The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Hot Streak

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim started the season slow, having a record of 15-21 after a 5-0 loss to Oakland on May 14th. Since then, they have gone 25-12 and gone from last place in the division to 2nd place. Everyone has been producing much better since then. There have been many factors in the turn around. Here are some of the reasons.

Mark Trumbo and Mike Trout
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Mark Trumbo was the starting 1st Baseman for the 2011 Angels. But when he came into the season, 1B was filled and so was DH. They needed to find a new spot for him. They tried 3B but the corner outfield spots were a better fit for Trumbo. But it's not just him playing very well in the outfield (1 error in 44 games), but it's his stellar hitting that's making him an MVP candidate. Trumbo's .316 puts him 6th in average in the AL, his 17 homers ties him for 8th in the AL, he is 3rd in the AL in SLG (.612) and OPS (.980), his 36 XBH places him in 8th in the AL, and he is 5th in the AL in Isolated Power with .295. He is really doing well.






Mike Trout was called up to the majors on April 27th. He played parts of the year with LA and in the minors. He had high expectations, being a top prospect for the last few years and being a possible 5-tool player. He has met expectations and beat them for his 1st season spent mostly in the majors. He a leader in the AL in many categories, including in 1st in batting average with .338, 1st in steals with 21, 3rd in OBP with .399, 8th in OPS with .931, and 3rd in Runs Created per 27 Outs with 8.71. His defense is just as good as his hitting and his speed. He has played mostly Left and Centerfield, but is now the starting CF. His range factor in CF is 2.63 and has a .988 fielding percentage.

Scott Downs
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Scott Downs has been a great set-up man for the Halos this year. He currently has 13 holds, 6 saves, and 1 win in a team-high 28 games. He only has given up 1 earned-run for a 0.36 ERA and also has a 1.36 WHIP. Ernesto Frieri came over in a trade from San Diego and has become the closer. In 22 games, he has 9 saves, 0 blown saves, 5 holds,only 4 hits, and averages 15.55 K's per 9 innings. Many other relievers have pitched and gotten multiple holds, including Jordan Walden (5), LaTroy Hawkins (3), Jason Isringhausen (3), Hisanori Takahashi (3), David Carpenter (2), and Kevin Jepson (2). 




The Angels have really had a great turn around since the middle of May. The combination of Trout and Trumbo have surprised many by performing better then Pujols, Kendyrs Morales, and Torii Hunter. The bullpen has done well since the turning point in May. I expect this team to continue improving and do well for the rest of the year. However, if they get into another slump, they are going to be in trouble.