AL Division Series: Breaking down Angels vs. Royals
A look at the best-of-five American League Division Series between the Los Angeles Angels and Kansas City Royals:
- Game 1: Royals 3, Angels 2, 11 innings
- Game 2: Royals 4, Angels 1, 11 innings
- Game 3: Royals 8, Angels 3 (Royals win series 3-0)
In the Angels' favor: They have the most prolific offense in the majors, anchored by likely AL MVP Mike Trout and a rejuvenated Albert Pujols. Josh Hamilton will also return to the lineup Thursday after missing most of September with injuries. The Angels had time to rest and set their rotation, which is welcoming back 16-game winner Matt Shoemaker. The Los Angeles bullpen thrived after the acquisition of closer Huston Street and setup man Jason Grilli.
In the Royals' favor: Speed never slumps. While power hitters are often silenced by superior pitching in the postseason, fast runners can have an impact by merely getting on base. The Royals led the majors in stolen bases and bedeviled Oakland with seven steals in the wild-card game. They put tremendous pressure on the pitcher and the fielders. Kansas City has a nearly impenetrable late-innings bullpen, which – like the rest of the staff – benefits from the club's excellent fielding.
Watch this guy: Alcides Escobar. The Royals' offense improved by nearly half a run a game after Escobar was moved to the leadoff spot on Sept. 13. He batted .375 in his last 14 games and is one of three Kansas City players who stole at least 25 bases. Escobar is also an outstanding defensive shortstop.
In the end: The Angels have too many weapons for the Royals, whose storybook run figures to end. Having to rely on the struggling Vargas against the Angels' loaded lineup is a major handicap. A Mike Scioscia-managed club is not likely to allow the sort of baserunning liberties the Royals took against the A's. And as Albert Pujols said, "They have to get on base first.'' Angels in four.