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Los Angeles Angels 2017 Team Preview

By Anthony Sosa

Sep 26, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) gets a high five from first baseman C.J. Cron (24) and right fielder Kole Calhoun (56) after a solo home run in the fourth of the game against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) gets a high five from first baseman C.J. Cron (24) and right fielder Kole Calhoun (56) after a solo home run in the fourth of the game against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Danny Espinosa (8) makes a throw to first base against the Miami Marlins in the ninth inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Danny Espinosa (8) makes a throw to first base against the Miami Marlins in the ninth inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Acquisitions

In 2016, the Angels showed holes at left field and second base. They addressed those issues in the offseason and also added some platoon options to the lineup. But unlike most teams, the Angels corrected their problems without spending an immense amount of money.

Left Field:

The left field position haunted the Angels since the signing of Josh Hamilton. Last season, they tried platooning Daniel Nava and Craig Gentry but that failed. A new platoon situation is the plan for 2017.

Angels’ GM Billy Eppler attacked their left field issue early. Shortly after the offseason began, they traded for Tigers outfielder Cameron Maybin in exchange for pitcher Victor Alcantara.

Maybin performed well for the Detriot in 2016. In 94 games, Maybin hit .315/.383/.418 with 43 RBI and 65 runs. The Angels didn’t just add Maybin for left field, though.

They also signed veteran Ben Revere to a one-year, $4 million deal. Revere is coming off a disappointing 2016 season but in year’s past, the outfielder has produced.

Revere is a career .285 hitter with 363 runs and 190 steals in a seven-year career. The two outfielders provide great contact and speed to the Angels’ lineup.

Second Base:

Johnny Giavotella and Cliff Pennington manned the second base position last year. The production from the two, clearly, wasn’t working. Los Angeles designated Giavotella during the season.

Eppler jumped on the opportunity and traded for Danny Espinosa. The Nationals received two minor league pitchers in the deal.

Espinosa played for the Nationals for seven years. In 2016, Espinosa’s batting average dipped near the Mendoza line (.209). What Espinosa lacks in contact, he makes up for with his surprising power from the middle infield positions. He hit 24 homers and drove in 72 runs last season.

Pennington remains with the Angels as a backup infielder and Espinosa provides a great upgrade at the second base position.

First Base/DH:

With the potential of Albert Pujols missing some time recovering from surgery. The Angels went out and signed Luis Valbuena to a two-year, $15 million deal.

Even if Pujols is ready for the start of 2017, Valbuena is still a great asset for the club. Valbuena produces better against right-handers and can fill the void at first base or DH. C.J. Cron the other Angels’ first baseman hits lefties better so it works well.

In 2016, Valbuena only played in 90 games. He hit .260 with 13 home runs and 40 RBI. The left-handed hitter possesses power and when not in the lineup, adds some pop to their bench.

Pitcher/Catcher:

The Angels traded catcher Jett Bandy to the Brewers for catcher Martin Maldonado. The deal fits Los Angeles perfectly because manager Mike Scioscia prefers a defensive specialist a catcher.

Maldonado threw out 40 percent of base stealers in 2016. Although, Maldonado doesn’t hit well. He is a career-.217 hitter and has yet to play more than 79 games in a season. He’ll more than likely split time with Carlos Perez.

The Angels risked trading Bandy, a more offense productive catcher, in hopes that he doesn’t pan out. Bandy’s locked up until 2022. Only time will tell who won this trade.

They also signed Jesse Chavez to a one-year, $5.75 million contract. Either Chavez or Alex Meyer will become the fifth starter for the Angels in 2017.

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