Next up in the MLB preview department is a team that won 98 games last season but couldn’t get the job done when it mattered most. So while there was lots to cheer about in Anaheim last year, the Los Angeles Angels headed into the winter disappointed. I’m not so certain even the regular season will be as much fun this time around.
That’s not to suggest the Halos are going to tumble to the depths this year. There’s too much talent still on hand for the Angels to not be a serious playoff contender. But there are also some issues that at least for the time being, appear to be potential potholes for this team.
The pitching looks to be okay, particularly when the Angels have a lead going to the late innings. This has a chance to be a really good bullpen, with Joe Smith and Huston Street taking care of the last six outs. There’s a good and versatile mix of setup hurlers on hand for manager Mike Scioscia to utilize, and he’s always been very good at choosing situational relievers.
The starting pitching looks to be okay and maybe better than that. If Garrett Richards goes back to flashing the form he had prior to getting hurt last year, the Halos have their ace. Jared Weaver is not quite at his previous level, but he’s as savvy as it gets and knows how to win. Matt Shoemaker figured out how to dominate with a nasty splitter and I don’t believe he was a one-year wonder. CJ Wilson could rebound and if not, there’s Hector Santiago and a potential star in Andrew Heaney.
I’m a bit less enthralled with the offense. Sure, Mike Trout is awesome. Albert Pujols appears to be the healthiest he’s been to start a season in some time. Erick Aybar is solid and Kole Calhoun is turning out to be way more than what many expected. But I’m not sure on David Freese at this point, I think there’s a problem at second base and the left field/DH slots are a bit shaky.
Note that I’m not factoring Josh Hamilton into this analysis at all. First off, I don’t know if and when he’ll be eligible to play. And if and when he finally is, I don’t know anyone can be positive he’s still even a shadow of what he once was. Let’s face it, Hamilton was really bad in the second half of 2014. Given the inability to stay healthy and the other problems, Hamilton looked like a guy way past his prime late last season. The truth of the matter is that he might be exactly that.
I don’t see the Angels coming close to another 98-win campaign. I expect them to be more in the high 80’s neighborhood this season. That’s not bad at all, and it’s enough to have them a likely playoff team. But I’d be mighty surprised to see this team entering October as the team to beat in the American League.