My last game of the season

I had the good fortune to attend the series opener against the O's, my last of the season since I get shipped off to start the school year tomorrow. Some observations:

1. For wanting to bench him, AK seems intent on trying to make a case for retention next season. He was 2-3 tonight and had the game-winning RBI. His defense was also solid.

2. Frankie is awesome. I was worried that after having pitched the last two games, his fatigue would show on the mound. Instead, Frankie gave one of his most solid and stable performances, only allowing O's star Miguel Tejada a hit. On a side note, Tejada would be pretty sweet at 3B if he's willing to play there.

3. Why was the attendance so low? I would have thought that, it being Labor Day and all, people would have taken the opportunity to come out and see a ball game. I guess everyone is hanging out elsewhere, somewhere outside the Southland?

4. To refer back to number 1, a caller on Angels Talk said that he disagreed with those who want Kennedy's tenure with the Angels to end this year. Terry Smith mentioned that during an interview in Detroit, skipper Mike Scioscia hinted that Howie Kendrick's performance at 1B this year indicates that he has some "versatility." If that translates into "let's keep Kennedy at the two-sack and put Kendrick at first," then I disagree wholehartedly. This team sorely needs offense production, and Howie is the real deal. If Kennedy doesn't mind taking a bench role and taking the minimum salary, I say keep him on the team--but if he takes starts away from Howiewood, hell no.

5. We need better corner infielders. Maicer Izturis has been a pleasant surprise this year, but he simply does not have the offensive abilities to justify his status as an everyday starter. The outfield is set--Juan Rivera should play everyday (hint, Scioscia, do not play GA there!) at left and Vladdy is Vladdy. Figgy, though hitting a bit of a slump this year, has justified to me his place at center field. He is capable of making amazing defensive plays, and he is still a menace on the base paths--his problem is that he needs to get on base more often to take advantage of it.