Series Preview: Rangers vs. Angels

When the Rangers and Angels last squared off in Arlington, Texas had a 1.5 game lead in the AL West heading into the series. After a three-game sweep, the Rangers expanded their lead to 4.5 games. Josh Hamilton was healthy and Vlad Guerrero was not. The offense was hitting. That seems like so long ago.

Now, the Angels take a 1.5 game lead into a three-game set at the Ballpark. Josh Hamilton isn’t healthy and Vlad Guerrero, however ineffective, is at least back in the lineup for Los Angeles. The offense was one-hit on Sunday by Chad Gaudin, who entered the game with a 5.60 ERA. And despite the fact that it’s not even July, it might be time for a statement series

The Angels have built their lead in the division by going 12-3 against the NL West since June 12. The Rangers, even while managing to avoid a series against the red hot Colorado Rockies, went only 4-8 against the NL West. The schedule gets tougher for the Angels in the coming weeks, but with John Lackey slowly returning to form and Ervin Santana ready to return again, LA should get stronger as well, especially if they make a move before the trade deadline.

Josh Hamilton begins his rehab assignment tonight in Frisco, and could be ready for a patriotic return on Saturday. But the Rangers are hoping the fireworks will reappear in Arlington before then.