3 keys to winning the ALDS

[Torridd]

I wonder if we can boil down 3 main keys to beating the A's and/or Royals without items like "we have to score more runs than them" or "give up less runs."

 

Could we point out three specifics that would put us over the top?

 

For example, Calhoun hitting .280 or more in the series. Is Shoe crucial in this series? Then that would be another one.

[Angel Dog and Beer]

1. HK continuing to rake in the 4 spot, driving in runs.

2. All members of the bullpen stepping up. With our thin SP, the BP needs to be nails.

3. Trout/Pujols being Trout/Pujols.

[FabulousFabregas]

[Angel Oracle]

Make sure Wilson starts ALDS game 2, because otherwise him pitching on the road could be an almost automatic loss.   Shoemaker, aside from the KC implosion, has been solid on the road. 

 

Don't hit Hamilton higher than 6th in the order.    Kendrick and Freese are doing just fine in the 4th/5th spots.

 

The pitching staff picking up one another as a group.

[Torridd]

I especially like #2, specifically the Jepsen/Smith/Street trio. I also think Grilli/Jepsen may be even more important.

[Jay]

1. Hit

2. Hit

3. Hit

[Chimi]

Pitching is by far the most important thing in any playoff run. In the regular season and oh might come back if you find yourself in a hole but it's much harder in the postseason. So we need quality starts from our rotation and a lock down bullpen.

Great pitching almost always beats great offense.

[Jay]

Pitching is by far the most important thing in any playoff run. In the regular season and oh might come back if you find yourself in a hole but it's much harder in the postseason. So we need quality starts from our rotation and a lock down bullpen.

Great pitching almost always beats great offense.

 

so in other words we're toast

[Torridd]

Can we afford to give up 3 runs each game?

[Chimi]

so in other words we're toast

In terms of pitching, we are no where close to the other playoff teams. We've had very good pitching this year but statistically it's still not as good as the other teams. The only two playoff teams that don't have a top 10 pitching staff on the season is us and the Tigers.

I think the easiest path to the World Series is through Oakland and then Detroit. I really don't want to face Baltimore. The Angels may have the best record in baseball, but I feel the Orioles are the better overall team. Their offense is equal to ours but their pitching is far more dominant.

Edited September 25, 2014 by Chimi

[hats4bats]

Scoring more runs than the opposing team.

 

Not losing.

 

Keep time of possession to somewhere between 45 to 49 mins

[Stradling]

Starters throwing strikes

Hitting with RISP

Get into the 7th tied or with a lead

[Hollyw00d]

1. Hit

2. Hit

3. Hit

Exactly

[Hollyw00d]

Scoring more runs than the opposing team.

 

Not losing.

 

Keep time of possession to somewhere between 45 to 49 mins

Luckily oakland's running game sucks

[tdawg87]

Don't suck balls

[Adam]

1. Outscore opponent in at least 3 games

2. Hold opponent to fewer runs than our guys score in at least 3 games

3. Lose no more than 2 games.

 

 

VICTORY!

[Torridd]

Sigh.

[nate]

starting pitching

starting pitching

starting pitching

[T.G.]

If you ask Billy Beane...

 

Luck.

Chance.

Randomness

[tdawg87]

Ralsty

[19HALO71]

1. Quality starts by our SP's.

2. Productive outs

3. Bullpen comes in throwing strikes.

[bloodbrother]

so in other words we're toast

 

On the bright side, offenses suck these days, making it more likely that mediocre pitchers shut teams down. Mediocre pitchers other than CJ Wilson, obviously

[CAAngelsLifer]

Luckily oakland's running game sucks

 

but they've got a hell of a wide receiver in Jeff. 

[nate]

but they've got a hell of a wide receiver in Jeff. 

 

Wasn't he a quarterback?

[tdawg87]

If the Angels make the ALCS and have to face the O's, you know Showalter is going with a 2 man rotation of Norris and Gonzalez.