Opening day of the 2013 MLB Season is fast approaching and odds for the Los Angeles Angels to win the 2013 World Series are at +1000, according to Sportsbook.ag. The Los Angeles Angels blew up the 2011 winter meetings by signing not just the top pitcher on the market in CJ Wilson, but the top hitter of the decade in Albert Pujols. While they won three more games in 2012 than they did in 2011, they dropped from second place to third in the American League West.
Owner Arte Moreno wants to win. Moreno shelled out a five-year, $125 million deal to sign Josh Hamilton from division rival Texas, which immediately got fans salivating over a lineup containing Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and Hamilton. There is not much to complain about as a Halo fan when you look at this batting order. Clearly, AL Rookie of the Year and MVP-robbed Mike Trout will bat leadoff. He should have no trouble batting at or close to .300, with 50-plus steals, and should easily score 100 runs considering the thunder behind him.
There is some uncertainty surrounding the enviable No. 2 hole in the lineup, as Scioscia has insisted he will bat Hamilton at cleanup. One option is Peter Bourjos, whose speed and gap power would be an advantage. Mark Trumbo is another contender. After finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting in 2011, Trumbo followed it up with 32 home runs and 95 RBI in 2012. Unfortunately, he also has a patience issue, walking just 36 times. Right now, the odds-on favorite to bat second is the shortstop, Erick Aybar. He does not strikeout often, he gets on base and is better at working counts than Trumbo or Bourjos.
There may not be a better three-four combination in baseball. While Pujols' April scared many fans, who were staring down the barrel of a 10-year commitment, he went on to post an OPS of .975 or higher in each of June, July and August. Meanwhile, Hamilton had his healthiest year since 2008, playing in 148 games and batting .285 with 43 home runs and 128 RBI. Trumbo is a logical fit behind Hamilton in the five spot.
Behind their bonafide No. 1 starter (Weaver), the Halos have some serious question marks in their rotation. Wilson is coming off offseason elbow surgery, Hanson's velocity drop is a huge red flag, Vargas was far more effective at home (in Safeco Field with the Mariners) than on the road last season, and Blanton hasn't produced a league-average ERA since 2009. Dan Haren (87 ERA+) and Ervin Santana (73 ERA+) weren't anything special last year, but none of their replacements is a sure thing. To their credit, GM Jerry Dipoto added a ton of rotation depth this winter, but it looks more like quantity than quality.
The Rangers are deep despite the loss of Hamilton, the Athletics are defending division champions and Seattle is young and talented. With so much invested in the Angels current roster, they cannot afford another third-place finish.
Pregame.com Webinar: Former Bookmaker Chris Andrews
Johnny Detroit from Pregame.com interviews former Vegas bookmaker Chris Andrews (Former casino owner and legal bookmaker for over 30 years.).