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