Three Questions About The Angels/Red Sox ALDS With Halos Heaven

As the MLB postseason marches on we have another guest with us today to share some thoughts about the playoffs. This time we’re discussing Angels/Red Sox with Rev. Halo Fan from the ever popular LA Angels fansite Halos Heaven. You can checkout all the Angels/Red Sox information and opinions (from an LA perspective of course) at Halos Heaven.

The Angels appear to have the best offense in a while, if not ever, with a major league best .285 batting average and club records for runs (883), RBIs (841) and hits (1,604). Is this the year that LA gets past Boston in the playoffs or do the Red Sox still have their number?

RHF: I think Game 1 is a must-win for the Angels. The Red Sox are, sadly, in their heads and there would be a demoralizing effect if Boston were to blow them out or have a dramatic come from behind victory Thursday. That said, the teams match up well and this could be our year!

Defensively the Angels have held David Ortiz and Mike Lowell to just a .167 batting average and 21 strikeouts. How much confidence does this give you in the Angels’ defense going into this series?

RHF: Torii Hunter is a gold-glover, Erick Aybar is a fantastic defender, Chone Figgins has now played 3B exclusively for most of 3 seasons and is superb with the glove. If anything, the Red Sox vets have been put into check by Angels pitching, it seems to be their newer members that give us fits - last year it was Bay and Drew with the big hits for example.

Is it true that Santana is moving into the bullpen for this series? How do you see that working out for the Angels?

RHF: Great move, Ervin throws hard and can stop the bleeding if there is a starter gets dumped on. He'll eat some innings and buy time for the offense to come back. HE would also do well as a set-up man in a pinch. Heck, I would take him as a closer compared to our weak Brian Fuentes in the 9th.

Prediction Time – Tell us who will win and in how many games.

RHF: Angels in 4. This is our year!

You can follow the Angels through the post season at Halos Heaven.

Tragedy Strikes LA Angels

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart was spectacular Wednesday night in pitching six scoreless innings against the Oakland Athletics. Just a few hours after the game his life was cut short when the vehicle he was driving in was struck by a suspected drunk driver. Two of Adenhart’s friends also perished in the accident.

The stupidity of people never ceases to amaze me. The drunk driver fled from the scene of the accident and then was captured about a half hour later. This idiot needs to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Los Angeles Angels Q&A

We’ve finally made it to the AL West and have the preview posted at My Opinion on Basedall. As with every other AL division we’ve brought in an expert to give more insight on the team that we’ve picked to win the division. I’d like to introduce you to Reverend Halofan. He runs the outstanding Angels blog Halos Heaven.

When is comes to the Angels the good Reverend is beaming with confidence and quite candid with his answers. Welcome to My Opinion on Sports Rev. and thanks for your time.

How much trouble is Gary Matthews Jr. in over this steroid scandal?

Reverend Halofan: Hopefully lots. His contract is awful and his production can be pretty much replicated by minor league CF Reggie Willits. But, like everything else in this steroidal decade, he will probably walk. His silence tells me his lawyer is already working to ensure there are no perjury charges... talk about thinking down the road.

Give us a quick rundown of the strengths and weaknesses of the pitching staff?

Reverend Halofan: Two Aces (Lackey and Weaver), Two guys who would be the Aces of at least 15 Major League staffs (Santana, Escobar), a former Cy Young Ace due back in late May (Colon), and a 26 year old Lefty who is good (Joe Saunders). The bullpen upgraded big, adding free agents Justin Speier and Darren Oliver. Scot Shields and Frankie Rodriguez need no introduction. If there is a weakness, it may be that the glut of talent pushes the best pitcher to AAA - don't laugh, it happened last season). Also, Weaver has some bicep tendonitis that could force Hector Carrasco to spot start in April.

Which player if would hurt the team the most if placed on the DL - Chone Figgins, Orlando Cabrera or Vladimir Guerrero?

Reverend Halofan: Vlad. Pretend it is 1996 and you are asking this question about the Chicago Bulls: Pippen, Rodman or Jordan. Nobody on Earth is picking Big-Nose or Panty-Hose. Guerrero is our Jordan.

Any weaknesses in the infield?

Reverend Halofan: Figgy's D is not stellar. I think Adam Kennedy had lost a step last season, so Howie Kendrick is not a downgrade. Orlando Cabrera at his worst is a league average shortstop and is the core chemistry guy who keeps the clubhouse loose and happy, so even if that isn't important you have a league average SS. I am more worried about the outfield with Garret Anderson aching, Juan Rivera out until July with a broken shin and Gary Matthews Junior existing at all.

We've got the Angels tabbed to win the West but if not L.A. then who?

Reverend Halofan: Iran or North Korea. The only way the Angels don't win the division this season is if one of them nukes Southern California during a home stand.

Are the Angels the right pick in the west? Voice your opinion on the forum!