Countdown to Opening Day: #7 Los Angeles Angels

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#7 Los Angeles Angels: Hamilton gets his wings

PROJECTED LINEUP
LF Mike Trout
SS Erick Aybar
1B Albert Pujols
RF Josh Hamilton
DH Mark Trumbo
2B Howie Kendrick
C Chris Iannetta
3B Alberto Callaspo
CF Peter Bourjos

PROJECTED ROTATION
Jered Weaver
C.J. Wilson
Tommy Hanson
Jason Vargas
Joe Blanton

BULLPEN

Closer: Ernesto Frieri

Set-up: Ryan Madson

Top Prospect: Kaleb Cowart (3B)

Back to the checkbook. It turns out Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson was not enough, so General Manager Jerry DiPoto dipped back into the club's deep pockets once again and signed the top free agent available. With Josh Hamilton in the fold, as well as a full season of Rookie of the Year Mike Trout, the Angels expect nothing less than a parade in DisneyLand that does not include Mickey and Minnie - just Angels.
The foursome of Pujols, Wilson, Hamilton, and Trout will have a big impact on the 2013 season. I doubt Trout will duplicate his insane numbers as a 20 year old, but he should still put up all-star numbers. People worry about the health of Hamilton and Pujols, but I'd bet it be another year of .300, 30, 100 for El Hombre and strong numbers for the newest Angel, only once again in 130 games - not 160.
C.J. Wilson, as well as Tommy Hanson, Jason Vargas, Joe Blanton need to pick up their weight and help Jered Weaver and the rotation. You cannot win every game 9-8, and Wilson and Hanson need to make their staff a strength.
For all the big names in the ballpark, they have a lot of profile names that need to perform like they are getting paid to. A first place finish should not be a far-fetched dream, but injuries and inconsistencies are not far-fetched for some of the these players and that could be a nightmare.

THEY CALL ME MR. SUNSHINE - A modern day Ruth and Gehrig, Hamilton and Pujols and the numbers that combination collect this seasons steals the summer story lines. Mike Trout scores 150 runs for the boppers in the middle of the order and they easily hold the most prolific offense in the majors, close to one of the best of all-time. With players always on base the RBI totals for even Mark Trumbo and Howie Kendrick reach career highs.

REAL TALK - With talents like Trout, Weaver, Pujols and Hamilton it cannot go so wrong that they are breaking up the band Boston style at the trade deadline, but they will need to take care of their bodies and make sure they can play at least 140 of the 160. The more days the top of batting order consists of those headliners, the better chances they can regain control in the A.L. West

Breakout: Jason Vargas (LHP)

Bust: Peter Bourjos (OF)
Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Erick Aybar (SS)

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 89-73 (3rd in AL West)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 91-71 (2nd in AL West)

**Check back tomorrow for the Atlanta Braves**