The Los Angeles Angels' chance at a deep playoff run was essentially squandered when starting pitcher Garrett Richards was lost for the season in August. Manager Mike Scioscia spoke of his injury on Wednesday. In the world of baseball broadcasting, Dick Enberg was honored with the Ford C. Frick Award.
During a start against the Boston Red Sox a few months ago, Garrett Richards tore the patellar tendon in his left knee while he was running to cover first base. Such an injury typically requires an 8-12 month recovery and it was originally believed Richards would return in time for Opening Day. However, Scioscia spoke with reporters today and made it known the right-hander is expected back at some point within the first six weeks of the season, according to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times. Only time will tell regarding his recovery process.
Prior to the injury, Richards was enjoying his first full season as a starter and was the best pitcher in the Angels' rotation. In 26 starts he compiled a 13-4 record with a 2.61 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. He also struck out 164 batters in 168 2/3 innings. When he went down in August, the Angels continued to have problems with their starters, which ultimately ended in their early playoff exit at the hands of the Kansas City Royals.
As for the broadcasting side of the sport, Dick Enberg, the longtime announcer for NBC Sports and the current voice of the San Diego Padres, was named the winner of the Ford C. Frick Award on Wednesday. According to NBC Sports' HardballTalk, Enberg began his broadcasting career in the 1960s as the play-by-play caller for the California Angels and then followed that up with careers at NBC, CBS and ESPN. He's been calling games for the San Diego Padres since 2009.
According to the MLB Hall of Fame, the Ford C. Frick Award is "presented annually to a broadcaster for 'major contributions to baseball.' The award, named after the late broadcaster, National League President, Commissioner, and Hall of Famer, has been presented annually since 1978. Frick was a driving force behind the creation of the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and he helped foster the relationship between radio and the game of baseball."
Let's tip our caps to Mr. Enberg, who will turn 80 in January.
