The Angels announced some September call-ups. They have room for more, and I would expect we may yet see Rucinskil. However, probably not before the Travelers are done with the AA playoffs.
So who was called up and who wasn’t? Here is a screenshot of the list:
First – Who is missing? Below are players who were (or are) on the 40 man but did not get called up.
- JB Shuck – Not only was he not called up, but he was designated for assignment presumably to make room for John Buck. Shuck had a VERY respectable .320/.382/.446 slashline but somebody must be looking at something we are not. His .320 average but him in 4th place for the PCL batting crown. Perhaps he pissed off the wrong person? Or perhaps the problem is that Brennan Boesch who actually holds the PCL batting crown has a .332/.381/.636 slashline, 5 times as many home runs and ALSO happens to be a lefty outfielder like Shuck. Just like in Highlander – there can by only one. This time it’s the guy who threw his bat in the stands for two consecutive swings and so far as done jack for the Angels.
- Michael Kohn – Let’s face it – the Angels bullpen has become elite and there just is no room for this righty. He had a 1.62 WHIP in 34 innings for the Bees. However, he actually held major league batters to a .141 AVG over 23 innings. Regardless, he was also removed from the 40 man roster as the Wrath of Kohn felt the wrath of the Angels.
- Ryan Wheeler – The Angels now have Mr. Freeze, Old Man McDonald and Jimenez at third base. Green can play there as well. Remind me why we picked him up again other than just because we could?
- Drew Rucinski – Perhaps we will see him soon. The Travelers are heading to the playoffs and they may want to keep him for the time being.
- Dane De La Rosa – He was previously removed from the 40 man roster over Labor Day weekend for being just plain sucky.
- Jose Alvarez – He’s a lefty but also recently back from an injury. He also has pretty much sucked this year when he did pitch.
Second – what impact will these players have?
Boesch and Navarro give Scioscia some left handed bats. Also with Boesch comes some power, though we haven’t really seen that yet outside of his time on the Bees this year. Boecsh can also be a fill in outfielder from time to time though we may not see him there much. Everyone knows Navarro is a good utility player and can back up a bunch of different positions. Of course, he can’t always hit that well.
CJ Cron ups the dork factor on the team. Seriously, the guy looks like he should be on a quiz show, not hoisting a bat with serious power. He also gives Scioscia some options at first bat and this dorky kid can hit the long ball (9 HR / 199 AB).
John Buck was called up because every team calls up a 3rd catcher in September. He won’t see much playing time but can jump in the game if Conger or Iannetta are pinch hit for (please pinch hit for Conger).
Tony Campana can’t really hit worth, well, anything. He’s fast but he is also only 9 for 18 in stolen base attempts with the Bees.
If Admiral Aybar needs a break, we now have Shawn O’Malley. I assume he can also provide post game beer since most of his time will be on the bench and he’ll have time for plenty of beer runs.
Luis Jimenez gives the Angels a 3rd option at 3rd base. Hopefully this also means McDonald can just ride the bench the rest of the season since ever Ernesto Frieri can hit better than him. Jimenez was pretty solid in AAA this year with a .286 AVG and 21 home runs.
For some reason, someone thought it would be a great idea to call back Wade LeBlowit. At least he will be relegated to the bullpen where he might actually do well since we have so few left handers. God knows he sucks at being a starter for the Angels.
Cam Bedrosian has a famous father with a lifetime 3.38 ERA. He pitched a pretty spectacular 32 innings for Arkansas with a 0.619 WHIP. Unfortunately he has a 1.886 WHIP for the Angels. Let’s see if he his dad has told him how to pitch to big leaguers yet.
Cory Rasmus is awesome. He was only temporarily sent down in a player shuffle. He may be the Angel’s 5th starter down the stretch and into next season?
Vinnie Pestano has pitched 10 innings in the majors this year and has give up 5 runs. Has someone told him a .500 average is only good if you are a hitter? He’s done much better in AAA. Holding our breath to see if that translates.
The race to October is on!
