Falling Angels?

The Angels overtook the Rangers around the All Star break for the division... and since then they had a run where they won 12 of 13, another 5 game winning streak, and in mid August a run where they won 9 of 11.

They built up a 6 1/2 game lead in late August.

Party is over.

Division is theirs.

The Angels were clearly going to win their fifth division title since Arte Moreno took over the team in 2003.

Not - So - Fast!

Have you noticed since August 22, the lead has gone from 6 1/2 games to 4 games?

Have you noticed teams like the Blue Jays and the A's have been giving them fits?

Did you know that they go on a stretch in mid September where they play the Yankees 4 times, the Red Sox 3 times and the Rangers 3 times... then after an Oakland series another 3 games with the Rangers?

Did you know the Rangers are done facing the Red Sox and Yankees?

Did you know the Rangers' September is filled with games against the Blue Jays, the Orioles, the Indians and the A's? Yes they play the Rays and the Mariners, both teams with winning records but the Rangers schedule is MUCH more forgiving!

What I am saying is, the Angels, whose starting pitching isn't bringing back memories of the Braves of the 1990s, might find themselves getting pounded.

And as they play Boston and New York, the Rangers will be playing the A's.

It is not unreasonable that the Angels could drop a few games in the standings before their head to head matches.

Don't just be thinking about the Wild Card, Texas... some Angels wings might be clipped.