I made it back to Madison safely Thursday night/Friday morning. Expect some catch up posts over the next week or so.

After three long years, the original Angels blog - Purgatory Online - calls it quits. You'll be missed, Sean.

ESPNews is reporting that Steve Finley has been traded to San Francisco.

UPDATE: It's for Edgardo Alfonzo, straight-up.

UPDATE: RotoWorld corroborates.

FIRST REACTION: Not good. I'm fine with it as a simple swap of bench warming albatrosses, but with some of the swipes that have been taken at McPherson this offseason, I get the sinking feeling that Stoneman sees Alfonzo (and his pathetic SLG) as an actual contributor (perhaps in a platoon?). And the Angels get nothing in way of payroll relief, as both are owed $8m.

I'm not unhappy to see Steve Finley gone. But it's hard to dance with joy at the prospect of Edgardo Alfonzo getting 300+ at-bats.

Why? You'll have to ask Bill Stoneman...

Well, I finally finished my last class ever today. Nearly twenty years of school, and all I have to show for it is doing two more years of research for my Ph.D. Anyways, I am off to California tomorrow (will be in at around 7 PM PST) for a warm Christmas (whoever dreamt of a white Christmas, obviously was insane). I will leave you all with the same story I told last winter of my harrowing journey back to Madison following my first winter trip home (originally found here):

We got to the airport at 11:30 AM for a 2:15 PM flight because we had a tip that it could take awhile to get in (this was during one of the Orange Alerts for Southern California airports). Then, we find out the flight is delayed because Chicago is windy and they are taking more time for landings. So, we leave Orange County around 4:30 PM and get to Chicago at 10:30 PM Central Time. Well, our flight from Chicago to Madison was supposed to leave at 9:15 PM, but it got delayed so much it was canceled. So, we got a discount at a hotel (the airline wouldn't comp it because the FAA shut flights down, not the airline itself). We didn't get to our room until after midnight, which gives us a whole 6 hours (sleep at 1:30, wake up at 7:30)

We get the 10:20 AM flight to Madison and our luggage is going on the 8 AM flight. Then, we get on the plane and have to wait 20 minutes extra while they fill up the fuel more than they need to (it had had enough in it, but they wanted to top it off, I guess...it's only a 25 minute flight). When we are in the air there is a fuel leak or something and so we land in Milwaukee at about 11:15 AM (which is about the same distance from Chicago that Madison is, but the flight path takes us over Lake Michigan making Milwaukee closer). They tell us they will bus us to Madison and the bus will be at the airport in 20 minutes. Well, the bus made it at 12:15 AM. Then the driver decides the bus isn't running right (or something) while on the on ramp to a freeway. So, he goes in reverse to get to the offramp right next to it (they had asphalt connecting them). We go back to the airport, get on another bus and drive the 60 miles to Madison.

We make it to the airport at about 1:45 PM, where our luggage is no longer waiting for us. They have it behind the ticket counter wall (seems like a good place). Well, they only have one person getting bags for people there and all of his time is taken up by one guy. This guy is complaining that kerosene spilled onto his bag (a valid complaint). The problem was that the guy gave him two options 1) they could keep the bag and clean it there and have it ready in a couple of hours or 2) they could give him a voucher to have it cleaned himself. Well, he didn't like option 1 because he had to be in a meeting in an hour and he needed his bag and he didn't like option 2 because he was leaving right afterwards and he wanted his bag cleaned now. Well, his complaining was obviously not going to miraculously change physics to allow the airline to clean the bag on this guy's timeframe, so we were really peeved at this point (25 hours of travel time does that to you). Finally, we get our bags after about 25 minutes of waiting there and get a taxi and head home. We got home around 3 PM, which means it took us 26 hours or so to go from point A to point B.

Vicente Padilla and his declining G/F ratio (not to mention his injury plagued arm) are heading to the thin air of Arlington for a player to be named later.

I'm not quaking in my boots here, Texas. Of course, that's mainly because I wouldn't be caught dead in boots. But still...

...over here...

We're moving on up! Free of the evil clutches of blogger, the blog is now located at Pearly-Gates.net. At the moment you won't see any differences other than the new address. But sometime in the coming weeks (months?) we'll be moving the site to Typepad and possibly making a few design tweaks.

The old blog will stay alive as an archive, with those links to be added at left soon.

UPDATE: Commenting is now closed at the archive site, so I've taken the liberty of moving a couple of recent posts (comments and all) over to the new site. Hopefully Josh can do the same with his.

Reggie Bush won the Heisman trophy with 784 first place votes to Vince Young's 79. This was a no brainer pick after the Fresno State game where he played as if all of the defensers were stationary. He clinched this wide margin by destroying UCLA so badly in the first half that USC took to passing in the second half just to keep the score down.

One of the reasons for my recent lack of posting is because of school work, research, etc. Last week I turned in a ten page paper and next week I have to turn in another ten page paper and give a 10 minute presentation on the first. Of course, once all of that is done, I no longer have to take classes ever again (19 and a half straight years of classes will finally be done). Then next Saturday, I will be taking my annual Christmas sojourn home, which will of course affect my posting ability. I will be coming back here on the 29th, hopefully with no new stories of horrible holiday trips. Expect some posts from me this week and then none until just about January.

My alma mater, Esperanza High is playing in the CIF Southern Section Division I football championship game tonight against Loyola at the Home Depot Center. This is the first time that Esperanza has been in a championship game since 1992, when they tied arch rival Los Alamitos for the Division II championship. The game starts at 7:30 PM PST and I think it is being shown on KCAL, for anyone that cares.

UPDATE: Unfortunately, the Aztecs lost 49-42. They held a 42-35 lead (after being down 28-14 at the half) with 2 minutes left in the game. They gave up a really quick TD and then fumbled the kick off return and gave up another quick TD. Thanks to Joe for keeping me posted on the game.

Italy (three time champion), the Czech Republic (led European nations in goals during qualifiers) and Ghana (three-time African Cup of Nations champion) will be the United States' opening-round opponents.

Meanwhile, with the seed that should have belonged to the United States, Mexico draws perennial doormats Iran and Angola, as well as perennial underachievers Portugal.

A solid lefty-stopper for... who? (thanks Joe)

Angels acquired LHP J.C. Romero from the Twins for infielder Alexi Casilla.

That's it? Twins GM Terry Ryan should have exercised some patience if this was the best he could do now. Damaso Marte brought a real player in return, and he's owed more money than the $2.45 million Romero is guaranteed. Casilla, 21, hit .325/.392/.409 with 47 steals for low Single-A Cedar Rapids last season, but that only makes him the Angels' sixth- or seventh-best middle-infield prospect. Romero isn't exactly reliable, but he can be one of the league's better lefty relievers when he's on.

Great trade. Why can't Bill Stoneman aim for this kind of value in all of his dealings?

UPDATE: Romero held lefties to a .198/.308/.267 line last season. He struggles against righties and walks too many guys (especially from the right side), but you can't argue with the price.

UPDATE: I've added Romero's details to the team's payroll.

Chronicles asks:

"Remember when you used to tout DaVanon as a superstar? Good times."

Remember? Hell, I'm still living those days, baby!

SUPERSTAR!

Anyway, I think it's time for a few new phrases for the title bar. Due to recent events, the slogan "you know Catherine Bell and Jeff DaVanon would have the best babies ever" just doesn't make any sense! Any suggestions?

Contract information for every Angel with a guaranteed contract for the 2006 season:

Keep in mind that the Angels still have seven arbitration cases, including John Lackey, Francisco Rodriguez, and Scot Shields.

Hardly a surprise, but noteworthy in that it almost certainly signals the end of Bengie's Angels career, as the club can't offer him a contract until May 1.

In addition, the Angels announced that they will refuse arbitration with Jason Christiansen and Lou Merloni, as well as reaffirming that no effort will be made to keep Jarrod Washburn.

The man, the myth, the legend, Jeff DaVanon has been DFA'd (thanks Joe). ESPN says it's to make room for Carrasco, RotoWorld says it's simply to make room for anybody. Whatever the reason, it goes without saying that this is the saddest day in the history of the Angels. I just can't stop crying. All that's left to do is pick up the shattered pieces of my life...

wait...

wait...

yeah, I'm over it.

22 - Points for the United States and Mexico in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2006 World Cup. The two shared first place.

1 - Difference between the United States (8th) and Mexico (7th) in the FIFA World Rankings.

2-0 - Final score - a resounding US victory - the last time the pair met on neutral soil.

8 - Nations that advanced further than Mexico in the 2002 World Cup.

4 - Nations that advanced further than the United States in the 2002 World Cup.

So who gets a number one seed for the 2006 tournament in Germany and who gets left behind to land in a "group of death"? The answer is hardly surprising to anyone who's been watching the Europeans who control world soccer.

Pearly Gates presents: two idiots talking about baseball!

JOSH: Let's start this off with the 2005 team. The Angels have 6 free agents (Byrd, Jason Christiansen, Lou Merloni, Flying Molina the Elder, Salmon, and Wash) in a pretty weak free agent pool. Do you want and/or expect them to retain any of these guys?

RICHARD: That "weak free agent pool" is exactly why I don't expect any of those guys to return, with the possible exception of Byrd. Molina and Washburn are both decent enough ballplayers, but in this market, they're going to be priced right out of the Angels' plan. I would think that Byrd is the only one the Angels would make a serious offer to, but even then, it's doubtful they're willing to long-term a 35-year old with young arms on the way and a system full of trade-bait.

J: Agreed. I also expect them to make a semi-serious offer for Tim Salmon, if only so he can be a pinch hitter/DH/reserve OF for about 200 AB. I don't expect Salmon to sign to play that little, though.

R: The only problem is, I don't think anyone knows what a "serious" offer for Tim Salmon would be. I can't imagine a team offering more than the minimum for a 38 year-old who hasn't played in a year and a half. Will Salmon accept that? Should he accept that?

J: I can imagine some non-contending young teams offering something more (such as the Devil Rays, who now have Maddon as a manager, and a history of signing vets at the ends of their careers). I can also see something like a heavily incentive-laden contract offered. However, I don't really think that Salmon wants to play outside of southern California and Arizona, so that would severely limit options. My guess is that the Angels bring him to spring training on a minor league contract if he still wants one more shot, and trying to stick him in the front office (or as a coach) in some capacity if he ends up retiring.

R: I hope you're right... I don't know if I can stand to see Tim in another team's colors.

J: With all of the talk that the Angels are trying to pick up Manny Ramirez and/or Paul Konerko, it seems the Angels are pretty set on picking up a big name this offseason. What player would you like the team to pick up through free agency or trade and what kind of prospects would you give up (whether through the trade or potentially being blocked) for him?

R: Konerko's line away from Comiskey (.276/.371/.492) scares me. He would be an improvement over Erstad of course. He's a good hitter - not a great one. I'd prefer the Angels stay away from him and give Kotchman (who very well may out-produce Konerko sooner rather than later) a chance.

As for Manny, I would be very pleased to see him in a Halo's uniform. He would instantly turn the Angels' outfield from a negative to a big positive - one of the best in the game, even with Finley in center.

The problem with Manny, however, is that the price tag is sure to be outrageous. I've got no problem with the Angels dealing from their position of strength (far from it, in fact), but I can't see dealing more than one of the system's upper-echelon prospects for the privilege of taking on a contract the size of Manny's. Either the Sox are going to have to eat most of that money, or the prospect package would have to be something along the lines of Aybar/Shell and a reliever.

J: Well, I technically meant any player that could possibly be available, not just between Konerko and Manny. Honestly, though, I think those two are the only top bats that are going to be available for anything approximating a reasonable price. With that said, Konerko definitely would limit the Angels more in their youth movement. They already have three guys on the team making more than $10 million a year, it would be tough to add a fourth when his position could easily be taken by someone making the league minimum. Especially if they plan to keep Escobar after this season, since he will likely get above $10 million a year if he stays healthy. As far as Manny goes, I could only see it happening if the Angels get rid of Finley in the process. That would reduce what is left on Manny's contract from almost $60 million to just above $50 million in terms of guaranteed contracts. Manny also would not block anyone for at least two years. I actually support the position that the Angels should not try for the big name this year...they did it the last two, and it is time to take a break.

R: I would agree that the Angels need to go for the right name rather than just a big name, but clubs with the Angels' resources should never take "breaks" from acquiring great players.

Now onto a player who is most definitely not great: will Darin Erstad be playing first base for the Angels next season?

J: The short answer is "Yes."

The long answer is that I expect him to start at 1st, but practice the OF in Spring Training. I don't really expect Ersty to be traded, unless it is as part of a salary dump to get someone like Manny. Kotchman has shown he deserves to be on the team, but he is so young I don't think the team is really concerned with him starting in Triple A again. First major injury, though, and Kotch gets called up, Figgins fills in for that guy, and Ersty moves to CF or LF.

R: Yeah, I don't see much chance of him being traded either. And Ersty back in center doesn't seem too likely, because where does that leave Old Man Finley and Chone Figgins (not to mention Erstad's health problems)? You have a similar problem in left with Anderson and Rivera.

The Angels would be better off biting the bullet on Finley and Erstad, I think.

J: So, Erstad remains on the team, but what about Steve Finley? Is he just trade bait, given another chance, or cut loose?

R: The Angels can't keep him around with Chone Figgins still sans-position - especially if the club adds another outfield bat. I say Arte eats it.

J: Agreed. I think that he could be used in a trade so that the other team doesn't have to contribute any money or he is cut by the end of spring training.

R: We can only hope.

Let's go from a washed-up old man to some up-and-coming youngsters: do any of Brandon Wood, Howie Kendrick, Kendry Morales, or Jered Weaver get a shot in 2006?

J: Barring injuries, I think that Weaver is the only one that has a realistic shot at an appearance before September. Despite the fact that Wood, Kendrick, and Morales are probably the top three hitters in the farm system, each has guys in front of them in the majors and the minors. Also, the Angels rarely seem to try to force their guys through quickly.Weaver, however, could theoretically fill a reliever or SP hole not filled in the offseason.

R: I would tend to agree that Weaver is the most likely to win a spot. The funny thing is, I think Weaver is the least ready for big league action. And don't sell the other guys short - if Wood comes out hitting again in 2006, or if Kendry continues the success he showed at the end of '05, the Angels will make space for them (3B, DH?).

J: Well, I don't mean to sell them short, I am very high on them actually. I just don't think of the Angels as an organization are going to push these guys to the majors until late 2006 or later. Speaking of who will be on the team and when, what do you see as the starting lineups in April and September?

R: Impossible to say. So many different scenarios could play themselves out between now and opening day, not just with new arrivals and departures, but with players switching positions. If I had to guess, I'd say the roster doesn't change much at all, but there's some shuffling position-wise:

C. Figgins, CF
O. Cabrera, SS
G. Anderson, DH
V. Guererro, RF
D. McPherson, 3B
D. Erstad, LF
C. Kotchman, 1B
J. Molina/Mathis/Ausmus?, C
A. Kennedy, 2B

Of course, we could also see the roster turned upside-down. Who knows?

J: I pretty much agree with your thoughts on the line up (except, where did you pull out Ausmus from?).

R: Well someone has to strap on the tools of ignorance, and Ausmus is the biggest (if not the best) name on a short list.

Are you satisfied with Molina/Mathis, or do you think the Angels need an insurance policy behind the plate?

J: I am perfectly fine accepting a Jose Molina/Jeff Mathis tandem. Mathis is bound for the bigs some day soon and he might as well start now. The Angels could start the season with four major non-pitchers having under 1 full season in the majors (McPherson, Kotchman, Quinlan, and Mathis). Of course, in 2007 and 2008, some combination of Wood, Morales, Kendrick, Aybar, and/or Callaspo will be starting for the team as well...so we might as well see what these first four can do now.

R: I'd really be more comfortable with some kind of insurance policy. The latest rumor is Johny Estrada - that should make for an interesting locker-room.

J: Yeah, I don't think Estrada would be too happy on the Angels. I don't really have any more questions, any closing thoughts on the offseason?

R: Closing thoughts? How about some closing hopes? Here's hoping that the Angels' bad contracts don't stop them from bringing in the help they need. (And here's hoping that those names aren't bad contracts in of themselves.) I'm not at all convinced that Bill Stoneman has any kind of long-term plan for this club - here's hoping he proves me wrong this offseason.

J My closing hope is for Stoneman to do the minimal amount of GMing this winter. I don't mind if he explores and finds that great deal (like Vlad two years ago), but the offense will be better next season even if nothing is done. I feel that the team should try a rebuild-rebuild-on-the-fly method this season, with Dallas, Kotchy, Mathis, and Quinlan contributing to 3+ positions on an every day basis. If the team waits too long to move towards the young, cheap, and talented guys, they will be forced to overpay for veterans every year or suddenly start 7 different position players that have less than 2 years of major league experience.

Today is Pearl Harbor Day...a day that is often forgotten, but never should be. Pearl Harbor was a tragedy that ended up making the world a better place and is an example of the good that can come from such a tragedy when you fight for it.

Scrubs' season premiere is January 3rd.

News has come in that Tuiasosopo will probably start this week in place of Kerry Collins. I don't see how he can be any worse. Raiders receivers, meanwhile, will be able to cancel their order for trampoline shoes, which they were going to use in the hopes of catching a pass from Collins.

I don't think we'll be seeing any debates over this year's national champion, no matter who it turns out to be. Mark it on your calendars: January 2 4, Pasadena, CA: The Game of the Century.

Great news for Angels fans. I don't know if I could have handled seeing Tim in another team's jersey.

It's a minor league deal, and he'll be a NRI to spring training. Perfect for everybody.

Also, in the same article, we learn that the club has withdrawn it's offer to Paul Byrd and won't tender one to Jarrod Washburn. There was no way the club was going to match the other offers floating around. Same story for Washburn - a solid starter who's price is sure to be ridiculously inflated in the present market. Good that the Angels can see that.

JOSH: This is great news. I see Timmy at least getting an at bat in a home game in the Freeway Series. I hope he proves to be useful on the roster (if they cut Finley to give Salmon a roster spot...that would be roughly the best day in March I could have).

Ugh. What happened to the Angels club that could sign and develop under-priced and under-rated bullpen arms? These days Stoneman insists on wasting big money on marginal talents like Yan and Carrasco. Almost makes you yearn for the lean Disney days.