Michael Jackson commands multiple albums charts in the U.K. with two different projects, as both The Essential and the Michael soundtrack rule. American Pop singer Michael Jackson (1958 - 2009) performs on stage at Madison Square Garden during the 'Bad Tour,' New York, New York, March 5, 1988. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)
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Michael Jackson has been referred to as one of the bestselling musicians – and by some estimates, perhaps the bestselling artist – of all time. Sales are not nearly as important in today's music economy as they were when the King of Pop got his start, as these days, millions of music lovers all around the planet choose to consume their music via platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, iHeartRadio and dozens of others.
Some legacy acts have never quite found an audience on these websites, but Jackson certainly has, and his fates on streaming charts improved significantly earlier this year thanks to the release of his biopic, Michael.
Months after that film was released to theaters everywhere and became the top-grossing musical biopic of all time, Jackson finds his way back to the top spot on a streaming roster in the United Kingdom, proving that the singer is still a major player in the business despite the fact that he’s been gone for coming up on two decades.
Michael Jackson Returns to No. 1
Jackson is once again in control of the Official Albums Streaming chart. The U.K.-based ranking looks only at the collections that rack up the most plays on streaming sites in that country. For the past two frames, the star’s The Essential Michael Jackson, one of his most popular compilations in that country, has been stuck at No. 2, but now it is in charge once more.
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The Essential Michael Jackson Rules Again
The Essential Michael Jackson has now ruled the Official Albums Streaming chart six times out of the more than 200 weeks it has spent on the tally. The compilation first reached the summit in mid-May of this year. Since then, the project has only failed to dominate three times, and in each instance, it landed in the runner-up rung.
Michael Jackson Has Charted Only One Streaming Leader
Since first hitting the Official Albums Streaming chart in March 2015 – he landed his first three wins on the tally in that month alone, more than half a decade after his death – Jackson has only conquered the streaming tally once. The Essential Michael Jackson stands as his sole leader, and his second longest-charting title. Another compilation, Number Ones, has held on for even longer. That project has thus far racked up 394 turns on the tally, though, notably, it is not present at the moment.
Michael Still Leads The Soundtracks Chart
The Essential Michael Jackson is not Jackson's only set to appear at No. 1 on a chart in the U.K. this week. Michael: Songs From the Motion Picture is steady atop the Official Soundtrack Albums rundown. The collection, which is of course attached to the movie of the same name, has now spent 10 weeks on the soundtracks-only tally. It has occupied the loftiest rung in all but one frame. In late May, Michael was forced down a peg to No. 2 – the only time it has not led the charge – as Peaky Blinders — The Immortal Man reached the summit.
Michael Jackson Charts Seven Albums In The U.K.
Both The Essential Michael Jackson and Michael: Songs From the Motion Picture appear on multiple rosters. The Essential Michael Jackson is largely on the rise, climbing on three of the five rankings where it appears and keeping at No. 3 on the Official Albums chart. Meanwhile, Michael drops and barely hangs on inside the top 40 on both the Official Albums Sales and Official Physical Albums lists, dipping to No. 39 while simultaneously ruling the soundtracks rundown.
Five additional titles by Jackson appear on at least one chart apiece in the U.K. That roundup includes Thriller, Bad, Off the Wall, the aforementioned Number Ones and HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I.
ForbesMichael Jackson Nearly Returns To No. 1 — But A Pop Superstar Stops HimBy Hugh McIntyre
If you're someone who likes to stay up late and watch TV, you've probably resorted to hiding away in bed with Netflix open on your phone so as not to disturb roommates or family members. There, in the dark, you hold the phone up to your face, squinting at the tiny shapes of the actors onscreen while the glorious expanse of your television sits abandoned the next room over.
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But it doesn't need to be this way. Modern smart TV operating systems such as Roku, Google TV and Amazon Fire TV are full of small conveniences that go unnoticed by many, and one of the most useful is support for Bluetooth. That means you can enjoy the biggest screen in your house even when your significant other is sleeping, or while your roommate is having a Zoom conference you could swear has been going on for six hours. Simply stuff your AirPods into your ears and enjoy big screen content at full volume.
On Roku, the process is slightly more complicated compared to other platforms, but only during setup. Some newer Roku streaming devices and Roku TVs can directly connect to Bluetooth, but the majority cannot, and you will need your smartphone to make everything work. On other platforms, the process will be much more familiar and will only require a simple pairing process with your Bluetooth device.
Excellent news for roommates: Roku supports headphones
Yuganov Konstantin/Shutterstock
While other smart TV operating systems allow you to directly connect your Bluetooth headphones or speakers to your TV, set-top box, or streaming dongle, most Roku devices require you to use your phone as an intermediary (check which Roku devices support a direct connection). You'll first need to download the Roku app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Press the home button on your Roku remote, then navigate to "Settings" from the text menu on the left side of the screen in Roku's recently redesigned user interface. Select "System," then "Advanced System Settings," and click on "Control by Mobile Devices." Ensure that network access is set to either "Permissive" or "Enabled."
Return to your smartphone and ensure that it is connected to the same Wi-Fi access point as your Roku. Open the Roku app and tap the Devices tab at the bottom of the screen. You should see your Roku device listed. Tap on it to connect the app to the Roku. Tap on it again to enter the virtual remote.
Below the purple directional pad, you will see a grid of icons. Select the headphone icon from the top right of that grid. Audio from your Roku will now play through your phone. If no headphones are connected to your phone, audio will instead play through your phone's built-in speakers. The upshot of this is that you don't have to use Bluetooth headphones. Wired headphones or earbuds plugged directly into your phone will also work.
How to use Bluetooth headphones with Google TV or Amazon Fire TV
Eric Broder Van Dyke/Shutterstock
Other smart TV operating systems on the best streaming devices for 2026, including Google TV and Amazon Fire TV, also support wireless audio. Unlike Roku, they allow you to connect headphones directly to your streaming device. The connection process is relatively straightforward.
On a Google TV device such as a Google TV Streamer or Chromecast with Google TV, hold down your home button until the quick settings panel appears, then select "Bluetooth." Select "Pair remote or accessory" from the subsequent screen. Place your Bluetooth earbuds or headphones in pairing mode, then select them from the list of devices shown on your TV. Confirm the pairing with your remote, and audio should begin playing through your headphones. You can also connect game controllers, keyboards, mice and so on using the same process.
On an Amazon Fire TV, newer Fire Stick streaming dongles and other supported Fire TV hardware, press the home button on your remote. Open the settings (represented by a gear icon), then select "Controllers and Bluetooth Devices." Choose "Other Bluetooth devices" from the available options, then place your Bluetooth headphones into pairing mode and select them when they show up on the screen. Follow any confirmation prompts from there, and you'll be able to enjoy wireless audio. %!s()
The aroma from this Cucumber Tomato Salad is the most deliciously fresh scent of cucumbers, parsley, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy green peppers, and it’s beyond delightful. The only thing better than the aroma is the flavor. This easy side salad is cold, crunchy, juicy, budget-friendly, and tossed with a simple red wine-oregano vinaigrette that makes every bite taste bright and fresh. In short, this cucumber tomato salad is one big bowl of cold, crunchy, juicy loveliness.
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“I make this salad almost every week. Sometimes I change it a little based upon what I have (extra pepper, no onion, etc). I love to put it on a pita with some hummus and falafel. Yum!”
Krista
A Deliciously Fresh Cucumber Tomato Side
Cucumber and tomato salads aren’t exactly new (definitely check out my creamy cucumber salad, too!), but sometimes the simplest classics are the ones I come back to most. This one is fresh, light, low-calorie, and packed with vegetables, but it still has plenty of flavor thanks to the tangy oregano vinaigrette and pops of creamy, salty feta. I like cutting the cucumbers into hearty chunks so they keep their crunch better after dressing, and the vinaigrette adds brightness without weighing everything down. It’s an easy, budget-friendly side salad that brings freshness, texture, and color to a meal without adding much prep time or cost.
I also love how flexible this cucumber tomato salad is. Serve it as a quick side dish, or bulk it up with canned tuna and white beans to turn it into something closer to my Mediterranean tuna salad, which is the PERFECT protein and veggie-packed meal prep salad (if you ask me!)
Choose crisp cucumbers. I use regular fresh cucumbers here because they’re budget-friendly and easy to find. They tend to have tougher skin, so I like to peel some of it off in stripes before chopping. English cucumbers or Persian (mini) cucumbers also work well if you prefer a thinner skin, fewer seeds, and extra crunch!
Slice and soak the red onion. Cut the red onion very thinly, about 1/8-inch thick, so they add a delicate crunch instead of an overpowering, sharp bite. I also like to soak the sliced onion in ice water for 5-10 minutes. I used to skip this step, but it really helps mellow that harsh raw onion flavor.
Keep it from getting soggy. Cucumbers and tomatoes naturally release water once they’re cut and salted, so keep the pieces chunky and toss the salad with the dressing just before serving for the freshest crunch. For extra insurance, choose firm tomatoes and salt your cucumbers to draw out excess water. Place the chopped cucumbers in a colander, toss with ½ tsp salt, and drain for 15-30 minutes, then pat dry before using. Adjust the salt in the dressing to taste.
Stir before serving. The vinaigrette and vegetable juices can settle at the bottom of the bowl as the salad sits, so give it a gentle stir before serving.
Make it your own. Cucumber tomato salads can go in a few different directions depending on the dressing and add-ins. Skip the feta for a simple dairy-free version, add 1½ cups couscous (cooked until tender and cooled) for a tomato and cucumber couscous salad, or make it more filling with a drained and rinsed can of black beans, like in my cucumber and black bean salad!
Serving Suggestions
I think of this cucumber tomato salad as the fresh, crunchy part of the plate. The juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, bell pepper, feta, and oregano vinaigrette add coolness and acidity, so it’s especially good with warm and hearty mains. Grilled chicken is one of my go-to dinners to serve with this salad, especially in the summer. I’ll chop the vegetables and mix the dressing while the chicken is brining, then toss everything together once the chicken goes on the grill so the salad is ready when it comes off. It’s also great with homemade hamburgers because the cold vegetables and tangy vinaigrette lighten up the plate and add a nice contrast next to the soft bun and rich beef.
For a meatless meal, I think this salad is delicious with falafel in bowls, wraps, or pita plates. The fresh veggies pair really well with the warm spices in the falafel, especially with a sauce or hummus on the side! It also works well with air fryer pork chops because the tangy dressing balances the hot, savory pork chops without adding much extra prep!
Cost $6.62 recipe / $1.10 serving
4.17 from 95 votes
This Cucumber Tomato Salad is a cold, crunchy, juicy mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and feta tossed in a simple red wine oregano vinaigrette.
▢ ½ small red onion (sliced thin, (150g, 1 cup) $0.51)
▢ 1 green bell pepper (chopped, (180g, 1 cup) $0.86**)
▢ ¼ bunch fresh parsley (chopped, (55g, ½ cup) $0.24***)
▢ 2 oz. feta (crumbled, $1.15****)
Optional Add-ins
▢ kalamata olives
▢ roasted red pepper
Gather and prepare all ingredients.
Prepare the vinaigrette first to let the flavors blend as you prepare the rest of the salad. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and some freshly cracked pepper. Set the dressing aside.
Peel the cucumbers if desired. Dice the cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell pepper.
Thinly slice the red onion and soak them in a bowl of ice water for 5-10 minutes, then drain the water. This helps to remove the harsh bite of the red onions.
Pull the parsley leaves from their stems, then give them a rough chop. Crumble the feta cheese if it's not already crumbled.
Place the cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and feta in a large bowl. If you're adding the olives and roasted red peppers, include them here (optional). Pour the dressing over top, and toss to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat. This salad holds up well over a few days in the refrigerator. Be sure to stir briefly to redistribute the flavors before serving.
See how we calculate recipe costs here.
*Regular slicing cucumbers have a slightly more pronounced cucumber flavor, but their thicker skin can sometimes be a little bitter. Peeling alternating strips keeps some of that fresh flavor and color while removing enough skin for a more pleasant bite. If you prefer a milder, sweeter cucumber with very tender skin, English or Persian cucumbers are excellent substitutes and don’t need to be peeled!
**Green bell peppers are usually the most budget-friendly option when it comes to bell peppers! Their crisp texture and slightly bitter flavor also balance the sweet tomatoes and tangy vinaigrette in this salad. You can also use other peppers if preferred. Red peppers make the salad sweeter and juicier, while orange and yellow peppers offer a milder sweetness if that’s what you prefer.
***Fresh parsley adds a clean, herby flavor that lets the vegetables and vinaigrette shine, but you can swap it for fresh dill, basil, mint, oregano, chives, or cilantro. Each herb takes the salad in a slightly different direction, so choose one that matches the rest of your meal.
****I use pre-crumbled feta here because it’s more affordable and easy to find. However, block feta packed in brine will give you the creamiest texture and tangiest flavor because it stays moist until you’re ready to crumble it. The feta also gives this salad a nod to a classic Greek cucumber tomato salad, which traditionally combines chunky cucumbers, tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, olives, a slab of feta, and a simple olive oil dressing without any lettuce.
Optional add-ins: Kalamata olives and roasted red peppers add even more Mediterranean-style flavor to this salad. The olives bring a salty, briny bite, and the roasted peppers add a little natural sweetness. See the Variations section below for more easy ways to change up this cucumber tomato salad.
Adjusting the yield: This recipe is easy to scale because there’s no cooking involved. Simply increase or decrease the vegetables and vinaigrette in the same proportions. For only one or two servings, I think it’s easier to whisk the dressing right in the serving bowl. For larger gatherings, make a double batch of the salad and dressing, and dress the salad just before serving so everything stays as crisp as possible.
The nutrition data is automatically calculated using all ingredients listed on the recipe card, including any listed as optional.Percentages are of daily value.
How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad Step-by-Step Photos
Gather the dressing ingredients: You’ll need ¼ cup olive oil, 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
Gather the salad ingredients: You’ll need 2 cucumbers, 4 Roma tomatoes, ½ small red onion, 1 green bell pepper, ¼ bunch fresh parsley, and 2 oz. feta. Also, if using, some kalamata olives and roasted red pepper (both optional).
Make the vinaigrette: Start with the vinaigrette so the dried oregano has a few minutes to hydrate and the flavors can mingle while you chop the vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper.
The vinaigrette will look glossy and lightly speckled with oregano and pepper. It may not stay fully combined because oil and vinegar naturally separate, so just give it another quick whisk before pouring it over the salad.
Prep the cucumbers: This is how I prep my cucumbers. A chunky dice is nice for this salad because it helps them hold up a little better in the refrigerator. Peeling stripes into the skin first removes some of the waxy skin and gives them a cool visual effect once chopped. Then cut the cucumbers into about 1/2-inch wide rounds, and cut each round into quarters. That gives me nice chunky pieces of cucumber.
Prep the onion: Very thinly slice ½ small red onion. Very thin means about ⅛-inch thick or thinner, so the onion bends easily and doesn’t take over every bite. Soak the sliced red onion in a bowl of ice water for 5–10 minutes, then drain well. This helps tame the sharp bite while keeping the onion crisp and crunchy.
Prep the other salad ingredients: Chop 4 Roma tomatoes into similar-sized pieces, removing any tough cores as needed. Roma tomatoes are nice here because they’re meaty and hold their shape well. Chop 1 green bell pepper into bite-sized pieces as well. Also pull the parsley leaves from the stems, then roughly chop ¼ bunch fresh parsley. Crumble 2 oz. feta cheese, if it isn’t already crumbled.
Assemble the salad: Add the cucumbers, tomatoes, green bell pepper, drained red onion, parsley, and feta to a large bowl. If using kalamata olives or roasted red peppers, add them now. Give the vinaigrette another quick whisk, then pour it over the salad. Toss gently until the vegetables are evenly coated and glossy, and you see little flecks of oregano throughout.
Serve immediately for the crispest texture, or refrigerate until ready to eat. The vegetables will continue to release juices as the salad sits, so the dressing will become a little more flavorful and slightly more diluted over time. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the vinaigrette, and use a slotted spoon if extra liquid has accumulated at the bottom of the bowl.
This cucumber tomato salad is a great ‘use what you have’ side because the base is simple, fresh, and easy to adjust. Here are a few ways to change it up without making it complicated:
Tomato options: I use Roma tomatoes because they’re affordable, firm, and easy to find, but vine-ripe, cherry, or grape tomatoes also work. If your tomatoes are extra juicy, scoop out some of the seeds before chopping so the salad doesn’t get watery.
Change the dressing: For a slightly richer flavor, swap the red wine vinaigrette for a balsamic vinaigrette. A bottled Italian dressing also works when you need an even quicker side dish, although the homemade dressing will give you the freshest flavor!
Swap the cheese: I love feta here because a little goes a long way, but you can also use whatever cheese fits your budget. Try mozzarella for a mild bite, diced cheddar or goat’s cheese for something sharper, or skip the cheese altogether.
Add a protein: Turn it into a light lunch by adding canned tuna, chickpeas, white beans, grilled shrimp, or chopped hard-boiled eggs. I like this option when I want the salad to feel more like a meal without actually cooking much of anything.
Make it a pasta salad: Stir in cooled cooked orzo, bowtie pasta, or rotini for a heartier side or easy meal prep lunch. Pasta will soak up some of the vinaigrette, so taste before serving and add an extra drizzle of olive oil or a splash of red wine vinegar if it needs a little wake-up call.
Add more vegetables: Toss in thinly sliced radishes for peppery crunch, diced avocado for creaminess, sliced celery for extra crispness, shredded carrots for sweetness, or chopped pepperoncini for a tangy kick. This is also one of my favorite ways to use up odds and ends in the crisper drawer before they become compost.
Storage Instructions
This cucumber tomato salad is best served the day it’s made, when the cucumbers are crisp, and the tomatoes are at their juiciest. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but the texture will soften as the vegetables sit in the vinaigrette. I actually don’t mind it on day two because it takes on a lightly marinated flavor, but it won’t be quite as crunchy as when freshly tossed.
Make Ahead
For the best make-ahead option, chop the vegetables and whisk the dressing separately, then store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Toss everything together just before serving so the salad stays as fresh and crisp as possible.
Try These Summer Salads Next:
Our version of Greek Salad adds romaine lettuce for extra crunch and volume, making it a budget-friendly side that stretches beautifully.
I’m always here for a Southern throwback, and Tomato Cracker Salad turns simple tomatoes, eggs, mayo, and saltines into something surprisingly delicious!
This Summer Lentil Salad is fresh, filling, and loaded with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, spinach, feta, and a lemony vinaigrette.
Our Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe was originally published 3/30/17. It was retested, reworked, and republished to be better than ever7/8/26.
Posted in: Egg Free Recipes, Globally Inspired Recipes, Gluten free Recipes, Mediterranean Inspired Recipes, No-Cook Recipes, Quick Recipes, Recipes, Recipes under $10, Salad Recipes, Side Dish Recipes, Soy Free Recipes, Summer Recipes, Under $1.50 per serving, Vegetable Recipes, Vegetarian Recipes
Beth MoncelI’m a food lover, number cruncher, and meticulous budgeter. I love science and art, and the way they come together when I cook. I love to create, problem solve, and learn new things. Making great food is my passion, my purpose, and my favorite thing to share with others.More About Beth %!s()
Emily Long is a freelance writer based in Salt Lake City.
After graduating from Duke University, she spent several years reporting on the federal workforce for Government Executive, a publication of Atlantic Media Company, in Washington, D.C. She has nearly a decade of experience as a freelancer covering tech (including issues related to security, privacy, and streaming) as well as personal finance and travel.
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In addition to Lifehacker, her work has been featured on Wirecutter, Tom’s Guide, and ZDNET. Emily has also worked as a travel guide around the U.S. and as a content editor. She has a masters in social work and is a licensed therapist in Utah.
It's rough out there for job seekers, and scammers are preying on candidates hoping to get hired by well-known companies. A new phishing campaign uses fake interview invites—impersonating brands like Adidas, Netflix, Adobe, and FIFA—to steal users' Google account credentials.
Employment scams are nothing new, and they come in a variety of flavors, from fake job offers sent via text to fake applications distributed via Google Forms. Netflix impersonators even ran a similar recruitment email campaign last year. Bad actors are typically trying to phish personal information or convince you to send them money for various (fake) onboarding expenses.
How the fake job interview scam works
As BleepingComputer reports, this job scam primarily targets marketing professionals looking for positions with high-value companies across multiple sectors, including tech, hospitality, travel, food, entertainment, and luxury goods.
The fraud begins with a phishing email from a "recruiter" at one of more than 34 companies, inviting candidates to schedule a meeting to discuss further. Scammers appear to be using the names and photos of real recruiters at these companies, making them less likely to raise suspicion if targets try to verify their legitimacy.
If a job seeker clicks the link to the recruiter's calendar, they'll be redirected multiple times and ultimately land on a malicious website designed to look like a real interview scheduling page. From there, they'll be prompted to sign in with Google, which launches a fake login interface that looks like Google's authentication pop-up but is actually just part of the phishing page. (This is an example of a browser-in-the-browser (BitB) attack.)
Threat actors appear to be using a legitimate HR platform called PeopleForce and a domain operated by Salesforce to initiate the scam, though it's not clear whether they created accounts or are using stolen credentials.
What do you think so far?
Signs of a fake job scam
Like all scams, this one preys on emotion, like the excitement of being recruited for a highly desirable position in a competitive job market. If you receive an unsolicited message from a recruiter, whether via email, LinkedIn, or some other social platform, proceed with caution—especially if you haven't applied for a job or the opportunity sounds too good to be true. If you're not sure, go directly to the company's careers page to find the listing.
Just because a calendar or application link appears to go to a legitimate site doesn't mean you're safe. Obviously, scammers have many ways of spoofing URLs or redirecting traffic so you don't realize you're being phished. Look carefully at the address bar on the final window for sneaky characters or other URL tricks.
If you're being prompted to enter single sign-on credentials (such as Apple, Google, or Facebook) to schedule an interview or fill out an application, this is a red flag. Try to interact with the pop-up, such as by dragging it away from the main browser window or highlighting the URL. If you can't, it's likely a fake. A password manager can also protect against BitB attacks, as these tools won't fill credentials, except on the legitimate domain.
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John Mozeliak has come aboard the Los Angeles Angels as interim general manager after firing General Manager Perry Minasian. (Photo by Mindy Schauer/MediaNewsGroup/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
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MediaNews Group via Getty Images
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are the worst team in Major League Baseball. As to be expected, they are in last place in the American League West, and they are a game and half behind the lowly Colorado Rockies (the Rockies do have a considerably worse run differential (-63 vs. -79)).
The Boston Red Sox swept through Anaheim, taking all three games pretty handily. On Friday night, the BoSox won 5-2, with the Angels getting two meaningless runs in the eighth inning. On Saturday, Boston scored three in the first and never looked back on their way to an 8-1 victory.
The Red Sox did not take batting practice on the field prior to Sunday evening’s tilt. When I asked an Angels beat writer why, the tongue-in-cheek response was that the last two games have been enough batting practice for the club, so they didn’t feel the need to do more.
Anaheim did jump out to a 2-0 lead on Sunday behind a 66-mph single to right, a 71-mph single to center, a 70-mph ground ball to third, and an 84-mph single to center. But the Red Sox bounced right back with five runs over the next two innings to take a lead that they would not relinquish.
The third inning may have been a microcosm of the Angels franchise today. They simply cannot have nice things or get out of their own way. With Mike Trout on the injured list – and maybe even when he is healthy – the best player on the club is shortstop Zach Neto. He is currently slashing .229/.323/.458, for a 119 OPS+, and his 2.5 bWAR is second on the team only to Trout, who has 2.8.
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But in a “that so Angels” way, with two out in the top of the third Sunday night, Neto booted a harder grounder off the bat of Red Sox right fielder Wilyer Abreu. Had Neto fielded the ball cleanly, he could have stepped on second or thrown to first to end the inning with the Angels leading 3-2. But, as I am sure you have guessed, Neto did not do that. He booted the ball twice and then threw late to first, allowing Abreu to reach safely and the inning to continue. On the very next pitch, first baseman Willson Contreras rocketed a ball over the left field wall for a three-run homer, giving the Red Sox a 5-3 lead. That was Neto’s 14th miscue on the season. He did try to atone for his error with a solo home run (his 19th) with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, but it was too little, too late. Denzer Guzman struck out to end the threat, the game, and the sweep.
When your best player cannot do the pedestrian things that are required to be even an average team, what hope do you have? Prior to the game, when discussing the future of the club with someone who covers the team every day, their response was that it would be “X+3” for the team to get back into contention, with “X” being the day owner Arte Moreno sells the team and “3” being the number of years after. That may be an optimistic view.
Last month the Angels fired general manager Perry Minasian after more than five unsuccessful seasons. He accrued a record of 392-500 during his tenure, but dealt with countless controversies on and off the field, many of which questioned his ability to run the team. And yet, Moreno kept him until team president Molly Jolly decide enough was enough. In Minasian’s place she brought in former St. Louis Cardinals executive John Mozeliak. In his initial press conference, Mozeliak laid out his plans for his new position:
“Over the course of the next couple months, I’m going to spend a lot of energy just trying to understand what’s happening down below and work our way up. Obviously, winning still matters. We still care about that, and that’s going to be something that we will never lose focus on. But there’s a short view and a long view. And our short view is going to be coming through the Draft, addressing the Trade Deadline, finding our new general manager, and then, ultimately, hopefully, we lead to that foundation and structure that provides perpetual winning for the Angels.”
“Mo,” as he is known around baseball, brings a track record of success. He led the Cardinals to 15 straight winning seasons from 2008 through 2022, and won a World Series in 2011, compiling a .533 winning percentage over his 18-years tenure. Interestingly, Mozeliak’s contract with the Angels runs only through December of this year. The executive did not rule out the possibility of staying with the organization beyond 2026, but did state that he is not interested in becoming a general manager. That, of course, leaves open the possibility of him becoming the president of baseball operations with a general manager below him. In fact, there are three candidates from St. Louis who could fit the bill.
Regardless of what Mozeliak does over the next six months, and regardless of whom the team hires in his place or under him, there is really only one change – at the very top of the organization – that could make a lasting difference. And like their counterparts in Oakland (and lately in Boston as well), the Angels’ adoring fans have started chanting their wants and desires, hoping that a change at the top will make this franchise relevant again.
Angels fans are done with owner Arte Moreno, and are not afraid to share their opinions. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
