The Los Angeles Angels went just 80-82 last season, finishing third in the American League West. Los Angeles had been to the playoffs six times in the previous eight seasons, including each of the last three, but midseason injury to Kendry Morales really put them in a tough spot.
If the Angels offense can get it going this season, there is no doubt they have the starting rotation to take back the division crown from the Rangers. Here is a closer look at the starting lineup and starting rotation, plus our MLB predictions on where they finish the season in the AL West.
Starting Lineup
With the return of Morles and the addition of Vernon Wells, the Angeles offense figures to make a big turnaround in 2011.
Morales had 11 home runs and 39 RBIs in just 51 games before his season was ended with a fractured ankle from celebrating a walk-off grand slam. Morales hit 34 home runs and drove in 108 runs in 2009, and we see no reason why he won't return to those numbers this year.
Wells was a great addition this offseason and is coming off his best season in four years. He hit .273 with 31 home runs and 88 RBIs with Toronto last year and could be the determining factor in helping Los Angeles win the division in 2011.
Right fielder Tori Hunter is getting up there in age, but still managed to hit 23 home runs with 90 RBIs in 2010. Don't be surprised if he struggles to keep up with those numbers this season. Second baseman Howie Kendrick ended with a career-high in doubles (41), home runs (14) and RBIs (75), and it appears the move to become more of a power hitter is working, but he needs to raise his .313 OBP. Veteran DH Bobby Abreu finished with 20 home runs and 78 RBIs, but hit just .255 and like Hunter, he could see his numbers fall this time around.
The rest of the order won't likely give the Angeles a whole lot offensively.
Center fielder Peter Bourjos is great in the field, but he hit just .204 with an OBP of .237. Catcher Jeff Mathis hit just .195 with and OBP of .219 in 205 at-bats last year. Shortstop Erick Aybar doesn't bring much power to the plate, but if he is going to keep his starting spot he has to improve on his .256 average. The Angels are hoping Maicer Izturis can hold down the starting job at third after Brandon Wood completely flopped. The potential is there for Izturis to hit 10-15 home runs with 70-80 RBIs, but he has struggled to stay healthy.
Starting Rotation
Los Angeles figures to have one of the top starting staffs in the West with the likes of Jered Weaver and Dan Haren leading the way.
Weaver went just 13-12 in 2010, but his 3.01 ERA and 1.074 WHIP show he was much better than his record indicates. He has progressively got better with each year, and if the offense gives him a little more to work with, he could be in the running for a Cy Young.
The same could be said for Dan Haren, who was brilliant after coming over from Arizona in a midseason trade. Haren went 5-4 with a 2.87 ERA in seven starts with the Angels and could easily hit the 15-18 win mark this year.
Ervin Santana is coming off one of his better years in 2010. He led the team with 17 wins and finished with a respectable 3.92 ERA. However, Santana has struggled to put together two great seasons in a row. Joel Pineiro finished last year with a record of 10-7 with a 3.84 ERA, but most of his success came at the Coliseum. He was outstanding at home, going 7-2 with a 2.18 ERA, but was just 3-5 with a 6.31 ERA on the road. Scott Kazmir was a huge disappointment in his first season with Los Angeles, going just 9-15 with a 5.94 ERA. His strike out total was way down and its hard to see a big improvement in 2011.
2011 Projections: 3rd Place AL West
While there are still a few concerns at a couple positions, we think Los Angeles will have enough offense to go with their impressive starting rotation to make them a legit threat in the West this season. Still, the Angeles will have to past a very good Texas team and a fast improving Oakland team, which we feel might be a little much for this team in 2011.
The Angels MLB odds to win the AL West are currently listed at +275.
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