The Los Angeles Angels

The Angels were big spenders these past 2 off seasons by signing big names like Albert Pujols, CJ Wilson, and Josh Hamilton. This off season they did not sign anyone to a mega contract, but made several well places and simple moves.

One well made move was trading Peter Bourgeois to the Cardinals for third baseman David Freese position that has been weak for the Angels. Also the Angels traded Mark Trumbo to the Diamondbacks in a three team deal to acquire prospect pitcher Tyler Skaggs and starter/reliever Hector Santiago.  To fill the hole at DH the Angels added veteran Raul Ibanez. Here is how I would make the lineup for the Angels in 2014.

1. S. Erick Aybar        SS 93 OPS+
2. R. Mike Trout        CF 179 OPS+
3. L. Josh Hamilton    RF 108 OPS+
4. R. Albert Pujols      1B 116 OPS+
5. L. Raul Ibanez       DH 124 OPS+
6. R. David Freese     3B 101 OPS+
7. R. Howie Kendrick 2B 118 OPS+
8. L. JB Shuck           LF 98 OPS+
9. R. Chris Iannetta    C 109 OPS+

The Angels rotation often gets a bed rep, but the 1-2 punch is one of the best in baseball, Jered Weaver and CJ Wilson. The rest of the rotations is Hector Santiago, Tyler Skaggs, and Joe Blanton, which does not sound so good.

1. R. Jered Weaver    115 ERA+
2. L. CJ Wilson         111 ERA+
3. L. Hector Santiago 120 ERA+
4. R. Joe Blanton       62 ERA+
5. L. Tyler Skaggs      75 ERA+

The closer for the Angels is going to be Ernesto Frieri with other significant named being Joe Smith, Sean Burnett, Kevin Jepson, and Garret Richards. The Angels have the outscore the other team strategy for the 2014 season.