The Angels have one of the best lineups in all of the land. Super star rookie of the year Mike Trout will man center field, three time MVP Albert Pujols will man first base, and 2010 MVP Josh Hamilton will man either right field or left field for the Halos. The rest of the lineup has some pop as well, this is how I would place them along with positions.
1. S. Aybar SS 109 OPS+
2. R. Trout CF 171 OPS+
3. L. Hamilton RF 131 OPS+
4. R. Pujols 1B 141 OPS+
5. R. Trumbo DH 126 OPS+
6. R. Kendrick 2B 106 OPS
7. S. Callaspo 3B 98 OPS+
8. R. Wells LF 91 OPS+
9. R. Iannerra C 107 OPS+
The lineup is very right handed heavy. I can see the Angels trading for a left handed designated hitter and moving Trumbo to third base or left field although he isn't so great defensively. A bat like Justin Morneau would put the Angels over the top.
The Angels lost Zack Greinke and Dan Haren this off season to free agency but they still retain one of the best starting pitchers in Jered Weaver. The Angels also traded for Jason Vargas and Tommy Hanson.
R. Jered Weaver 2.81 ERA
L. CJ Wilson 3.83 ERA
R. Tommy Hanson 4.48 ERA
R. Jason Vargas 3.85 ERA
R. Joe Blanton 4.71 ERA
The rotation isn't the best but they can definitively outscore any team and with that pitching it is enough to win a sufficient amount of games. There is one starter still left in the free agent market, that is Kyle Lohse. He would be a great addition to their rotation and to sign him to a one year deal may be a difference maker in the AL West.
The Angels' bullpen also got some nice additions. Ryan Madson will pitch for the Angels either as a closer or a set up man after having Tommy John's surgery. The lefty Sean Burnett joined the Halos this off season as well, he and the other lefty, Scott Downs, will be critical in match ups in late innings. Kevin Jepsen made himself seen in 2012 by putting up good numbers, and the emergence of Ernesto Frieri was huge for the Angels. Frieri put up great numbers for the Angels in 2012.
I project 92 wins for the Angels in 2013 as the team stands now.
The Dodgers added the big bat of Adrian Gonzalez and speed demon Carl Crawford in 2012. They let Shane Victorino join the Red Sox, but are willing to take the risk with Crawford coming off injury. Their well balanced looks as follows:
1. L. Gordon SS 56 OPS+
2. L. Crawford LF 107 OPS+
3. R. Kemp CF 147 OPS+
4. L. Gonzalez 1B 116 OPS+
5. R. Ramirez 3B 106 OPS+
6. L. Ethier RF 123 OPS+
7. R. Ellis C 118 OPS+
8. L. Schumaker 2B 96 OPS+
The Dodgers have the best pitcher in baseball. I don't care what anyone says, Justin Verlander or Felix Hernandez. The best pitcher in baseball is undoubtedly Clayton Kershaw. Josh Beckett joined the rotation in 2012. Ryu will be joining the rotation in 2013 as well, he will fun to watch.
L. Clayton Kershaw 2.53 ERA
R. Josh Beckett 4.65 ERA
R. Chad Billingsly 3.55 ERA
L. Hyun-Jin Ryu 2.66 ERA* in Korean league
L. Ted Lilly 3.14 ERA
The Dodgers have an excess of starting pitchers. They include Chris Capuano and Aaron Harang. Both had pretty good seasons in 2012 and could provide a good return whether it be prospects, relievers, or a more reliable short stop.
Kenley Jansen impress many people in 2012 taking on the closer's role for a majority of the season. Brandon League joined the Dodgers mid season and pitched well for them in 2012. Randy Choate departed to join the Cardinals, but JP Howell will replace him as a credited left handed reliever. Javy Guerra also performed very well in 2012. The Dodgers' bullpen inst one of the best, but it better than average. It is good enough to hold a game, but is the weakest part of their team.
I project 93 wins for the Dodgers in 2013
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