89-73

For the first time in franchise history, the Angels finished on the good side of .500 for three consecutive years. Unfortunately, for the first time in three years, the Angels won't be playing in the post-season. In a fitting end to a lost season, the Angels lost in extra innings due to an unearned run. They led the American League in unearned runs this season, and ultimately, that was their undoing. Their offense, while not good, was roughly as good as it was expected to be. Their pitching was better than average. But they were let down continuously by their defense, and that will stand as the reason the A's are preparing to meet the Twins, while the Angels are clearing out their lockers.

Tim Salmon finished his career in the on deck circle, the Angels unable to get one man on base in the bottom of the 10th to bring the Kingfish to the plate. C'est la vie. This game was kind of a microcosm of the season. Down early, then on top, then hanging around for a while, then kind of blowing it, then a furious rush to get back in it, before coming up short at the end due to their aforementioned defensive woes. Weird.

So where do they go from here? More on that later this week, but off the top of my head, I see a bit of a logjam at catcher, holes at third base and center field, with possible answers inside the organization depending on the winter. The pitching appears to be a strength, and the bullpen looks sound. They can contend again without a lot of movement, but I'd suggest not getting attached to anyone, because I've gotta think that a catcher, a pitcher, and one or more (probably more) of Kotchman, McPherson, Morales, Aybar, Izturis, Murphy, Willits, and Quinlan won't be here next year. This is going to be a tough off-season to handicap.