LOS ANGELES ANGELS (74-88), 4TH, AL WEST
uSeason snapshot: Owner
stung by the costly deal for left fielder Josh Hamilton, was frugal during the offseason. So the Angels were leaning on their returning starting pitching and the middle of their order, which featured center fielder and designated hitter But the rotation was decimated by injuries as right-handers
and
and lefties and went down. The void created by Hamilton’s exit was never filled, and the bullpen was spotty with closer having a so-so year before getting hurt. The result was the team’s worst showing since took over in 2000. To illustrate how desperate the Angels were, they signed free agent Tim Lincecum, coming off hip surgery, and inserted him into the rotation. He had a 9.16 ERA in nine starts.
uWhat now: All signs indicate Scioscia will come back despite another disappointing season. The Angels hope Richards, who declined Tommy John elbow surgery for stem-cell treatment, can find his form; the results so far are encouraging. He will pitch in some fall league games, and if his elbow holds up, that Angels will proceed as if he’ll be fit for next season. Left-hander
who was so-so after he returned from surgery, could be a factor next season. The Angels need to fill rotation spots, find a left fielder and second baseman and bolster the bullpen.
uFree
Right-hander contract expires, and his time with the Angels could be done after 150 career victories, No. 2 in franchise history. Wilson, who hasn’t pitched in 14 months, isn’t expected back, either. The Angels should have available funds with those two off the books, but will Moreno want to spend freely again? uProspects to watch: Right-hander
got six starts, and while he won but once, the Angels like his upside. But the Angels’ top four prospects were selected in the last two drafts, which means the farm system remains a work in progress and doesn’t figure to produce anything of note in the near future. Although righthander has the goods to move up quickly, he should start at Class AAA next season. Considering the holes in the Angels’ staff, Alcantara will be given a long look. Alcantara has a power arm with a fastball in the high 90s and a heavy sinker. His stats aren't much, but the Angels like his high ceiling.
Jay Paris