2019 Pre-Season Profile: Los Angeles Angels

#16

The Los Angeles Angels had an offseason that brought about a transition at manager for the first time since 2000 and ensured there would not be a transition in centerfield for a very long time.  Will these moves help get them over the edge in 2019?

2018 Predictions

2nd in AL West, WILD CARD, lose Wild Card Game

Shohei Ohtani will have 15+ wins and 15+ home runs.

2018 Results

80-82, 4th in AL West

I saw 2018 as a year the Angels were going to take the next step behind Mike Trout and their two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani.  Instead, Ohtani had Tommy John surgery and only pitched about half the season.  Other injuries crippled their roster as well.  Instead of the Angels taking the next step and stealing the second Wild Card spot, their division rival in Oakland did what I expected to see from the Angels.

Additions / Subtractions

The Angels used to be the team you could count on to make the big splash in free agency.  Instead, this offseason they seemed to make a few smaller moves that made sense and should have a positive impact.  Cody Allen signed in free agency to be their new closer, Justin Bour came over to play first base, and Jonathan Lucroy is their new catcher.  The most intriguing move they made was to bring in starter Matt Harvey, who improved greatly last season once he got out of Queens.  The biggest move that was made was bringing in Brad Ausmus to replace longtime veteran manager Mike Scioscia.

Most Important Hitter

Kole Calhoun

For the first four years of his career, Kole Calhoun established himself as one of the best underrated hitters in all of baseball.  However, the last two seasons have been declining, with this last season just hitting .208 and garnering an OPS+ of only 80 and a WAR of 0.7.  He needs to show this season that he should still be a part of the Angels core moving forward.  If he does, he will give the Angels lineup a major boost it needs.

Most Important Pitcher

Jaime Barria

Throughout the Scioscia years, if there was one thing that was the downfall of the Angels, it was their starting rotation.  Ever since Jered Weaver moved on a few years ago, they have been trying to get by with a bunch of mediocrity.  They have always lacked a stud.  They might have one now if he progresses the way he could.  Jaime Barria made 26 starts last season as a 22 year old rookie and already showed he was their most electric starter.  Now, in another average rotation (especially since Ohtani isn't pitching this season), Barria could establish himself as the ace they have always been lacking.  If he does, Ohtani and Barria would make an outstanding 1-2 punch moving forward.

Prospect to Watch

Griffin Canning

The Angels are relying on some resurrection projects to round out their starting rotation this season.  A lot of times, that leads to injuries.  Last year, Barria got his opportunity to prove what he could do.  This year, look for Griffin Canning to get his opportunity mid-season.  The Angels second best prospect, this 22 year old righty has drawn comparisons to Zack Greinke.  If he could only be a fraction of that, he will a useful arm to have in the Angels rotation.

2019 Prediction

3rd in AL West

I always look at the Angels and think they should be better than they end up being.  I guess that is what happens when you have possibly the best player in the game's history on your roster.  However, Mike Trout can't do everything (even though he might try).  I am not a fan of the Brad Ausmus hire after he impressively flamed out in Detroit.  I expect them to have a similar season to last season, maybe a slight bit better.  If Trout will now be around for the next 12 years, slight improvements are not good enough.  Trout deserves better.

Fearless Prediction

This will be Albert Pujols's last season.

Albert Pujols has been one of the best players of the 21st century.  However, he is turning 39 this season, and there are times when he looks like he can barely walk the last few seasons.  His OPS+ has dropped below average the last two seasons after starting his career with 16 season of elite play.  Even though he is still under contract through 2021, it might be time for him to call it a career.

2016 Pre-Season Profile: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

They said it couldn't be done, and yet here we are.  I made it through the entire league.  Our last profile for 2016 is the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Angels of California ... Angels.

Last Season

My 2015 Prediction: 1st in AL West, lose in ALDS

2015 Result: 85-77, 3rd in AL West

The Angels definitely disappointed in 2015.  Disagreements between the coach and front office led to the general manager stepping down.  They were looking like a good playoff contender until a surge by the Rangers down the stretch passed up everyone.

2016 Additions / Subtractions

It was a confusing offseason for the Angels.  They had trouble scoring runs last year outside of Mike Trout and Albert Pujols.  So what do they do?  They trade longtime shortstop (and solid hitter) Erik Aybar for Andrelton Simmons.  Simmons is the best defensive shortstop in baseball, but a below average hitter.  They let David Freese leave and replaced him with Yunel Escobar.  That was about it.  The Angels had been one of the most active teams in the offseason over the last decade, signing big deals for guys like Torii Hunter, Vernon Wells, Albert Pujols, and Josh Hamilton.  Maybe they started to realize that not many of those signings worked out.  Either way, they needed to do more.

Most Important Hitter

Kole Calhoun

When you fill out your lineup with names like Daniel Nava, Johnny Giavotella, and Andrelton Simmons, you know you are not elite offensively.  Even with Trout anchoring the middle of that lineup, they are below average offensively.  They need someone to help lengthen that lineup.  One of the guys that has been working towards that the last few years in Kole Calhoun.  If the Angels want to have success this season, Calhoun has to have an All Star caliber season.

Most Important Pitcher

Jared Weaver

There are a number of pitchers I could put in this spot from the aging Angels' pitching staff.  C.J. Wilson has been disappointing ever since he signed with the Angels and is now entering his age 35 season.  Matt Shoemaker followed up a great rookie season with a below average sophomore campaign.  However, it's Jared Weaver that needs to have a bounceback season.  This rotation has revolved around Weaver for about a decade.  Last season, he really showed his age and started to falter, posting a 7-12 record with a 4.64 ERA.  If the Angels are going back to the playoffs, Weaver needs to be the All Star he always used to be.

Player to Watch

Kaleb Cowart

Not only do the Angels have an aging roster, but the Angels also have a terrible farm system with no prospects on the list of the top 100 in baseball.  One that is intriguing that might have a shot at playing a role this season is Kaleb Cowart.  He is a third baseman that was a first round pick in 2010 that has really struggled his way through the system.  Finally, he has started to show some of his potential recently.  With some holes in the infield, look for Cowart to possible get a chance this season to show his skill at the big league level.

2016 Prediction

4th in AL West

Despite having the best player on the planet, I see this season as yet another backslide for the Angels.  Their lineup is weak, their pitching is old and sub-par.  The team has passed its window for this current core of players.  It's about time to break it all down and start over.  They are maybe a year or two away from fully blowing the thing up the way the Braves did.  Does this mean Mike Trout's days as an Angel are numbered?  If this is the course they take, they very well might be.

Fearless Prediction

This is Mike Scioscia's last season as Angels' manager.

Mike Scioscia is the longest tenured manager in baseball.  However, with the way the Angels are trending, combined with a feud with the front office last season, and Scioscia's days have to be numbered in LA.  Scioscia is kind of like baseball's version of Andy Reid.  Sometimes, you just need to move on.  He will, and he will soon find a new home where he can be great again.