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The Angels (46-37) couldn’t capitalize on a chance to gain some ground on the Texas Rangers (47-37), losing 4 out of the 6 games they played in the past two weeks. They were able to take 3 of 4 from the Baltimore Orioles (38-47), but Mike Scioscia has expressed concern with his pitching staff after the Rangers series. The New York Yankees (51-34) have won 13 of their last 15, and are currently 1st atop their division. The Halos will look to snap out of their struggle and regain first place in the AL West. Here’s a quick preview of what to expect:
Los Angeles Angels |
New York Yankees |
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| 46-37 2nd AL West |
51-34 1st AL East |
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Line-up
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| Player | 09 Stats | vs. ‘09 Angels | Notes |
| SS Derek Jeter | .314 55R 17SB |
3-12 2R 2RBI |
Reliable vet with a .394 OBP |
| RF Nick Swisher | .239 14HR 45RBI |
1-2 2R |
Started off on fire but has come back to earth |
| 1B Mark Teixeira | .281 21HR 63RBI |
1-11 2R 4BB |
Started off slow but now leads team in HR and RBI |
| 3B Alex Rodriguez | .247 14HR 45RBI |
Out with roids… | Missed a chunk of games for roiding, but still a big threat |
| C Jorge Posada | .289 11HR 38RBI |
4-10 2HR 6RBI |
Another vet with a 5 game hit streak with 3 multi-hit games |
| 2B Robinson Cano | .304 13HR 45RBI |
4-13 2B RBI |
On course for 25+HR 90RBI career year |
| DH Hideki Matsui | .268 13HR 39RBI |
3-12 3RBI |
12-22 in July with 3HR and 11RBI |
| LF Johnny Damon | .280 16HR 49RBI |
2-13 HR RBI |
New ballpark is putting Damon a career HR year |
| CF Brett Gardner | .286 36R 18SB |
1-4 2R 3BB |
Splits time with Melky Cabrera (.277, 8HR 32RBI), giving up power but adding speed |
Probable Pitchers
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| RHP Joba Chaimberlain | 4-2, 4.04ERA | N/A | Young pitcher with a near 2:1 K:BB ratio with some heat |
| RHP Andy Pettitte | 8-4, 4.53ERA | 5.2 in, 5ER 2K | 14 year vet with a 4.52 lifetime ERA against LA |
| LHP C.C. Sabathia | 8-5, 3.70ERA | 6.2in, 4ER 5K | Big off season pick up |
Bullpen
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| RHP Mariano Rivera | 2.43ERA, 23SV | 1in, 2K SV | One of the best closers in the league |
The injury-plagued Angels will finish their first half with this final series against the Yankees before heading into the All-Star break. Expect some great baseball over the weekend.
By: Kevin H
