Is it time for Mike Butcher to refresh his resume? After this weekends debacle that saw his pitchers give 46 hits and 37 earned runs, it appears his pitchers have quit on him. Maybe they’ve quit on Scioscia, I don’t know, but it sure looks like they quit on someone.

On a positive note, at least the Halos played good defense the past 4 days.

A few things chapped my ass this weekend.

I’ll give it up to David Price. He is having a great year, and he is a great pitcher. S**t happens.

Explain to me what happened to Jered Weaver on Friday? Allowing a career high 9 earned runs! Could he have tweaked his back on the wild pitch he threw in that horrendous 7-run 4th?

C.J. Wilson. My friends in Texas were happy to see you leave, and I told them they would regret that comment.

Maybe they were right. Winless since late June just doesn’t cut it. Basically, you suck. In his last 4 starts, the Halos have lost 15-9, 10-4, 6-2 and 10-8. No, Wilson hasn’t allowed all those runs, but he has given up 20 of the 41. If you’re hurt tell someone, ’cause right now you are just hurting the team.

He very well may be hurt. Last year, in 4 starts from 7-31 to 8-17, Wilson’s ERA was 3.85. This year it is 8.49 (8-2 thru-8-18). Either he has quit on the team, or coaches, or he is hurt. I’ll go with the latter.

Losing an 8 run lead was embarrassment to the 2002 World Champion Angels, who were being honored on Saturday. 8 freakin’ nothing going into the 5th. it was 8-7 after 5, and 8-8 after 6.

Actually, with their resiliency, the Rays resembled that 2002 squad. The Angels played the part of the Giants.

And Angels fans…geez. Really, not one boo, not one cat call. No nothing. My favorite fan was the one sitting in center wearing the Pujols jersey who appeared to catch Evan Longoria’s game tying home run. Nice grab, but jumping up and down all excited shows you know are an awful fan, who has no idea what is going on in the game. You looked just as pitiful as the product that was on the field.

This team was put together to challenge for a title, not supply fodder to for ESPN. For once, let the team know you aren’t happy with the product on the field. Keep it civil, but booing now and again isn’t a crime. I do congratulate the true Angels fans that don’t attend the games, refusing to buy into a team that has quit on the field.

They all got their huge multi-million dollar extensions.

I have been a true Angels fan since the early 1970′s. This looked like some of the games I attended in those day. Well, at least the days that Nolan Ryan or Frank Tanana didn’t pitch.

The Angels did mount a teeny rally in the 9th, but Fernando Rodney ended it. No Jose Mota, Maicer Izturis shouldn’t have swung at the first pitch to end the game. Rodney didn’t appear to have his best stuff, and I think Izturis let him off the hook by doing that. Oh yeah, Izturis is 0-18 as a pinch hitter, so he knows best.

No need to talk about game 4. If there was an Angels fan that thought the team was gonna win on Sunday, please give me a hit of what you were/are smoking.

Nope, I’m wrong. Zack Greinke has done nothing for the team. Yes, he has walked a ton of guys, and allowed more than 4 runs in an inning in 3 of his 5 Halo starts, but other than that he has been fantastic.

Couple other things for ya. You will not hear broadcaster call out players, because they complain not only to said broadcaster, but too management as well. Management will always side with the player. Case in point, Rex Hudler. who when he first started would say what we were all thinking. But, by his 2nd season, he wouldn’t utter a bad word, even if player was dogging it, or making bone head mistakes.

And all the 2002 hoopla. It is being talked about so much now because the organization knows that the product on the field is bad, so they are trying to drum up interest in other things, with the hope you will not notice.

You’ve not heard me say a thing about the Angels offense. Yes, they have been hot and cold of late, but they, for the most part have done their job. 14 runs in 4 games isn’t very good, but if the Halos got any pitching at all, they may have been able to split the series.

So Jason Isringhausen said he won’t accept a demotion if the Angels asked him. He would just as soon retire. Watching him pitch lately, I thought he already retired. Take the money, but refuse to do anything that might get you back on the beam. The new American way.

If Scott Downs is ready to pitch, can Scioscia stop using him for just one batter like he did on Saturday? The rest of the pen is dreadful. Why would you pull the guy after 1 batter? He should have been on the mound to start the 7th.

I could go on and on, but why beat a dead horse. The Angels now head to Boston, where they always play well (I AM JOKING). Then it’s off to Detroit, where the Halos lost 3 of 4 they last time they were in town allowing 20 runs in those 3 losses.

Your move DiPoto.

I’ve tried to stay calm. I’ve tried to stay rational. I HAVE TRIED! I HAVE HAD ENOUGH!!! Losing 2 of 3 to the Seattle Mariners is embarrassing! The M’s are in serious re-building mode, and reside at the bottom on the American League in most offensive categories, including 2 of the important ones, runs and RBI’s.

For those of who don’t think the pressure is starting to build in Anaheim, check out Mike Butcher. The Halos pitching coach, who may be on the butcher block if the Angels don’t find a way into the postseason, was ejected on Sunday. Having been yelled at by Butcher when he was a pitcher, let me be the first to tell you that he is extremely pissed at his staff. His blow up was at recent events, and not at the home plate umpire.

I’m venting! Mark Trumbo is growing into the hitter that most Halo fans love, but can someone tell him that he doesn’t have to swing at every pitch. I have seen him strike out on 3 pitches so many times of late that I wonder if he has a date, or something. In 2 games against the Mariners he faced 32 pitches in 8 at bats. For the mathematicians, that is 4 per at bat.

Do the Angels do any advance scouting? I understand that pitchers are gonna get jacked up facing a team such as the Angels, but the Halos lack of offense against Hisashi Iwakuma and Jason Vargas was pitiful. 15.1 innings against those 2, and only 4 runs scored. The Angels players should be embarrassed by their effort, or lack thereof.

Hey guys, the Mariners came in having lost 4 straight, and 5 of six. You don’t lay down like you did this weekend. The Halos should have been swept, but thankfully they have Mike Trout, who drove in 5 of the Angels 6 runs on Friday. Only a wild pitch by Josh Kinney saved the Angels from even more embarrassment.

I hate to criticize Albert Pujols, who appeared to find his stroke of late, but he sucks (right now). in his last 7 games He is 2-27, including 0-12 over the weekend (0-2 with RISP). Isn’t this why they paid him all that money, so the team doesn’t go into offensive slumps like this. I know, money talks, and B-S walks. Right now, it’s a lot of B-S.

Earlier this year I was in Alberto Callaspo’s corner. I thought with all their offense, they didn’t need a stud at 3rd. I was wrong, Callaspo is exactly what I have always thought he is, a reserve. And Maicer Izturis is the same.

Let me get this right. I and everyone else couldn’t wait to get Jeff Mathis out of town. Still a good move, but I wonder if the Halos will ever get a backstop who can hit, and catch. No worries, some stupid team will pay Chris Ianetta millions next year. That .200 BA is awesome.

I could go off on the bullpen, but why beat a dead horse. It is awesome that GM Jerry DiPoto secured a decent offensive team, but you can’t forget the bullpen. Retreads, and no treads don’t get it done in 2012. I know this may sound crazy, but I may have taken a flyer on Derek Lowe. He was once quite strong out of the pen, and he may be again. Lets see how he does in New York.

And where was DiPoto when the Astros gave away Brett Myers and the Twins sold off Francisco Liriano?

I never, in my life, thought I’d cheer when Kevin Jepsen was called upon. I do now.

And the starters…Geesh!!!!! Ervin Santana always puts the team in a hole. Dan Haren does 3 out of every 5 times.

C.J. Wilson forgot how to pitch, I guess. In his 5 starts since the all-star break Wilson has walked 17 guys, while giving up 23 earned runs. All of the damage was accomplished in 29.2 IP for an ERA of 7.08. He was injured going into the ASB, and he very well might be right now.

Welcome back to the American League Zack Greinke. Greinke, whose act is probably already wearing on the team, can’t find the strike zone either. In 2 August starts, Greinke has walked 7 men. He had 14 walks total in 14 starts in July and May. In 10 starts in April and June, Greinke had 15 total walks. Whatever Butcher is telling them isn’t working!!!!!

I wonder what he told Fernando Rodney, who since leaving the Halos is sporting an ERA around 0.80, while leading the league with 36 saves.

Finally, the Halos bullpen cost the team 4 wins on their last road trip. I think that took the wind out of the Halos sails. By looking at the attendance on Sunday, the fans feel the same way. This has the making of a disappointing finish, and the fans want no part of it.

Next up is 3 games against the Cleveland Indians. The Tribe has lost 13 of their last 16, including one streak of 11 straight losses. They haven’t won a road series since early July. Here’s betting they’ll take 2 of 3 from the Angels.

Being a die hard Kings fan, I wrote them off in February, and they ended up winning the Cup. Lets hope the Halos have the same ending, but instead of a Cup, they win the World Series.

Yeah right.

I’ll take a split in Toronto anytime. I’m not gonna quote you any stats, it just seems to me that the Halos have trouble north of the border.

They took game 1 because they out-slugged the Jays. Mike Trout, who’s headed to the All-Star game, hit the game winner.

Another All-Star, Mark Trumbo and one non-All-Star Albert Pujols did, as well.

The key play came on the defensive side though. Erick Aybars perfect throw to get Colby Rasmus at the plate in the 7th, preserving a one run Halos lead.

Ernesto Frieri continues to be the find of the year. He pitched out of a jam on Friday, that I thought he had no chance of doing. Bases Loaded with one out he gets Edgar Encarnacion to bounce into a double play to end the game. Angels win 9-7.

Hey Jeff Mathis, if you were this good of hitter you’d still be in Anaheim. 4-4 on Thursday, including a home run and a pick off of Alberto Callaspo at 2nd.

Mathis didn’t have one more at bat the entire series. Thank’s John Farrell.

It is no way easy to pitch in the bigs, but Ervin Santana drives me crazy. 3 innings on Friday, he looked amazing. 4th inning, he gave up 5 runs. They were 5 hard runs, as the Jays hit the cover off the ball in that inning.

The Angels were down 5-2, but came back to tie the game in the 7th. They could have taken the lead, but Kendrys Morales hit into a DP. A sac fly would have been perfect, but he was way to jacked up in that at bat.

Wouldn’t you know it, the Jays scored the winning run in the bottom of the inning. It came off Jordan Walden, who should be known as 2-out. The guy is great at getting a couple out before imploding. The run he allowed in game 2 came after 2 were out. In the finale he did the same thing, getting 2 out before giving up a 3-run home run. 2-out may have trouble staying focused for all 3 outs. Angels lost 7-5.

Best thing about game 3 was hat it was over early. The Jays built an 8-0 lead after 2 innings off Garrett Richards. Richards, who wasn’t helped by Trout and Bourjos errors, looked erratic for as long as he pitched

He not only throws a lot of pitches, over 100 in 4 of his 5 starts, none being complete games. He also walks too many guys, 17 bb in 32 ip. He does have 25 strikeouts. He also had trouble throwing first pitch strikes, starting in the hole with 16 of the 27 batters he faced. Rumor has it he’ll be headed out once Williams returns. That might not be such a bad thing.

It may not be a bad idea if the Angels never see Henderson Alvarez again. Saturday’s start was his best since blanking this same Angels team on May 4th. In 3 career starts against the Halos, Alverez has a 1.56 ERA.

Finally, the Angels exploded in the finale.

Trout went yard again, as did Trumbo and Callaspo. The 10-6 win was deceiving, as the Halos scored 7 of their 10 runs in the 8th and 9th innings. Matter of fact 10 of the 16 total runs were scored in the final inning and a half.

I was happy to see the Angels finally get to Francisco Cordero, who pitched scoreless ball against them in the 2 previous games in the series.

All-Star C.J. Wilson pitched well enough to win, but didn’t.

Angels now head to Cleveland to begin a 3 game set against the Indians. Another Halo All-Star, Jered Weaver gets the ball tomorrow night.

So much for the Orioles stopping the Angels. The Halos crushed Baltimore at every turn in sweeping the 2-game set by scores of 7-3 & 13-1.

For one of the few times this season, the Angels starting pitching could just sit back and laugh as they watched the Halos offense devour the O’s staff.

Where do I start. That’s easy, let’s start at the top with Mike Trout. The A.L.’s Leading hitter went 5-11 with 4 runs scored and an RBI. He also made a few stellar defensive plays, too, including that robbery of a sure J.J. Hardy home run on Wednesday. Unless he slumps in a bad way, Trout will make the All-Star team. How much he’ll play is anyone’s guess (not much), but he’ll make the team.

Torii Hunter matched, and maybe even bypassed Trout by going 5-10, with 4 runs, a home run and 3 RBI. Who needs the rest of the line up when these 2 are going so well.

Told you Mark Trumbo would go yard. If he goes into one of those 0-16 slumps he usually breaks out of it by going deep–usually twice.

What’s with the Halos playing Peter Bourjos back to back nights? Too bad there isn’t room for him right now. Anyhow, he went 2-6 with 3 RBI and a home run.

You know the Halos are going good when the catchers combine to go 5-9 with a home run and an RBI.

The Orioles starters were meat the past couple nights. Brian Matusz and Jason Hamell went 8.1 IP, giving up 21 hits and 13 earned runs. Them beating up Hammel was surprising, considering that he was coming off back to back scoreless outings covering 17 innings.

Right now, the Angels look good in every aspect. You know they are going well, when the name Albert Pujols doesn’t even come up.

Things should get a hair tougher when the Angels begin a 4 game set in Toronto starting Thursday. For whatever reason, the Jays give the Angels trouble. They are a beat up group of birds so maybe things will be different.

For the 6th straight year, the Angels didn’t lose the Freeway series to the Dodgers. They have split the 6 games in the past half-dozen years, but they haven’t lost one since 2006. The Angels won this years series 4 games to 2.

I thought the Dodgers were gonna blow em out on Friday. They had 5 on the board before most people were even in the stadium. Dan Haren continues to look….well…not good. Bobby Abreu, who almost never swings at the first pitch, did against Haren, sending one screaming over the fence in right giving LA a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning.

Haren did settle down in the second, only allowing 2 runs. His track record says he’ll find his stuff when he needs to, but right now he is tough to watch. He got the win though as his boys battled back.

The Halos had 12 hits, but 7 of them came in the 2nd and 4th innings, when they caught and then passed the Dodgers. I wonder if the Dodgers were happy with Chad Billingsley’s start?

Felt bad for Ervin Santana on Saturday. He pitched his second straight great game, but lost this one.

It didn’t help that Maicer Izturis and Albert Pujols threw the ball all over the field. Santana did strike out 10 in 8 innings.

What is up with Chris Capuano? The guy was nearly out of baseball 2 years ago, now he may be headed to the All-Star game. 9-2 with a 2.60 ERA. Who would’ve thunk he would be this good?

Coincidence or on purpose? Jerome Williams gets injured right when Jered Weaver comes off the DL leaving Garrett Richards in the rotation.

Right now, Williams may not have a spot when he returns, especially with Richards continuing to pitch fantastic. His 2nd start against the Dodgers wasn’t as dominant as his first, but it was still above average. He kept the Angels in the game until they inevitably came back.

Nearly 7 innings while only allowing 3 earned runs. The rookie looks to be here to stay.

Every time I hear rumors of Peter Bourjos being traded, I cringe. Trading him would be a huge mistake. He hit a home run today, which is not his game, but he is a dynamite athlete that continues to produce, even with limited innings.

Mike Trout is closing in on the A.L. batting lead. 4-12 weekend never hurts. Trout also added 2 stolen bases, a home run and 3 runs scored. Scary thought.

Trout is 20, making him a free agent around his 27th birthday. Let’s say the Halos ink him to a 5 year deal. That means he’ll be a free agent at 32, or in the prime of his career. His future contracts may make the one Pujols signed look like chump change in 2025.

Teams better watch out, Mark Trumbo is 3 for his last 16. He usually breaks out of these slumps by cracking a bunch of home runs.

The Dodgers rarely figured out a way to pitch to Alberto Callaspo in the 3 games. The Angels 3rd baseman went 5-11 with a home run, 2 walks, 2 RBI and 3 runs. I am glad the Angels didn’t try to get Kevin Youkilis from the Red Sox, as I think it might’ve messed with the chemistry.

I have done a 180, I really do like Callaspo. I do….

The Halos now take a 9 game trip that’ll take them to Baltimore, Toronto and Cleveland.The Angels trail the Rangers by 4.5 games in the A.L. West.

Has it really been 10 years since the Angels and Giants have played each other? It seem like yesterday that the Angels won their first World Series with an exciting 7 game series win over the guys from the Bay area.

Both teams are completely different, but the intensity is still the same.

Feel bad for Jerome Williams. The former Giant was excited to face his ex-team. By the 4th inning, he was out of the game. By the 7th he was in the hospital. By the next day he was on the disabled list.

Breathing problems was the reason Williams was put on the DL. I hope he gets right, no matter how long it takes.

The Angels had a good chance to beat Matt Cain, who pitched a perfect game in his last start against the Astros. The no hitter lasted one batter for Cain. Mike Trout led off the game with a single. Trout had another huge series, finishing 7-13, with 3 SB, 4 runs, 2 BB, and an RBI. It’s way too early, but he could go down as the Angels best lead-off hitter—ever!

Trout did all this damage with his parents in the crowd.

The Angels did get 3 runs off the Giants ace, but that was it. San Francisco pitching retired the final 16 Angels.

Just like the past series against the D-backs, the Angels took over in games 2 and 3. Safe to say Barry Zito isn’t the same pitcher he was with the A’s.

The Angels used the lefthander as batting practice, scoring 8 earned runs off the guy in just over 3 innings.

The Angels sent 9 batters to the plate in the 2nd, the big hit coming off the bat of Albert Pujols, who smoked a 3-run home run to left.

Angels led 9-1 after 4 innings. I thought the game was over. I was wrong. Those damn Giants wouldn’t go away. From the 5th through the 8th the Giants leadoff man reached base. Only 2 great defensive plays by Pujols stopped the Giants from crawling all the way back. You know who the Giants reminded me of? The Angels—-of 2002!! Pesky guys, those Giants.

C.J. Wilson lost his stuff with such a big lead. He actually needed 4 guys out of the pen to pick up his 8th win of the year.

No such problems for Jered Weaver, who made his first start in almost a month on Wednesday. He looked like he hadn’t missed a day, throwing 6 innings of shut out ball. He didn’t throw as hard as usual, but he didn’t have to. The Giants had no chance against the Angels no hit guy.

Big night on Wednesday for Bobby Wilson, who picked up his first extra-base hit of the year. I didn’t think I’d yearn for the days of Benjie Molina as much as I have the past few years.

Erick Aybar is hitting the ball well, going 5-11 in the series.

I am glad the Angels hit Shane Loux. After treating him like an All-Star on Monday, the Halos came back to pound him on Wednesday. Back to back home runs by Kendrys Morales and Mark Trumbo did him in. Loux stunk when he pitched in Anaheim.

One more interleague series for the Halos and it’ll be against the Dodgers starting Friday.

The Angels, as of Wednesday night, are 6 games above .500, but 5 games back of the Rangers.

Yes, I am super late in writing about the past Angels-Diamondbacks series. Considering they are playing the finale of the Giants series tonight, I missed the bus completely.

On that note, this will be short.

Went to Friday’s game vs the snakes. All I remember is the Angels scoringzero runs. I also remember Dan Haren walking Miguel Montero to get to Aaron Hill with 2 men on in the 5th. Hill hit a 3-run bomb. Game over!

Not a good night for the former D-back hurler, who lost for the 7th time in 12 decisions–ouch.

Trevor Cahill looked like he did when he pitched for the A’s. In his last 23+ innings, Cahill has allowed 2 earned runs. I would say he has found his mojo.

Last 2 games were dominated by Halo hurlers.

What’s up with Ervin Santana? After his last outing, I had the guy nursing a sore arm. He sure showed me, and every one else by tossing a 1-hitter at Arizona. Only a 7th inning hit by Justin Upton denied Santana of his 2nd career no no.

Who predicted this? I’d say no one, as Santana barely made it into the 5th inning in his past 4 starts.

In a weird coincidence, ex-Angel Joe Saunders took the loss. I get it, D-backs beat Haren, so the Angels take down Saunders.

Following Santana’s lead, Garrett Richards threw a gem at the snakes, as well. Richards wasn’t quite as perfect allowing 4 singles. In his 3 starts since joining the Halos earlier this month, Richards has allowed only 2 earned runs covering 20 innings. What do the Angels do with so much talent.

Both teams were flat offensively for most of the series. Arizona ended the 3 games without scoring a run in the final 21 innings. The Halos weren’t much better, scoring 4 runs in 27 innings.

Mark Trumbo hit a 2-run bomb in the 1st inning on Saturday for the only Halo runs. Albert Pujols hit a solo home run for the Angels on Sunday, which proved to be the game winner.

In summation, no team scored runs against each other in the same game over the past weekend.

Game 1: D-backs 5-0
Game 2: Angels 2-0
Game 3: Angels 2-0

Angels did take 2 of 3, which was good.

The Freeway Series has been more like highway robbery the past few years for the Angels. Since 2007, the Halos have posted a 20-10 overall mark against their freeway foes, including 10-5 at Dodger Stadium.

This year things were gonna be different, right? Although the games are competitive, the Angels still find ways to beat the boys in blue, taking 2 of 3 from them this week.

My first question is why? Why would Don Mattingly pitch to Albert Pujols with a base open and two outs in the 9th inning on Monday? I don’t care what Mark Trumbo is hitting, you don’t pitch to Pujols in that situation.

I am glad that they did. Pujols didn’t hit it hard, but still drove home Mike Trout with the winning run.

The Dodgers had no answer for Pujols, who continues to heat up, going 5-12 in his first taste of the Freeway Series.

The Dodgers finally figured out how to pitch to Trout in the final 2 games, as the phenom only had 1 hit in his final 9 at bats. I did like the recent story on Trout in last weeks Sports Weekly.

Who knew that Torii Hunter would be a great #2 hitter? The man went hitless on Wednesday, but is still 12 for his last 27.

It’s weird watching the Dodgers, who are in the process of collecting as many ex-Angels as they can. Take away Juan Rivera’s 3-run shot on Tuesday, and the trio of Rivera, Adam Kennedy and Bobby Abreu went 4-21.

With a chance to win Wednesday’s finale in the 9th, Abreu bounced out weakly to Ernesto Frieri.

It was an all around bad series for Kennedy, who made 1 physical error and one mental error on Tuesday, almost costing the Dodgers the game.

Do the Angels hurlers know something about A.J. Ellis that we don’t? They walked the guy 6 times in 3 games, including all 4 times on Monday. The guy is a good player, but 6 walks!

Mike Scioscia bobble head night? I’m sure that went over well with the Halos manager, who doesn’t like those type of things. Guys, he’s the Angels manager right now, let it go.

Nice to see the Kings and the Stanley Cup in the house on Wednesday. Really like how everyone is enjoying the Cup, while the players are getting their due.

They deserve each and every accolade that comes their way.

There was an Erick Aybar sighting. Aybar, who offensively has done next to nothng this year, finally came up big on Wednesday. His 9th inning home run gave the Halos the 2-1 win.

The Dodgers nearly tied it in the bottom of the inning. I was so sure they would, that I was in the process of writing that before Frieri got out of the jam. It all started by walking Ellis to open the inning, followed by a James Loney single. I figured it was going to at least be a tie game. Nope, a force out, strike out and ground out ended it. I wonder if he’ll get any All-Star love. He sure is pitching like one.

Pujols multi-hit game streak was snapped at 7 games.

Scott Downs is hurt, again.

Jerome Williams deserved to win Tuesday’s game, but so did Aaron Harang.

What do the Angels do with Garrett Richards when Jered Weaver returns? What a great predicament to be in for the Angels.

Halos now come home to face the Diamondbacks and Giants.

There’s nothing like interleague play to get the Angels offense on track. Coming into the first full weekend of IL play, the Halos had lost 3 of 4, while scoring 21 runs. In Colorado, the Angels bats came alive, scoring 28 runs and sweeping in sweeping away the Rockies.

There is no one sadder to leave Colorado than Torii Hunter.Since coming back from family issues, Hunter had 1 hit in 22 at bats.

Against the Rockies, Hunter went 9-15 with 3 home runs 9 RBI and a stolen base. He even has a nifty goatee. It doesn’t look all that good, but if he keeps hitting like he did in the mile high city, he can grow a fu manchu for all I care. It’s nice to see Hunter find his offense, as he is a big cog in the Angels machine.

I keep wondering when baseball will catch up to Mike Trout. Right now they have no answer for the 20 year old, who only hit .571 in the 3 games, with 4 stolen bases. He gets better by the game. Trout is 3rd in the A.L. with 13 stolen bases.

You can’t talk about Angels baseball without mentioning Mr. Pujols. With the rest of the team hitting, the pressure is off him….a bit. However, he did beat up the Rockies by hitting over .500 with a home run and 5 RBI.

So let me get this right. Every time Mark Trumbo breaks out of a slump he’ll hit 2 home runs in a game? Earlier this month the guy was 1-16. His next 4 at bats, 2 left the park. After that 2-home run performance, Trumbo went 1 for his next 12. So what did he do? He hit 2 more bombs on Sunday. He also had 6 RBI. Trumbo is 3rd in the A.L. in batting with a .326 average. Sorry Vernon Wells, I hope you like the smell of pine.

What do the Angels do with Ervin Santana? He got the win on Sunday in Colorado, but he pitched less than stellar, unless you consider 7 earned runs in 5+ innings good. In his last 4 starts, Santana has allowed 23 runs in 20.1 innings pitched for a 10.29 ERA.

He has also walked 15 batters. I wonder if his arm hurts. It was just 3 years ago that there was talk of him having reconstructive elbow surgery. The Angels decided it was better for him to rest and rehab. It worked than, things aren’t so good now.

I, for one, think C.J. Wilson should be an All-Star. The guy has been the Angels best pitcher this year, Jered Weaver included. Only once in his past 6 starts has he allowed more than 2 earned runs. The guy eats up innings, while not throwing many pitches. He was a better free agent signing than Pujols, in my opinion.

What sucks about interleague is guys like Kendrys Morales can’t play. Coming into Colorado, Morales was 5 for his last 13 with 3 home runs. He did get one start against the Rockies, and picked up a hit. The Angels are have a lot of talent. I didn’t even mention Peter Bourjos, who will make a name for himself, in Anaheim or somewhere else.

Have you checked out the Halos interleague record? Over the past 5 years they have gone 62-28. Whatever it is about the National League the Angels like, I hope they can’t keep it up.

Things will get a bit dicier for the team when they battle the Dodgers starting Monday. Dodgers are in 1st in the N.L. West, and continue to play good baseball. Be a good test for the Angels, who are lucky to avoid Clayton Kershaw.

Angels only 3 back of the Rangers, and are a season best 3 games over .500.

I thought Garrett Anderson was done with baseball? That’s what he told Bill McDonald a few years ago. I think he said he was tired of all the media, and pretty much everything that had to be with the game that made him a multi-millionaire. He couldn’t wait to leave it all behind.

Imagine my surprise when I saw Anderson on the Angels Live set next to Josa Mota and Michael Eaves.

I wonder if he’ll continue to blow off the fans like he did on a daily basis in spring training. My favorite being the 2 little boys yelling for their hero to look at them, and Anderson, standing feet from them, blowing them off.

I can only hope he has to deal with players that’ll treat him like he treated everyone for years–horribly.

Angels took two of three from the Yankees and Rangers, so it figures they would lose 2 of 3 to the Mariners.

Garrett Richards looks like a completely different pitcher than the one we saw in 2011. 1 earned run in 7 innings with 8 strike outs for the rookie.

It didn’t hurt that Mark Trumbo kept hitting the ball out of the park. Trumbo had his first 2 home run game, and now has 12 on the year. I guess he wasn’t happy going 1-16 in his last 4 games. Way to break out of that slump. Angels won easily on Tuesday, 6-1.

Kendrys Morales was the big man in Wednesday’s game, hitting his 7th bomb of the year.

Angels loved the double play ball. in the 6th and 7th innings , with the tying runs on base, they hit into twin killings each time.

Angels remain 4.5 back of the the Rangers even after falling in the finale to Seattle 8-6.