2006 Anaheim Angels Preview

2005 Summary:

Mike Scioscia and his 2005 Anaheim Angels entered the new season ready to defend their 2004 American League West title. Although the 2004 season ended with a disappointing 3-game ALDS sweep against the Boston Red Sox from the World Series, the Angels remained calm and confident that they could return to the postseason one more time. The Angels’ good luck continued in 2005 when they wound up securing the American League West with an impressive 95-67 record. Unfortunately, the 2005 postseason ended with 4 consecutive losses to the Chicago White Sox when the Angels were eliminated 4-1 in the American League Divisional Playoffs.

Led by superstar Vladimir Guerrero (.317 32 108), the Angels’ starting lineup provided a balanced attack against the opposition in 2005. New additions to Juan Rivera (.271 15 59) and shortstop Orlando Cabrera (.257 8 57) helped provide much better offensive stability by joining outfielders Garret Anderson (.283 17 96) and wide receiver Bengie Molina (.295 15 69) to provide one of the most consistent lineups in the American League.

The Angels’ 2005 pitch was led by Bartolo Colón (21-8 3.48) and John Lackey (14-5 3.44) along with official pitcher Paul Byrd (12-11 3.47). Byrd came as a pleasant surprise in 2005 with an 8-5 record with a 3.73 ERA before the All-Star break, which was second only to Colón at the end of the first half of the season. While pitchers Brendan Donnelly (9-3 3.72 in 65 relief appearances) and Francisco Rodriguez (2-5 2.67 45 saves) anchored one of the best bullpens in baseball.

Removals out of season:

The Angels were conservative in their offseason. Free agent pitcher Héctor Carrasco (5-4 2.04) was signed after an impressive year for the Washington Nationals, while additional help was added to the bullpen by trading 2B Alexi Casilla for JC Romero (4-3 3.47) of the Los Angeles Nationals. Twins. Pitcher Jake Woods (1-1 4.55) was also picked up for relief assist late in the inning, acquired thanks to waivers from the Mariners. The Angels changed very little on offense, adding Edgardo Alfonso (.277 4 43) to their lineup in a trade for Steve Finley (.222 12 54).

2006 analysis:

The Angels were right to add pitchers Hector Carrasco and JC Romero, as both should help them improve an already strong bullpen and pitching staff. Finley didn’t get the same results as when he was acquired in the second half of the 2004 season (13 HRS 46 RBIs with Anaheim), so the Angels felt it was worth trading him. Unfortunately for the Angels, Alfonso’s best seasons are clearly behind him; however, as a bonus, it can still be relied on to power runs. The Angels also avoided arbitration with 7 different players during the offseason, so the ball club is pretty much the same as when 2005 began. The 2006 starting lineup is balanced even with the loss of Molina in free agency. . The starting pitcher could probably use another consistent starter. However, with only three other teams to compete against in the AL West, there is really no reason to believe that the Angels will not compete again in 2006.