By Jonathan Northrop - AngelsWin.com Columnist
We can split up the season in relatively rough, but surprising close, thirds:
First 20 games: 6-14 (.300)
Next 23 games: 12-11 (.522)
Last 21 games: 16-5 (.762)
This was of course before last night's 5-0 loss to the Diamondbacks, but it doesn't change the fact that the Angels just keep getting better. They won't continue to win at a .762 clip for the rest of the year, but they look like they're for real. The stats are no longer embarrassing to look at, and the Angels seem to have three legit star hitters in Trout, Trumbo, and Pujols, complemented by a handful of good hitters (Morales, Hunter, and Kendrick theoretically). The main weakness has been hitting from three-quarters of the infield, but hopefully Aybar, Kendrick, and Callaspo will start to improve. Weaver is coming back and the Angels have a nice sixth option in Garret Richards who could take over from Ervin if Santana continues to struggle. The bullpen isn't perfect, but Frieri gives them a legit closer.
The bottom line: Things look good! Remember the doom of April? That seems so long ago now.
First 20 games: 6-14 (.300)
Next 23 games: 12-11 (.522)
Last 21 games: 16-5 (.762)
This was of course before last night's 5-0 loss to the Diamondbacks, but it doesn't change the fact that the Angels just keep getting better. They won't continue to win at a .762 clip for the rest of the year, but they look like they're for real. The stats are no longer embarrassing to look at, and the Angels seem to have three legit star hitters in Trout, Trumbo, and Pujols, complemented by a handful of good hitters (Morales, Hunter, and Kendrick theoretically). The main weakness has been hitting from three-quarters of the infield, but hopefully Aybar, Kendrick, and Callaspo will start to improve. Weaver is coming back and the Angels have a nice sixth option in Garret Richards who could take over from Ervin if Santana continues to struggle. The bullpen isn't perfect, but Frieri gives them a legit closer.
The bottom line: Things look good! Remember the doom of April? That seems so long ago now.