Vladimir Guerrero was all smiles on Sunday at a light workout in Anaheim, but he'll need step up for the Angels to have a chance. (Jeff Gross/Getty Images)The Los Angeles Angels will try to get back in the American League Championships Series beginning Monday with the first of a potential three consecutive home games against the New York Yankees.
"We've got to calm it down and have some fun," said Angels veteran Torii Hunter. "You've got to have amnesia, and you've got to let the past go.
"You can let that history get in your mind, and their payroll, and you really try to do too much," the centre-fielder added. "We have to block that out and play our game."
Los Angeles will send home stalwart Jered Weaver to the mound just after 4 p.m. ET on Monday, with the Yankees countering with veteran Andy Pettitte.
New York has a chance to mark their first World Series appearance in six years as early as Tuesday night.
In contrast to the chilly, damp conditions in the Bronx, Monday's forecast calls for 20 C weather.
The six-foot-seven Weaver went 9-3 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim during the regular season. He struck out 99 and walked just 27 in 115 innings pitched in the park.
He allowed just two hits in 7 1/3 innings against Boston at home to help eliminate the Red Sox in the previous series.
His prowess alone can't help if the Angels continue to make defensive miscues and strand base runners.
"We know this thing can turn in a heartbeat," Scioscia said. "If we win Game 3, we've got a different vibe in this series, and that's what you want to create."
The teams definitely earned a relaxing day in the Orange County sun after their 13-inning, 310-minute epic on Saturday night, won 4-3 by the Yankees on the final defensive mistake in a two-game set full of miscues by the normally sure-handed Angels.
New York cancelled its scheduled Sunday workout in Anaheim, while the Angels gathered for a bit of hitting and jogging, more to reset their minds than their bodies.
Second baseman Maicer Izturis' wild throw on an attempt to turn a double play on a tough grounder allowed Jerry Hairston Jr. to score the winning run in the 13th inning Saturday.
The Angels as a franchise have never come back from an 0-2 playoff deficit.
Los Angeles left 16 on base over the course of the game. Vladimir Guerrero struck out twice with the bases loaded in New York and stranded eight runners.
"I have confidence in Vlad," Hunter said. "If it weren't for Vlad, we probably wouldn't be where we are. Just his name and his history alone helps us, making pitchers think about the game differently."
The Angels are still waiting for a power display and are yet to hit more than a double in two games.
While the Angels are looking for home comfort, the warm weather isn't exactly unwelcome for the Yankees.
"The conditions [in Anaheim] are definitely going to be a little bit more favourable for both teams to actually try to perform a bit better," said New York outfielder Johnny Damon. "The bones won't be aching as much, and the body will be able to move around a bit quicker."
Second baseman Robinson Cano could be a prime candidate to loosen up under the California sun. Cano looked as uncomfortable as possible in the drizzly, 8 C weather on Saturday. He did hit a triple, his only hit in 20 post-season trips to the plate.
Pettitte will attempt to win his major league-record 16th postseason game after tying John Smoltz for the record with a victory in the AL Divisional Series against Minnesota.
It was Pettitte's first playoff win in four years, and first in Yankee pinstripes since 2003.
C.C. Sabathia of the Yankees is scheduled to make his second start of the series in Game 4 on Tuesday, with Scott Kazmir debuting for the Angels.
With files from The Associated Press
