Why the Angels could win.

Disclaimer: This is the first of 3 blog entries looking into the upcoming series with the Anaheim Angels. The First will be why the Angels will win. The Second will be why the Red Sox will take down the series. The final installment will be what I think will be my ever so accurate prognostications. Sit Back and Enjoy the Ride.

The Angels are one of 8 teams that have earned a spot in the postseason this year. Realistically they have just as good a shot as anyone else that is going to continue playing in October. So throw all of the '04, '07, and '08 playoffs out the window and get ready for this year.

Let's face it, throwing runners out has clearly been a Varitek allergy, and if Victor Martinez took any longer to get rid of the ball I'd swear he was holding it for safe keeping (maybe that's a good idea since half of his throws end up to Jacoby anyway). But seriously the Angels SHOULD run all over the Red Sox catching tandem of Smalls from the Sandlot and the right handed Johnny Damon.

They have a very underrated lineup and their starting pitching staff could shut down any lineup in baseball. As I have stated before I am not a believer in the offensive juggernaut that is Kendry Morales. But just looking at the numbers this was/could be his career year and he is admirably filling the offensive void left by Mark Teixeira.

Chone Figgins is like that mosquito at a barbecue just pestering the ever-living piss out of you. But he is one of Anaheim's potential free agents that is an all around great ball player and someone that I would like to see the Red Sox make a run at in the offseason. (More on potential free agents after the playoffs.)

Mike Scioscia has went on record saying that despite Morales going from benchwarmer to uber-slugger, Bobby Abreu is the team MVP. Abreu's power numbers were definitely not what they've been in years past but he has made his presence known; on and off the field. Perennially hitting over .300 and having an OBP around .400 will generally get the respect of your manager. So I'd have to agree with you Mr. Scioscia you picked the right player.

A great, versatile lineup in its own right is a luxury few teams have. But there is something far more powerful and important that the Halos have going for them: The spirit of Nick Adenhart.

Now as most of you know just by reading the countless backhanded insults and crass nature of my dialogue, I am not a religious god fearing man. But I know firsthand (Note my quotes in the paper, I'm a bit pissed and crying), that the death of a teammate can propel your team and body to do magnificent things. Now I know a thing or two about baseball's intricacies and one of them is 'God doesn't help you in the game.' That being said, I'm sure his troops (Adenhart) watch every second of these games and nowhere does it say you can't ask an 'Angel' for help.

For that reason, and I'm almost positive the Sox are going all Watergate on us with how healthy Josh Beckett is, watch out for the Los Angeles of Anaheim of California of the United States of North America, these boys are good and are not to be underestimated.

Stay Tuned

Ryan