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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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Feb 15, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitchers and catchers report to spring training camp at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitchers and catchers report to spring training camp at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

Projections:

If the Angels can remain healthy in 2017, they’ll perform much better than they did in 2016. If their pitchers avoid injuries they more than likely finish above .500. Here’s a projection of their rotation, bullpen and lineups versus righties and lefties.

Rotation:

  1. Garrett Richards
  2. Matt Shoemaker
  3. Ricky Nolasco
  4. Tyler Skaggs
  5. Jesse Chavez/ Alex Meyer

Bullpen:

Long relief: Jesse Chavez/Alex Meyer/ Daniel Wright

Middle relief: Jose Alvarez/Mike Morin/J.C. Ramirez/Deolis Guerra/Greg Mahle

Setup: Andrew Bailey and Cam Bedrosian

Closer: Huston Street

Lineup vs. R:

3B Escobar
RF Calhoun
CF Trout
DH Pujols
1B Valbuena
2B Espinosa
SS Simmons
C Maldonado/Perez
LF Revere

Lineup vs. L:

3B Escobar
RF Calhoun
CF Trout
DH Pujols
1B Cron
LF Maybin
2B Espinosa
C Maldonado/Perez
SS Simmons

Predictions:

The Angels are in a tough spot. They are in a strong AL West division and don’t seem talented enough to compete with the Astros or Rangers. They’ll battle with the Mariners for the third spot in the AL West. They’ll also fight for a Wild Card spot.

2017 Record: 83-79 

Division Rank: Third

Playoffs: No

Next: Los Angeles Angels: Best Offseason Transactions This Winter

Although the Angels increase their win total by nine games, the AL West is too strong for them. Battling in September for a Wild Card spot they’ll barely miss the playoffs. They’ll miss out on the playoffs for the seventh time in eight seasons.

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