Anaheim Angels Preview

Anaheim Angels Preview

Summary: Mike Scioscia and his Anaheim Angels entered the new season ready to defend their American League West Title. Although the season ended in a disappointing game ALDS sweep to the World Series Boston Red Sox, the Angels remained poised and confident they could return to the postseason once again.

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Article Body: Overview:

Mike Scioscia and his Anaheim Angels entered the new season ready to defend their American League West Title. Although the season ended in a disappointing game ALDS sweep to the World Series Boston Red Sox, the Angels remained poised and confident they could return to the postseason once again. The Angels good fortunes continued in as they ended clinching the American League West with an impressive - record. Unfortunately, the postseason ended in straight losses to the Chicago White Sox as the Angels were eliminated - in the American League Divisional Playoffs.

Lead by superstar Vladimir Guerrero (. ) the Angels starting lineup provided a balanced attack against the opposition in . The new additions of Juan Rivera (. ) and shortstop Orlando Cabrera (. ) helped provide much better offensive stability as they joined outfielders Garret Anderson (. ) and catcher Bengie Molina (. ) to provide one of the more consistent lineups in the AL.

The Angels pitching was led by Bartolo Colon (- .) and John Lackey (- .) along with journeyman pitcher Paul Byrd (- .). Byrd emerged as a pleasant surprise in posting an - record with an . ERA prior to the all star break which was second only to Colon at the end of the st half of the season. While pitchers Brendan Donnelly (- . in relief appearances) and Francisco Rodriguez (- . saves) anchored one of the best bullpens in baseball.

Off Season Moves:

The Angels remained conservative in their off season. Free Agent Pitcher Hector Carrasco (- .) was signed after an impressive year for the Washington Nationals while additional bullpen help was added by trading B Alexi Casilla for J.C. Romero (- .) from the Twins. Pitcher Jake Woods (- .) was also picked up for late inning relief help, acquired off waivers from the Mariners. The Angels changed very little to their offense, adding Edgardo Alfonso (. ) to their lineup in a trade for Steve Finley (. ).

Analysis:

The Angels were wise to add pitchers Hector Carrasco and J.C. Romero as both should help them improve an already strong bullpen and pitching staff. Finley failed to deliver the same results as he did when he was acquired in the second half of the season ( HRS RBI with Anaheim) so the Angels felt he was worth trading. Unfortunately for the Angels, Alfonsos best seasons are clearly behind him - however as an upside he can still be relied on to drive in runs. The Angels also avoided arbitration with different players during the off season so the ball club is pretty much the same as it was when it began the year in . The starting lineup is balanced even losing Molina to free agency. The starting pitching could probably use another consistent starter. However with only three other teams to compete against in the AL West, there is really no reason to believe the Angels wont contend in again.