Just saw this video. No wonder the ball cuts so well.

Los Angeles Angels vs New York Yankess @LA 4:57pm

The Angels are coming off a huge walk off double from career .200 hitter Jeff Mathis, a game that Torii Hunter said might have been one of the best games that he’s ever been a part of. The Angels have found themselves running into the problem of stranding runners, leaving 42 on base in the last 3 games. The Halos outhit the Yankees last night for the first time in the series, and although C.C. Sabathia, who gave up four hits, will be on the mound tonight, he’ll be pitching on short rest. This could be a big advantage for the Angels giving them a chance to see a possibly tired Sabathia for the second of three possible starts. The Angels will send out Scott Kazmir, who will make his second appearance in this 2009 postseason. If we win this one, it’s a whole new series!

Yankees

Pitching - C.C. Sabathia
Season - 19-8, 197K 3.37 ERA
On the Road - 12-6, 114K 3.53 ERA
Last Postseason Start - 8in, 4H 1ER 7K, 1.23 ERA

Angels

Pitching - Scott Kazmir
Season - 10-9, 117K 4.89 ERA
At Home - 0-1, 10K 2.84 ERA
Last Postseason Start - 6in, 5H 5ER 1K, 7.50 ERA

Rangers(85-70) v. Angels(91-64) @LA 7:05pm TV:FS-West

Tommy Hunter(9-4 3.67 era) v. Ervin Santana(7-8 5.46 era)

It’s simple, the Angels win and they win the division. Ervin Santana will not likely be in the playoff rotation, but will likely be used out of the bullpen. Really, tonight he just needs to not get knocked around, and work on location. The Rangers will probably play their hearts out to hold onto a last chance, so the Angels will have to be careful.

Team Matchup:

Joe Saunders takes the mound tonight for what could be a possible postseason preview between the Angels and Yankees. The Angels have not had much trouble with the Yankees in the past, but this is a new Yankee team with a different manager. This team is more aggressive, and as Torii Hunter says, “they have a fire in them that I didn’t see last year.” It will be important for the Angels to keep the Yankees from building to much confidence against them for the playoffs.

The Yankees are definitely out to prove something this year, but so are the Angels. In fact, maybe more so. The Angels are currently fourth on ESPN’s power rankings, but have been higher than that for most of the second half of the season. An yet the story of the year seems to be the Yankees, Dodgers, and Cardinals. Yahoo Sports is really the only site that has given the Angels there fair share. Even so, I think Mike Scioscia and Angels prefer it that way. Without the spotlight the team can focus on the prize: another World Series.

Things to look for:

Kendry Morales has been in a major September slump, and in the last week he is hitting .138 with 12 stikeouts. He may have ruined his MVP chances, but look for him to try and gain some momentum for the playoffs.

Right now Scott Kazmir has the lead on a three way playoff rotation spot. Saunders had a rough last outing, so look for him to rebound tonight. There is still a chance Scioscia goes four deep, but it’s unlikely.

Pitching Match-ups:

Game 1: Saunders (13-7, 4.75 era) v. Pettitte (13-6, 4.14 era)

Game 2: Santana (7-8, 5.43 era) v. Gaudin (5-10, 4.81 era)

Game 3: Kazmir (9-8, 5.08 era) v. Burnett (11-9, 4.22 era)

Angels(86-59) v. Red Sox(86-58) @BOS 4:10pm TV:FS-West

Ervin Santana(7-8 5.52 era) v. Josh Beckett(15-6 3.82 era)

Hopefully all of you have mostly recovered from last night. Remember, it wasn’t a playoff game. Ervin Santana has been the Santana of old this past couple of months so we’ll see if he can put up a fight against the former Cy Young award winner, Josh Beckett. Let’s hope for the best.

Team Matchup:

Angels(86-57) v. Red Sox(84-58) @BOS 4:10pm TV:FS-West

John Lackey(10-7 3.53 era) v. Daisuke Matsuzaka(1-5 8.23 era)

The Angels get set for a possible postseason preview(again), against the rival Boston Red Sox. John Lackey will take the mound tonight to not only get some postseason prep, but also continue his hot streak and sure up the division.

Team Matchup:

Mariners(72-66) v. Angels(81-55) @LA 7:05pm TV:FS-West

Felix Hernandez(14-5 2.65 era) v. Scott Kazmir(8-8 5.68 era)

Scott Kazmir has the unfortunate task of facing King Felix, AGAIN! Perhaps being at home this time will give him the edge as he tries to hold off the Mariners from a late season surge. It should be another low scoring affair, but hopefuly we can at least up Hernandez’s pitch count.

Team Matchup:

Angels(78-54) v. Royals(51-82) @KC 5:10pm TV:FS-West

Jered Weaver(13-5 3.89 era) v. Gil Meche(6-10 5.09 era)

For the last few previews we have been repeating that this is the Angels time to get back on track. Well, it hasn’t happened yet. But now we face the Royals. Lets hope we can get back on track against the last place Royals because the Rangers are getting awfully close. Jered Weaver takes the mound tonight against the struggling Gil Meche.

Team Matchup:

Angels(78-52) v. Mariners(68-64) @SEA 7:10pm TV:FS-West

Ervin Santana(7-7 5.94 era) v. Doug Fister(1-1 3.42 era)

Last night Vlad hit 2 home runs and the Angels stomped the Mariners 10-0. It appears that the cooler weather should be good for the Angels as they seemed to be a little worn down during that last home stand. Ervin Santana looks to continue his winning ways tonight at Safeco. At this point the opposing lineup really has to pitch to perfection to get by our Halos.

Team Matchup:

A’s(55-71) v. Angels(75-49) @LA 7:25pm TV:FS-West

Brett Tomko(3-2 3.69 era) v. Trevor Bell(1-1 9.49 era)

After a tease for Tampa Bay pitcher Scott Kasmir, the Angels look to bring back the focus of the fans by actually winning a game. This will will be a make or break start for Trevor Bell. Hopefully can get back to their hitting ways against Brett Tomko and the A’s

Team Matchup:

A’s(55-71) v. Angels(75-49) @LA 7:25pm TV:FS-West

Pitching Matchup:

Trevor Cahill(6-12 4.86 era) v. Ervin Santana(7-6 6.13 era)

After two lost series the Angels throw out there most consistant pitcher of late, Ervin Santana. He will face of against Trevor Cahill and the last place A’s. This should be a chance for the Angels to get back to their winning ways.

P.S. There are a lot of good tickets available for the weekend on stubhub.com

Team Matchup:

Tigers(65-58) v. Angels(74-48) @LA 7:05pm TV:ESPN 2 / FS-West

Pitching Matchup:

Justin Verlander(13-7 3.29 era) v. Jered Weaver(13-4 3.89 era)

The Angels are back home tonight for what could be a division series preview. This series will be full of pitching duels and tonight is no exception. Jered Weaver and Justin Verlander are both looking for their 14th win. Should be a good. Make sure you tune in.

Team Matchup:

Angels(73-45) v. Blue Jays(55-64) @TOR 4:07pm TV: FS-West

Pitching Matchup:

Sean O’Sullivan(3-1 5.91 era) v. Marc Rzepczynski(1-3 3.98 era)

The road trip continues as the Angels take on the disappointing Toronto Blue Jays. The Angels offense has had a bit of a hiccup the last couple of games; however, this to reason to be frightened and the Angels should be back to their winning ways very soon. Look for our September call-ups report very soon.

Team Matchup: