Torii, Vlad Who? Hot Angel Bats Bring 8 Straight Wins, Still Need an Arm

  It's like watching someone play a video game. Ball players in games are generally designed to perform as well as their real-life counterparts. But really, success in most games depends less upon the skills of the characters and more on those of the person holding the controller In the hands of the right gamer, Jacoby Ellsbury can become a home run champ and Mike Pelfrey can throw a perfect game. Over the last week, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have played like the beneficiaries of some unseen, world-class stick jockey. It's ridiculous. No matter who steps up to the plate, all have become offensive threats in the absence of sluggers Torii Hunter and Vladimir Guerrero. Gary Matthews, Jr., a .220 hitter this season, helped orchestrate a comeback win against the Minnesota Twins with a two-out RBI single off dominant closer Joe Nathan. Robb Quinlan has been lacing the ball all over the field—and over the wall. Even Chone Figgins and Maicer Izturis have c...