Athlon Baseball 2009 Los Angeles Angels Preview After years of searching for a middle-of-the order bat, the Angels landed Mark Teixeira from the Braves near the 2008 trade deadline. But their long-term plan was thwarted by stiff competition for Teixeira on the free agent market over the winter and the New York Yankees took the prize. The Angels are back to contending behind stout pitching and reliable fielding. They’re an aging group, and even modest improvement among their AL West rivals would make reaching the playoffs a bit more difficult. Rotation With departures from the relief corps and a continual quest for power, the Angels rely more and more heavily on their starting pitching. John Lackey has been the Angels’ ace for several years with little acclaim, but his consistency earned him a spot on the USA team in the World Baseball Classic. That’s how good he is. Behind Lackey, Joe Saunders and Ervin Santana offer a solid middle-of-the-rotation punch, though each trailed off slightly after torrid starts last year. Jered Weaver, who struggled to keep his ERA under 5.00 last year, appears to be losing some of the bounce he got from a deceptive delivery. Hitters appear to be figuring him out. The issue this spring will be sorting through some candidates for the fifth starter spot. Kelvim Escobar had shoulder surgery last year and isn’t expected back until mid-July. Meanwhile, the Angels let 14-game winner Jon Garland leave via free agency, not a bad move given his inflated price tag. Two candidates for the final spot are Dustin Moseley, who gave the Angels 10 up-and-down starts last year, and Nick Adenhart, the team’s top pitching prospect. Bullpen Letting Teixeira go may have helped the club continue the stifling relief that has characterized the Mike Scioscia era. The Angels used part of the money that would have gone to Teixeira to sign free agent closer Brian Fuentes to a two-year, $17.5-million deal. Getting Fuentes allows the Angels to continue using Scot Shields and Jose Arredondo in setup roles. Neither one looked like a sure bet as a closer. Shields has struggled in recent seasons, and Arredondo appears to be a year or two away from taking on the ninth inning consistently. It’s not easy to improve on Francisco Rodriguez’s record-breaking 2008, but few in the organization believed that his violent delivery and apparent decline in velocity merited a high-priced, long-term deal, so he was allowed to sign with the Mets. Middle infield Had Erick Aybar gotten a fateful squeeze bunt down against the Red Sox last October, it would have been a far more comfortable winter for Scioscia. Then again, Scioscia couldn’t complain with the production he got from the slap-hitting shortstop after Maicer Izturis went down with an injury. Aybar plays scintillating defense, but his double-play partner continues to try to catch up. Howie Kendrick’s main strength is his bat. His range and reliability at second base give Angels pitchers plenty of reason to fret. He might be the one Angel whose improvement could boost the offense to new heights. Kendrick was a line drive machine all the way through the minors and, when healthy, he has shown signs of punishing major league pitchers. He missed 24 games with a strained hamstring near the end of last season, and his absence made the lineup look awfully thin. Izturis could challenge Aybar for the starting shortstop job. If he doesn’t get it, he will again provide an above-average option off the bench at either position. Corners Now playing first base for your World Series-hopeful Angels … Kendry Morales? When the Angels lost Teixeira to free agency, it exposed their lack of depth at the position. To acquire Teixeira from the Braves last summer, they had to part with Casey Kotchman, who seemingly was born to bat .300 in the major leagues. The Angels signed Morales, a Cuban defector, because of his potent switch-hitting ability, but he struggled in 27 games after spending the majority of last year at Triple-A. The other option, Robb Quinlan, is a reliable contact hitter, but he doesn’t exactly inspire patrons to gobble up tickets. It’s not as if the Angels get much thunder from the other corner either, though Chone Figgins has emerged as one of the best speed men in the majors, particularly as he has shown a more patient approach at the plate. Scioscia always has the option of moving Figgins to another position — or making him an everyday utility man — but why would he? One reason to move Figgins would be a strong spring by 24-year-old slugging prospect Brandon Wood. Then again, Wood struck out 43 times in 150 major league at-bats last year, so don’t hold your breath. Outfield When a man bats .303, smashes 27 home runs and drives in 91 runs, it’s a bit premature to call him in decline. But Vladimir Guerrero, 33, appears to be showing the initial signs of a downward trend. His knees have given him problems three seasons in a row and his defense and baserunning have become hold-your-breath time. Still, if Guerrero leaves after 2009 (and he is a free agent) he will be remembered as one of the greatest Angels of all time. The question is, has the team done enough to make him the centerpiece of a championship club? Left fielder Juan Rivera must reward the Angels’ loyalty by emerging as an offensive force. The team allowed stalwart Garret Anderson to leave because it believes in Rivera’s ability. Torii Hunter had a decent first season in Anaheim, though his 108 strikeouts were a bit much. Gary Matthews Jr. (.242, 95 strikeouts) could go from forgotten man to starter as Guerrero continues to slide toward full-time designated hitter duty. Catching If Mike Napoli could ever figure out a way to avoid his yearly tailspins, he could be one of the best slugging catchers in the AL. Napoli managed to slam 20 home runs in just 227 at-bats, a scintillating pace. The fact he also struck out 70 times is somewhat offset because he is one of the few Angels willing to take a walk (35). If nothing else, Jeff Mathis appears to have saved a career that was teetering a couple of years ago after his long fall from top prospect status. Mathis provides solid guidance to Angels pitchers, though he rarely scares opposing hurlers. He batted .194 in 283 at-bats. DH/Bench Guerrero served as the Angels’ designated hitter 44 times last season and figures to see a bunch of at-bats in that role once again. Matthews Jr. isn’t happy as a reserve and it showed in his performance. He will get at-bats in the outfield when Guerrero is the DH. Reggie Willits was the toast of the AL West two seasons ago, but he struggled after being demoted last year, batting just .194 in limited chances with the Angels. The Angels have one of the better middle-infield reserves in Izturis, who figures to get at least 350 at-bats. They also have a reliable bat off the bench in Quinlan, but they otherwise are spread a bit thin. Management Scioscia, who signed an extension in early January, has power few Angels managers have enjoyed, and he appears to enjoy nice synergy with GM Tony Reagins and owner Arte Moreno. Angels fans applauded Reagins and Moreno for acquiring Teixeira last summer, but the cost could now come due. Final analysis Count on the Angels to stay at or near the top of the AL West, but not because they will win another 100 games. This team could take a big step back, opening the door to AL West teams that had little chance of keeping up last season. Beyond the Boxscore Still L.A. Yes, they’re still the Los Angeles Angels though they play 30 miles south of downtown L.A. In December, the 4th District Court of Appeal ruled against the city of Anaheim, which sued to overturn the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim name. Owner Arte Moreno changed the team’s name three years ago for marketing reasons. He left in “of Anaheim,” to adhere to his lease agreement with the city of Anaheim. In the middle of things Shortstop Erick Aybar had a busy winter back home. He touched off an ugly brawl in a Dominican winter league game when he charged pitcher Julio de Paula with his bat after being hit by a pitch. Three days later, he hit for the cycle. Offseason struggles Things were more grim for infield prospect Brandon Wood in the Dominican. He was kicked off Estrellas for poor performance. Wood batted .167 and struck out 16 times in 48 at-bats over 13 games. Representing his country John Lackey was a bit miffed not to be invited to pitch for Team USA in the inaugural World Baseball Classic, so he gave a quick “Yes,” when asked if he would participate this spring. “I’m real pumped about it,” Lackey told mlb.com. New look Want an indication of how quickly rosters turn over in modern baseball? Assuming Garret Anderson does not re-sign in Anaheim, the Angels have three players (Chone Figgins, Scot Shields and John Lackey) left from the 2002 world champions. Versatile arm Kelvim Escobar has always had some of the most dominating stuff in baseball, but his career has been split between relief and starting. Assuming he returns from shoulder surgery — he’s not expected back until after the All-Star break — Escobar could be slotted either in the rotation or as a flame-throwing setup man. Farm System 2008 Top Draft Pick — A lot of teams let right-handed pitcher Tyler Chatwood slide down the draft board because they had questions about his size — 5'11", 185 pounds — but the Angels had little to lose with the No. 74 overall pick. In limited action, Chatwood made the gamble look pretty good. In the Arizona rookie league, the hard-throwing California native struck out 48 batters in 38 innings and allowed only 25 hits. Because they drafted him out of high school, the Angels figure to take their time with Chatwood. If he reaches high Class-A by the end of this season, his career would be right on track. 2007 Top Pick — Jonathan Bachanov, RHP, University (Fla.) High School Had Tommy John surgery in December 2007 and missed all of last season. 2006 Top Pick — Hank Conger, C, Huntington Beach (Calif.) High School Hit .303 for Class A Rancho Cucamonga; could make debut in Anaheim in ’09. 2005 Top Pick — Trevor Bell, RHP, Crescenta Valley (Calif.) High School Had a so-so season in Class A; needs a good season to push his career along. 2004 Top Pick — Jered Weaver, RHP, Long Beach State Has won 10-plus games each season, but the trajectory on his career is pointing downward. 2003 Top Pick — Brandon Wood, SS, Horizon (Ariz.) High School Considered a can’t-miss slugging prospect in 2005, but he hasn’t proven he can stick. Other Prospects (age on Opening Day) RHP Jordan Walden (21) Only a 12th-round pick in 2006, but he has come on strong, including posting a 5–2 record at Class A Rancho Cucamonga last year. Has a career 2.85 ERA OF Peter Bourjos (22) He figures to be at Triple-A Salt Lake this year and is knocking on the door for when some of the older Angels outfielders move on. LHP Trevor Reckling (19) The Angels plucked him out of New Jersey two years ago, and he had a solid season at Cedar Rapids last season. RHP Sean O’Sullivan (21) Hard thrower had a solid season for Rancho Cucamonga and could push for work in Anaheim by the end of the season. RHP Kevin Jepsen (24) Has an opportunity to contribute in Anaheim in 2009 after performing well last September. Statistician 5 >> Seasons (of the last seven) the Angels have won 92 or more games. 21 >> Games by which the Angels won the AL West last year. .622 >> Angels’ winning percentage before the Mark Teixeira trade. .617 >> Angels’ winning percentage by the end of the season. .703 >> Combined winning percentage of starters Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders and John Lackey. 16 >> Blown saves (out of 20 opportunities) by Angels relievers not named Francisco Rodriguez. 10 >> Angels’ rank, out of 14 AL teams, in OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage). 2 >> Angels’ AL rank in stolen bases, behind Tampa Bay. 108 >> Center fielder Torii Hunter’s strikeout total last year. 50 >> Hunter’s walk total. Difference Maker When a player bats .368, .363, .367 and .369 in four straight minor league seasons, as Howie Kendrick did from 2003-06, you get a pretty good sense he can hit. That remarkable consistency has yet to show up in the major leagues, but Kendrick was showing signs of being a stalwart before he re-injured his hamstring last August. If Kendrick, 25, improves on a .306 batting average and ups his extra-base hit total from 31, he could give a big bounce to an offense that has a lot of aging players whose numbers could be on the decline. Kendrick projects as a prototypical No. 2 hitter, and he could team with Chone Figgins to give the Angels excellent table-setters for Vladimir Guerrero and Co. --

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