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AMERICAN LEAGUE.
Anaheim
36-36: 2nd
Ortiz uses some advice from Pedro to move forward
RHP Ramon Ortiz did not strike out a batter in seven innings in his start June 20, the first time he failed to record a strikeout this season. But he still might have taken a big step forward because he was able to beat the Rangers without his best stuff. Ortiz did not feel strong early in the game, so he relied more on his head than his arm, concentrating on hitting corners and keeping the ball down. He gave up two runs on nine hits and needed only 84 pitches to get through seven innings. A chat with his idol, Red Sox RHP Pedro Martinez, might have helped. Martinez told Ortiz he prefers not to strike so many batters out, that ground-ball outs are less taxing, and that throwing strikes is more important than strikeouts.
SCOUTING REPORT: RF Tim Salmon believes his season-long hitting struggles are "between the ears." Salmon admits feeling extra pressure after signing a lucrative contract extension during spring training. He is analytical by nature, and the more he dwells on his problems, the worse they become. That's why, with Salmon's average at .211 and his mark with runners in scoring position at .060, manager Mike Scioscia gave him three days off June 16-19 to clear his head. It seemed to help. Salmon had two hits, including a clutch, two-out RBI single in last Friday's win. His power numbers (nine homers, 25 RBIs) are way down this season, but when Salmon gets hot, he hits home runs in bunches.
SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Lefthanded pitchers who are not overpowering but change speeds well, such as Texas' Kenny Rogers, Seattle's John Halama and Toronto's Chris Michalak, give the Angels fits. In 13 games against soft-throwing lefties, the team is 4-9. The reason, says Salmon: Lefthanders have become much more aggressive. Salmon says batters used to be able to sit on the outside part of the plate and not worry about hard stuff inside. Now, lefthanders are busting righthanded hitters with inside fastballs. They're not throwing inside for show anymore. It's for strikeouts. --Mike DiGiovanna
JUNE GRADES
- Oritz, Salmon get it together for Angels.(The Orange County Register)
- Newspaper article from: Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service Saxon, Mark April 25, 2004 700+ words
...half the time. When Tim Salmon walked up to Ortiz on Saturday and said...will be me and you," Ortiz thought Salmon was saying he would help...s misunderstanding made Salmon look like Nostradamus. Ortiz pitched his best game of...
- Salmon to the rescue in the eighth as Angels even series at 1.
- Newspaper article from: Chicago Tribune (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service) October 21, 2002 700+ words
...Anaheim victory on Tim Salmon's two-out, two...Kevin Appier and Russ Ortiz failed to last past...Darin Erstad. After Tim Salmon's single advanced...homer to make it 5-4. Salmon's two-run homer off Ortiz in the second, the...
- WORLD SERIES; Salmon goes ape; 2 HRs help Angels even Series.(Sports)
- Newspaper article from: The Boston Herald Horrigan, Jeff October 21, 2002 700+ words
...however, was nearly as awful as Ortiz. He surrendered five runs...Giants' four-run second. Salmon's first homer, a two-run blast off Ortiz, pushed the Angels' lead...Rodriguez to remain in position for Salmon's heroics. Rodriguez struck...
- ANGELS CAP SWEEP OF A'S ANGELS 4, OAKLAND 3.(Sports)
- Newspaper article from: Daily News (Los Angeles, CA) April 26, 2004 700+ words
...Angels did Sunday. A day earlier, the .173-hitting Salmon told Ramon Ortiz that the two of them were merely off to slow starts...Ortiz, a native of the Dominican Republic, thought Salmon said Sunday the two of them would be the stars...
- ORANGE COUNTY SEEING RED.(Sports)
- Newspaper article from: Daily News (Los Angeles, CA) February 15, 2004 700+ words
...was there Saturday, and is expected back today. Colon and Guillen were there, along with holdovers Tim Salmon and Ramon Ortiz. Salmon signed the double-leg casts on an infant. Everyone was all smiles. These are the good days in Anaheim...
- Salmon goes upstream with late homer to lift Angels to thrilling win.(Knight...
- Newspaper article from: Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service Brookover, Bob October 20, 2002 700+ words
...Monkey lovers. While Salmon's hit broke the tie...with righthander Russ Ortiz instead of lefthander...quickly as possible. Ortiz allowed two more runs...hits and two runs before Ortiz recorded an out. Pesky...evening of baseball. Salmon hit a two-run homer...
- Salmon goes upstream with late homer to lift Angels to thrilling win.
- Newspaper article from: The Philadelphia Inquirer (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service) October 21, 2002 700+ words
...Monkey lovers. While Salmon's hit broke the tie...with righthander Russ Ortiz instead of lefthander...quickly as possible. Ortiz allowed two more runs...hits and two runs before Ortiz recorded an out. Pesky...evening of baseball. Salmon hit a two-run homer...
- Ortiz tightly wound.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)
- Newspaper article from: Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service Miedema, Laurence October 21, 2002 700+ words
...Anaheim Angels pitcher Ramon Ortiz. "He's a very excitable...Angels right fielder Tim Salmon said. "But that energy is...getting it and throwing it." Ortiz's ability to keep his emotions...tonight at Pacific Bell Park. Ortiz has made huge strides in poise...