The Los Angeles Angels are 30-27. That record is almost entirely due to four members of their lineup.
The Los Angeles Angels were expected to contend in the AL West this season. They had upgraded their defense, bringing in Zack Cozart to play third, while adding Ian Kinsler at second. Cozart had produced a career year in 2017, and although Kinsler was fading offensively, it was hoped that they would serve as an upgrade over what the Angels had in 2017.
That has not been the case this year. Heading into Friday’s action, the Angels are 30-27, third in the West. While it is not quite the start that Los Angeles had expected, it is a better record than could be expected. In fact, a great deal of that success rests upon four players in the lineup.
As pointed out on CBSsports.com, the Angels have had to rely almost entirely on Mike Trout, Andrelton Simmons, Justin Upton, and Shohei Ohtani. The Angels led baseball in WAR at short and center, are second at DH, and fifth in left. The only other position where they are above 23rd is at catcher, which is almost entirely due to the defense of Martin Maldonado.
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It is too early to move on from Cozart. Signed to a three year contract worth $38 million, he is playing a new position and coming off a career season. As disappointing as his .232/.310/.395 batting line may be, his OPS+ of 95 is actually better than his career mark of 92. Cozart parlayed that career season into a large payday, and has reverted back to being the player he usually had been.
Likewise, Kinsler is struggling at the plate, but that is not a surprise. In the final year of his 11 year, $102.5 contract, Kinsler has produced a mediocre .204/.276/.315 batting line. However, he was brought in for his glove, which has lived up to expectations. Thus far, Kinsler has saved six runs at second while providing above average defense.
The biggest holes would be at first and in right. While it was a great story that Albert Pujols joined the 3000 hit club, he simply does not have anything left in his bat. However, Pujols has three more years, and $87 million, due on his contract after this season. The Angels will not be able to walk away from their first baseman without a significant hit to the wallet.
The easiest place to upgrade could be in right. Kole Calhoun, who had been a solid player in the recent past, has been a disaster this season. He has produced a .147/.198/.182 batting line this season, for an OPS+ of 7. He has all of three extra base hits in his 182 plate appearances, and a -19 oWAR. if not for his stellar defense, and seven outfield assists, Calhoun would be far worse than his -1.1 WAR on the season. Perhaps it is time for Ohtani to take a few turns in right, just as he did in Japan.
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The Los Angeles Angels are staying in the playoff hunt after two months of the regular season. That is entirely due to four players, as Los Angeles desperately needs to find help for the lineup.