The Fans Are Prepared, the Stadium is Prepared, Are the Players?

Post date: Mar 24, 2013 6:12:02 AM

The Angels defeated the Milwaukee Brewers today 5-1 which is a nice recovery from the disaster that happened yesterday. The Angels had a 7-1 lead going into the third inning, they ultimately lost the game. Honestly, that is the least of my worries about this team.

I do realize that it is indeed spring training; and yes the games are meaningless. However, with 10 days left in the preseason as of yesterday, it is now less about who makes the opening day roster; and more about fine-tuning the starters. The pitching as a whole is horrendous. To say that C. J. Wilson was knocked around would be an understatement. He is projected to be the number two starter behind Weaver, with the number three, four, and five starters still in question; it is especially important that Weaver and Wilson do not falter.

It feels like a dose of déjà vu, the Angels' starting rotation and bullpen are not living up to the expectation. The starting rotation seems to be inept at holding leads that they're elite offensive squad provides.

I'm not going to harp too much about the starting rotation since I've already talked about my disappointment in the pitching staff this year; in previous entries. It goes without saying that the Angels need to find a solution to what they haven't been able to solve in recent years. Improve the pitching and this team will contend for a World Series.

There is a big difference between contending and competing, it is my belief that the Angels have been using these two terms as interchangeably the last few years. It isn't enough to compete, they must be able to contend. It doesn't seem to me that the Angels are anywhere near the ability to contend, at least not with the current configuration of the pitching staff. The trillion dollar question is, are the Angels' players truly prepared for the upcoming season? They have nine days to figure it out, I for one, sincerely hope so.

-ICE