Los Angeles Angels: Why No AL Contender Wants the Team to Make the Playoffs

The Los Angeles Angels had to dig themselves out of a large hole to be respected in the American League West following a dismal start to the 2012 MLB season—now, teams in the division should be afraid of what could become the most dangerous team in all of baseball.

Very afraid.

Resiliency and calmness are two characteristics that have showed up in a big way in Anaheim, and it starts with the steady leadership from manager Mike Scioscia. He’s been consistent and steady, and has the track record to match his team’s lofty expectations.

About the team—those oh-so-defiant Angels—they’ve been on an absolute tear of late, winning seven of their last 10 games, including four straight. They ended the month of May with an eight-game streak and continue to get contributions from every position.

Before the season started, the Halos were widely regarded as one of the most talented teams in baseball. But most recently, it appears that they now believe it. That’s a scary prospect for the rest of the division and the league.

The talent spread throughout the team is easy to see. The Angels have a tremendous pitching staff led by ace Jered Weaver. In his absence due to a lower back injury, his fellow starters have picked up the slack and sustained the team’s success. When Albert Pujols, the team’s prized $240 million investment, struggled, it was 20-year-old rookie Mike Trout that became the glue that held the team together.

What this all means is that the Angels were able to fight through adversity that included stagnant bats, shaky pitching, and even some bad luck. Through 62 games, they are only 2.5 games behind the Texas Rangers in the AL West and are riding a four-game winning streak after trailing the division leader by double-digit games in the first month of the season.

What makes the Angels so dangerous is the fact that the team hasn’t come close to peaking yet. Mark Trumbo and Mike Trout have been the most consistent players thus far, but when Pujols, Torii Hunter, and Kendrys Morales begin to hit like they are capable of doing, their lineup could be one of the most feared in the American league. The fact that they are this good given the early season struggles should give them all the confidence they need this summer.