2008 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim season
Encyclopedia
The 2008 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim season was the 48th season for the franchise. The regular season ended with the Angels winning their seventh American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...

 West
American League West
The American League West is one of three divisions in Major League Baseball's American League. The division currently has four teams, but it has had as many as seven teams before the 1994 realignment. Although its teams currently only reside along the west coast and in Texas, historically the...

 division title and setting a franchise record for single-season wins. In the postseason, they were once again defeated by the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...

 in the American League Division Series
2008 American League Division Series
-Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago White Sox:-Game 1, October 1:Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CaliforniaIn a re-match of last year's ALDS, starters Jon Lester and John Lackey were sharp early on, each tossing a couple of scoreless innings. The Angels finally got on the board in the third, when...

, the same team that defeated them in the 2004
2004 American League Division Series
-Anaheim Angels vs. Boston Red Sox:-Game 1, October 5:Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkPitching dominated in Game 1 as Mike Mussina faced Johan Santana. The Twins got on the board first when Shannon Stewart singled home Michael Cuddyer. Then in the sixth, Jacque Jones hit a solo home run to make...

 and 2007
2007 American League Division Series
-Cleveland Indians vs. New York Yankees:-Game 1, October 3:Fenway Park in Boston, MassachusettsIn Game 1, Boston starter Josh Beckett threw a complete-game shut out, allowing the Red Sox to win the opener...

 ALDS
American League Division Series
In Major League Baseball, the American League Division Series determines which two teams from the American League will advance to the American League Championship Series...

, as well as the 1986 ALCS
1986 American League Championship Series
The 1986 American League Championship Series was a back-and-forth battle between the Boston Red Sox and the California Angels for the right to advance to the 1986 World Series to face the winner of the 1986 National League Championship Series...

.

General manager
General manager (baseball)
In Major League Baseball, the general manager of a team typically controls player transactions and bears the primary responsibility on behalf of the ballclub during contract discussions with players....

 Bill Stoneman
Bill Stoneman
William Hambly Stoneman III is a consultant for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of Major League Baseball. From 1999 to October 15, 2007, he served as the general manager of the Angels...

 retired at the end of the season and was replaced by relative newcomer Tony Reagins
Tony Reagins
Tony Demetrius Reagins was an executive in Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Reagins had previously served as general manager of the Angels from 2007 until his 2011 resignation...

. Reagins quickly made two headline roster moves, trading shortstop
Shortstop
Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the...

 Orlando Cabrera
Orlando Cabrera
Orlando Luis Cabrera, nicknamed "O-Cab" and "The OC", is a Colombian-American baseball infielder.He won a World Series championship in 2004 with the Boston Red Sox. He has played for the Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, Minnesota Twins,...

 to the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...

 for starting pitcher
Starting pitcher
In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher is the pitcher who delivers the first pitch to the first batter of a game. A pitcher who enters the game after the first pitch of the game is a relief pitcher....

 Jon Garland
Jon Garland
Jon Steven Garland is a right-handed starting pitcher, who is currently a free agent.-High school career:At John F...

, and signing free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....

 outfielder
Outfielder
Outfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...

 Torii Hunter
Torii Hunter
Torii Kedar Hunter is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.Hunter has taken away many home runs throughout his 13-year major league career by "climbing the fence" in the outfield. He has won nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards as an outfielder.Hunter resides...

. Partway through the season the Angels traded first baseman
First baseman
First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team...

 Casey Kotchman
Casey Kotchman
Casey John Kotchman is an American Major League Baseball first baseman.-High school:He was on the 2001 national champion team of Seminole High School in Seminole, Florida.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...

 to the Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....

 for Mark Teixeira
Mark Teixeira
Mark Charles Teixeira , nicknamed "Tex" is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Mostly a first baseman, he has also played third base and in the outfield...

.

On September 10, the Angels clinched the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...

 West
American League West
The American League West is one of three divisions in Major League Baseball's American League. The division currently has four teams, but it has had as many as seven teams before the 1994 realignment. Although its teams currently only reside along the west coast and in Texas, historically the...

 division title, their seventh in franchise history, and became the earliest team to clinch the division in its history. Three days later, closing pitcher Francisco Rodriguez broke the single-season save record with his 58th save.

Roster

2008 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Roster
Pitchers Catchers
Infielders
Outfielders Manager
Coaches (pitching) (third base) (bullpen)

April

  • @ Minnesota Twins
    Minnesota Twins
    The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...

     - LAA won the series 3-1
    . The Angels won the their first series of the season, mainly with excellent pitching. This was despite injuries to starters John Lackey
    John Lackey
    John Derran Lackey is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. Lackey was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in 1999 and helped the franchise win its first World Series title in 2002, which was his first season in the major leagues...

     and Kelvim Escobar
    Kelvim Escobar
    Kelvim Jose Escobar Bolivar is a Major League Baseball pitcher, who is currently a free agent. He bats and throws right-handed...

     and relievers Scot Shields
    Scot Shields
    Robert Scot Shields is a former American Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He played his entire baseball career with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, serving as their setup man since...

     and Chris Bootcheck
    Chris Bootcheck
    Christopher Brandon Bootcheck is an American professional baseball pitcher who former plays in South Korea for the Lotte Giants.-College:...

    . The series also marked an emotional return to Minnesota for Torii Hunter
    Torii Hunter
    Torii Kedar Hunter is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.Hunter has taken away many home runs throughout his 13-year major league career by "climbing the fence" in the outfield. He has won nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards as an outfielder.Hunter resides...

    , who had moved from Minnesota to Anaheim during the off-season. In the first game, Livan Hernandez
    Liván Hernández
    Eisler Liván Hernández Carrera is a Cuban professional baseball pitcher. He is the half-brother of pitcher Orlando "El Duque" Hernández.-Playing career:...

     out-pitched Jered Weaver
    Jered Weaver
    Jered David Weaver , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...

     to guide Minnesota to the win. In games 2 and 3, the Anaheim starting pitcher
    Starting pitcher
    In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher is the pitcher who delivers the first pitch to the first batter of a game. A pitcher who enters the game after the first pitch of the game is a relief pitcher....

    s went 8 innings each. Jon Garland
    Jon Garland
    Jon Steven Garland is a right-handed starting pitcher, who is currently a free agent.-High school career:At John F...

     gave up only one run
    Run (baseball)
    In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...

     in his debut for the Angels, while Joe Saunders
    Joe Saunders
    Joseph Francis Saunders is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-College and minor league career:...

     gave up no runs off just four hits in the longest outing of his career to date. Anaheim hit three home run
    Home run
    In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...

    s in the final game, which proved just enough to power them to a 5-4 win.

  • vs Texas Rangers
    Texas Rangers (baseball)
    The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...

     - TEX won the series 2-1
    . Texas took two out of three against Anaheim, twice putting up double-digit scores. Friday night saw Texas take an 11-0 lead going into the bottom of the ninth inning, highlighted by Ben Broussard
    Ben Broussard
    Benjamin Isaac Broussard is an American former Major League Baseball first baseman. He is currently a musician. Broussard was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the second round of the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft...

    's grand slam
    Grand slam (baseball)
    In the sport of baseball, a grand slam is a home run hit with all three bases occupied by baserunners , thereby scoring four runs—the most possible in one play. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, the term originated in the card game of contract bridge, in which a grand slam involves...

     and Josh Hamilton finishing the night a home run short of the cycle
    Hitting for the cycle
    In baseball, hitting for the cycle is the accomplishment of one batter hitting a single, a double, a triple, and a home run in the same game. Collecting the hits in that order is known as a "natural cycle". Cycles are uncommon in Major League Baseball , occurring 293 times since the first by Curry...

    . In the bottom of the ninth, the Angels rallied for six runs. Torii Hunter
    Torii Hunter
    Torii Kedar Hunter is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.Hunter has taken away many home runs throughout his 13-year major league career by "climbing the fence" in the outfield. He has won nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards as an outfielder.Hunter resides...

    , making his debut at Angel Stadium
    Angel Stadium of Anaheim
    Angel Stadium of Anaheim is a modern-style ballpark located in Anaheim, California. It is the home ballpark to Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of the American League, and was previously home to the NFL's Los Angeles Rams...

     in an Angels uniform had two hits in the bottom of ninth, and the rally was ended when Garret Anderson
    Garret Anderson
    Garret Joseph Anderson is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played most of his career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels...

     hit a ball that was caught a few feet shy of the wall. Game 2 saw Jered Weaver
    Jered Weaver
    Jered David Weaver , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...

     beat Kevin Millwood
    Kevin Millwood
    Kevin Austin Millwood is an American professional baseball pitcher. He has previously played for the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles and Colorado Rockies.-Personal life:Millwood graduated from Bessemer City High School in North Carolina...

     (who lost in a complete game
    Complete game
    In baseball, a complete game is the act of a pitcher pitching an entire game without the benefit of a relief pitcher.As demonstrated by the charts below, in the early 20th century, it was common for most good Major League Baseball pitchers to pitch a complete game almost every start. Pitchers were...

     effort, Texas's first for 195 games.) in a pitching duel 2-1, pitching seven scoreless innings. Jon Garland
    Jon Garland
    Jon Steven Garland is a right-handed starting pitcher, who is currently a free agent.-High school career:At John F...

     struggled in his Game 3 start, giving up seven runs in five innings. Gerald Laird
    Gerald Laird
    Gerald Lee Laird III is an American professional baseball catcher for the Detroit Tigers. He graduated La Quinta High School in 1998, and played college baseball at Cypress College...

     had a career night for the Rangers, going 4-5 with two home runs and six RBIs. Ben Broussard also went deep. Torii Hunter hit a home run for the Angels, as did Garret Anderson, his first of the season.

  • vs Cleveland Indians
    Cleveland Indians
    The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...

     - LAA won the series 2-1
    . In a series with both sides boasting lots of speed, home runs decided all three games of the series. Game 1 saw Torii Hunter
    Torii Hunter
    Torii Kedar Hunter is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.Hunter has taken away many home runs throughout his 13-year major league career by "climbing the fence" in the outfield. He has won nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards as an outfielder.Hunter resides...

     hit a dramatic walk-off Grand Slam
    Walk-off home run
    In baseball, a walk-off home run is a home run that ends the game. It must be a home run that gives the home team the lead in the bottom of the final inning of the game—either the ninth inning, or any extra inning, or any other regularly scheduled final inning...

     off closer Joe Borowski, after Francisco Rodriguez blew the save in the top of the ninth. Joe Saunders
    Joe Saunders
    Joseph Francis Saunders is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-College and minor league career:...

     went eight innings for the second time in two starts, while Fausto Carmona
    Fausto Carmona
    Fausto C. Carmona is a right-handed pitcher for the Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball. Carmona made his major league debut with the Indians on April 15, 2006...

     pitched six strong innings. Game 2 saw another blown save for the Angels. Justin Speier
    Justin Speier
    Justin James Speier is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He attended Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, Arizona. Upon graduation from Brophy Prep, Speier attended the University of San Francisco where he played catcher for the Dons. He also attended...

     was called on to close, as Rodriguez was ruled out due to an ankle injury. Travis Hafner
    Travis Hafner
    Travis Lee Hafner is a left-handed hitting designated hitter for the Cleveland Indians of the American League Central Division. His nickname, "Pronk", was given to him by former teammate Bill Selby during spring training of when people sometimes referred to him as "The Project" and other times...

     hit a two-run homer to give the winning runs to the Indians. Jake Westbrook
    Jake Westbrook
    Jacob Cauthen "Jake" Westbrook is an American Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher currently with the St. Louis Cardinals. He is known as a sinker ball pitcher and has also hit a grand slam home run....

     pitched a complete game to record the win. Vladimir Guerrero
    Vladimir Guerrero
    Vladimir Alvino Guerrero is a free agent Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter.In , he was voted the American League MVP...

     hit his first home run of the season during the game. This defeat ended a 163-game winning streak for the Angels where they had been ahead after eight innings. Anaheim comfortably won game 3, courtesy of a Mike Napoli
    Mike Napoli
    Michael Anthony Napoli is a Major League Baseball catcher/first baseman with the Texas Rangers.-Early career:Napoli attended Charles Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida...

     grand slam, and other home runs from Vladimir Guerrero
    Vladimir Guerrero
    Vladimir Alvino Guerrero is a free agent Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter.In , he was voted the American League MVP...

    , Garret Anderson
    Garret Anderson
    Garret Joseph Anderson is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played most of his career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels...

     and Casey Kotchman
    Casey Kotchman
    Casey John Kotchman is an American Major League Baseball first baseman.-High school:He was on the 2001 national champion team of Seminole High School in Seminole, Florida.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...

    .

  • @ Seattle Mariners
    Seattle Mariners
    The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...

     - SEA won the series 2-1
    . Raúl Ibáñez
    Raúl Ibáñez
    Raúl Javier Ibáñez is an American Major League Baseball outfielder.Over his career, Ibáñez, who did not make 500 plate appearances until the age of thirty, has batted .280 with 377 doubles, 252 home runs and 1054 runs batted in over sixteen Major League seasons...

     stole the show in Game 1, hitting two home runs and a double, driving in three runs, chasing Jered Weaver
    Jered Weaver
    Jered David Weaver , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...

     to his second loss of the season. Game 2 saw Jon Garland
    Jon Garland
    Jon Steven Garland is a right-handed starting pitcher, who is currently a free agent.-High school career:At John F...

     struggle, conceding six runs and twelve hits in five innings. Ibanez was again on form, hitting a home run and getting three RBIs. Carlos Silva pitched eight solid innings to get the win. The final game saw the Angels offence come alive with a 16-hit attack. Howie Kendrick
    Howie Kendrick
    Howard "Howie" Joseph Kendrick III is a Major League Baseball second baseman for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Early life:...

    , Casey Kotchman
    Casey Kotchman
    Casey John Kotchman is an American Major League Baseball first baseman.-High school:He was on the 2001 national champion team of Seminole High School in Seminole, Florida.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...

     and Jeff Mathis
    Jeff Mathis
    Jeffrey Stephen Mathis is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and made his major league debut on August 12, 2005...

     each got three hits. Cha Seung Baek
    Cha Seung Baek
    Cha Seung Baek is a Pacific League pitcher who is currently a member of the Orix Buffaloes.Baek graduated from Busan High School, Busan, South Korea in 1998. He was signed by the Seattle Mariners as an amateur free agent on September 25, 1998....

     was Seattle's starter, after Eric Bedard
    Éric Bédard
    Éric Bédard is a Canadian short track speed skater who has won 4 Olympic medals . He participated in three individual events at the 2006 Winter Olympics and finished fourth in the 500 meters. He also led a team into the 5000 meter relay, winning the silver medal...

     was ruled out with an inflamed left hip. Joe Saunders
    Joe Saunders
    Joseph Francis Saunders is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-College and minor league career:...

     pitched into the sixth inning to continue his excellent start to the season.

  • @ Texas Rangers
    Texas Rangers (baseball)
    The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...

     - LAA won the series 2-0
    . In the first game, Ervin Santana
    Ervin Santana
    Ervin Ramon Santana is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Name:...

     recovered from a three-run first inning to shut down the rangers for the next six innings to improve his record to 2-0. Jason Jennings
    Jason Jennings
    Jason Ryan Jennings is an American Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent.-High school/college years:...

     couldn't hold the lead and went to 0-3. Game 2 saw Gary Matthews Jr. come back to his old ball-club and hit a game winning three RBI double to seal a sweep for the Angels. Despite Michael Young's 3-5 effort, the Angels bullpen was very solid, pitching five scoreless innings. In particular, Darren Oliver
    Darren Oliver
    Darren Christopher Oliver is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher.Oliver was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 3rd round of the 1988 Major League Baseball Draft, and has had three separate stints with the club.-Early life:...

     pitched 2⅔ innings to pick up his first win of the season.

  • vs Kansas City Royals
    Kansas City Royals
    The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...

     - Series squared 1-1
    . Gil Meche
    Gil Meche
    Gilbert Allen Meche is a former right-handed Major League Baseball starting pitcher. Shoulder and back problems caused the former first round pick to retire in at just 32 years old.-Early years:...

     and the Royals bullpen outduelled Jered Weaver
    Jered Weaver
    Jered David Weaver , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...

     to take the first game; Weaver's error to field a simple catch at first base cost a run that ended up deciding the result between the two teams. Jon Garland
    Jon Garland
    Jon Steven Garland is a right-handed starting pitcher, who is currently a free agent.-High school career:At John F...

     pitched solidly to win Game 2 for the Angels.

  • vs Seattle Mariners
    Seattle Mariners
    The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...

     - LAA won the series 2-1
    . Game 1 saw Torii Hunter
    Torii Hunter
    Torii Kedar Hunter is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.Hunter has taken away many home runs throughout his 13-year major league career by "climbing the fence" in the outfield. He has won nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards as an outfielder.Hunter resides...

     take all the plaudits in his effort to give the Angels the win. He went 3-4 with three doubles and three RBIs. He also made a leaping catch at the wall to deny Richie Sexson
    Richie Sexson
    Richmond Lockwood "Big Sexy" Sexson is a former Major League Baseball first baseman who played for five teams from 1997 to 2008...

     a go-ahead home run and allow Francisco Rodriguez to gain his seventh save. Ervin Santana
    Ervin Santana
    Ervin Ramon Santana is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Name:...

     pitched eight dominant innings in Game 2, including eight strikeouts to ensure the Angels won the series. Dustin Moseley
    Dustin Moseley
    Dustin Aaron Moseley is an American Major League Baseball pitcher for the San Diego Padres.-Career:Moseley was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the first round of the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft. Prior to the season, he was ranked by Baseball America as the fourth best prospect in the...

     once again struggled in Game 3, failing to pitch five innings. Miguel Batista
    Miguel Batista
    Miguel Descartes Batista Jerez is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher. He has played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Florida Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Montreal Expos, Kansas City Royals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, Washington Nationals, St...

     shutout the Angels with 7⅔ innings. The Angels rallied with two runs in the ninth, but this wasn't enough to come back against the Mariners.

  • @ Boston Red Sox
    Boston Red Sox
    The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...

     - LAA won the series 2-1
    . This series was the first time the two teams met since the 2007 American League Division Series
    2007 American League Division Series
    -Cleveland Indians vs. New York Yankees:-Game 1, October 3:Fenway Park in Boston, MassachusettsIn Game 1, Boston starter Josh Beckett threw a complete-game shut out, allowing the Red Sox to win the opener...

    . The Angels bullpen failed to keep the Red Sox at bay in Game 1, as Jacoby Ellsbury
    Jacoby Ellsbury
    Jacoby McCabe Ellsbury ; born September 11, 1983) is an American professional baseball center fielder with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball....

     hit two home runs and scored the go-ahead run in the eight to give the Red Sox the victory. Gary Matthews Jr. hit two home runs in Game 2 behind Jon Garland
    Jon Garland
    Jon Steven Garland is a right-handed starting pitcher, who is currently a free agent.-High school career:At John F...

    's solid effort to tie the series at 1-1. Game 3 saw Joe Saunders
    Joe Saunders
    Joseph Francis Saunders is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-College and minor league career:...

     continue his excellent start to the season, moving to 4-0. When Boston's bullpen entered the game, the Angels exploded with a four-run seventh inning to see off the Red Sox. Scot Shields
    Scot Shields
    Robert Scot Shields is a former American Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He played his entire baseball career with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, serving as their setup man since...

     attempted a two-inning save, but after giving up two runs to a David Ortiz
    David Ortiz
    David Américo Ortiz Arias , known as David Ortiz, nicknamed "Big Papi", is a Dominican American professional baseball player who is currently a free agent. Previously, Ortiz played with the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox...

     home run in the ninth, Francisco Rodriguez was called on to get the final out to acquire his ninth save.

  • @ Detroit Tigers
    Detroit Tigers
    The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...

     - LAA won the series 2-1
    . The Angels' next visit was at the resurging Detroit Tigers, who were recovering from a 0-6 start. In Game 1, Nate Robertson
    Nate Robertson
    Nathan Daniel "Nate" Robertson, is a Major League Baseball pitcher who currently pitches in the Seattle Mariners organization.-Florida Marlins:...

     pitched solidly for the Tigers, apart from a four-run fourth inning, highlighted by Vladimir Guerrero
    Vladimir Guerrero
    Vladimir Alvino Guerrero is a free agent Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter.In , he was voted the American League MVP...

    's two-run home run. The Angels bullpen once again proved very solid, backing up Ervin Santana
    Ervin Santana
    Ervin Ramon Santana is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Name:...

    's 6⅓ inning effort to secure the win. Vladimir Guerrero
    Vladimir Guerrero
    Vladimir Alvino Guerrero is a free agent Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter.In , he was voted the American League MVP...

     hit his 2000th major league hit to break up a no-hitter from Armando Galarraga
    Armando Galarraga
    Armando Antonio Galarraga is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. Galarraga made his Major League Baseball debut with the Texas Rangers on September 15, 2007...

     in Game 2, but it wasn't enough to stop the Tigers from winning. Game 3 featured on ESPN
    ESPN
    Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....

    's Sunday Night Baseball
    Sunday Night Baseball
    Sunday Night Baseball is the Major League Baseball exclusive game of the week that is televised Sunday nights at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN during the regular season...

    , and saw a solid pitching performanc from Jered Weaver
    Jered Weaver
    Jered David Weaver , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...

     to guide the Angels to the series victory. Torii Hunter
    Torii Hunter
    Torii Kedar Hunter is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.Hunter has taken away many home runs throughout his 13-year major league career by "climbing the fence" in the outfield. He has won nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards as an outfielder.Hunter resides...

     and Casey Kotchman
    Casey Kotchman
    Casey John Kotchman is an American Major League Baseball first baseman.-High school:He was on the 2001 national champion team of Seminole High School in Seminole, Florida.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...

     did the damage against Justin Verlander
    Justin Verlander
    Justin Brooks Verlander is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball....

    , each driving in three runs.

  • vs Oakland Athletics
    Oakland Athletics
    The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....

     - Series squared 2-2
    . In this AL West series, Oakland started strongly, roughing up Jon Garland
    Jon Garland
    Jon Steven Garland is a right-handed starting pitcher, who is currently a free agent.-High school career:At John F...

     and Chris Bootcheck
    Chris Bootcheck
    Christopher Brandon Bootcheck is an American professional baseball pitcher who former plays in South Korea for the Lotte Giants.-College:...

     for 14 runs over 6⅔ innings in a 16 hit attack. Games 2 and 3 saw young starters Joe Saunders
    Joe Saunders
    Joseph Francis Saunders is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-College and minor league career:...

     and Ervin Santana
    Ervin Santana
    Ervin Ramon Santana is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Name:...

     combine for 14⅔ just giving up one run, moving both pitchers to 5-0 on the season. Game 4 saw the Oakland offence light up for 15 runs off 20 hits against debutant Nick Adenhart
    Nick Adenhart
    Nicholas James Adenhart was an American right-handed baseball starting pitcher who played two seasons in Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...

    . For the Angels, Erick Aybar
    Erick Aybar
    Erick Johan Aybar is a Major League Baseball shortstop with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Dominican Republic:Aybar has also previously played in the Dominican Republic...

     hit his first home run of the season, while Mike Napoli
    Mike Napoli
    Michael Anthony Napoli is a Major League Baseball catcher/first baseman with the Texas Rangers.-Early career:Napoli attended Charles Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida...

     belted his second homer of the series, his seventh of the season.

May

  • vs Baltimore Orioles
    Baltimore Orioles
    The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...

     - LAA won the series 2-1
    . Game 1 saw Jeremy Guthrie
    Jeremy Guthrie
    Jeremy Shane Guthrie is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles.-Early life and education:...

     outduel Jered Weaver
    Jered Weaver
    Jered David Weaver , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...

     over the first seven innings. George Sherrill
    George Sherrill
    George Friederich Sherrill , also known as "The Brim Reaper", "Flat Breezy", and "Duckbill" , is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher, who is a free agent-College and independent baseball:Sherrill was not drafted after graduating from Austin Peay State...

     struggled to close the game, giving up one run, but forced Reggie Willits
    Reggie Willits
    Reggie Gene Willits is an American professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent.-Early life:...

     to pop-up to leave the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth. Jon Garland
    Jon Garland
    Jon Steven Garland is a right-handed starting pitcher, who is currently a free agent.-High school career:At John F...

     pitched 8 strong innings in Game 2, limiting the Orioles to one run on three hits in order to earn the win for the Angels. Game 3 saw three home runs for the Angels, including a three-run homer from Torii Hunter
    Torii Hunter
    Torii Kedar Hunter is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.Hunter has taken away many home runs throughout his 13-year major league career by "climbing the fence" in the outfield. He has won nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards as an outfielder.Hunter resides...

     to cap off a four-run first inning. This was enough to propel Joe Saunders
    Joe Saunders
    Joseph Francis Saunders is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-College and minor league career:...

     to 6-0 for the season.

  • @ Kansas City Royals
    Kansas City Royals
    The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...

     - LAA won the series 2-1
    . Chone Figgins
    Chone Figgins
    Desmond DeChone "Chone" Figgins is an American Major League Baseball third baseman for the Seattle Mariners. Figgins is a utility player, playing all positions except catcher, pitcher, and first base.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...

     was placed on the Disabled List
    Disabled list
    In Major League Baseball, the disabled list is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players.-General guidelines:...

    , thus the Angels were without their speedy lead-off hitter. Game 1 saw Ervin Santana
    Ervin Santana
    Ervin Ramon Santana is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Name:...

     improve to 6-0 with a complete game shut-out, with 9 strikeouts. He was matched toe-to-toe for the first seven innings by Brett Tomko
    Brett Tomko
    Brett Daniel Tomko is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played for the Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, St...

    . A four-run top of the ninth, punctuated with a 2 RBI home run by Garret Anderson
    Garret Anderson
    Garret Joseph Anderson is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played most of his career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels...

     gave the Halos the victory. Garret Anderson hit 5 RBIs in Game 2, including a 3-run home run off Brian Bannister
    Brian Bannister
    Brian Patrick Bannister is a former baseball starting pitcher who most recently pitched for the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball.-Personal:...

     and this was all the Angels needed to win Game 2. Nick Adenhart
    Nick Adenhart
    Nicholas James Adenhart was an American right-handed baseball starting pitcher who played two seasons in Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...

     struggled again, giving up 11 baserunners over 4⅓ innings, but the bullpen shutout the Royals for the rest of the game, with Francisco Rodriguez picking up his 17th save from 18 chances. With the Angels attempting the sweep in Game 3, Jered Weaver
    Jered Weaver
    Jered David Weaver , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...

     struggled, giving 8 runs in 3⅓ innings. Garret Anderson hit a home run in his third straight game, although this was not enough to stop the Royals from winning.

  • @ Tampa Bay Rays
    Tampa Bay Rays
    The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...

     - TB won the series 3-0
    . James Shields started off the series with a one-hit shutout to give the high-flying Rays a 2-0 victory. Jon Garland
    Jon Garland
    Jon Steven Garland is a right-handed starting pitcher, who is currently a free agent.-High school career:At John F...

     matched him for eight innings, but Justin Speier
    Justin Speier
    Justin James Speier is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He attended Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, Arizona. Upon graduation from Brophy Prep, Speier attended the University of San Francisco where he played catcher for the Dons. He also attended...

     gave up a two-run shot to Evan Longoria
    Evan Longoria
    Evan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...

     with one out in the ninth to take the loss. The Angels lost by the same score in Game 2, this time Scott Kazmir
    Scott Kazmir
    Scott Edward Kazmir is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. Kazmir made his Major League debut with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2004 when he was only 20 years old and at one time held many of the franchise's career pitching records...

     outduelled Joe Saunders
    Joe Saunders
    Joseph Francis Saunders is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-College and minor league career:...

     to give the southpaw his first loss of the season. Former Angel Troy Percival
    Troy Percival
    Troy Eugene Percival is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He gained fame as a closer. During a 14-year baseball career, he pitched from 1995-2009 for four different teams, pitching primarily with the California/Anaheim Angels...

     earned his eighth save of the season. Game 3 saw the Angels score their first runs of the series, but an out-of-sorts Speier took his second loss of the series, giving up a 3-run shot to Carl Crawford
    Carl Crawford
    Carl Demonte Crawford is an American professional baseball outfielder who plays for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws left-handed...

     in the 6th inning. The Angels 3-4-5 hitters went 7-12 with 5 RBIs, but this was not enough to topple the Rays.

  • vs Chicago White Sox
    Chicago White Sox
    The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...

     - Series squared 2-2
    . In Game 1, Vladimir Guerrero
    Vladimir Guerrero
    Vladimir Alvino Guerrero is a free agent Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter.In , he was voted the American League MVP...

     hit only his fourth home run of the season to help Nick Adenhart
    Nick Adenhart
    Nicholas James Adenhart was an American right-handed baseball starting pitcher who played two seasons in Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...

     pick up his first victory in the Majors. Jered Weaver
    Jered Weaver
    Jered David Weaver , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...

     pitched seven scoreless innings in Game 2, but John Danks
    John Danks
    John William Danks is a left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball currently playing with the Chicago White Sox....

     matched him. However, the Angels still won courtesy of a two-run eighth inning, with RBIs from Mike Napoli
    Mike Napoli
    Michael Anthony Napoli is a Major League Baseball catcher/first baseman with the Texas Rangers.-Early career:Napoli attended Charles Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida...

     and Robb Quinlan
    Robb Quinlan
    Robb William Quinlan is a former Major League Baseball utility player. He plays first base, third base, corner outfield, catcher and designated hitter....

    . John Lackey
    John Lackey
    John Derran Lackey is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. Lackey was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in 1999 and helped the franchise win its first World Series title in 2002, which was his first season in the major leagues...

     made his first start of the season in Game 3, pitching seven innings giving up one run, matching Jose Contreras
    José Contreras
    José Ariel Contreras Camejo is a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently with the Philadelphia Phillies...

    's effort for the Sox. However, Scot Shields
    Scot Shields
    Robert Scot Shields is a former American Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He played his entire baseball career with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, serving as their setup man since...

     failed to record an out while giving up four runs via a Carlos Quentin
    Carlos Quentin
    Carlos Josè Quentin is an American outfielder who plays for the Chicago White Sox. In 2008 and in 2011, Quentin was selected as an All-Star.-Early career:...

     grand slam in the eighth inning. Game 4 saw Francisco Rodriguez pick up his first loss of the season, giving up an RBI single in the ninth to Jim Thome
    Jim Thome
    James Howard "Jim" Thome is a Major League Baseball player for the Philadelphia Phillies. He is the eighth player to hit 600 home runs in the major leagues. He is widely considered a future Hall of Famer.-Cleveland Indians :...

    , who had been hitting only .199 for the season.

  • vs Los Angeles Dodgers
    Los Angeles Dodgers
    The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...

     - LAA won the series 2-1
    . This series was the first of two Freeway series to be contested by the two teams this season. Game 1 saw Joe Saunders
    Joe Saunders
    Joseph Francis Saunders is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-College and minor league career:...

     be the first pitcher to get to seven wins in the American League, pitching 7⅓ strong innings. In Game 2, the Dodgers thwarted Ervin Santana
    Ervin Santana
    Ervin Ramon Santana is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Name:...

    's effort to join his teammate on seven wins, handing the young righty his first loss of the season. Offensively, Garret Anderson
    Garret Anderson
    Garret Joseph Anderson is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played most of his career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels...

     went 3-4, continuing his good form with the bat, he had hit .444 in his previous 12 games. The rubber game saw the Angels take the series, thanks largely to catcher Mike Napoli
    Mike Napoli
    Michael Anthony Napoli is a Major League Baseball catcher/first baseman with the Texas Rangers.-Early career:Napoli attended Charles Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida...

    , who hit two home runs, got 5 RBIs and went 3-4 on the night. Maicer Izturis
    Maicer Izturis
    Maicer Eduardo Izturis is a Major League Baseball third baseman, second baseman, and shortstop for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He is a switch-hitter and throws right-handed...

     and Casey Kotchman
    Casey Kotchman
    Casey John Kotchman is an American Major League Baseball first baseman.-High school:He was on the 2001 national champion team of Seminole High School in Seminole, Florida.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...

     also got three hits in the game.

  • @ Toronto Blue Jays
    Toronto Blue Jays
    The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....

     - LAA won the series 2-1
    . John Lackey
    John Lackey
    John Derran Lackey is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. Lackey was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in 1999 and helped the franchise win its first World Series title in 2002, which was his first season in the major leagues...

     picked up his first win of the season in Game 1, pitching seven strong innings. Francisco Rodriguez got his league-leading 18th save, despite giving up three walks in the ninth. Shawn Marcum felt the full force of Vladimir Guerrero
    Vladimir Guerrero
    Vladimir Alvino Guerrero is a free agent Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter.In , he was voted the American League MVP...

    's bat in Game 2, the slugger hit two home runs and got all 4 RBIs to ensure the Angels took the series with a game to spare. Game 3 saw Lyle Overbay
    Lyle Overbay
    Lyle Stefan Overbay is an American professional baseball first baseman who is a free agent.-Amateur career:...

     hit a solo home run in the sixth inning to hand Ervin Santana
    Ervin Santana
    Ervin Ramon Santana is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Name:...

     his second consecutive loss by breaking a 3-3 tie.

  • @ Chicago White Sox
    Chicago White Sox
    The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...

     - LAA won the series 2-1
    . Los Angeles entered Chicago with the White Sox on a seven-game winning streak. Joe Saunders
    Joe Saunders
    Joseph Francis Saunders is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-College and minor league career:...

     overcame sickness to end the streak, pitching 8⅓ innings of one-run ball, which was enough to beat Gavin Floyd
    Gavin Floyd
    Gavin Christopher Floyd is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Chicago White Sox. He stands 6' 5" tall, weighs 220 pounds, and throws and bats right-handed.-Philadelphia Phillies:...

    's complete game effort. Game 2 saw another low scoring affair, this time Jered Weaver
    Jered Weaver
    Jered David Weaver , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...

     twirled eight scoreless innings, assisted by Vladimir Guerrero
    Vladimir Guerrero
    Vladimir Alvino Guerrero is a free agent Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter.In , he was voted the American League MVP...

    's seventh home run of the season. In the final game, John Lackey
    John Lackey
    John Derran Lackey is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. Lackey was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in 1999 and helped the franchise win its first World Series title in 2002, which was his first season in the major leagues...

     pitched into the ninth inning, following the efforts of Saunders and Weaver before him. However, his complete game effort was ended by Carlos Quentin
    Carlos Quentin
    Carlos Josè Quentin is an American outfielder who plays for the Chicago White Sox. In 2008 and in 2011, Quentin was selected as an All-Star.-Early career:...

    's second home run of the night, as the slugger drove in all three RBIs to give the White Sox the victory behind Jose Contreras
    José Contreras
    José Ariel Contreras Camejo is a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently with the Philadelphia Phillies...

    ' eight-inning effort.

  • vs Detroit Tigers
    Detroit Tigers
    The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...

     - LAA won the series 2-1
    . Game 1 saw both offences stifled, both teams hitting a combined 0-24 with runners in scoring position. In the 12th inning, Garret Anderson
    Garret Anderson
    Garret Joseph Anderson is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played most of his career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels...

     drew a bases-loaded walk to give Jose Arredondo
    José Arredondo
    José Juan Arredondo is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher with the Cincinnati Reds.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...

     his first win of his major-league career. Miguel Cabrera
    Miguel Cabrera
    José Miguel Cabrera Torres nicknamed "Miggy", is a Venezuelan professional baseball first baseman with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws right-handed....

    's 8th home run of the season was the only blemish on Ervin Santana
    Ervin Santana
    Ervin Ramon Santana is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Name:...

    's complete game in Game 2, but he still picked up the victory, after Garret Anderson
    Garret Anderson
    Garret Joseph Anderson is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played most of his career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels...

    's 3-4 night and Gary Matthews Jr.'s walk-off single. Joe Saunders
    Joe Saunders
    Joseph Francis Saunders is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-College and minor league career:...

     struggled in the final game, giving up two home runs and four RBIs to Marcus Thames
    Marcus Thames
    Marcus Markley Thames is an American professional baseball outfielder. He has previously played for the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers....

    . Armando Galarraga
    Armando Galarraga
    Armando Antonio Galarraga is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. Galarraga made his Major League Baseball debut with the Texas Rangers on September 15, 2007...

     continued his excellent start to his rookie season, pitching into the ninth inning and picking up the win.

  • vs Toronto Blue Jays
    Toronto Blue Jays
    The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....

     - LAA won the series 2-1
    . Lyle Overbay
    Lyle Overbay
    Lyle Stefan Overbay is an American professional baseball first baseman who is a free agent.-Amateur career:...

     went 3-5 with two home runs and three RBIs to knock Jered Weaver
    Jered Weaver
    Jered David Weaver , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...

     out early, and highlighted a 10-run, 16-hit attack to beat the Angels in Game 1. John Lackey
    John Lackey
    John Derran Lackey is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. Lackey was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in 1999 and helped the franchise win its first World Series title in 2002, which was his first season in the major leagues...

     once again pitched into the eight inning in Game 2, but failed to get a decision despite the Angels getting 16 hits, including Maicer Izturis
    Maicer Izturis
    Maicer Eduardo Izturis is a Major League Baseball third baseman, second baseman, and shortstop for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He is a switch-hitter and throws right-handed...

    ' 4-5 effort. In the end, Juan Rivera hit a walk-off single in the 10th to beat Blue Jays. In the rubber game, A.J. Burnett's eight-inning effort was wasted by B.J. Ryan
    B.J. Ryan
    Robert Victor "B.J." Ryan, Jr. is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. Though he never officially retired, Ryan has not played since .-Career:Ryan started his career as a left-handed specialist...

    's inability to close the game. He hit Howie Kendrick
    Howie Kendrick
    Howard "Howie" Joseph Kendrick III is a Major League Baseball second baseman for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Early life:...

     to force in the tying run, and Maicer Izturis
    Maicer Izturis
    Maicer Eduardo Izturis is a Major League Baseball third baseman, second baseman, and shortstop for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He is a switch-hitter and throws right-handed...

     singled in the winning run to give the Angels their fifth consecutive series win. Sean Rodriguez
    Sean Rodriguez
    Sean John Rodriguez is a Cuban American Major League Baseball short stop for the Tampa Bay Rays.-High school career:...

     had earlier hit his first ever Major League home run to put the only runs up against Burnett.

Playoffs

The Angels beat the New York Yankees 4 to 2 on September 10, 2008 and about an hour later Seattle beat Texas which clinched the division for the Angels. With the Boston Red Sox securing the AL Wild Card, the Angels would have to face their old foes in the first round of the playoffs once again. The Red Sox swept the Angels in the division series in 2007 and 2004, but failed to do so in 2008.
  • ' ALDS Game One

John Lackey gave up a 2 run homer to Jason Bay
Jason Bay
Jason Raymond Bay is a Canadian professional baseball player. An outfielder, he currently plays for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball...

 in the top of the sixth letting Boston take a lead they would not relinquish. Boston went on to win 4 to 2 marking the 10th straight playoff game the Angels lost to Boston. People now refer to this as the curse of Donnie Moore
Donnie Moore
Donnie Ray Moore was an American relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Chicago Cubs , St...

.

Game log

2008 Game Log

Main hitters

Includes those who qualify for the batting title.

Only includes statistics obtained while playing for LAA. Casey Kotchman was traded to the Atlanta Braves for Mark Teixeira on July 28.

Note: G = Games played; AB = At Bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting Average; HR = Home Runs; RBI = Runs Batted In
Player G AB H Avg. HR RBI
Mark Teixeira
Mark Teixeira
Mark Charles Teixeira , nicknamed "Tex" is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Mostly a first baseman, he has also played third base and in the outfield...

54 193 69 .358 13 43
Vladimir Guerrero
Vladimir Guerrero
Vladimir Alvino Guerrero is a free agent Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter.In , he was voted the American League MVP...

143 541 164 .303 27 91
Garret Anderson
Garret Anderson
Garret Joseph Anderson is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played most of his career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels...

145 557 163 .293 15 84
Casey Kotchman
Casey Kotchman
Casey John Kotchman is an American Major League Baseball first baseman.-High school:He was on the 2001 national champion team of Seminole High School in Seminole, Florida.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...

100 373 107 .287 12 54
Torii Hunter
Torii Hunter
Torii Kedar Hunter is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.Hunter has taken away many home runs throughout his 13-year major league career by "climbing the fence" in the outfield. He has won nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards as an outfielder.Hunter resides...

146 551 153 .278 21 78
Chone Figgins
Chone Figgins
Desmond DeChone "Chone" Figgins is an American Major League Baseball third baseman for the Seattle Mariners. Figgins is a utility player, playing all positions except catcher, pitcher, and first base.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...

116 453 125 .276 1 22

Other hitters

Player G AB H Avg. HR RBI
Howie Kendrick
Howie Kendrick
Howard "Howie" Joseph Kendrick III is a Major League Baseball second baseman for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Early life:...

92 340 104 .306 3 37
Erick Aybar
Erick Aybar
Erick Johan Aybar is a Major League Baseball shortstop with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Dominican Republic:Aybar has also previously played in the Dominican Republic...

98 346 96 .277 3 39
Mike Napoli
Mike Napoli
Michael Anthony Napoli is a Major League Baseball catcher/first baseman with the Texas Rangers.-Early career:Napoli attended Charles Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida...

78 227 62 .273 20 49
Maicer Izturis
Maicer Izturis
Maicer Eduardo Izturis is a Major League Baseball third baseman, second baseman, and shortstop for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He is a switch-hitter and throws right-handed...

79 290 78 .269 3 37
Robb Quinlan
Robb Quinlan
Robb William Quinlan is a former Major League Baseball utility player. He plays first base, third base, corner outfield, catcher and designated hitter....

68 164 43 .262 1 11
Juan Rivera 89 256 63 .246 12 45
Gary Matthews, Jr.
Gary Matthews, Jr.
Gary Nathaniel Matthews, Jr. is an outfielder who is currently a free agent. Matthews is the son of Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster Gary Matthews, who played 16 years in the majors as an outfielder. Matthews, Jr...

127 426 103 .242 8 46
Kendry Morales
Kendry Morales
Kendrys Morales Rodriguez is a Major League Baseball first baseman for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He is a switch hitter and throws right-handed.-Cuban career:...

27 61 13 .213 3 8
Sean Rodriguez
Sean Rodriguez
Sean John Rodriguez is a Cuban American Major League Baseball short stop for the Tampa Bay Rays.-High school career:...

59 167 34 .204 3 10
Brandon Wood
Brandon Wood
Richard Brandon Wood is an American professional baseball infielder for the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws right-handed and was born in Austin, Texas.-2003-05:...

55 150 30 .200 5 13
Jeff Mathis
Jeff Mathis
Jeffrey Stephen Mathis is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and made his major league debut on August 12, 2005...

94 283 55 .194 9 42
Reggie Willits
Reggie Willits
Reggie Gene Willits is an American professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent.-Early life:...

82 108 21 .194 0 7
Freddy Sandoval
Freddy Sandoval
Freddy Carol Sandoval Herrera is a Major League Baseball third baseman. Sandoval played his collegiate baseball at the University of San Diego, and was part of two conference championship teams during his career there....

6 6 1 .167 0 0
Bobby Wilson
Bobby Wilson (baseball)
Robert Louis "Bobby" Wilson is a catcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of Major League Baseball. He first attended Seminole High School and later went to St. Petersburg College, Florida....

7 6 1 .167 0 1
Matthew Brown 11 19 1 .053 0 3
Ryan Budde
Ryan Budde
Ryan Dean Budde is an American professional baseball catcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball.-High school and college:...

8 2 0 .000 0 0
Jon Garland
Jon Garland
Jon Steven Garland is a right-handed starting pitcher, who is currently a free agent.-High school career:At John F...

1 2 0 .000 0 1
Joe Saunders
Joe Saunders
Joseph Francis Saunders is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-College and minor league career:...

2 3 0 .000 0 0
Jered Weaver
Jered Weaver
Jered David Weaver , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...

2 4 0 .000 0 0
John Lackey
John Lackey
John Derran Lackey is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. Lackey was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in 1999 and helped the franchise win its first World Series title in 2002, which was his first season in the major leagues...

2 6 0 .000 0 0
Ervin Santana
Ervin Santana
Ervin Ramon Santana is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Name:...

2 6 0 .000 0 0
Total Hitting 1693 5540 1486 .268 159 721

Starting pitchers

Note: GS = Games Started; IP = Innings Pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned Run Average; SO = Strikeouts
Player G IP W L ERA SO
Joe Saunders
Joe Saunders
Joseph Francis Saunders is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-College and minor league career:...

31 198.0 17 7 3.41 103
Ervin Santana
Ervin Santana
Ervin Ramon Santana is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Name:...

32 219.0 16 7 3.49 214
John Lackey
John Lackey
John Derran Lackey is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. Lackey was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in 1999 and helped the franchise win its first World Series title in 2002, which was his first season in the major leagues...

24 163.1 12 5 3.75 130
Jered Weaver
Jered Weaver
Jered David Weaver , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...

30 176.2 11 10 4.33 152
Jon Garland
Jon Garland
Jon Steven Garland is a right-handed starting pitcher, who is currently a free agent.-High school career:At John F...

32 196.2 14 8 4.90 90
Dustin Moseley
Dustin Moseley
Dustin Aaron Moseley is an American Major League Baseball pitcher for the San Diego Padres.-Career:Moseley was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the first round of the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft. Prior to the season, he was ranked by Baseball America as the fourth best prospect in the...

12 (10 starts) 50.1 2 4 6.79 37
Nick Adenhart
Nick Adenhart
Nicholas James Adenhart was an American right-handed baseball starting pitcher who played two seasons in Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...

3 12.0 1 0 9.00 4
Combined totals 162 1012.0 73 40 4.14 727

Relief pitchers

Note: G = Games Played; SV = Save; H = Hold
Player G IP W L SV H ERA SO
Alex Serrano
Alex Serrano
Alex Eleazar Serrano Hernandez is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently playing for the Rimini Baseball Club in the Italian Serie A1 baseball league....

1 1.0 0 0 0 0 0.00 1
Jose Arredondo
José Arredondo
José Juan Arredondo is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher with the Cincinnati Reds.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...

52 61.0 10 2 0 16 1.62 55
Francisco Rodriguez 76 68.1 2 3 62 0 2.24 77
Scot Shields
Scot Shields
Robert Scot Shields is a former American Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He played his entire baseball career with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, serving as their setup man since...

64 63.1 6 4 4 31 2.70 64
Shane Loux
Shane Loux
Shane A. Loux is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the San Francisco Giants organization.Loux graduated from Highland High School in Gilbert, Arizona after a great prep career....

7 16.0 0 0 0 0 2.81 4
Darren Oliver
Darren Oliver
Darren Christopher Oliver is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher.Oliver was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 3rd round of the 1988 Major League Baseball Draft, and has had three separate stints with the club.-Early life:...

54 72.0 7 1 0 12 2.88 48
Kevin Jepsen
Kevin Jepsen
Kevin Martin Jepsen is an Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He is 6'3", 215 lbs...

9 8.1 0 1 0 3 4.32 7
Darren O'Day
Darren O'Day
Darren Christopher O'Day is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball. He played college baseball for the University of Florida, and has played professionally for the Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, and Texas Rangers...

30 43.1 0 1 0 1 4.57 29
Justin Speier
Justin Speier
Justin James Speier is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He attended Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, Arizona. Upon graduation from Brophy Prep, Speier attended the University of San Francisco where he played catcher for the Dons. He also attended...

62 68.0 2 8 0 10 5.03 56
Jason Bulger
Jason Bulger
Jason Patrick Bulger is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball. Bulger played collegiate baseball at Valdosta State University....

14 16.0 0 0 0 0 7.31 20
Chris Bootcheck
Chris Bootcheck
Christopher Brandon Bootcheck is an American professional baseball pitcher who former plays in South Korea for the Lotte Giants.-College:...

10 16.0 0 1 0 1 10.13 14
Rich Thompson
Rich Thompson (pitcher, born 1984)
Richard Graeme Thompson is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...

2 2.0 0 0 0 0 22.50 1
Combined Totals 383 439.1 27 22 66 74 3.69 379

Game Log

2008 Postseason Game Log

Batting Statistics

Note: G = Games played; AB = At Bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting Average; HR = Home Runs; RBI = Runs Batted In
Player G AB H Avg. HR RBI
Jeff Mathis
Jeff Mathis
Jeffrey Stephen Mathis is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and made his major league debut on August 12, 2005...

1 2 1 .500 0 0
Kendry Morales
Kendry Morales
Kendrys Morales Rodriguez is a Major League Baseball first baseman for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He is a switch hitter and throws right-handed.-Cuban career:...

4 4 2 .500 0 0
Vladimir Guerrero
Vladimir Guerrero
Vladimir Alvino Guerrero is a free agent Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter.In , he was voted the American League MVP...

4 15 7 .467 0 0
Mark Teixeira
Mark Teixeira
Mark Charles Teixeira , nicknamed "Tex" is an American Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees. Mostly a first baseman, he has also played third base and in the outfield...

4 15 7 .467 0 1
Torii Hunter
Torii Hunter
Torii Kedar Hunter is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.Hunter has taken away many home runs throughout his 13-year major league career by "climbing the fence" in the outfield. He has won nine consecutive Gold Glove Awards as an outfielder.Hunter resides...

4 18 7 .389 0 5
Chone Figgins
Chone Figgins
Desmond DeChone "Chone" Figgins is an American Major League Baseball third baseman for the Seattle Mariners. Figgins is a utility player, playing all positions except catcher, pitcher, and first base.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...

4 21 7 .333 0 1
Mike Napoli
Mike Napoli
Michael Anthony Napoli is a Major League Baseball catcher/first baseman with the Texas Rangers.-Early career:Napoli attended Charles Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida...

4 12 3 .250 2 4
Garret Anderson
Garret Anderson
Garret Joseph Anderson is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played most of his career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels...

4 19 3 .158 0 0
Juan Rivera 3 8 1 .125 0 1
Howie Kendrick
Howie Kendrick
Howard "Howie" Joseph Kendrick III is a Major League Baseball second baseman for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Early life:...

4 17 2 .118 0 0
Erick Aybar
Erick Aybar
Erick Johan Aybar is a Major League Baseball shortstop with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Dominican Republic:Aybar has also previously played in the Dominican Republic...

4 18 2 .111 0 1
Reggie Willits
Reggie Willits
Reggie Gene Willits is an American professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent.-Early life:...

3 0 0 .000 0 0
Gary Matthews, Jr.
Gary Matthews, Jr.
Gary Nathaniel Matthews, Jr. is an outfielder who is currently a free agent. Matthews is the son of Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster Gary Matthews, who played 16 years in the majors as an outfielder. Matthews, Jr...

3 5 0 .000 0 0
Total Hitting 46 154 42 .273 2 13

Starting pitchers

Note: GS = Games Started; IP = Innings Pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned Run Average; SO = Strikeouts
Player GS IP W L ERA SO
John Lackey
John Lackey
John Derran Lackey is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. Lackey was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in 1999 and helped the franchise win its first World Series title in 2002, which was his first season in the major leagues...

2 13.2 0 1 2.63 6
Joe Saunders
Joe Saunders
Joseph Francis Saunders is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.-College and minor league career:...

1 4.2 0 0 7.71 2
Ervin Santana
Ervin Santana
Ervin Ramon Santana is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Name:...

1 5.1 0 0 8.44 3
Combined totals 4 23.2 0 1 4.94 11

Relief pitchers

Note: G = Games Played; SV = Save; H = Hold
Player G IP W L SV H ERA SO
Jose Arredondo
José Arredondo
José Juan Arredondo is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher with the Cincinnati Reds.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...

3 3.2 0 0 0 0 0.00 4
Jered Weaver
Jered Weaver
Jered David Weaver , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...

1 2.0 1 0 0 0 0.00 3
Darren Oliver
Darren Oliver
Darren Christopher Oliver is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher.Oliver was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 3rd round of the 1988 Major League Baseball Draft, and has had three separate stints with the club.-Early life:...

2 1.1 0 0 0 0 0.00 1
Scot Shields
Scot Shields
Robert Scot Shields is a former American Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He played his entire baseball career with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, serving as their setup man since...

4 5.2 0 1 0 0 4.76 7
Francisco Rodriguez 2 2.1 0 1 0 0 7.71 2
Combined Totals 12 15.0 1 2 0 0 3.00 17

See also

  • Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
    Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
    The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...

  • Angel Stadium of Anaheim
    Angel Stadium of Anaheim
    Angel Stadium of Anaheim is a modern-style ballpark located in Anaheim, California. It is the home ballpark to Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of the American League, and was previously home to the NFL's Los Angeles Rams...

  • 2008 MLB season
    2008 Major League Baseball season
    The 2008 Major League Baseball season began on March 25, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan with the 2007 World Series champion Boston Red Sox defeating the Oakland Athletics at the Tokyo Dome 6–5 in the first game of a two-game series, and ended on September 30 with the host Chicago White Sox defeating the...


Other Anaheim–based teams in 2008

  • Anaheim Ducks
    Anaheim Ducks
    The Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California, USA. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...

    (Honda Center)
    • 2007–08 Anaheim Ducks season
      2007–08 Anaheim Ducks season
      The 2007–08 Anaheim Ducks season began September 29, 2007, with a game in London, England, against the Los Angeles Kings. It was the Ducks' 15th season in the National Hockey League...

    • 2008–09 Anaheim Ducks season
      2008–09 Anaheim Ducks season
      The 2008–09 Anaheim Ducks season was the 16th season for the National Hockey League franchise that was established on June 15, 1993. The Ducks first game of the season was an away game, held on October 9, 2008, against the Sharks.-Preseason:...

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