I had the amazing chance to sit down today and speak one-on-one with Lifetime Angel Tim Salmon for about a 20 minute phone call. This is brought to you, dear readers, by The All New BRP Can-Am Spyder (PLEASE PLEASE check out these bad boys on the web at SpyderSoCal.com and SpyderRyder.com). Come out to the Big A Saturday May 9th from 12pm-5:30pm for your very own chance to check these things out in person. Read on for Tim's take on these things and all other things Angels.
The Big Geek: Hey, thanks for your time, and what an honor it is to speak to you Tim. Let me get right to it. What's your take on the Angels this year, with their decimated pitching staff and early struggles?
Tim: I think that they're lucky to be in the ALWest. Playing .500 ball should be ok til the guys get back - - Without a doubt, Lackey, Santana, and Vladdy --- once they're back, the team will start putting together big consecutive wins and winning series that people are used to seeing. They're still the best team in the West without a doubt. Just staying near .500 will keep them in striking distance in the West. Injuries play a role in every team in every season, and hopefully this is the extent of it and they can get back to their best baseball. Hands down its the most adversity and challenges faced by Scioscia, but this season isn't over, and once they get their horses on the field, it will be fine.
The Big Geek: Yeah, the West is a good place to be these days. Do you see any team in the west as a potential surprise threat this season?
Tim: Seattle is intriguing, it looked like they were off to a decent start. Oakland has the punch in the lineup with potential, and Texas is Texas. They'll pound you, but their pitching staff has yet to prove that they can make it through the summer, so I'm not concerned there yet. Oakland's offense improved for sure, and they always have a way of finding good young arms that keep them in games. Their wheeling and dealing with (GM Billy) Beane makes them strong on that end. Holliday, Giambi and a health Chavez are a formidable middle lineup. Coming out the gate, they're going to make you work more for wins this year than years past. I will say that the injuries to the Angels have given some teams an opportunity to rise, but I think the Angels are the best in the division.
The Big Geek: I know you are a part-time instructor and a participant in Spring Training events and activities and stuff. Do you see yourself in that role long term? What are your thoughts on returning in a coaching capacity?
Tim: Long term, I think even in the near future, there will be some exploring of what roles are available. I'm lucky to have an open door policy with the Angels when I feel the timing is right. Right now, I'm concentrating on my four kids, trying to really reconnect to that family role. Coach little league, it all has to mesh with that. That said, I really enjoyed being in spring training, and having the chance to work with guys like Kendrick and Napoli. Pass on some of the knowledge and experience to guys. In the near future probably more of an expanding role, but not sure at what level yet. Maybe roving stuff. See if there's a fit. Ultimately someday I see myself back in uniform coaching on a full-time basis, but it would have to be when the kids are grown up. But...retirements pretty great. Even this Spyder thing - Have you seen one of these things? it's great for a guy like me - - I'm into all the sea-doing, and riding quads... The first time I rode one I thought I was on a quad for the street then remembered I only had one wheel behind me. But they're great for stability, and give you that motorcycle style tuning without the safety concerns that go along with it. Really really fun to ride. Good for some of those wives who are scared to get on a regular motorcycle, too. (laughs)
The Big Geek: Hey I have one of those at home. I also happen to know that in California, you only need a regular drivers license to drive one of these bad boys, which is great. Can't wait to get out Saturday and check 'em out in person at the Big A. Next question: What's it like seeing GA (former Angel Garrett Anderson) in a Braves uniform?
Tim:It's a little disconcerting, but I haven't seen much of him, he's always on the DL. I hope that all clears up for him and it works out the way he hopes it will. It's hard for any fan, or teammate, I think, to see guys like GA in Atlanta, Percy in Tampa Bay, Erstad in Houston. I always thought GA would end up in Anaheim, though, he was probably our best hitter ever, and really deserving of all the accolades I got, and the same sort of send off. He's hopefully healthy now and making it worthwhile because I know this was tough on him.
The Big Geek: Big news in baseball today. Manny Ramirez suspended 50 games for testing positive for PED. What are your thoughts on this?
Tim: You're the first guy who waited this long to ask me that question all day. It's the first thing everyone is asking me about.
The Big Geek:Had to play it slow, right? Soften you up a bit?
Tim:(laughs>) Yeah, it worked. Didn't see it coming this time. That said, though, it's just shocking. That's' really the only word for it. A player of his caliber, to even allow this to happen, knowing the state of the policies and everything in baseball today. Making it sound like it was an accident, but you'd think something like this, a medication from his doctor, that someone, somewhere, in his support system would have known and made sure it was cleared up. 50 games is a long time. You hear about guys going on the DL for two months? July 3rd? (Manny's return) That's practically the all-star break. That's tough. He's going to have a lot of questions to answer, and it's not going to get any easier for him. He'll have to suffer the same scrutiny as A-rod. Just a shock and a shame.
The Big Geek: Tim, I know you're busy, so just one more quick question. You said in an interview a year or two ago that the 2002 team won the Series because Scott Spiezio hit a home run, not a single. Do you think the Angels, and Scioscia in particular are in love with the small ball game, or do you think they're victims of circumstance?
Tim: I think it's unfair to say that Scioscia's in love with the small ball game. He likes the long ball, too, and he used to have it (in 2002). Player personnel, the right guys, and not only the right guys but the right guys at the right positions, is the tough part of managing. It's so hard when you make these decisions, especially when you have depth. Where do you play a Brandon Wood, third? and take away the lead off guy in Figgins? It's power at the right positions. They wanted Teixeira. They laid it all out there for him. Make no mistake, Scioscia doesn't NOT want the Home run. The reality is whats out there, in terms of free-agents and available players. The long ball guys, sometimes it takes a while to get their stroke down. It has to do with all of it. The players around you, and being patient and taking what they give you. It will come. They won't be playing small ball all year, it's a phase. I've sat in on meetings, they want some pop. The problem is it isn't out there in spades, and if it is, it takes mortgaging the farm to get it. The strength the Angels have had over the last few years is their prospects. It's what allows us to keep reloading with good young talent, and gives us the ability to play and a high level year in and year out. We all want a Teixeira, but there's only one of him, what can you do?
The Big Geek: Hey, at this rate this season, I'll take Kendry Morales so far over Tex.
Tim: Kendry - - he'll have his ups and downs, and a guy like Tex, he's a lock. But Kendry played some big ball in Cuba, and he's been around big time baseball. I think Vlad being out of the lineup puts a little more spotlight on him then I think he needs, but he'll get his moment to shine and make the best of it. I think Vladdy coming back will allow him to sneak in a bit more, but anytime you lose a Vladdy, it makes everyone Else's job that much difficult.
The Big Geek: Absolutely, but it sounds like he's making progress on returning soon.
That said, Tim, I want to thank you and the people w/ SpyderSoCal.com for the opportunity to share your thoughts on this season and the Angels in general. Thanks for everything, Fish. Big fan, and very thankful.
Tim: No problem, man. My pleasure, and thank you.
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