After topping the Oakland Athletics, 6-0, Thursday night -- and avoiding a sweep in the process -- the Los Angeles Angels are now 3½ games back in the AL Wild Card race behind the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees, both of who are tied atop the AL East and hold the second Wild Card spot. The Athletics, with a record of 82-61, sit atop the Wild Card standings.

The Angels (78-66) have a strong opportunity in their next series to make up ground on the Athletics, Yankees and Orioles, as they face the slumping Kansas City Chiefs in a three-game affair. The Athletics and the Orioles face each other, so if the Angels can win their series against Kansas City, they'll inevitably move up in the rankings. The Yankees also face a Wild-Card contender in the Tampa Bay Rays, who sit a half game back of the Angels.

For all news, analysis and information regarding the Los Angeles Angels, please visit Halos Heaven. For updates regarding the wild card race, head over to Baseball Nation.

The Baseball Nation Show - Episode 7 (via sbnation)