LA Angels was expected to dominate the division alongside Texas, but after more than half of the regular season has passed, the Californians are struggling to make the playoffs. They sit in the fourth place, behind Seattle and unless something changed genetically overnight it would probably watch the postseason on TV. Cincinnati was in a very similar situation one and a half months ago but the Reds somehow found the strength to rebound in a match against Texas. To refresh your memory head on to http://www.sportsearch.info/everything-is-on-the-line-for-cincinnati/ and see how their resurgence began.
Now it is time that the Angels do something similar and luckily for them, they don’t have to worry about facing a top opponent, but the ailing Blue Jackets. Toronto has all but forsaken its dreams of making the postseason and sits in the last place in the Eastern division, with just 50 victories. They are one of the worst traveling teams in the American League and don’t have any reasons to be optimistic ahead of this game, except for the fact that LA Angels lost six games in a row.
They will give the ball to Josh Johnson who lost seven decisions out of eight this season and has posted an ERA of 6.08 overall. July has been even worse, with the starting pitcher conceding an average of eight runs per game and his teammates could do nothing for him despite providing plenty of runs of support. This is the first time that Johnson faces the Angels and his away from home record reads 0-4, so everything seems to be against him and the Blue Jackets.
Los Angeles needs to capitalize on this rare opportunity of ending the losing streak by winning the opening game of the series against Toronto. Garrett Richards is anything but an ace and although he posted better numbers than his counterpart, he is less experienced as a starting pitcher. He spent most of the time in the bullpen and it is uncertain how long he can last in an intense game, but if recent results are any indication, he could well make it past the fourth inning.
This is truly a do or die situation for LA Angels but even if they sweep Toronto and overtake Seattle in the Western division, their chances to make the playoffs are slim. Frustration is growing in their quarters because after investing hundreds of millions in proven players in an attempt of strengthening both the pitching squad and the offensive, results are mediocre at best. Bookmakers offer decent odds for a home victory, with the average revolving around value of 1.90 which is acceptable but not terrific.
