Wednesday, 15 March 2017

Spring Training Team Profile: Los Angeles Angels

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim


Established: 1961
Other Names:
Los Angeles Angels (1961-1965)
California Angels (1965-1996)
Anaheim Angels (1997-2004)

2016 results: 74-88, 4th in AL West

2017 Prediction: 5th

World Series Titles: 1
Most Recent: 2002
Last World Series Appearance: 2002
Last Division Title: 2014

Ballpark: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Est: 1966

Best Season: 2002


                Despite winning 99 games, the Angels only qualified for the postseason as a Wild Card since they finished in second place in their division behind the Oakland Athletics (103 wins). However, once the postseason started, they didn’t seem to care as they knocked of the four-time defending American League Champion Yankees in four games in the ALDS, kept up the momentum in eliminating the Minnesota Twins in five games in the ALCS, then came from behind to win the final two games of the World Series against the San Francisco Giants in a thrilling seven-game affair. The Angels were led by starting pitchers Jarrod Washburn and Ramon Ortiz, relievers Troy Percival and Scott Schoeneweiss, and at the plate by Garret Anderson, Tim Salmon, David Eckstein and World Series MVP Troy Glaus.

Best All-time Player: Garret Anderson


                If Mike Trout continues to play like he is for another five years or so, he will be the best player in franchise history. But right now, that honour belongs to Garret Anderson. He played 15 of his 17 MLB season in Anaheim and ranks at top of the franchise list for Games Played (2013), runs scored (1024), hits (2368), total bases (3743), doubles (489) and RBIs (1292). He also batted .296 while slugging 272 home runs. He was an All-Star three times and won two Silver Slugger Awards (2002 and 2003).

Best Player on the Current Roster: Mike Trout


                There’s no denying that Trout should be considered one of the best players in all of baseball and an argument could be made for him being at the top of the list. In five full Big League seasons, Trout has won the AL MVP Award (2014, 2016) twice and finished second the other three years. He was the Rookie of the Year Award winner in 2012 and most likely would have won the MVP if Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers had not hit for the Triple Crown. In 811 career games, Trout has hit 168 homers, 497 RBIs, has a .306 average and has even stolen 143 bases. Last year, he led the AL in runs scored (123) despite playing on a team that finds itself lacking talented players.

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