Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Well, it's finally over.

After 171 grueling regular and postseason games, after all of the ups and downs, tragedies and triumphs, the Los Angels Angels of Anaheim are getting a preemptive jump on the offseason.

It's not the Angels' fault, per say. I cringe to even think it, but though the differences were minor, the New York Yankees were simply the better team, throughout both the regular season and the American League Championship Series.

Despite what the media would have you believe, the New York Yankees haven’t won their 40th pennant yet. In fact, after Thursday night’s amazing comeback victory, the Los Angeles Angels are very much alive and kicking in the American League Championship Series. The Yankees may still be the favorite—especially as the series shifts back to Gotham—but the Angels aren’t done yet. They do, however, have an uphill battle in front of them.

The torrential downpours in the Bronx won't likely affect the New York Yankees starting pitching plans, but it could benefit the Angels. For if the series goes to a seventh game, expect John Lackey to become available.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said veteran lefty Andy Pettitte will still be on the mound on Sunday for a game six, while some are clamoring for CC Sabathia. Pettitte owns four series-clinching wins among his 15 career postseason victories: both tied for the most in baseball history.

The Los Angeles Angels had a huge night on Thursday.

First and foremost the Halos got to watch John Lackey—in potentially his last game with the club—pitch at his best and hold the Yankees in check for 6 2/3 innings.

Secondly, the club managed to pull off a huge comeback against the vaunted bullpen of the New York Yankees and force a game six in New York on Saturday night.

Lastly—and most importantly—the Angels finally found a new good luck charm.

That’s right ladies and gentlemen, the days of the Rally Monkey and Thunder Sticks has come and gone.

Los Angeles Angels pitcher John Lackey could be the most sought free agent in MLB’s upcoming offseason and up 4-0 with two outs in the top of the seventh inning in Game Five of the American League Championship Series, Lackey was fired up about being taken out of the game.

Although the Yankees staged a furious rally after Lackey’s exit, the Angels used a determined seventh-inning comeback to slip away with a 7-6 win, sending the series back to New York where rain may be on tap for Saturday’s Game Six.

Since the New York Yankees' first year in 1913, they had been 30-0 when leading by three runs in the postseason.

They are now 30-1.

After leading the Los Angeles Angels 3-0 in Game Three of the ALCS, the Yankees went on to lose a nail biter in 11 innings.

SS Derek Jeter, 3B Alex Rodriguez, CF Johnny Damon, and C Jorge Posada all hit solo home runs to account for New York's four runs.