Since the Angels weren't able to resign Mark Texeira, and lost him to the money bountiful Yankees, the Angels are going to have to rely on some new, home grown talent. Brandon Wood will have to step up and finally play like the "top prospect" he was supposed to be 3 years ago. He can really crush minor league pitching but when he gets the call up to the Angels, he can never seem to put it together. Hopefully he can present a mainstay at 3rd base if Chone Figgins is used as a utility guy like he normally is. 26 year old Kendry Morales will most likely be the starter at 1st, and has shown signs of brilliance in the past but has never really gotten the chance of playing every day. With the losses of Texeira and Garrett Anderson, the new regulars will have to come up with some power numbers in the middle of the lineup if they are going to be able to beat the likes of the Red Sox, Yankees, and the reloaded Oakland A's. The A's have signed Orlando Cabrera, Nomar Garciaparra, Matt Holliday, and Jason Giambi this offseason, and will have Eric Chavez coming back after missing most of last year due to injury.
On the pitching side of things, the Angels will have John Lackey, Joe Saunders, Ervin Santana, and Jered Weaver coming back. Their 5th starter is yet to be determined, but could be veteran Kelvim Escobar who missed all of last year due to injury but is way ahead of schedule on the comeback trail and could be back as early as May. Knock on Wood. The Angels also signed closer Brian Fuentes during the offseason and also resigned veteran lefty Darren Oliver. Scot Shields and Jose Arredondo are also back to solidify the bullpen, and reliever Justin Speier will try to shake off a tough year last year and help the Angels 'pen this season. Young pitchers Dustin Moseley and Nick Adenhart are the top candidates to begin the season as the team's 5th starter, and relievers Shane Loux, Jason Bulger, and Kevin Jepsen will also be battling for innings this season.
