Angels splash the cash but can they topple Texas?

How do you solve a problem like not playing play-off baseball two years in a row? Well, if you’re Angels owner Arte Moreno the answer appears to be by spending over $330 million on the two most sought after free agents on the market. Albert Pujols arrives from St.Louis thanks to a mammoth 10 year deal worth a reported $254 million, while pitcher C.J. Wilson arrives from division foes and two time defending AL Champions Texas on a more modest, yet still hefty $77.5 million on a five year deal. Yet, the wheeling and dealing didn’t end there with Chris Iannetta and Jorge Cantu looking like very astute purchases.

While an 86-76 season is certainly not to be laughed at, the Angels felt bitterly disappointed at failing to reach the play-offs for a second straight year despite a relatively successful season. Unfortunately, Tyler Chatwood and Joel Piniero had poor seasons and somewhat undid the excellent front three of the rotation, while the line-up was full of .270 hitters with a bit of pop, but lacked the killer instinct in many games. One would assume that Pujols will provide just that. It’s sure to be an exciting battle in the AL West, but who will come out on top?

IN : Jorge Cantu (INF – Colorado), LaTroy Hawkins (RP – Milwaukee), Chris Iannetta (C – Colorado), Ryan Langerhans (OF – Arizona), Brad Mills (SP – Toronto), Albert Pujols (INF – St.Louis), C.J. Wilson (SP – Texas)

OUT : Russell Branyan (INF – N.Y. Yankees), Jason Bulger (RP – Minnesota), Tyler Chatwood (SP – Colorado), Scott Kazmir (SP), Jeff Mathis (C – Toronto), Matt Palmer (RP – San Diego), Joel Piniero (SP – Philadelphia), Horacio Ramirez (RP), Fernando Rodney (RP – Tampa Bay), Gil Velazquez (INF – Miami), Reggie Willits (OF)

Catchers : Jeff Mathis was traded away and replaced by veteran Chris Iannetta who, despite being a career .235 hitter is an upgrade on that front. It will be a battle for the back-up spot between exciting prospect Hank Conger, who topped the position last year hitting .209, and Bobby Wilson. All three catchers are considered defensive minded and are unlikely to trouble the race for the batting title.

Infielders : Quite clearly, the Angels infield just got a whole lot better with the acquisition of Albert Pujols. All that needs to be said is this – career .328 hitter, 445 home runs, nine All-Star appearances, three NL MVP titles and he’s only 32 years old. By the time it’s all said and done, Pujols could be the all-time home run king. There’s a veteran middle infield with Howie Kendrick and Erick Aybar. Both are similar players, with the former having a bit more pop and the latter a bit more speed. With both players entering their seventh season with the club, it’s fair to suggest that the duo have an almost telepathic understanding of each other’s game. Mark Trumbo will complete a lethal infield. The young third baseman impressed last year, hitting team highs with HRs (29) and RBIs (87). Should Trumbo suffer a sophomore slump, there are plenty of options off the bench, including veteran non-roster invitee Jorge Cantu, who has a fair shot at forcing his way on to the roster. Alberto Callaspo would be another veteran option. Callaspo hit .288 last year as the everyday third baseman, but is likely to the main person to lose out following the signature of Pujols, with Trumbo moving to third. Maicer Izturis will provide middle infield depth and is as solid a back-up as there is anywhere in the AL. Diminutive Alexi Amarista, along with other youngsters Andrew Romine and Jean Segura will be hoping to impress but should fall short of an Opening Day roster spot.

Outfielders : Despite having the massive contract of Vernon Wells, the Angels do have a solid, if aging, outfield. Wells hit 25 homers last season, but hit only .218 in his first season in Anaheim. That figure was the worst batting average for any player with more than 510 at-bats. At 36 years old, Torii Hunter is three years older than Wells, but has the same contractual issues, namely, too much money for the production being given. That’s not to say Hunter is a bad player. 23 home runs and 82 RBIs is certainly not shabby. Peter Bourjous should get the nod in centre, and with 22 stolen bases last year, it’s clear to see that he’ll provide the speed. Bobby Abreu is still on the roster, but in a greatly diminished role and is perfect trade bait, while Mike Trout is considered by many to be the best prospect in the game. A career .337 Minor League average suggests the experts may be on to something. Jeremy Moore and Ryan Langerhans are further down the depth chart, but will be given a decent chance to prove themselves in March.

Designated Hitter : After an unfortunate couple of years with injuries, the plan appears to be for Kendrys Morales to be the everyday DH, although it is a position that can be filled be several players, most likely Bobby Abreu. Morales missed all of last season, after having missed a large portion of the prior season due to breaking his leg while celebrating a walk-off home run. He hit 34 homers and .306 in his single healthy, full-time season in ’09.

Starting Pitchers : The formidable trio of Dan Haren, Jered Weaver and Ervin Santana were largely let down last season by the other duo in the rotation, Chatwood and Piniero, both of whom have departed for pastures new. If we take into consideration the arrival of C.J. Wilson from division rivals Texas, the front four pitchers in the Angels rotation combined for a very impressive 2.97 ERA. What chance a repeat performance? The only worry that manager Mike Scioscia and the front office may have is in the arm strength of his pitching staff. All four pitchers were in the top ten for innings pitched in the AL last year and that could cause problems this time round. There will be a two way battle for the fifth spot between Garrett Richards and Jerome Williams. The experience of Williams may be the deciding factor, although he’s pitched fewer than 90 innings in the Majors since 2005.

Relief Pitchers :  In many ways, it was actually very difficult to assess the bullpen last year, as they featured so little, with only three relief pitchers appearing in more than 45 games. Even so, the numbers are largely impressive. Jordan Walden did blow ten saves, making 32, but a 2.98 ERA during a rookie campaign is hardly cause for concern. Elsewhere, veterans Hisanori Takahashi and Scott Downs, a combined 73 years of age come Opening Day, will form a formidable left partnership, while the signing of 39 year old LaTroy Hawkins is a shrewd move. The trio, if Takahashi’s Japanese League numbers are included, have pitched over 3,300 innings, the majority as relievers. That experience could prove vital down the stretch. Rich Thompson headlines the rest of the bullpen staff, coming off a 1-3, 3.00 ERA season, while Bobby Cassevah could be asked to step up having impressed in bit part roles in each of the last two seasons. Kevin Jepsen needs to improve massively after a 7.62 ERA in 16 games last season, while Michael Kohn wasn’t much better at 7.30 ERA in 14 outings. Trevor Bell was significantly better, recording a career best 3.41 ERA, and is also an option as a spot starter, as is new signing Brad Mills from Toronto. Francisco Rodriguez (not K-Rod) and Loek van Mil are non-roster invitees that have a shot at making the roster. Should van Mil make his MLB debut, the Dutchman will become the tallest player in MLB history at 7’1’’, replacing former Minnesota teammate Jon Rauch, who stands at a measly 6’11.’’

PREDICTION : It is clearly a two horse race between the Angels and the Rangers and injuries could be the key issue as both teams are relatively similar. The fact that C.J. Wilson will be taking his wins away from Texas and adding them to the Angels is also a crucial aspect of the race. The signing of Albert Pujols pushes the Angels out in front, so I have them finishing first.