The October 3rd, 2014 edition of daily news for the Los Angeles Angels including predicting the Angels-Royals series, the flaws of each playoff team and much more…
The Story: ZiPS projects the Angels to win the ALDS.
The Monkey Says: It isn’t overwhelming, but it is better than the typical 55-45 split most playoff series are considered to be. Of course, that was BEFORE the Angels lost Game 1.
The Story: Keith Law predicts the Angels to beat the Royals in five games.
The Monkey Says: There are so many opinions on this series. Some think the Halos have a clear advantage, but others seem convinced that it is a lot tighter than anyone realizes. Still, most seem to be siding with the Angels.
The Story: The fatal flaws of every AL playoff team.
The Monkey Says: Rotation problems? I don’t know what you’re talking about. This is the first I’ve heard of it.
The Story: The strengths and weaknesses of each playoff team.
The Monkey Says: I refuse to admit that the Angels have any weaknesses… at least until C.J. Wilson takes the mound.
The Story: Josh Hamilton is hoping to atone for an injury-riddled season with his playoff performance.
The Monkey Says: His postseason history and Game 1 performance suggest that isn’t likely to happen. But it is the thought that counts, right?
The Story: Jered Weaver thrives on savvy, not speed.
The Monkey Says: Yeah, but speed would really help. He had a little extra zip last night and it sure seemed to help.
The Story: Jered Weaver’s declining deception.
The Monkey Says: Stop trying to make me feel better.
The Story: How to pitch to Mike Trout and Eric Hosmer.
The Monkey Says: Yeah, yeah, yeah, we know. Trout can’t hit balls up in the zone. What I am curious about is why they fixated on Hosmer. I know he hit clean-up, but he isn’t the Royals’ scariest hitter. Tell me how to pitch to Alex Gordon instead.
The Story: The Angels know that starting pitching isn’t everything.
The Monkey Says: It isn’t, but it is a lot. What Scioscia needs to be sure to do so that the rotation isn’t everything is to use the bullpen as much as humanly possible. He’s got the depth and the talent there that he doesn’t have in the rotation. He just needs to use it.
The Story: The 2014 Angels are a lot like the 2002 Angels.
The Monkey Says: I wrote something similar to this a few weeks ago, so I have no choice but to agree.
The Story: Matt Shoemaker, a prospect sleeper that woke up.
The Monkey Says: Sickels was one of the few guys that was actually in on Shoemaker even a little bit, so it is an interesting look back at what he saw and what he still missed.
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