Los Angeles Angels: 2014 American League Division Series Breakdown
By Ryan W Krol
Aug 29, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels starter Jered Weaver (36) delivers a pitch against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Angels are back! After a four year break, the 2014 American League Division Series will feature the Halos against the upstart Kansas City Royals! Here is a quick breakdown of the ALDS that started last night with a Royals victory in extra innings.
2014 American League Division Series Matchups
Starting Rotations
Angels: RHP Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson, Matt Shoemaker
Royals: Jason Vargas, Yordano Ventura, James Shields, Jeremy Guthrie
There’s one thing that gives the Halos the edge here: Weaver goes twice due to Manager Mike Scioscia’s decision to go with a 3-man rotation in the ALDS. That’s a move I think could turn out to be brilliant.
Advantage: Angels
Bullpens
Angels: RHP Huston Street, RHP Joe Smith, RHP Jason Grilli, RHP Kevin Jepsen, RHP Vinnie Pestano, RHP Cory Rasmus, RHP Fernando Salas, LHP Hector Santiago
Royals: RHP Greg Holland, RHP Wade Davis, RHP Kelvin Herrera, RHP Jason Frasor, LHP Tim Collins, LHP Danny Duffy
This is a tough call because both bullpens are tough. However, the Royals’ pen was good all season long, while the Halos’ relievers were inconsistent until late June when the front office began making several moves to fortify the back end. The result: a weakness became a strength. If the Halos hitters don’t get to to the Royals early, this will be a battle of the bullpens.
Advantage: Royals
Starting Lineups
Angels: RF Kole Calhoun, CF Mike Trout, 1B Albert Pujols, 2B Howie Kendrick, 3B David Freese, SS Erick Aybar, LF Josh Hamilton, DH C.J. Cron, C Chris Iannetta
Royals: SS Alcides Escobar, RF Nori Aoki, CF Lorenzo Cain, 1B Eric Hosmer, DH Billy Butler, LF Alex Gordon, C Salvador Perez, 2B Omar Infante, 3B Mike Moustakas
The Angels are deep in this area. The Royals aren’t. The Angels have power. The Royals don’t. The Angels mix walks and hits very well. The Royals don’t. The only thing the Royals really do better offensively is they steal a lot more bases. But the Angels have plenty of speed of their own, and will steal if necessary. Even if one area favors the Royals, the Angels have a bag of their own tricks to counter it.
Advantage: Angels
Benches
Angels: C Hank Conger, UT Gordon Beckham, UT Efren Navarro, OF Collin Cowgill
Royals: C Erik Kratz, UT Christian Colon, UT Terrance Gore, OF Jarrod Dyson, OF/DH Josh Willingham
The depth in this area swings the Royals’ way only because the Angels decided to go with 12 pitchers. But both teams have reliable role players. It’s just that the Angels tend to maximize value from their role players more, and that’s a testament to coaching. Not that the Royals’ bench is bad. It’s not. The Angels just know how to get the most out of their bench.
Advantage: Angels
Position-by-Position Comparison
Angels vs. Royals
C Chris Iannetta vs. Salvador Perez
Advantage: Perez
1B: Albert Pujols vs. Eric Hosmer
Advantage: Pujols
2B: Howie Kendrick vs. Omar Infante
Advantage: Kendrick
3B: David Freese vs. Mike Moustakas
Advantage: Freese
SS: Erick Aybar vs. Alcides Escobar
Advantage: Aybar
LF: Josh Hamilton vs. Alex Gordon
Advantage: Gordon
CF: Mike Trout vs. Lorenzo Cain
Advantage: Come on! It’s not even fair!
RF: Kole Calhoun vs. Nori Aoki
Advantage: Calhoun
DH: CJ Cron vs. Billy Butler
Advantage: Butler
Overall, the Angels have superior bats and gloves. It’s almost a no-brainer which player/s one would pick for their fantasy teams.
Advantage: Angels
And The Winner Will Be…
The Royals may be riding an emotional wave, especially after last night’s Game 1 win, and they might be a pesky team, but the Angels will likely overpower them, even if the Royals display their prowess in their bullpen. There is just too much talent and overall execution thereof by the Angels. If that doesn’t happen, it will likely be accredited to the Royals’ bullpen. Get to their starters early is probably the key strategy. Same goes for the Royals against the Angels. This is probably going to be a great series, and could go a full five.
Advantage: Angels!