Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim review

Having muddled through the '90s, the Angels have spent the early 21st century as the team to beat in the American League West division. The turnaround began in 2002, when manager Mike Scioscia led the team to their first World Series. Aside from a blip in 2003, they've been contenders ever since. With outfielder Vlad Guerrero and closer Francisco Rodriquez both out of contract at the end of 2008, and recent signings Torii Hunter and Gary Matthews, Jr not living up to their inadvisably large contracts, there could be tough times ahead. But Scioscia's track record is so strong, and the team's rivals are so inconsistent, that it's difficult to bet against them.

The Angels' ballpark lacks character in comparison to Dodger Stadium. However, it's still a pleasant place to take in a game, and the fans are more enthusiastic than the notoriously blasé Dodger fans. Indeed, the only real problem with the team is that absurd name, changed (from the Anaheim Angels) in 2004 by owner Arte Moreno despite the fact that the team isn't in either the city or the county of Los Angeles, and despite the fact that it translates, tautologously, as 'The the Angels Angels of Anaheim'.