Angels Official Website: Sum of Angels parts are whole

[AngelsWin.com]

The reasons the Angels are the best team in baseball are many, beyond stars Mike Trout and Albert Pujols, beyond manager Mike Scioscia and beyond general manager Jerry Dipoto.

View the full article

[Inside Pitch]

This is a great article full of pretty cool insights.   I had not heard or read about MS holding a meeting after Richards was hurt, not to rally the team but to have the team rally around GR, it's things like this that he doesn't get enough credit for and fans obsessing over a lineup don't have insight into.   Seems so very fitting that the last line in the article is essentially a variant of OGAAT.

[Tyler]

It helps when you have the best player in the game who brings a youthful energy, confidence that makes it a joy to go to work every day. 100+ RBI from the no. 2 hitter is amazing. 

 

The youth is why this team has been awesome--Shoemaker, Calhoun, Trout, and Richards.

Edited September 9, 2014 by Shane

[vlad27]

I agree with the article - what I love is that this is a great team with contributions coming from everyone - and yeah I give a lot of credit to Scioscia too although that isn't too popular .

[Inside Pitch]

It helps when you have the best player in the game who brings a youthful energy, confidence that makes it a joy to go to work every day. 100+ RBI from the no. 2 hitter is amazing. 

 

The youth is why this team has been awesome--Shoemaker, Calhoun, Trout, and Richards.

 

Yep, Trout's joy for the game and Pujols' work ethic have really melded well.  Not sure how everyone else in that clubhouse can look at either one of those guys and not have fun or want to work harder.

[Tyler]

Yep, Trout's joy for the game and Pujols' work ethic have really melded well.  Not sure how everyone else in that clubhouse can look at either one of those guys and not have fun or want to work harder.

 

Yup. The mentor-pupil relationship is fun to observe from a distance. You can't help but think Trout's willingness to learn and Pujols' experience and leadership is going to not only help Trout keep doing what he's doing, but also to continue to develop and help become even better. Having Albert around could prove to be a worthy investment considering how often Trout is seen getting guidance from him. 

 

Now if only Hamilton can find the right Bible verse so he can regain his glory...

[Tyler]

LOL. Just read the article, instead of just skimming for quotes from people that matter like I did the first click...

 

 

'It's Trout's energy and joy. It's Pujols' relentless work ethic. It's the young guys such as Shoemaker and Calhoun. The Angels are 13-3 in Weaver's last 16 starts. It's all those guys and more.'

 

 

Yup, good article.

Edited September 9, 2014 by Shane

[Docwaukee]

It would have been a reasonable excuse if the halos tanked after the loss of Skaggs and then Richards.  Instead, they have gone 20-6 since Aug 10th. 

 

And it's not like any one facet of their game took off.  They are grinding out win after win. 

[mancini79]

You can't have the best record in baseball with just a few players. A majority of players have been playing so well that they are filling the voids of others.

-Trout: Well...even with his "slumps" he is still an MVP caliber player.
-Kole: Has become one of the best lead off hitters this year.
-Shoemaker: NOBODY predicted his dominance this year. He's been an ace for being at the bottom of the rotation.
-Richards: Although he's now out for the season, his Cy contending year put up a lot of W's while giving the pen a rest.
-Santiago: After his rough start of the season, he has been putting up quality outings. He has been able to keep the game within reach...until the Angels find a way to squander his leads.
-Aybar: What a great pest he's been. He is now a tough out at the plate, makes great defensive plays, and puts pressure on the defense with his aggressive running.
-Pujols: Putting up respectable numbers. He has had at least 5 game defining hits within the last couple months. His latest a couple days ago to break the 5-5 tie in the 9th with a 2 RBI double. What hasn't been talked about much is his glove. He's in the discussion for Gold Glove.
-Weaver: Although he's had his struggles going deep into games, he also avoids the blow inning early in the game. He leads the AL in Wins because he can go deep enough with minimal damage.
-Howie: Has quietly led the team in BA and hits. Lately he's been on fire.
-THE PEN!!!!! Street, Grilli, Salas, Smith, Jepsen... WOW. I don't think the Angels have ever had a pen as dominant. If 1 of these guys is having the slightest struggle, there is another to quickly put out the fire. There are 3 legit closers on the team.