Postseason Playing Pepper: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

The Angels are in the postseason again, though like the Cardinals of '02, they've got a fallen teammate on their mind.  I asked Tony from Go Halos about this squad.

C70: What is the Angels' strength going into the postseason?

GH: Most obvious - Deep Starting Pitching.  Less Obviously - Deep relentless lineup.

C70: What worries you about this team?

GH: Our bullpen situation with Brian Fuentes not always a sure bet. Also how the team will respond against the Red Sox. Will their nerves get the best of them again?

C70: What player left off or added to the postseason roster would surprise casual observers, if it happens?

GH: Nothing obvious, But possibly Brandon Wood making the roster rather than Rob Quinlan.

C70: Who is the key player for the Angels, the player that, if they don't go well, the Angels go home early?

GH: John Lackey.  He's has got to be an ace in the playoffs and win game 1.

C70: Are there high expectations for this team?  Is it where the playoffs are enough, the fans expect them to get past the first round, or is anything less than the Series a disappointment?

GH: Anything less than a World Series would be a disappointment, but fans will not be too confident until we finally get past the Red Sox. 

Thanks to Tony for the info!