Duren, Duren

Sometimes the highest value a prospect has is just before he enters the majors. His progress has been documented and the hype seems more or less legitimate.
But often these prospects either fail completely or have a long, steep learning curve. Of course many succeed, but percentage wise, how many really become all stars and long term greats? 
The hype around Vlad Jr. was insane. Every Toronto media person was feeding daily reports and counting down his arrival. Despite the homerun contest he still is raw, with many flaws. It will take time for him and his success may never equal the hype. But even if they wanted to, the Jays would have been crucified had they traded him. 
Adell hype has been high but he still will be an unknown quantity until he actually plays a meaningful number  of big league games. Meanwhile, his value as a trade asset is higher now than it may potentially ever be.
Player assessment and long term planning is complicated. You have to project different scenarios and use best judgment to anticipate how the individual prospect will progress and fit in with the other pieces. 
The current Angel outfield is good and productive offensively and defensively. Should it be broken up sooner rather than later? Is Kole's contract the critical decision upon which other moves will be made? If contending seriously next year is a priority can a rookie with unlimited but unproven potential make enough difference?
Meanwhile, catcher, third, first and the pitching staff may be bigger needs for upgrades. Even second base too. Constant rotations between positions isn't necessarily sustainable longer term. 
At this point I think Adell will be given every opportunity to succeed. Too much invested in him as the top prospect. He likely will get playing time later this season. How much will be determined by the standings and timing of his promotion.
 
 

Thanks for all the great anecdotes. 
I was at Tyler's last game. My yearly visit to see an Angels home game.
I got home a few days ago and just got around to sorting through my luggage and souvenirs. I discovered the two ticket stubs from that game and was working on adding them to a new Angels display as the game was on In the background.
It's rare for Angels games to be broadcast here, and it was 'joined in progress' in the second inning. So I didn't see the seven run outburst. But I wanted to be vicariously part of the tribute experience and followed the rest of the game. 
There was so much emotion, and the big lead allowed the broadcasters the luxury of expressing their memories and feelings without being tied down to the game itself.
But around the seventh inning I realized a no hitter was in progress, and the game itself had so much more drama and electricity. It turned into a legitimate numinous, transcendent experience. So many synchronistic spooky and mind boggling events merging into a once in a lifetime sporting phenomenon. It will take a long time to process it all. 
The night of Skagg's last game was also a 'Christmas in June' promotion. I will use the Santa stocking giveaway as part of my new Angel display, since everything takes on a different meaning. And another selfie from that game, where the lighting now also seems quasi symbolic.

Thanks for all the great anecdotes. 
I was at Tyler's last game. My yearly visit to see an Angels home game.
I got home a few days ago and just got around to sorting through my luggage and souvenirs. I discovered the two ticket stubs from that game and was working on adding them to a new Angels display as the game was on In the background.
It's rare for Angels games to be broadcast here, and it was 'joined in progress' in the second inning. So I didn't see the seven run outburst. But I wanted to be vicariously part of the tribute experience and followed the rest of the game. 
There was so much emotion, and the big lead allowed the broadcasters the luxury of expressing their memories and feelings without being tied down to the game itself.
But around the seventh inning I realized a no hitter was in progress, and the game itself had so much more drama and electricity. It turned into a legitimate numinous, transcendent experience. So many synchronistic spooky and mind boggling events merging into a once in a lifetime sporting phenomenon. It will take a long time to process it all. 
The night of Skagg's last game was also a 'Christmas in June' promotion. I will use the Santa stocking giveaway as part of my new Angel display, since everything takes on a different meaning. And another selfie from that game, where the lighting now also seems quasi symbolic.

Thanks for all the great anecdotes. 
I was at Tyler's last game. My yearly visit to see an Angels home game.
I got home a few days ago and just got around to sorting through my luggage and souvenirs. I discovered the two ticket stubs from that game and was working on adding them to a new Angels display as the game was on In the background.
It's rare for Angels games to be broadcast here, and it was 'joined in progress' in the second inning. So I didn't see the seven run outburst. But I wanted to be vicariously part of the tribute experience and followed the rest of the game. 
There was so much emotion, and the big lead allowed the broadcasters the luxury of expressing their memories and feelings without being tied down to the game itself.
But around the seventh inning I realized a no hitter was in progress, and the game itself had so much more drama and electricity. It turned into a legitimate numinous, transcendent experience. So many synchronistic spooky and mind boggling events merging into a once in a lifetime sporting phenomenon. It will take a long time to process it all. 
The night of Skagg's last game was also a 'Christmas in June' promotion. I will use the Santa stocking giveaway as part of my new Angel display, since everything takes on a different meaning. And another selfie from that game, where the lighting now also seems quasi symbolic.

Thanks for all the great anecdotes. 
I was at Tyler's last game. My yearly visit to see an Angels home game.
I got home a few days ago and just got around to sorting through my luggage and souvenirs. I discovered the two ticket stubs from that game and was working on adding them to a new Angels display as the game was on In the background.
It's rare for Angels games to be broadcast here, and it was 'joined in progress' in the second inning. So I didn't see the seven run outburst. But I wanted to be vicariously part of the tribute experience and followed the rest of the game. 
There was so much emotion, and the big lead allowed the broadcasters the luxury of expressing their memories and feelings without being tied down to the game itself.
But around the seventh inning I realized a no hitter was in progress, and the game itself had so much more drama and electricity. It turned into a legitimate numinous, transcendent experience. So many synchronistic spooky and mind boggling events merging into a once in a lifetime sporting phenomenon. It will take a long time to process it all. 
The night of Skagg's last game was also a 'Christmas in June' promotion. I will use the Santa stocking giveaway as part of my new Angel display, since everything takes on a different meaning. And another selfie from that game, where the lighting now also seems quasi symbolic.

Thanks for all the great anecdotes. 
I was at Tyler's last game. My yearly visit to see an Angels home game.
I got home a few days ago and just got around to sorting through my luggage and souvenirs. I discovered the two ticket stubs from that game and was working on adding them to a new Angels display as the game was on In the background.
It's rare for Angels games to be broadcast here, and it was 'joined in progress' in the second inning. So I didn't see the seven run outburst. But I wanted to be vicariously part of the tribute experience and followed the rest of the game. 
There was so much emotion, and the big lead allowed the broadcasters the luxury of expressing their memories and feelings without being tied down to the game itself.
But around the seventh inning I realized a no hitter was in progress, and the game itself had so much more drama and electricity. It turned into a legitimate numinous, transcendent experience. So many synchronistic spooky and mind boggling events merging into a once in a lifetime sporting phenomenon. It will take a long time to process it all. 
The night of Skagg's last game was also a 'Christmas in June' promotion. I will use the Santa stocking giveaway as part of my new Angel display, since everything takes on a different meaning. And another selfie from that game, where the lighting now also seems quasi symbolic.

Thanks for all the great anecdotes. 
I was at Tyler's last game. My yearly visit to see an Angels home game.
I got home a few days ago and just got around to sorting through my luggage and souvenirs. I discovered the two ticket stubs from that game and was working on adding them to a new Angels display as the game was on In the background.
It's rare for Angels games to be broadcast here, and it was 'joined in progress' in the second inning. So I didn't see the seven run outburst. But I wanted to be vicariously part of the tribute experience and followed the rest of the game. 
There was so much emotion, and the big lead allowed the broadcasters the luxury of expressing their memories and feelings without being tied down to the game itself.
But around the seventh inning I realized a no hitter was in progress, and the game itself had so much more drama and electricity. It turned into a legitimate numinous, transcendent experience. So many synchronistic spooky and mind boggling events merging into a once in a lifetime sporting phenomenon. It will take a long time to process it all. 
The night of Skagg's last game was also a 'Christmas in June' promotion. I will use the Santa stocking giveaway as part of my new Angel display, since everything takes on a different meaning. And another selfie from that game, where the lighting now also seems quasi symbolic.

Thanks for all the great anecdotes. 
I was at Tyler's last game. My yearly visit to see an Angels home game.
I got home a few days ago and just got around to sorting through my luggage and souvenirs. I discovered the two ticket stubs from that game and was working on adding them to a new Angels display as the game was on In the background.
It's rare for Angels games to be broadcast here, and it was 'joined in progress' in the second inning. So I didn't see the seven run outburst. But I wanted to be vicariously part of the tribute experience and followed the rest of the game. 
There was so much emotion, and the big lead allowed the broadcasters the luxury of expressing their memories and feelings without being tied down to the game itself.
But around the seventh inning I realized a no hitter was in progress, and the game itself had so much more drama and electricity. It turned into a legitimate numinous, transcendent experience. So many synchronistic spooky and mind boggling events merging into a once in a lifetime sporting phenomenon. It will take a long time to process it all. 
The night of Skagg's last game was also a 'Christmas in June' promotion. I will use the Santa stocking giveaway as part of my new Angel display, since everything takes on a different meaning. And another selfie from that game, where the lighting now also seems quasi symbolic.

Nice commentary here.
 
Bottom line is that the team is a work in progress. The core offensive and defensive pieces seem in place longer term, and maybe four or five pitchers.
Secret will be to compliment this core at first, catcher, possibly another outfielder. And a couple of better starters. The bullpen should sort itself out as is, with more experience and defined roles. Another live arm wouldn't hurt.
Things are pointing to a positive 2020 season with a few more tweaks and additions. And remember, Asmus is a rookie and learning too.

Even though the All Star game doesn't happen exactly after game 81, it is usually considered the unofficial halfway point of the season so, since we are stuck with no games until Friday (and I'm bored), I thought it would be fun to take a look at the performances so far:
Hitters:
Mike Trout - A+: Let's get the obvious out of the way first and just revel in his magnificence - .301 .453 1.098 OPS 191 OPS+ 5.9 WAR in 87 games.  Additionally, he leads the A.L. with 28 HR, 76 BB, 11 IBB, .453 OBP, .656 SLG, 1.098 OPS, 191 OPS+, 195 Total Bases, and, a new wrinkle for him, in RBI with 67 while batting 2nd.  
Shohei Ohtani - A :  So far, for his career, he is hitting .292 .358 .924 OPS 147 OPS+ in 157 games which means, at only 25, he is one of the better offensive players in the league.  After missing time due to Tommy John surgery, and no rehab games, he stepped on the field an offensive force - it's quite astonishing when you kind of take it all in.  
David Fletcher - A : You kind of forget that David Fletcher was never considered a top prospect by anyone but, yet, after 164 games he has a pretty nice 4.5 WAR at only 25.  Additionally, he has improved in every aspect of his offense game including average and OBP, he has increased his OPS 90 points, he leads the entire MLB in SO/AB and has walked more than he's K'd (30 BB 25 K).  If you have an injury (Simmons, La Stella, Cozart, Upton), Fletcher can fill in and, regardless of position played, it won't impact his performance.  
Kole Calhoun - B : His average is a bit ugly but he's putting up one of the higher OPS of his career, is getting on base at a decent clip (.323) and could eclipse his career HR total by mid-August and pass 30 for the first time in his career.  After getting to an abysmal start last season, Calhoun 2.0 has evolved offensively while still providing solid RF defense.
Andrelton Simmons - B : The hitting is down a bit from last season but, considering his game-changing defense at SS, the offensive contribution is almost a bonus at times.  Still, he has demonstrated he is capable of better offense and hopefully his 2nd half will improve post-injury.  
Albert Pujols - C- : He is what he is at this point so there is no use banging too hard on him since he's been pretty much reduced to a platoon role.  Still, it a stark contrast to see historic milestones fall while the seasonal offensive performance continues to dwindle.  The positives, though, is he is much better 2018/2019 than his rough 2017 (-1.9 WAR), and is actually on pace to better his 2018 season overall. 
Tommy La Stella - A :  For a guy acquired for a PTBNL (eventually Connor Lillis-White has hasn't played this year), he's been a hell of a return.  His history has been one of those scrappy type of hitters that could get on base at a decent clip, play adequate defense, and lightly regarded.  However, his 2017 season showed he was capable of showing some pop (.288 .389 .861 OPS 122 OPS+ in 73 games) and his lifetime .350 OBP showed he was a lead-off candidate that could be paired with Fletcher as a 9/1 order tandem that finally put some men on base for Trout.  His unfortunate leg injury sucked the wind out of his All Star season a bit but his value in the first half should not be understated.
Luis Regifo - B : Speaking of PTBNL, that's exactly what Rengifo was in the C.J. Cron deal.  Prior to his acquisition, Rengifo had never really distinguished himself in terms of offensive but that changed in 2018 when ripped through High A Inland Empire and AA Mobile to get him to SLC before the end of the year and on to the depth chart.  After hitting .174 .250 .511 OPS in his first 14 games, Rengifo has caught fire and raised his average to .260 .333 .712 OPS along with taking some of the sting away from losing La Stella.  While his defense has been spotty at times and his run game has not quite come together yet (0-3 in SB attempts), at 22, he's made an impact as an everyday contributor.
Jonathan Lucroy - C- :  Stop gap, one year deal solution.  Everything about him so far has been "meh" - from the offense to the catching defense to the pitch calling.  You know you are doing some interesting stuff offensively when you are beating Pujols, and the entire AL for that matter, in grounding into double plays.  Looks like he'll be down for a bit after a brutal home plate collision.
Justin Bour - D- :  Signed for 1/$2.5 mil, it was a decent free agent gamble but - yeesh - he sucks.  Through 43 games, he's hit an anemic .181 .260 .651 OPS 72 OPS -0.4 WAR.  With Upton healthy and Thaiss on the verge, his days on the 25 man roster appear to be numbered.
Brian Goodwin - B+ : Selected off waivers, he filled in admirably in Upton's absence and has put up one of the better season of his career.  Nothing special but he was a steady line-up presence at the beginning of the season and should be a solid 4th OFer the rest of the season.
Justin Upton - Too New to Rate : It's been a solid 14 games I guess between injuries
Pitchers: 
Andrew Heaney - C : Got off to a slow start due to elbow inflammation, he hasn't lived up to the steady rotational presence he was in 2018.  The 2nd half with be a chance for him to re-set and attempt to lower his walks and HRs and pitch well enough to start averaging 6 IP per start again.  The encouraging part is his H/9 are the lowest his career and his K/9 are the highest of his career respectively.
Griffin Canning - B :  Yeah, the overall numbers are a bit rough(4.43 ERA 1.02 ERA+) but, despite his youth, he's been the steadiest presence in the rotation with 8 straight starts in May/June where he averaged 6 IP, including 7 shut out innings against KC.  His last start (3.1 IP 6 ER) should be taken with a grain of salt considering it is on the road in Texas and it was very close in time to Skaggs' death.  Overall, his peripherals look great - 1.092 WHIP, 7.5 H/9, 2.4 BB/9, 9.6 K/9 - he's poised to have a great 2nd half.
Suarez/Barria - B- : The overall numbers between the two of them are not great but their relative youth and constant shuttling between SLC and MLB means they get a bit of a pass.  Barria showed last year what he was capable of and he will likely be leaned on in the 2nd half to provide a predictable rotation presence.  Suarez has looked really good times along with looking like a rookie.  The talent is there...hopefully we get to see some development soon.
Cahill/Harvey - D- : The Gutter Twins.  If they somehow managed to just repeat their respective performances from last season, the Angels would be a serious threat for the 2nd Wild Card.  Instead, the Angels got the pitching equivalent of a broken sewer pipe.  While Harvey is on the IL, he is poised to demonstrate once and for all if he belongs in rotation, the BP, or on waivers.  Cahill has been a miracle in that I'm not there is an inning that goes by without him giving up a run - wait, yep, he just gave up another one someone on a day off.  DFA sooner rather than later and, in the end, it was only money.
Felix Pena - C+ : He's a guy with good "stuff" that has seen his H/9 and K/9 improve but his HR/9 increase and has been more susceptible of the big inning (especially against the A's).  While the "opening" is the latest thing that has shown moderate success for some teams with rotational issues, Pena hasn't really responded well to the change but, with JC Ramirez and Harvey coming back to the rotation, he could be a valuable multi-inning reliever or spot starter down the road.
Noe Ramirez - B-:  He's never been fantastic but he has improved over his mediocrity from last season and gives the Angels another BP option that can go more than one inning.
Luis Garcia - D :  He throws hard...which mean the balls that are hit off of him travel pretty far.  4.64 ERA 98 ERA+ is really reflective of his irrelevance - he walks too many, gives up too many HRs, doesn't strike out as much as he should, and he makes me  long for the days of Fernando Salas.  
Justin Anderson - C : If this Ass Hat could figure out already if he wants to be good or not that would be terrific.  He gives zero predictability with occasional flashes of brilliance and absolutely no reason to trust him in a close and late situation.
Cam Bedrosian - C+:  Ah, Bedrosian...just when it seems we've reached the point where we can look to you for BP leadership, you shit yourself like someone who downed a 5th of gin while consuming a plate of rancid potato salad.  The "good" is he doesn't give up many hits, strikes out more hitters than innings pitched, has a nice 1.163 WHIP, and 127 ERA+.  The "bad" is he'll save his runs for the most crucial, heartbreaking moment.  Please, Cam, give us something to work with in the 2nd half.
Ty Buttrey -  A :  Acquired for a super disinterested Ian Kinsler at last season's trade deadline, he's been the fireman out of the BP and given us a glimpse of a future closer we haven't seen since the days of Percival and Frankie.  In a short time, he has made presence in the BP felt and is invaluable in regards to the Angels competitive chances going forward.
Hansel Robles - A : The chosen "closer" has performed his role well and has almost matched Buttrey for best in the BP and has no peer when it comes to intro video.  Selected off waivers from the Mets last season, he's a testament to Eppler's waiver wire acumen - not easy to grab a guy who can wing it 99 MPH and is capable of putting up 2.74 ERA 1.102 WHIP 165 ERA+ 8.9 K/9 without giving up a key prospect or laying out some serious coin.
Tyler Skaggs - Incomplete : Like Adenhart 10 years earlier, his death was shocking and without warning.  Snatched from us too soon, it again demonstrates the overall irrelevance of the game in the face of real tragedy but, ultimately, it will be this game this will help the team heal from his absence.
Forever young...

At the game tonight. Nice post game fireworks, deadly boring Angel performance. 
Some hard hit balls by Calhoun, but little hard contact all night. Pujols and Ohtani were constantly off balance amongst others. And Simmons surprisingly  screwed up in the field.
Skaggs just faltered and made some key mistakes. Cahill had no velocity and is not long for the major leagues. 
Uninspired and disappointing to have to see them shut out in front of a nice home crowd. 

I doubt the Cards would take him back now as a player even if he played for free. 

I doubt the Cards would take him back now as a player even if he played for free. 

Albert may be projecting. Deep down he knows his Angels career has been a dramatic reversal of form. And many (including Cardinal fans) will see his move as purely mercenary. 
Had he remained close to his first decade production he may have been more magnanimous. But he now comes 'home' for the first time since the switch and projects both nostalgia for his own Cardinal adoration and the contrast in Anaheim. 
 

It's tough when a franchise icon changes teams. You always feel he doesn't quite belong to the new team. No matter how exemplary he acts. 
The tremendous difference between his Angels and Cards numbers and personal/team success makes this even more obvious. 
Willie Mays as a Met was far worse, but understandable because he returned to his original city and fan base. And it was only a brief but painful finale.
I always look at Albert's Angel career as something he undertook in good faith, and he gave his best on and off the field. But diminishing skills and results just made the situation more awkward.
And the way he left the Cardinals also may have been an unresolved emotional factor for him too. Probably will have closure this weekend.
Ideally he will probably sign a one day contract to retire as a Cardinal when the end comes to his playing career.

It's tough when a franchise icon changes teams. You always feel he doesn't quite belong to the new team. No matter how exemplary he acts. 
The tremendous difference between his Angels and Cards numbers and personal/team success makes this even more obvious. 
Willie Mays as a Met was far worse, but understandable because he returned to his original city and fan base. And it was only a brief but painful finale.
I always look at Albert's Angel career as something he undertook in good faith, and he gave his best on and off the field. But diminishing skills and results just made the situation more awkward.
And the way he left the Cardinals also may have been an unresolved emotional factor for him too. Probably will have closure this weekend.
Ideally he will probably sign a one day contract to retire as a Cardinal when the end comes to his playing career.

It's tough when a franchise icon changes teams. You always feel he doesn't quite belong to the new team. No matter how exemplary he acts. 
The tremendous difference between his Angels and Cards numbers and personal/team success makes this even more obvious. 
Willie Mays as a Met was far worse, but understandable because he returned to his original city and fan base. And it was only a brief but painful finale.
I always look at Albert's Angel career as something he undertook in good faith, and he gave his best on and off the field. But diminishing skills and results just made the situation more awkward.
And the way he left the Cardinals also may have been an unresolved emotional factor for him too. Probably will have closure this weekend.
Ideally he will probably sign a one day contract to retire as a Cardinal when the end comes to his playing career.

So hard to sweep four on the road. Law of averages caught up even against a bad team. Too bad. Almost a seasonal sweep. 
Sloppy game. Pitching never in control, confused base runners, weak start and always playing catchup. But even so the bats almost compensated for everything else.
Feeble series from Albert when he was in there. If things don't go well in St Louis he may be sitting more than playing.
Jeez, with solid starters who can eat innings and not give up crooked numbers regularly the team would be in real contention. The bullpen needs some games where they get to be used sparingly and spotted strategically. Not always having to bridge innings and wear down by over use.
 

Weird sort of karma between Montreal and Florida. Almost a scenario in reverse of the early 2000s when the Expos played a chunk of games in Puerto Rico and their owner dumped them to buy the Marlins. 
I have family and friends in Montreal who are rabidly hoping for a return of a major league franchise. Every year they sell out exhibition games with the Jays and are constantly lobbying for a new stadium and relocation or expansion.
The stadium issue looks to be fast tracked if a full or partial franchise is granted. The original owner of the Expos, Charles Bronfman was a great civic figure and humanitarian, who singlehandedly financed the Expos and worked with then mayor Jean Drapeau to entice Warren Giles (N.L. President) into putting the Expos there. His son is now spearheading the present movement. 
With a very respectable and loyal fan demographic they should thrive. I went to games there for a decade when the crowd was in the 35,000 - 50, 000 range regularly. That was mid seventies to eighties when they had exciting, winning teams. Three HOF team mates in Carter, Dawson and Raines and loads of talent. But they just couldn't beat out champion teams (Pirates, Phillies, Dodgers in 1979-81) in the pre wildcard era. And after the strike in 1994 when they had the best team in baseball, cynicism set in. The sale of the team and intentional stripping of assets (a Jeffrey Loria specialty) sealed their fate with a slimy relocation. 
Personally I would take a mild interest in the fortunes of a new franchise. I haven't lived  there in decades and have moved on. But any competition in the Blue Jay market would be great.

Sweep the Jays and head to the Gateway city on a hot streak. Come home at least at .500 unless swept and dig in for the dog days with a full lineup. Slow, steady incremental progress. As long as the pitching holds up enough for the bats to do damage. 
The Jays defense is insanely horrific. Embarrassing for their fans. So many errors of omission besides those of commission. Outfielders have no clue whatsoever. Infielders an adventure unless the ball is hit directly at them. Even then a ton of fumbling and stumbling. 
With all the minutiae of hitting and pitching prioritized it seems defense is an afterthought. Players shifted like chess pieces. Put in unfamiliar spots. Checking their cards constantly. 
The analytic revolution is creating stationary robots, without trust in athleticism, instinct and feel for game situations. Baseball by the book rather than the body and mind.
As Casey Stengel said "can't anyone here play this game"? 

Stroman knows he is gone from Toronto. You can hear it in every interview. He has become very cynical about "the business of baseball" and has a defeatist attitude on their current team. 
But he would still be a risky acquisition if the cost was too high. The Jays know he is one of their few youngish veteran assets with a decent track record and is better than his recent stats. In Toronto he is a big name, and they will leverage him to the max, hoping a contender overpays. Probably at the deadline.
That said, he would be a strong addition every five days. On a team with much better defense his numbers will improve quickly. But not sure the Angels are ready for a long term commitment. 

Blue Jays studio guy Joe Sidal all grumpy saying hanging leg is akin to a balk by deceiving the batter and should be banned. 
 Strohman has been doing it regularly, but little complaint about that. 

Blue Jays studio guy Joe Sidal all grumpy saying hanging leg is akin to a balk by deceiving the batter and should be banned. 
 Strohman has been doing it regularly, but little complaint about that. 

Blue Jays studio guy Joe Sidal all grumpy saying hanging leg is akin to a balk by deceiving the batter and should be banned. 
 Strohman has been doing it regularly, but little complaint about that. 

La Stella cold as ice since all star recognition. But others have picked up the slack. 
Nice to see Goodwin still being productive and positive even with Upton back. 
For the remainder of this year the best chance of winning is with Calhoun in right field. 
So far the only blemishes in this series for the pitchers has been the long ball. Mind you, the reverse is almost as true. Poor Blue Jay defense has compounded their problems while the Angels have been much tighter in the field. 
Need to keep on winning. Six for six against Toronto. At least one of the next two and anything but being swept in St. Louis will send the Angeles back home no worse than .500.