The week ahead for the Angels

Monday through Wednesday: at Seattle

Friday through Sunday: at Oakland

When the calendar flips from August to September, the Angels are usually beginning to think about their postseason rotation. Not this year. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have anything to play for in the final month of the season. The Angels need a strong September to avoid their first losing season since 2003. And more than a few players need strong finishes if they hope to be back next season — only nine Angels are signed for 2011. Now would be a good time to start that salary drive, since the Angels’ next 15 games are against teams that entered the weekend a combined 104 games under .500.