2012 MLB Handicapping: LA Angels
The Angels were 10 games over .500 last season, mainly because of their solid pitching, but they still finished 10 games behind the Texas Rangers and they did not make the playoffs. However, this season the Halos have high hopes since they won the free agency sweepstakes signing slugger Albert Pujols.
Here are some futures odds for the Angles this season.
Odds to win the World Series +550
Odds win the AL Pennant +325
Odds to win the AL West -165
Also, it may be easier to pas the Rangers this season since Texas lost starter C.J. Wilson, who landed with the Angels.
How will the Angels fare this season? Let’s take a look.
While the Angels are now loaded with Pujols their batting order is littered with guys that are not spring chickens any longer. Tori Hunter and Vernon Wells will be counted on to protect Pujols in the lineup and Bobby Abreu needs to supply some offense from the DH spot. Wells had 25 HR last season, but only 66 RBI and he only hit a paltry .218.
However, he will likely see more pitches this season with Albert in the lineup.
Alberto Callasp and Peter Bourjos will be batting at the bottom of the order, but each of these guys hit over .270 last season and Bourjos is a solid guy on the base paths that can steal bases. There will be a lot of pressure on the top 2 hitters of Eric Aybar and Howie Kendrick, as they will have to get on base for Big Albert to knock them in.
The veterans of Wells, Hunter, and Abreu have to play well this season and Pujols, well, just needs to be Pujols and if that happens and the young guys can hit the Angels’ offense may be one of the best in the Majors. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
The solid Angles’ staff is improved with the addition of Wilson and with he, Jared Weaver, Dan Harren, and Ervin Santana they may be one of the best in the game. In his first year as a closer Jordan Walden did have 32 saves, but also blew quite a few. He can reach almost 100 mph on the radar gun and he will be counted on to have a good season.
The Angeles spent a ton of money in the off-season and how will it pay off on the field? Hitting was their issue last season and they picked up the best one in baseball in Pujols and a solid starter in Wilson. Still, there will be a lot of pressure on the Halos this season with Albert in the lineup and anything less than the playoffs will be a disappointment.
Projection: I think Pujols will have a good year and since opposing pitchers will be walking him often Hunter and Wells will play well seeing a lot of strikes.
Their staff is solid and I think the Angels will win the AL West this season in a tight race with the Rangers.
Projected win total: 95-67
