LA Angels look to continue interleague success

The LA Angels first interleague series is coming up on May 19th. Historically, they have done well in interleague games, in fact quite well. However, at it’s introduction to official, regular season play in 1997 it was hotly debated and oft complained about.

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Baseball traditionalists however, believed that teams from the AL and NL meeting in the regular season would harm the MLB. Games would dilute the excitement of the World Series. Interleague play would no doubt disrupt pennant races by playing non-division opponents. Strategically it would create problems between the two leagues over the use (or non-use) of the Designated Hitter. However, 18 seasons later, interleague play has become a everyday occurrence in Major League Baseball. While objections to interleague play remain, it appears here to stay.

The LA Angels in fact have no reasons to complain about interleague games. Over the years the LA Angels have featured some of interleague’s best hitters, including OF/1B Darrin Erstad (.344 AVG) , OF Garrett Anderson (254 H), and OF Vladimir Guerrero (44 HR & 257 H.)

By the same token, the Angels also have had heavy hitters on the pitching side as well. Closers Troy Percival (40 SV) and Francisco Rodriguez (35 SV) whose success’ came all or partially in a Halo uniform. In addition, same can be said for John Lackey. Lackey weighs in with a 3.17 ERA in interleague play.

Consequently, the LA Angels own the second best interleague winning percentage heading into 2017. They sit at 164-120, owners of a .577 winning pct (trailing only the NY Yankees at .603.)

However, the last two years have been a little less dominant for the Angels, going a combined 17-23.  Due in no small part to injuries and offensive struggles. Removing  those two years shows an even better performance at 147- 97, resulting in a .602 winning pct.

The American League overall has led the interleague race. This dominance is in no small part to the fact that AL teams carry an additional full-time offensive player for the DH position. The AL leads the senior circuit in  wins and losses at 2,678 – 2,385. In  fact, the NL has only won the season series four times (1997, 1999, 2002, & 2003.)

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In conclusion, the Angels will continue to work at heading up the divisional standings in 2017. Accordingly, they will also look to make a return to their interleague dominance. In any case, the Angels baseball side quest begins May 19th in New York, against the Mets.