Yes, the first preview I'm going to do will be of the team with the stupidest name in baseball. I am also starting with them because I think they will win the division I care the least about: The AL West. That division is a crock. Why does it have 4 teams and the NL Central has 6? That's stupid. Did we really have to bring the Brewers to the National League? I say no. Anyway, moving on to the first part in what will be a 30 part series in which I preview the 28 major league teams, plus the Royals and the Nationals. The Angels are looking pretty good this year. The rotation looks quite solid, and if Jered Weaver and Ervin Santana improve upon last years numbers (11 wins, 2.56 ERA; 16 and 4.28, respectively) this could be one of the best rotations in baseball. As far as the offense goes, they have a wealth of prospects that could make them very dangerous if any or all of them break out this year. Top candidate for such a breakout would be Howie Kendrick (.361 career minor league average) who showed some flashes of brilliance during his late season call up last year.
The Angels also made everyone in baseball crap their pants this winter by giving Gary Matthews Jr. a 5 year, 50 million dollar contract. Matthews is stellar defensively, and decent offensively, but his numbers were somewhat inflated playing in Texas considering it's a hitters park. He will help the Angels, but he only makes 4 million per year less than Vlad Guerrero, a future first ballot hall of famer. That being said, the outfield (which is rounded out by no-longer-better-than-average Garret Anderson) will be very good defensively and good enough offensively. Mike Scioscia is a very good manager and should continue to get the best out of his players. Over-Under for wins: 90.
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