Angels Playing Heavenly Baseball

The Boston Red Sox, the Chicago Cubs, and even the Tampa Bay Rays have all taken their turn atop the Major League Baseball standings in 2008, but they're not in that top spot anymore.  The Los Angeles Angels are the new king of the hill, boasting an impressive 60-38 record and a virtually insurmountable 9.5-game lead over the Oakland Athletics in the American League West.  

Often overlooked on the West Coast, the Angels have become a perennial powerhouse, winning the World Series in 2002 and making the playoffs in three of the past four seasons.  The Angels aren't exactly a flashy team.  They don't have many superstars or big homerun hitters.  Instead, they grind out wins with solid pitching, sound defense, and aggressive base running.  

Vladimir Guerrero isn't the force he once was, but he still leads the offensive assault, with a team-high 17 homeruns and 53 RBI.  Only two other Angels have as many as 10 homers, with centerfielder Torii Hunter checking in with 13 and catcher Mike Napoli owning 12.  Second baseman Howie Kendrick leads the team with a respectable but hardly overwhelming .316 batting average.   

Joe Saunders (12-5), Ervin Santana (11-3), Jon Garland (8-6), Jered Weaver (8-8), and John Lackey (7-2) aren't exactly overpowering, but they make up the best starting rotation in baseball.  And once the Angels get a lead, closer Francisco Rodriguez always nails it down, leading the league with 40 saves.  

While they may not be an exciting team, the Angels know how to win.  They'll be a tough match for anyone come playoff time.