James R. posted an article on
True Grich
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Jan 11, 2012, 2:27 pm
Okay, so you might be wondering… when is True Grich going to have a new blog post? Well, let’s just say that I’ve been basking in the afterglow of the Albert signing and really haven’t had much to say; at least not until now (not that what I’m about to post is earth-shattering or anything... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
True Grich
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Dec 9, 2011, 11:28 am
While most of the baseball world is analyzing and discussing the impact Albert Pujols will have on the Angles, the American League West and baseball as a whole, this blog decided to head off in a different direction.
As a fan, I know I will never have the opportunity to get to know Albert on a perso... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Dec 8, 2011, 6:49 pm
This is a defining moment for the Angels. Albert Pujols is a once-in-a-generation type of athlete and the impact he can make on a team, a community and baseball as a whole cannot be over-stated in my opinion.
Pujols’ signing with the Angels is stunning news. Take the time to really let it sink i... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Dec 8, 2011, 12:45 pm
The news is true - the Angels have signed Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson. If you've come here looking for a post from me, please be patient. I will have plenty to say - but just not yet. I need to absorb what happened before I can put my thoughts and emotions into words. This is epic and I wa... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Dec 5, 2011, 4:25 pm
There’s something great about waking up in the morning and knowing that Jeff Mathis will not be in the Angels lineup in 2012 and beyond (Jeff Mathis was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays).
You could say that such knowledge puts a smile on my face and a little extra pep in my step. You could say th... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Nov 29, 2011, 2:28 pm
Maybe it’s just me, but I have found the Angels’ Hot Stove season a bit interesting (albeit slow) so far. If you follow mlbtraderumors.com or twitter or any number of web sites, you may have heard about the Angels search for a catcher.
Adding fuel to the "catcher speculation fire" was Scott M... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Nov 11, 2011, 1:46 pm
Today's post has absolutely nothing to do with the Angels, but has everything to do with the baseball.
Please indulge me as I talk about my other baseball blog - The Baseball Docent.
I started The Baseball Docent a while back in hopes that it would be outlet for me to talk about baseball in general ... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
True Grich
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Nov 10, 2011, 7:31 pm
I’m an old fashioned guy. When I was growing up I always addressed my parents’ friends as Mr. and Mrs. (insert last name here). It didn’t matter if their kids called my parents by their first names, I just didn’t do that. It’s how I was raised and throughout my life I have always mainta... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Oct 28, 2011, 4:45 pm
Sometimes baseball fans are like sheep. They play follow the leader or in the case of baseball opinions – follow the popular consensus. Someone assumes they have the answers, voice their opinion and before you know it – it becomes the popular opinion. That’s been the case in and around Anah... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Oct 12, 2011, 3:00 pm
I can’t take it. It’s hard to watch and even harder to reconcile in my head. How in the world did Mike Napoli end up in Texas? Yeah, I know “how” – I should ask “Why?” Okay, I know the “why” as well; I’m just having a hard time wrapping my head around it all.
Every time I hear... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Oct 3, 2011, 3:20 pm
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about the Angels under the ownership of Arte Moreno is that they always find ways to surprise me. This was never truer than when Tony Reagins resigned last week as the team’s general manager.
It was a move that most Angels fans wanted in the worst way and yet... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Sep 29, 2011, 2:18 pm
For all intensive purposes the Angels’ season ended on Monday, September 26 in game 160; however, there were still two games left to be played. Fans would still show up over the next two days, pay their hard earned money to watch baseball and say good-bye to the 2011 season.
What did they get for... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Sep 27, 2011, 7:15 pm
Last night in the 8th inning when the Rangers expanded their lead to 4-2, Cheryl looked intently at the action on the field and said, “We still have six outs.”
When Erick Aybar singled in the bottom of the 9th, she gripped my hand tightly. She didn’t want the season to end just yet. When Rus... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Sep 26, 2011, 5:05 pm
It’s over. I’d love to be wrong, but I’m afraid I’m not. Yes, the Angels could win the next three games and the Red Sox could lose their last three and the two teams could end up in a tie for the Wild Card, but let’s be realistic; that’s not going to happen. Add in the fact that Tampa... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Sep 19, 2011, 6:17 pm
I want an epic finish to the 2011 season. Yeah, that’s right – I want those last three games at home against the Texas Rangers to be intense, awesome and unbelievable.
Yeah, I want to reach for the golden ring… reach for the sky… baby just spread your wings.
I want to be overcome with emoti... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Sep 18, 2011, 11:32 am
I will never forget the day (July 25, 2010) I had to tell Cheryl that the Angels had traded Joe Saunders to the Arizona Diamondbacks. It was a difficult task to say the least and something I wrote about the following day.
One of the hard parts about being a fan is knowing that you have no control o... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Sep 13, 2011, 6:14 pm
When Cheryl and I left Angels Stadium Sunday we knew we should feel pretty good about taking two out of three from the Yankees; however, we felt a little empty instead. A sweep would have been so much sweeter and remaining a game and a half back of the Rangers was just much more manageable in our m... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Sep 9, 2011, 6:00 pm
There’s an old adage in baseball that “good pitching beats good hitting.” I’ve heard that expression ever since I can remember and even though it’s not absolutely true, anyone associated with baseball has been spouting that little mantra for years.
Well that claim is going to be tested th... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Sep 8, 2011, 5:45 pm
If the Angels had lost to the Seattle Mariners last night and wasted an absolutely tremendous effort by Jerome Williams, I probably would have lost my mind.
Today I feel like I could lose my mind over the lack of national coverage regarding his effort. I often find it funny and somewhat frustrating... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Sep 6, 2011, 6:29 pm
Hello “Swagger” my old friend; it’s really good to see you again.
I’m definitely feeling it; yes, I am. Call it confidence. Call it pennant fever. Call it whatever you want; it’s all good.
The unmistakable aroma of an American League West pennant is in the air and if things go just righ... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Aug 31, 2011, 11:54 am
The audition is over. It’s time to hand Mike Trout a leading role on the Angels baseball team. It’s time to sit back, relax and…. Check that. It’s time to sit on the edge of our seats and watch the accolades and awards roll in. Mike Trout has “box office” written all over him. This ... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Aug 30, 2011, 6:19 pm
Friday:
Why isn’t Mike Trout in the lineup?
I think somebody else is occupying Dan Haren’s body. He’s looking more like Scott Kazmir tonight…
I hate you Gilligan (Erick Aybar). That botched double play cost us four runs.
I really hope this is the start of something good... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Aug 29, 2011, 5:37 pm
There’s an old saying that if you want something done right, do it yourself. This is probably true in most cases with some possible exceptions being any plumbing work that needs to be done at your home or things like surgery.
In any case – the Angels had the perfect opportunity to take car... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Aug 25, 2011, 4:51 pm
Jered Weaver’s press conference became a hot topic around baseball circles everywhere; from radio shows, to internet message boards – everyone was talking about what a “breath of fresh air” Weaver was and how their respect for the 28 year old Cy Young Award candidate had grown by leaps and b... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Aug 23, 2011, 5:39 pm
We don’t really know Jered Weaver all that well. I mean, as fans – we get a glimpse of his personality every now and then and his character is often on full display in game situations, but when all is said and done – we don’t know Jered.
But we do know things about Jered and over the y... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Aug 23, 2011, 3:51 pm
It seems like yesterday.
It was Thanksgiving morning in 2007; sometime between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. when my wife woke me to tell me that the Angels had signed Torii Hunter (per the news) to a five-year contract. I didn’t believe her. I said something to the effect that the reporter probably w... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Aug 22, 2011, 5:05 pm
I wanted this in the worst way; to see Jered Weaver in an Angels uniform beyond 2012 and thankfully, my wish has come true. Reports have Weaver signing a five-year $85 million extension with the Angels.
From the moment he was drafted in 2004 with the 12th overall pick by the Angels, Weaver has... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Aug 19, 2011, 12:06 pm
Thank you Mark Trumbo; last night you lifted the spirits of thousands of Angel fans everywhere. You gave us a reason to cheer and more importantly – believe. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I need that; we all needed that walk off homerun you delivered in grand style.
Its go time folks. ... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Aug 18, 2011, 5:42 pm
Somebody call hazmat; there’s a heinous odor coming from Anaheim and more specifically Angels Stadium. It smells like a season just died. Speaking of heinous, might as well cue the song " Buttercup" because once again, this team has let me and every Angel fan I know down.
I tried. I really... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Aug 17, 2011, 4:10 pm
If I let myself go, I could rant from now until the end of the year; pausing just long enough for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’d probably then start ranting again all the way till spring training when my mind would suddenly go blank and my eyes would get big and I’d start to feel optimistic ag... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Aug 16, 2011, 6:16 pm
Sometimes being a baseball fan is just painful. You get your hopes up in anticipation of a big game or a big series. The day of the first game of that series, you can’t help but think about it all day long. You can’t wait to get to the stadium to be with other fans that are ready for somethin... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Aug 15, 2011, 4:30 pm
This is a big week. The Angels who trail the Texas Rangers by four games host those same Rangers for a four game series starting tonight. To say it’s a life or death situation would be a huge over-statement because no one is going to die as a result of this contest, but it does have an impact on... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Aug 10, 2011, 4:24 pm
Whenever Jeff Mathis comes to the plate I cringe. Whenever he bats with men in scoring position, I expect the worst. When he bats at a crucial juncture of the game and there are two outs, I close my eyes.
And yet…
I really want Jeff Mathis to succeed. Yes, I really do because when all... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Aug 10, 2011, 12:49 pm
Fred Lynn must think he’s something special. Every now and then a baseball player will do something that will leave me shaking my head and that’s exactly what happened Saturday night.
As part of the Angels’ 50th Anniversary celebration, they’ve had various alumni from the past 50 years... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Aug 5, 2011, 6:55 pm
Joel Pineiro won the second annual Angels Cook-off Thursday. Later that night, Mike Scioscia informed the media that he’s removing Pineiro from the rotation. Put two and two together… and you have a new career for Joel. Just saying.
Thursday was kind of an odd day… Doug DeCincnes was char... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Aug 4, 2011, 11:23 am
In the movie “Fever Pitch” starring Drew Barrymore (as Lindsey) and Jimmy Fallon (as Ben); Ben introduces Lindsey to the folks who sit in his section at Fenway Park. Lindsey soaks it all in and says… “Wow, you have quite a group here.” Ben replies “Well, it’s my summer family.” In... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Aug 3, 2011, 1:02 pm
I have had a few days to digest the events surrounding the Angels/Tigers game that took place this past Sunday. I’ve listen to some commentary, read some comments (including a great piece by one of my favorites Joe Posnanski) and I’ve come to some conclusions and opinions of my own; some of whi... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Jul 25, 2011, 11:08 pm
Back on Friday – July 7, 2011 Cheryl and I came to the stadium not to get a glimpse of Mike Trout, but to hopefully get the full “Mike Trout experience.” After all, it’s not every day that baseball top prospect makes his major league debut in your home stadium.
The stadium had a bit of a bu... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Jul 22, 2011, 5:23 pm
If you had told me that after losing 7-0 one night, the Angels would turn around and come from five runs down to win the next night and then follow that up with a game where they only had two hits and won 1-0, I would have politely smiled at you and looked around the room for someone to come and tak... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Jul 20, 2011, 5:50 pm
A funny thing happened on the way to the big game last night… one team (the Angels) decided not to show up. Oh they were there physically, but their game was noticeably absent. They didn’t just lose, they were shut out 7-0 and to make matters worse, Angels cast-off and current Ranger Mike Napo... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Jul 19, 2011, 6:17 pm
I never thought this day would get here. Here we are in the middle of July and 96 games into the season and the Texas Rangers are finally coming to town. Seriously! I mean who put this schedule together?
In any case – I’m looking forward to the three game series which begins tonight. Never m... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Jul 8, 2011, 5:00 pm
I don’t know how appropriate it is for men of a certain age to be overly excited about the major league debut of a 19 year old; however, in the case of myself and the debut of Mike Trout I’m practically drunk with anticipation and excitement.
Now, I have tried to best of my abilities to temper ... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
True Grich
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Jun 30, 2011, 7:30 pm
I’m not sure how to handle the Angels’ recent success of late (although I could find a way should it continue). After going an impressive 8-4 on the road; they come home to sweep the Washington Nationals and go 11-4 over their last 15 games. Boo-ya, right? On one hand, a win is a win and I’... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Jun 24, 2011, 5:52 pm
Heading to the Angels/Dodgers game tonight at Dodger Stadium.
Check list for tonight’s game:
Jersey √
Hat √
Eyes in the back of my head √
Pepper Spray √
“W” √
More Friday fodder....
So.. .the bad guy they caught in Santa Monica and returned to Boston wasn’t Frank McCourt?
If I see... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Jun 13, 2011, 6:35 pm
How can I possibly put what happened in Anaheim during the last home stand into words? On one hand I can’t believe this team is this bad; on the other, I find myself doing a lot of head shaking. It’s about all I can do when Torii Hunter or any number of Angels hit into an inning-ending double ... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Jun 3, 2011, 2:03 pm
When I say the name Jeff Mathis how do you react? Do your eyes roll back in your head and you feel like you might pass out? Does your brow furrow and your lips get tight? Profanities start flying from your lips?
Has there ever been a player in the Angels organization who evoked more emotion and pa... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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Jun 2, 2011, 6:42 pm
Fifty eight games into the 2011 season and the Angels have lost as many games as they’ve won (29-29). It’s kind of funny how “even” they’ve been of late. In their last ten games, they’re 5-5. They’re 16-16 on the road and 13-13 at home. Their season so far can sort of be described ... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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May 20, 2011, 4:45 pm
The Angels had a bad week; boy did they have a bad week. They had losses that were humiliating, frustrating and even downright embarrassing. I think that about covers it right?
Now, you’re probably thinking I’m about to rant like there is no tomorrow and really let off some steam. Well if you... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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May 13, 2011, 4:12 pm
I was sitting in the stands last night watching the Angels and the White Sox when I heard something on the radio that didn’t sound too good. It was all kind of fuzzy because I wasn’t really focused on what was being said. When I finally got wind of the news that Kendry Morales was going to mis... Comment - Like
James R. posted an article on
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May 10, 2011, 4:27 pm
The 2011 baseball season is 41 days old today and when the day is done, I will have seen 20 games (in person), including trips to Kansas City and Arlington. Cheryl has been with me for all but one of those games. We’ve already seen more games than most sane people do in a year.
I recognize that ... Comment - Like
I'm all about the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. I blog about my team strictly from a fan's point of view. I try to offer something different. No sabermetrics or deep analysis (others can do that better). I have fun, but often hard hitting opinions about things surrounding not only the Angels, but the game of baseball itself. I'm not going to be mistaken for some kind of baseball expert. I'm more about having a fan's perspective and when I say fan - I mean a die hard fan that goes to a ton of games every year.
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