Link to pics here.

I attended a conference in Phoenix this week, we flew in on Sunday and met my cousin and his wife at Tempe Diablo for the split-squad Angels-Indians game. It was a perfect day, it felt so good to be at a game, in the sun, just watching the guys warm up.

The young ones were on the field first, and gradually the regulars trickled out. Howie, Aybar, Vernon, Torii, Trumbo - then, I swear the place went silent - here came Albert Pujols. In an Angels uniform.

I will always remember that moment, when it became 100% real to me that Albert Pujols is an Angel. Silent burst into a standing ovation, and he gave a little wave to the fans.

We sat behind the Angels dugout, lots of fans were there hoping for autographs but that time had passed. Except one of the players motioned to a middle-aged man to toss him his baseball and pen. He disappeared into the dugout for a minute, then tossed two balls back to the man and a teenage boy with him. As they walked up the steps I asked whose autograph they got? The man said proudly, "My son, Rodriguez. Number 45". But the beaming teen held up the ball he had just received, clearly signed 'Albert Pujols'. F-Rod had the nerve to ask Albert to sign baseballs for his dad & brother!

I took over 600 pictures, I think 300 of them were of Pujols. I kept checking back over at first base, almost afraid he wouldn't be there. Halfway through the game, as I took another series of Albert shots, Shelley said "I think you are in love with him". I think she may be right!

There aren't many ushers at Tempe Diablo, and they aren't fussy about where you sit, or where and when you stand. In Albert's last at-bat, I was hoping to catch his first home run as an Angel. Everything was set, here came the pitch - and suddenly a giant pink blob filled my frame. Mom ran down to tell her son she was leaving. It was only a single, but if it had been a homer I might have assaulted her.

We were treated to an Angels 20-hit, 17-2 win. The guys seemed to be having fun, Trumbo looked good, Richards pitched well, and if they can play like that during the regular season, we're going to have a great year!

Link to same pics.

This Tuesday night we attended the “Angels VIP Experience” we won in a grab bag purchased at the Angels for Animals fundraiser last month. Twenty of us lucky folk met our Angels rep Lindsey under the hats at 3:45, she took us to the Diamond Club patio where 5 players were available to meet and greet…

Howie Kendrick, Peter Bourjos, Mark Trumbo, Hank Conger and Mike Trout were there – our next World Series team! They didn’t have a lot of time since Mike had called a meeting before the game (thanks, Mike) but they did their best to chat and make sure everyone got the photos and (limit 2, please) autographs they wanted. My recollection of the very brief meetings:

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A lot of people around here are calling for Arte to fire Tony Reagins. I'm starting to believe it might be necessary as well as possible.

I have no idea where you get a new GM - are they groomed in the farm system? Hired from within the current Front Office? There are former GMs available, but they are unemployed for a reason.

If it was your decision, who would you hire to be the Angels new GM, and why?

... is there a scenario under which we could get Chone Figgins back without paying more than we think he's worth?

He seems absolutely miserable with Seattle. The Mariners fans (and most likely coaches/front office) are very unhappy with his performance. If our coaching staff thinks his slump is due to:

 not hitting leadoff, not playing 3rd, and missing the Angels organization/coaches/players -

 is there a way to "undo" his deal? Chone would have to give up some $$, but watching him this past series, it seems like a possibility both he and the Mariners would consider.

We could certainly use a leadoff hitter and a 3rd baseman, assuming returning home to Anaheim helps solve the problems he's having now.

Based only on my personal opinion and nothing that has any connection to reality, I think his absence has affected the team more than any of the other free agents who left. He used to compete with Bobby for stolen bases, smack Aybar if he made a poor play - who knows how much clubhouse chemistry he took with him?

Sigh.

Come back, Chone!

I've been calling the team store every few days to see if they have the patches yet. They usually say they are working with the family to decide which charity gets the proceeds.

Today they said the family is reluctant to be seen as "selling" Nick, they are not sure they want to release the patches.

I understand their reservation, but I believe most of the people who want the patch (I guess I am speaking for myself and my friends) really want to honor his memory by wearing the patch, along with the team.

I hope they decide it would be a good thing, because if they don't issue them, someone will start selling bootlegs.