I want to apologize for my the abruptness of my last post. Many of you have contacted me with concerns and sympathies, and I appreciate it so much. I don't really feel comfortable elaborating more than this, but my life has changed dramatically. My circumstances have changed and I am needing to focus on that task. I am confident that the situation will resolve itself sooner rather than later, but prioritization is necessary. I'm disappointed that I won't be able to take more exotic road trips, but that's the hand that I was dealt.
Because of these events, I am counting on my bedrock Weekend games to be my escape from the stress and frustration. I'm imparting a huge responsibility on the Angels, 66ers, and Dodgers to be there for me as I go through these changes. If I can have one positive aspect, I'm thrilled that it is baseball. This past weekend was the first test, and I can smile about how it passed with flying colors.
I've talked about changing the bike trip around in the morning to explore new things and maybe go to the beach, but, to be honest with all of you, I'm very comfortable with the routine I have. After yesterday, I'm starting to be reluctant to change it. The six-mile bike ride is becoming easier as I get more in shape, but it is still long enough to warrant a brisk sweat from me. And, my morning coffee in downtown Orange is my chance to slow down, read up on the match-ups and newspaper, and watch the gloomy clouds break into the stereotypical Orange County sunshine. I guess the term "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" really applies here.
It's been fun to be an Angels fan these past two weeks. The team has finally gotten it together and they're the hottest team in the league. They've vaulted the Mariners and Rangers into second place, and are a legitimate threat to the A's. They're pitching has finally settled in, and the team is getting clutch hitting from all positions in the lineup. To think that all of this has occurred while Josh Hamilton has been on the DL is pretty extraordinary. Entering yesterday's game against Kansas City, the Angels had won 11 of their last 13 and were 2.5 games back of the A's in the West Division. Not a bad place to be heading into the Memorial Day holiday.
Yesterday, the Angels fell behind early when Kansas City scored three runs in the third off of Garrett Richards. After that rough inning, Richards settled in and ended up, at one point, retiring 11 in a row. What was frustrating was that the Angels couldn't seem to get the offense rolling off of Royals starter Jason Vargas during those innings. They would get the lead-off man aboard, but couldn't bring him in.
All of that changed in the seventh. Mike Trout hit an rbi double to get the Angels on the board. With Trout on second and Raul Ibanez on thrid, David Freese, who had been struggling mightily at the plate, hit a two-rbi single to tie the game. Moving on to the eighth, Chris Ianetta hit a laser solo jack that just cleared the left-field wall to give the Halos the lead going into the top of the ninth. Ernesto Frieri came on and closed it out for the Good Guys as they win 4-3.
As the game was nearing its completion, I kept looking at the clock and thinking of leaving early to catch the early train back to San Bernardino. I decided to relax and take the 5:30p train instead, giving myself a full hour and a half to leisurely make my way back into Orange. I stopped by a new brew pub called Haven and ordered myself a new craft beer from there. After that, I browsed through one of the antique shops to see if there was anything that stood out. I left for the train station a little early and called my folks back in Oregon. Ninety minutes may seem like a long time, but just as I was getting off the phone with my folks, the train came. Just like the morning, this routine of taking the late train and exploring a new places in Orange is great and I'm reluctant to change it.
It's these fun things that are great diversions. What is great about all of theses things is that they're convenient and cheap. For the price of the weekend day pass, a cup of coffee, a beer at the Angels game, and a beer at a new brewpub, I have a great weekend. I already purchased the tickets to the game months ago, so I'm looking at about $20 for a day trip to a game. Not bad, I'd think.
I have to go into LA tomorrow for a matter related to my situation, so I'm going to hit up the Dodgers game against Cincinnati after I'm done. It's Hyun-Jun Ryu Bobblehead Night, so it should be a crowded Chavez Ravine. Alfredo Simon is taking the bump for the Reds as the Dodgers counter with Zack Greinke.
Saturday will see me back at San Manuel Stadium for the 66ers game. I'm also planning on going back into LA and to Chavez Ravine on Sunday to see the Dodgers play host to Pittsburgh.
Busy week ahead for me, and I hope to have some good news about my life outside of baseball for you during that time. I'm counting on baseball, and I believe with all of my heart that it will deliver.
Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)
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