10/02/04 at Orioles W 7-5 Both Games

The first and second of three meaningless games over the weekend, the relievers that are on the bubble of being on the post-season roster each got work, and Foulke pushed the limits to get his 32nd save in game one.

The good news is that the team played well in both games; Damon and OC provided most of the offense. BK Kim actually got some hitters out and Letspanic managed to notch a save. Arroyo looked like he was just tuning up, and I predict he will be a force throughout the playoffs. On the other hand, Pedro Astacio probably won't be starting a game anytime soon, and we may need to be a little concerned about Mendoza and Timlin giving up runs.

Manny took the entire day off, which might actually hurt his chances for MVP. What might hurt those chances the most was the play of Vlad over the weekend. All the talk surrounded Manny and Sheff, but I have to believe now that the Angels made the playoffs that Vlad will be the man. Without the obnoxious Jose Guillen, he strapped his team to his back and carried them through the Texas and Oakland series offensively.