HBT: Can Angels surpass Rangers?

Over the next couple of weeks, I?ll be projecting 25-man rosters for each of the 30 teams. I?m starting today with the Angels.

The winter?s biggest spenders, the Angels are now again poised to threaten a Rangers team that appeared to be in pretty good position to set up its own little mini-dynasty in the AL West. Texas still has more depth and minor league talent to play with, but the Angels have the better rotation and now arguably the game?s best hitter anchoring the lineup.

Rotation
Jered Weaver ? R
Dan Haren ? R
C.J. Wilson ? L
Ervin Santana ? R
Jerome Williams ? R

Bullpen
Jordan Walden ? R
Scott Downs ? L
Hisanori Takahashi ? L
LaTroy Hawkins ? R
Rich Thompson ? R
Bobby Cassevah ? R
Trevor Bell ? R

SP next in line: Garrett Richards (R), Bell, Brad Mills (L), Eric Hurley (R)
RP next in line: Kevin Jepsen (R), Michael Kohn (R), Francisco Rodriguez (R)

The Angels would still like to add one more reliever, probably Luis Ayala. Scott Linebrink is another possible fit. It?s disappointing that they haven?t picked up any quality rotation insurance. Mills, who was acquired from the Jays for Jeff Mathis, doesn?t really qualify. Their big four starters have stayed remarkably healthy lately, but there?s always the chance one will go down, and Williams is far from a sure thing in the fifth spot.

Lineup
SS Erick Aybar ? R
2B Howie Kendrick ? R
1B Albert Pujols ? R
DH Kendrys Morales ? S
RF Torii Hunter ? R
LF Vernon Wells ? R
3B Alberto Callaspo ? S
C Chris Iannetta ? R
CF Peter Bourjos ? R

Bench
C Bobby Wilson ? R
1B-3B Mark Trumbo ? R
INF Maicer Izturis ? S
OF Bobby Abreu ? L

Next in line: C Hank Conger (S), INF Alexi Amarista (L), INF Andrew Romine (S), OF Mike Trout (R), OF Ryan Langerhans (L)

Obviously, that projection hinges on both Morales (ankle) and Trumbo (foot) being healthy for Opening Day. Morales? status is still very much in doubt. If Morales starts off on the DL, then Abreu and Trumbo figure to platoon in the DH spot, opening up a place for Langerhans on the bench.

If Morales does prove healthy, then there?s the chance the Angels will send Trumbo down with the idea of playing him at third regularly. He?ll get reps at the hot corner this spring, but it?s doubtful that he?ll manage to overtake Callaspo or Izturis on the depth chart there right away.

It?s clear that the Angels expect to start Trout off in the minors. Perhaps that would change if he swims circles around Wells this spring, but I doubt it.

There will be a battle between Wilson and Conger for the backup catcher gig. Since Iannetta figures to play plenty, the Angels will probably send Conger down and let him start in Triple-A. I?m pretty sure Conger would be able to help while catching twice a week and DHing another once or twice, but the Angels won?t have that kind of playing time open for him.

Source: http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/02/08/running-down-the-rosters-los-angeles-angels/related/

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