There is an old adage which comes to mind when I think about the offensive output of the Angels this season: Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.  Nearly one-third of the way into the season, maybe it’s more appropriately put: Fool me six times and I’m stuck on stupid.

In 35 of the 50 games thus far (2 out of 3 games), the Angels offense has produced 4 or fewer runs.  Keep in mind that includes many games that have gone into extra innings.  In 17 games (34%), the team has scored 2 or fewer runs.  One out of every three games, no more than 2 runs.  Pathetic.

But, about every week or so, the Angels offense perks up and routs the opposing pitcher. Take a look at the pattern that has developed in the 50 games played thus far:

April 3,  9 runs vs. the Kansas City Royals

April 19,  15 runs vs. the Texas Rangers

April 26,  8 runs vs. the Oakland A’s

April 29,  8 runs vs. the Tampa Bay Rays

May 5,  11 runs vs. the Red Sox

May 20,  9 runs vs. the Braves

These bursts of offense serve to pacify us, the fans, who want to believe in the team and its capabilities.  We kick the can down the road for a few more games, expecting the team to “turn the corner” and wishfully believe that the offense has not only come alive but will stay that way.  But time and time again, reality knocks and we answer the door to find run-production anemia staring us in the face.

Consistent run production is an integral component of a great team.  The Angels don’t have it.  And I’m tired of them fooling me into believing so.