ROOKIES TO WATCH

One of the majors’ worst farm systems has produced almost nothing for the bigleague club in a few years. That’s unlikely to change much this season, but starters Alex Meyer and Nate Smith have the chance to earn a spot in the back end of the rotation with a strong spring. Angels fans in Tempe also could get an early look at Matt Thaiss, Eppler’s first firstround pick last summer. The 21-year-old first baseman was impressive in his first few months in the minors, earning an invitation to spring training.

THEY’RE SET

The Angels in the outfield could be one of the majors’ best groups. Trout is conceivably on pace to be nothing less than the best player of his generation, but he is flanked in left by Maybin and in right by Kole Calhoun, who has a new contract to go with his steady bat and spectacular glove. Eppler signed veterans Revere and Ryan LaMarre as the big-league backups, but he’ll be on the lookout for another bat.

THEY’RE NOT

Los Angeles’ rotation is in transition after the departures of former ace Jered Weaver and high-priced left-hander C.J. Wilson, along with the Tommy John surgery losses of Andrew Heaney and Nick Tropeano. Garrett Richards is hoping his own elbow ligament remains strong after a year of rest and medical rehabilitation to avoid Tommy John, but his every move in spring will be watched cautiously. Matt Shoemaker is returning from a line drive to the head. Tyler Skaggs, newish veteran Ricky Nolasco and new veteran Jesse Chavez are likely to round out the rotation, but everybody has to prove himself in March.

ON DECK

Along with the usual roster competition and the debuts of new first baseman Luis Valbuena and catcher Martin Maldonado, the spring is another chance to enjoy the brilliance of Trout, the third-youngest player to win two MVP awards in baseball history. The five-time All-Star is the Angels’ heart and soul, but he still hasn’t won a playoff game.