Chronicles of a Diehard and Faithful Angels’ Fanatic

Post date: Jun 10, 2011 1:27:32 AM

When one has a favorite team, and becomes a diehard fan, one signs a contract of sorts. One promises to be a fan regardless of the ups and downs a team may go through. In exchange, the team gives a fan a connection to wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.

It seems that fans are losing faith in the Halos, and I can understand why as of today they are 5 1/2 games behind division leading Texas Rangers and the offense is struggling; however, let me put everything into a analytical perspective. Let me first address the Texas Rangers, have no doubt that the Rangers are where they deserved to be in credit needs to be given where it is due. The Rangers are a spectacular team.

In my previous entries I pointed out the Halos’ shortcomings this season, in this entry I want to put everything into a more palatable perspective. The Angels so far have been involved in eight extra inning games including the loss to the Tampa Bay Rays last night. Yesterday was also their 15th game in which there has been a one run differential between the participating teams, most of which the Angels have come out on the losing end.. What does that say about the Angels? If the Angels were able to come out on the other side of the situation; and things would have gone a little differently I would be discussing a much different story right now. Although the team has glaring problems, they are on the cusp of greatness.

For those of you that read my blog last season, most of you know my feelings towards Brian Fuentes. In the alternative I suggested that Fernando Rodney become the Angels’ closer. I’m glad to say that the Angels made the right decision in getting rid of Brian Fuentes, should the same be done with Fernando Rodney? I would argue no, for the simple reason that when the Angels severed their ties with Brian Fuentes, Fernando Rodney was there to take his place. The problem then becomes if Rodney is indeed released then who would take his place in the bullpen? I think Rodney struggles is more endemic of the Angels’ overall situation rather than his personal struggles. When Fuentes was let go the Angels were a much different team, I don’t think the same can be said if they decide to release Rodney.

I strongly believe are still feeling the effects of losing Kendrys Morales last year, he was supposed to be a potent power hitter Morales was supposed to help the Angels this season. However, due to complications with his ankle that was not to be. Now the Angels are expecting him by spring training of 2012. Not the news the Angels are looking forward to. It seems like his teammates have not been able to get the freakishness of his injury out of their heads, that’s one of the many reasons why the team is performing the way it is up to this point in the season.

Many fans believe this is the reason why the Angels are a third placed team, however I’m taking a vastly different approach yes, I concede that their way the Texas Rangers are playing right now, it will be extraordinary difficult yet not impossible to overtake the Rangers by the end of the season. I remind everyone that last night was only game number 64 of an 162 game season. The Angels’ chances are not over by any stretch of the imagination. However they will need to find a way to get out of this psychological funk that they are in. As a diehard faithful fan, I have to believe that things will turn around for them. It is often said that baseball is a game of inches, the same thing can be said for the psychology of baseball, the Angels are not getting blown out by any means they just have to correct the mistakes; and swing the pendulum in their favor so as they continue to add to their extra inning games and one run differential statistics the Angels are the ones that must come out on top.

Perhaps with the Angels need is to actually get away from Angel Stadium, this upcoming road trip involves inter-league play. The Angels the Angels have done well in inter-league play and maybe this is exactly what they need to get back to their winning ways.

-ICE