2012 Los Angeles Angels Predictions
The Los Angeles Angels have played second-fiddle to the Texas Rangers in the American League West the past two seasons following a run of three consecutive division titles in which they won at least 94 games. After landing prized free agent Albert Pujols, the Halos are hoping for a return to the top.
Projected Pitching
Starting rotation: Jered Weaver (R) – The 2011 AL Cy Young runner-up finished second in the AL in ERA (2.41), third in wins (18) and eighth in strikeouts (198).
Dan Haren (R) – He’s coming off a very solid season in which he finished 16-10 with a 3.17 ERA and a team-high 338.1 innings. It was his sixth season in the last eight years with at least 14 wins.
C.J. Wilson (L) – The Angels were happy to steal Wilson away from the Rangers. He’s 31-15 with a 3.15 ERA the past two seasons.
Ervin Santana (R) – He’s inconsistent at times but unhittable when he’s on. Last season’s 3.38 ERA was the lowest of his career.
Jerome Williams (R) – The Halos will give Mr. Williams every chance to earn the final spot in the rotation after he went 4-0 with a 3.68 ERA in 10 games for them last year.
Closer: Jordan Walden (R) – He recorded 32 saves as a rookie and made the All-Star team but also blew 10 chances. I expect him to be sharper in year two.
Projected Lineup
Chris Iannetta (Catcher) – The Angels like what they’ve seen from Iannetta, who boasted a .370 on-base percentage for the Rockies in 2011 while slugging 14 homers and adding 55 RBIs.
Albert Pujols (First Base) – The Halos landed arguably the best player in all of baseball and are hoping he’ll lead them to their first World Series title since 2002. Pujols had a bit of a down year in 2011 but still hit .299 with 37 round trippers and 99 RBIs. I say down year only because he had averaged .331 with 40 home runs and 123 RBIs over the previous 10 seasons.
Howard Kendrick (Second Base) – He earned an All-Star nod and finished the season with a .285 average, 18 home runs and 63 RBIs.
Alberto Callaspo (Third Base) – Callaspo led the Angels with a .288 average last season. Mark Trumbo, who finished second in American League rookie-of-the-year voting while playing first, could take over if he’s able to field the position. He led the team with 29 homers last year.
Erick Aybar (Shortstop) – He batted .279 with 10 jacks and 59 RBIs while leading the club with 155 hits.
Vernon Wells (Left Field) – Wells did not produce the way the Halos had hoped after acquiring him from Toronto. He hit 25 home runs but only batted .218.
Peter Bourjos (Center Field) – He hit a solid .271 in 2011 with 26 doubles, 11 triples, 12 home runs and 43 RBIs. He’s one of the best defensive outfielders in the AL because of his gap-to-gap speed.
Torii Hunter (Right Field) – He doesn’t make the highlight reel catches he once did but is still a solid stick. He batted .262 with 23 bombs and 82 RBIs last year.
Bobby Abreu (Designated Hitter) – Trumbo will see time as the DH and so will Kendry Morales once he’s completely healthy. Abreu will likely be there on Opening Day though. He hit .253 with eight homers and 60 RBIs in 2011.
Prediction – 1st Place AL West: The additions of Pujols and Wilson make the Angels the team to beat the West. Baseball odds makers have listed the Angels as the -165 favorite to win the division.
