Morales Leads Halos To Victory - Magic Number (2)

After the A's battle back from being 7 runs behind on Saturday, 09/26/09, to win 15-10, the Angels rebound behind the flawless effort of Kendry Morales. Before Saturday, the Halos had not lost more than 3 games in a row all season. Saturday's lost made it 4 games in a row and capped off the worst losing streak they have seen. The Angels rallied on Sunday to break that losing streak utilizing flawless defense and offensive might. Morales goes 3 for 3 including his 32nd homer and 3 RBI's to put him over the 100 RBI mark for the season. That is the most RBI's by an Angels firstbaseman since 2000 when Mo Vaughn drove in 117. In addition, Kendry Morales' fielding is coming along very nicely. Not known for his glove, Kendry is making smarter decisions on the hot corner. We may not see a gold glove anytime soon from him, but at least he is playing the position as well as anyone out there.

Joe Saunders grabs up his 15th win for the season, going 6 innings, giving up 3 runs on 7 hits and 1 walk, while striking out 3. Saunders started the 7th inning and gave up all 3 runs to the Athletics while retiring zero. Darren Oliver inherited 2 of those runners in the 7th when he came in and then gave up another in the 8th. Kevin Jepsen came in the game, striking out 2 to close out the 8th. Brian Fuentes earned his league leading 45th save giving up only 1 hit in the 9th inning.

The big question is, can the Angels win in the playoffs with Vladdy in the lineup and Fuentes' shaky outings? I've said it before, Guererro needs to either be dropped to 7th or below in the lineup or be used as a pinch hitter. Vladdy has not been consistent all season and when he is in the lineup, the Angels overall batting average and run production suffers. As for Brian Fuentes, well, he is as scary as Frankie Rodriguez ever was. Frankie nearly gave me an ulcer every time he took the rubber. As with Frankie, we have no idea which Fuentes will show up when he is handed the ball. My thoughts? Utilize either Kevin Jepsen or Darren Oliver in the closing position and see how Fuentes can try to hold the lead. The Angels will need consistency from both the bats and the arms to even consider a run at the World Series title, let alone get past Boston ---- ewwww. The Angels have one of the best teams in MLB and have as good a chance as any other team in baseball. Winning another championship will comedown to how Mike Scioscia manages his staff. I know the Angels can win another World Series, do you believe? Let's go Angels!!!!!!

When the Angels win tonight against the Rangers, we will win yet another Western Division title. Come out and support the Halo's. Let's pack the stands and cheer on the boys to a Red October. I will be slinging bottles in the Knothole Club tonight, but when we win Marco has assured us that the champagne will be flowing.....woooohoooooo......Go Halos.