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Projected batting order 1. 3B Chone Figgins:
.330 BA, .393 OBP, .432 SLG, 3 HR, 58 RBI in 2007 2. DH Gary Matthews Jr.:
.252 BA, .323 OBP, .419 SLG, 18 HR, 72 RBI in 2007 3. RF Vladimir Guerrero:
.324 BA, .403 OBP, .547 SLG, 27 HR, 125 RBI in 2007 4. LF Garret Anderson:
.297 BA, .336 OBP, .492 SLG, 16 HR, 80 RBI in 2007 5. CF Torii Hunter:
.287 BA, .334 OBP, .505 SLG, 28 HR, 107 RBI in 2007 6. 1B Casey Kotchman:
.292 BA, .372 OBP, .467 SLG, 11 HR, 68 RBI in 2007 7. 2B Howard Kendrick:
.322 BA, .347 OBP, .450 SLG, 5 HR, 39 RBI in 2007 8. C Mike Napoli:
.247 BA, .351 OBP, .433 SLG, 10 HR, 34 RBI in 2007 9. SS Erick Aybar:
.237 BA, .279 OBP, .289 SLG, 1 HR, 19 RBI in 2007 Projected rotation 1. John Lackey, 19-9, 3.01 ERA in 2007 2. Kelvim Escobar, 18-7, 3.40 in 2007 3. Jon Garland, 10-13, 4.23 in 2007 4. Jered Weaver, 13-7, 3.91 in 2007 5. Ervin Santana, 7-14, 5.76 in 2007
Projected bullpen Closer: Francisco Rodriguez, 40/46 saves, 2.81 ERA in 2007 RH setup man: Scot Shields, 3.86 ERA in 2007 LH setup man: Darren Oliver, 3.78 ERA in 2007
The New Guys... Hunter: A seven-time Gold Glove center fielder with the Twins, Hunter also brings a right-handed weapon to the lineup, having tied for the AL lead in homers among outfielders in 2007 with 28 while driving in a career-high 107 runs. An aggressive baserunner with 18 steals in '07, Hunter is perfectly suited to the Angels' running game. On top of his physical skills, he is known as one of the game's premier clubhouse leaders with his dynamic presence and enthusiasm.
Garland: At the high cost of Gold Glove shortstop Orlando Cabrera, the Angels added a durable starter to their deep rotation in Garland, a control artist who won 18 games for the White Sox in back-to-back seasons (2005 and '06). He reached seven innings and beyond in 21 of his 32 starts in 2007 and has not missed a start because of an injury since his rookie year in 2000, when his elbow got in the way of a Fred McGriff line drive. Garland's durability should ease the load on the bullpen.
Prospects to watch Brandon Wood: The organization's brightest light for several seasons, Wood is expected to open the season at Triple-A Salt Lake, where he hit .272 with a team-high 23 homers and 77 RBIs in 2007 while getting a few cameos in Anaheim. It was a learning experience for Wood, who was introduced to third base after playing shortstop all of his life and handled the new role capably. He could be with the Angels by midseason, providing right-handed power, if he breaks out at Salt Lake.
Nick Adenhart: The right-hander had a solid season at Double-A Arkansas, finishing fifth in the Texas League in ERA at 3.65 while going 10-8. He likely needs a full year at Triple-A before the Angels are comfortable giving him a real look in their deep and talented rotation. At 21, he's considered a top-of-the-rotation guy with star qualities.
Rich Thompson: An Aussie import with great stuff, the 23-year-old right-hander opened eyes at Salt Lake with 32 strikeouts and six walks in 25 innings. Promoted to Anaheim with Jason Bulger, another reliever with superior stuff, Thompson struggled, giving up eight earned runs in seven innings. But the club remains high on his talent and attitude and thinks he can be a quality middle reliever or setup man.
Returning from injury Matthews: After a splendid first half, Matthews was hounded by leg injuries that disrupted his offensive timing in the second half of his debut season with the club and eventually cost him a roster spot for the postseason when his left knee wouldn't enable him to take his position. He is expected to play all three outfield spots and spend some time as designated hitter with Hunter arriving to play center field.
Kotchman: In the midst of a breakout season, Kotchman sustained a gash in his head and a concussion on June 16 when he was struck by a pickoff throw from Dodgers catcher Russell Martin. He was among the AL's top 10 in hitting, slugging and on-base percentage at the time, and when he came back, he struggled to regain his timing and stroke.
Kendrick: A broken finger after absorbing a pitch by Chad Gaudin on April 17 derailed him after a hot start, and he was sidelined again by another hand injury in July. As frustrating as that was in his first full season as a regular, Kendrick held his poise well enough to hit and handle the glove capably -- and the best is yet to come if he can stay in one piece for a full season.
Aybar: An all-purpose reserve in 2007, Aybar was playing left field, a foreign place, when he suffered a hand injury that basically wiped out his season in early July. He had the hook of the hamate bone removed and returned for the stretch run but was unable to contribute much. Now he's bidding for the everyday job at shortstop, and he'll need to avoid injuries to make it happen. But his talent is unquestioned. He has exceptional range and a gun, and he can fly.
Weaver: Biceps tendinitis in the spring cost Weaver his first two starts, and he slowly rounded into form. It wasn't until the second half that he was throwing at peak velocity, and he was 7-2 with a 4.19 ERA after the All-Star break. He went from 11 wins as a rookie (in 19 starts) to 13 as a sophomore (in 28 outings), and it wouldn't be unrealistic to think he can add two wins again this season if he remains free of injuries.
Rivera: After putting up career numbers in 2006, Rivera tore a ligament in winterball, thus keeping him out for a majority of the 2007 season. He'll have to earn his ABs in a severely overcrowded OF, but look for him to become a solid contributor.
On the rebound Anderson: A hip flexor tear in April sidelined Anderson for much of the first half, but he rebounded with a vengeance after the All-Star break, ranking among the game's most productive hitters with 65 of his 80 RBIs and 13 of his 16 homers. His big night was a two-homer, 10-RBI eruption against the Yankees at home. Anderson's season ended with an eye ailment that impaired his vision against the Red Sox, but he hopes to carry the momentum of his strong second half into a big year.
Kendrick: Two hand injuries limited him to roughly half a season of at-bats (338), yet he still managed to hit .322, and his progress defensively was encouraging. If he can remain in the lineup, the club thinks he's capable of hitting with more power while maintaining a high average. He has the ability to contend for batting titles and make multiple All-Star teams.
Justin Speier: Signed as a free agent to offer back-end bullpen support for Shields and Rodriguez, Speier was struck with an intestinal infection that cost him nine weeks. Remarkably, he still managed to deliver 50 innings, with 47 strikeouts and only 12 walks, and he was especially tough with runners on base. If he's healthy all year, Speier could be the difference in making this once again one of the game's elite bullpens.
Napoli: Big and strong, Napoli, at 26, has the ability to double his power numbers (10 homers, 34 RBIs) from 2007 if he can stay off the disabled list. A high ankle sprain on July 2 limited him to 42 second-half at-bats, putting the onus on backup Jeff Mathis to deliver -- and he did, with solid defense and timely hitting.
Long gone Orlando Cabrera: A Rawlings Gold Glove winner for the second time in his career, the shortstop was perhaps the club's most consistent performer in 2007, offensively and defensively. Shipped to the White Sox for Garland, Cabrera will be missed on the field and in the clubhouse. Replacing his production and presence is the biggest issue confronting the Angels.
Jose Molina: Dealt to the Yankees at midseason, Molina was replaced by Mathis, who performed capably with Napoli sidelined. Molina was known for his fine touch with pitchers, especially Escobar and Santana.
Tommy Murphy: A backup outfielder who added depth at all three positions, Murphy was left off the roster and claimed by the Nationals.
Nick Gorneault: Like Murphy, Gorneault provided outfield depth and power, but his opportunities were few with the Angels before he was snapped up by the Rangers on waivers.
Triple play: Three questions that need answers
1. Can Aybar and Izturis adequately replace Cabrera at shortstop?
Scouts rave about Aybar's tools, but he'll get stiff competition for the job from Izturis, who excelled during extended periods in 2007 at third and second and is a more productive offensive player. Wood also is in the picture but probably needs more seasoning.
2. Can the bullpen regain its form of previous seasons after faltering in the second half?
Shields and Rodriguez were not as dominant down the stretch as in previous seasons, the wear taking a toll. But a return to full-time form by Speier and better performances by the back end of the rotation should ease the burden on the relief corps.
3. Can the offense deliver enough support behind Guerrero?
Concerns about production behind the big bopper should be alleviated by the addition of Hunter and the maturation of Kotchman, Kendrick and Napoli behind Anderson, who still puts up big numbers when he's healthy.
Angels signed OF Dee Brown, OF Chad Hermansen and RHP Henry Bonilla to minor league contracts and invited them to spring training.
They also invited RHP Nick Adenhart, RHP Stephen Marek, RHP Darren O'Day, RHP Kasey Olenberger, RHP Fernando Rodriguez, RHP Rafael Rodriguez, RHP Alex Serrano, RHP Matt Wilhite, C Hank Conger, C Anel De Los Santos, C Tim Duff, 2B Ryan Mount, 2B Adam Pavkovich, SS P.J. Phillips, 3B Freddy Sandoval, SS Hainley Statia, 2B Nate Sutton and OF Peter Bourjos to spring training. There's no one in either list with a realistic chance of breaking camp with the team. As deep as the Angels' outfield is, Brown and Hermansen should have picked other teams to sign with.
Feb. '08 OPPONENT TIME (ET) RESULT LOCATION LAA PITCHER OPP.
Quote:
PITCHER
Thu. 28 Texas 3:05 PM Tie 3-3 Home
Fri. 29 at Texas 3:05 PM Win 3-2 Away Mar. '08 OPPONENT TIME (ET) RESULT LOCATION LAA PITCHER OPP. PITCHER
Sat. 1 Chicago Cubs 3:05 PM Win 6-2 Home
Sun. 2 Milwaukee 3:05 PM Away
Mon. 3 Oakland 3:05 PM Home
Tue. 4 Chicago Sox 3:05 PM Away
Wed. 5 Seattle 3:05 PM Away
Thu. 6 San Francisco 3:05 PM Home
Fri. 7 Chicago Sox 3:05 PM Home
Sat. 8 San Francisco 3:05 PM Home
Sat. 8 Colorado 3:05 PM Away
Sun. 9 Texas 4:05 PM Home
Mon. 10 Oakland 4:05 PM Home
Tue. 11 San Diego 4:05 PM Away
Wed. 12 Kansas City 4:05 PM Home
Thu. 13 Kansas City 4:05 PM Away
Fri. 14 Chicago Cubs 4:05 PM Away
Sat. 15 Arizona 4:05 PM Home
Sun. 16 Chicago Cubs 4:05 PM Away
Sun. 16 San Francisco 4:05 PM Away
Tue. 18 Milwaukee 4:05 PM Home
Wed. 19 Milwaukee 3:00 PM Home
Wed. 19 Oakland 3:05 PM Away
Thu. 20 San Francisco 4:05 PM Home
Fri. 21 Texas 9:05 PM Away
Sat. 22 LA Dodgers 4:05 PM Away
Sun. 23 Seattle 4:05 PM Home
Mon. 24 San Diego 4:05 PM Home
Tue. 25 Arizona 4:05 PM Away
Wed. 26 Chicago Cubs 4:05 PM Home
Thu. 27 Colorado 3:05 PM Home
Thu. 27 LA Dodgers 10:05 PM Home (Angel Stadium)
Fri. 28 San Diego 10:05 PM Away (Petco Park)
Sat. 29 San Diego 9:05 PM Home (Angel Stadium)
The familiar buzz is in the air, from Southern California east to Tempe, Ariz.
Pitchers and catchers report to camp on Thursday, with the first workout set for Friday under the watch of manager Mike Scioscia and the staff of the reigning American League West champion Angels.
The full squad, featuring new center fielder Torii Hunter, is expected in camp on Feb. 19, with Feb. 26 the mandatory reporting date for all players. The Angels' first Cactus League game is set for Feb. 28 at Tempe Diablo Stadium against AL West Division rival Texas.
Hunter, a seven-time Rawlings Gold Glove winner for the Twins, is known for his defense, but he'll also add a lethal bat to the mix. He's coming off a careeer-high 107 RBIs, and his 28 homers tied him for the most among all AL outfielders with Jermaine Dye and Magglio Ordonez.
An optimist by nature, Scioscia is as enthused as ever about his athletes and the challenge ahead, with the early focus on a pair of right-handed starters, one familiar to everyone, one new to the cast.
"I really like our club," said Scioscia, embarking on his ninth season as leader of the Angels. "I think it's going to be another exciting year. I can't wait to get started."
Kelvim Escobar, after experiencing discomfort in his shoulder throwing in preparation for Spring Training, will be eased into baseball activities. An 18-game winner last season, Escobar isn't expected to do any throwing until the second week of camp, at the earliest.
Jon Garland, acquired from the White Sox in exchange for shortstop Orlando Cabrera, is looking forward to getting to know his new teammates and getting comfortable in his new surroundings.
With Escobar unlikely to be ready to assume his No. 2 spot behind John Lackey at the start of the season, Garland and Jered Weaver figure to move up a notch, with Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders filling out a deep and talented rotation.
"Jon Garland is a big acquisition for us," Scioscia said. "We gave up a guy who was a tremendous player for us in O.C., but you have to give something to get something. Starting pitching is our foundation, and we think Jon is going to be outstanding."
Garland, a Southern California native who attended the same high school (Granada Hills Kennedy in the San Fernando Valley) as new teammate Garret Anderson, was an 18-game winner in 2005 and 2006.
Garland excelled in postseason play for the '05 World Series champion White Sox, outdueling Lackey in Game 3 of the AL Championship Series in Anaheim.
Slipping to 10-13 last season with a 4.23 ERA, Garland is confident he'll return to top form.
"I feel like I'm getting better," Garland said. "I think I've learned a lot and become a better pitcher."
He's certainly durable, a quality the Angels feel will pay dividends across the board -- especially with a bullpen that at times was overworked last season.
Since moving full-time into the White Sox rotation in 2002, Garland has averaged 207 innings per season and 6.4 innings per start. He missed a start only once in his career, in his 2000 rookie year when Fred McGriff smashed a line drive off his pitching elbow.
"He's proved he's going to take the ball, make his 30-plus starts and get deep in games," Scioscia said. "He's a guy who can pitch in the front of a rotation."
Lackey embraces the arrival of another tall craftsman to the rotation. At 6-foot-6, Garland can look the ace right in the eyes.
"He'll definitely benefit from pitching in a fair park -- and having that guy [Hunter] roam center field won't hurt either," Lackey said in welcoming Garland aboard.
Garland's former home park, U.S. Cellular Field on Chicago's South Side, is known as a launching pad compared to Angel Stadium.
Escobar's situation could ease some of the early pressure on Santana and Saunders, who'd been expected to duel for the No. 5 role in the rotation.
"He'll be behind the other guys in camp," Scioscia said of Escobar, who had shoulder inflammation in April and again in September. "You have to be smart with these things. But if he picks
03-12-2008, 02:09 PM
Angels Minor League News and Injury Updates
