Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels is most exciting series of April
By Kyle Cardoza
Several teams have gotten off to hot starts as always. But in the American League West, some fans are surprised that the Los Angeles Angels currently sit atop the division. When they meet the Houston Astros in about a week, it may be the best baseball anyone has seen all year.
No one necessarily expected the Los Angeles Angels to challenge the Houston Astros for the entire 162-game season. Nevertheless, Los Angeles has looked as dominant as Houston thus far for different reasons.
While the two teams aren’t known for having a heated rivalry, that could change this season. Both clubs are much better than the other three teams in the American League West by far.
Hence, baseball fans should expect nothing less than an invigorating, competitive three-game series between the competitors April 23rd to 25th. It could be the one matchup fans beg for by the end of the season.
It’s been a while since the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels both had playoff implications. Los Angeles was one game shy of earning a shot at the Wild Card against Houston, but it fell short.
The last time the two teams made secured playoff spots was in 2005, back when the Houston Astros played in the National League. Since then, the Los Angeles Angels have had more success overall, though Houston has captured a title since then. Los Angeles hasn’t.
Both teams have constructed star-studded lineups, each in a different way. Los Angeles dealt for some of its key hitters, including Justin Upton, Andrelton Simmons, and Ian Kinsler. And it added free agents like Albert Pujols and Zack Cozart to further support Trout.
Nevertheless, Houston and Los Angeles have players grow through their organizations to become stars. They consist of the American Leagues two best players in Mike Trout and Jose Altuve.
Trout is doing what he does best while the reigning AL MVP is off to a slow start. As the season trudges on, both players numbers should look gaudier. For now, their teammates have received more attention.
Each head a talented squad, primarily at the plate. But there are other variables that will make this matchup so enticing.