We’re now 10 days away from opening day for the 2018 MLB season. I’ll be releasing my top 10 power rankings for the MLB in preparation for opening day. Starting off the list will be the Los Angeles Angels.
LAST YEAR
80-82. This team was amongst the worst in the league at scoring runs. They finished 11th in the AL with just 4.38 runs per game. The only player on the Angels with more than 75 RBI’s last season was Albert Pujols (101). I wouldn’t say that the hitting was the reason this team struggled last season, but more of the pitching. Think for a second, could you name the ace of the 2017 Angels? Here it is: Parker Bridwell (10-3 3.64 ERA) who had lead the rotation in his rookie season. The pitching staff was littered with injuries to Garrett Richards, Matt Shoemaker, Andrew Heaney and Tyler Skaggs.
KEY CONTRIBUTOR
My difference maker this season for the Angels is going to be Shohei Ohtani. Like many of you I’m very intrigued to see what the Japanese super star will do overseas here in America. Ohtani has been ranked the number one prospect across all of major league baseball. Ohtani is a pitching and hitting threat. I expect to see him to do both for the Angels. After discussing the problems with the pitching staff this one player could make or break this rotation. If Ohtani is as good as many Angels personnel think he is this Angels team is going to try to contend for the AL West, but more likely as a top wildcard spot.
LOOKING AHEAD
As I look ahead to this season the Angels made some great moves this offseason. They signed the above mentioned Ohtani, 3B Zack Cozart and resigned OF Justin Upton to sure up this lineup. As well as trading for All-Star 2B Ian Kinsler.
Potential opening day lineup for Angels:
2B – Ian Kinsler
CF – Mike Trout
LF – Justin Upton
DH – Albert Pujols
RF – Kole Calhoun
3B – Zack Cozart
SS – Andrelton Simmons
1B – Luis Valbuena
C – Martin Maldonado.
PREDICTION
86-76. 2nd in the AL West and the #2 Wildcard spot.
