(Over the next 30 days, BERNing on Sports will be previewing every team in the Majors, yes, even the Royals. Only one a day, every day, so try not to get too hooked)
Keeping It Real
You want me to keep it real? OK, on the real, the Angels really were plain pathetic this off-season. They let their closer of record-setting proportions and their much needed big bat both walk for more money to New York. Then, they settled and added a closer who just a year prior had lost his job and an outfielder that can hit, but won't make a huge difference. And this team is still a top tier team? I don't think so. Besides John Lackey, their entire staff (nay, their entire team) seems to be sliding in production (more on that later). The Halos are counting on big years from Kendry Morales and Howie Kendrick (don't their names sound the same if you say them real fast?). That's not the worst prayer in the world, but I wouldn't put the house on it. If it wasn't for the fact that they're division is god awful, they wouldn't even be in contention this year. That's just how I feel.
Mike Napoli, Making Italians Everywhere Proud
Of players with a last name ending a vowel that were catchers in the major leagues last year, Mike Napoli lead them all with 20 homers. That has to make you feel good, if your an Italian. Unless, of course, if you're Chris Ianetta. 18 dingers. Good, but not Mike Napoli-good.
A Fading Bunch
It pains me to say it, but Vlady Guerrero has clearly seen his best days. "Shawn" Figgins also seems to have seen his better. Throw in that Jered Weaver (uh, he's a Weaver...) has seen his ERA rise each of the past 3 years, Ervin Santana is hurt now, Kelvim Escobar inevitably will be hurt and you've got a team filled with guys that aren't looking up. As I said above, they're still a good team, their bullpen is still solid, but their greatest strength is that they play in AL West.
Where Have You Gone Baby Sarge?
On another blog I wrote about two or three years ago, I wrote a post in tribute to the return (?) to glory of one Gary Matthews Jr. It was featured on Deadspin, and I must say, along with his All-Star selection, his career never got any better. Now, only two years removed from a comical (even at the time) 5 year 55 million dollar deal, Matthews has been relegated to 4th outfielder status. If his career path to this point is any indicator, the waiver wire could again be in his future, and that is sad for the proud, albeit known steroid user.
Bold Predictions
The Angels will not win the AL West, and thus will not make the playoffs.
Brian Fuentes will not be the Angels' closer for the entire season. Jose Arredondo should and will be given a shot.
Up Next...Saturday, Dodgers
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