Game Of The Week: Red Sox Vs. Angels

It’s All-Star Break Week which means it’s officially time for teams to set their second half of the season goals and determine whether a post-season appearance is in their future. This week’s Game of the Week installment will feature two American League Teams who are still in contention for the posts-season. The Boston Red Sox, although in last place of the American League East are only six and a half games back behind the New York Yankees. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are now atop the American League West just a half a game behind the Houston Astros who have been dominating that division for a majority of the season so far.

This weekend the Red Sox will travel to the West Coast to start a weekend series against the Angel at Angels Stadium of Anaheim.

Last Season:

Red Sox–

The Red Sox entered the 2014 season as the defending World Series Champions but, unfortunately couldn’t make a run at another championship in 2014. They finished at (71-91) on the season in last place of the AL East twenty-five games back behind the division winning Baltimore Orioles.

Angels-

The Angels won the AL West in 2014 with a (98-64) record, ten games ahead of the second place Oakland Athletics. Although they won the division and made a post-season, the wildcard  Kansas City Royals swept the Angels in the American League Division Series.

Managers:

Red Sox–

John Farrell is the current Manager of the Boston Red Sox, a position he has held since the start of the season. He led Boston  to a World Series Championship in 2013 and also won a Championship in 2007 when he was a coach with the Red Sox. From 2011-2012 he was the Man anger of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Angels-

Mike Scioscia is the current Manager of the Angels, a position he has since 2000, which makes him one of the longest tenured managers in baseball. In his career he has won Manager of the Year Honors in 2002 and 2009 and was a World Series Champion three times with the most recent in 2002.

Key Acquisitions:

Red Sox–

With the Red Sox struggling throughout the season, player moves started happening in the middle of the season. At the trade deadline on July 31, the Red Sox acquired outfielder Yoenis Cespedes from the A’s in exchange for Jon Lester, Jonny Gomes and cash. Boston then traded John Lackey to the Cardinals for Allen Craig and Joe Kelly. Boston also made a trade with their rivals the New York Yankees, trading Steohen Drew for Kelly Johnson. After the season ended, the Red Sox then traded Cespedes, Alex Wilson and Gabe Speier to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for pitcher Rick Porcello.

Angels-

With a struggling farm system, the Angels are no stranger making moves in terms of acquisitions. The Angels traded Howie Kendrick to the Dodgers for Andrew Heaney who is actually in their starting rotation this season. The Angels then traded Hank Conger to the Astros in November for Carlos Perez and Nick Tropeano. The Angels also acquired outfielder Matt Joyce from the Rays in exchange for Kevin Jepsen. After a rocky offseason and definitely a headline maker, Josh Hamilton was traded to the Texas Rangers for cash or a player to be considered later.

Prospects:

Red Sox–

Second baseman Yoan Moncada started quite the bidding war when he made it known that he want to leave Cuba for a MLB Career. The Red So won that war by signing the 20 year old to  a deal worth $31.5 million. He is a big offensive player as he threatens not only at the plate but also a base stealer as well. He is currently the top prospect in the Red Sox system and sixth best in the Minor Leagues and is currently with the Class A Greenville Drive and will most likely make his debut in 2017. Number two on the Sox list is LHP Henry Owens, a 22 year old who is currently plays for Triple-A Pawtucket, he also appeared in the 2014 Future’s Game. The third best is eighteen year old third baseman Rafael Devers. He has a long way to go as he is currently with the Class-A Greenville and won’t make his debut until at least 2018. The fourth best prospect for Boston is center fielder Manuel Margot who made a Future’s Game appearance this year and is currently with the Double- A Portland Sea Dogs where he is currently batting .278. Rounding out the top five Red Sox prospect list is LHP Brian Johnson who is also ranked among the Top 100 among the MLB’s best. THe 24 year old is currently 8-6 with a 2.73 ERA in the sixteen games he started.

Angels-

Of the top five prospects in the Angels’ organization, two have made  Major League appearances this season.  The Angels’ top prospect LHP Sean Newcomb is currently playing with the Class A Advanced Inland Empire 66ers where he is is 5-1 with a 2.48 ERA, is expected Major League date is the 2017 season. The second best prospect is second baseman/shortstop Roberto Baldquin who is also currently playing with the 66ers, who has magnificent defensive skills but struggles at the plate which explains the reasoning behind the .196 batting average, if he keeps putting in the work, his debut could happen sometime in 2016. RHP Joe Gatto who is currently 0-2 with a 5.19 ERA for Orem Owlz of the Pioneer League is the third best prospect in the Angels’ Organization. The fourth best prospect is RHP Nick Tropeano who has spent the majority of his time with Triple-A Salt Lake but has made one start with the Angels where he picthed six scoreless innings allowing just five hits while striking out five batters. In 2015 he is 2-4 with a 4.43 ERA. The fifth best prospect, is third baseman Kyle Kubitiza who also spent some time in the Majors this season but his .207 average was one concern that sent him back to Triple-A Salt Lake.