The Angels are a team of destiny. Being an Angel fan for nine
years, and having watched this team play the entire season, how can
you not believe me?
This team just has so many storylines, and they will win the
World Series despite what my counterpart Jeff Eisenberg says.
The Angels will get contributions from all 25 players.
Francisco Rodriguez is the next Mariano Rivera. He comes into
games and is unhittable for at least two innings at a time, as was
shown in Game 2 of the World Series. With Rodriguez and
Angels’ closer Troy Percival, the game is realistically
shortened to six innings.
The rest of the bullpen has also been phenomenal. Ben Weber had
an ERA of 2.54, Brendan Donnelly, 2.17. Also, both players are
starting to make wearing goggles trendy.
David Eckstein, the “X-factor,” has given the Angels
a spark at the leadoff spot with an OBP of .363 and 63 RBIs. Plus,
he’s listed at 5 feet, 8 inches in the media guide, meaning
he’s really about 5 feet, 3 inches.
Darin Erstad is the best defensive centerfielder in the American
League and is the ultimate hustler. He has also been very clutch in
the playoffs, hitting .373, and his hit in the eighth inning on
Sunday allowed Tim Salmon to hit the game-winning home run.
Garret Anderson should be an MVP candidate as the best hitter on
the Angels. He has hit .347 in the postseason with nine RBIs after
hitting .306 with 123 RBIs in the regular season.
UCLA alumnus Troy Glaus has been on fire this postseason,
hitting six home runs, as many as Barry Bonds.
And, of course, the Molina brothers are the first brother
catching duo in World Series history. In fact, Bengie Molina
indirectly helped me see Game 1 of the World Series, the most
incredible experience of my life.
Apparently, one of my uncles is a friend of a friend of Bengie;
my uncle was able to get World Series tickets because he sold
Molina a house. Also, I was very fortunate that my aunt gave up her
ticket, giving me the opportunity to go.
Thank you, Aunt Isabel.
Edison Field was filled with red ““ a phenomenal
atmosphere. I was in awe the entire game.
Sitting with the Molinas, I learned that there is actually a
third Molina brother, Yadier. He is also a catcher but does not
play for the Angels. He plays for a minor league affiliate of the
St. Louis Cardinals.
How does my World Series experience relate to my argument that
the Angels will beat the Giants? Well, even though the Angels lost
Game 1, they were in the game the whole time. In the three games
the Angels have lost in the postseason, they have had a great
chance to win all of them. They are never out of a game, the sign
of a truly great team.
Plus, Edison Field is turning into a huge home-field advantage.
As was said by a Giant fan in attendance, the Thunderstix sound
like they are made out of titanium alloy.
I almost forgot the rally monkey factor. The Angels have come
from behind in six of their eight postseason wins, on top of 43
comeback wins during the season.
The Angels will win the World Series in six games. It is their
destiny.