A Good Night for Anaheim

The Angels almost got rained out a couple times, but got the win against the White Sox, then the Ducks held off a 3rd period comeback to tie up their first round series against the Nashville Predators. For those unfamiliar with the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they play 4 rounds of best-of-7 series. Falling behind 2-0 wouldn't be the end of the world, but they would have to win at least one game in Nashville, where they struggle, so it would have been really tough.

At the end of the first rain delay last night, Macier Izturis hit a 2-run-double that proved to be an insurmountable 4-1 (eventually 4-3) lead. I still stand by my statement that if Macier Izturis hit 4th in the lineup (with the most chances for RISP), he'd have 100 RBI's every year. Dude is just clutch with RISP. If he can stay healthy all season, he will probably be our most consistent Run Producer.

The Angels are currently leading the White Sox 3-0 in the 4th Inning of another game this afternoon (that was also rain delayed), and the Ducks continue their first round playoff series against the Predators on Sunday in Nashville. The only thing that could make this weekend sweeter for the city of Anaheim? An announcement Monday that the Owners have voted to allow the Sacramento Kings to move to Honda Center and become the Anaheim Royals. More on that development as it happens!

Angels Finally Make Some Noise.

The Angels and Left-Handed Vet Hisanori Takahashi (most recently of the Mets) are close to inking a multiyear deal with the Japanese southpaw. Takahashi was 10-6 last year with the Mets, including an ERA of 3.61 and 8 saves (after former Angels Francisco Rodriguez hurt himself beating up his step-dad). In his time as a reliever, his ERA was considerably lower. He seems to finally be a solid replacement for Darren Oliver, whom the Angels missed dearly as he helped lead the Rangers to the World Series.

The Angels have also contacted agent Scott Boras regarding Free Agent Closer Rafael Soriano (of the Rays). It seems that in addition to going after big-time outfield bats in Carl Crawford and Jayson Werth, the Angels are very serious about solidifying their shaky bullpen. As any Angel fan can tell you, the two things that needed the most help last season were the Pen and outfield offense (even All-Star Torii Hunter had a down year in many categories).

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The second really big off-season acquisition was made today when the Chicago White Sox signed slugger Adam Dunn to a four-year deal worth $56 Million. Dunn, who has played his entire career to date in the National League, will probably see most of his time at DH, but if the Sox fail to resign All-Star Paul Konerko, Dunn could also be asked to fill in at first base.

Its a big deal for the White Sox offense, but the team still has a ways to go before they can compete (on paper at least) with the Tigers and Twins for the Central Division crown.