Los Angeles Angels: The Miami Heat of Baseball?

The story of the Miami Heat came to an exciting ending earlier this month, with the "Big Three" winning the NBA title. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Mario Chalmers helped the Heat to a five-game series win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, earning James, Bosh and Chalmers their first title.

In 2010, arguably the best player in the NBA, LeBron James, let the sports world know where he would be playing the following season.  "The Decision" to leave Cleveland, a city that loved him, sparked outcries for years.

In a similar fashion, minus the television special, arguably the best player in baseball decided to leave the city that made him who he is. Pujols spent 11 seasons in St. Louis before signing a massive offseason deal worth 10 years and $240 million.

The similarities don't stop there.

C.J. Wilson Starring as Chris Bosh

Chris Bosh signed with the Miami Heat before the 2010 season, in addition to LeBron James.

C.J. Wilson signed with the Angels before the 2012 season, in addition to Albert Pujols.

Bosh, a forward-center, went to South Beach to compliment the style of James and Wade.

Wilson, a starting pitcher, went to California to compliment the style of Pujols.

Bosh contributes a game-changing performance for the Heat a couple times a year. He has an above-average game once every two weeks.

Wilson has above-average outings nearly twice a week.

Wilson is a role-player. He is designed to provide a spark for the Angels a couple times a week and to be a consistent above-average pitcher.

Bosh plays a similar role in Miami behind the heroics of Wade and James.

Mike Trout as Mario Chalmers

Mario Chalmers, a 26-year-old point guard, has a very specific role in Miami. Chalmers' job is to connect when he is open, use his quickness to create plays and support the offense of the big stars on the court.

Chalmers did well enough with that this year, turning in 3.5 assists, 9.8 points and 1.5 steals per game. Chalmers is a big-game player; just ask Memphis.

With the "Big Three" settling in, Chalmers was able to come out of his shell. He did to the tune of 12 double-digit point performances in this year's playoffs.

Now we bring in Angels outfielder Mike Trout. Trout saw limited time last season, but, after the addition of the stars Wilson and Pujols, has found his way as a daily fixture in the Angels lineup.

Trout is typically in the batting order as a lead-off hitter, the first person to get the offense going—like a point guard. He also sets up the offense for big man Pujols.

In Chalmers' case, he sets up the offense for the big men in Wade and James.

Mike Trout is also proving to the baseball world that he is a big-game player as well. Trout currently leads the American League in batting average (.335).

If the Angels make a postseason run, assume Trout will hit a big shot for the Angels, like his basketball counterpart. 

Albert Pujols Is LeBron James

There is no need for stats or any other saber-metrical comparison between the King of Baseball and the King of Basketball.

King James rules the basketball court and can bring arenas to their feet with one electrifying dunk after another.

King Albert rules the baseball field and can bring stadiums to their feet with one monstrous swing.

These two superstars have developed into the faces of their respective sports.

Pujols, James, the big-money contracts, the city-wide break-ups and the success and scrutiny are only some of the parallels these two men share. 

Who Is the Angels' Dwyane Wade?

Despite not starting his career in Los Angeles, Torii Hunter has settled into the role of Dwayne Wade.

Wade and Hunter, superstars in their own right, have revamped their respective games to accommodate the biggest names in the game.

Hunter and Wade provide sparks to their team that many superstars do not, especially in basketball. These sparks come from defensive effort.

Wade turned the series against Oklahoma City with his leaping shot-blocking abilities. Hunter is well-known throughout the baseball world for his jumping ability.

Here's Proof: Hunter Highlight Reel 

While the stats may not always be there for these two, effort, leadership and skill are. Those three attributes are the perfect compliment to superstars, like Pujols and James.

Hunter is to the Angels what Wade is to the Heat. 

A Happy Ending?

The Miami Heat answered critics in just the second year of the Big Three Era by bringing home an NBA title.

Los Angeles is in the middle of its first season of its"Big Three" Era.

Through 66 games of the NBA season, the Heat were 46-20. Los Angeles was 35-31.

The Heat won their division. The Angels trail the Texas Rangers by over four games in their division, but there is a lot of season left.

Can Pujols, Wilson and Hunter duplicate the success of James, Bosh and Wade?

The parallels are there. The stars in place but is the time right?

Can the Angels one-up the Heat and win the championship of their league in their first season together?

We'll find out in October.