Chone Figgins and Juan Pierre remain fast friends - Los Angeles Times
I'm always a sucker for these types of stories, as Figgins and Pierre came up together in the Rockies' system 11 years ago. I like this passage from Bill Skaikin:
But it's no fun hitting on an empty stomach, and there's no money at the lowest rungs of the minor leagues. And after every game, as players showered and dressed, concession workers would drop off a few unsold hot dogs for the coaching staff.
Wilborn reaches deal with Dodgers | The Advertiser
The Dodgers have signed their 18th round pick, LHP Greg Wilborn from Louisiana Lafayette. Wilborn will report to the Dodgers' rookie league team in Ogden. (Thanks to Underdog for the tip)
Wilborn was one of 23 Dodger draftees to sign.
Baseball Tonight Clubhouse: Fun out West - MLB - ESPN
The Dodgers are the best team in the NL; the Angels are one of the hottest teams in the AL. No question this is the weekend's best series, Tim Kurkjian says.
The price for Figgins is going up | OC Register
Mark Saxon takes a look at pending free agent and Angel table setter Chone Figgins:
His game is no longer built solely around his feet. He has become a more patient hitter, pushing is OBP - many general manager’s favorite three letters - steadily higher. He is among the league’s most dependable line-drive hitters. But what could really make him a hot commodity this winter is his ability to wear so many gloves.
On deck: Weaver vs. Weaver - SweetSpot by Rob Neyer - ESPN
Rob Neyer takes a look at the pending Weaver brothers matchup, as well as some other brother pitching duels in MLB history.
Angels Player Splits - June | Baseball-Reference.com
The Angel offense has been on fire in June, hitting .298/.350/.497 while averaging 5.6 runs per game. Six regulars this month have an OPS of .973 or higher.
Napoli awakens from lumber slumber | angelsbaseball.com
Lyle Spencer takes a look at Mike Napoli, who appears to be recovering from a prolonged slump.
Pitching Probables
Friday: Chad Billingsley (9-3, 2.85 FIP) vs. Joe Saunders (7-4, 4.67 FIP)
Saturday: Jeff Weaver (3-1, 4.11 FIP) vs. Jered Weaver (7-2, 3.36 FIP)
Sunday: Clayton Kershaw (3-5, 3.79 FIP) vs. John Lackey (2-2, 4.33 FIP)