The LA Angels Could Make Some Noise in the Playoffs

Jun 28, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons (2) celebrates hitting a two-run homer in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Los Angeles Angels right fielder Kole Calhoun (56) also scored on the home run. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 28, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons (2) celebrates hitting a two-run homer in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Los Angeles Angels right fielder Kole Calhoun (56) also scored on the home run. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

The LA Angels are in no way the best team in baseball. There are teams with more talent. There are teams with better records. However, the Angels have found a way to stay above .500. And in the playoffs, that is all that matters.

The LA Angels currently sit at 42-41. They are one game behind the Minnesota Twins in the Wild Card Race, tied with the Tampa Bay Rays. They came off a great road trip. While they only went 6-4 on the trip, they earned series wins against the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, both amongst the best in the American League.

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They also tied in a series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who came into the series as the hottest team in baseball. Riding a ten game win streak and a streak of 17 games with a home run, the Dodgers were shutout by Ricky Nolasco and Co. in Game 1. While the Dodgers returned the favor the next game, the Angels won Game 3 on a walkoff, drop third strike, overthrow to first.

The Angels first have to make the playoffs. A .500 record wont likely get them there. However, looking at their upcoming schedule, they could gain a lot of ground prior to the All Star Game. They have a weekend series with the Seattle Mariners. They sit two games under .500, and have been an overall disappointing team this season. They’ll then take on the Twins, who currently hold the second Wild Card spot. A series win there could make all the difference as the Angels will be in the driver’s seat. They’ll finish the first half of the season against the Texas Rangers, who the Halos are 4-5 against on the year.

The Angels have been exceptional as of late, and they will only get stronger as the likes of Mike Trout, Tyler Skaggs, and Garrett Richards are all slated to return for a playoff push.

Next: The LA Angels Still Believe in Ricky Nolasco

The Halos weren’t the best team in 2002, but they were the champions. In the long run, that is all that matters.