Torii Hunter's hopes for one last swing ends in the on deck circle
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Cucamonga will not be playing any post-season baseball this year after the A.L. West champion Texas Rangers ended all hopes with a 4-2 win on Monday night at the Big A.
It was my job to wander through the Angels’ post-game locker room and get reactions to the end of their hopes and dreams of getting to the World Series. And to a man, they all were pissed off but with an honest glimmer of hope for next season. Assuming that they bring back their clubhouse leader (and the most media friendly athlete on the planet) Torii Hunter, the Halos will have a great mix of veterans and kids with huge potential that’ll give their fans plenty of hope as a true contender for years to come.
You knew the Angels knew they were in trouble when with Russell Branyon as the tying run at the plate with no outs in the 9th inning, they were promoting 2012 Spring Training on the scoreboard (not a good sign-LITERALLY!).
The following are my chats with manager Mike Scioscia, Hunter, Vernon Wells, Jordan Walden and Hank Conger as reality sunk in that their season would end suddenly on Wednesday night.
Mike Scioscia with Ted Sobel:
Torii Hunter with Ted Sobel:
Vernon Wells with Ted Sobel:
Jordan Walden with Ted Sobel:
Hank Conger with Ted Sobel:
