LA Angels series vs. Oakland is very important for Halos

I know we are only in June still but this weekend series for the LA Angels against Oakland is a very important test for the Angels that will affect the rest of the season.

Some of you may be like Whoa! How does the LA Angels season depend heavily on one four-game series in June?  Let me tell you why.

For starters this series is a division series and more importantly a series against another team with wildcard aspirations.  The Angels are 15-10 in June and are starting to looking like a team that can actually be considered seriously when we talk about the wild-card race.

These last four games against the A’s to end the month will show how far the Angels have come, or if there is more work to do, or even if the Angels should just focus on the future.  This series could potentially determine if the Angels go into buying or selling mode at the trade deadline. Right now they are probably on the fence.

Now this series and the subsequent series in Texas and Houston combined will definitely answer some of these questions.  All three of these teams are ahead of the Angels in the standings as well as being divisional games.

With the expected activation of shortstop Andrelton Simmons as early as today or at least by the end of the weekend the Angels have their optimal starting line-up back together for the first time all season.  Not to mention the starting rotation is starting to take shape as well.

With Andrew Heaney, Tyler Skaggs, Griffin Canning, Felix Pena (with or without an opener), and then a wild-card spot in the rotation to either J.C. Ramirez or Trevor Cahill, or Jaime Barria, or even a combination of two of these options like last night.

More from Halo Hangout

• New York Post columnist has LA Angels bringing veteran starter back to LA
• Dodgers make wild mistake signing failed LA Angels starter
• Why LA Angels’ Qualifying Offer to Raisel Iglesias could become historical
• Both Gold Glove finalists for LA Angels getting snubbed is a complete joke
• Marcus Stroman definitely appears to be interested in the LA Angels

The bullpen has been thriving as well so the Angels have all the pieces in place, so now it is time to see what they can do with them.  This series against Oakland will be a test to see what a fully healthy Angel team can do and if it is worth sacrificing a few prospects to bolster it for a playoff run or try to stock the farm system a little more by trading away veterans with expiring contracts.

As they say this is the time for the Angels to put up or shut up for the 2019 season. There will be no more excuses (not that you hear any Ange players, manager, or front office saying this anyway), about when we get healthy.

This is your 2019 LA Angels right now for better or for worse.  I like this group that Billy Eppler and his staff have assembled and when Ramirez and Keynan Middleton are ready to come back into the mix it only make them stronger.

I think what the Angels have right now, Simba included, can do some great things. Of course the current roster needs to stay healthy, but if they can do so I would not be surprised to see the Angels in the playoffs come October.  Believe in the power of this Angels team!!!