The Angels get set to embark upon the road trip of the year. The Angels are six games up so a little struggle wouldn’t kill us, but coming out at about .500 for the trip should sustain our division league. This is, however, easier said than done as we get set to face the Yankees, Red Sox, and Rangers. This week will be must see TV for Angels so be sure not to miss these matchups.

Things to look for:

Brian Fuentes: Scioscia just had a closed door talk with Brian about his mechanics, so look for a short leash in save situations.

Kendry Morales/Juan Rivera: Both have been sluggish lately, so we’ll see if they get back to their hot hitting ways.

Monday: @New York
Jered Weaver v. Joba Chamberlain

Tuesday: @Boston
John Lackey v. Diasuke Matsuzaka

Wednesday: @Boston
Joe Saunders v. (TBA)

Thursday: @Boston
Ervin Santana v. Josh Beckett

As my MVP Rankings did, these will likely change rapidly, but we will give it a shot anyway. It looks like Zack Greinke has all but locked it up at the top, but there are many behind him who would like to have their say including our own Jered Weaver. (I wish I didn’t have to include Sabathia, Lester, and Beckett)

1. Zack Greinke(KC): Wins(13), K’s(210) ERA(2.22)

2. Felix Hernandez(SEA): Wins(14), K’s(188) ERA(2.61)

3. Justin Verlander(DET): Wins(16), K’s(230) ERA(3.24)

4. CC. Sabathia(NYY): Wins(16), K’s(177) ERA(3.40)

5. Jered Weaver(LAA): Wins(15), K’s(162) ERA(3.76)

6. Roy Halladay(TOR): Wins(14), K’s(183) ERA(3.03)

7. Scott Feldman(TEX): Wins(16), K’s(95) ERA(3.46)

8. John Lester(BOS): Wins(12), K’s(204) ERA(3.44)

9. Josh Beckett(BOS): Wins(14), K’s(176) ERA(3.87)

10. Edwin Jackson(DET): Wins(12), K’s(141) ERA(3.10)

September is here and in the next couple weeks, Mike Scioscia will look to adjust the rotation for the playoffs. This will obviously be done with caution as Texas is still breathing down our necks. So the question is: What will the Angels playoff rotation look like?

Typically in a five game series, a team will go with a three man rotation, but Mike Scioscia, because of our depth, will have the option of going with four. I understand that many of you believe that John Lackey has lost his playoff magic, but he will be our number one. There is still no one I would rather have in a big game than Big John. I understand his Josh Beckett match-ups have been ugly, but he will always keep you in the game.

The number two slot is where the question lies. Because of the year he is having Jered Weaver will be in the playoff rotation but I’m not sure if he will be in the two slot. Scioscia may want to mix it up with a lefty which leaves us two options, Joe Saunders and Scott Kazmir. I think it will come down to last minute decision. If the Angels lose game one, Scioscia may want to go with Weaver. Also, if the Angels play the Red Sox, game three will be at Fenway where Kazmir has had a lot of success.

So where does that leave Saunders and Ervin Santana? It looks like they will come out of the bullpen. The great thing about the Angels rotation though is that this could change. It’s a good problem to have.

Rotation Projections for the Division Series.

Angels vs. Red Sox

Game 1 @LA - John Lackey
Game 2 @LA - Jered Weaver
Game 3 @BOS - Scott Kazmir

Angels vs. Tigers

Game 1 @LA - John Lackey
Game 2 @LA - Scott Kazmir
Game 3 @DET - Jered Weaver

It’s been a rough end of the month for the Angels. Halo fans witnessed a rarity in 2009: 3 consecutive losses. It’s only happened 3 other times this year. Los Angeles Dodgers/Colorado Rockies in June, Texas Rangers in May, and Minnesota Twins in April. The Angels have only been swept in 2 series, and have never lost more than 3 in a row. Some might be concerned about the recent increase in the loss column after LAA dropped 5 of its last 7 games. It’s easy to get swept up in the recent downturn, but GoHalos is here to right the ship of despair.

Yes, this has been a rough couple of series, but up until this past week of games, the Angels were 12-5 in August, averaging just over 6 runs a game. Despite our struggles, we had created so much space between us and the Texas Rangers that we still have a 5 game cushion and are tied for the second most wins in baseball. Don’t forget, Torii Hunter is back and starting to look like his old self, recording a hit in every game he’s played in since his return on August 16. His current hit streak is punctuated by 3 consecutive multi-hit games, improving his batting average to a team-high .318. Chone Figgins seems to be taking after Hunter, also having 3 consecutive multi-hit games which included 2 steals to bring his 2009 total to 39. Juan Rivera has quietly tallied 72 RBIs and hit 20 homeruns, only trailing possibly AL MVP candidate Kendry Morales in that category (27). And then there’s Howie Kendrick. Angel fans not only had to suffer through Howard’s commercials, but also had to endure his poor performance on the field. Since getting the call up on July 4th, he’s totalled 8 doubles, 4 homeruns and 26RBIs, raising his batting average nearly 40 points. Manager Mike Scioscia has seemed to figure out how to rotate the three-headed monster that consists of Kendrick, Maicer Izturis, and Erick Aybar.

Pitching woes? We’ve had to deal with that all year. But don’t be too concerned. Despite Ervin Santana having an enormous 6.13 ERA, he has won 4 straight games. Worried about John Lackey and his 11 innings, 11 earned runs in his 2 past starts? Don’t be. Before those recent outings, he had only allowed 11 runs in 52.1 innings with a 5-1 record in 7 starts. To top it off, Lackey, Santana and Jered Weaver have all pitched complete game shutouts in a little over a month. How many teams can send out a core of pitchers that can do that? Plus, Joe Saunders returns off the DL yesterday to pitch his best quality start since June 24, surrendering 2 earned runs in 5 innings while striking out 6. Welcome back, Joe.

The Angels will begin a 4-games series against the Oakland Athletics, who are 4th in the AL West with a 55-71 record. They are 6-3 against the A’s this year, and will face 3 rookies and a 36-year-old journeyman whose combine records totals 20-32 with a 4.55 ERA.

There’s really no reason to worry. The Angels have put themselves in a great position on top of the AL West, and will look to close out the season with their sights set on another Championship.

-Kevin H.

John Lackey failed to get his 100th win again last night and the pitching problems for the Angels continue. Yahoo sports reported today that the Angels tried to get Billy Wagner but the Red Sox had the better waiver position. That would have been consider the Angels only have two relievers who have actually finished out a major league season. In addition to John Lackey’s woes Jered Weaver seems to have lost his early season magic. What will the Angels do?

Well, before we get two worried there is a positive outlook. For the Playoffs your only really need three starters due to the distance between games. Ervin Santana has learned great lately and Joe Saunders returns on Wednesday and say he feels better than he has all year. Our big four are Lackey, Weaver, Saunders, and Santana. We really only need three of them to get their act together, and the fourth we can send to the bullpen for the playoffs.

Also, September call-ups are just around the corner. This should allow our young arms to take some pressure off our pitchers for the final month of the season. So I know at this point, a matchup against Josh Beckett and the Red Sox is dreadful, but remember we only need three.

- Tony C

As you all know, Roy Halladay is on the market. Roy Halladay! The best pitcher in baseball! It is no secret that the Angels have had their share of problems in the playoffs the last few years. In addition, this year our pitching staff can not seem to stay healthy. With Roy Halladay we would have a rotation that consists of him, John Lackey, Jered Weaver, Joe Saunders, and Ervin Santana. You tell me who is going to beat that in the playoffs.

You may be thinking that I’m crazy right about now, but I believe this is possible. The Blue Jays are said to be looking for a couple of major league ready players including pitchers, infielders, and some high level prospects. In the Sabathia deal Cleveland got five minor leaguers. I believe we can do better and keep our team intact. The Angels would give up Matt Palmer, Sean O’Sullivan, Brandon Wood, and two decent minor league prospects and in return we get the best pitcher in baseball. Yes we would be losing our best prospect, but there is no room for him on the major league roster anyway. Plus we still have Sean Rodriguez.

I’m tired of having a regular season team. We are ready for another world championship, and I believe Roy Halladay can give that to us.

-Tony C

Overcoming adversity

For the Angels, the beginning of the season was a roller coaster to say the least. It began with a plague of injuries to some of our key stars, especially, the pitching staff. This included John Lackey, Ervin Santana, and Kelvim Escobar (who is still out). The problem, however, was alleviated due to the depth of the Angels pitching. This was topped by outstanding performances from Jered Weaver and Joe Saunders, and completed by a solid back end lead by top prospect Nick Adenhart.

Our heart was then broken by the passing of this outstanding young pitching prospect. The death of Nick Adenhart is something the team, and Angels fans will always remember. Most of us didn’t even know who he was, but it didn’t matter because he was one of our Angels. The young men that all of us at this end of the 5 freeway cheer for year after year. But, as many tragedies do, it made this team stronger both on and off the field. Lead by Torii Hunter, the Angels became a new team. One to be reckoned with.

Highlights

With all of the issues the Angels have had, some leaders have emerged. This begins with our Gold Glove and All-Star center fielder Torii Hunter. Most of us were pretty upset with the problems that arose with Gary Matthews Jr., but Torii has made us forget. His 17 home runs, 65 RBI’s, and amazing defensive play have been the Angels rock during the first half of the season.

Also, both Juan Rivera (.312 avg., 14HR, 50RBI) and Kendry Morales (.285avg., 14HR, 45RBI) have emerged as elite players in this league. With Mark Teixeira turning his back on us, most of us thought we would have a huge hole offensively. This has proven not to be the case, especially with the addition of Bobby Abreu.

With all the injuries to our rotation who can forget the 30-year-old rookie. With a 7-0 start, Matt Palmer locked down a much needed rotation spot and gave consistent starts when we needed them the most.

Finally, Chone Figgins has been has returned to the Figgins we all know and love, and plants a solid bat at the beginning of the lineup.

Outlook

With everything the Angels have gone through, and with the exception of Kelvim Escobar and Scott Shields, our team is healthy and performing. Mike Scioscia should win coach of the year and the Angels should win the division. Hopefully, the adversity the Angels have overcome has given them a toughness they have lacked in the past. And maybe, just maybe, they can take down the Red Sox this year.

-Tony C

Bobby Abreu gave us a sign of things to come this weekend, knocking two out of the park for his first multi-homerun game as an Angel, and contributing 4 of the 5 totals runs scored by the Halos. He’s now second in RBIs for LA with 48, only trailing Torii Hunter who has 59.

With the 5-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles, the Angels stop a two game skid after a visit to Texas , which almost resulted in giving first place back to the Rangers. This was not because of run support, as the Angels tallied 17 runs in the three game series. Rather, it was shaky pitching from Joe Saunders (3.2in, 8ER 5BB 2K) and Jered Weaver (5.1in, 7ER 3K). Juan Rivera tried to salvage Weaver’s outing by tying the game at 7-7 in the top of the 9th inning with a 3-run homerun, but Hank Blalock would hit a 2-run shot in the bottom of the 9th to win the game.

This was a great game for the Halos. Fans saw a flash of Bobby Abreu’s power and John Lackey had a very solid outing, throwing 8 innings, giving up 2 runs on 4 hits, fanning 7 with 114 pitches. Brian Fuentes also earned his 23rd save of the year.

Look for the Angels to continue their hot play during the holiday weekend. Everyone have a happy and safe 4th!

Noteables: Ervin Santana (1-3, 7.47ERA) will pitch for the first time since June 11th after a brief stint on the DL with right tricep inflammation. Against the Orioles, he is 2-2 in 7 starts with a 4.60 earned run average, and nearly has a 1:4 BB/K ratio.

Torii Hunter has a 7-game hit streak, scoring 3 times and knocking in 7 during the span.

Kenry Morales also has a 7-game hit streak, scoring 4 times, earning two doubles, a triple, and a homerun. He is 10-26 during the span with a .385 batting average.

Matt Palmer came out of the bullpen two days ago and did not allow a hit. Although he walked 1, he struck out 2 in 2 innings.

By: Kevin H

It’s only happened 20 times before, and for the first time since 2002, brothers will be pitching against each other. Jered Weaver will face his older brother Jeff Weaver for a cross town matchup after Dodger starter Eric Milton was scratched from the lineup due to a strained back muscle. Let’s take a quick look at who may have the slight advantage.

Born in Northridge, California, Jeff headed north for college to and walked on at Fresno State University. He was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1998, and became their opening day starter in 2001 and 2002. Weaver was traded to the Yankees during the 2002 season, and finally landed in LA playing for the Dodgers. He tied his career wins his first year with LA (13), and had his most successful season of his career in the 2005 season with the Boys in Blue, finishing 14-11 with a 4.22 ERA. This was the only season he has finished with a winning record.

Jeff made his way over to the Angels, but was sent down to the minors after he struggled with 3-10 record with a 6.29 ERA, which actually freed up a spot for his younger brother Jered. He would later be picked up by the St. Louis Cardinals, where he’d go on to win a World Series.

In 2007, he played with the Mariners and did a year in the minors before he was signed in February by the Dodgers during the 2009 season.  He now has his lowest ERA since his 2002 season in Detroit (3.72), although in 10 starts, he hasn’t gone more than 5 innings.

Jered, who is 5 years younger than his older brother, elected to stay local for college as well, attending Cal State Long Beach. He was the Dick Howser Trophy winner as the national collegiate baseball player of the year in 2004. He also won college baseball highest pitching honor, the Roger Clemens Award. During his senior year, he posted a 15-1 record with a 1.62 ERA, fanning 213 batters while only allowing 21 walks in 144 innings.

Jered was drafted 12th overall in the 2004 draft. Like his brother Jeff, he only spent a short time in the minors before being called up, making his Major League debut late in May 2006. Against the Orioles, he pitched 7 shutout innings with 5 strikeouts. He finished the ‘06 season 11-2 with a 2.56 ERA. 2009 has been, by far, his best season, throwing 3 complete games, including 1 shut out. He’s currently 7-2 on the season with a team leading 2.08 ERA, winning his last 4 contests, compiling 29 strike outs in 30 innings.

Although Jeff may have the team with the better record, Jered has cemented himself as a legitimate pitcher in the majors. Jeff’s short outings and high ERA could yield a big game for the Angels, but the Dodgers have already seen Jered earlier this year, knocking in 1 run but tallying 8 hits in 5 innings. One thing is for certain: we know the Weaver family will be watching…

By: Kevin H