For the last several years, the Angels have been a good hitting team, putting up a collective team batting average that is among the best in the league.  This year is no exception, as they lead the league in both avg. and in scoring.  The knock against the team has been that the Angels, without much HR power, need too many hits to score in the postseason, which is less likely to happen when facing superior pitchers.  So, I decided to take a look at what I'll call "hit efficiency."

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Within the linked article, we learn that Nick Adenhart was sent back down to SLC following last night's win and Jose Arredondo was recalled.  Arredondo has been putting up good numbers for the Bees this year.  This will be his second stint with the big club this spring, although he has yet to take the mound in a regular season game.  The article doesn't say how long he can expect to remain in Anaheim, but another roster move will be necessary before tomorrow's contest because...John "Big Thunder" Lackey will be making his long-awaited 2008 debut tomorrow night!

Derrick Turnbow, former Angel farmhand, who comes complete with 15.63 ERA and 3.95 WHIP in 6 1/3 IP this year (6.13 in the last three years), has been designated for assignment by the not exactly pitching rich Milwaukee Seligs...er, Brewers.  Remember when fans were furious that the Angels let him go?  Umm...yeah.  In 10 days, he could be had for the major league minimum!  Any takers?  Perhaps he should go back to using steroids.  He could be the next Eric Gagne.  Oh, wait...

Forbes magazine has just issued its list of MLB team valuations.  Arte's team came in 6th, at a cool $500 million.  Not bad; I believe he paid under $200 million when he purchased the team in 2003.  The top-5 were the usual suspects: Bronx Skankees, Queens Mets, Chowds, Wrigleys and the Brooklyns.  Note that all of the teams ahead of the Angels own their stadiums (actually not sure about the Mets), and so there's a good bit of land value in each of those.

Scot Shields is apparently ready to come off the DL when eligible today.  Frankly, I'd be wary about bringing the guy up after only one inning in the minors.

Rich Thompson's implosion last night makes him the most likely to be demoted to the SLC Bees (or whatever they're called these days).  Thompson has done nothing in his admittedly limited major league experience to justify his presence.  He has pitched 7 2/3 innings; 3 2/3 have come against Texas, and he's allowed 9 ER in that time (including last night).

OK, so I'm still giggling about the possible headline after last night's Rangers-Mariners game (Hamilton Scores Game Winning Jack Off Putz), and I noticed that the M's supposed King of Closers is now on the DL with a ribcage injury.  I think that's already one more major injury than the M's suffered all last year.