Since June 26

[Lou]

aren't the twins division leaders?

No, they're 6.5 games back of KC

[wpghalo]

Let's be honest.... This Angels team is not ready to beat Royals unless we get a couple players come trade deadline day. We still need a lil help.

[UndertheHalo]

Let's be honest.... This Angels team is not ready to beat Royals unless we get a couple players come trade deadline day. We still need a lil help.

I don't think that's necessarily true, our starting pitching is much better then what they have. Plus we have the Trout.

[Lhalo]

[Angel Oracle]

KC is at the top of the AL because of three things:  defense, BA, and the bullpen.

They are far from unbeatable.   However, the Halos have to keep their running game just enough in check and have a lead in the late innings.

Edited July 22, 2015 by Angel Oracle

[Guest]

KC is at the top of the AL because of three things: defense, BA, and the bullpen.

They are far from unbeatable. However, the Halos have to keep their running game just enough in check and have a lead in the late innings.

The Angels win by pounding terrible pitchers and/or running aggressively so as to induce mistakes from the opposing defenders. KC's non-Blanton pitchers don't suck and their defenders seldom make mistakes.

We better hope the Astros or Twins take care of the Royals in the ALDS.

Edited July 22, 2015 by ScottLux

[QuinlansMinion]

Anyone can beat anyone in the postseason. All it takes is a little bit of luck.

[Angel Oracle]

Royals pitching:

The main starters (Young, Volquez, Duffy, Ventura, and Guthrie) have a 4.15 ERA and 1.32 WHIP.

The four guys setting up for Holland (Madsen, Morales, Herrera, and Davis) have a 1.60 ERA and 0.95 WHIP. 

Holland has struggled a little in 2015, compared to 2014.

 

Royals are the anti-A'th, and presto!   They are 56-36 vs. the A'th 43-52.

 

Anyone still think bullpens aren't important?     

Edited July 22, 2015 by Angel Oracle

[stormngt]

I don't think that's necessarily true, our starting pitching is much better then what they have. Plus we have the Trout.

The team is playing way above its head.  Our 6-9 hitters are barely AAA quality.  We are a long ways from being a favorite is the playoffs.

[Reveille1984]

Most teams have bottom third hitters that are barely AAA quality.  If you believe that we're playing over our heads, it's mainly the pitching that has been lights out over the past month. 

[eaterfan]

Most teams have bottom third hitters that are barely AAA quality.  If you believe that we're playing over our heads, it's mainly the pitching that has been lights out over the past month. 

 

Agreed. Other than Pujols having a bounce back year from the last 3 I think most of the guys in the line up are playing well below their career and even last few season averages. I know Notti hates the word regression but these guys were due to come back to closer to their career norms. Guys like Ianetta and Aybar are solid players who got off to terrible starts.

[UndertheHalo]

The team is playing way above its head.  Our 6-9 hitters are barely AAA quality.  We are a long ways from being a favorite is the playoffs.

Agree that our line up depth is bad and we need another solid bat. Infact, ideally it would be nice to get a legit 5 type bat and the mythical unicorn lead off hitter not named mike trout (our long suffering at 3b is like a herd of unicorns but at least Freese could reasonably be described as mediocre) that all said, I don't think this season there is a real "power" team in the AL. If we get to the dance we should be in the mix imo. We do have the 2nd best record after all.

[stormngt]

Most teams have bottom third hitters that are barely AAA quality.  If you believe that we're playing over our heads, it's mainly the pitching that has been lights out over the past month. 

you really think most teams trot out hitters like our 6-9?  Really?

[SlappyUtilityMIF]

Don't jinx this shiznit!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

I just go to the standings and see where the Halos would rank in other Divisions each day. They are playing great ball right now.

Edited July 22, 2015 by SlappyUtilityGuy

[Angel Oracle]

you really think most teams trot out hitters like our 6-9? Really?

Aybar/Freese are pretty much in the normal range in the #5 and #6 spots.

Cron's 2015 OPS so far is pretty much in the normal range for the #7 spot.

Iannetta's 2015 OPS so far is pretty much in the normal range for the #8 spot.

Really only LF is a big weakness at the plate right now.

[UndertheHalo]

And now news that Jason Vargas needs tommy john that's not good at all for the royals.

[Lou]

Our OPS is higher from the number 6 and 7 hitters than the leadoff spot

[Angel Oracle]

Although that leadoff hitter has a really solid RISP BA (.286).

Edited July 22, 2015 by Angel Oracle

[Lou]

I was referring seasonal stats from the leadoff spot, not one particular player