Angels-Royals Series Preview Q&A with Halo Hangout’s Jason Evans

Kansas City (65-78) returns home after a successful 4-2 road trip trough division leading Chicago and cellar dweller Minnesota. The Royals haven’t seen the Angels (78-66) since July when Los Angeles took two-of-three games in that series. For the season series the teams are tied three games apiece, so this weekend will decide the winner between KC and LA.

With the Los Angeles Angels coming to town over the weekend the Royals will get a second chance to see Zack Greinke in 2012. Photo Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

When Kansas City visited Anaheim July 23-25, Greg Holland suffered the opening night loss allowing three runs in 2/3^rd of an inning. Game two Will Smith threw seven innings allowing one run on just two hits and was backed by a Lorenzo Cain two-RBI night. In the final LA won 11-6 but that game will be remembered by Luke Hochevar getting thrown batters into the fourth inning.

We conducted a Q&A with Jason Evans who is the editor over at Halo Hangout to see what’s up with the Angels.

Kings of Kauffman – Royals fans will get their second look at Zack Greinke this weekend at the K (first as a Brewer in June), what have Angel fans thought of him so far?

Jason Evans – Zack’s start wasn’t the best with the Angels, however he’s come back and become a real stabilizing factor in their rotation. He’s going to need to stay on this roll if they have any shot at a playoff spot

KOK – Los Angeles have had a rollarcoaster season so far any predictions on how it ends?

JE – My opinion on that really changes by the day. They’ve been so inconsistent that at this point, I’m not sure if they make it.

KOK – Albert Pujols is another guy that Royals fans know well and has rebounded well since his slow start, what has his value been to the team this season or has it been lost behind Trout/Trumbo?

JE – I think everyone’s expectations for Pujols were too high. He was going to need to make adjustments in a new league. He’s probably having the quietest 30 home run year he ever has.

KOK – Speaking of Trout, Royals fans got a taste at the All-Star Game in July at the K, do you think he’ll sweep AL Rookie and MVP honors?

JE – I think Trout had rookie of the year locked up in June. MVP probably depends on whether they make the playoffs or not. I think it’s still TBD.

Here is the other half of the conversation that took place at Halo Hangout with Jason

Probable Starters this week (All Times Central) –

Friday 7:10 pm, C.J. Wilson (12-9, 3.69) v. Bruce Chen (10-12, 5.36)

Saturday 7:10 pm, Zack Greinke (5-2, 4.15)* v. Jeremy Guthrie (4-3, 3.23)*

Sunday 1:10 pm, Dan Haren (10-11, 4.45) v. Will Smith (5-7, 4.94)

* = Stats since joining Angels/Royals