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Series Preview: Seattle Mariners @ Anaheim Angels

Seattle: 9-8
Anaheim:10-7

GAMES

Game 1: R.A. Dickey vs Joe Saunders*
Game 2: Jarrod Washburn* vs Ervin Santana
Game 3: Miguel Batista vs Dustin Moseley

This is going to be quite a test with arguably our three worst starters heading out there (we don't yet know where to place Dickey). Luckily, the competition we face is thoroughly mediocre as well. We've already seen Joe Saunders "stuff" and now we get to see Ervin "Not as crazy nor as good as Greinke" Santana, albeit at home so he might actually be on his meds, and Dustin Moseley who recently got lit up by, well, everyone he's faced.

Moseley's repertoire is close to a carbon copy of Saunders, the difference being the Saunders at least tries to throw strikes. Moseley is much more of a giver in the walks department. Ervin is also primarily a two-pitch hurler, though his offspeed pitch of choice is the slider rather than the change and he has about 3 extra mph of velocity over the other two.

Likely Starters:
C Mike Napoli/Jeff Mathis
1 Casey Kotchman*
2 Maicer Izturis^
3 Chone Figgins^
S Erick Aybar^
L Garret Anderson*
C Whore
R Gary Matthews Jr.^
D Vladimir Guerrero

Rightfield and DH seem to be interchangeable thus far for the Angels and 2B could end up back in the hands of Howie Kendrick at some point during this series. Hey; deja vu! Yep, it's a new series and Kendrick is hurt again, though the Angels outfield situation is a little more clear now that Willits is down in Salt Lake where he belongs. Expect to see an at bat or two go to Juan Rivera at some point.

Now through 17 games the Angels offense profiles as, well, exactly the same as they did last time. They're still close to the bottom of the league in walks drawn and pitches seen. However, they don't really strike out at all, only behind our Mariners in terms of avoiding the K. They need a dash of  Brandon Wood and his 22 strikeouts in 58 plate appearances, 38%, to add to their starting lineup.

CONTEXT

That was likely the two easiest wins the Ms will garner in a row all year as their win expectancy exceeded 80% during the third inning both nights. However, they went about it in two completely different ways; attacking early and often against Blanton and milking walks out of DiNardo last night. It would be nice to continue that roll; however boring the baseball might be, wins are wins and doubly so when against divisional foes.

R.A. Dickey is getting perhaps the best lineup to face for his 2008 starter debut; a bunch of free swingers. That means they won't be waiting around drawing counts so Dickey should be able to avoid the massive walk game that is always a risk with knuckleballers but he will be at risk for a 2006 meltdown game.

Jose Lopez has nine sacrifices on the year already.

Jose Vidro has contributed 0.34 runs per game so far in 2008. Barry Bonds contributed 1.13 runs per game in 2007. Even if you knock that down to an even 1 run per game (his lowest level since 1991 {golly Bonds is a good hitter}) we'd have scored over 10 runs more than we have already this year, giving us an 11-6 pythag record.

A lineup of nine Barry Bonds circa 2004 would be expected to score 3,564 runs in a season.

THIS SERIES BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Trois Pistoles
Unibroue. Chambly, QC

Fuck off Anaheim, you don't make any good beers anything. Quebec on the other hand... Dark ruby red/blackish color with all assortments of fruits on the nose and an ever complex taste. Orange, spice, cinnamon, banana and raisins are all notable in the aroma which gives way to a little more malt in the taste. Often described as port-like for it's deep flavors, this is perhaps the best line produced at Canada's best brewery.

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I'm not really an alcohol drinker

but all these beers you post makes me actually want to try some. Happy Dickey DAY!

http://seattlesportsmaniac.blogspot.com

by LantermanC on Apr 18, 2008 12:08 PM PDT   0 recs

Natty light is never FTW

Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.

by pdb on Apr 18, 2008 12:55 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Hmm

Smooth easy taste, can put down case in one night. My college drunkenness disagrees.

Note: I actually do like good beer too. But sometimes I want something light.

by appleshampoo on Apr 18, 2008 12:57 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

There is no taste.

Natty Light blows, along with all the other trashy frat beers.

You dissapoint a fellow collegian with your taste in beer

by cwel87 on Apr 18, 2008 3:29 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Meh

I was in a frat, so I cut my teeth on trashy frat beers. I have yet to really grow out of it.

by appleshampoo on Apr 18, 2008 4:14 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Natty Light FTW????

As in Fhat the Wuck?

Ill Ligitamus Non Carberendum

by PositivePaul on Apr 18, 2008 1:04 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I have a whole case of Natty

you can have it if you want

Determined, Jonesing Commentor

by I'm NOT Corco on Apr 18, 2008 1:54 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

It's always empty

‘cept for the PBR. Oh, and the Lil’ smokies

Your favorite meme is dead

by Edanger6 on Apr 18, 2008 12:57 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I doubt your doctor approves this diet.

I like midgets more than I should.

by Thingray on Apr 18, 2008 1:03 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Prolly not

maybe I’ll substitute the PBR’s for some of that fancy beer, and the Lil’ smokies for cat food.

Your favorite meme is dead

by Edanger6 on Apr 18, 2008 1:10 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Trois Pistoles

is ranked as the second best beer in the world by RateBeer.com.

While I’m generally a fan of Unibroue’s products, and specifically recommend Trois Pistoles, Maudite, and Don de Dieu, I do suggest you stay away from Fin du Monde.

It’s called “The End of the World” for a reason.

by Llewdor on Apr 18, 2008 12:14 PM PDT   0 recs

I love Fin du Monde

I cannot comprehend why anyone else wouldn’t.

by Matthew on Apr 18, 2008 12:15 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I agree

It was the first Unibroue beer I tried, and it got me to try the rest.

by arbeck77 on Apr 18, 2008 12:37 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

It is quite delicious.

And if you get it at the right place, quite affordable. Same is true of all of Unibroue’s fine products.

Support local music.

by acblue on Apr 18, 2008 1:15 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

yeah, I pointed this out to John post-sfotball

it’s like $3.50 / 12oz bottle at Elysian. Unbelievably affordable.

by Matthew on Apr 18, 2008 1:18 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

They have it at Trader Joe's for insanely cheap.

Like, $6.00 750 ml.

Support local music.

by acblue on Apr 18, 2008 1:20 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

They usually sell a 3 pack of 750 ml at Costco during holiday season

For $16-18. Maudite, Trois Pistoles and Fin du Monde—I rank them in that order. The first 2 are amazing, the third… Not so much.

Since that’s several months away, the downtown Bellevue QFC on NE 8th & Bellevue Way also has them, and I think the Whole Foods in Bellevue at the corner of 8th and 405 should also. A little more per bottle there.

Free Barry Bonds

by thejew4u on Apr 18, 2008 4:26 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Damn, thats a great deal

I got a 750 ml of Trois Pistoles for like $8.50. Of course in AZ I just have to consider myself lucky that I can find anything without having to scour for a specialty store.

by thenatural on Apr 18, 2008 4:32 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Hooray for my liquor store carrying a full Unibroue selection

Boo for me buying it 5 hours before the game starts like I always do and having to wait forever

by thenatural on Apr 18, 2008 3:10 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Once again

Really enjoying these previews, Matthew. A very welcome read each series.

Accidental Mariner - P3 W1 L2 (.333)
Sponsor of Jamie Burke's baseball-reference page

by MarkE on Apr 18, 2008 12:21 PM PDT   0 recs

Anyone going to any of the games?

I’ll be at the Sunday game. I thought about trying to get tickets to Saturday but that was before I got in a small car accident.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Apr 18, 2008 12:24 PM PDT   0 recs

ha yuuu!

the artist formerly known as Mere Tantalisers.

by Bearskin Rugburn on Apr 18, 2008 12:39 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Taking this series will make me completely

forget the Baltimore travesty. If we can beat the angels with these three on the mound and all the minor and major injuries then I’m going to fully suspend disbelief.
Hey, anyone notice that the Ms are among the league leaders for RS? Pretty cool.

the artist formerly known as Mere Tantalisers.

by Bearskin Rugburn on Apr 18, 2008 12:31 PM PDT   0 recs

I noted last night about Vlad against Wakefield

well that whole team hits him pretty well… to an overall tune of: .326 .372 .601 .973

I have a sinking feeling that Dickey is going to have his work cut out for him tonight against this aggressive lineup.. especially if they get runners on base.

Midnight Baseball - No Lights - Only in Alaska!

by MfaninAlaska on Apr 18, 2008 12:43 PM PDT   0 recs

That’s it?

Barry Bonds died for you sins.

by JI on Apr 18, 2008 12:43 PM PDT   0 recs

uhh
A lineup of nine Barry Bonds circa 2004 would be expected to score 3,564 runs in a season.

Barry Bonds died for you sins.

by JI on Apr 18, 2008 12:44 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

good point

the IBB’s would go down, since Bonds would be on deck.

this lineup would make my head explode.

Bradtastic!!

by MFAN on Apr 18, 2008 1:06 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

yeah theoretically they should go way up

Not only because of much fewer IBBs, but also if you believe in the concept of “protecting the batter.” They wouldn’t be able to pitch around him.

the other angels fan [formerly newlocal]

by Eyebrows on Apr 18, 2008 1:16 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

THT did a thing on best Aprils ever

Bonds’ 2004 April:

.474/.696/.1.132

23 Games, 53 At-bats, 39 BB (18 intentional), 25 hits (10 HR, 5 2B)

by Fett42 on Apr 18, 2008 1:17 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I might..

..have to break out a bottle of The Abyss for tonight.

by thepull on Apr 18, 2008 1:07 PM PDT   0 recs

that is mighty good stuff.

Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.

by pdb on Apr 18, 2008 1:09 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

BEAT LOS ANGELHEIM

Go Dickey Knuckler.

by Luscious James on Apr 18, 2008 1:10 PM PDT   0 recs

hey that's your first comment

Welcome…TO THE INTERNET!
(but seriously hi)

the other angels fan [formerly newlocal]

by Eyebrows on Apr 18, 2008 1:12 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yay Internet

I primarily wanted to get “Los Angelheim” into the LL vernacular.

by Luscious James on Apr 18, 2008 1:14 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

why not Douchebags?

the other angels fan [formerly newlocal]

by Eyebrows on Apr 18, 2008 1:23 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

people spell it that way a lot online

always makes me think of

the other angels fan [formerly newlocal]

by Eyebrows on Apr 18, 2008 1:25 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

koosh balls are awesome

they make great balls to use with those mini bats they give away at stadiums for a game of indoor baseball

by Matthew on Apr 18, 2008 1:26 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

L'Anaheim

Barry Bonds died for your sins.

by JI on Apr 18, 2008 2:21 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Why not let Burke catch?

He’s caught Dickey before…

by marc w on Apr 18, 2008 1:26 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

GAY JOKE GAY JOKE

the other angels fan [formerly newlocal]

by Eyebrows on Apr 18, 2008 1:27 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Jeebus

I didn’t…I can’t believe…so…obvious.

Burke caught Dickey in Oklahoma City during the 2006 season. Of course, Dickey spread himself around a bit, and wasn’t tied down to just one catcher. Tom Gregorio got a piece of the action here and there, and Nick Trzesniak may have gotten in on the action too. Must have been a bit difficult for the catchers; some may have felt a bit odd to see him using so many other receivers, but more than that – you’ve got to be physically ready and somewhat experienced to be able to deal with Dickey. You can’t just run out there and expect it to go smoothly. Hell, it can get really messy.

by marc w on Apr 18, 2008 2:16 PM PDT to parent up   2 recs

Perfect

the other angels fan [formerly newlocal]

by Eyebrows on Apr 18, 2008 2:17 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

You'd be shocked at the market

for this combo of skills. On the other hand, that just means these skills are an opportunity for a savvy entrepreneur.

So, somebody start a company and pay me to write gay jokes with occasional history allusions. All while imitating Woody Paige.

I’m waiting.

No? Ah well.

by marc w on Apr 18, 2008 2:22 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

wonderful

Barry Bonds died for your sins.

by JI on Apr 18, 2008 2:22 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

ST

Do we know if any of our catches can handle Dickey for the most part? I was not paying attention during spring training.

by appleshampoo on Apr 18, 2008 1:34 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

man

I am going to giggle like a damn schoolgirl anytime someone says “catch Dickey” or “handle Dickey”

the other angels fan [formerly newlocal]

by Eyebrows on Apr 18, 2008 1:35 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I would say

let Burke start then…I guess he can always come in if Joh is sucking it up.

by appleshampoo on Apr 18, 2008 1:57 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm a little surprised he didn't come in when Dickey made his last appearance.

I guess they don’t want to assign him a “personal catcher”.

I like midgets more than I should.

by Thingray on Apr 18, 2008 1:58 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

While there is no doubt that Anaheim sucks...

Disney is pretty awesome. But I guess they don’t actually ‘make’ anything at Disneyland (aside from bucketloads of money) so tnevermind.

Support local music.

by acblue on Apr 18, 2008 1:18 PM PDT   0 recs

Pixar.

Support local music.

by acblue on Apr 18, 2008 1:20 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Pixar controls Disney animation studios.

While I agree that the umbrella company is terrible, they have a track record of making great movies.

And yes, I know they make a ton of crap, too.

Support local music.

by acblue on Apr 18, 2008 1:25 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

My former employer is the worst company in America.

Mills Music.

Seriously, I lead the entire fucking company in sales for a year and I was only paid $8.25 an hour.

by BrianL on Apr 18, 2008 2:08 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Halliburton, AT&T, Comcast, and WalMart

say hi.

the other angels fan [formerly newlocal]

by Eyebrows on Apr 18, 2008 1:21 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Disney ruined ESPN

it has a much bigger impact on my life.