Girardi wary of Angels’ running game, first to third

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You’ll hear the cliche more than once during the American League Championship Series: The Angels run the bases aggressively.

Yes, that is true. But we’re not just talking about stolen bases. The Angels ranked third in the league in stolen bases -- and they were caught stealing more than any other team in the league.

We’re also talking about advancing from first base to third on a single. The Angels did that 119 times, the most of any team in the majors. That could leave the Yankees in a precarious position, since left fielder Johnny Damon and right fielder Nick Swisher have below-average throwing arms.

‘The most important thing is for the outfielders to charge the ball,’ Yankees Manager Joe Girardi said. ‘They need to get to the ball quickly. That has been addressed. If you lay back, they’re going to go.’

-- Bill Shaikin