Tampa Bay Rays (61-50) @ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (65-44)
Starters: TB – Matt Garza (7-8, 3.63 ERA) LAA – Sean O’Sullivan (3-1, 4.24 ERA)
Game Info: 7:05 PM PT TV-Fox Sports West, Radio-KLAA 830 AM, KFWB, KWKW 1330 AM
Losing two of three to division rival Texas Rangers wasn’t exactly how the Angels hoped to spend their weekend, but they better shake off all of that disappointment fast because their newest guest at the Big A is going to require their full attention.
Crap, the Rays don’t suck anymore!
Since the AL West crown is clearly up for grabs right now, the Halos would be well advised to protect their other options, namely the AL Wild Card. That effort starts with taking their recent frustrations out on Wild Card contending Tampa Bay (not the Devil) Rays and earning themselves a little cushion in the Wild Card race should the Halos manage to cough up their division lead. Sadly the Rays are no longer the doormat of the American League, so slapping them around isn’t a guarantee anymore. Like the Rangers, the Rays can really pound the ball out of the park (3rd most in the AL) which is a real problem for the Angels’ pitchers who can’t seem to keep the ball in the park (2nd most HR allowed in the AL). As such, if the Halos allow themselves to feel sorry for themselves after dropping two straight series to fellow contenders, they could easily make it three lost series in a row.
THREE Questions:
- Can the Angels perform CPR on their bats after the Ranger pitching staff killed all of their offensive momentum?
- Did you know the Angel bullpen has given up 15 runs in 8 games this month? Yikes!
- How many times will the Angel announces make reference to the fact that Joe Maddon used to coach for the Angels? I love Maddon, but we don’t need to be constantly reminded that he was the bench coach a few years ago.
TWO Predictions:
- The combined speed of the Rays and Angels will combine for three infield hits and seven stolen bases tonight.
- A fired up Angel club jumps all over Matt Garza and chases him before the end of the fourth.
ONE Wish:
- I wish for Sean O’Sullivan to turn in a strong start. With Saunders down, unproven Trevor Bell set to replace him and Ervin Santana still pitching erratically, the Angels need O’Sullivan to step up and help stop the bleeding.
ZERO Tolerance for… anymore sloppy play like in Sunday’s game. Catch the damn ball, Bobby.
Leave your own questions, answers, predictions or wishes as a comment or just hang out with us during the game or even chat with us on twitter (@MonkeyWithAHalo).
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