Not pretty, but we will take the wins

After getting shutout Friday night in a disappointing loss to the Astros, the Angels showed signs of light both Saturday and Sunday night. In this post we are staying all positive. It might take longer than we want for this team to start clicking on all cylinders at once, but the two wins included Trout's first homerun, Hamilton's first two homeruns, and a good start by CJ Wilson.

The Astros will finish in last place in their new division. It will be a battle between them and the Marlins for most losses this year. The Angels did what they had to do to win the series after losing the opener. Garrett Richards took the ball Saturday night and did exactly what you would expect from a spot starter; 6+ innings, four runs. Hamilton got his first dinger and the Angels had 13 hits to the Astros four, but still need Pujols to come up in the clutch to win the game. Pujols needs to be that guy like he was with the Cardinals since he came into the league in 2001. Sunday wasn't pretty but Wilson only gave up one run through six innings and both Trout and Hamilton went deep. Wilson had to throw 115 pitches to get through those six innings while walking four. Against the Astros it worked.

In the last post, I expressed my feelings that the Angels needed to blow out the American League minor league team. Offensively, it seems as though it might be a few weeks before the hits start coming in bunches, especially hits with runners in scoring position. The bullpen did not give up a run in all three games. Two of the four series thus far, the guys beyond the left field wall have been lights out. With the offense not overpowering teams, the defense 27th in fielding, and with Weaver out no other starter showing consistency, the bullpen has been the nice surprise. Winning two out of three is a positive series.  The Angels next opponent are the Twins in Minnesota. Following the quick trip to the twin city is a couple of tough weeks. To see a couple of high scoring affairs before the Tigers come to town would be nice. You know that Detroit will bring the lumber. They just scored 20 runs in three games in Oakland.

I know I said only positive in this post but I lied. Here's a fun stat so far this season: Out of the 12 games so far, the only times the Angels have two hits in a game with runners in scoring position, they were 2-14 and 2-16. One-fers have been popular, and that's not a good thing. If you don't like cringing, dont crunch the batting average with RISP.

I would like to take this time also to congratulate Roy "Doc" Halladay on win #200 today against the Miami Marlins. Even though he hasn't gotten off on the right foot this year, he has been one of the faces of MLB pitching for the last decade. Also, I would like to wish everyone a happy Jackie Robinson day. If you have not seen the movie, 42, go check it out. Not only did Jackie break the color barrier and take on the world's racism, but he also was named Rookie of the Year. Here's to one of America's greatest idols and pioneers.