The Angels’ outlook isn’t any clearer. Even after a 3 game sweep against the struggling Yankees. They sit 4 1/2 games back for the last wild card spot with 10 games until August 1st. It’s another high-intensity set of games for the Angels. With the hot stove getting warm and a thousand questions, is there any way to figure out if there is a plan? Unfortunately, probably not yet. Going 4-2 out of the gate is good. Now, they need to build upon that.
The Angels’ Outlook Isn’t Any Clearer
10 Games To Go
Being in control of your destiny is a blessing and a curse. Ultimately it is better to have the illusion that you have some input. It just doesn’t make the Angels’ outlook any clearer. One check in the positive box is that six out of those 10 games are against teams under .500. (The Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers). The negative is that they play the Braves on August 1st after playing the Toronto Blue Jays. Hopefully, plans will be in motion by the end of the Tigers series.
[metabet_core_side_odds_tile query=”bbm/los_angeles_angels” size=”350×300″ site_id=”lastwordonsports”]
Being in the murky waters that the Angels are in, they have to rely on other teams losing. Luckily for them, the competition is playing some tough teams over the next 10 games. To be in a better spot the Angels have to go 5-1 or 4-2 over the next six. They would then end up with a record of 53-50 at minimum. That is a positive step for a team that has been struggling. To get back to .500 and continue that success is a great place to start.
A random stat in their favor is that the Angels are 11 games over .500 (35-26) with Zach Neto in the lineup. Neto brings life into this team. Having him back is a sparkplug for them, one they will need if they want to return to the postseason. With a giant hill to climb in front of them, the Angels will need every small thing to break in their favor.
Keep bringing the energy 🔋#GoHalos pic.twitter.com/iSldFEwgB9
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) July 20, 2023
Who Do You Even Target
Even being in an in-between spot in the standings, who do you even target in a trade? The team’s best prospect trade piece, Jo Adell, is on the IL with an oblique injury. There aren’t a lot of significant prospects in the Angels’ system at this moment in time. So seems that the team will look for B or C-tier players. Not that there aren’t impactful players there. It’s more that the other teams will go after bigger targets. Granted, things could change, and other teams might value some of the Angels’ younger talent in higher regard.
There is still plenty of time for players to become available. Also, players are returning from the IL around the trade deadline. Even though the Angels could use a starter and a couple of pitchers in the bullpen, they could just keep what they have. That would be a mistake considering the need for another back-of-the-bullpen arm at the very least. The Angels’ bullpen ranks 22nd in ERA at 4.30, 25th in WHIP at 1.40, and 23rd in walks with 157. Those aren’t good numbers for a team looking to return to the playoffs.
Control What You Can
As the deadline gets closer and closer, rumors will continue to appear. Mostly around Shohei Ohtani. He is slated to start on Friday, and that could be his last start as an Angel. There might only be movement at the very last minute on that front as things unfold, with the Angels still within striking distance of the final playoff spot. This doesn’t make the waters any less murky. Especially when the thought out of the All-Star break the first six games would be the turning point.
Over the next 10 games, things should get more straightforward. If they win the majority of the games, they will more than likely be buying and going for it. If they lose the majority, then you could sell off all that you can. Fortunately, they have six games against bad teams. The odds are in the Angels’ favor. However, baseball can happen, and the Angels can nose-dive. Taking things one game at a time is the best way to go. Let things come to them and see what happens over the next 10 games.
Main photo credits:
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Players mentioned:
