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Are the LA Angels legitimate contenders for AL West

By David Rice

Apr 20, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (27) and designated hitter Albert Pujols (5) against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (27) and designated hitter Albert Pujols (5) against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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; Los Angeles Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons (2) celebrates with teammates Kole Calhoun (56), Cameron Maybin (9) and Cliff Pennington (7) after hitting a walk-off single in the ninth inning against the Houston Astros Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
; Los Angeles Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons (2) celebrates with teammates Kole Calhoun (56), Cameron Maybin (9) and Cliff Pennington (7) after hitting a walk-off single in the ninth inning against the Houston Astros Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

With the Houston Astros starting out on fire and the LA Angels struggling to keep their heads above water (.500) it looked like the AL West would be a runaway for Houston. However the Astros have lost 4 of 5 and opened the door.

Now I know it is still very early in the season as the LA Angels have played only 53 games thus far, but their hopes of contending for an AL West title were looking very slim. The Angels have battled injuries and inconsistency, but have still managed to be close to .500 at 26-27 and are 10 games behind the Astros at this point.

With Houston at 35-16 the Angels sit in a second place tie with Texas 10 games behind.  Winning the AL West is still far-fetched for the Angels, but if they can put together a hot streak they could make things interesting.

So what will it take for the Angels to climb into this race for the AL West.  I believe there are five keys which I will list that are imperative the Angels do to challenge the Astros and Rangers.

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