Are The 2011 Angels Better Than Predicted?

Going into the season I had a gut feeling the Angels were going to be better than they were in 2010. I just wasn't sure how much better. There were many writers, anchors, commentators, fans, etc. who predicted a third place finish due to the Rangers stepping up and not losing much in the offseason; the A's being the "sexy" pick; and of course because the Angels fell flat on their faces in the second half of last season. I knew, coming into 2011, the team had the potential to win 95 games again. But potential isn't enough.

This team is very young. With young players comes development, maturation, and scouting reports. The report on the Angels says to bust them away, away with off speed stuff; classic approach to young inexperienced players.

In the last month and a half, however, the Halos have found ways to win... Wait a minute. Isn't that the old formula? Yes it is. Or is it?

Angels baseball has still not quite materialized this season. That has a lot to do with not having the dynamic leadoff man the team used to have; lack of the franchise center piece that was here for so long; as well as a less dominant back end of the bullpen. Those are the three biggest differences. 

The 2008 team that won 100 games had a roster that was almost exactly the same in terms of production. The difference is, once again, that lack of dominance in the bullpen. But is it going to be as much of an issue as the season progresses? 

The kids sure are showing signs of maturation right before our eyes. Mark Trumbo is looking better and better at the plater everyday; Peter Bourjos might win a Gold Glove in just his first full season; Jordan Walden has handled the closer role as well as any rookie can; Tyler Chatwood has stopped the bleeding caused by Scott Kazmir, and is proving that the Angels of 2010 might have had a chance just by subtracting Kazmir. 

Are the Angels better?

This writer thinks they are. In fact, this writer knows they are. It's just matter of the young players on the field developing into the players they can be, and the veterans providing enough to carry the team. Vernon Wells has stepped up the last two months. Torii Hunter has shown signs but is clearly slowing down at the plate. Still, the young players are the key.

A bat at the deadline will help, as will a dominant arm in the bullpen. But this team needs to improve it's strikeout totals, increase the sacrifice flies, and overall just create more productive outs. The bullpen needs to make bigger pitches late in games. You take away at least four of Walden's blown saves -- leave him with three and that's about average for a good veteran closer, and suddenly the Angels are 2 games ahead of the Rangers. Get those productive outs and we're talking at least a 5 game lead; and that's before even talking about any additions made at the deadline.

Some people might argue, others might just give up, others might just be trolls looking for people to put down. Bottom line is that this team is doing better right now than they were last year. From here on out, however, it is a question of whether or not they can maintain that, or even improve on it. 

I guess all we can really do is get behind our team and cheer them on into October.  For now, I will leave everyone with a quote to illustrate where I'm coming from: "You've got a gift, Roy. But it's not enough. You got to develop yourself. Rely too much on your gift and... you'll fail."

Here a some links if you are interested in comparing this season with last season:

2010 Angels Stats

2010 Angels Schedule and Results

2011 Angels Stats

2011 Angels Schedule and Results