I'm sure we all remember last year's articles on the Halos amazing ability to defy statistical analysis and post a record far in excess of their 'true' talent level.  We've had a few discussions just this year on the ways this is claimed to be the case, but until recently we'd actually been outmatched in terms of luck by teams like the Houston Astros and San Francisco Giants according to the number crunchers.  Well, no more.  Having just glanced at Baseball Prospectus' hilarious 'adjusted' standings we are once again tops in the majors with 8.1 wins over where we should be if there were any sabermetrics justice in the universe.  So give yourselves a pat on the back, Halos, because apparently, you haven't earned it.

OK, so there's been a LOT of rumblings here in the preseason about how the Angels are going to be worse than last year because we didn't replace Teixiera's production in the lineup.  I am finding it increasingly irritating; while I don't expect the Angels to win 100 games again, I think its silly to talk about having to replace the offensive production of a guy who was with us 1/3rd of the season. 

Lest we forget, the Angels were already on pace to win 100 games before Tex ever joined the team.  Our record before he ever took a swing in an Angels uniform was 66-40, well on pace to top 100.  Now, am I denying he helped us reach the coveted 100 game mark? Absolutely not, without his offense it is doubtful we make it.  However, it should be noted we DID NOT NEED his help to reach the playoffs.  Without him we likely win 93-95 games, face Tampa instead of Boston and still are 1 and done in the postseason.  In other words, losing Teixiera's offense costs us almost nothing.  When you factor in that Bobby Abreu is a better hitter than Garret Anderson, that Mike Napoli will likely get 400+ AB's this year, and that Kendry Morales is almost certainly Casey Kotchman's offensive equal or better at first, I'm not really seeing the cause for concern these guys keep talking about.

http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090320&content_id=4039346&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana

And thus far, the front office has seemed reluctant to give it to him.  Now, I like to think my general support for the front office is well known.  I've been willing to forgive some of their bad decisions and in the past their unwillingness to sign some of our franchise players has seemed like the smart move.  But there is a limit, and the buck stops here.  Our best, most consistent pitcher is ACTIVELY seeking an extension, and those guys are playing around?!  SIGN HIM ARTE!!!! This is not a hard decision.  Have Reagins get his **** together and GET A DEAL WORKED.

I know this might be a bit late, but I felt I had to comment on this.  With a hat tip to Rob at 6-4-2...

http://www.latimes.com/sports/printedition/la-sp-shaikin10-2008aug10,0,3425244.story

So if this article can be believed, Vlad would like to stick around and end his career as an Angel. Now far be it from me to question Reagins and I know Arte says he wants to keep Vlad around, but...DEAR ****ING LORD SIGN HIM NOW. THIS IS NOT A HARD QUESTION. 

Even at 75-80%, which is what he's been for most of the year, he's still put up around an .830 OPS, which we can certainly use.  More than that, he's been tearing it up since the break and I give it even money he'll finish the year with 30 or more HR's, a .300+ avg, and a .900+ OPS. In a year where for half the season he was struggling with a leg issue and poor luck.  If he wants to stay and he'll take a discount to do it, FOR GOD'S SAKE EXTEND HIM.  

So I'm watching Baseball Tonight just for giggles and the Angels highlight comes up.  Garko's HR, Mathis' GS, last out for the save, cursory mention of good offensive afternoon for HK, CK, and Jeff while the boxscore is shown, etc.  Standard.  Then they do a segment called inside pitch  and bring on Peter Gammons.  Are you sitting down?  Not drinking anything? OK, PETER GAMMONS says K-Rod should get serious MVP consideration.  Read that sentence again after you've finished your mental spittake.  Then consider that he has a point.  In a year where nobody in the AL has an OPS over 1.000 besides Milton Bradley, K-Rod is poised not just to break but to smash the single season saves record.  And when you consider how the Angels have won this year (consistently winning close contests, great record against tough opponents, pulling out the hard fought victories) I think the idea might have some merit.  I don't know if I'd give it to him, but Franky might be worth a top 5 vote, atleast.