2009 MLB Preview - Los Angeles Angels

Los Angeles Angels
Manager: Mike Sciosca (10th season)
2008 Record: 100-62 (1st AL West)
Postseason: ALDS Loss 3-1 vs. BOS

Added: OF Bobby Abreu, RP Brian Fuentes
Lost: 1B Mark Teixiera (NYY), OF Garret Anderson (ATL), RP Francisco Rodriguez (NYM)

Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. 3B Chone Figgins (.276, 72 R, 1 HR, 22 RBI, 34 SB) 2. CF Torii Hunter (.278, 85 R, 21 HR, 78 RBI, 19 SB) 3. LF Bobby Abreu (.296, 100 R, 20 HR, 100 RBI, 22 SB) 4. RF Vladimir Guerrero (.303, 85 R, 27 HR, 91 RBI) 5. C Mike Napoli (.273, 39 R, 20 HR, 49 RBI) 6. DH Juan Rivera (.246, 31 R, 12 HR, 45 RBI) 7. 2B Howie Kendrick (.306, 43 R, 3 HR, 37 RBI) 8. 1B Kendry Morales (.213, 7 R, 3 HR, 8 RBI) 9. SS Erick Aybar (.277, 53 R, 3 HR, 39 RBI)

Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. John Lackey (12-5, 3.75 ERA, 130 K) 2. Joe Saunders (17-7, 3.41 ERA, 103 K) 3. Jered Weaver (11-10, 4.33 ERA, 152 K) 4. Dustin Moseley (2-4, 6.79 ERA, 37 K) 5. Nick Adenhart (1-0, 9.00 ERA, 4 K)

NOTE: Ervin Santana (16-7, 3.49 ERA, 214 K) will join rotation in May due to injury

Bench
IF Robb Quinlan, IF Maicer Izturis, IF Brandon Wood, OF Reggie Willits, OF Gary Matthews Jr.

Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
Brian Fuentes (30 SV, 62.2 IP, 47 H, 82 K, 2.73 ERA), Scot Shields, Jose Arredondo, Darren Oliver, Justin Speier

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Fantasy Studs: OF Bobby Abreu, OF Vladimir Guerrero, OF Torii Hunter, SP John Lackey
Fantasy Sleepers: 2B Howie Kendrick

Men In The Minors: C Hank Conger, 1B Mark Trumbo, OF Peter Bourjos, SP Jordan Walden, SP Trevor Reckling, SP Will Smith

Home Ballpark: Angel Stadium of Anaheim (Grade 7/10)

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Team Outlook: For the past few years, the AL West has been all about the Angels. Well, that may change this year for once. After winning 100 games and having the best regular season record in baseball, I don't see this year's edition having the same success. Let's start with the lineup. The top four is strong. When healthy, Figgins is a great place-setter. And with Hunter, Abreu and Guerrero following, it's not going to be easy for any pitcher. But after those 4, it really drops off. Kendrick could be something special but I don't see much hope for the rest. The pitching isn't that bad but it's also not that great. Lackey will win his usual 15 games and when Santana comes back in May, he'll be good. But expect a fall to reality for Saunders, who won 17 last season. Weaver has great stuff but is still inconsistent. And Moseley and Adenhart are unproven. The bullpen also will suffer without the services of all-times saves leader Francisco Rodriguez. Fuentes is a fine replacement but expect more blown saves this year. The team may still win this division but the days of 100 wins are unlikely. But they do have one of the best managers in the game so I wouldn't be too surprised if they prove me wrong.

Next Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers