Los Angeles Angels 2018 Season Preview
The Los Angeles Angels endured a multitude of injuries in 2017, and somehow managed to remain in contention for a playoff berth heading into September. They may be able to take another step forward this year.
On the surface, the Los Angeles Angels 80-82 record in 2017 would appear to be a disappointment. The Angels had the 11th highest payroll heading into Opening Day last year, and had the expectations that they would contend once again for the postseason. While the Angels were on the periphery of the second Wild Card into September, the 2017 campaign was not what they had hoped for.
In this case, injuries hampered what could have been a promising year. Over the course of the season, 11 different pitchers had at least one start for the Angels. One of those starters, Bud Norris, even became their closer for a time after injuries decimated the bullpen. All told, 31 different pitchers made an appearance for Los Angeles last year.
Even worse, Mike Trout, the best player in the game, was injured last year. He missed six weeks, derailing another MVP caliber campaign due to his thumb injury, which required surgery. While Eric Young did his best impression of Trout, missing the best player in baseball certainly put a damper on the Angels chances.
Heading into 2018, the Angels have improved. The infield has been completely overhauled, and the Angels even managed to revamp their farm system. The best player in baseball now has the best international player, Shohei Ohtani, with him. There is a lot of optimism surrounding the Los Angeles Angels this year. But what should we expect from them in 2018?
Los Angeles Angels additions and subtractions:
Key additions: Zack Cozart, Ian Kinsler, Shohei Ohtani, Kevin Matain, Jim Johnson
Newcomer to watch: Shohei Ohtani. In a surprising decision, Ohtani spurned more money and the potential for greater endorsements to head to the Angels. In doing so, he gave the Angels not just a possible ace, but a potential middle of the order bat.
It is easy to understand the excitement surrounding the latest Japanese sensation. He has the record for the fastest pitch in Nippon Professional Baseball history, and won the Home Run Derby in 2016. All told, Ohtani produced a .286/.358/.500 batting line with 48 homers and 70 doubles in his 1170 plate appearances, as well as a turning in a 42-15 record, with a 2.52 ERA, 1.076 WHiP, and 624 strikeouts in 543 innings on the mound.
The Angels are hoping that Ohtani can be that two way star he was in Japan, evoking those comparisons to Babe Ruth. On a team needing an ace and protection for Mike Trout, Ohtani is the player to keep an eye on.
Key Losses: Jesse Chavez, Yunel Escobar, Cameron Maybin, Huston Street, Bud Norris, C.J. Cron, Brandon Phillips
Biggest loss: C.J. Cron. The Angles are putting a lot of faith into Albert Pujols being healthy, and Ohtani being able to fill the designated hitter role on his off days. Cron, who was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays, was the Angels safety net for Pujols.
Based on his stats last year, it is understandable as to why the Angels would move on. Cron struggled, producing a subpar .248/.305/.437 batting line in his 373 plate appearances, drawing 22 walks and striking out 95 times. However, he did hit 16 homers for the third consecutive season, and improved his defense at first base.
Yes, Pujols has slimmed down, and is claiming to be healthy for the first time in years. And Ohtani has all the potential in the world. However, given the injury histories for both players, as well as Ohtani’s learning curve, the Los Angeles Angels may end up regretting this trade.
What should we expect from the Los Angeles Angels in 2018?
If everything goes according to plan, the Los Angeles Angels could contend for a postseason berth in 2018. However, there are still a lot of question marks.
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The Angels still have not really addressed their pitching staff. With Shohei Ohtani, Garrett Richards, Matt Shoemaker, and Tyler Skaggs, Los Angeles has a lot of potential. However, Richards is the only one of that foursome to ever start 30 or more games in a season. The talent is there, but will the Angels rotation be able to stay healthy? Not adding a veteran innings eater may prove to be a mistake.
Offensively, and on defense, the Angels should be better. Zack Cozart and Ian Kinsler are upgrades both offensively and defensively in the infield. Ohtani, if he can make that adjustment to the majors, could be a key part of the lineup. And a healthy Pujols may be able to rediscover some of his former glory.
The Angels are going to be an interesting team to watch. If everything falls right, and they end up staying healthy, they could even be a playoff team, although that route would likely involve the Wild Card. However, with the potential that their rotation possesses, it would not be a surprise if Los Angeles exceeded those expectations. But if their health makes a turn for the worse…
Next: Angels top ten prospects for 2018
The Los Angeles Angels have a lot of potential. This year, they may even find their way into the postsesaon. Prediction: second in the AL West.