This is your second start, so there is no excuse anymore for first-time jitters. This is the true test of your ability to succeed in the majors, and the slightest misstep could have you back in the minors before you know it, so you better make the most of it.
THREE Questions:
- Should Matt Palmer just warm up right from start of the game? Scioscia was ready to use Bell in relief last night and start Palmer tonight, so expect a real quick hook for Bell if he runs into any trouble early on.
- Why the hell is Torii Hunter batting sixth again? I get easing him back into the line-up in terms of giving him days off, but what does dropping him in the order accomplish? Was him getting the game-winning hit in first game back not prove that he’s ready to contribute already?
- Remember when everyone thought when Fausto Carmona was going to be an ace? Ha! That was funny. Good times.
TWO Predictions:
- The Angels score in double-digits but do so with hitting a single homer.
- Trevor Bell turns in a mediocre line, just good enough to pick up the win and another start, but not enough to make the Angels feel good about having him as a rotation regular.
ONE Wish:
- For Mike Napoli to boost his average by just a few points so that the Angels can officially say that every single one of their everyday players is hitting .300 or better. That would just be staggering.
ZERO Tolerance for… even playing a close game versus a Cleveland team that is largely starting a Triple-A line-up.
Leave your own questions, answers, predictions or wishes as a comment or just hang out with us during the game or even chat with us on twitter (@MonkeyWithAHalo).
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