The LA Angels came 2nd in the American League West in 2011, with an 86-76 record. It was the first time under owner Arte Moreno for the franchise to have back-to-back years in which it failed to make the playoffs. LA improved their chances to make it to the playoffs in 2012 when they signed first basemen Albert Pujols and starter C. J. Wilson in their single largest free agent spending in history. Whether or not these signings can help the Angels overtake the Texas Rangers in the West is still unknown. Here is the projected starter and closer situation for the franchise in 2012. For more on the franchise check out our 2012 LA Angels predictions.
Projected Rotation
Jered Weaver (RHP) - After an excellent 2011 campaign, Weaver solidified himself as one of the top pitchers in the game. He went 18-8 with a 2.41 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 33 starts. He would have won the AL Cy Young Award had it not been for Justin Verlander's incredible season. At age 29, he's still in his physical prime and will certainly put up similar numbers in 2012.
Dan Haren (RHP) - The right-hander absolutely lived up to the hype in his first season with the Angels. The 31-year-old went 16-10 with a 3.17 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 34 starts. It was the 7th straight season Haren made at least 33 starts, and only once in those 7 years has he posted an ERA above 4.00. Haren still has a lot of game left in his tank for one of the more trustworthy arms in the game.
C.J. Wilson (LHP) - This rotation has the makings to be one of the better ones in the league in 2012. Wilson is projected to be the Angels ' No. 3 starter this year. He went 16-7 with a 2.94 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 34 starts with the Rangers last year, giving him 31 wins during the past two seasons.
Ervin Santana (RHP) - As No. 4 starters go, the 29-year-old Santana is a pretty solid guy to have. He went 17-10 with a 3.92 ERA in 2010. While he did just go 11-12 in 2011, he had a career-best 3.38 ERA. He likely won't get lots of attention doing into the season, but he could just as simply win 15-plus games this year.
Jerome Williams (RHP) - After just 6 starts with the Angels, he earned a starting spot in the rotation this year, going 4-0 with a 3.68 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. I don't believe he will keep up that production for a full season, however.
Projected Closer
Jordan Walden (RHP) - The franchise hopes that he will be able to take that next step and become a lockdown closer this year. The 24-year-old came in and saved 32 games regardless of blowing 10 saves last season. He did start to get better as the year went on. Thanks to the Angels ' improved offense and one of the best rotations in all of MLB, Walden has the potential to save 40-plus games in 2012.
Projected Rotation
Jered Weaver (RHP) - After an excellent 2011 campaign, Weaver solidified himself as one of the top pitchers in the game. He went 18-8 with a 2.41 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 33 starts. He would have won the AL Cy Young Award had it not been for Justin Verlander's incredible season. At age 29, he's still in his physical prime and will certainly put up similar numbers in 2012.
Dan Haren (RHP) - The right-hander absolutely lived up to the hype in his first season with the Angels. The 31-year-old went 16-10 with a 3.17 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 34 starts. It was the 7th straight season Haren made at least 33 starts, and only once in those 7 years has he posted an ERA above 4.00. Haren still has a lot of game left in his tank for one of the more trustworthy arms in the game.
C.J. Wilson (LHP) - This rotation has the makings to be one of the better ones in the league in 2012. Wilson is projected to be the Angels ' No. 3 starter this year. He went 16-7 with a 2.94 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 34 starts with the Rangers last year, giving him 31 wins during the past two seasons.
Ervin Santana (RHP) - As No. 4 starters go, the 29-year-old Santana is a pretty solid guy to have. He went 17-10 with a 3.92 ERA in 2010. While he did just go 11-12 in 2011, he had a career-best 3.38 ERA. He likely won't get lots of attention doing into the season, but he could just as simply win 15-plus games this year.
Jerome Williams (RHP) - After just 6 starts with the Angels, he earned a starting spot in the rotation this year, going 4-0 with a 3.68 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. I don't believe he will keep up that production for a full season, however.
Projected Closer
Jordan Walden (RHP) - The franchise hopes that he will be able to take that next step and become a lockdown closer this year. The 24-year-old came in and saved 32 games regardless of blowing 10 saves last season. He did start to get better as the year went on. Thanks to the Angels ' improved offense and one of the best rotations in all of MLB, Walden has the potential to save 40-plus games in 2012.
About the Author:
Be sure to visit us for help beating the baseball percentages this season with expert MLB picks from the top handicappers in the sector.
No comments:
Post a Comment