ARLINGTON, Texas – “I need that strike zone!” Carlos Estévez proclaimed to no one in particular.
About three hours before they would play the series finale Wednesday against the Texas Rangers, the Los Angeles Angels trickled into the visiting clubhouse in Arlington to find the Little League World Series on the televisions. It was Cuba vs. Japan, featuring a home plate umpire who, according to Estévez, was calling balls and strikes like he had dinner reservations.
Estévez’s complaint was good-natured, and even the best pitchers can appreciate a generous strike zone. In fact, the righty reliever in his first year with the Angels is a first-time All-Star after emerging this season as the team’s closer.