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MLB: AL West Preseason Division Predictions

By Matt Meffe

September 18, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) reacts after reaching third in the seventh inning against Toronto Blue Jays at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
September 18, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) reacts after reaching third in the seventh inning against Toronto Blue Jays at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Fourth Place: Los Angeles Angels

Projected Record: 77-85

The best player in baseball currently is Mike Trout. One of the greatest power hitters of all-time is Albert Pujols. One of the best fielding shortstops in MLB today is Andrelton Simmons. All three of these players are in the same lineup for the Los Angeles Angels. However, that may not be a good thing. While the Angels do have these three particular players, they do not have enough weapons in other areas to be able to contend. Yunel Escobar is streaky, and Ben Revere is coming off of an injury-plagued, inconsistent 2016 season. While Luis Valbuena can provide some pop and depth, he doesn’t provide much else.

The biggest weakness for the Angels going into 2017 is their pitching staff. Garrett Richards is still going to be recovering from injury, and his availability is not guaranteed. Ricky Nolasco‘s production has gone increasingly downhill, and Alex Meyer (who was also received in the Ricky Nolasco trade) has not been productive at all. The only Angel starter that managed to produce in 2016 was Matt Shoemaker, who produced a 3.88 ERA in 27 starts. Shoemaker has proven to be of value to the Angels in recent years. In 2014, he finished the season with a 3.04 ERA in 20 starts. However, all of the pressure is now on him as the ace of the team.

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