I'm not sure if this is really that big of a surprise considering the NYY offseason and the state of the economy, but I thought it would be interesting to get everyone's take on this.

I have mixed feelings on the topic.  Instead of the NYY being in on virtually every free agent, it may open up opportunites to smaller market teams.  But, then again, should MLB tell someone how to spend their money? 

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9080116/Some-baseball-owners-call-for-salary-cap?MSNHPHMA

The self proclaimed 2008 AL West Champions have apparently settled on their new manager.

http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/mariners/2008/11/18/wakamatsu_gets_job.html

Wakamatsu is no stranger to this division having spent time with both the A's and Rangers.  Thoughts and insight?  I was personally a little surprised by the choice, but I have not really been following the hunt for their next manager.  Spring time can not come quick enough......reaction!

I like your team's style of ball and sure I am partial to your manager.   I am so goddammed tired of Boston...I'm tired of them outnumbering us at the Big A and I'm tired of their tool shed fans with their Yooooooouuuuukilis chants.  Yesterday was a tough loss (SLIGHT understatement) that caused many of us Angel fans to have a sleepless night followed by a 6am alcoholic beverage so we could muster up the courage to go to work this morning (okay, maybe that last part was just me).  Piss on their parade and embarass them.

Just take those pricks out to the shed and beat the living daylights out of them.  Rest assured, you just gained the support of every Angel fan at about 8:45 pm last night.  GOOD LUCK RAYS!!!!!

I was doing my daily search on mlbtraderumors.com and came across the following:

Mark Teixeira for Quinlan and Woody.  This is referenced on twincities.com, under Charley Walter's section.  Link:

this can't be true

I am sure that this is, as the blurb states, "rumor", however I thought that it might spur some good conversation.  I did a quick search for Teixeira's fielding stats at 3B where he played briefly in 2003 (stats provided by armchairgm.com).  In 99 innings he had an .811 fielding % with 7 errors.  He is eligible for free agency after this year. 

Just thought it was interesting as my boredom seeks an Angel's fix.....HAVE AT IT!

Here is an article on Aybar by Ken Rosenthal....

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8071310/Aybar-is-latest-sign-of-Angels'-player-development

Hopefully I got this link right.  Any thoughts?  Rosenthal bashings?  It's interesting to pull up Fox Sports and have an article on the Angels!  Does Aybar have any Yankee or Red Sox connections I am unaware of?  Distant cousin of Theo?  Possibly the long lost illegitimate son of George Steinbrenner?  Just trying to get in my 75 words.

Since it is likely inevitable that we will face the Sox in any postseason effort and given our track record against them, I thought I would lay out a couple of positives I have observed during these past two games in Bahston.

Kotchman has proven that he can hit left-handed pitching (admittedly a small sample size) with authority.  In 11 AB's he has posted a .500 OBP, .909 SLG, and a .455 average.  Good for Kotch as this is a huge step for him so far especially given his superior defensive skills.

Aybar has shocked me.  He has been hammering the ball and seems to be improving daily with the leather.  He has made some plays in the gap that are revealing of his natural ability and potential to be a great SS for years to come.  B. Wood perminentely to 3B?  Possibly.

Mathis has contributed immensily and is showing signs of the Mathis we have been hearing about for the past 4 years or so.  His pitch selection has allowed him to contribute in vital situations.

Shields looked good last night....especially given his track record at Fenway.  He recovered well after Izzie dropped the feed from Aybar.  I have to admit that I was a little worried about how he would handle an extra out.

Frankie looked good and was lights out last night.  He seemed to be pitching with a confidence that has been lacking (or maybe it has been my confidence) in previous outings.  His location was impecable and he was painting the corners.  His fastball (according to the scoreboard gun) was in the 92-94 range.  The changeup he threw to Ellsbury was devastating and it was clear that Ellsbury was fooled.

Yes, it has only been two games, but we surpassed our run total in our first game this season v. the BoSox than we accumulated in our entire '07 ALDS effort.  This is a good sign.  We are producing runs and are pounding the ball, exchanging blows with a quality, run producing powerhouse.  The result was frustrating on Tuesday to say the least, but Aybar and Mathis both showed that they are not intimidated by the stigmata of Fenway.  Boston threw a AAA pitcher at us in game 1 and a Lester with only 3 days rest in game 2, but we are without our 2 best starters as well.

Come October, when we have a healthy Kendrick and Lackey, I think we will be lookin' pretty darn good.  This is, of course, a small sampling, however I think alot of us get caught up in the negativity (myself included) produced from games v. Bahston and I think it is important to focus on some of these positive aspects.  Just some thoughts!!

Apparently Joe Lavin came across an early release of Canseco's book that is to be released April 1.  Kind of interesting...

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7952416?MSNHPHMA