Post by Los Angeles Angels on Oct 6, 2021 11:17:23 GMT -5
After bringing in a new GM after the 2019 season the Angels were able to tough it out in a competitive division and ride some unexpected late season hot streaks to capture it's first trophy in its existence.
The infield was, as expected, an anchor with Muncy, Trea Turner and Bregman holding their own against any other team. But the emergence of Frank "the Tank" Schwindel exceeded all expectations, even for a GM who thought his strong numbers in the minors warranted a flyer. The timing of his incredible run happened to come at a perfect time with the loss of a inconsistent, but ultimately useful Jesus Aguilar. Early season struggles and injuries masked a decent season for D'Arnaud but all the main players are under contract through 2023 with the young cost controlled Toro and swiss army knife Garcia providing depth.
Outfield was a different story where it was Haniger and a rotating cast of fringy castoffs for the most part. While Lane Thomas showed flashes of being a solid three position contributor at the end, production was lacking especially on days Ruf wasn't facing LHPs. A deadline trade for Aaron Hicks will hopefully solidify CF. Haniger and Franimal should share RF with one of them ending up as DH most days. That leaves LF for either Thomas, Ward, Connor Joe or Ruf.
Starting pitching was held together with duct tape and chicken wire at times in the year including the playoffs where the likes of Paul Blackburn and Dillon Peters had to make a few starts. With Thor coming back, there is a decent core including Bassitt, Montas and Framber with some young intriguing arms to fill out the back end. It worked out this season but not having a bona fide ace could make it difficult to repeat.
With Chapman likely gone, there will be some turnover among the relievers. Sulser and Bender will provide some continuity but some high end reinforcements may be necessary.
Overall, the team looks well positioned to make a second run at the title with most of the lineup set and the rotation and bullpen needing some minor additions. The farm system is a little depleted sure to trades to make this year's playoff run so there will be a focus on building a pipeline. However, the AL West looks to only get more competitive so improvements to the big league club will be necessary. The financial situation looks relatively good even after the planned extensions of our core performers so there should be some funds for valuable depth to insure against the inevitable injuries and sophomore slumps for some of the late season breakout stars.
It was a wild ride but the champagne is all gone and the Angels are ready to begin building another contender for 2022!
The infield was, as expected, an anchor with Muncy, Trea Turner and Bregman holding their own against any other team. But the emergence of Frank "the Tank" Schwindel exceeded all expectations, even for a GM who thought his strong numbers in the minors warranted a flyer. The timing of his incredible run happened to come at a perfect time with the loss of a inconsistent, but ultimately useful Jesus Aguilar. Early season struggles and injuries masked a decent season for D'Arnaud but all the main players are under contract through 2023 with the young cost controlled Toro and swiss army knife Garcia providing depth.
Outfield was a different story where it was Haniger and a rotating cast of fringy castoffs for the most part. While Lane Thomas showed flashes of being a solid three position contributor at the end, production was lacking especially on days Ruf wasn't facing LHPs. A deadline trade for Aaron Hicks will hopefully solidify CF. Haniger and Franimal should share RF with one of them ending up as DH most days. That leaves LF for either Thomas, Ward, Connor Joe or Ruf.
Starting pitching was held together with duct tape and chicken wire at times in the year including the playoffs where the likes of Paul Blackburn and Dillon Peters had to make a few starts. With Thor coming back, there is a decent core including Bassitt, Montas and Framber with some young intriguing arms to fill out the back end. It worked out this season but not having a bona fide ace could make it difficult to repeat.
With Chapman likely gone, there will be some turnover among the relievers. Sulser and Bender will provide some continuity but some high end reinforcements may be necessary.
Overall, the team looks well positioned to make a second run at the title with most of the lineup set and the rotation and bullpen needing some minor additions. The farm system is a little depleted sure to trades to make this year's playoff run so there will be a focus on building a pipeline. However, the AL West looks to only get more competitive so improvements to the big league club will be necessary. The financial situation looks relatively good even after the planned extensions of our core performers so there should be some funds for valuable depth to insure against the inevitable injuries and sophomore slumps for some of the late season breakout stars.
It was a wild ride but the champagne is all gone and the Angels are ready to begin building another contender for 2022!