Angels Fan's Series Preview: Angels @ Red Sox (April 13-16, 2007)

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by user Angels Fan


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The Los Angeles Angels head from Milwaukee to Boston tonight as they open a 4 games series against the Red Sox. The Angels are coming off 4-2 loss to the Indians where they also lost the series 2-1. Boston hangs out at home, but looks to make the rain clouds go away. They had their last game postponed after splitting the first 2 against Seattle. Last year, these two teams split 6 games, each taking 2 out of 3 on the road, so this should be a highly contested series.

Games

Game	Angels Starter	2007 Data	2006 Data	Red Sox Starter	2007 Data	2006 Data
1 (4/13/07)	John Lackey	2-0, 0.75 ERA	13-11, 3.56 ERA	Tim Wakefield	0-1, 1.50 ERA	7-11, 4.63 ERA
2 (4/14/07)	Hector Carrasco	0-0 1.80 ERA	7-3 3.41 ERA	Curt Schilling	1-1 4.91 ERA	15-7, 3.97 ERA
3 (4/15/07)	Ervin Santana	1-1, 4.49 ERA	16-8, 4.28 ERA	Josh Beckett	2-0, 1.50 ERA	16-11, 5.01 ERA
4 (4/16/07)	Jered Weaver	0-0, 0.00 ERA	11-2, 2.56 ERA	Julian Tavarez	0-1, 9.00 ERA	5-4, 4.47 ERA

What each team needs to do

The name of the game for the Angels is pitching. Through 10 games this season, the Angels rank 1st in the American League in ERA at 2.66 and 2nd in strikeouts with 70 Ks. Look for a strong first game from Lackey to get things started for the Angels in this series. He looks to continue his success from last year when he was 1-0 against the Sox. The loss of Escobar for game 2 could prove troublesome as spot starter Hector Carrasco gets to face Schilling. Last year, Carrasco put up a 0-2 record as a starter, giving up 9 earned runs in 14 IP, maybe he can do better this year. Ervin Santana has been inconsistent in his 2 games this year, getting knocked out of his last outing in the 5th after giving up 6 runs. Look for him to try to redeem himself on the road as he tries to overcome his record from last year when he was 10-2 at home but 6-6 on the road. In the final matchup, the Angels send Jered Weaver to the mound for the first time this season. Coming off a bout of biceps tendinitis, Weaver hopes to prove his rookie success (11-2, 2.56) was not a fluke. If the Angels can get a solid 6 innings out of their starters, they hand the ball over to one of the best bullpens in baseball. Through 10 games, the Angels' bullpen leads the AL with a 2.17 ERA and is 2nd with 5 saves. The trio of Justin Speier, Scot Shields, and Francisco Rodriguez have posted an ERA of 2.75 with 21k and a .915 WHIP over 19 2/3 innings.

As for the Angels' offense, it centers around Vladimir Guerrero. Vlad has put up good numbers thus far, batting .405 with a .703 slugging percentage. His 3 home runs tie him for 3rd in the AL, and at least so far this season, he has had people hitting around him. As a team, the Angels are batting .284 - 3rd in the AL, but even though they have gotten lots of hits, they only have 33 RBIs.

Boston's pitching this year has been highlighted by Daisuke Matsuzaka, but thanks to the rainout on Thursday, the Angels will not face him this series. While Matsuzaka may be the headlining story for Boston, the rest of their starters are quite worthy as well. Saturday's starter, Curt Schilling is 4-1 against the Angels with a 3.44 ERA. He's going against Carrasco for the Angels, so look for him to keep the pressure on with a good outing. Friday's starter, Tim Wakefield looks to turn around the bad luck from his first start. His 2-0 loss highlights the lack of run support the Sox provide him (only 6 runs in his 11 losses last season). If the offense can put something up on the board, he's shown he can keep opponents off the bases with a .136 OBA. Josh Beckett, thus far, has proven to be the Sox' most successful pitcher putting up a 2-0 record with a 1.50 ERA. His 9.8 k/9 actually ranks higher than Matsuzaka (9.0 k/9). If he can keep up his traditional April success (3-1 2006, 4-1 2005) he could secure this series for the Sox. Finally, pitching the closing game for the Sox is Julian Tavarez who struggled in his first outing against Texas, giving up 4 runs in 4 innings. Look for him to push to turn things around. The bullpen of the Red Sox has struggled lately, but Papelbon has risen above these troubles. He has 2 saves and has yet to give up his first run of 2007. With strong outing be their starters, the Red Sox can hold teams long enough for their powerful offense to take over the game.

On the offensive side of things, the Sox are driven by Big Papi and Manny Ramirez, but they have both been struggling at the plate. Their combined .211 batting average and 2 home runs are well off expectations. Look for them to start playing like themselves over the next few games and they can cause lots of trouble for Angel pitching. Currently, J.D. Drew leads the team and is 4th in the AL with a .393 batting average.

Key Personnel

Red Sox

David Ortiz - The Red Sox really need to start seeing the production they expect from Big Papi. He only has 4 RBI on the season and his .207 batting average is bringing the whole middle of the order down. If he can turn in around, the Red Sox offense can take any team.

Josh Beckett - His early season success is typical, but if he can keep things together through 162 games, he can be the force that pushes Boston to the AL East Championship. The big question is whether his success has been based on his regained ability to keep the ball in the park, or because he's been pitching against sub par offenses (Kansas City and Seattle).

Angels

Jered Weaver - The Angels are counting on Jered Weaver to come back at full strength. They are looking for him to dominate as he did last year when he went 11-2. If they can get a strong outing from him in his start on Monday, they can breathe a sign of relief. While they have depth in their pitching core, they really need Weaver to come through again.

Garret Anderson - Garret has been showing signs that he may be getting over the malaise that has slowed him down for the past few seasons. He is hitting .286 with a HR and 2 RBI, but is moving runners over and hitting in the clutch. If he can get back to his 2003 number, the Angels will have a powerful 1-2 punch with him and Vlady.

Injuries

Red Sox

Matt Clement - Recovery from right shoulder surgery - on DL effective 3/23 - est. return August
Jon Lester - Recovery from Cancer treatment - on DL effective 3/23 - est return 5/1
Adam Bernero - Right elbow surgery - out for season

Angels

Kelvim Escobar - Right shoulder irritation - on DL effective 4/9 - est. return 4/24
Bartolo Colon - Strained muscle - on DL effective 3/23 - est. return 4/20
Chone Figgins - 2 broken fingers - on DL effective 3/23 - est. return 5/1
Dallas McPherson - Back surgery - on DL effective 3/23 - est. return September
Juan Rivera - Broken leg - on DL effective 3/23 - est. return All Star Break
Shea Hillenbrand - Groin - day-to-day