3 people working hardest to ruin LA Angels' playoff chances

No. 1 person working hardest to ruin LA Angels' playoff chances: Justin Verlander

Of course, Justin Verlander is praying on the LA Angels' downfall this upcoming season. The Halos were interested in him from the start, and he ended up re-signing with the division rival Astros. Can you imagine how big of a swing in the right direction the Angels would be seeing in their chances of winning the AL West if they acquired Verlander?

If they had signed Verlander, their chances of winning the division would have gone way up, and the Astros' chances would have shot way down. Instead, we're looking at the Astros continuing to be the division favorites in a year where they were expected to be on the downswing. The Halos' rotation is now in jeopardy, which was the worst case scenario to happen this offseason.

Again, however, I don't mean to be too harsh. There still is time if this lockout could finally end. When it does end, however, the Halos have zero choice other than to be aggressive.

Acquiring Noah Syndergaard and Aaron Loup was great, but they have lots more work to do if they want October baseball.