Could the Rangers have actually gotten better without former MVP Josh Hamilton? By Keith Allison on Flickr, via Wikimedia Commons

Ideally, on any team in any sport, there is always a “best” player. This is the face of the franchise and much responsibility is put onto that player. In recent years, we have seen many franchise’s best players leave their team to go play for another, but few have actually been successful. The two main ones that come to mind are LeBron James, who left the Cavilers to join the Heat, and Albert Pujols, who left the Cardinals to join the Angels. LeBron has had success so far with the Heat, winning a title. But Pujols and the Angels have yet to make the playoffs and aren’t playing up to their potential for the second year in a row. At the same time, two smaller market franchises have lost their face of the franchise but have actually gotten better or stayed up to the same level of play. Both the Memphis Grizzlies and Texas Rangers have done this.

The Grizzlies made a trade back in January with the Toronto Raptors, sending former all star Rudy Gay away. Gay had been their face of the franchise since 2006. The Grizzlies weren’t very relevant until 2010, when they returned to the playoffs and ended up making it to the second round despite Gay’s absence due to injury. Many questioned whether or not the Grizzlies were better off without Gay playing but that just seemed outrageous because of his unique skill set. They gave the core of Gay, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley another year to see what they could do as a healthy team and the Grizzlies ended up losing in the first round to the Los Angeles Clippers and the whispers about Gay started looming. Finally the Grizzlies decided it was best to move Rudy Gay and his huge contract and did so. In return, they got some decent pieces including Ed Davis, Tayshaun Prince and Austin Daye. The Grizzlies were looked at as crazy for this trade and were expected to drop in the Western Conference but they did the exact opposite. As of right now, the Grizzlies have reached the first Western Conference Finals in team history and are competing for the chance to represent the West in the NBA Finals.

Rudy Gay was the face of Grizzlies basketball for a long time. Not anymore. By Game Face, via Wikimedia Commons

The Texas Rangers and slugging outfielder Josh Hamilton had success over the last few years — making it to two straight World Series. But after a disappointing season in which the Rangers failed to qualify for the playoffs after a heartbreaking wild card game loss, Hamilton and the Rangers decided it was time to part ways. Hamilton, in a shocking signing, joined Albert Pujols in Anaheim as a member of the Angels. With Hamilton and Pujols in the middle of the lineup, the Angels were supposed to shred records and were a top pick to make the World Series. Thus far, though, they are at the bottom of the standings, and many of their players aren’t playing to potential. The post-Hamilton Rangers, on the other hand were viewed in the preseason as still a good team but no where close to what they were with Hamilton. Much like the Grizzlies, the Rangers have succeeded, earning the best record in baseball so far, not seeming to miss Hamilton one bit.

Both the Grizzlies and Rangers management and fans have seen a lot of success after losing their face of the franchise. It is yet to be seen if the good play translates into a championship like in LeBron’s case, but they both look pretty good. Normally I wouldn’t say that losing the best player on your team is a good thing but for the Grizzlies and Rangers it just might have been true.

Josh Hamilton, shown here in spring training, has has a rough start with the Angels after signing a big contract in the off-season. By Owen Main

Have you seen Josh Hamilton? Since last June, he’s hit just .239.

I have a suspicion that he’s pressing. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that the former American League MVP is out of sorts. He looks uncomfortable, swinging at bad off-speed pitches and missing his usual meaty low-ball strikes.

I had the pleasure of seeing the star-studded Halos lineup last week, against the Rangers. Unfortunately for us, Yu Darvish was on the mound. Darvish pitched the most dominant game I have ever seen, striking out eleven in six innings.

Is it abnormal to say that any batter looks uncomfortable against Darvish? Not at all. The guy’s five pitch arsenal is the strongest since Mark Prior in 2003, and I have a strong inkling, when it’s all said and done, Darvish will be a 200-win guy with at least a few Cy Young Awards studded in his cap.

But on two occurrences, Hamilton looked elementary in the face of his former teammate. So much so, the easily impressed Angels fan base, uncharacteristically booed the 125-million dollar man. He swung at bad pitches all night, striking out twice, not to mention his two game-altering blunders in the outfield.

And was there any response? Any fire in the belly of the man who nonchalantly smacked 43-home runs last year? Nope. Just the same old same old strike-out strolls back into the Scoscia’s crumbling lair.

So I guess Canada has some baseball to root for, but there don’t look like many people at the game in Toronto. By Oaktree b at en.wikipedia, from Wikimedia Commons

Two weeks ago Erick Aybar was scratched from the Angels Spring Training roster. The reason: He’s needed as the starting 2nd baseman for the Dominican Republic, for the World Baseball Classic.

What is the World Baseball Classic?

According to the International Olympic Committee, baseball is only a sport followed in the Americas, Canada and Asia. Though that is much of the world, Europeans choose not to see it that way. They consider irrelevant socialite experiences like Badminton and Fencing, worth a whole lot more of our time.

Baseball is a game of patience, persistence, clarity, mental toughness and preparation. And while one could argue Erick Aybar is doing just that sort of thing playing in the WBC — a world affair smaller than College Basketball’s somewhat unwatched conference tournaments — I argue otherwise.

Last year, Aybar barely hit .200 through April, May and most of June. This year’s Angels are reliant on his speed and switch hitting versatility at the top of the order, to ignite things for Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton and Mark Trumbo.

Had we the 2016 Olympics to look forward to, Major League ball players could focus their attentions solely on the grueling 162-game task that awaits them. Instead we’re left wondering whether or not our franchise faces might land themselves on the Disabled List in March. And all for what? A cheap Olympic-like knock off played on ESPN2?

Camelback Ranch is one of the best places to watch your favorite prepare for the season ahead. By Ray Ambler (www.raphotos.com)

In this day and age, three and a half weeks into spring training means most baseball fans have the same thoughts circulating throughout their head: “How am I going to set up my fantasy team this year?;” “I hope my team hasn’t suffered a devastating injury;” or my personal favorite, “Last year may have been bad, but thank god I’m not a Cubs fan; at least my team still has hope of winning.” Don’t worry Los Angeles baseball fans, because over the last two years the Dodgers and Angels have combined to spend over $600 million on player contracts, while also agreeing to nearly$10 billion dollars in television deals, proving their respective desire to win immediately. Haven’t had any time to keep up with the Dodgers and Angels this spring? Worry not, for I am here to provide you with a reminder of what has gone on since the start of spring training:

Dodgers:

• The Dodgers still have eight starting pitchers, which is not a bad thing. Last year they used nine starting pitchers, and no team has gone through 162 games using the same five starting pitchers since the 2003 Mariners with Freddy Garcia, Jamie Moyer, Ryan Franklin, Gil Meche and Joel Pineiro. Management should make every attempt to keep as many as possible. Injuries are bound to occur throughout the season and the saying goes, “You can never have enough starting pitching.”
• Clayton Kershaw, who is coming off back-to-back seasons in which he finished in the top two for Cy Young voting, has thrown 13 innings, giving up 19 hits and eight earned runs during spring training. While these stats seem alarming, last I checked it was still spring training. You have nothing to worry about Dodger fans.
• On March 1, Carl Crawford was shut down from any fielding or hitting for at least a week for what he described as tightness and soreness in his arm, rather than pain. Unfortunately, this is a result from his Tommy John surgery last August, causing some people around baseball to wonder whether or not he will be ready for spring training. As of March 7, Crawford has been cleared to start hitting and throwing, but he won’t return to a Cactus League game for at least another week, and a return by Opening Day is still up in the air.
• Big League Chew announced Matt Kemp will be featured on the package of their iconic bubble gum brand. This will make Kemp the first active professional athlete to be featured on the package of gum that’s become synonymous with the baseball youth; part of the sales will go to Kemps charity, Kemp’s Kids.
• Zach Grienke was sent back to Los Angeles with a sore arm to talk to the Dodgers’ team doctor. Uh oh.

There are also eight players in the Dodgers organization participating on six different teams in the World Baseball Classic:

–   Mexico: Luis Cruz, Adrian Gonzalez

–   Puerto Rico: Andres Santiago (minors), Mario Santiago (minors)

–   Brazil: Felipe Burin (minors)

–   Dominican Republic: Hanley Ramirez

–   Italy: Nick Punto

–   Venezuela: Ronald Belisario

For constant updates on the Dodgers throughout the day, I recommend following Bill Plunkett on twitter @billplunKettocr. He is the Dodger’s beat writer for the Orange County Register and provides phenomenal information on a daily basis.

Angels:

• The latest high-profile acquisition for the Angels, Josh Hamilton, made his spring training debut on March 2. He went 0-for-3 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but has since gone 5-for-7 with one home run and two RBIs. Of course, fans and critics need to keep in mind that his performance during spring training—whether it’s good or bad—will not reflect how a he performs during the regular season, especially with how unorthodox of a personality he has proven to have.
• For some reason a big deal was made when the Angels announced they had renewed Mike Trout’s contract to a four percent increase from the league minimum, meaning Trout will make $510,000 instead of $490,000.  I certainly believe Trout deserves a much larger raise solely based on the only season in his major league career; however, the kid is only 21 years old and even he doesn’t seem to mind, clearly understanding he will have a very long career filled with plenty of paychecks.
• The best hitter the post-steroid era has seen to date, Albert Pujols, had surgery in October on his right knee and made his spring debut on March 5going 0-for-3. He hasn’t played since, but he assured Angel fans that he would be more than prepared for the regular season, regardless how many at-bats he gets in spring training.
• Four individuals—Ernesto Frieri, Kevin Jepsen, Scott Downs and Sean Burnett—have emerged as potential candidates to take over the closer role, as Ryan Madson will likely start the season on the disabled list. It appears Frieri will get the opportunity to start the season, with playing time probably dictated by performance.

There are also three players in the Angels organization playing on three different teams in the World Baseball Classic:

–   Dominican Republic: Erick Aybar

–   Mexico: Efren Navarro

–   Puerto Rico: Fernando Cabrera

As I mentioned before with Bill Plunkett, if you would like to receive updates on the Angels throughout the day, I recommend following Bill’s counterpart at the OC Register, Jeff Fletcher on twitter @JeffFletcherOCR.

Los Angeles sports fans, eat your hearts out.

You already had 4 courses. And the dessert is going to be pretty sweet, too.

Already in 2012, Los Angeles has seen its share of stars. The 2012 baseball season featured arguablly the best player in baseball, Albert Pujols joining the ranks of stars in Los Angeles. OK, he didn’t quite make it to Los Angeles, but Orange County isn’t bad.

Mike Trout became the best player in baseball last season at the age of 20. By Keith Allison from Owings Mills, USA (Mike Trout Uploaded by Muboshgu) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Across town, the Dodgers did nothing if not raise their star profile. It started with Magic Johnson and the Guggenheim group buying the team for over $2 billion. Matt Kemp was already a star. So was Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers traded for Adrian Gonzalez, Hanley Ramirez, Josh Beckett, and Carl Crawford, all of whom have been in the top two or three at their position at some point in their careers.

The Lakers have always been star-driven. Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol have been stars for years. Metta World Peace thinks he’s one, although I’d argue against it. In the offseason, the team acquired Dwight Howard and Steve Nash, both of whom are definitely stars.

The Lakers’ Staples Center roommates, the Clippers, are also beginning to gel with their own superstars, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, leading the way.

At the Home Depot Center, the Galaxy had stars this year. In David Beckham’s last season. Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan are among the world’s best players and, alongside Beckham, led a star-driven team to its second straight MLS Cup.

The team with the fewest stars is the only team other than the Galaxy to win a championship this year. The Los Angeles Kings, led by Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar, and Jonathan Quick won the Stanley Cup for the first time.

Zack Greinke had Los Angeles baseball fans abuzz this week, but he doesn’t get close to cracking the top-10 sports stars in Los Angeles. By Keith Allison on Flickr (Originally posted to Flickr as “Zack Greinke”) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

If the Western Divisions of the National and American League end up the way they look on-paper now, a freeway World Series in southern California is a distinct possibility. I don’t want to digress into a different topic, but if things went like they “should” go based on preseason predictions, the Lakers wouldn’t be struggling so much.

Struggling or not, the Lakers have remained relevant with stars. However they do in 2013, both the Angels and Dodgers have positioned themselves to be relevant all season. As I’ve said before, when it comes to Los Angeles, sometimes it’s more important to be relevant, than good. And fans in southern California don’t complain when their teams are both.

Owen’s List of Star Power in Los Angeles sports in 2012

1) Kobe Bryant

2) Albert Pujols

3) Matt Kemp

4) Mike Trout

5) Blake Griffin

6) Chris Paul

7) David Beckham

8) Clayton Kershaw

9) Josh Hamilton

10) Dwight Howard

Honorable Mention — Steve Nash, Adrian Gonzalez, Landon Donovan, Pau Gasol, Jared Weaver, Hanley Ramirez, Robbie Keane, Jonathan Quick, Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, Serena Williams, Zach Greinke, Andre Ethier.

Did I miss someone? Do you not agree with my top-10? Post below and tell us what you think.

Pau

There are easy descriptions regarding the 37- year old veteran, and then there are debatable things the pundits ponder over decades upon decades, before coming to some mixed-form of conclusion.

The older Alex Rodriguez gets, the more polarizing he seems to become. By Keith Allison [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

The man is a megastar and a sex symbol. To go along with his record setting contracts and polarizing personality, A-Rod and all that is his beefy 6’3″ frame has mastered the on-switch of women. From beauties like Cameron Diaz to Madonna and Kate Hudson, A-Rod has been gifted with the right kind of swing if you ask most men.

But he sure as hell can’t hit in the postseason. To think America is up in arms this year is outrageous. A-Rod, minus 2009 and a few MVP awards and 25 million dollar per-year contracts, is an average at best, postseason player. His mental fortitude is in question, as is his legacy as a whole. Not only is the man utterly underwhelming — .263, 13 homeruns, 41 RBI, 75 strikeouts, in 75 career postseason games — in the spotlight of playoff baseball, but arguably, is the greatest regular season trash hitter of all time.

What do I mean by trash-hitter? He can CLEARLY hit 3rd, 4th and 5th starters in a rotation. But after this postseason’s debacle and his career as a whole, he REALLY CAN’T hit 1st, 2nd and arguably the 3rd starters. Considering this, should we include A-Rod in the talk of all-time greats?

If he can’t hit the C.C Sabathia’s, Jered Weaver’s, Felix Hernandez’s and Justin Verlander’s, then he can’t be included in talks with the men who can — Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera and the man formerly known as “Mannywood”  — though I’m sure fans of A-Rod would scoff at this, considering his career 647 home runs and nearly 2,000 rbi’s over a famed 19-year career.

But those are regular season numbers. Compare his regular season from his postseason averages.

Regular Season                                Postseason (75-Career Games)

Avg: .300                                               Avg: .263

Avg HR Per 75 Games: 19.6               HR: 13

Avg RBI Per 75 – Games: 59.09         RBI: 41

Avg Strikeouts Per 75-Games: 61.57  Strikeouts: 75

Clearly A-Rod isn’t the same man he is in the regular season. But I’m not certain it’s lack of ability, more than it is a lack of focus. As nuts as it seems to think a three-time MVP lacks focus, it’s not all that unbelievable.

Juggling some of the most beautifully demanding women in the world with the pop phenomenon that is he is — while having the world at his fingertips with a kingdom of unbridled wealth — A-Rod is certain to have at some level lost his original passion — baseball — and replaced it with glory.

Glory, the singular element with the power to breed beauty and victory, is the same with the ability to turn gold to rust and ruin.

History repeats this. For every heroic story there are ten bad ones that follow. From Doc Gooden’s drug abuse to the over zealous rise and fall of Napolean’s France, glory concedes men often, to the arc of failure. It is the element that ceased poet ‘Emily Dickinson long enough to write this lyrical warning:

Glory is that bright tragic thing,

That for an instant

Means Dominion,

Warns some poor name

That never felt the sun,

Gently replacing

In oblivion.

Oblivion is something I’m certain Alex Rodriguez fears. Irrelevance. At 37, his years are waning, and having been the rock star of his generation, he now has to concede his crown to those more deserving in the eyes of his constituents.

I would wager money on younger star players, like Matt Kemp or Ryan Braun, ending their careers higher on the all-time greats list then A-Rod. Yet, that’s not to say A-Rod will ever go unnoticed. His oblivion will manifest itself in the erosion of his character and confidence, and that alone, will sink his name further down the all-time list.  

I don’t believe any of us question whether or not A-Rod has done enough to be a hall of famer, and whether or not he is considered one of the greatest SS/3B of all-time. He’s that good. Within all the backlash and critism, the man ranks 5th all-time on the home run list, and no matter how hard the fans are, he is still one of the most consistently potent and feared powerhitters of all-time.  

But what-ifs linger more for A-Rod, than they do for teammate Derek Jeter, foe Albert Pujols and in another two or three years, reigning Triple Crown winner, Miguel Cabrera. All three have been consistent in both the regular season and the post season, and have been the best players on their teams while doing so. 

A-Rod will always be that guy who couldn’t give it up. Who cheated. Who signed oversized contracts and feasted on his failures with disinterest in it all.

He’ll be the guy who couldn’t hit an 88 to 89-mile per hour fastball in his last solid run at postseason glory. The man who with the entire world at his fingertips and a legacy falling apart at the seams, had the audacity to let a player like Raul Ibanez outshine him.

He’ll be the man who blasphemed the tool that made him who is by using it as a vehicle to score digits from an unknown girl in the stands while his team drops a needed game one in the ALCS.

He’s just that interestingly old. And America and I are clearly over it.

According to a recent tweet by Jon Morosi of Fox Sports News, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have the piece to lure Cole Hamels away from the Phillies.  

With Victorino headed for free agency, Bourjos likely would intrigue the #Phillies in any Hamels talks.

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 5, 2012

A move that makes the speedy 25 year-old Bourjos all the more alluring from a trade standpoint, considering Cole Hamels and starting centerfielder, Shane Victorino’s, looming free agencies. 

Boujos is clearly the Angels’ most movable player right now for a myriad of reasons. He’s young  and cheap — signed through 2014 on a rookie level contract — and has been replaced by the emergence of Mike Trout. Through 63 games Bourjos is hitting just .233 despite an impressive debut last season.  Despite his slow start to the season, he has tremendous offensive upside coupled with a gold glove in the outfield.

The question is whether or not the Angels have the ability to realistically ink Hamels long-term while solidifying  Trout and Mark Trumbo as the franchise faces. Hamels will seek a long-term contract worth at least $20 million per season. While I look forward to the concept of slotting him third of fourth in a rotation abounding with lock-down guys like Jared Weaver, Dan Haren and C.J Wilson, I’m uncertain as to how prudent signing another mega contract would be.

Despite Ervin Santana’s inconsistency in the fourth slot in the rotation, the 29 year-old has historically been a second half pitcher. Last year, he started 1-9 in the first half and finished 10-3 with a low two era and a no hitter in late July.  Signed through 2013 the Halos have another year to assess whether or not Santana is worth another three to five year contract extension at his affordable 11.2 million dollar rate.

I would welcome a move only if the Angels can package Santana and either Maicer Izturis or Alberto Callaspo alongside Bourjos in exchange for Hamels. But all the Hamels talk has been speculation without word from the Halos camp regarding Bourjos’ future in Anaheim.

At the moment, according to this article by Ken Rosenthal, the Angels are unwilling to part with Bourjos because of his future as a major team building block and Garret Richards, who is a solid low-cost option at the bottom of the rotation. Angels’ General Manager Jerry DiPoto is thinking not only about the team now but the team in the near future when big names like Torii Hunter, Vernon Wells and perhaps Santana, come off the books.  Shoring up their long-term ability to retain Trout and Trumbo alongside future hall-of-famer Pujols and a top-five rotation would seem to be the primary goal at this point.

Considering their 37-19 record over their past 56 games, sitting solid in a wild card slot, and scoring more runs than anybody in baseball right now there really isn’t the need there to make a major move. Hamels would make more sense in a Dodger uniform behind the formidable Clayton Kershaw, to help relieve tension in what is becoming a disturbingly odd season of highs and lows for manager Don Mattingly’s team.

The Dodgers before injuries to Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Dee Gordon and Mark Ellis, held the best record in baseball through mid-June. Since then, they have slid into turmoil, slugged by inefficiency at the plate and a rotation plagued by Chad Billingsly’s erratic performances. Currently 1 1/2 games ahead of the surging San Francisco Giants, the Dodgers have a hard road ahead of them if they hope to get themselves into the postseason.

After a deal for first-baseman Carlos Lee fell through early this week, Matt Kemp according to this article remains hopeful. “It’s always good to get people to make your team better,” Kemp said. “I don’t know exactly what people think we need. We did a great job with what we have here. If we get somebody, that’s good. But if we don’t, it keeps going on and we have to keep playing the way we have in the first half.”

But I wonder how Dodger fans must feel. How long will the team sit around and wait for a potato sack at first like James Loney to make a difference? According to Mike Potriello of mikescosciastragicillness.com, fans might be willing to listen to offers for a prospect like right hander Zach Lee, in exchange for a bat like the above average Chase Headley at third.  Which proves just how desperate the Dodger fan base is to get into the postseason now rather than tomorrow.

Both teams have had moody beginnings to the 2012 season, but one is surging and the other is desperately limping just to remain relevent. The Angels are looking for that 4th starter to shore up a small blight while the Dodgers seek a plethora of parts just to keep the engine running. It’s all a matter of how far DiPoto’s team can fly but a desperate matter of how long Colleti’s bunch can keep their heads above water.  And that all goes without saying whether or not Tim Lincecum decides to become Tim Lincecum again.

Moreno, who made his fortune with billboards, endeared himself to Angels fans quickly.  He cut ticket prices and lowered parking fees. He famously asked, “Can I lower beer prices?”  The reply — “You’re the owner, you can do whatever you want.”

In 2004, Moreno showed himself to be a major player in the free agent market, signing Vladimir Guerrero and Barolo Colon.  The Angels went on to win the AL West for 5 out of the next 6 years, though always falling short in the playoffs.  Guerrero could not stay healthy, Colon couldn’t stay away from the buffet line, and the Angels had became mired in postseason futility.  Pitching and defense were never the problem — it was always offense.  Baffling signings (Gary Matthews Jr. 5 yrs for $50 million), failure to sign (Mark Texeira), and questionable trades (Mike Napoli for, essentially, Vernon Wells and his $20mill+/year salary) failed to improve the Angels offense. They had solid hitters, but no middle of the order beast.

Enter Albert Pujols. Ten-year contract at a staggering $254 million for someone who is 31 years old.  Angels fans everywhere rejoice . . . right?

Name one slugger who thrived past the age 35 without performance enhancing drugs.  A-rod (age 36)?  No.  Manny Ramirez and his 2 suspensions (age 39)?  David Ortiz (age 36), once the most feared clutch hitter in all of baseball last year spent time in the bottom third of the order?  Anybody remember Alfonso Soriano (who’s age, 35, has always been in question).  How about sluggers from the previous generation.  Ken Griffey Jr. was never same, Rafael Palmeiro has Hall of Fame numbers, till it was revealed he  was doping.

Tony Gwynn bucks the trend, but he never hit for much power.  In addition, he did know what an off season training program was.  Before that, Willie Mays, Duke Snider, Mickey Mantle, all legendary sluggers which Pujols will be grouped with had their careers decline on the back end of 35.  So, while Pujols may be worth $25 million per year until age 35, I don’t see how the Angels can justify paying a 35-yr old who by that time will have been the (not continue to be) greatest hitter of his generation.  Imagine paying Jim Thome $15 million/year now?  How about Jason Giambi (and his pink thong) $12 million?  It just makes no sense.

Here is the best case scenario: Pujols has 4-5 amazing years with the Angels, stays HEALTHY, then becomes a serviceable DH after that.  If the Angels are lucky, Pujols can surpass Mays, Babe Ruth, maybe even Hank Aaron on the all time HR list.

Worst case scenario:  Let’s just hope the Curse of Angels 1st basemen skips Pujols.  Remember Mo Vaughn who signed a 6-yr $80-million contract back in 1999, then tripped in the dugout in his very first game and was a complete flame out afterwards.  How about Kendry Morales?  Two years ago he had a breakout season with comparable numbers to the recently departed Texeira.  In 2010 he shattered his knee jumping on home plate after hitting a walk-off  home run. He hasn’t played an inning since.

Even without major injury, the new Angels slugger will have to overcome years and years of evidence that says his contract will become more stale than the song on the Small World ride next door.

With a foursome this disturbingly lock down, after signing lefty ace C.J. Wilson to a 5-year $77.5 million dollar deal, the Halos have the most feared staff in baseball. Realistically all four–Weaver, Haren, Santana and Wilson could individually win multiple Cy Young Awards.

And while the hatred will insight prejudicial mantras in Arte Moreno’s direction, it just got that much better for the tanned teeny bop bomb shells in Orange County.

Now with a middle of the order bat unlike anyone, yes anyone, in our generation, the Angels are hands down the best team in baseball. Signing that once-in-a-lifetime bat in Albert Pujols to a record size 10-year, $254 million dollar deal today, the Angels rouse is merrily poised to fly off into World Series ring lore.

But let us not confuse the two newbies for idiots without understanding what and who they chose to sign with.

Mark Trumbo, reigning runner up for the AL Rookie of the Year Award, is set to have a beast of a year. The mere fact the guy mustered 29 home runs as a wide-eyed rookie in a lower echelon lineup was more than impressive, it was superstar-like. His methodical approach and utilitarian style of play, is the reason Pujols was welcomed with open arms. Trumbo will switch to third base, which not only shores up a spot for Pujols but takes care of what was a looming weakness all last season. While Maicer Izturis and Alberto Callaspo were sure hands at third, their lack of pop at a corner position disrupted the Angels chances at scoring runs.

Pujols’ minions also include: Peter Bourjeous, a coming of age base stealing slap ball .290 hitter; Erick Aybar, lock down defensive-minded player and consistent base stealer; Howie Kendrick, lock .300 bat ; veteran Torii Hunter, who hit .330 from August through September in 2011; the return of Kendrys Morales, who if healthy round up .300 and 35 dingers with this type of protection; reemerging four-time All Star Vernon Wells; and super-kid Mike Trout. Oh, how about include the best owner in baseball and a coach unmatched in his brilliant run first, slap ball, small ball style of play in Mike Scioscia.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb95sySdE10

While Cardinals fans lament in their loss by burning Pujols Jerseys and claim he burned them like LeBron James, let me respond with this: When a star of Pujols nature demands something you give it to him. Don’t hate the player, hate the game– but most importantly Cardinal fans– hate your ownership.

Pujols: an eleven year veteran and the greatest player of his generation loved the city of St. Louis. But when it came down to it your ownership’s failure to wine and dine the legend ultimately cost you a hero.

And while his .328 career average, 445 home runs, two-titles and three MVP’s tan in soothing sea shell sands of Malibu, your disrespect will go unnoticed and unrecognizable, like a barking Chihuahua nipping the immortalized heal of a god.

Quit the barn burning. Tack up the jersey and remember eleven special seasons. Lose the hate. Dine the legendary. And when it is all said and done, congratulate what soon will be a multiple World Series winner in the land of Disney.