This is part one of 30 teams in 30 days. Let's begin!The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim made a great move in the offseason, signing Torii Hunter to a five- year $90 million contract. Hunter is one of the best center fielders in the game and isn't a bad addition offensively either (.287 Avg. 28 HR 107 RBI in 2007). His amazing range will be showcased in sunny California and the fans should be excited.
Yes, the team did lose Bartolo Colon to the Red Sox, but I don't see that being a big deal. The guy has been plagued by injuries recently, especially in big games and the Angels had no problem parting ways with him. The Halos were able to acquire White Sox pitcher Jon Garland in the offseason, a move which I agree with whole-heartedly. Garland is a solid pitcher and the White Sox will miss him for sure.
It will be interesting to see how closer Francisco Rodriguez performs in the last year of his contract. He's been a great pitcher for the Angels and it would be hard for them to let him get away in 2009. But for now, he's in Los Angeles and I expect to see him have another great season this year.
The fact that the Angels have one of the best managers in baseball in Mike Scioscia is already an advantage heading into the season. Seeing the game from a former catcher's perspective is always a great characteristic for a manager and Scioscia has that after spending his playing career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He's led the Angels to a World Series title before as well as many other playoff appearances in recent seasons.
I'm thinking this team is set to win 92-97 games this season and capture the AL West title. The Mariners will finish second after improving with the addition of Erik Bedard, the Athletics are going to have a rough season, and the Rangers are the Rangers. Enough said. Enjoy the baseball season Halo fans. It's going to be a fun one for all of you.
Shawn Marosek
1 comment:
WOW! 97 wins for the Angels? You must REALLY love Torii Hunter. I think he is a good player, might hit 25 homers, but he is not nearly worth his contract. I think the Angels really missed the boat not finding a way to bring Miguel Cabrera in. He would have been tremendous behind big Vladdy Daddy. I don't think Hunter is nearly what Miggy C could have been.
They also got Garland in a trade, not a FA signing. They gave up Orlando Cabrera who quietly had a very good year for them last season. Colon is no big deal, he was not only plaqued by injures, but by the fast food industry as well.
I don't see this team winning 97 games. I agree that Scioscia is a tremendous manager. Maybe the best in the game. He's gotten so much out of nothing (compared to Boston, New York) there the last 8 years.
Angels: 89-73, 1st or 2nd, I'll decide later, haha
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