Los Angeles Angels Somehow Keeping Playoff Hopes Alive
By David Hill
On paper, the Los Angeles Angels do not look like a playoff team. Don’t tell that to the rest of the American League, as the Angels are currently in the second Wild Card spot.
It is easy to picture the four leading playoff teams in the American League. The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are battling for the East and to avoid the Wild Card game. The Cleveland Indians, the AL Champions last year, are starting to pull away. And the Houston Astros have established themselves as one of the top teams in baseball.
The only real drama in the AL postseason chase comes from the hunt for the second Wild Card. There, a collection of six teams are all vying for that final playoff spot, hoping to wind up in the postseason. Leading that pack are the Los Angeles Angels, a team that, on paper, seemingly has no business in the playoff picture.
While it is easy to state that their lineup is Mike Trout and a cast of nothing, it is not far from the truth. Trout, C.J. Cron, and the surprising Andrelton Simmons are the only starters in the lineup with an OPS+ over 100. Albert Pujols is not even a shall of his former self, barely resembling the Hall of Fame talent he was earlier in his career. Journeyman Eric Young actually has the fifth highest OPS+ of anyone to suit up for the Angels this season, at an even 100.
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The pitching staff has not been much better. Parker Bridwell and Alex Meyer are the only starters with more than 10 appearances to have an ERA better than league average. Bud Norris has become Bud Norris once again, and was removed from the closer role. Cam Bedrosian has been hit or miss thus far, but has promise. However, the Angels middle relief has been exceptional.
We have seen teams make the postseason, and thrive, with a less than stellar lineup and starting rotation. However, those teams had a dominant bullpen that was able to take them over the hump. The Angels, meanwhile, essentially have Mike Trout and a slightly below average cast of characters. And yet, that may be good enough.
Next: Astros remain AL favorites
It certainly helps to have the best player in the game on the roster. For the Los Angeles Angels, having Mike Trout may be enough to get to the postseason.