Starting pitching hasn't really been their strong-suit - which is exactly the opposite of usual. Yes, a lot of that has to do with Lackey and Escobar being still on the DL (though it looks like Lackey has been progressing quite nicely in his training schedule), but that isn't the sole problem. Weaver, though he hasn't exactly been atrocious, hasn't been exactly phenomenal. He has done well dealing with not having his best pitches and location, his velocity is up again which is good, but his run support isn't there either, so he ends up looking worse off than he is. On the opposite end of that is Garland. I'm almost sick and tired of hearing the announcers and the managers/administration saying that Garland's numbers make him look worse than he is. No, the guy just hasn't been getting it done. I'm really starting to think the first game was a fluke, and these last two are more indicative of what he'll be like on the average. His numbers show exactly what he is. High earned run average, no strike outs, way too many hits given up... the end. He's not nearly as good as everyone said to try to make the trade look less ridiculous than it really was. I'm really starting to believe that, but I'll hold off making a solid, lasting opinion until next start.
Saunders is basically the only one so far that's been really REALLY solid. Santana has been good as well, and hopefully will continue to prove he's "back" tomorrow. That fifth spot... I don't even want to talk about it right now. HURRY UP AND GET HEALTHY LACKEY!
But on the other end, offense has been nuts. The Angels are definitely not having a problem hitting the ball. Like... period. They are tied for first in the AL in home runs, own in total bases, and are easily first in team batting average, which is a hair off .300. That's pretty insane. And what's more, it isn't really about acquiring any big bat. Though Torii Hunter has definitely contributed, he's not been the real driving force of it all. Nor have the usual middle of the lineup guys, Vlad or GA. Everyone is contributing. Figgins is out of form if he isn't at least 2-3 each game. Kotchman is hot, Kendrick would be hot if he'd stay away from getting hurt (which, in his last two, two and a half, seasons seems almost impossible - another Troy Glaus?), Aybar is getting it out there, and both Mathis and Napoli prove they are neck and neck in ability (though Mathis is picking up offensively now, and he clearly has an edge over Napoli defensively...) - getting the hits out there has been a strength, and the power an unusual strength, for a team that hasn't been able to rely on such for a while now.
A total flip-flop, good pitching and little ball, to mediocre pitching and big ball? But it doesn't seem like a different team... because it's not. It's just a weird phenomena.
Maybe things will go back to semi-normal when Lackey returns. They could use the leadership in that area... but I think I'd be happy for the bats to stay.
Yeah, good pitching AND good batting... can you image???
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