Today's Yahoo Sports preview: huh?

Today's Yahoo Sports preview for the Angels - A's game is a bit wierd. Talking about last night's game when the Angels scored a season-high 11 runs, the preview states:

"The big night at the plate came despite former All-Star outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. sitting out for the second straight game. The slumping Matthews, batting .186 (8-for-43) in his last 15 games, was replaced in left field by Garret Anderson. This series could be an ideal time for manager Mike Scioscia to reinsert Matthews in the lineup. Matthews is batting .417 (5-for-12) in three games at Oakland this season, and would be facing a rookie pitcher in the opener."

This is ridiculous. The Angels scored 11 runs because Matthews wasn't in the lineup. His replacement, Juan Rivera (not Garret Anderson as stated above), went 3 for 5, scored 2 runs in the middle of Angel rallies after his first two base hits (instead of killing rallies like Matthews frequently did), and would have gotten the game-winning hit with his third single had Rangers outfielder Brandon Boggs not made a great throw to the plate to cut down Torii Hunter in the top of the 9th. 

Why would Manager Mike want to reinsert a guy who isn't hitting for a guy who's been hitting light's out for the past couple games? The only reason I could see is to get another left-handed bat against rookie right-hander Sean Gallagher, recently acquired from the Cubs. But even then I wouldn't do it. Matthews had half a year, and that's enough. I like Gary and he's got a good glove, but with Rivera coming back strong he's no longer needed, and I hope he stays on the bench for the rest of the year (or the rest of his contract or until/if he's traded).

Which brings me to the guys who are saying the Angels should make a deal for the Braves' Mark Texeira. After watching the four Angels-Rangers games in Arlington and the way the ball jumps out of that stadium in the heat, I wouldn't trust any player who put up big numbers while playing half their games in that stadium (except maybe Ian Kinsler). Case in point: Gary Matthews Jr. I'd rather have Kotchman's glove than Texeira's bat anyway.

When is Kendrick going to be moved up to 2nd or 3rd in the batting order? The way he's crushing the ball, it's a bit mystifying why he's hitting in the bottom part of the order. Move him up, maybe get him another AB each game. Heck, even Angels' broadcaster Rex Hudler said he sees Kendrick hitting 2nd or 3rd eventually (maybe he's trying to give Manager Mike a hint).

And I wish they'd give up on Kotchman in the 2 spot. Good hitter but he's not a fast runner, and actually takes away options rather than adding options, when Figgy gets on. Is Casey a threat to bunt the runner over and draw the infield in? I don't think so. Is he speedy enough to outrun a double-play ball? I don't think so. If anything, put him third and get Howie (or at least Mighty Maicer) in the 2 hole.

I missed on yesterday's lineup, but only because Aybar was moved down to the bottom of the order (he's not as practiced at situational hitting as Isturis is, according to the logic of the day) and everyone else got moved up a notch. I was right about Maicer not being in the lineup, but for the wrong reason. Apparently his hamstring tightened up again. So for today's lineup prediction, I'm going for a shocker: Manager Mike will use the same lineup two days in a row! Yup. Remember, you saw it here first (or at least you would have if I had any readers):

Figgins 3b

Kotchman 1b

Guerrero Rf

Hunter Cf

Anderson Lf

Rivera DH

Kendrick 2b

Mathis C

Aybar SS