Just to note, I realize there aren't many people following this, but for some reason, it calms me to put it on "paper", then sit back, and take my time with each pitch.
This Angel's lineup is loaded nearly top to bottom. Trout, Trumbo, Pulos, Hamilton, and Iannetta are a hard core to get out. Complimented with speed by Howie Kendrick and Peter Bourjos. Make a mistake to the first 5 mentioned, and they'll take you deep. Put the other guys on base, and they'll reak complete havoc on my pitching. If I went through the boxscores, there's no doubt the bulk of their runs have come off the long ball.
That said, I've been forced to take a different approach in the last two games, and it seems to be working for the most part. Normally, and all through the season, I'll wait out the pitcher until he throws a strike. I've always had the "Moneyball" philosophy -- draw walks, do anything it takes to get on base -- guys on base equals more runs equals more games won. In this series, it just flat out hasn't worked, the pitching is too good. I've thrown the "Moneyball - Taking Pitches" out the window and have had to become more aggressive at the plate. With the season on the line, I'm looking for any pitch to drive, no matter the count. I'll take a pitch here and there at the bottom of the batting order just to "sniff" the pitcher out a bit. In the first two games, I scored a total of 4 runs, in the last two, I've scored 9. Logic tells me my adjustments are working, at least better than they were.
Honestly, I feel more comfortable playing the Yankees than I do the Angels, probably because I've played the Angels all year and know what a tough out they are. I'll get this done tonight, win or lose. It's been one fantastic season.