Angels-Rangers: Much ado about something | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

With five consecutive wins, the Angels are the hottest team in baseball. And with six wins in as many games at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, the Texas Rangers are the best team in the majors at home.

One of those streaks figures to take a pounding over the next three nights when the Angels and Rangers square off for the first time this season. But Angels ManagerMike Sciosciatook pains Monday not to overplay his team's first meeting with the defending American League champions.

"It's a first look," he said."There's going to be scouting that starts to take place on both sides. Evaluating. You get a look at the other club. Get a look at some of the bullpen arms they might be using. That's what is it.

"It's no different, us playing the Rangers, than when we were us playing the White Sox."

The teams come into the series tied atop the AL West at 10-5, the second-best record in the league. But that, too, is of little relevance now, Scioscia said.

"No matter what game the schedule brings you have to play at a high level and win," he said."Obviously when you do the math, when you play a team in your own division it affects your standings directly. Because you're in control of what you can do. But this game has no more importance than if we were playing another team.

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