With Morales On The Road To Recovery, What's Next For The Angels?

As the players and coaching staff for the Angels still try to come to grips with the heart-breaking and freakish injury suffered by Kendry Morales Saturday, the organization and the Angels first baseman have both started their respective recoveries.


foxsportswest.com:  Who's On First Is A Tough Question For Angels

ANGELS' GM TONY REAGINS GIVEN CONTRACT EXTENSION

ANAHEIM, CA – The 2009 A.L. West Division champion Angels announced Friday that General Manager Tony Reagins has received a long-term contract extension.

Reagins became the 10th General Manager in Club history when he signed an initial three-year contract on October 16, 2007. Per club policy, no terms of the agreement will be released.

“I would like to thank the Moreno Family for their support and confidence as we continue our goal of winning World Championships," said Reagins. "It is an honor to work with a tremendous group of professionals, both on the baseball and business side of our organization. The vision of this organization, and the dedication of our employees for improvement on a daily basis, makes my role extremely gratifying.”

Since taking over the General Manager position, Reagins has been active in making key personnel transactions including the acquisitions of pitcher Jon Garland (trade with Chicago White Sox), outfielder Torii Hunter (free-agent signing), first baseman Mark Teixeira (trade prior to the non-waiver trade deadline in July), outfielder Bobby Abreu (free-agent signing) and lefthander Scott Kazmir (trade). Along with West Division titles, the Angels have posted a 197-127 record (.608 winning percentage) during his first two campaigns as General Manager, including a club-record 100 wins in 2008.

As the result of the Angels' successful 2008 season, Reagins was recognized earlier this year as the recipient of the Andrew "Rube" Foster Award as the American League "Executive of the Year" at the 2008 Legacy Awards (sponsored by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City).

Reagins, 42, has spent 18 seasons in the Angels organization. Prior to his promotion to General Manager, he served six seasons as the Angels’ Director of Player Development. In that role, he was responsible for overseeing the club’s minor league system comprised of seven affiliates, including a club and developmental academy in San Pedro De Macoris, Dominican Republic.

With Reagins’ guidance (2002-07), the Angels' affiliates reached the playoffs 18 times while capturing 15 division titles and three league titles. The Angels’ farm system posted winning records in four of the six seasons (2003-05-06-07) and was named “Minor League Organization of the Year” in 2003 by The Sporting News.

Under Reagins’ direction, the Angels’ farm system has advanced several players to the Major League roster including, Howie Kendrick, Reggie Willits, Robb Quinlan, Kendry Morales, Erick Aybar, Jeff Mathis, Mike Napoli, Jered Weaver, Joe Saunders, and Kevin Jepsen. In addition, Minor League News named the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim as the “2007 Farm System of the Year.”

In his first season as Director of Player Development, six rookies were on the 2002 World Championship team after not having one rookie on the roster coming out of Spring Training. Those rookies included Brendan Donnelly, Chone Figgins, Francisco Rodriguez, John Lackey, Scot Shields and Jose Molina.

Before serving as Director of Player Development, Reagins spent four years as Manager of Baseball Operations where he worked closely with GM Bill Bavasi, Farm Director Jeff Parker and Scouting Director Bob Fontaine. He also served as a Sponsorship Services Representative from 1996 until returning to Baseball Operations in April of 1998. Additionally, he held an internship in marketing/advertising sales in 1993 before being named Marketing Assistant in 1994.

A native of Indio, CA, Reagins began his career with the Angels as an intern in baseball operations in 1992. He graduated from California State University Fullerton in 1991 with a degree in marketing and earned an AA degree in business administration from the College of the Desert in 1988.

Reagins resides in Fullerton with wife Colleen, daughter Kennedy, and son Luke.

Reagins is a member of the Buck O’Neil Scout Association and an active supporter of Major League Baseball’s Urban Youth Academy and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Visit the Angels on the Internet at: www.angelsbaseball.com

ANGELS' ADENHART, TWO OTHERS, KILLED IN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT

ANAHEIM, CA: Angels Baseball this morning announced the passing of right-hander Nick Adenhart, the victim of a fatal automobile accident in Fullerton, CA. Two other individuals were also killed in the incident.

Adenhart, 22, was a passenger in a silver Mitsubishi along with three others. Fullerton Police reported the Mitsubishi proceeded through an intersection, when a van ran a red light and broadsided the vehicle. A female driver and male passenger were in the Mitsubishi were dead when police and fire department personnel arrived. Adenhart died as the result of his injuries at UCI Medical Center earlier this morning.

No other members of the Angels organization were involved.

Adenhart pitched a masterful six innings in last night's game against Oakland (6 IP, 7 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 SO), leaving with a 4-0 lead before a late-inning rally resulted in a 6-4 Angels defeat.

Originally drafted by the Angels in the 14th round of the June, 2004 draft, Adenhart was in his fifth professional season and made the Angels Opening Day roster for the first time. He opened the 2009 campaign with a 37-28 career minor league record and a 3.87 ERA (506.2 IP - 218 ER). Adenhart made his Major League debut last May 1 against Oakland. At the time, he was the youngest active-roster pitcher in the majors.

Adenhart earned his spot in the Angels rotation via a spring training in which he recorded a 3-0 record and a 3.12 ERA (26 IP - 9 ER) over the course of six starts. During that span, he struck out 18 while allowing only five base on balls.

Adenhart is survived by his father Jim and mother Janet. His family released the following statement:

"Nick's family expresses sincere gratitude for all the help the Angels have provided. He lived his dream and was blessed to be part of an organization comprised of such warm, caring, and compassionate people. The Angels were his extended family. Thanks to all of Nick's loyal supporters and fans throughout his career. He will always be in everyone's hearts forever."

Angels General Manager Tony Reagins issued the following statement on behalf of the club:

"The Angels family has suffered a tremendous loss today. We are deeply saddened and shocked by this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nick's famil, friends' loved ones and fans."

Memorial services are pending.

ANGELS EXERCISE 2009 OPTIONS ON VLADIMIR GUERRERO AND JOHN LACKEY

CLUB DECLINES 2009 OPTION ON GARRET ANDERSON

Additionally, Gary Matthews Jr., Mike Napoli and Guerrero Undergo Surgeries

ANAHEIM, CA - The Angels Tuesday announced the club will exercise 2009 options on Vladimir Guerrero and John Lackey and decline the 2009 option on Garret Anderson.

Additionally, Gary Matthews Jr. and Mike Napoli will undergo surgeries this week. Guerrero underwent successful surgery on the medial meniscus in his left knee earlier this month. These announcements were made today by Angels’ General Manager Tony Reagins.

Guerrero, 32, had surgery on the medial meniscus in his left knee on October 10th at the Steadman-Hawkins Clinic in Vail, CO. The surgery was performed by Dr. Richard Steadman. Guerrero is expected to be ready for Spring Training. In 2008, the veteran batted .303 (164/541) with 31 doubles, three triples, 27 home runs and 91 RBI in 143 games in 2008. He logged a .300 average and at least 25 home runs for the 11th consecutive season, joining Lou Gehrig (1927-37) as the only two players in MLB history to do so. An eight-time All-Star, Guerrero owns a club-best .323 average in five seasons as an Angel. Originally signed by the Montreal Expos as a free agent (March 1, 1993), the Dominican Republic native is hitting .323 (2136/6617) overall with 404 doubles, 43 triples, 392 home runs and 1268 RBI in 1,750 major league games.

Lackey, 30, completed 2008 with a 12-5 record, three complete games and a 3.75 ERA (163.1 IP – 68 ER) in 23 starts, posting 40 walks and 130 strikeouts. He began the season on the 15-day disabled list due to a strained right triceps and was activated May 14 (his first-ever DL appearance). In his career, Lackey is 91-63 with 13 complete games, seven shutouts and a 3.81 ERA (1,324.2 IP – 562 ER). An MLB All-Star in 2007, he owns the third-lowest ERA (based on 600 IP) in the AL since 2005 (3.42; 814 IP – 309 ER). A native of Abilene, Texas, Lacked was originally selected by the Angels in the second round of the 1999 free agent draft.

Anderson, 36, batted .293 (163/557) with 15 home runs and 84 RBI in 145 games in 2008. The longest tenured Angel in 2008, he marked his 14th full season with the club and his 14th consecutive season batting .280 or better (only other MLB active player to do this is Manny Ramirez). A three-time All-Star, Anderson ranks as the Angels’ all-time leader in several categories, including games (2,013), runs (1,024), hits (2,368), doubles (489), total bases (3,743) and RBI (1,292). Anderson ranks second in home runs (272) and third in career average (.296). A native of Los Angeles, CA, he was originally signed by the Angels after being a fourth round selection in the 1990 June free agent draft.

Matthews Jr., 34, will have surgery to repair the patella tendon in his left knee today (October 28th). He posted a .242 average (103/426) with 19 doubles, three triples, eight home runs and 46 RBI in 127 games in 2008. Signed by the Angels as a Major League free agent, Nov. 22, 2006, he has played for seven different major league teams (also San Diego, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh, New York Mets, Baltimore and Texas). Originally selected by the Padres in the 13th round of the 1993 June free agent draft, Matthews Jr. owns a .259 career average (966/3729) with 203 doubles, 27 triples, 104 home runs and 433 RBI in 1,142 major league games (spanning over eight seasons). A native of San Francisco, CA, he is the son of Gary Matthews Sr., who played 16 years in the majors for the Giants, Braves, Phillies, Cubs and Mariners.

Napoli will have arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder October 31st (his 27th birthday). In 2008, he split catching duties with Jeff Mathis and made 71 starts behind the plate. Napoli batted .273 (62/227) with nine doubles, one triple, 20 home runs and 49 RBI, setting career highs in average, hits, home runs, RBI and stolen bases (7). He was placed on the disabled list, July 7, due to right shoulder irritation (and was activated, Aug.7). In his career, Napoli owns a .248 average (177/714) with 33 doubles, two triples, 46 home runs and 125 RBI in 252 major league games. A native of Hollywood, FL, he was originally selected by the Angels in the 17th round of the 2000 free agent draft.

-- ANGELS --

Don't Believe The Hype Of The Curse

I know some of you have already been talking about it, but I don't want to hear it. I know it helps you deal with the pain of yet another playoff loss, but I don't want to hear it. I know it's the only reason you can come up with to explain why this keeps happening, but I still don't want to hear it.

THERE IS NO BOSTON RED SOX CURSE ON THE ANGELS!

Just go ahead and get that nonsense out of your head right now. There is no curse. It does not exist. It never has and it never will.

A curse is not the reason the Angels lost this series. A curse is not the reason why Reggie Willits didn't catch that ball in Game 2. A curse is not the reason why the Angels had 20 hits in the first two games but only one of them went for extra bases. A curse is not the reason Erik Aybar missed the bunt on that suicide squeeze.

The Angels lost because they didn't play well enough. It's that simple.

We've seen it countless times across countless sports. The best team doesn't always win, and it's always for the same reason. They simply didn't play well enough to win.

Mike Scioscia and the rest of the team will be the first to tell you. They had their chances, but they didn't take advantage of them. You can get away with that sometimes during the regular season, especially in the AL West. But in order to advance in the playoffs, you have to make the most of each and every opportunity.

Now, the Angels will be faced with some serious decisions in the off-season. The futures of Garret Anderson, Vladimir Guerrero, Mark Teixeira, Jon Garland, and Frankie Rodriguez will all be determined by either Arte Moreno and Tony Reagins or, in some cases, the players themselves. This winter will go a long way in shaping the Angels chances of a return trip to the playoffs to pursue yet another World Series title.

But if you want to do your part to help the Angels this off-season. Do everyone a favor and get that damn curse out of your head. Holding on to such nonsense is not good for the soul or the team. Just ask the Cubs!