Posted 10:33 AM by Sean
Well, it's nice to see that the Angels can still take three of four from the Devil Rays, though, realistically, that was the minimum we should expect from them. Four-game series are tough; even against Tampa Bay you don't really expect a sweep, but the difference that last game makes - the difference between 3-1 and 2-2 - is huge, both psychologically and in the standings, particularly if (as was not the case this weekend) it's against someone you're contending with for a playoff spot.

The story this weekend seemed to be that of the role players. Jeff DaVanon continued to impress, going eight for twelve (including two home runs from the leadoff position yesterday) and establishing himself as the no-question fourth outfielder after Erstad returns this coming weekend. If Brad Fullmer continues his plunge - he's at .291 now, and sinking - DaVanon also gives the Angels the ability to shift Erstad to first for a few games.

Saturday, meanwhile, was Chone Figgins's day in the sun. Figgins went two for four with three runs scored and two stolen bases, and played left field for the first time in his major league career. Previously, he'd played exactly one inning in the outfield, a stint in center during a blowout loss to Baltimore. Figgins is ordinarily a second basemen, so the Kennedy-Gil platoon at that position means finding other ways to use him. But Gil is having a terrible year so far, and we may not be far from seeing him cut loose. Gil's 30, and makes "only" $400,000, so the Angels could probably afford to let him go in favor of the 25-year-old switch-hitting Figgins, but they'll need to give Figgins a few more at-bats at the major league level to assure themselves that he's ready.

The Angels are off today before beginning the National League portion of their schedule against Les Expos - or Los Expos, now, I guess, since the series will be in San Juan, Puerto Rico. There should be plenty of Angels fans in attendance - the Molina brothers are from Puerto Rico, and their father was actually inducted into the Puerto Rico Sports Hall of Fame last year.