Kuzul

Angels right-hander Matt Palmer feels like a new man after undergoing successful knee surgery last October. 

Palmer was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 2002, and started his career by having a 1.83 ERA while with the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes. He spent three years in Double-A before being promoted to Triple-A Fresno in 2006. 

Palmer was called up by the Giants in August 2008, and after making three starts was sent back down to Triple-A. 

Upon becoming a free agent at the end of the 2008 season, Matt Palmer signed a minor-league deal with the Angels with an invite to spring training. 

Following the tragic death of Angels rookie Nick Adenhart, Palmer made his debut with the Angels on April 24, 2009 as a fifth starter. 

Although he successfully built up an impressive 7-1 record, Palmer was moved to the bullpen after being replaced by Ervin Santana on July 1, when Santana resumed his usual position in the starting rotation. 

Palmer finished the season at 11-2 with a 3.93 ERA. 

After a strong 2009 season, Palmer fans were hopeful that he had finally given the Angels a reason to appoint him a slot in the starting rotation. However, the signing of right-handed pitcher Joel Pineiro quickly eradicated his chances. 

In May 2010, Matt Palmer was placed on the disabled list due to an injured right shoulder.  While in rehab, he began noticing swelling in his right knee while going through conditioning exercises. 

On Oct. 12, 2010, Palmer underwent knee surgery. After a two-month recovery process, Palmer returned to the mound with astounding new range of motion and mobility, in turn allowing fuller arm extension.

Upon arriving in Tempe, Ariz., Palmer stated that he is “feeling great and ready to go.”

Palmer and his teammates are looking forward to competing for the AL West crown as the 2011 season approaches. 

Matt Palmer is a great talent, and a down-to-earth gentleman to boot! Can’t wait to watch him pitch this year and see his golden arm in action! 

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No one ever anticipated that a dramatic, game winning, walk-off grand slam would ultimately lead to the demise of an entire season. On May 29, 2010 in a game against the Seattle Mariners, the Angels and their fans witnessed the team’s most productive power hitter fracture his left leg while celebrating with fellow teammates at home plate.

Angels first baseman Kendry Morales proved his all-star qualities in the beginning of the 2010 season. He led them in batting average (.290), home runs (11), and RBI (39); an upcoming MVP to say the least. 

However, Morales’ successful year suddenly came to a halt after he experienced an awkward landing on his left foot at home plate following his victorious grand slam. 

Immediately falling to the ground and grimacing in pain while his teammates stood around him starring in disbelief, Kendry spent the remainder of the 2010 season recovering from his tragic accident. Now that the 2011 baseball season is fast approaching, Halo fans are anxiously awaiting the return of their No. 1 power hitter.

The Angels have done very little to improve the ball club this offseason. Besides the addition of Vernon Wells and relief pitcher Scott Downs, Arte Moreno and Tony Reagins have kept a low profile; thus, the Angels roster is lacking a strong hitter.

Kendry Morales is expected to be ready to play by the time spring training starts, and fans are anticipating a huge season for him. Although Morales’ return won’t solve all of the ball club’s problems, it is sure to help the team get back on track.

After a disappointing season last year, it’s time for the fans to look ahead and be optimistic that with Kendry’s return and a strong pitching staff, the Angels will once again be in the running for the AL West title.

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His aggressiveness at the plate and free-swinging abilities have earned him the title “Bad Vlad.”  Plain and simple, Vladimir Guerrero is an amazing baseball player.  When Guerrero played in Anaheim, he had an overwhelming fan base, and it is easy to see why. 

In his first season with the Los Angeles Angels, Guerrero led the club in many offensive categories, including 124 runs, 13 outfield assists, 366 total bases and a season-ending batting average of .337. He continued his offensive dominance in September, earning American League Player of the Month after batting .371 with 24 runs scored, six doubles, one triple, 10 HR and 23 RBI.  In the final seven remaining games of the 2004 season, Guerrero’s 10 runs, six HR and 11 RBI ultimately made the Angels’ ball club American League West Division Champions.  Following their 2002 World Series win, the Angels went on to earn four additional AL West Division Titles: 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009. 

In the 2009/2010 offseason, Arte Moreno and Tony Reagins decided not to bring Guerrero back for an additional year.  Instead, on January 11, 2010, Vlad signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the Texas Rangers and wound up being largely responsible for the organization’s successful win of the AL West Division Title, and the first pennant in Rangers history.

Statistics and figures aside, Guerrero was, beyond a doubt, a fan favorite in Anaheim.  After winning the 2002 World Series, the Angels automatically gained popularity and respect from their fans, but Guerrero brought extra excitement.  As a power hitter, with virtually no strike zone, he aroused Angel fans, and baseball fans in general. 

Due to Guerrero’s ongoing struggle with arthritic knees, this might very well be his last year in the majors.  What a shame it would be for such a respected player to end his career as a “free agent.”  Although the Baltimore Orioles have made him an offer, Guerrero’s fate as a major league baseball player is still up in the air.  At this point, I’m not giving up hope!! Come on Arte Moreno, sign him! Make this die-hard Angel fan’s year and bring back Anaheim’s no strike zone king!!

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So Mike Napoli and Juan Rivera were both sent to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Vernon Wells. This leaves the Halos with Jeff Mathis, Bobby Wilson, and Hank Conger as their catchers.

Well, I’ve been expecting Napoli to leave the Angels ball club for quite some time, however, the Juan Rivera trade came as a huge surprise. Distinguished by his high contact rate and low strikeout rate, Rivera has always been a valuable asset to the Angels team. In the 2007 Venezuelan Winter Ball Classic, Juan Rivera completely shattered his leg after sliding into first and was immediately placed on the disabled list by the Angels. Although the injury kept him out for most of the 2007 season, Rivera’s determination took charge, and he managed to appear in 14 games that September before the season came to an end.

Personally, I do not harbor any hard feelings towards Vernon Wells, but it deeply saddens me to see yet another beloved fan favorite leave the Angels organization.

I’m the kind of fan who considers my favorite team a family…but that’s what they are, right? A band of brothers who travel together, win together, lose together, and more importantly, support one another. The Angels ball club is a special one, I think this became apparent to the baseball world in the days and weeks following 22 year-old Nick Adenhart’s sudden death.

The team came together to mourn the tragic loss of their teammate, their brother. They grieved as a family, and by doing so became stronger than ever by sweeping the “unbeatable” Boston Red Sox in the 2009 ALDS.

Sometimes it’s hard to remember that baseball is indeed, a business before a family. At this point all we, as fans, can do is chalk it up for what it is, and treasure the memorable home-runs and amazing plays that Juan Rivera made during his time with the Angels since 2004. Best of luck in Toronto friend, knock em’ dead.

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