If you haven’t heard yet, the Angels acquired Royals infielder Alberto Callaspo for pitchers Sean O’Sullivan and Will Smith. This has made much of the Halosphere upset, saying that this is a pointless move. To those naysayers out there, I would advise you to wait this one out.

To start, the Angels have one of the worst minor league systems in baseball right now. This is a shock to many, because we have enjoyed so much success in this area in the past. Most rank the Angels minor league system somewhere between 20th and 30th in the league. But most of those great prospects we talked about about over the years are already in the majors. Because of this, the Angels do not have leverage going into this years trade deadline.

Last year, Alberto Callaspo hit .300 with 60 extra base hits and a .356 on-base percentage. This was done in one of the most pitcher-friendly ballparks in the league. In fact, at the beginning of this season, Callaspo was hitting 3rd in the Royals lineup. If this move was made last year, you all would have been praising Tony Reagins for his efficient use of resources. This season, Callaspo’s number may be down, but he is on pace for more home runs, and possibly more RBI’s. He can play any of the infield positions and can hit at any place in the order.

On behalf of GoHalos.com, I would like to congratulate Tony Reagins on a move that not only improves our offense and makes us deeper, but also leaves us open for other moves. Look for a big second half from Alberto Callaspo.

It’s a rare occasion in baseball where a two-week stretch can ultimately make or break a team’s season. But that certainly seems to be the case with the 2010 Angels here in late July. Starting with Tuesday night’s rout of the Yankees, the Angels embarked on the most pivotal 12-game run of the year with the remaining 11 games against the American League’s toughest competition. After taking on the AL’s best team in New York Wednesday, the Halos will travel to Arlington for a four-game series against the team they’re trying to chase down in the AL West. Then they will make their way back to Anaheim for three against Boston and another three against the Rangers. Oh yeah, and all of this will take place during the countdown to the July 31 trade deadline.

Entering Wednesday’s contest in the Bronx, the Angels find themselves five games back of Texas, who has shown few signs of letting down so far in this second half. With the Rangers acquisition of stud lefty Cliff Lee and the uncertainty of who the Halos may be able to acquire during this year’s trade season, these next seven games against Texas become highly critical. It would be safe to say that the Angels need to take at least four of the seven to keep the heat on the Rangers in the division race. If the Halos can do that, and manage to hold their own against the Red Sox, they could find a new-found confidence that could carry them down the stretch and force Texas to feel the pressure the whole way – something the team from Arlington has rarely had to deal with.

Tuesday’s romp of New York revealed some positive signs. Maicer Izturis returned from the DL to drive in three, including a 2-run bomb. Mike Napoli continued to stay hot in the second half with a homer and four RBIs. And Mike Scioscia is hoping Matsui’s late homer will spark a turn-around for the DH in the weeks to come.

Angel pitching has been solid in recent weeks, but has often been done in by a lack of run support. If the Angels can stay healthy and find some consistency on offense, they will win their share of games. Maybe GM Tony Reagins can find them some help in the coming days to bolster their lineup or perhaps add an arm to the bullpen. A little help would likely be welcome. With the Rangers continuing to surge, it might even be necessary.

One thing is certain. The time is now for the Angels to take charge of their season and keep their post-season hopes in their own hands. It will be a tall task with a brutal schedule ahead and facing a fluctuating trade market, but it is still the Angels for the taking if they can find their mojo.

By Blake Warren

A few days ago I wrote an article asking for some much needed pitching help. Well, once again Tony Reagins has come through with a potential star. Now there are some concerns. Scott Kazmir has been injured much of the season, and when healthy he has not performed as he usually does. This is a high risk high reward kind of trade; however, the Angels really didn’t have to give up much so it was well worth it.

The Angels have used a major league record 13 starters this season. Many have come though, such as Matt Palmer, many have not. With Joe Saunders back strong there was really only one spot to filll in the rotation.

So what are we getting. Yes, Scott Kazmir, when healthy, is a solid starting pitcher. A potential ace. The Angels however, are pretty full of solid staring pitching. I don’t have to tell you that our problem is recent years has been losing to the damn Red Sox, and this year, losing to the Texas Rangers. Well, Scott Kazmir have a career 3.59 era against the Red Sox, and a career 2.28 era against the Rangers. In addition, Kazmir started game one of the World Series last year and was outstanding in the playoff.

So we now have a potential ace with proven success in the playoff for a low 12 million next season and three no name minor leaguers. This was a home run for the Angels. Yet another sign that the Angels just might be this years team of destiny.

- Tony C