Angels Classic Rewind | Dateline: June 19th, 2002

By Joe Haakenson, AngelsWin.com Contributor - 

JUNE 19, 2002

GAME 68 - ANGELS AT CARDINALS

ST. LOUIS -- The Angels starting pitchers are a tight group. Beginning in spring training, they went to dinner together, talked pitching together and simply spent a lot of time together.

And in the last week or so, they've pitched poorly together.

Wednesday it was Aaron Sele's turn, and he gave up six runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings in a 6-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals before 35,432 at Busch Stadium.

All six runs scored on home runs, two by Placido Polanco, who entered the game with one home run all season. Albert Pujols also hit one, as the Angels starters have given up 15 homers in the past five games.

``It tells me they're pitching aggressively and throwing strikes,'' Angels pitching coach Bud Black said. ``They might not be hitting the locations they need to hit. What I tell them is they're going to give up home runs, every pitching staff does. But solo home runs don't hurt you. Two- and three-run homers hurt you.''

Pujols' two-run homer in the fourth snapped a 1-1 tie in the fourth and Polanco's three-run homer in the fifth broke the game open at 6-1.

``The first two were fastballs right down the middle of the plate; it's easy to drive it out of the park,'' Sele said. ``The third home run is the one that hurt. I thought it was a good pitch. It was a good piece of hitting.''

No Angels starter has thrown a quality start (at least 6 innings, 3 earned runs or fewer) in the past seven games, going back to June 10 when Jarrod Washburn had one against the Pirates. In those seven games, the starters are 1-4 with a 8.91 ERA.

``We need someone to step forward and pitch a great game,'' Black said.

The loss was the Angels' fourth in a row, their longest losing streak since a four-game slide April 20-23. They have lost two consecutive series for the first time since losing back-to-back series to the A's and Mariners April 18-24.

With both the A's and Mariners winning on Wednesday, the Angels fell three games back of first-place Seattle in the American League West and now are only one game ahead of third-place Oakland.

But considering where the Angels are coming from -- the lost 14 of their first 20 games -- no one is worried about the recent slide.

``You never want to press this early,'' said Scott Spiezio, who filled in for Troy Glaus at third base and had three (single, double, home run) of the Angels' seven hits. ``You're going to have stretches during the season when you lose three in a row, four in a row. But you don't want to sit back and analyze two or three losses right now. That's crazy.''

The Angels had chances early against Cardinals starter Matt Morris (10-4). Garret Anderson's two-out single in the top of the first gave the Angels a 1-0 lead, but Polanco's first homer in the bottom of the first tied the game at 1.

In the second, singles by Spiezio and Jorge Fabregas gave the Angels runners at first and second with one out. After fouling off a bunt attempt, Sele swung away and hit a chopper back to Morris to the left of the mound.

Morris looked to second, then threw to first too late to get Sele and the Angels had the bases loaded for David Eckstein. Eckstein, who had three homers and a triple in eight at-bats with the bases loaded this season, hit a grounder to second baseman Fernando Vina, who was shaded toward the bag at second.

Vina fielded the ball, stepped on second and threw to first for a double play that ended the Angels' only real hope to win this one.

After Sele's infield single in the second inning, only one Angel -- Spiezio -- had a hit the rest of the game. He doubled in the fourth and homered in the sixth.

``We had our opportunities,'' Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. ``When you're facing an outstanding pitcher like Morris, when you get opportunities you have to take advantage of them. He made a terrific pitch to Eckstein.''

NOTEBOOK

ST. LOUIS -- The Angels are believed to be interested in trading for Alan Embree, a left-handed reliever with the Padres. In exchange for Embree, the Padres reportedly would like outfielder Jeff DaVanon, who began the season with the Angels but is now playing for Triple-A Salt Lake.

The Angels, though, probably would prefer to give up outfielder Julio Ramirez.

Embree has been impressive this season, going 3-4 with a 1.09 ERA in 34 games. His primary role would be to face left-handed hitters, an area he's excelled in with the Padres. Left-handed hitters are batting .160 average (8 for 50) against him.

The Angels currently have just one lefty in the bullpen in Dennis Cook.

In 21 games with the Stingers, DaVanon is hitting .333 with four homers and 16 RBIs. In 16 games with the Angels, DaVanon hit .167 (5 for 30) with one homer and four RBIs.

If they want Embree, the Angels might not have much of a choice but to part with DaVanon because Ramirez strained his left calf chasing a fly ball during batting practice Tuesday and was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

Ramirez is hitting .292 (7 for 24) with one homer and five RBIs in 20 games with the Angels this season. He was signed by the Angels March 16 after they claimed him off waivers from the Chicago White Sox.

*

Third baseman Troy Glaus was not in the starting lineup for only the fourth time this season on Wednesday when manager Mike Scioscia decided to give him a rest.

Glaus missed games in April 8 and 9 to serve his suspension for the spring training fight with the Padres. He also missed a game April 17 because of a problem with his contact lenses.

``Troy's been pressing a little bit,'' Scioscia said. ``We want him to take a step back and hopefully relax a little bit.''

Glaus was hitting .310 on May 21, but in the 24 games since then he's hitting .133 (12 for 90), dropping his average to .246.

*

Today's game between the Angels and Cardinals was moved back from it's original 12:40 p.m. (CDT) to 3:10 p.m. so the Cardinals can hold a memorial service for broadcaster Jack Buck, who died Tuesday at age 77.

Buck's casket will be available for viewing at Busch Stadium from 7-11:30 a.m. and their will be a service at 12:30 p.m. Both are open to the public. The Cardinals will wear a black armband with the initials ''J.F.B.'' for the rest of the season and the initials were printed both in the infield dirt behind second base and in the grass behind the center field fence.

``I remember when I was a 21-year-old rookie in 1980 coming into the city,'' Scioscia said. ``He came up to me and started a conversation with me and wished me well. He had an incredible passion for baseball. You talk about the great announcers like Vin Scully and Ernie Harwell, he wanted to paint a picture. He made anybody who listened to him feel a part of the game.''

*

The Angels flip-flopped starting pitchers Scott Schoeneweis and Ramon Ortiz in the rotation. Schoeneweis will start today's game and Ortiz will start Friday in Milwaukee. Scioscia said the reason for the switch is primarily to split up the left-handers in the rotation, Schoeneweis and Jarrod Washburn, who pitches Saturday.

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Angels Classic Rewind | Dateline: June 18th, 2002

By Joe Haakenson, AngelsWin.com Contributor - 

JUNE 18, 2002

GAME 67 - ANGELS AT CARDINALS

ST. LOUIS -- The Angels got a glimpse Tuesday night of what once was their's, of what amazed them with his talents and baffled them with his laid-back demeanor at the same time.

Now in his third season with the St. Louis Cardinals, Jim Edmonds looked a lot like the version that played seven seasons with the Angels, hitting a home run and patrolling center field like few can in the Cardinals' 7-2 win over the Angels before 39,386 at Busch Stadium.

``It felt like it was an intra-squad game,'' Edmonds said. ``They were all on the other side and I was by myself.''

Edmonds, though, certainly didn't beat the Angels by himself. He had help, particularly from Cardinals starter Darryl Kile, who gave up one run and six hits in 7 2/3 innings as the Cardinals took sole possession of first place in the National League Central.

Meanwhile, the Angels have lost three in a row for the first time since a four-game losing streak April 20-23. They fell two games behind first-place Seattle in the American League West, and are now just two games ahead of surging Oakland.

While the spring, 2000 trade of Edmonds to the Cardinals for second baseman Adam Kennedy and pitcher Kent Bottenfield might not have been the club's best deal ever, the Angels have other concerns at the moment.

Specifically, what's wrong with starter Kevin Appier. Appier complained of tightness in his right (pitching) forearm two starts ago, but says it's fine now. But if Appier is not hurt, then how else to explain his sudden change of fortune?

Appier began the season 5-1 with a 2.96 ERA in his first nine starts, but in his five starts since, he is 0-5 with a 8.31 ERA. That includes Tuesday's start, which lasted only two-plus innings, his shortest of the season.

He gave up six runs and nine hits, including the home run to Edmonds (``actually a pretty good pitch,'' Appier said) and a two-run homer to Edgar Renteria (``a terrible pitch''). Angels pitching coach Bud Black said Appier only needs to make minor mechanical adjustments, and Appier agreed.

``I've had a number of bad stretches,'' Appier (5-6) said. ``This is a lengthy one, but I've pulled out of them before. After a game like this, thinking about throwing eight shutout innings seems so far off. But I still think I can get back to that.''

Edmonds, meanwhile, enjoyed visiting with old friends before beating them. He had a few former Angels teammates over at his house Monday night, including third baseman Troy Glaus, who is staying there instead of the team hotel for the three nights the team is in town.

Edmonds went 1 for 5, striking out twice, and robbed Brad Fullmer of extra bases with a running catch and a slide on his belly on the warning track in left-center field in the seventh inning. Unlike his stay with the Angels, Edmonds said it's OK to have a good time while playing baseball, and it shows.

``We had some good teams, but we never got the chance (to play in the playoffs),'' Edmonds said. ``Everyone was the same age. Nobody took charge. Nobody was funny. It was always quiet. There was nobody to keep the team loose. When I came here, everything was different.

``My first day here, Shawon Dunston is lying on the floor laughing his guts out. It's little things like that that keep a team going.''

The Angels, it seems, could use a good chuckle. Between their four-game losing streak in April and the current slide, the Angels went 33-11. But the starting pitchers have struggled lately, particularly Appier.

``There is not a magical solution,'' Black said. ``Just go out and trust your ability and trust what made you a winning pitcher in the big leagues.''

NOTEBOOK

ST. LOUIS -- Jim Edmonds, still dripping with sweat from batting practice, peeled off his Cardinals practice jersey late Tuesday afternoon to reveal a t-shirt that read ``California Soul.''

But Edmonds, the 1988 graduate of Diamond Bar High who spent 12 years in the Angels organization, has made a home in St. Louis. He still has close friends on the Angels, particularly Troy Glaus and Garret Anderson, but has otherwise tried forget about his time in Anaheim.

Edmonds was criticized by teammates, often times behind his back, for showboating and lacking a good work ethic. When he was traded to the Cardinals during spring training in 2000 for second baseman Adam Kennedy and pitcher Kent Bottenfield, Edmonds got the chance to start fresh.

``I had been with those people when I was 17 years old,'' Edmonds said of his time with the Angels. ``Old thoughts were lingering in their heads and it was hard for them to get past that. These people don't have that. Being so young (with the Angels), they had tainted views.''

Now Edmonds, who turns 32 next week, admits he has grown up.

``I'm three years older, I'm a little more mature,'' Edmonds said. ``I've been to the postseason, I know what every game means now. I know what it's like to be in a winning situation. It makes you grow up and be a better play under pressure.''

Edmonds hit .295 with 42 homers and 108 RBIs in 2000 and .304 with 30 homers and 110 RBIs last season. He's also been to the playoffs in both seasons with St. Louis, hitting .321 (17 for 53) with five homers and 15 RBIs in 13 postseason games.

He signed a six-year, $57 million contract soon after joining the Cardinals and says he'll retire when the contract is up after 2006 at age 36. He said there is nowhere else he'd rather play.

``I got an opportunity here and I'm glad I did,'' said Edmonds, who entertained former teammates Glaus, Anderson, Troy Percival and Scott Schoeneweis at his house Monday night. ``People say the mind's a powerful thing. I come to the stadium every day and being on a good club and having people in your corner makes all the difference in the world. You just have an upbeat personality the whole day.''

*

The return to Busch Stadium was ``exciting'' for Kennedy, even though he played in only 33 games for the Cardinals in 1999 before the trade.

``Not only on the field but because of a lot of people here,'' Kennedy said. ``There are three coaches here now (hitting coach Mitchell Page, third base coach Jose Oquendo and bench coach Joe Pettini) who helped me up through the minor leagues. And (general manager) Walt Jocketty is a pretty special guy.''

*

Outfielder Julio Ramirez had to be carted off the field during batting practice Tuesday after his left leg gave out while trying to catch a fly ball. Ramirez was examined by Cardinals team doctor Stan London, who diagnosed Ramirez with a strained left calf. Ramirez, though, said he heard a pop behind his knee.

Ramirez was placed on the 15-day disabled list. The club will call up reliever Brendan Donnelly to replace Ramirez on the roster.

*

First baseman/DH Shawn Wooten took live batting practice Tuesday for the first time since straining a muscle in his right side on May 31. Wooten isn't expected to begin a rehab assignment for at least another week. ... The Angels will call up a starting pitcher from Triple-A Salt Lake for Monday's doubleheader in Texas. It'll be either John Lackey or Matt Wise. Lackey is pitching for the Stingers tonight, meaning he'd be starting on his normal four-days rest on Monday. ... The Angels renewed their agreement with Triple-A Salt Lake through the 2004 season.

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Luis 'Lucho' Jimenez tops this week's AngelsWin.com Prospect Hotlist (June 16th, 2013)

By Scott Stedman, AngelsWin.com Staff Writer - 

1. Luis Jimenez, 3B, Salt Lake Bees

Past 10 Games: 17/40 (.425), 1 Double, 1 Triple, 1 HR, 9 Runs, 11 RBIs, 5 SB

Overall: .297/.343/.422 with 3 HRs and 8 SBs

What’s Up: As Alberto Callaspo continues to struggle mightily with the Angels, posting a -0.4 WAR, Luis Jimenez has begun to really swing the bat well for the Bees.  In April, Angels' fans got a taste of what Jimenez brings to the table when he is on: A spark to any team's dugout, good hands at third base, and a solid gap-to-gap stroke at the plate.  His production tailed off when his playing time decreased with the big club, but in Salt Lake with consistent at-bats, Jimenez has been red hot.  In addition to the offensive production, Jimenez has been playing both third and first-base which gives him more versatility in the long-run.  He also has been successful at stealing bases (8/10), which adds another dynamic to his game.  I would not be surprised if Lucho was recalled to platoon with the struggling Callaspo.  At this point, it wouldn't hurt much.

2. Eric Stamets, SS, Inland Empire 66ers

Past 10 Games: 15/41 (366), 2 Doubles, 1 Triple, 1 HR, 10 Runs, 3 RBIs, 1 SB

Overall: .299/.377/.384 with 1 HR and 8 SBs

What’s Up:  Eric Stamets has put up an extremely consistent 2013 campaign and solidified his position as one of the Angels' better prospects.  The 21-year-old shortstop has 3 plus tools - hitting, speed, and fielding.  In fact, his fielding has often been characterized as having Gold Glove potential, and from what I have seen, this is no exaggeration.  At the plate, Stamets is a slap-hitter who can occasionally barrel-up a ball into the gap.  He is also a hitter that hardly strikes out and walks a ton, which is often a good predictor for long-term success with hitters that don't have a ton of power.  As a 6th round pick in 2012, Stamets looks like a complete steal and could potentially be the replacement for Erick Aybar when his contract is up.

3. R.J. Alvarez, RP/SP, Inland Empire 66ers 

Past 10 Games: 3-0, 0 Saves, 1.13 ERA, 16 IP, 9 H, 6 BB, 30 K, 0.94 WHIP

Overall: 3-1, 0 Saves, 2.54 ERA, 28.1 IP, 20 H, 16 BB, 40 K, 1.27 WHIP, .194 BAA

What’s Up: R.J. Alvarez was the first selection for the Halos in the 2012 draft (3rd round), but has continued to fly somewhat under-the-radar in his first full season of pro ball.  If his basic numbers (2.54 ERA, .194 BAA) don't grab your attention, check out these other stats - 14.93 K/9, 2.13 FIP, 81.5 % LOB - they tell the true story of the incredible season that Alvarez is having.  On Thursday, Alvarez surprisingly made a start for the 66ers, the first his first career.  While it's unclear if this is going to be a regular occurrence, Alvarez certainly has the repertoire to be a starter - fastball in the mid 90s, tight slider and serviceable change-up.  The only thing that holds R.J. back is his command which can be spotty at times.  As a reliever, Alvarez profiles as a closer or 8th inning guy, and as a starter it is too early to tell.

4. Mike Morin, RP, Inland Empire 66ers

Past 10 Games: 0-0, 6 Saves, 1.59 ERA, 11.1 IP, 8 H, 3 BB, 14 K, 0.97 WHIP

Overall: 3-1, 7 Saves, 1.78 ERA, 35.1 IP, 27 H, 5 BB, 40 K, 0.91 WHIP, .218 BAA

What’s Up:  Mike Morin is now a veteran of the AngelsWin Prospect Hotlist, but at this point, I am having a hard time leaving him off! By now, most of you know the deal with Morin, but let's recap.  He possesses a low 90s fastball that he controls very well, a decent overhand curve and the best changeup in the system.  A truly devastating pitch.  Morin was another pick in the 2012 draft, in the 13th round.  With picks such as Morin, Yarbrough, Sappington, Stamets and others, the 2012 draft is shaping up to be an incredible one for the Angels.  The 22-year-old Morin could move up with Alvarez and combine to make a lock-down back-end of the bullpen, dare I say like Scot Shields and Francisco Rodriguez.  

5. Taylor Lindsey, 2B, Arkansas Travelers 

Past 10 Games: 11/36 (.306), 2 Doubles, 2 Triples, 2 HRs, 7 Runs, 5 RBIs, 0 SBs

Overall: .275/.336/.472 with 10 HR and 2 SBs

What’s Up:  Taylor Lindsey was one of those high-risk, high-reward high-school picks by the Angels back in 2010 and it looks like the risk in that decision is slowly diminishing.  Lindsey's hitting style is not orthodox - he starts with his hands next to his chest and whips the bat with an Ichiro style approach.  However, he is able to maintain plus hand-eye-coordination and now his power is beginning to develop.  Lindsey is putting up a SLG% of more than 60 points over last season and in a much tougher hitting environment in Arkansas.  Lindsey's potential is as a #2 hitter, potentially hitting .300 with 15 HRs and either scoring or driving in gobs of runs depending on where Mike Trout hits in the lineup.  After Kendrick and Aybar, the Angels have plenty of viable options in the minor leagues including Yarbrough, Stamets, and Sherman Johnson.  But, Lindsey may have the best career out of all of them.  

Affiliate Reports:

Salt Lake Bees:  The Bees went 4-3 this week bringing them right up to .500 on the season, 35-35.  Kole Calhoun and Efren Navarro continue to kill it offensively, hitting .346 and .339 respectively.  In the rotation, Matt Shoemaker leads the staff with 92 innings pitched and 74 strikeouts.  Jeremy Berg is getting it done in the bullpen with a 2.45 ERA and 1.13 WHIP.

Arkansas Travelers: Arkansas had a 3-4 week dropping below .500, 34-35.  Top prospect Kaleb Cowart is still struggling heavily with his OPS dropping well below .600.  Randal Grichuk, however, has been heating up of late bringing his OPS to near .800.  On the pitching side, the only true prospect that is holding his own is Michael Roth with an ERA of 3.38.

Inland Empire 66ers: The 66ers have really turned it on lately culminating with a 5-1 week.  They were eliminated from winning the 1st half in their division, but they will stay in 2nd place.  IE's offense has been scorching, led by Yarbrough, Stamets, Borenstein and Snyder.  As profiled, Morin and Alvarez have formed a lock down bullpen.

Burlington Bees: Burlington had a mediocre week, going 3-3 and remaining last in their division.  Kyle Johnson continues to hit (.314) and steal plenty of bases (30).  He also has a .416 OBP.  Alex Keudell and Ryan Crowley have carried the rotation but it has been too little too late.  Reid Scoggins was placed on the 7-day-DL

AZL Angels: The AZL Angels start next week.  Most of the 2013 draft picks will start here, along with Dominican signees Nataneal Delgado and Ricky Martinez.

DSL Angels:  The Dominican Summer League Angels have begun their season 8-4 in just 2nd place behind the 12-1 Rangers.  The Angels are coming off back-to-back championships.  One of the big signees, 18-year-old Jose Mendoza tossed 6 no-hit innings on Saturday.  He has a 1.23 ERA in 14.2 IP.  The 2nd largest bonus last year was given to 16-year-old Mario Martinez, who has hit .213 thus far.

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Angels Classic Rewind | Dateline: June 16th, 2002

By Joe Haakenson, AngelsWin.com Contributor - 

JUNE 16, 2002
GAME 66 - ANGELS AT DODGERS

LOS ANGELES – A Tim Salmon home run helped push the Angels to an early lead, but Jarrod Washburn gave up back-to-back home runs in the sixth and the Dodgers rallied for a 5-4 victory before 52,183 at Dodger Stadium.

Salmon’s two-run homer in the fourth inning off Dodgers starter Hideo Nomo gave the Angels a 2-0 lead. After the Dodgers scored in the bottom of the fourth, the Angels added two more on an RBI triple by Adam Kennedy and a successful squeeze bunt by David Eckstein to go up 4-1.

But Washburn surrendered a two-run homer to Eric Karros and a solo homer to Marquis Grissom to allow the Dodgers to get even.

Angels reliever Al Levine gave up an RBI single to Mark Grudzielanek in the seventh inning, which proved to be the difference. With the loss, the Angels missed another chance to catch the Mariners for the A.L. West lead.

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Angels Classic Rewind | Dateline: June 15th, 2002

By Joe Haakenson, AngelsWin.com Contributor - 

JUNE 15, 2002

GAME 65 - ANGELS AT DODGERS

LOS ANGELES – Scott Schoeneweis got shelled early and the Angels were never really in it in a 10-5 loss to the Dodgers before 52,165 at Dodger Stadium.

The Dodgers hit four home runs in the game, three of them off Schoeneweis, who lasted only two innings and gave up six runs. The Dodgers’ Shawn Greene hit two homers off Schoeneweis himself.

The Angels had 10 hits, but until Brad Fullmer’s pinch-hit three-run homer in the eighth, could muster only two runs against Dodgers pitching.

With the loss, the Angels missed a chance to catch the Mariners for the top spot in the A.L. West, instead remaining one game out.

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Angels Classic Rewind | Dateline: June 14th, 2002

By Joe Haakenson, AngelsWin.com Contributor - 

JUNE 14, 2002

GAME 64 - ANGELS AT DODGERS

LOS ANGELES – After an off-day, the Angels offense got busy early, allowing starting pitcher Ramon Ortiz to settle in and lead the Angels to an 8-4 win over the Dodgers before 51,722 at Dodger Stadium.

The Angels scored three runs in the third inning and again the fourth to give Ortiz a cushion, and he went on to pitch a complete-game four hitter.

The Angels had 11 hits in all, including three each from Darin Erstad and Bengie Molina, two hits from Tim Salmon and Garret Anderson’s 14th home run of the season.

The Angels kept pace with the Seattle Mariners in the A.L. West, remaining one game out.

NOTEBOOK

LOS ANGELES -- The Angels made a move to bolster their bullpen Friday, promoting Scot Shields from Triple-A Salt Lake and releasing Donne Wall.

Wall, in his eighth major league season, was 0-0 with a 6.43 ERA in 17 games this season. He gave up a three-run double to Pokey Reese in a loss to the Pirates last Tuesday in his last appearance with the Angels.

Angels general manager Bill Stoneman and manager Mike Scioscia, though, said Wall's release had more to do with the current state of the bullpen rather than Wall's inconsistent pitching.

``The reason it didn't work out was as much everybody's fault in the bullpen as it was Donne Wall's,'' Stoneman said. ``Donne's role was to come into games that weren't on the line, either we were ahead by a lot or behind by a lot. But with the rest of the guys struggling -- other maybe than Troy (Percival) -- Mike's options were limited and it showed.''

In Shields, the Angels have someone who is more versatile out of the bullpen, able to pitch more innings at a time than Wall. Shields, 26, was 2-2 with a 3.06 ERA at Salt Lake, which included a spot start.

``He has a live arm and he has his career ahead of him,'' Stoneman said of Shields. ``He might be what the doctor ordered.''

Shields made his major league debut with the Angels last season, giving up one unearned run and eight hits in 11 innings in eight appearances.

``I didn't expect it one bit,'' Shields said of his call-up. ``They've been playing real well up here. It's a surprise for me to be here, but I'm ecstatic about it.''

*

First baseman/DH Shawn Wooten hit soft toss Friday, testing the strained muscle on his right side. Wooten hopes to begin taking live batting practice sometime next week and possibly begin a rehab assignment by the end of next week.

Scioscia, though, is taking the cautious approach. Wooten hasn't played all season, injuring his thumb in spring training, requiring surgery, and then hurting his side on a rehab assignment on May 31.

``He'll pick it up every day, based on how he feels,'' Scioscia said. ``I hope we're talking within weeks now, not months.''

*

Darin Erstad's three hits Friday gave him 999 hits in his career. His 132 hits in interleague play ranks first in the majors. … Going into Friday's game, David Eckstein had struck out only once in his previous 60 at-bats. He strikes out once every 19.5 at-bats this season, third best in the American League. ... Garret Anderson's home run in the sixth inning Friday extended his hitting streak to eight games. Anderson holds the club record, hitting in 28 straight games in 1998.

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Women of Angels Baseball: Molly Jolly

By Ellen Bell, AngelsWin.com Staff Writer - 

Molly Jolly gets asked the same question all the time.

"How did you get such a cool job?"

As Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration, Jolly oversees financial matters for the Angels. It may seem that working in professional sports requires specialized talents. But the steps that brought her to the front office of a major league baseball team are the same ones needed for success at any job: finding your passion, making a plan, and gathering as many skills and experiences along the way. 

When Jolly was a kid in Florida, going to Miami Dolphins games with her dad, she couldn't have known that she would one day work for a professional sports franchise. Instead, she started on a typical career path, majoring in economics and accounting and working in a traditional corporate environment. 

Her job at the Atlantic Ritchfield Company (ARCO) led her to Anchorage, Alaska where she was an inventory accountant and financial analyst for their exploratory drilling operation. While in Alaska, Jolly became interested in the business operations of the local minor league hockey team. This attraction to the financial side of professional sports set her on a course that would lead to her future career.

“I had run the gamut of the oil experience,” said Jolly. “I was looking for a change.”

She brought her dream of a new career in the entertainment/sports industry with her to  Los Angeles, where she earned her MBA in Business Administration at UCLA.  For her thesis project she wrote a business plan for buying a minor league hockey team. This  led to consulting work with the Long Beach Ice Dogs. It was about this time when The Disney Company was looking for a Director of Finance for both the Anaheim Ducks and the Angels. 

The right job came along at just the right time.

Success may have seemed like an overnight stroke of good luck, but it was really a result of years of business experience and an intentional plan to join the industry of her choice. 

“It was a combination of moving in the right direction and then having enough momentum to make it happen when the opportunity came along.”

Today, Molly Jolly is responsible for the financial and administrative side of the Angels Organization, which includes everything from financial reporting and budgeting to ticketing operations and human resources. From her side of things, working in the front office of a major league baseball team is no different than any other corporation.

“Baseball is a business,” said Jolly. “Having a broad tool kit of transportable skills is more important than knowing the difference between an ball and a strike.”

Being a woman makes little difference when it comes to business opportunities in the professional sports industry. 

“In the Angels organization, we need people with a wide variety of skills,” Jolly explains. “Regardless of gender or sports experience. We look for people who are good at what they do.”

During home games, she can be found at Angels Stadium, making sure that all is going smoothly. Being on duty during the game is part of the job description in professional sports. But every once and awhile, Jolly likes to takes a break and enjoy the same experience as the fans. Once on her birthday, she told her husband that she wanted to sit in the stands, eat a hot dog and watch the game like everyone else. 

“Nobody knew who I was. I could just relax and enjoy the game like all the other fans.”

Look for my next 'Women of Angels Baseball' segment on Monday, June 17th as I uncover yet another influential woman behind Angels Baseball. 

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Why I Still Watch the Games

By David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer - 

Chuck Richter started a thread on www.AngelsWin.com about why he’s still watching Angels games this year. In his opinion, it’s about watching individual players: Bourjos stealing a homerun; watching Trout develop; Trumbo launching a bomb; Weaver possibly throwing another no-hitter; Kendrick competing for a batting title, etc.

I agree with Chuck on all of those reasons and a few more. Chuck’s reasoning can be split into two aspects: baseball as history and baseball as reality. But baseball is more than that: It is an investment in one’s self and

Baseball is history. As a fan, I want to know everything about the Angels. I want to recall every homerun and stellar play so that years from now, when my sons ask me a question about a an event, I will know the answer. Baseball as history allows me to compare current and future players to those in the past to see how they may develop. It’s what allows baseball to connect the generations. Without knowing the history from every game and every season, comparisons start to fray until that point when they are no longer valid.

Quick question: What is the longest running reality TV show? I would argue that baseball, as a continually broadcast sporting event is the longest running show ever on TV. As a fan, I know (or can look up) all the scores from every game up until today. However, until I see the final out of today’s game, I won’t know the outcome of today’s game. And I have no idea what will happen in tomorrow’s game. Anything can happen. Baseball is the sport that gave us the quote “It ain’t over until the fat lady sings”. I was at the game against Detroit in 1986 when the Angels turned a 12-5 loss in at the end of the 8th inning into a 13-12 win at the end of the 9th.

Again, Chuck’s point that he still watches the game to follow individual performances is an important part of baseball as reality. Watching Bourjos rob a player of a homerun is definitely worth the price of admission. Following Trout develop is something that every Angels fan should do. Following Trumbo in his pursuit to hit 40+ HRs in a season should be a source of pride for all Angels fans. Being there when Weaver throws his next no-hitter is something that should excite all Angels fans. Seeing if Kendrick can finally win a batting title is something to follow for an entire season. The only thing is, in order for me to be a participate in the baseball as reality, I have to be there, watching the games.

The last reason why I still watch the games is to make an investment in myself. Some fans act as if by watching a game or buying season tickets, they are investing in the team. I understand this sentiment, but I don’t subscribe to it. While part of why I am an Angels fan is to be a part of something larger than myself, I choose to see my time and financial investment as an investment in myself, not in the team. That way, I don’t have to sweat every single loss and instead can focus on every single joy.

For me, there is nothing more relaxing and enjoyable than being at a baseball game. I’m outside, it’s relaxing, I’m with a friend or relative, and I’m entertained. It doesn’t get much better than that. My season tickets represent a sizable chunk of my discretionary money. I choose to spend it on myself to force myself to relax. Going to a baseball game forces me to slow down at regular intervals. It’s my escape from all the annoyances of the world and a chance to focus on something that makes me happy. If I didn’t have the tickets, I might not take those breaks, and my life would suffer.

Baseball is unique from all the other major sports in one crucial way: it has no time clock. It’s the only major sport where one team can’t win by controlling time. As a fan, I prefer that. It ensures that the game is on its own time—which is totally different than every other part of the day for most people.

There is one reason that I specifically did not list as why I watch the games. I specifically excluded whether or not the Angels made the post season as a reason why I watch the games. While I always want the Angels to win it all, I know that it won’t always happen. Moreover, it takes away from the enjoyment of the game, and makes watching the game a chore or work, much like having to write a book report turns the pleasant experience of reading into a chore. That goes against all the pleasure that I get from the other three reasons why I watch the game, so I exclude it as a valid reason.

This season has not gone according to anyone’s plans. No one could have predicted how off the team’s performance has been. As a fan, it’s very easy to be frustrated and angry with the team right now. But, it’s not a reason to entirely tune it out. Instead of focusing on the standings during every game, focus on other specific things, like those reasons that Chuck Richter listed.  You will find the game more enjoyable, and you will get more out of the games. Hanging with the team when things are tough make it that much better to be a fan when the team wins it all. And, if you do, you will earn the right to share in the joy when they do win it all. 

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