This Season's #Angels Team Draws Comparisons to 2002 World Series Champions

At LAT, "Angels may have turned back the clock":

It first struck Tim Salmon in early July, when the Angels steamrollered the Texas Rangers in a four-game sweep. It became more apparent July 18, when the Angels traded for proven closer Huston Street, turning a much-improved bullpen into a dominant one.

It was solidified in early September, when the Angels' offense went off, averaging almost nine runs a game during a 10-game win streak that sealed the American League West title.

"This team is really reminiscent of our 2002 team," said Salmon, the right fielder on the club that mashed its way to the World Series championship that October. "They're putting up a lot of runs, and they're getting great pitching from their bullpen. Hopefully, the postseason for them goes like it did for us."

The Angels open the AL division series against the Kansas City Royals on Thursday, and despite their major league-best 98-64 record, they may have the thinnest and least-imposing rotation of the eight playoff participants.

Game 1 starter Jered Weaver is a veteran right-hander who consistently pitches into the seventh inning and gives the Angels a chance to win.

But left-handers C.J. Wilson and Hector Santiago were erratic in September, their occasional brilliance offset by some early blowouts, and right-hander Matt Shoemaker will be trying to pitch through a potentially painful rib-cage strain.

The Angels survived — even thrived — after losing their best pitcher, Garrett Richards, to a knee injury Aug. 20. The loss of the right-hander could sting more in October, as the Angels match up against some shut-down starters.

But the Angels don't have to look far for proof you can win a World Series without dominant starting pitching. Their blueprint for success is a virtual carbon copy of the 2002 team's: Get a lead or stay even through five innings, hand the ball to the bullpen and enjoy the ride.

And if the starter struggles? Then pummel the opposing pitcher.

"You can bet it's going to be a race to the fifth inning for [Manager Mike] Scioscia unless he's got Weav out there," said Troy Percival, the closer on the 2002 club. "When you have the bullpen the Angels have, it becomes a five-inning game. It's similar to when we were rolling in 2002. We could cover four innings every day on a playoff run."

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