The rivalry between the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim is one of the most intense in Major League Baseball. Both teams play in the American League West division and have been battling it out for years. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of the rivalry, the current state of the teams, and what the future might hold.
History of the Rivalry
The rivalry between the Rangers and the Angels dates back to the 1960s when both teams were expansion franchises. Over the years, the two teams have had some memorable games and heated moments. One of the most famous incidents occurred in 1993 when Nolan Ryan, who had previously played for both teams, punched Robin Ventura of the Chicago White Sox during a game. The incident is often referred to as “the Nolan Ryan fight” and is still talked about today.
Since then, the rivalry has only intensified. The two teams have faced each other numerous times in the playoffs, with the Angels winning the division in 2004 and 2005, while the Rangers won it in 2010, 2011, and 2016. The two teams have also had some epic regular-season battles, with each game feeling like a playoff game.
Current State of the Teams
Currently, the Rangers and the Angels are both in a rebuilding phase. The Rangers finished last in the AL West in 2020 with a record of 22-38, while the Angels finished fourth with a record of 26-34. However, both teams have some promising young players and are looking to the future.
The Rangers have some exciting young talent in their lineup, including outfielder Joey Gallo and infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa. They also have some talented pitchers, such as Kyle Cody and Dane Dunning. The Angels, on the other hand, have one of the best players in baseball in outfielder Mike Trout. They also have some promising young pitchers, such as Griffin Canning and Jaime Barria.
What the Future Might Hold
It’s hard to predict what the future holds for the Rangers and the Angels. Both teams have some promising young players, but they also have some weaknesses that need to be addressed. The Rangers need to improve their starting pitching, while the Angels need to improve their bullpen.
One thing is for sure, though – the rivalry between these two teams will continue to be intense. As both teams rebuild and improve, the battles between them will only get more exciting. Whether it’s a regular-season game or a playoff series, Rangers vs Angels games are always must-watch.
Conclusion
The rivalry between the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim is one of the most intense in Major League Baseball. Both teams have a rich history and have provided fans with some unforgettable moments over the years. While both teams are currently in a rebuilding phase, they have some promising young talent and are looking to the future. As the two teams continue to improve, the battles between them will only get more exciting.
