American League West – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim – Joe Soriano
- Why the Angels Will Win the World Series
Have you seen that Angels rotation lately? They picked up C.J. Wilson at a lower-than-expected rate, which raised some questions regarding Wilson’s sanity. I mean, he was the top FA starting pitcher and could have cashed in on something closer to $100 million. In any case, the deal worked out for the Angels and gives them the best rotation in the AL. Look at this, you have Jered Weaver at the top followed by Dan Haren (who is just as good as the slightly overrated Weaver) and C.J. Wilson. Then, of course, you have no-hit pitcher Ervin Santana slotted in the No. 4 slot with Jerome Williams backing up the rotation. The Angels are also interested in signing Roy Oswalt, which means they would have an even better rotation with the 3 WAR starter as the No. 4 guy. As it stands, the Angels already have a 3 WAR starter as the fourth man. That’s stacked. They also signed this guy nicknamed “The Machine”, so they basically have baseball’s version of “The Terminator” to go along with a filthy rotation. They can out-pitch anyone in the AL, and they have proven that they can take down the Red Sox. Next up, a beating of the Yankees; they have the pitchers to combat that offense. And oh yeah, they have that Pujols guy to make the offense better.
- Why the Angels Will Not Win the World Series
Have you seen their left fielder? The Vernon Wells signing was a mistake, but it looks like nobody on the Angels has figured out that they are starting somebody in left who isn’t even a sure bet for a .250 OBP. Torii Hunter is also overpaid in right, but at least he’s a decent hitter even if his defense is grossly overrated by some. They finished ten games back last season, but their additions only amount to about nine wins. Yup, it looks like they’re going to fall a win short. The Angels play great defense, but their offense was lacking last season (96 wRC+) and placed them 9th in the AL; right behind the Orioles. You can’t win if you can’t score, and the Angels added one great offensive player to try and keep Wells from dragging down the totals too much. They have to overcome the Rangers in their own division, and they are nowhere near the Yankees offensively. The Bombers also improved their pitching staff, and the Rays always play smart baseball and get production from everyone. The Angels are top-heavy on offense, and we don’t know if those top guys can stay healthy. It’s going to be fun to watch Pujols and Wilson try and bring a Series to LA.
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