Angels Official Website: Busy at Winter Meetings, Angels aren't done 'getting better'

[stormngt]

The bullpen to start 2015 is much better than it was to start 2014.

Hopefully, the rotation will have enough stability to continue to be an asset.

Hopefully, Pujols and Hackilton get back some of what they used to supply.

 

All of that easily counteracts losing Kendrick.

 

We did get swept by the Royals in the ALDS.    The O's also got swept in the ALCS by the Royals.

It was just their year, until running into the Giants.

I agree with you about Hamilton.  Pujols was solid last year.  If your asking more from him next year your asking for a disappointment.

[stormngt]

Our rotation is a question mark, even though it was a strength last year. We have Weaver, Wilson, and Shoemaker as our 1-2-3 right now while we wait for Richards and Skaggs to heal. Richards will be back at some point during the season, but Skaggs won't be back until 2016. That leaves us with Tropeano, Santiago, Rasmus, and Heaney battling for the last 2 spots. That leaves a lot to be desired. Santiago and Heaney probably have an edge in the battle, as they have pretty dang good upside. But how much growing pain will we go through next year while they try and figure it out? Santiago was decent for a stretch last year, but all in all was very inconsistent.

Then you toss out the fact that our anchor at 2nd Base has been traded. Who replaces him? Do they give it to Green and see how he does? Or do they let him and Rutledge split time? I personally hate time shares, but whatever works... I think one, or both, should be able to produce at least 80% of what Kendrick produced for us last year. Also allows us to bat Green 2nd and Trout third.

Our rotation is in a lot better than going into last season.  Last year Skaggs and Santiago were question marks, Richards was considered a back end starter and Shoemaker was supposed to be a AAAA pitcher, and we had no depth.

 

Santiago had a 3.75 ERA last year.  I am not sure what more you guys want out of a #4 or 5 pitcher.  Tropeano or Heany will be battling out for the #5 spot.  

 

Second base is a question mark and we maybe weaker there.  I would like to see either a better DH (I don't think Cron is the long term answer).  I like the idea of getting a leadoff hitter and move everyone down in the lineup.

 

We are not done, but we are in better shape than we were last year going into spring training.  That said we over achieved last year so that doesn't mean we will do as well.  Richards my have complications, Shoemaker may regress, Calhoun may regress.  CJ can continue to throw batting practice.