MVN: Most Valuable Network

Allowing 10 runs in less than three innings is not the outing John Lackey wanted in his last appearance before the playoffs, a 12-1 loss to Texas. It was his worst mound performance ever, but it was softened by the fact that the Angels already won the American League West and, thanks to Tampa Bay's loss, claimed home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

So, Lackey will get to take the hill again in game one next week, again at Angel Stadium, and redeem himself against the Boston Red Sox.

Ah, Boston. Why do the Angels draw Boston again? Last season, the Angels were swept by the Red Sox, but it was an Angels team depleted by injuries. It does not look like that will be the case this year. Plus, the Angels in 2008 are 8-1 against Boston, 5-1 in Boston and 3-0 in Anaheim. That has to account for something.

What has to also be taken into account is Francisco Rodriguez. Some of said he is being overused, but if you look at his numbers, as of right now, he has pitched the exact same amount of innings (67.1) as he did last year, though he has more appearance. The number of appearances doesn't matter, it's innings. Yes, his strikeout total is down while his hits allowed are up. But come playoff time, he has the experience to get it done.

Wednesday starts the playoffs -- a much better battle than the presidental debates!