But let me tell you why I am an Angels fan. May 15, 1998, almost 11 years ago, I learn that my beloved Dodgers don't care about me. They trade away not only one of the best players in recent Dodger history, but also my favorite player; Mike Piazza. I was devastated. I didn't understand. I was also 13 years old and in a very formative part of my live.
Meanwhile just down the road in orange county the Angels started building a team through their farm system. They also had a few budding stars that led the team to an 85-win season and a near playoff berth. Good baseball in Southern California. My father and I were immediately hooked.
However it wasn't until 2000 where our love for the team really took over. Long time Dodger catcher and one of my dad's favorite players, Mike Scioscia was named manager of the Angels. But that wasn't all, during the offseason the team signed the big power hitter from Boston, Mo Vaughn. That season was an exciting one. The Angels had a great offense, with five players hitting over 25 homeruns and driving in at least 97 runs. However the team finished third in the division.
The 2001 season was another mediocre one but it was apparent that Scioscia and the front office were building a team that would be perennial contenders in the division.
Then 2002 came and everything came together. The team changed their uniforms from the terrible periwinkle blue to the dominate red that they are today. After the worst start in franchise history the Angels started to put together some wins. Up in Oakland the A's were having a great season that was highlighted by a 20 game winning streak that would have extended their division lead to an insurmountable number. But during that stretch the Halos won 20 of 23 to keep pace.
Despite finishing second in the division, the Angels won the wildcard and were in the playoffs for the first time since 1986. In round number one they beat the Yankees three games to one. In round number two they beat the Twins four games to one. Then in the team's first world series appearance they beat the Giants four games to three. Having been at game seven really was a dream come true. Here I was 17 years old watching a team that I care about win the ultimate game. It was a feeling that I never would have gotten as a Dodger fan.
But that's not all. If I were a Dodger fan I would have woken up today to learn that Manny Ramirez has been suspended 50 games for violating MLB's drug policy. Am I surprised? Actually, no I'm not. I realized a while ago that Baseball is a karmic sport and if you are good to those within your franchise you will be rewarded. That's why you don't see the Yankees doing well, all they do is trade away their prospects and sign free agents. Were as the Red Sox, Angels, Rays, etc. all build their teams around their farm system.
The Dodger had an ownership change a few short years ago and since then they have become a Yankees west kind of team. Well they always seem to pull Yankee stunts like trading of Piazza that much of their fanbase doesn't understand. In 2004 the Dodgers made another fan killing trade by getting rid of fan favorite Paul Lo Duca.
Now Manny is going to be out for 50 games while the Dodgers, who have the best record in baseball, are forced to fend for themselves.
All I can say is Karma is a bitch... and I am glad I am an Angels fan.
On a related note it is just about noon pacific time on the day that Manny's suspension has been announced. There have been 28 Manny related posts by people that I am friends with on Facebook. It makes me happy.
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