The Los Angeles Angels aggressiveness has been a hit or miss all season long. Not only choosing to keep Shohei Ohtani but going out and getting Lucas Giolito. From the high and promise came the cold hard reality of the situation. Keep momentum and push ahead in the standings. Unfortunately, both haven’t happened, and the Angels are games back following the terrible series in Toronto.
Angels Aggressiveness Leads To Mixed Results
Jumping the Gun
It’s hard to fault a team that sees the chance to make it into the playoffs and seize the opportunity, especially when that opportunity is Giolito, who has an ERA of 3.85 and a WHIP of 1.227. He pitched well in his Angels debut. Seventy-five pitches in five and a third inning where three earned runs were allowed while striking out five and issuing one walk. He wasn’t the problem. The inconsistency of the offense that has pledged the Angels all season reared its ugly head at the worst time.
The Angels being that aggressive early on did put them in a corner. Could they flip the script and sell Monday and Tuesday? Sure, but why move to get a pitcher only to trade everyone 72 hours later? Granted, the argument being the three games against the Blue Jays were a playoff series. On top of the momentum from Shohei Ohtani’s historic day during the doubleheader. A complete game in the first game, and then two home runs in the second.
Lack of Offense
Angel’s aggressiveness helped to solve the issue the team had on the pitching side, but now the team has a glaring hole offensively. In the first two games against the Blue Jays, the Angels loaded the bases five times and got a single run. Coming from a hit-by-pitch in the second game of the series. The team has gone 1-28 with runners in scoring position. The only hit was a Hunter Renfroe two-run home run in the 10th inning of game three. He has struggled lately with a line of .254/.369/.437 and a wRC+ of 125.
With all the issues on offense, the Angels may also lose Taylor Ward for an extended time. A pitch got away from Alek Manoah and hit Ward in the face. Ward was removed from the game and placed on the 10-day IL. The loss of Ward will be felt as he is finding his stride as of late. Slashing.313/.427/.642 and a wR+ pf 184 in July. The Angels need more depth, as numerous players are injured. Many of those players could be returning in early August, however.
Reinforcements are Here
The Angels added two more batters following the weekend series on Sunday afternoon. Acquiring C.J. Cron and Randal Grichuk. Both are former Angels returning to Los Angeles for two minor-league pitchers. Grichuk helps with losing Ward. He will be the starting center fielder until Mike Trout returns later this month, then shift to the left. Grichuk is a pure hitter with a line of .308/.365/.496 and wRC+ of 117.
Conversely, Cron has been injured this year but is still an improvement. His .260/.304/.476 and wRC+ of 93 will play. First base has become an issue for the Angels over the season. Jared Walsh has been designated for assignment due to his poor performance and injury issues. An upgrade at this spot was needed and welcome, especially in a known player.
The Angel’s aggressiveness early can be a benefit. They do not have to pay a premium for a player, getting the guy they want. On the other hand, teams can end up in a situation that is losing their ground. The Angels have time to get more help if they need it. What happens with the Angels? They are buyers, so that they may do some more buying. They took ten steps back after getting a guy to move forward.
Main Photo Credits: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Players Mentioned: Shohei Ohtani, Hunter Renfroe, Alek Manoah, Taylor Ward, C.J. Cron, Randal Grichuk, Mike Trout, Jared Walsh
