The Angels believe they are a better team than on July 22, when they had just collected their 17th victory in 20 games.
Their logic seems sound. In the 11 days since then, they have added depth to the lineup and are close to getting back right-hander Jered Weaver from the disabled list.
There is only one problem. In that time, the Angels have won only one game.
The Angels' 5-3 loss to the Dodgers on Sunday was their sixth loss in a row, and their ninth in the last 10 games. Their two-game lead over the Houston Astros in the American League West has turned into a four-game deficit.