The April 25, 2016 edition of Los Angeles Angels news includes Albert Pujols moving up another spot on the all-time homer leaderboard, the 2016 All-Star voting kicking off, and more…
The Story: Albert Pujols snaps slump with 563rd home run
MWAH Says: There’s no better way to snap an 0-for-26 skid than with a one-hopper into the paint can. Albert is now tied with Reggie Jackson at 563 home runs, 13th on the all-time list. He’s now just 20 dingers shy of the top ten. Pujols added a single and two other hard-hit balls later in the game, so maybe he won’t hit under .150 this season after all.
The Story: 2016 All-Star Game voting now open
MWAH Says: C.J. Cron is listed as the Angels’ first baseman on the ballot, meaning Albert Pujols will have to best David Ortiz and the other DHs to start the All-Star Game rather than Chris Davis, et al. Not sure his chances are good either way, especially given his slow start. Mike Trout will probably again be the team’s only player to make the team via popular vote.
The Story: Tyler Skaggs ready for return, understands Halos’ plans
MWAH Says: Skaggs is understandably restless in Salt Lake, eager to return to Anaheim. I think it won’t be long before his starts in Triple-A start aligning with Matt Shoemaker’s outings for the Angels.
The Story: Nate Smith turns adversity into a learning experience for Salt Lake Bees
MWAH Says: Smith is off to a fantastic start in his second go through the PCL, posting a 1.75 ERA and 4.8 K/BB in 25.2 innings. With Smith as the next line of defense should any other Angels starter go down, it’s nice to see he’s finding success with his underwhelming stuff in such a hitter-friendly environment.
The Story: It’s hard to overstate how disappointing Erick Aybar’s been for the Braves
MWAH Says: This article refers to Aybar as “arguably the worst position player in all of baseball this season.” Ouch. Can you imagine how bad things would be for the Angels if they had yet another starter with a sub-.400 OPS? Way, way worse.
The Story: Cesar Ramos starting for the Rangers on Monday
MWAH Says: Things are getting super weird in Texas and we’re not even out of April yet. Ramos last started an MLB game in May 2014. If it goes well, there’s a chance he’ll face the Halos over the weekend.
The Story: Gender division in high-school baseball participation rates
MWAH Says: A really interesting look at how girls’ participation in high school baseball has remained stagnant (i.e. almost nonexistent) over the last 40 years despite a marked increase in participation across the board for other sports.
The Story: Walt Whitman, baseball reporter
MWAH Says: Short, but awesome.
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