30 Teams in 30 Days: Los Angeles Angels
Los Angeles Angels
2010 Record: 80-82
681 RS, 702 RA, Pythagorean Record: 79-83
Manager: Mike Scoscia
GM: Tony Reagins
Free Agents:
Scott Downs, RP (3, $15MM); Hasanori Takahashi, RP (2, $8MM).
Minor League FA:
Ricky Alvarez, 3B; Cole Armstrong, C; Jeff Baisley, 3B; Bear Bay, P; Ryan Braun, P; Justin Harper, P; David Harris, OF; Ryan Jones, OF; Eric Junge, P; Kevin Melillo, 2B; Tony Pluta, P; Kevin Richardson, C; Travis Scott, C; Virgil Vazquez, P; Gil Velazquez, SS.
Rule V Pick:
None
Trades:
Received Vernon Wells (OF) from the Blue Jays for Mike Napoli (C) and Juan Rivera (OF).
Waiver Claims:
None
Players Lost:
Cory Aldridge, OF; Ryan Aldridge, P; Ryan Budde, C; Daniel Cabrera, P; Carlos Colmenares, 3B; Daniel Davidson, P; Gabe DeHoyos, P; Amalio Diaz, P; Terry Evans, OF; Luis Figueroa, SS; Robert Fish, P; Kevin Frandsen, 2B; Nick Gorneault, OF; Ryan Houston, P; Charlton Jimerson, OF; Hideki Matsui, DH; Drew Meyer, 2B; Bobby Mosebach, P; Abel Nieves, 2B; Gary Patchett, SS; Robb Quinlan, OF; Fernando Rodriguez, P; Michael Ryan, OF; Scot Shields, RP; Eduardo Soto, 2B; Hainley Statia, SS; Brian Stokes, RP; Nate Sutton, 2B; Mason Tobin, P; Vladimir Veras, P; Ryan Vogelsong, P.
Top 15 Prospects
1. Mike Trout, OF
2. Jean Segura, 2B
3. Tyler Chatwood, RHP
4. Jordan Walden, RHP
5. Hank Conger, C
6. Kaleb Cowart, 3B
7. Fabio Martinez, RHP
8. Garrett Richards, RHP
9. Mark Trumbo, 1B
10. Cam Bedrosian, RHP
11. Randal Grichuk, OF
12. Alexi Amarista, 2B
13. Trevor Reckling, LHP
14. Ryan Bolden, OF
15. Chevez Clarke, OF
The Angels are in a good spot with Mike Trout at the top of the list. He’s a 5-tool talent. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I’m worried about Trout living up to his potential. Jordan Walden will help the team soon, rather than later; he’s seen some comparisons to Craig Kimbrel, who might be closing for the Braves. The system has some decent depth and is in the top 3rd of baseball.
2010 Review:
Many predicted regression for the team, and that’s what happened. Their main additions – Hideki Matsui – played decent, but he wasn’t enough to overcome the Rangers.
Most of their hitters are starting to show age. Bobby Abreu can’t move like he used to and his power is diminishing. He played well his first season in LA, but took a step back last year. Same goes for Torii Hunter. Their best younger player – Kendry Morales – missed most of the season with injury.
The pitching struggled as well. Scott Kazmir has lost what he had in Tampa. The addition of Dan Haren was too little, too late for the team. Brian Fuentes was not worth the contract he signed; he was gone at the trading deadline.
2011 Preview:
I believe it’ll be much of the same.
The offense took a hit by trading Mike Napoli; he gave them a solid source of power from a traditionally weaker position. Now Jeff Mathis and/or Hank Conger will see most of the time at catcher. One can’t hit and one isn’t a proven MLB player.
I’m not sure if Vernon Wells will add anything they don’t already have. He’s not the player he was before he signed his huge contract. He will see a small lift from a being in a better line up, but not enough to be relevant again. I think this was a panic move after missing out on Carl Crawford and Adrian Beltre.
At least they should have Morales back.
The starting pitching will see an upgrade, just for the fact they’ll have Haren for a full season. With Jered Weaver becoming an established ace, they’ll have a strong from on the rotation.
The bullpen will also welcome the addition of Scott Downs and Hasanori Takahashi. Both will be better than the earlier mention Fuentes and Scot Shields.
Overall, this team didn’t address their problems from 2010 and didn’t attempt to get better than the Rangers or the Athletics.
From the Bloggers:
Prediction:
3rd Place