New England's Finest: A Pitcher's Tale

[Amazin69]

Did you ever hear Tommy LaSorda's "What did I think of Kingman's performance?" rant (after he was asked that question when Sky King hit 3 HR for Mets at Dodger Stadium* in 1976?) Hilariously vituperative. (And profane, of course.)

Nice to see the Angels get Johnny Rocket some support in the rotation. Plus bringing in ex-UCLA star Utley has to play well with the locals.

Did the game expand the schedule or was that something you did? And why did John always seem to be pitching against either the Red Sox or the Rays last year? Are the Angels in the AL East now, or something?

And poor Armando Galarraga. Can't buy a no-hitter to save his life, huh?

Keep up the good work!

(*-Useless trivia: while the Mets have had several batters hit 3 HR in a game, it's always been on the road. [Kingman in LA, Strawberry in MON, Carter in SD, Reyes in PHI, etc.] In fact, no player, Met or foe, ever had a 3 HR game at Big Shea. Not even Wilver Stargell, who hit like it was batting practice against us.)

[Petepont]

I have not heard of that rant, although I'll be sure to look it up. But we've all been in that situation where we blow a fuse and start yelling, right? (Hopefully it's not just me...)

The game automatically expanded the schedule- I have all of the league evolution options turned on, although I would have preferred to leave the schedule where it was.

It's odd, his best performances have mostly seemed to come against them, although this year he has faced neither. But that's just the way the schedule works out I guess.

Life just sucks for Armando...

Thanks for the comment!

[Amazin69]

Here's a collection of Tommy's rants (although it's missing the part where he chews Doug Rau out on the mound during the 1977 World Series). I hadn't heard the Kurt Bevacqua one, myself.

Incredibly profane, of course. As Ron Darling said about Lenny Dykstra's book, Nails, "If you took all the f-bombs out, it would only be two pages long."

While you're there, click on some of the "The Jim Healy Show" links. Healy was well-beloved in L.A. for his sports show which was just a long monologue about current events, mixed in with frequent soundclips of various sports figures spouting off. (Censored, of course.) Ah, listening to Benoit Benjamin go "I don't give a [censored] about the fans"…it takes me back. Not gonna lie.

Myself, I'm off to download all of DJ Steve Porter's stuff. (The guy who did the mixtape of NFL coaches, framed by Herm Edwards's immortal "You play to win the game" rant. As one commenter said, "Jim Mora on Autotune for the WIN!". )

[Petepont]

Hey everyone, just a note- I'm currently in the middle of exams. They'll be finished on Tuesday, and then I will resume the dynasty. Sorry about my recent relative lack of posting, but I need to do well on these exams...

[Petepont]

John pitched 7.1 innings his next start, allowing two earned runs on five hits and five walks, in one of his worst performances of the year. Still, after leaving in the 8th inning with one out and a 4-1 lead (he left one runner on), he had reason to hope his winning streak would continue. But the bullpen collapsed again, allowing seven runs en route to a 9-4 loss vs the Baltimore Orioles. This is John’s press conference following the game. All press names are made up.

John walked to the podium, looking out at the dozen or so reporters. “You, there.” He pointed to Sam Andrews, a beat reporter for the LA Times, who was raising his hand. Andrews stepped forward.
“What did you think of your pitching performance today?”

“I am not happy. I can’t walk five guys and expect to win. That’s not acceptable to me. I don’t ever want to walk anyone. That said, I’m proud that I managed to work around the walks to give up only a couple runs and put my team in a position to win… But I walked too many. That’s the one thing for me to take away from today.

Next was Allie O’Keefe, a reporter for CBS Sports. “Ok, but what about the bullpen’s collapse? What are your feelings on their costing you a win.”

John looked shocked for a second, and sounded annoyed. “It’s not me I’m worried about, it’s the team. I don’t care if I go oh fer on wins, as long as my team wins. My whole goal as a pitcher is to put my team in a position to win. I do whatever I can to limit the other team. I did that today, despite my poor command. But of course I’m upset about what happened with the bullpen. Am I mad at the players, at Scott [Kazmir], at Erv[in Santana]? No. Am I mad that we lost? Yes. What kind of a question is that? Do you want me to say I’m mad at my teammates, so you can go write some bull**** article about the Angels fracturing? We aren’t. I’m disappointed we lost, but things happen. If we get hung up on this, only bad can come of it. Scott’s had one of the best seasons in the MLB so far. It’s one game!”

John looked around. No one raised their hand.

“That’s all you guys want? I’m here to chat for a while. No one else is coming.”

Cricket.

“Non baseball related questions?”

“I got one,” came a voice from the back. It was Gary McNamara, a reporter for the Baltimore Sun. “What’s your favorite professional sports team from each league?”

“Oh that’s easy. Bruins and Patriots, don’t follow the NBA, and Arsenal. Gotta love my Boston roots.”

“Do you think your fanhood for the Boston Red Sox affects you?”

“No. Look at how I’ve done against them. Pretty average for my stats, right? I love the Red Sox, and I root for them, but only when we’re not playing them. Anyway, at this point I’m gonna go celebrate.”

“Why? You lost.”

“Yeah, but the Red Sox didn’t! I’m joking of course. I’ll catch you all later.”

[ttj0001]

Really enjoying this. Keep up the good work.

[Petepont]

Terry Smith: "Hello and welcome to this broadcast of Major League Baseball. I'm Terry Smith, and with me as always is Mark Gubizca."

Mark: "It's a pleasure, as always."

TS: "So what do you think of today's matchup? We've got the Angels vs. the Royals at Kauffman Stadium- any thoughts?"

MG: "Well, we've got a pretty good pitching matchup on our hands here, John Anderson and Kevin Correia. We all know about Anderson, winner of the ROY last year, and top five finisher in the Cy Young last year. He's back at it again this year, with a 3-1 record and a 2.09 ERA."

TS: "Tell us about Correia."

MG: "Well for most of his career he's been a pretty average pitcher, with a career ERA of 4.48, and a 62-77 record. But so far this year he's been pitching very well. He's 3-1 with a 3.86 ERA, but that was greatly affected by a poor start his last time out. Excluding that start, his ERA is 3.38.

TS: "Predictions?"

MG: "Got to be honest, I like Anderson here. Correia has been doing great, but it has to end at some point, and why not against the potent Angels line up. The Royals, on the other hand, are just in the middle of the pack."

TS: "Interesting points. We'll be right back after this message from our sponsors."

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TS: "If you're just joining us, we're in the middle of an incredibly pitching performance by John Anderson of the Angels. With one out here in the 4th, he's struck out five of the last six hitters. Kevin Correia of the Royals hasn't performed so well, allowing five runs so far."

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TS: "2-2 pitch to Aviles here... swing and a line drive over the head of Amarista, that will get down, and the Royals have their first hit."

MG: "Well I guess we can talk about it now, Terry."

TS: "Right you are [laughs]. What a performance so far by Anderson. And up steps Nick Francis, a right fielder. He's batting .283 on the season, with 2 home runs. Anderson's first pitch... smoked on the ground right to Utley! He flips it to Amarista for one! On to first! Got 'em! A 4-6-3 double play, and just like that, the Royal's baserunner is erased!"

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TS: "Welcome back to Kauffman Stadium, where this masterpiece has continued into the 9th innings. John Anderson is now just 3 outs away from the second shutout of his career, and one of the best pitched games this season. The game is over, as the Angels are up 8-0, but no one has left yet!"

MG: "It's incredible what he's done here, Terry. Allowing only one hit, erasing that baserunner with a double play on the next pitch, and only facing one batter past the minimum (thanks to an error by Utley in the 8th)."

TS: "Nick Francis is up now, he's 0-2.................. The 1-0 pitch... hit on the ground softly to Reynolds at third. He charges in, fields it, throws to first... in time! One away!"

MG: "Two outs."

TS: "Now it's Reymond Fuentes. He's got a full count on him now, 3-2. Anderson winds, fires, STRUCK HIM OUT! That's 10 K's for Anderson now! What a game! Just one out to go!"

MG: "He set him for that pitch, Terry. Two consecutive change ups, followed by that blazing fastball. Fuentes had no chance. Oh wow! That pitch was clocked at 99 mph!"

TS: "One more out. Ian Desmond up, 0-3 today. He's the leadoff hitter, and the last chance to break up this shutout. The first pitch by Anderson... Swung on, a high flyball to left. Trout backing up, he should get this! He does! The shutout is complete! John Anderson with an incredible game, striking out 10 batters and allowing only one hit! Simply amazing! Move over Roger, baseball has a new Rocket!"

---------------------------------

John Anderson struck out 10 and walked none, allowing only one hit. His performance earned a game score of 95, and led to his being awarded the MLB Player of the Day award. His record now stands at 4-1, with a 1.77 ERA.

The win helped the Angels keep up with the Mariners, who also won, as well as helping them avoid falling farther behind the Rangers.



As an interesting note, clearly Arte Moreno read my dynasty and decided that I was right: the Angels needed to spend. Albert Pujols? Ridiculous, even my Angels didn't aim that high. But also amazing.

So I'm taking credit for that spending spree, ok?

[Petepont]

John Anderson's May showed why the Angels drafted him 12th overall. Sure, he won the Rookie of the Year Award last year, but that was with some rather mundane stats (for a supposed ace, anyway). In May, he had one awful start (8 runs, 7 earned, in 6.1 innings). Other than that, he was incredible. He allowed 2 runs only once, in his first start. He threw a one hit shutout, and allowed only 1 run in his other four starts. With the exception of his worst start, John went 3-1 with 2 complete games, including a complete game, 1-0 loss on the last day of the month, and a 1.125 era. In one start, he pitched 8 innings of one run ball, before seeing his teammates blow the lead in the 9th (they would proceed to win in extras).

The Angels, sparked by John's performance, went 17-12, taking a 1 game lead over the Rangers in AL West.

[Petepont]

"Heeyyy, buddy, come over here!" Maddie was drunk again. "I wanna I wanna tell you... What?"

"I didn't say anything, Maddie."

"Ok you just go do that."

"Right..."

It was late Saturday night, or maybe Sunday morning. John wasn't really sure. He'd been partying too hard to pay attention to the time. It was Maddie's birthday, June 8th, so he'd been granted permission to spend the night with her. Luckily the Angels had a day game on Saturday and a night game Sunday, so he was all set. He wasn't even scheduled to pitch until Tuesday, so he could have a bit of fun. He'd probably had too much though, he thought, as he walked with Maddie back to her car.

"Let me drive, ok Maddie?"

"Ok Johnny you know you're just the best right so much better than my old boyfriend."

"Haha..." John just laughed. Old boyfriends were touchy material

"So now what do we do Johnny?"

"I drive you home and put you to bed, ok?"

"But I wanna partyyyyyy!"

"No. You've partied enough."

"Me and youuuuu party!"

Huh. Well, you know what they say. Never look a gift horse in the mouth.
Of course, he'd probably regret it later. But that was later, not now.

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The next day John had a spring in his step (and voice) noticeable to everyone, even his mom. That was an awkward conversation...

The team's game that afternoon went well as well, a 6-1 victory over Cleveland on the strength of Matt Garza's 6-1 victory. It sure took the sour taste of Saturday's extra inning collapse out of John's mouth.

The Angels were now 36-26, four games ahead of the Rangers in the AL West.

[Petepont]

Hey everyone,

I realize I've been awful about updating this the past few weeks. I apologize. I have what is referred to as a "[censored] ton" of work right now, but I plan to keep updating sporadically. Towards the middle to end of January, I should be able to update it much more.

[Springbokus]

Don't worry mate, I think whoever is reading is in for the long haul!

Keep it up!

[Petepont]

"Another one? Seriously? God dammit!"

"Woah now Nick settle down, it's alright. It's just one game..."

"You struck out 11 and allowed two runs and lost! Again! In eight innings! How many times has that happened to you?"

"No idea. Not that many..." (Actually, the Angels have lost a game in which John has allowed two or fewer runs in seven plus innings six times this season. John had received the loss in four of them. )

"Yeah well... well... get your teammates to start hitting!"

"Heh. Alright Nick, I'll try... I'll talk to you later, I'm gonna head to lunch with Maddie now."

"Alright bro."

It had been a bad game... But John wasn't going to rant to his brother about it. The only thing to do was to allow fewer runs next time.

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The draft had taken place a couple days prior, and with their first pick the Angels had taken SP Enrique Jimenez, 16th overall. He was a Puerto Rican who'd gone to college at Ball State, in Indiana, going 27-16 over his three years there, with a 3.28 ERA.

John called him up after getting back from lunch.

"Hey, Enrique?"

"Yeah... Who is this?"

"It's John Anderson. I play for the Ang-"

"Oh yeah! Hi! It's an honor to meet you!"

"Haha thanks... But listen, I just wanted to talk to you, to see how everything is going. I know we submitted an offer to you, and I just want to say, the sooner you sign, the better. I waited until the deadline, and that set me back quite a bit."

"Well you turned out pretty well, right?"

They talked for an hour, about many things, ranging from Enrique's college career to what being a professional pitcher entailed.

At the end, John had to head to the park, but he felt much better about himself and his career.

John is now 8-5, with a 2.08 ERA. He leads the American League in iK/BB, opponents average, and FIP, and leads all of baseball in WAR, K/9, K's, innings pitched, and WHIP. Not a bad year, except for that W-L record.

[Springbokus]

...is the devil Worst stat ever invented!

Loving the story, and the advanced stats

[CardsFan2006]

Could you post a screenshot of Anderson's profile?

[Petepont]

Originally Posted by CardsFan2006

Could you post a screenshot of Anderson's profile?

Here you go- tell me if you want anything else added.

The next post about John will be tomorrow.

[yougo1000]

Wow 345 predicted K's

[Petepont]

All Star Teams Announced: Five Angels Included


Ace John Anderson, outfielders B.J. Upton, Mike Trout, and Angel Castillo, and shortstop Rafael Furco were announced as members of the 2014 American League All Star Team this past Wednesday. The five Angels are the most from any one team in the American League.

John Anderson won the Rookie of the Year last year but this will be his first All Star appearance. This year he has gone 8-6 with a 2.31 ERA. Before his last start, in which he allowed five runs on seven hits and two walks over 7.2 innings, he had allowed two or fewer runs in his last seven starts, and thirteen of his last fourteen. Considered a front runner for the Cy Young at this point, Anderson was quick to thank his teammates and coaches for the support he has received this season. "It means so much to be a part of the Angels, where the people are so great. It's been a fun year so far, and I'm looking forward to the second half of the season."

B.J Upton.....

[Petepont]

Angels Strike Back, Beat Red Sox 10-1

Yesterday, the Angels looked lost. They'd been beaten 15-2 by the Red Sox at home, in their worst loss of the year. Worse than that, they'd simply shown no heart, no desire to win.

Then John Anderson started today's game.

Anderson pitched 7.2 innings and struck out 10, allowing one unearned run on six hits and two walks-both in the first inning-en route to a dominating 10-1 victory.

Every Angels starter got a hit and scored except second baseman Chase Utley, and three had multi-hit games.

Anderson opened the game by walking two of the first three batters, but he settled in after that, striking out Jacoby Ellsbury and getting Kevin Youkilis to hit a weak chopper to first, ending the threat.

The Angels would strike first in the bottom of the second, on a solo home run by Henry Rodriguez off John Lackey, but the Red Sox tied the game when Dustin Pedrioa reached on an error by first baseman Mark Reynolds, stole second, and scored on Adrian Gonzalez's single with two outs. Ellsbury also reached a single, but Anderson escaped the jam by retiring Youkilis on a groundball to short.

The Angels struck right back, as Rafael Furcal doubled to lead off the inning, and B.J. Upton crushed a ball to deep right field. His home run landed midway up the second deck, 426 feet away.

But they weren't done, as Los Angeles piled on six more runs in the fourth inning. Reynolds atoned for his error by adding the killing blow with a two run double to put the Angels up 8-1, chasing Lackey.

Upton finished the scoring with an RBI double in the fifth.

The victory was Los Angeles' sixth in seven games, moving the Angels three games ahead of Texas in the AL West.

NOTES: Anderson's 10 strikeouts give him 175 for the season, 22 ahead of the next pitcher in the MLB, the Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw, and 52 ahead of Ryan Tucker, who is second in the AL... Anderson's ERA dropped to 2.24, second in the majors behind only Edison Volquez of the Cubs... The Angels' major offseason acquisition, Chase Utley, is 0 for his last 10... This is the second time in Lackey's last three games that he has allowed eight or more runs... In those three games, Lackey is 1-2 with a 9.92 ERA...

[Petepont]

On a warm Monday evening in Los Angeles, 2013 AL Rookie of the Year John Anderson struggled through eight innings against the Cleveland Indians, allowing three runs on six hits, and striking out nine. His five walks tied his season and career highs. Anderson was only saved from a loss by a furious rally in the bottom of the ninth inning by the Angels.

Looking at some of the headlines after his start, you would think he'd had an awful day: Anderson Saved by Rally, Angels Win in 14 (The New York Times), Castillo Ties Game in 9th, Wins in 14th to Bail Out Anderson (The Los Angeles Times).

And yet the Angels won the game, and Anderson allowed only three runs over eight innings. His last start was a 2-0 loss to Minnesota, in which he allowed one run. Before that, he shut out Tampa Bay, striking out 15.

Since arriving in the Major League, Anderson has performed at a very high level, and so we've come to expect nothing but the best from him. But it needs to be remembered that this is only his second year in the majors, and that he is merely 20 years old.

Of course, Anderson has been the best at every level. After dominating high school and the lower levels of the minor leagues, Anderson struggled in two starts in Triple A. But he pitched well enough in his return to AA to earn a Spring Training Invite, and the rest is history.

In his most recent start, Anderson allowed 3 runs in 8 innings. That's good for a 3.375 ERA, which places him squarely in the top 10 among AL pitchers with at least 15 starts. That's not bad. That's amazing. Anderson's worst start in a month is better than all but 10 other pitchers average start.

This year, in the AL, there is only one contender in the Cy Young race. John Anderson is miles ahead of the competition. But best of all, Anderson is only 20 years old. He hasn't even hit his prime. We still have a decade to watch him grow.

[Petepont]

The Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Angels made major news today with the announcement of a huge deal involving some notable players. The Rockies are trading 30-year-old starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez to the Angels for 35-year-old reliever Jason Bulger, 22-year-old minor league starting pitcher Tony Gonzáles and 23-year-old minor league starting pitcher Baudilio Lopez. The blockbuster transaction was finalized late yesterday and announced to the press this morning.

In season stats Jimenez shows a 10-4 record in 22 games, 137.2 innings, 130 strikeouts and a 3.79 ERA.

Gonzáles was drafted 13th overall in 2012 by the Angels, and this year was named the 32nd best prospect in baseball. In AA with the Angels, he put up a 10-9 record to go along with a 3.57 ERA. Lopez went 4-6 with a 4.75 ERA in Single A, and was selected to the California League All-Star Game earlier this season.

Bulger was 2-2 with 6 saves for the Angels this year, appearing in 46 games with a 1.92 ERA over 51.2 innings.

The trade was seen by some as an attempt by the Angels to shore up their starting rotation, which already includes reigning American League Rookie of the Year winner John Anderson (11-8, 2.42), Scott Kazmir (13-1, 2.76), and Josh Johnson (9-7, 4.16), who is suffering this year after signing with the Angels and moving to the American League in the offseason after posting a 17-7 record with a 2.96 ERA for the World Series winning Marlins last year.