Early trouble for Santana
July 3, 2009 | 8:57
pm
Ervin Santana's first start off the DL: less than stellar.
He hit the second batter of the game, the third reached on an error and then allowed a single to load the bases. Luke Scott hit a two-RBI double.
In the third, he gave up three straight hits, a single, double and home run. 5-0. In the fourth, Brian Roberts single and scored when Nick Markakis' bloop to left-center dropped.
Santana's curve moved well but his fastball was either out of the strike zone or dead center of it, allowing batters to connect. Still, Manager Mike Scioscia let him finish the fifth inning.
-- Bill Brink
Photo: Angel's pitcher Ervin Santana pitches in his win over Seattle at Anaheim Stadium in April. Credit: Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times
I think everyone can agree this team is better off with Santana on the DL. I think I'll add Vlad on that list too. I just don't know about this Angels team though. I think they'll be lucky to end up the season at .500. What was that by Figgins in the 7th? That was dumb. He seems to be too concerned about his personal stats. I guess more steals will get him more moola. He seems to be slowing down a lot in his old age.
The Angels really need to take a serious look at this team. Do they plan to re-sign Vlad, Figgins or Lackey? If not trade them this year. I don't think Torii can take another run-in with a wall. He's doing great but if he goes on the DL the Angels will be in trouble. So look at this team. Are the Angels serious about the playoffs this year? If not teams will give them quite a bit for players like Figgins and Lackey. I don't know about Vlad but maybe someone will.
Posted by: Brian | July 03, 2009 at 09:31 PM
Another disgusting loss this week. This Angels team just isn't cutting it. To lose two of three to the lousy Rangers and now this game to the mediocre Orioles is unacceptable. Will this Angels team ever get their act together?
Posted by: Brian | July 03, 2009 at 10:12 PM
It's time to shut him down for the season. Something obviously isn't right with him and it's not a good thing to keep bringing him back when so much money was invested in him for the next few years.
Posted by: Brian C. | July 04, 2009 at 01:15 PM
Time to sit Vladdy. It seems like every time the Angels have a rally going, Vlad gets up and hits into a double play or pops up on a pitch up and in. He's had sufficient time to find himself since coming off the D/L. Scoscia needs to put Napoli in the DH and keep Mathis behind the plate most of the time. Guerrero has been a great player but it's not there right now and they can't afford the kind of outs he's making.
Posted by: Roger | July 04, 2009 at 08:54 PM