At least for one night, the rumors of Garret Anderson’s demise have been greatly exaggerated.
The veteran left-fielder set a career high and Angels team record with 10 RBI versus the New York Yankees. Anderson’s night featured two run scoring doubles, a 3-run home-run and the capper a Grand Slam. Anderson surpassed Vladimir Guerrero’s record of 9 RBI which came against Pedro Martinez and the Boston Red Sox in 2004.
When last night’s lineup was announced, certainly some Angels fans were dismayed to see Anderson penciled into the clean up slot yet again. Even an ESPN columnist joked yesterday saying Garret Anderson is English for “not a very good baseball player”.
Angels fans still aren’t convinced about the teams offensive potential. Yes it would be nice to hit more home-runs, yes they have too many singles hitters in the lineup. However, a lot of that is due to injuries and Mike Scioscia working with what he’s been given. Of course, Scioscia would prefer to have some more thump in the line up with Juan Rivera, Howie Kendrick and Mike Napoli. But, their replacements, Macier Izturis, Reggie Willits and even Jeff Mathis have filled in admirably.
The Angels are actually about to be a fully healthy team for the first time all year. Howie Kendrick has returned and been a huge boost. 6 hits and 1 walk in his first two games back. Jeff Mathis may not be hitting home runs like Mike Napoli, but he does have 13 rbi to go with his 18 hits. Both players, along with Casey Kotchman probably wont homer a lot the rest of the way, but you can expect plenty of doubles from this group.
Realistically, to win the division and go deep into the playoffs. The Angels need Garret Anderson to go on a tear for the next two months and Juan Rivera to be able to step in and quickly find the form he showed last season. Neither are out of the realm of possibility.
While the team isn’t going to impress with the long ball like the Yankees or Red Sox. This team can hit. With their pitching, and favorable schedule. This is the perfect time for the Angels to turn it on the offense.
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