After a solid Joe Blanton performance, Ernesto Frieri blew his second save of the season. Also, Peter Bourjos was taken out of the game due to a thumb injury. And you know what? This series isn't going to get any easier with the Detroit Tigers.
June 25 4:08pm, June 26 4:08pm, June 27 10:08am
Last year Miguel Cabrera went toe-to-toe with our own Mike Trout in the Most Valuable Player race. Unfortunately, while nabbing the Rookie of the Year Award, Cabrera not only beat out Trout for the MVP, but also earned the Triple Crown. This season, the raining "King" is still on a tear. He's currently leading the league in batting average and runs batted in, lagging behind Carlos Gonzalez, Edwin Encarnacion, and Chris Davis in home runs.
The Tigers hitting has been on fire with help from Jhonny Peralta, Victor Martinez, Prince Fielder, Omar Infante, and ... Torii Hunter. I think at this point we all can agree that Arte should have saved time and money and just paid Torii rather than "nursing" Josh Hamilton's wrist complications and back spasms. But I am glad to see Torii Hunter still has it. Always one of my favorite player's to put on an Angels uniform.
To the hill for the Halos will be C.J., Tommy, and Weaver. Last time out C.J. went deep against the Mariners and earned his sixth win while Tommy Hanson was beat up by Seattle and lasted just two innings. To finish off the series, we can only hope Jered Weaver gets his form back because he has not looked close to what he should be. And with Jason Vargas just going to the disabled list there's even more pressure for the pitching staff to step up. Get well soon, JV.
Fellow New Jersey native Rick Porcello begins the series for the home team, coming off a poor start against the Red Sox; however, his two starts prior were impressive wins over the Twins and Indians. Rookie Jose Alvarez gets the nod from Jim Leyland in the second game. Alvarez, who has made two starts this season, dominated both the Indians and allowed a combined three runs this season. Finishing this series is Doug Fister, who is second in command on the pitching staff. Fister has been shaky as of late and is 1-4 in his last seven starts. Shakiness -- just what the Angels are right now should be taking advantage of.
With Peter Bourjos' injury, we could see Mike Trout back in CF for this series -- where I think he should be. As for the bats, Albert needs to continue to swing the bat well and Josh Hamilton needs to honestly get his act together and break this slump dry spell dating back to the end of last season with the Rangers.
Probable SPs -- C.J. Wilson / Rick Porcello, Tommy Hanson / Jose Alvarez, Jered Weaver / Doug Fister