Can the Los Angeles Angels challenge the Houston Astros in 2018?
By Kyle Cardoza
The Los Angeles Angels have done all they can to build a contending team for next season, but can they keep up with the Houston Astros?
Can the Angels give the defending champion Houston Astros some competition in the American League West? Mike Trout may be the answer.
Alone, the two-time AL MVP is menacing enough. But when he is surrounded by a group of above-average players, he and his Los Angeles Angels are even more intimidating.
Los Angeles is arguably the biggest winner in the offseason thus far, as it snagged a trio of players that turned the club into a surefire contender. The front office might not be done yet, either.
Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani and shortstop Zack Cozart chose Southern California as their new home. Ian Kinsler didn’t have much of choice, but he’s likely not complaining. Now the front office will probably add another outfielder or some arms to complement the stars.
Following the World Series, it seemed that the Astros wouldn’t have much competition in the American League West. Houston triumphed over a stellar Dodgers club with a powerhouse offense.
And general manager Jeff Luhnow focused on improving the team’s weakness this offseason by bringing in relievers Hector Rondon and Joe Smith. Houston may also be eyeing a left-handed pitcher or top-tier starter, but the rest of the team looks set right now.
With Los Angeles making moves with such alacrity, some fans may have jumped the gun and dubbed the Angels as the AL West favorite. But after looking at each roster, the Astros still reign supreme.
If Los Angeles signs a competent starting pitcher, such as Jake Arrieta or Yu Darvish, then that may change. But with the current squad, the Angels look like a club on the verge of a Wild Card appearance at best.
Meanwhile, the young Astros lineup continues to develop, while the starting rotation features a formidable one-two punch. They are the reigning World Series champions, and all of the players they lost had rather minimal roles in 2017.
However, when looking at each aspect of the game, does Houston still have the advantage?