Chone Figgins

I'm in love with a man whom I've never met. My knowledge of his life is minimal, and he doesn't even know I exist. Yet he's affected my life in ways few have, and I preach his praises to any congregation that will listen.

I am, of course, referring to Chone Figgins.

After watching the Mariners blow game after game, it came as no surprise their hitting was amiss again Sunday.  Doug Fister’s great showing was all for nothing, and Ichiro’s stolen home run forgotten.

The proof is in the pudding.

Five out of the last six seasons the Los Angeles Angels have stood alone atop the American League West.

In 2009, the Angels finished 10 games ahead of Texas and 12 ahead of Seattle. The Mariners seem to be the trendy choice to win the division this season.

After seeing several sportswriters actually pick the Angels to come in dead last, it is time for a reality check.

Here is a breakdown of why the rumors of the Angels' demise have been greatly exaggerated.

After years of taking a backseat to the Angels, it is time for the Mariners to step up and take back control of the AL West.

The team had potential last year, but not exactly enough to get ahead of the Angels or the Rangers.

Trust me, this season will be different.

Angel management used to be very forthcoming with fans in the past.  Whether it was real or imagined we fans always felt as if we understood the direction the team was going.  That could mean something non-baseball related, like the clubs desire to improve our experience in the stadium, to the intricacies of player movement.

When the club signed Mark Teixeira the risks were spelled out to fans.  Where Teixeira was plan A, Kendry Morales was plan B.  It was clear, it was spelled out it was, and it remains a good way to do business.

So, let me get this straight.

Your team's spark-club and legitimate stolen-base threat—gone.

Arguably, the club's best starting pitcher and Game Seven starter in 2002—gone.

The club's most consistent reliever and great clubhouse guy—gone.

The team's most feared hitter and former league MVP—gone.

The sole additions being two 35-year-olds with weak knees?

What exactly is going on over in the the offices in Anaheim of Los Angeles?

This time of year there are two types of teams—spenders and savers. 

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim free agent pitcher John Lackey, above, is reportedly headed to the Boston Red Sox after signing a five-year deal worth $85 million.

That means the Angels will be without both Lackey and Chone Figgins, who was also a free agent and departed for a four-year deal worth $36 million with the Seattle Mariners.

The Mariners were also just involved in a three-way trade with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Philadelphia Phillies.

Arte Moreno had us all fooled.

Thanks to the free agent signings, the stadium improvements, and the winning ball club, we all thought Anaheim was a big market city.

We loved the atmosphere at Angel Stadium, the rally monkey, and the perennial winner.

You fooled us all, Arte!

I looked the other way when the Angels lost Chone Figgins—no easy task when you consider it was a loss within the division.

I understood when word came that no attempt was being made to re-sign Vladimir Guerrero.