Two weeks later

Well, it was two weeks ago tomorrow that I essentially gave up on the season, and in the interim, the Angels have done absolutely nothing to make me believe that my decision was hasty. They still can't score runs, with the notable exceptions of two consecutive 12 run games. In eleven games since that day, they've gone 4-7, which is actually a game or two better than I would have suspected. They sit at 16-22, kept in the race only by the complete mediocrity of the rest of the teams in their division. However, the fact that they're four games out is small consolation for being in last place. Yes, that means they're behind the Mariners. This is a bad team, and anyone expecting them to suddenly become not so bad, well, thanks for keeping the faith.

Of course, I'm not so sure how fair it is to complain, or at least to blame the powers that be. For the most part, they've done exactly what I wanted them to do in the off-season. Sure, there are a few differences, but they're mostly cosmetic. I wanted them to re-sign Byrd before he got too expensive, and I was completely on board with the Weaver deal to replace him. No complaints about the pen, although I wouldn't have spent the money on Pipo. Basically every position is being manned by the guys I wanted in there. Where this isn't the case, mostly first base and catcher, it's because the guys I wanted in there haven't produced. Granted, I was very vocal about offering arbitration to Bengie, and I was very disappointed when they didn't, but Bengie's not the difference between what we've got and what we expected to have.

For the Angels to be successful this year, a lot of things had to go right, and right now, almost everything is going wrong. The bullpen is still strong, but when you don't hand over many leads, there's not much they can do. The starters have been erratic at best, although Escobar has been as advertised. I can't imagine the mental strain those guys are under. They have to take the mound knowing that if they aren't perfect, they're probably not going to win. Kelvim went through that in 2004, so he's probably used to it, but it's taking a toll on the rest of them. Bart should be back soon, but I don't think that's the cure for what ails this team. They need to start hitting. But dealing for a bat is the wrong way to go, in my opinion. This season is going where it's going. Let's ride it out, hope for some progress, and see what happens.

In the meantime, my fantasy team is currently 33-3, so things ain't all bad.