72 days away

We’re 72 days away from MLB Opening day, and 72 is also the number of regular-season losses the LA Angels had in 2007.

Other than the 2002 World Series run, the 2007 season was one of my most enjoyable as an Angels fan. They were in first place at the end of April and stayed in first place the rest of the season, but not by such a large amount that the games seemed meaningless until near the end of the season.

We got to see several of the younger Angels break out and have fantastic seasons, including Casey Kotchman, Howie Kendrick and Reggie Willits. We got to see another great season out of Vladimir Guerrero and we got to see John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar further establish themselves as ace-caliber pitchers.

I know, the season ended abruptly. But I’ve always thought that as fans, we can ask our teams to be competitive and make the playoffs, but we can’t expect them to win the World Series, since the baseball playoffs are generally a crapshoot.

It was a fun season. And I can’t believe I have to wait 72 days to see the Angels play again.

Dodgers, Padres to play two games in China

Major League Baseball continues to try to promote its product internationally, as the LA Dodgers and San Diego Padres are going to play two exhibition games in China on March 15-16.

This is the first time MLB games will be played in China, and I wonder what the reception will be like (and how many of the veterans and star players from each team go). The LA Times reports that the Dodgers will be only taking part of their roster to China, and I’m guessing the Padres will take only a partial roster also (which is understandable, considering how large spring training rosters are).

The games will be played at Wukesong Stadium, which is where the Olympic baseball competition will be played at. Also, the Boston Red Sox and Oakland A’s are opening up the regular season in Japan, playing games on March 25 and 26.

It’s good to see MLB sending its game internationally, I’d love for China to develop some MLB talent in the future, as that would only improve the quality of the league.