Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/10148
LIVEMAGS.NET MAY>>10 27 success in a ballpark with a higher and deeper right field wall. His reputation for being a great teammate and upstanding person make him a great fit for an Angel team that thrives on hard working role players, but his addition brings back the issue of age. With the signings of Hunter, Abreu, and Matsui, the Angels have added three players to the middle of their batting order who are well past their peak years. Add also journeyman starter Joel Pineiro to this discussion, and it's clear that the Angels are no longer a team of upstarts focused on fundamentals and scrapping their way to victories. They're finally delving heavily into the veteran market a la New York and Boston. And while we might suggest that the Angels are on the decline with so many players over their baseball hill, it's important to remember that regardless of the Age 27 Rule, New York and Boston win consistently. Since their World Series victory in '02, the Angels have won the AL WEST every year, but never made it further than the ALCS. It seems like "push has come to shove" in Anaheim. The Angels have bulked up—this year they're leaning on their maturity and poise instead of their youthful exuberance. If they're going to get over that hump and reclaim a pennant, the Angels are going to go big. With more long balls, more walk offs, more moon shots…2010 could be one exciting year to be Angels fans.