Los Angeles Angels are that running internet joke

We have all seen the joke at this point. Mike Trout has an amazing game, hitting a homer and robbing others while stealing bases. Shohei Ohtani does something historic, either at the plate, on the mound, or both. And despite that, the Los Angeles Angels lose their game 10-4 because the rest of the team implodes.

The problem is that the joke is no longer that much of one. Instead, it has become reality for a team that is continuing to find ways to lose and waste two of the greatest talents in the game today.

Los Angeles Angels keep wasting Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani

Such was the case on Friday. Trout was 3-5 with a homer, three RBI, and a steal. Ohtani hit a solo homer. And the Angels lost 5-4 as that duo accounted for all of their offense while the bullpen imploded in the walk off loss.

This has seemingly been the case throughout Trout’s career. One would have thought that, at some point, the Angels would have accidentally caught lightning in a bottle and find a way to the postseason more than once during his time in Los Angeles. Adding Ohtani to that mix would only improve the margin for error.

Somehow, that has not been the case. They keep making moves that look good on paper but fail in spectacular fashion when the games begin. It is enough to wonder what sort of unholy deal was made back in 2002 to bring that championship to the organization.

At least Ohtani may not have to deal with the Angels’ struggles for much longer. He is slated for free agency after the 2023 season and the Angels may not be able to afford his contract demands. Trout, meanwhile, will get to see his greatness wasted on a team that is destined to hover around .500 at best for the foreseeable future.

The Los Angeles Angels have become an internet joke. With the way they are wasting Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, the joke has become reality.