Jim's Glass Half-full Views Outlined

WHAT IS A SUCCESSFUL YEAR?

Before getting to the cases for or against a good year, the question itself needs to be explored.  If you hold a narrow view of a successful season as winning a championship ring then the issue is decided for 29 teams and there would be no need of asking the question.  But since we do ask it, we obviously believe that there is more to the issue than a ring. 

Most would agree that the measure of a successful season is different in New York for the fans of the Yankees than it is in Kansas City for the fans of the Royals, if for no other reasons than budget and expectations.  The Royals could have a losing season and still have many of their fans feeling the season was a success while the Yankees have a winning season and many of their fans view it as a failure.  In the eyes of many fans the issue is resolved surrounding statements like – “Under the circumstances” or “Given what we had to work with” or “With all of our injuries”; you know, what the ring winner would call excuses.  Still, perspective is everything.  Is the glass half full or half empty?

A LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

My task is not an easy one.  There is no doubt that this season did not go down as scripted last spring by management.  But, that is not to say that the number of positive events do not outweigh the negative, as I believe they do, thereby justifying us in labeling this last year a successful one.  The half full crowd will be likely to agree with my argument,  while the half empty crowd are more likely to side with my brothers.  While both arguments may be valid, mine are, of course, more correct than his and just half (full) as crazy.  J

I will lay out my argument covering three basic areas of the game:  1) Individual successes, 2)Sub-group successes,and 3) Team successes.  Then I will compare the Angels performance this year vs. last year.  I believe this is one of the true measures of success or failure for any team.  Then I will look at our team vs our division rivals and other foes. 

Many teams have sold the farm to get a shot at this year, only to fall short and end up in rebuilding mode for the next few years because of it.  Not exactly a positive measure of success.  So my last point will address this issue by taking a brief look forward to next year.  Then I will summarize my belief that we have met the criteria needed to claim success.

Angel Analysis - Was this season a failure for LAA

In spring training the Angels were dealing with the loss of bench coach Ron Roenicke who was to start his career as the new manager of the Milwaukee Brewers. He was following Joe Maddon (became manager of Tampa Bay Rays following the 2004 season) and Bud Black (became manager of San Diego Padres following the 2006 the season), who had left the Angels as their bench coach and pitching coach respectively in previous years. This brain drain has had impacts with the most important being the loss of Bud Black as the pitching coach. The bullpen has not been the same since Bud Black left for San Diego. In many ways the Tampa Bay Rays have played the Mike Scioscia style better than the Angels recently. They steal more bases and have developed great talent in their farm system that plays Angel baseball successfully, just as Tampa Bay hoped when they hired Maddon away from Scioscia.

The Angels were greatly anticipating the return of Kendrys Morales. His loss was considered by many to be the biggest blow to the 2010 season. The acquisition of Dan Haren, a legitimate number one pitcher to be joining Jared Weaver for a full season at the head of the rotation placed the Angels firmly in contention with the Texas Rangers who had failed to sign Cliff Lee at the end of their fine season in 2010. The door was open and the Angels had the horses to put Texas back in its place - 2nd.

Part of that optimism was the young talent coming up that was spearheaded in late 2010 by the placement of Peter Bourjos in center field, displacing Torii Hunter who was moved to right field. Other rookies were anticipated to play roles in the bullpen and at catcher. This is what the Angels do best, develop talent and balance young players with strong veterans. The addition of Vernon Wells, via trade with Toronto, was expected to provide dependable power in upgrading left field over the inconsistent Juan Rivera.

The optimism was short lived. It didn't take long to see that this edition of the Angels was going to struggle to score. At no time was the team’s performances strong enough to have fans envision the team outperforming the Texas Rangers, who added Adrian Beltre and fielded a strong starting rotation to go along with their competent bullpen. With the Angels falling short of reaching the playoffs for the second year in a row, much less a World Series victory, it is fair to ask, "Was the season a failure?

I say yes. My brother and fellow Angel Fan of many years Jim says no.  We will be posting reasons for and against the proposition that the Angel Season was a failure. This should be an easy win for me, but Jim is quite adept at making his case, so we will see how it comes out.