I'm trying to type this as fast as I can so I can process what is going on with this team. After they got swept by the Rays and sleptwalked through the end of August, most people (myself included) gave up on this team for dead. Too many games back and too many teams to overcome to get into the playoffs. Then they beat up on the Red Sox, them 2 out of 3 from the Mariners (including beating King Felix) and we all started to believe again. Then came the sweep in Oakland and I think we all began to take it as a sign that the team was finally coming together. Now, one night after an improbable walk off, the Angels go out and pummel the presumptive Cy Young Winner Justin Verlander and are now just two games out of the wild card spot. Talk about wacky…
Game Notes
— I think we can begin engraving the MVP trophy with the name Mike Trout. Trout led the game off with a solo homer that set the offensive tone. But if there was any doubt he was the MVP, it was all erased by the game ending home run robbery of Prince Fielder. Yes, Miguel Cabrera is good, but there is no way he holds a candle to the most complete player on the planet.
— Albert Pujols is still quietly carrying the mail. Another 3-3 night has his average up to .289. He still looks like he's dragging that leg around like a dead weight but it hasn't stopped him from hitting. It helps that Kendrys Morales looks really comfortable at first base.
Halo Hero
Positive Mental Approach finally pays off. CJ Wilson was so bad in the months of July and August that I was convinced we should rethink if his contract was in fact worse than Vernon Wells'. But in the last few starts he has started to get back on the beam. Then tonight he tossed a gem. 7 and 2/3 of strong baseball keeps the rotation strength going. Wilson is absolutely necessary for Angel success. It was nice to see him return to his early seson form and keep the winning train on the tracks.
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