Angels vs. Astros Series Preview: Texas Two-Step

It only took the league three seasons into Houston’s tenure in the AL West to finally figure out that when the Angels come to the state of Texas that they should play BOTH the Rangers and Astros back-to-back. For some reason the last two seasons featured the Halos coming to Texas to play one team, then leaving, then coming back later to play the other. That’s the kind of thing that gets travel agents fired. Do people even use travel agents anymore? Either way, kudos to MLB for pulling their heads out of their butts to solve this travel nightmare.

LAST TIME ON ANGELS VS. ASTROS…
After their odd struggles with a terrible Astros team in 2013, the Angels went 12-7 against bad but not terrible Astros team. Now the Astros might be average but not good. Therefore, I can only conclude through reason and scientific deduction that there is an inverse relationship between the Astros’ talent level and Houston’s ability to beat the Halos, meaning the Angels will roll over Houston this season.

THE NARRATIVE
I’m actually not sure what the narrative for this series is. There is the looming specter of whatever “communication” the Angels are going to have with Josh Hamilton. There is the Astros striking out at a prolific rate. There is the ongoing concern over what is going on with Jered Weaver, his struggles and his velocity dip. It might be the Astros trying to show themselves to be a team that can hang with the big boys in the division.

Wait, no, I got it! It is the return of Hank Conger!! Oh, Hank, how we missed you. Such fond memories.

THE MATCH-UPS
FRIDAY, 4/17: Jered Weaver vs. Roberto Hernandez
This game could go very well or very poorly for Weaver. On one hand, you’d think Jered facing a team with problems making contact would work in his favor. On the other hand, Jered is having a hard time keeping the ball in the park and Houston has a lot of hitters who hit a lot of dingers in the rare event that they are able to put the ball in play. I’m both excited and terrified for Weaver at the same time.

SATURDAY, 4/18: C.J. Wilson vs. Dallas Keuchel
This is a dangerous game for C.J. as the ‘Stros seemed to have his number last year. In fact, you can trace back the game logs and see that Wilson’s 2014 struggles prettey much started in Houston. After his last shaky outing, Wilson really needs not to stumble in this one otherwise we are really going to have to start talking about his job security. So, try not to fall on your face, C.J..

SUNDAY, 4/19: Garrett Richards(!!!) vs. Scott Feldman
Garrett Richards is back! Probably!! As of this writing, the supposed plan is for Richards to make his triumphant return to the rotation, but the team has yet to actually commit to that. He’s totally going to start, don’t get me wrong. We just need to act like it is some big secret, so don’t tell anyone, OK?

OFFICIAL PREDICTION
The Angels will take two of three. Why? Honestly, I don’t really have a good reason. Then again, when I do have good reasons, my prediction is usually wrong. Maybe that means I’ll get this one right.

UNOFFICIAL PREDICTION (so don’t hold me to it)
The Angels met with Hamilton today and had some comments about it, but Josh remains fairly silent. My prediction is that over the weekend he finally breaks that silence and issues a press release that says a lot about Jesus, his battle with addiction and loyalty before it makes a subtle suggestion that the Angels just trade him.