2014 MLB Team Previews – Angels
The Los Angles Angles enter the 2014 season with high hopes after a pair of back-to-back disappointing seasons, which ended without a postseason appearance, including a dismal 2013 campaign that concluded with the Halos finishing 18 games back of Oakland in the race for the AL West.
Sportsbook’s Odds to Win
AL West: +200
American League: +1000
World Series: +2000
The bullpen was a major issue last season for Anahiem, ranking 26th in the majors. But with closer Ernesto Frieri returning, and left-handed set up man Sean Burnett set to exceed last year’s expectation, I expect a big improvement here. Add in Dane De La Rosa as an able backup closre option, and the addition of Joe Smith and you see what I mean.
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Meanwhile, the Halos pack a potentially potent lineup, which includes possibly the league’s best all-around player in Mike Trout. The Angels were third in average, third in on-base percentage, fifth in slugging and sixth in runs in the AL last season.
Probable lineup
1. Kole Calhoun, RF
2. Mike Trout, CF
3. Albert Pujols, 1B
4. Josh Hamilton, LF
5. David Freese, 3B
6. Raul Ibanez, DH
7. Howie Kendrick, 2B
8. Chris Iannetta, C
9. Erick Aybar, SS
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With the addition of third baseman David Freese, who isn’t far removed from being an All-Star as is outfielder Kole Calhoun, and the hopeful resurgence of sluggers, Albert Pujols and Billy Hamilton, the Angels will no doubt lead the AL in runs in 2014.
But as good as the lineup is, the starting rotation could be what keeps Anaheim from their dream season.
And while Jerry Dipoto did a good job to get Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs in a deal for Mark Trumbo, the rotation still appears lacking in some areas.
Probable rotation
1. Jered Weaver
2. C.J. Wilson
3. Garrett Richards
4. Hector Santiago
5. Tyler Skaggs
The Angels starters were 58-57 with a 4.30 ERA last season, the latter of which ranked 22nd in the majors.
Nevertheless, C.J. Wilson is coming off a very good season and is as durable as they come, going 17-7 in 2013, and if Jered Weaver as can regain his declining velocity, the Angles could be a contender.
Anaheim is going to have plenty of offense, so it’s going to come down to how the pitching staff works out.
Considering all of that, I believe we’ve seen the downside to this team and that was last season — and they still won 78 games.
I expect Anaheim to finish with at least 81 wins and maybe even a bit more.
