Series Report Card: Angels v. Mariners

This past weekend the Seattle Mariners came down south from the Emerald City to face our LA Angels in a three game series at Angel Stadium. The Mariners won the first two games by scores of 8-3 and 9-8, but the Angels won the series finale in impressive fashion, 8-0. So with that in mind, here is the report card from the series that was.

Catcher

Besides Mike Napoli’s performance on Friday night (2-for-3 with a home run), there wasn’t much to get real excited about. Napoli went hitless on Saturday night and Jeff Mathis failed to record a hit as well on Sunday.

C-

First Base

Playing in two of the three games, Kendry Morales finally showed a little pop. While he was underwhelming in the first game, he went 2-for-5 with a solo home run on Saturday. In Sunday’s contest, Robb Quinlan went 1-for-4.

B-

Second Base

Howie Kendrick came alive this weekend. In three games against the Mariners, the once-hailed future batting champ went 6-for-11 with 6 RBIs and a home run. Imagine if he can keep this up for the rest of the year.

A

Shortstop

Erick Aybar continues to struggle at the plate. While he did manage to go 2-for-3 on Friday night, “Vladdy’s little brother” went hitless on Sunday while in the leadoff spot. He along, with our favorite player Jeff Mathis, were the only Angels not to record a hit in Sunday’s eight run scoring outburst. Maicer Izturis was a little better but not by much.

D+

Third base

In nine at bats, Chone Figgins recorded just one hit. In four at bats Brandon Wood recorded one hit. The solution, sit Brandon Wood some more.

F

Outfield

Thank god for Torii Hunter, who recorded his 7th home run of the year on Saturday night. Juan Rivera, Gary Matthews Jr., and Bobby Abreu, all look to be capable replacements for Vlad Guerrero. As a whole the unit was pretty solid with 2 home runs and a bunch of RBIs.

Starting Pitching

Shane Loux was absolutely horrid in the first game, Anthony Ortega was a tad bit better on Saturday, and Jered Weaver was lights out this afternoon. The countdown to the return of Lackey, Santana, and Escobar, continues. 

C

Bullpen

This was much better this past weekend. And I mean a whole lot better. Outside of Jason Bulger allowing four earned runs on Saturday night, the bullpen allowed just one earned run and largely shut down the Mariners’ offense. 

B

Managing

Scioscia’s decision not to play Brandon Wood stills irks, but overall, I don’t really have too many serious complaints.

B-