The Angels came into their four game series against the Rangers needing only a single win to clinch the AL West. It didn't take long. An 11-0 shutout win, with Ervin Santana getting the complete game shutout on the mound, helped the Angels bang out the division victory for the third year in a row. With ESPN pointing out that the Angels have lost in the ALDS in '04, '07, and '08 and lost in the ALCS in 2005, I'm wondering what we can expect with this latest edition of the post season. I'm also wondering where this season will rank among successful Angel seasons all-time.
First of all, I'd like to say huge props to Ervin for being the first pitcher since 2001 to toss a complete game shutout in a division clinching game. He was huge. Second, I'd like to point out that I thought it was inappropriate to douse Adenhart's jersey in beer and champagne in the clubhouse after the game. Just really eerie.
As we sit at the moment, the Halos have a 92-64 record. With 6 games left on the schedule, I guess we'll have to put the Angels final record somewhere around 95-67. So, how does that season rank among all time playoff run seasons for the Red Hats. Obviously, last year's 100-62 team was the best Angels team of all-time (when we're talking about regular season records). The Angels have only earned 95 or more wins three times: 2008's 100-62 record, 2005's 95-67 record, and 2002's 99-63 record. So, if we presuppose that the Angels complete this season with a 3-3 split, and thus a 95-67 record, this would rank as tied for the third best Halo team in history (again, when we're talking about regular season records). I think that most around Angels Nation would be surprised by that fact, given the ups and downs that the Angels have seemed to have faced here in 2009. Of course, they could end up finishing 98-64, which would be the stand alone third best record of all time, and that would be pretty sweet. However, I think the 95-67 finish is a little more realistic. Looking beyond the records, though, we may be looking at something even more special. The Angels currently have a team batting average of .285. The all time team record is .282 (set in '04, '02, and '79), which means that the Angels have a chance to have the best offensive year in the history of the team. Again, probably surprising to most Halo fans. The most runs ever scored by an Angels team is 866 (that special 1979 squad), and the Angels currently sit at 856 with 6 games remaining. Again, more proof that this could be the best offensive year in Halo history. All this, and most idiot fans still think we need a big bat. This is the best offensive Angels team ever! You morons. The Angels pitching on the other hand, has no chance of being among the elite Angels team of all time (the all time ERA is 2.91 in 1964, with the fewest earned runs being 469 in '72 and '64; we're currently at 4.52 on the ERA and 741 on the runs...eek.).
So what do we expect from the Angels in the second season here in 2009? Well, we will be matching up with those bastards from Boston again, and you all know the history. It has been well documented on this blog that the history between these two teams in the postseason goes well beyond 2004. The Angels lost to the Red Sox in the 2008 ALDS 3 games to 1, lost to the Red Sox in the 2007 ALDS 3 games to 0, lost to the Red Sox in the 2004 ALDS 3 games to 0, and (get ready) lost to the Red Sox in the 1986 ALCS 4 games to 3. The history is so deep, and so painful, that I almost don't want to watch. Obviously, the Angels have been beat by the Red Sox in the playoffs more than any other team. Out of our 8 trips to the post season, we have been eliminated by Boston on four occasions. Unbelievable. They are our nemesis. In the regular season series, the Angels went 4-4 against the Red Sox, which doesn't really give us any hints at what to look for. Out of the 8 games, 6 were decided by 1 run. Are you kidding me? Both teams went big, with the Sox winning 9-8 in one game and the Angels winning 8-4 in another. Both teams were held back, with the Sox losing 3-6 in one game and the Angels losing 1-4 in another. Both teams thrive on their deep pitching and large offenses. You can cut this series down any way you want to, but it all comes down to who will be the hottest team coming into things. As I type, the Sox have a 5 game losing streak and are 3-7 over their last 10 games. Meanwhile, my boys have a 2 game winning streak and a 5-5 record over the last ten. Neither is hot, in any stretch of the word, but the Halos are certainly hotter lately. When it all comes down to it, next week the Angels will embark on a mission that they haven't been able to accomplish in their history. This time around, it is truly a must win. Mostly because I feel like I might pull a Donnie Moore if we go down the same path for the fifth time.
Right now, the Salt Lake Bees are up on the Ranger 5-2 in the seventh inning of play. I sure hope our big boys are getting the rest they need to be amazing come next week.
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