This is the mid-season test that the Halos need to establish themselves as simply the perennial AL West Champs or real contenders. Having suffered rough losses to the offensive powerhouse that Boston has become these last few years, the Angels brand of baseball needs to not only establish itself, but has the potential to make a statement. Pitcher John Lackey has had especially troubled luck against the defending champs.
This weekends series comes at a time when the Angels are tied with the Cubs for the best record in all of baseball, and lead the American League in Wins. This seasons success has been due in large part to absolutely lights out pitching from a rotation many consider to be the deepest in baseball. John Lackey, Jered Weaver, Joe Saunders, Ervin Santana, and John Garland have literally carried this team through the first half of the season, and the bullpen, led by closer Frankie Rodriguez, is among the best in the game.
That said, if the offensive struggles continue as they have all season, we will see things we haven't seen in a while. Slugger Vladimir Guerrero has struggled, and is off his usual season pace, hitting .276 with 15 HR's and 50 RBI's at the break. If he doesn't improve significantly, it will be his first season below .300, with 100RBI's and 30HR for the first time in almost a decade. All signs point to him improving as he has started to find his swing of late.
Additionally, the re-emergence of Juan Rivera as a power option for the Angels has solidified their teams offense leading into the all star break. Batting over 300 two season ago, and second on the team in HR's, Rivera has struggled to crack the lineup this year with the Angels wealth of outfielders since signing Torii Hunter this past off season. Gary Matthews Jr has struggled with offense all season, some of it due to nagging injuries, and Scioscia has used this time as a chance to dust off the power hitting Rivera.
GMJr isn't happy about the benching, but recognizes the teams needs for production top to bottom.
I personally have wanted Rivera in the lineup since he cam back from his off season leg injury last year. He's proven to be a guy that just hits as long as he gets some at bats, and clearly, with three home runs in the past 9 starts, that seems to be the case this season, too.
This all plays out somewhat well if the Angels offense comes together. Their pitching has more than done their part, and should continue to be solid down the stretch.
PErsonally, I say start Rivera every game the rest of the way, use GMJr as a spot guy and a runner when it's close, and let the batters hit.
It's not about winning the AL West. It's about getting to and finishing October.
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