100 Wins

Last year 100 win season was phenomenal. But 100 wins for John Lackey might be all the sweeter. Lackey won his 100th game against the Athletics Sunday. Chuck Finley, Nolan Ryan, Mike Witt and Frank Tanana are the only other ACES who've won 100 games in an Angels uniform. Unfortunately his career as an Angel may end with the season. The 30 Year-old Texan dealer debut for the Angels in June of 2002. That would also be the year that "Big" John would also be the second rookie ever to win a Game 7 of the World Series.

Earlier this season John was very adamant about the Angels acquiring some offense before making a decision about his career after the 2009 season. This was around the time the Angels tried to re-sign Mark Teixera. Unfortunately Tex didn't re-sign. Fortunately the Angels offense hasn't missed a beat. Kendry Morales contributions nearly match what Tex has done this year. Not to mention the efforts Bobby Abreu, Juan Rivera, Mike Napoli, and practically the entire offense. Although the offense surge quieted some in the month of August, nearly all nine starters are batting over 300 or close too it.

Big John is a big game pitcher. He wants to be in that playoff position. Fortunately the Angels have been able to provide him with that, even with a myriad of injuries and mis-fortunes. There are talks that the Angels will not be able to afford the kind of contract that Lackey will command. However, we would be $20 million poorer has Teixera stayed. One would have to think that a deal can and should be made. And perhaps Lackey would like to stay with the Angels now that they've acquired another outstanding pitcher in the name of Scott Kazmir.

Congratulations to John Lackey and his 100 wins. Lets hope Arte doesn't make the mistake of letting Lackey go. Remember what Nolan Ryan did after his time with the Angels.