C.J Wilson set to battle Reds after Opening Day Victory

C.J Wilson is set to start against the Red’s in Cincinnati in his first start of the season. Wilson is looking to bounce back from his terrible 2nd half of the 2012 season after finishing the year with a near-6 ERA performance in the final months. After undergoing the knife to repair bone spurs in his elbow, which he attributed to his 2nd half failures, Wilson is looking to prove that he is still the pitcher that rightfully earned a $77 million dollar contract from the Angels following the 2011 season.

Going opposite of C.J is Reds star pitcher Mat Latos, acquired in a trade from the Padres in 2012. Latos is also in his second season with the team and looking to solidify his status as an anchor to the Reds rotation following ace-pitcher Johnny Cueto. The difference between Latos and Wilson, however, is that Latos does not need to “re-prove” himself to his fanbase. While Latos has established himself as a reliable arm for the Reds last season, Wilson must once again show the Angels he can still pitch like the All-Star he was in the first half of 2012.

The Angels are riding on some momentum after defeating the Reds in an incredible 13 inning game, quite the show for the Opening Day crowd in Cincinnati. After a much needed off day yesterday (which sounds ridiculous considering it was only the first game) the Angels are looking to pounce on the Reds fast, no one wants a repeat of Monday’s fiasco (though it would be fun for us fans to see, again).

The Angels Holy Trinity of Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, and Mike Trout are looking to power C.J Wilson’s performance after the three combined to go 1-14 with three walks in their debut, something they’re looking to avoid in today’s affair. After last season’s terribly slow start, which ultimately led to the team’s failure to live up to their lofty playoff expectations, the Angels will be hard-pressed to put together a winning streak to open the season.

Once you take into account the Angels upcoming series against fierce division rivals Texas this weekend some momentum building in this series against the Reds is crucial for the Angels to have early season success. Nothing would pain this fanbase and the team’s morale more than a generous smashing by the Rangers this weekend.

If momentum is what the Angels need, having a pitcher who feels that he has something to prove is exactly what this team needs to find success.