So, what's up? I move up to the East Bay, right in the heart of A's Nation, and all of the sudden the Halos get hot? Doesn't really seem fair, to be honest. Me, the guy who always backs the boys up, even when they're looking awful, can't watch a game because of the move, and they start playing some ball? Oh well, I should just be happy and get over it. Although, I'm starting to get a little worried. Not about the team, but about the fan base.
That's because when the Angels start picking up wins and getting to the top of the division, all the "fan since way back in '02" types start getting cocky. Let's face it, the majority of Angel supporters didn't suffer through the 90's (and 80's) like us. They came on board when the miracle title run happened, and they don't know what it's like to stick with this team through thick and thin. They don't know where this team has come from. The epic failure that we grew out of to become the impressive team that we've watched over the last decade. Because of not knowing the pain, these supporters tend to get a little douchey when things start going well.
And things are really stating to go well lately. With two on and none out in the sixth inning, Miguel Cabrera blasted a long ball to straight away center in an attempt to jump back into last night's game. Luckily, we have the amazing Peter Bourjos patroling the outfield grass, and he made a highlight reel catch into the wall to save the day. Piñero turned in his second straight gem, Torii and Vernon went yard (Wells' was meaningless, yes), and the Angels rode a nine hit tide to a 5-1 win on Independence Day at The Stadium. The win gives us 15 over the last 21 games and 9 in the last 11, keeping us deadlocked with the Rangers on top of the division.
It's exciting, I get it. But, it doesn't give us a license to be a douche. Remember, we're two bad weeks away from getting topped by the last place A's. I don't want to be a giant downer during a nice little run, but just keep things in perspective. Despite us ripping off wins like it was our job, we're still only tied with Texas, and their offense can run circles around ours. But, if the pitching stands firm, and tha bats do just enough, we'll be tough to beat down the stretch.
What's better, is what I see coming on July 16th. The Halos are making the trip up here to the East Bay to do battle with their most hated rivals. It's a double header to make up for a rain delay from earlier this year, and if you buy a ticket you can go to both games. I've decided that this Halo 2-for-1 at the O.com Colliseum is going to be my son's first live baseball experience. How sweet is that? I can't wait to take him to downtown Oakland rocking his puffy red Angels jacket (and, as a result, dodging bullets). Man, he'll love hearing about this when he grows up. What a story to tell your friends about your first game as an Angel fan. Come on!
The series against Big D continues in 3 hours, and it's going to be a tough one. Justin "No-Hit" Verlander (11-3, 2.32) is going head to head with Dan Haren (8-5, 2.85) and it has big game potential. Verlander is a straight up beast, and we all know it. However, The Chessmaster has the ability to turn in a downright nasty performance as well. If Haren is on, it's going to be one heck of a pitching duel.
And, if the Halos pull off the unlikely win, I might have to start acting like a douche.
-- Sent from my Palm Prē
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