Ten Games to Go

With ten games left to play, and the magic number down to 3, the Angels are poised to clinch the west at home this weekend. Clinching so early should give the Angels plenty of time to line-up their starting rotation for the start of the division series. The top two starters are clear, but who will fill in the three and four positions still remains unclear. It is unquestionable that John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar are the Angels clear #1 and #2 starters, but who should throw behind them? Weaver has been throwing well and is a likely candidate for the #3 spot, but a battle ensues for the fourth starter position. Joe Saunders has been the most consistent of the candidates while Ervin Santana has shown signs of brilliance, but continues to be inconsistent. Bartolo Colon, the veteran contender for the fourth spot has been both inconsistent and injured much of the season. It seems unlikely Colon would even be considered for the 25-man playoff roster while Santana may remain available for long relief situations.

I really like what I have seen from Nathan Haynes, and he should unquestionably be granted a spot on the playoff roster. Even if he isn't needed for defense he would be a great player to have to come off the bench as a pinch runner just as Figgins did in the 2002 playoffs. He has tremendous speed and would be a great pinch runner for vlad, Anderson, or one of the catchers late in the game.

Leading into the final homestand of the regular season I hope the Angels are able to clinch at home giving the fans something to cheer about before the playoffs start. The mood around Anaheim Stadium has been pretty calm lately, as it feels like the games don't really mean too much. Win or lose, the lead is big enough that we are going to make the playoffs either way. It's time to get that fire back and start gearing up for the playoffs.