I know they're smoking, what else is new? But Ill say no, I know they got a pretty big advantage right now but Im just not buying it this year, I think they're gonna struggle down the stretch and lose their division.
The A's are a strange team, arent they? They always seem to make a strong run in the second half and more times than not squeeze their way into the playoffs.
Well even with the 5.5 game advantage I think the Angels will take the AL West pennant from the A's. The Rangers?? You might think so, but I dont... Seattle?? I would get my golf clubs prepared for playoff time...
He're 4 reasons why I think the A's will miss the playoffs this year.
4) Bartolo Colon will have a monster November for the Angels
Ok, just kidding there...
I really only have 3 reasons...
3) Starting pitching:
Zito hasnt looked very strong lately, Harden comeback keeps moving back, Haren was been OK but Loaiza, Blanton, Saarlos. Just doesnt sound like a playoff staff to me...
Angels staff has a big edge even without Colon. Lackey, Weaver, Escobar, Santana will all win a lot of games down the stretch.
2) Vladimir Guerrero.
I think he's that good. And the A's dont have a superstar that can match up with him. Oakland's lineup is very likely to be dominated by good pitching down the stretch. Their best hitter (average) is Jay Payton. Yes, that Jay Payton.
1) Schedule
Their schedule is pretty similar, not an easy one by any standards. Maybe the Rangers have a better schedule than any of them but the A's end the season on a 7 game road trip, including the final 4 in Anaheim. That series should be huge and the Angels are gonna be ready for it.
Big question mark here is how the bullpens will hold up. Is Oaklands bullpen as good as it's ERA (3.59) I actually think the Angels' bullpen is better. We shall see guys.
As always, comments and disagreements are welcome.
So who will win the AL West baby???
The A's are a strange team, arent they? They always seem to make a strong run in the second half and more times than not squeeze their way into the playoffs.
Well even with the 5.5 game advantage I think the Angels will take the AL West pennant from the A's. The Rangers?? You might think so, but I dont... Seattle?? I would get my golf clubs prepared for playoff time...
He're 4 reasons why I think the A's will miss the playoffs this year.
4) Bartolo Colon will have a monster November for the Angels
Ok, just kidding there...
I really only have 3 reasons...
3) Starting pitching:
Zito hasnt looked very strong lately, Harden comeback keeps moving back, Haren was been OK but Loaiza, Blanton, Saarlos. Just doesnt sound like a playoff staff to me...
Angels staff has a big edge even without Colon. Lackey, Weaver, Escobar, Santana will all win a lot of games down the stretch.
2) Vladimir Guerrero.
I think he's that good. And the A's dont have a superstar that can match up with him. Oakland's lineup is very likely to be dominated by good pitching down the stretch. Their best hitter (average) is Jay Payton. Yes, that Jay Payton.
1) Schedule
Their schedule is pretty similar, not an easy one by any standards. Maybe the Rangers have a better schedule than any of them but the A's end the season on a 7 game road trip, including the final 4 in Anaheim. That series should be huge and the Angels are gonna be ready for it.
Big question mark here is how the bullpens will hold up. Is Oaklands bullpen as good as it's ERA (3.59) I actually think the Angels' bullpen is better. We shall see guys.
As always, comments and disagreements are welcome.
So who will win the AL West baby???
