Losses: UT Chone Figgins, OF Gary Matthews, Jr., DH Vladimir Guerrero, P John Lackey, P Darren Oliver, Jose Arredondo
Gains: DH Hideki Matsui, P Joel Pineiro, P Brian Stokes, P Fernando Rodney
Analysis: The Angels are another team that seems like they lost more than they gained over this off-season, but are still in good shape. They remind me a lot of the Cardinals in that respect. They did bring in some talent, but they let a lot go. Face-of-the-Franchise Vlad Guerrero is now gone, which is the kind of thing that can shake a team a little. The probably earn a push, however, bringing in Hideki Matsui, as far as talent goes, as neither can really play the outfield anymore. They let Matthews, Jr. go, as he was unnecessary, and never lived up to his contract. For him they brought in Brian Stokes. He can be a middle-reliever. Stokes throws hard, and when used with the Mets was effective. The problem is that Stokes isn't matching what they let go in Darren Oliver. Oliver was great as both a long man and a lefty specialist. The Angels need to replace Oliver in their bullpen. Rodney comes in to fill the spot that Jose Arredondo was supposed to grow into. Rodney secured the closer role in Detroit last year, and was very good in save situations, but poor at other times. It actually might be better for the Angels if Rodney out=pitches current closer Brian Fuentes, so that the Angels can use Fuentes as a lefty. The Angels also let John Lackey go in favor of the cheaper option, Joel Pineiro. Pineiro is certainly a big step down from the horse, John Lackey, but the rotation has a lot of good pieces, that they could afford to save a bit there. Chone Figgins was allowed to leave and it will be up to up-and-comer Brandon Wood to replace the firecracker in the Angels offense. The emergence of Erick Aybar offensive also likely had a lot to do with the ability to let Figgins depart. Overall, you have to say the talent level has dropped, but it doesn't mean the Angels are in trouble.
More moves: I hope that they are looking for a lefty for the bullpen. Maybe Ron Mahay.
2010 Thoughts: The Angels will not be as good a team as they were last year, mainly because they are not as good a team as they were last year. Their record may end up similar if they don't have to struggle through the injuries and other tribulations that they were struck with last season. The pitching rotation hinges a bit on Ervin Santana. Santana as been streaky and often achy since his break out season a few years ago. Although, Scott Kazmir has the ability to take the pressure off Santana. One of these two pitchers must step to the front of that rotation. I don't believe that Jered Weaver, Joe Saunders or Joel Pineiro have the ability to be that number one that John Lackey was. Kazmir and Santana have the stuff. It's up to one of them to use it. If they do, the rest of the rotation will line up very well at their corresponding positions in the rotation. The bullpen is lacking left-handed pitching. There are a lot of good arms in there. Bulger, Jepsen and Stokes are solid; Rodney can be very good and Scott Shields returns from injury. Shields will be an X-factor in the pen with his ability to get left-handed hitters out. Fuentes is a solid closer, but as mentioned my be even more useful if he specialized. The line-up has to replace Chone Figgins. I don't think that Brandon Wood is ready to do so. However, Erick Aybar might be. He was a spark plug during the playoffs when Figgins was struggling. The run producing is still there, with Matsui now, Torii Hunter, Juan Rivera, Bobby Abreu and Mike Napoli. I make special mention of Howie Kendrick, as I believe he will continue to get better and become a great hitter in this line-up. Looking at the list of names, it is certainly still an AL line-up, but they will need those table setters to do their job.
Prediction: The Angels will once again take the AL West.
-APT
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