Angels clinch American League West with win over Mariners

The Los Angeles Angels clinched the American League West division on Wednesday with a victory over the Seattle Mariners. This is their ninth division title in team history and their first since 2009. 

They clinched the division with a 5-0 victory. C.J. Wilson was absolutely brilliant, pitching seven innings, allowing one hit, no runs, striking out seven, and walking three. First baseman C.J. Cron lead the offensive attack with a three run home run in the seventh. 

I correctly predicted the Angels to win the American League West division prior to the season. They were able to solidify their rotation this season, including another very good season from Jered Weaver. Weaver, 31, is 17-8 with a 3.50 ERA (1.203 WHIP and 4.13 FIP), pitching 200 1/3 innings. I noted that they also added to their rotation with Tyler Skaggs and Hector Santiago to improve their rotation, and while the former is currently on the 60-day disabled list, the latter has a 102 ERA+ in 119 innings. 

The main thing I'm really excited about is seeing Mike Trout in the postseason. Trout is likely on his way to his first American League MVP award this year. I love what he brings to the table, and yeah, his stats (.289/.378/.562) are pretty good too. Trout in the postseason makes me already want to watch every single game the Angels are involved in. You never know when he'll be back.

Overall, I think the Angels have a very scary looking team heading into the 2014 postseason. Again, in order for them to have success, their pitching will have to be clutch, and it will have to be very good. It has surprised me in the regular season, so there may be doubts as to how well it'll perform under this pressure. But they could be serious World Series contenders. 

Congratulations to the Los Angeles Angels on clinching the American League West title.

--Devan F.

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