It was a rough weekend if you were a rookie starting pitcher for the Angels. Sean O’Sullivan’s Friday night start ended in a close 4-5 loss thanks to a 3-run shot from Mike Napoli in the top of the 9th. However, after his 1-inning 4-run performance, the Angels decided to send him back down to the minors to work out some kinks. This was his fourth consecutive outing allowing at least 4 runs in no more than 5 innings. The Halos called on Southern California local Trevor Bell to pitch today, but he also struggled, giving up 6 earned runs in just 1.2 innings of work.

The blame can’t totally be put on the pitching staff. The Angels have been scoring in droves, averaging a little over 6 runs a game in August. However they only broke 6 once this weekend in the 7-3 win on Saturday (which was also Ervin Santana’s 4th win in a row; hopefully the beginning of a great trend). Chone Figgins, Bobby Abreu, Torii Hunter, and Kendry Morales collectively batted 9-for-43 with 3 runs, 2 RBIs, and 11 strikeouts.

However, there were some highlights. Napoli has proven again that he can come up big with runners in scoring position. Vladimir Guerrero had a great weekend, batting 6-for-14 with 4 runs, a homerun and a RBI. Juan Rivera also continued his stellar 2009 season, batting 5-for-13 with a couple RBIs and knocking out his 20th homerun. Angels relief pitchers also had a successful weekend, as 7 relievers pitched 16.2 innings, only allowing 3 runs. Control was an issue though, allowing 16 hits and walking 7.

Jose Arredondo looked back to his dominant 2008 form, striking out 5 in 3 innings while only giving up 1 hit. Darren Oliver and Kevin Jepsen also pitched scoreless innings, striking out 3 in the process. Shane Loux finally bounced back after three poor outings, throwing 2 shut out innings.

The Angels head back to Anaheim to take on the Detroit Tigers, who are first in the AL Central. They are 6-4 in their last 10 games, and are currently 3-3 with the Halos after the first two series. The Tigers will send out their ace Justin Verlander, who was out-dueled by Santana despite an 8-inning, 7K shut out performance. The Angels will send Jered Weaver out on the mound Monday night, who will make his first appearance after a complete game shut out last Wednesday. Get excited to watch a great game at 7:05pm on Fox Sports West. Go Halos!

-Kevin H.

Coming out of the All-star break, the Angels have had the privilege of taking on two of the worst teams in baseball: The Oakland A’s and the Kansas City Royals. They took full advantage of their two road trips by tallying 48 runs, resulting in 6 wins out of 7 games.

Ervin Santana (3-5, 6.79 ERA) threw an 8 inning, 3 hitter against the A’s, giving up 1 run. And although he gave up 5 runs to the Royals, he still managed to strike out 7, while only walking 1 to win his 3rd win of the season.

John Lackey (5-4, 4.39 ERA) pitched an absolute gem on the 19th, earning the win after 9 innings, allowing 3 hits, no earned runs and striking out 6. In typical dramatic Angel fashion, Bobby Abreu (.305, 51R 63RBI) had to hit a homerun in the 10th to win the game, giving him his 7th of the year.  He’s also managed to steal 20 bases on the year.

During this 7-game stretch, Brian Fuentes (2.86ERA, 30SV) has managed to notch 4 saves. Fuentes has been lights out in the past 2 months. He blew a save on May 30 against the Seattle Mariners, and since then, he’s had 18 consecutive scoreless innings, earning 17 saves. He’s given up 6 hits in 16 innings, striking out 17 in the process. He now leads the majors with 30 saves, 2 above New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera (2.18ERA, 28SV).

Howie Kendrick (.247, 5HR 29RBI) has been back for most of July, and has made the most of his split-time opportunities. Out of the 11 games he’s played in this month, he has hits in 9 of them, including 3 multi-hit games, which has raised his batting average 15 points. His platoon buddy, Maicer Izturis (.306, 42R 32RBI), hasn’t been showing any signs of letting go 2nd base. He’s hit in 11 of 14 games in July, and has 6 multi-hit games, raising his average 20 points since the beginning of the month.

Erick Aybar (.313, 37R 36RBI) has apparently been eating his Wheaties this month, raising his batting average 38 points in July. He has safely hit in 12 out of 15 games, and has thrown in 10 multi-hit games, adding 4 doubles, 2 triples, a home run, 3 stolen bases, and a partridge short of a Christmas carol. He has knocked in 15 runs and has scored 13 times, while only earning 4 strike outs.

Vladimir Guerrero (strained left knee) has been hitting the stationary bike and the treadmill, participating in resistance and strength training, and playing catch during the pre-game workout. It looks like he’s still about two weeks away from coming back, and when he does, Mike Scioscia doesn’t plan to really play him in the field. He’ll probably DH the rest of the season. Torii Hunter (strained adductor) has started doing some light workouts. They figure him to be ready around August 1.

Though the Angels have been winning, they’re still getting roughed up on the mound. While Roy Halladay (11-3, 2.73ERA) is a sexy option on the market, it seems like they can’t find a deal that will bring him to LA. Philly has been courting Doc, but it doesn’t seem like he’s going there either, and will likely stay an Jay for the rest of the season.

The Angels are currently on top of the AL West, and have the third best record in the majors. If they can fix their pitching problems, they look like they could make another solid run at a championship.

-Kevin H