Angels vs. Rangers Series Preview: Told ya so

What an interesting time for an Angels vs. Rangers series. Right on the heels of the latest round of Moreno-Hamilton animosity, it is time to do battle with Hamilton’s former employer. I’m sure the Rangers and their fans will be totally understanding of the situation the Halos find themselves in. In fact, I do believe they’ve hung some new banners around the stadium to show their support.

LAST TIME ON ANGELS VS. RANGERS…
Well, the Rangers might be laughing at the Angels now, but it was no laughing matter last season as the Angels dominated them in the season series, 14-5. Sure, the Rangers were horribly riddle with injuries last season, but one week into the 2015 season and Texas already looks like they will be dealing with the exact same health problems.  I guess being a Texas Rangers is dangerous work. Right, Chuck?

THE NARRATIVE
Nobody is going to care about the rivalry right now. Everyone in this series is going to be talking about Josh Hamilton, whether they want to or not. He’s the story. Heck, he might actually even be in the geographic area, so that could result in meeting between player and team that would light this whole thing on fire all over again. Forget about burning the bridge, this is Arte’s chance to blow the whole damn thing up.

THE MATCH-UPS
MONDAY, 4/13: Matt Shoemaker vs. Ross Detwiler
My problem with his match-up is it involves Ross Detwiler and the Ranger fans insist on calling him “National Det” still. That nickname was kind of dumb in the first place, but it made sense when he played for the Nationals. It makes zero sense now that he plays for the Rangers, yet here we are with Texas fans still propagating it.

TUESDAY, 4/14: Drew Rucinski vs. Nick Martinez
Rucisnki! Martinez! A true marquee match-up that is sure to draw the interest of the casual fan.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4i9tS5ylz90]

WEDNESDAY, 4/15: Hector Santiago vs. Toobie Determined
What a mess. We aren’t even two full weeks into the season and Texas is already so short on starting pitchers that we have to resort to the Toobie Determined placeholder for them.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahsfJ6znTXM]

OFFICIAL PREDICTION
I know it is standard for the Angels to struggle in April, but I can’t imagine things being too bad too early for them. They need to get things back on track fast. I can’t think of a better team to play that Texas and their patchwork pitching staff. I’ll take a sweep for the Angels with the Halos scoring 20+ runs in the series.

UNOFFICIAL PREDICTION (so don’t hold me to it)
Matt Joyce picks up two hits, including a homer, against Detwiler just so I look stupid for raving about how he can’t hit lefties and he can be the one saying “told ya so.”