Here we are. The last week of the season. One week to separate teams that will compete for a World Series title and those that will spend the next month catching up on Narcos. For us fans, this isn’t going to be fun. Even though the Angels have been successful the last 13 years, we’re not really used to late-season pennant chases. The Angels are typically in or out by now. The last time we really had to sweat this late in the season was 2004, when the Angels didn’t clinch a postseason berth until the second-to-last day of the season. This is going to be a long week.
At least the Angels have their fate in their hands. With four games remaining against the Rangers, a division title is also in play. Mike Trout is a superhero. Magic Cajun elf Johnny Giavotella is back casting spells on other teams. If the Angels kick ass this week, they’re in. We don’t need to root for anyone to do the Angels’ work for them. That’s the coward’s way out. Let’s do this…
….BUT just in case the Angels need some help this week, here’s what we need to happen.
The Skinny
AL West – Third place, 3 games behind Texas
Wild Card – Third place, 1/2 game behind Houston for the second spot
Playoff Odds – Baseball Prospectus – 30.1%; FanGraphs – 34.7%
Early Week Series
Twins at Indians
The Twins are STILL a thing?!
Root: Indians
Tigers at Rangers
This is a bit of a pickle. On one hand, if the Angels head to Arlington this weekend trailing Texas by four games or fewer, they could tie or pass the Rangers. On the other, if Texas takes care of Detroit in this series and wraps up the division early, then they’ll possibly take their foot off the gas this weekend against the Angels. Think back to last season’s final Angel regular season series in Seattle. The Angels clinched everything prior to the series and spent all weekend giving important players rest and were promptly swept by the Mariners. I think we want the Tigers to win this series, but the Rangers sweeping this series wouldn’t be the worst outcome either.
Root: Tigers, I guess
Astros at Mariners
Do the thing Mariners.
Root: Mariners
Weekend Series
Royals at Twins
Ugh, hopefully the Royals are gunning for home field advantage and field their normal lineup.
Root: Royals
Astros at Diamondbacks
Oh. Oh no. While the Angel are playing in Texas, the Astros get to play the Fightin’ Grits in Arizona.
Root: Diamondbacks, or better yet, that the Angels just take care of business on their own
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