Back at it!

What is up everyone? Glad to be back in the Yard. Weird to be doing this blog in mid-May and I just made my first start in the Majors this year... Trust me, I have been chomping at the bit to get back and it feels real good to be on the field with my guys. This was the first time in my career that I missed time for an injury so I listened to all the trainers and took their advice in not rushing the injury to get back too soon. It really is a frustrating process when you are rehabbing an injury, especially when you have to watch your guys on TV. That was different. I'm back though and ready to get after it. About the start... I felt fine out there, no pain in the triceps at all which was great. I didn't have the life on my fastball that I usually would at this point in the season but it will be there after a few starts. I'm just glad that I am contributing now and not a spectator. I take pride in getting the ball each fifth day and now I can be there for our team. Coming back and seeing our team in first place speaks to the depth of this team. I mean, how about the start by Joe Saunders and Ervin Santana? Those guys have stepped up big time and really have matured as big league pitchers. Anyway, I will be talking with you guys soon.

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• oflarity said May 20, 2008

  Big John! Glad you're back!

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• ConnorNolte said May 20, 2008

  Good Luck. Its always great to see guys come back from injuries and succeed!

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• pelechati said May 20, 2008

  Big John glad to have you back in the yard, I hope you lose everytime you play the A's. Feel free to beat everyone else though.

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• birdsrule said May 20, 2008

  Welcome back John. Best of luck!

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• GMCarson said May 20, 2008

  Now that you're back, any way you can demand a trade to my fantasy team? I could really use the help.

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  • boogerking replied May 20, 2008

    How 'bout demanding a trade to the Phillies?
• lizmoses said May 20, 2008

  Glad You are back, hope things go your way all season, but I personally, and this is just based on past experiences, believe in my heart that you'll be the best wherever you are and whatever you do. Love ya,
  Liz

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• dsiano6447 said May 20, 2008

  Glad to have you back in the game. I was lucky enough to see you up close in Lancaster but the team just isn't the same without you. Thanks for being my favorite Angel. Welcome back. Donna

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• leftcoastenvy said May 21, 2008

  Congrats on getting back and on your first win in 2008!!! Glad to have you back on the mound!! We missed you!!

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• lightitup said May 21, 2008

  It's great having you back, Big John! Both every fifth and here with your blog. Your breaking ball looked as good as ever last night! We have such an awesome pitching staff right now... any thoughts about Kelvim's progress that you want to share?

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• 1Halo_Luvr said May 21, 2008

  Welcome Back John....you are definately the icing on the Angels cake! Yes, it was great that the team picked it up during your rehab, now the boys can really kick it up a notch! See ya at the stadium! GO ANGELS!!!

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• moonstar said May 21, 2008

  Yay!!! Glad to have you back and HEALTHY, Lack! =) You've been looking amazing! Can't wait to see that strike-out total climb higher and higher! So, how's the heart rate after the 8th & 9th yesterday? haha

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• lizmoses said May 21, 2008

  Hope you come to Texas soon. I'm going to the game. You can have my Hummer, dude.
  
  Liz

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• rollbook said May 21, 2008

  Welcome back, BIg John! It's a relief to know you'll be gettin' the ball every 5th day!

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• jjackflash said May 21, 2008

  John, it sure is nice to see you back on the mound every 5th day, where you belong. Kudos on picking up win #1 for the season. I hope you can provide us with some insight about the relationship between catcher and pitcher - to what extent do you just follow whatever Mathis/Napoli throws down, and to what extent are those pitches called from the dugout. Do you plan ahead of time how you want to approach each hitter each time through the lineup?

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• BrianC6234 said May 21, 2008

  It's great to see John Lackey back on the mound. What a starting rotation the Angels have now. Three aces and Weaver and Garland. Weaver and Garland have been much better lately too. Now if Figgins and Kendrick can both get off the DL. I guess Figgins is off today. Hurry up Kendrick.
  
  About your start last night though, what was up with Shields and K-Rod? They gave me a few heart attacks.

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• lizmoses said May 22, 2008

  hope we hear from you soon, it's always nice to hear you

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• BrianC6234 said May 25, 2008

  Lackey - That was such a lousy loss for you. Too bad you didn't buzz that punk earlier and maybe knock him out of the game. He's leaning over the plate way too much. Time for someone to teach him a lesson. If he does it to Vicente Padilla maybe he'll end up with a broken hand.
  
  Something really needs to be done about the Angels offense. This isn't fair to the pitchers. It wasn't a must win game but it would be nice to see you guys finally get a series sweep. The Angels haven't swept anyone this year.
  
  And what's with no Vlad in the lineup? Juan Rivera is no replacement for Vlad. I wish he'd start hitting though. He sure isn't earning himself more playing time.
  
  It's too bad you had to lose a game where you just went over 80 pitches. What a tough loss. You did a great job anyway. That punk just doesn't know the unwritten rules yet. Someone needs to teach him about them.

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• VegasAngel said May 28, 2008

  Wow - how about Ervin last night?! What a week for Angels' pitching :) Bats will heat up ... that'll be something to see! So happy you're back, John. You have a way of raising the bar for everyone.

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• lizmoses said May 28, 2008

  You look super good. You're so cute, don't let anyone tell ya different, I'm sure they don't!

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• lizmoses said June 01, 2008

  that was an awesome game last night. You're phenominal, I think that's how you spell it, well hopefully you know what I mean. I hope you're shoulder is alright. You're in my prayers. Hope you come back to Texas soon!!

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• lightitup said June 01, 2008

  Great game again last night, Big John. It's too bad a few of those 16 hits we racked up weren't turned into a couple more runs so you could have gotten the win you deserved, but you don't need the W behind your name to see that the numbers you post game after game are the numbers of a top pitcher in the game! Thanks for making the trip to the ballpark an enjoyable one! GO Angels!

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