The Los Angeles Angels have turned around fan doubt and fear into momentum that is building to its highest point of the 2012 season.
The power of Mark Trumbo earning everyday play and phenomenal abilities of Mike trout have lifted the spirits and energy from Angel Stadium to the locker room.
Early season struggles of an Albert Pujols without a home run and losing record are melted away by the team carrying the hottest record in baseball through the month of June thus far. Optimism is settling in, evidenced Friday by Torii Hunter guaranteeing a playoff spot for the team come September in an interview with Joe Acaba form the International Space Station (via Fox Sports West).
When Dan Haren gave up a five-run lead to the cross-town rival Dodgers Friday, something in the marine layer gave the feeling the game was not decided. The Angels fought back and won the game, beginning what could be yet another sequential series victory for the club through this weekend.
The return of Jered Weaver, consistency of spot starter Garrett Richards and recent run support all point toward an overall improvement in club performance. Bullpen solidarity has helped hold leads and keep games within reach lately as well—behind the superb efforts of Ernesto Frieri.
The below average number of Maicer Izturis, Erick Aybar and rotating catchers at the plate are still concerning. The bottom of the lineup is a liability. Also important to note is that the Angels have only two players batting above .300, Trumbo and Trout.
Keep an eye on the halos to see how many times they can light up “The Big A” in the Angel Stadium parking lot.
Texas still holds the lead in the American League West, though recently they were swept by the Oakland Athletics, who do not have a batter above .280 this season.
For now, it seems like the Angels are hitting stride and will look to continue strong through the All-Star break building their chemistry and record while Chasing the Rangers.
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