At The One-Third Mark...

I predicted that this team would go 16-11 over the past 27 games and I was so close. They went 17-10.

Record: 33-21 Pace: 99-63

The Good

Napoli (OPS+ 112) and Kotchman (138) getting hot and helping to carry this offense. Guerrero continues to shine as well as Cabrera (124) and GMJ (117).

Lackey and Escobar are showing that the Angels have two number one starters. Weaver is struggling but I have no doubt that he will be a 100-110 ERA+ guy by years end. Shields and K-Rod continue to give the Halos the edge in the eighth and ninth innings.

The Bad

Figgins (16, yes that's right), Aybar (57) and Shea (57) continue to suck away precious at-bats.

Santana has continued his Jekyll and Hyde act. Colon (ERA+ 78) has suddenly become terrible. Carrasco (72) and Oliver (53) show that they should only be pitching in blowout situations.

What Could Go Wrong

As always, the answer is Vlad gets hurt.

What Could Go Right

Napoli and Kotchman resurgences continue while Figgins and Aybar hit better. Shea gets DFA'd and Santana stops drinking that awful potion while on the road.

And, of course, Speier comes back.

What Will Happen

The Angels will continue to play well and go 15-12 over the next 27 games.

One-Sixth of the Way Through...

The Angels have played well but so much has happened in just the first 27 games. The Angels have had both a hot streak and a cold streak. They've looked like a cellar dwelling team (on the road trip from hell) and a dominant team (first week of the season and against Seattle). They had a big scare when Vlad was plunked and visions of anemic offense danced in my head.

So without further ado.....a review.

Record: 16-11 on pace for a 96-66 season.

The Good

Starting pitching, a solid 3.41 ERA (second in the AL). Lackey (4-2, 2.19, 8.51 K/9) has looked like the ace we all knew he was. Colon (3-0, 3.79, 8.05 K/9)has come back and given us more than we could have hoped for. Escobar has been solid with Saunders and Moseley filling in admirably for the injured Weaver and Colon.

Vlad (1.194 OPS) has been the man. Mathews (.832 OPS) has played like his deserves the money (well, almost). Kendrick (.855 OPS) was hitting before being injured and will be coming back soon.

The Bad

Relief pitching, a pedestrian 4.26 ERA (1oth in the AL). Outside of K-Rod and Speier this pen has been awful. Hopefully Shields will come around but I think Carrasco and Oliver are hopeless.

Napoli (.603 OPS) has struggled mightily. GA has been ice cold with runners in scoring position.

What Could Go Wrong

Vlad gets hurt. It's number 1, 2 and 3 on the list of things Angels fans want to see least.

What Could Go Right

Scot Shields finds his form and the Angels have a dominating back of the bullpen. Napoli finds his bat and Figgins comes back strong.

What will happen

The Angels will match their first 27 games win for win and go another 16-11.