Los Angeles Angels 2009 Preview

Dave on 03 15, 2009

Los Angeles Angels 2008 Review:

Last year the Angels proved to be the most dominant team in all of baseball, putting up an MLB best 100-62 record.  Behind the successful year were break out performances from pitchers Joe Saunders, Ervin Santana, and new MLB record holder Francisco Rodriguez.  Their solid pitching staff coupled with timely hitting and great late game composure proved to be the recipe for the Angels success.  Although they had a tremendous regular season, and have been a model of consistency in baseball for the last five years(never winning fewer than 89 games) the transition to the postseason has been a significant struggle.  Last year was no different, losing in the LCS at the hands of the Boston Red Sox 3-1.

Los Angeles Angels 2009 Preview:

In the aforementioned review I refer to the Angels as being a model of consistency for success, and with the 2009 season on the horizon I don’t expect that to change.  Other than Rodriguez opting for free agency, the Angels put together a good off-season resigning Ervin Santana, declining the option on fading outfielder Garrett Anderson and replacing him with veteran outfielder Bobby Abreu, and filling their closer role with the acquisition of Brian Fuentes.  With these new pieces in the place the Angels are clearly the best team top to bottom in the AL West.  They have the deepest and most consistent pitching staff along with a strong lineup that combines great role players with young upcoming talent and good veteran leadership. Barring injury, or a huge collapse the Angels should come away first in a division that is filled with question marks surrounding its other teams.

Los Angeles Angels 2009 Surprise Player:


Although it is no longer a surprise that Howie Kendrick is a good baseball player, I think we are all going to be surprised at how good he really is.  Haunted by injuries last year, he still managed to hit. 306 in 92 games.  He has had great success at any level he has ever played at and will only continue to get better as he grows and matures as a baseball player.  This year we will see him move from an up and coming prospect, to an All Star caliber 2nd baseman.  If this guy can stay healthy and play in 150 games this year I project his numbers to be .315 batting average with 15 homers and 70 RBI, score more than 100 runs and steal close to 30 bases, slightly less than what MVP Dustin Pedrioa was able to put up last year.

Los Angeles Angels Projected Record:

96-66 1st in the AL West

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