It’s hard to ignore the disappointment of the 2022 season. The team finished third in the AL West with a record of 73-89, leading to the early firing of manager Joe Madden and the subsequent hiring of Phil Nevin. However, even with the best two-way player since Babe Ruth, Shohei Otani, and one of the greatest players of his generation in, Mike Trout, the Angels haven’t had a winning record since 2015 and haven’t made the playoffs since 2014.
There were rumors that the team’s ownership would change hands during the summer, but Arte Moreno, who has owned the team since 2003, put those rumors to rest in January 2023. Despite last season’s disappointment, the Angels made some moves in 2023 to improve their roster, including sending some players to Salt Lake and signing a slew of new players.
The Angels’ path to success in 2023 will largely depend on the health of key players such as Anthony Rendon, Mike Trout, and Shohei Otani. Adding versatile options like Gio Urshela and Brandon Drury to the lineup should also help improve the team’s depth. At the same time, Hunter Renfroe’s proven power-hitting ability could be a game-changer.
The starting rotation looks slightly better than in 2022, with the addition of Anderson and the return of some familiar faces. The bullpen also returns several arms from last season and has added some depth options through minor-league free agents.
Despite the improvements, the Angels are projected to finish third in the AL West with a projected win total of 83-85, their best since 2015. However, the team has consistently underperformed their projections since 2016, leaving fans wondering if this year’s roster can exceed expectations or if they will fall short again.
As the Angels gear up for the upcoming baseball season, fans eagerly anticipate their performance on the field. For those looking to place bets on the team’s games, several sportsbook promo codes can provide an exciting way to earn extra cash while predicting the Angels’ odds of success. Only time will tell if the Angels can finally turn their fortunes around and compete for a playoff spot in the highly competitive AL West.
The Dynamic Duo
The Los Angeles Angels have two generational players, Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. While Trout’s dominance may have waned slightly as he’s gotten older, he remains an excellent performer on the field.
On the other hand, Ohtani continues to set new records on both sides of the ball, showcasing his abilities as a hitter and pitcher. However, the Angels can’t solely rely on their two superstars to clinch playoff berths – they need a competitive team around them.
Ultimately, the Angels must build a more well-rounded team to complement their star players, allowing them to compete for a playoff spot. While Trout and Ohtani are undoubtedly two of the game’s best, they can’t carry the team alone, and it’s up to the Angels’ front office to build a competitive roster around them.
Infield Woes
As the Angels enter the 2023 season, their infield lineup appears to be one of their biggest concerns. Despite having renowned players like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani on their roster, the infield has struggled to keep up with expectations. While Anthony Rendon remains the standout performer, the rest of the infield is subpar, and Jared Walsh had a terrible season in 2022, exacerbated by thoracic outlet syndrome surgery.
The Angels have replaced Walsh with Urshela, who may not be the best fit for first base. Additionally, the remaining infield positions are likely to be filled by a combination of Urshela, Drury, David Fletcher, and Luis Rengifo, who may not be equipped to take on the responsibilities of starters.
Despite their infield lineup issues, the Angels’ bullpen is an even more pressing concern. On paper, the team’s bullpen is the weakest in the league, and this could prove to be a significant pain point for the team in the coming season. The Angels’ success could largely depend on the effectiveness of their pitchers, as leads slipping away can be demoralizing for any team.
However, there is some hope for the Angels, as they have a top prospect in catcher Logan O’Hoppe, who had an impressive showing in Double-A last season. He is expected to share the catcher duties with Max Stassi, but this may not be enough to reinforce the team’s midseason. Low-slot righty Sam Bachman could provide some much-needed assistance to the bullpen, but he struggled as a starter in Double-A last year.
The Angels are predicted to finish third in the AL West, but their track record of poor play suggests their success is far from assured. While the team has made efforts to strengthen their squad, the Angels’ performance in the upcoming MLB season will be determined by the effectiveness of their key players like Rendon, Trout, and Ohtani, as well as the ability of their prospects to fill the gaps in their bullpen and infield.
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