The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (aka: the LA Angels) wrap up their regular season play in Seattle this weekend for a 3-game series against the Mariners. The Angels just concluded a series with the Oakland Athletics in which the Angels won 2 of the 3 games.
In their most recent meeting, just last week, the Angels went 2-2 against the Mariners. The series was a back-and-forth one, as the Angels started off strong, winning 8-1 but were smoked in game 2, losing 2-13. In the 3rd game, the Angels won 5-0, but finished the series in game 4 with a loss of 1-3 against the Mariners.
As long as pitcher Jered Weaver is healthy, he is expected to start for Friday’s game. In the event he in unable to perform, it is likely the Angels will start Cory Rasmus instead. First baseman Albert Pujols is just 2 home runs shy of joining 5 players in history with at least 13 seasons of 30+ home runs! These players include: Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Babe Ruth and Mike Schmidt. Pujols joined the Angels after his 2011 World Series victory with the St. Louis Cardinals. He signed a 10-year $254 million dollar contract with the LA team. Pujols’ former Cardinals teammate, David Freese also joined the Angels last November.
Earlier this week, the Angels celebrated their 1st AL West Division title for the first time in the last 5 years. This was made possible by their 18/22 victories in their most recent games in addition to the Texas Rangers defeating the Oakland As, who have been dominating the division over the past few years. Centerfielder Mike Trout was able to celebrate for the 1st time since being drafted in 2009. Players on the team as well as throughout the league acknowledge that Trout is a rapidly rising star.
While the Angels have a relatively young team, veterans like Pujols and Freese are an advantage in post-season play, especially looking to the ultimate goal, the World Series. Freese was the 2011 World Series MVP with the Cardinals’ victory. The keys for the Angels in continuing their success lie in the players staying healthy, veterans with post-play experience guiding the team, and stars like Trout continuing to stay focused.
