OC Register: 2019 MLB Preview: Dodgers, Angels analysis and predictions

AngelsWin.com · March 28, 2019

The 2019 season begins for both L.A. area teams on Thursday afternoon.

Below you can find coverage on both teams with everything you need to know about the Dodgers and the Angels.

PREDICTIONS: Six Southern California News Group reporters/editors provide their thoughts on the upcoming MLB season.

Los Angeles Angels

The Angels answered several questions during the offseason. The most notable being the future of Mike Trout, who signed a long-term deal with the club in March.

RELATED: A look at Mike Trout’s deal to remain an Angel through 2030

While fans don’t have to adjust to life without Trout, the Angels will have to adjust to a new manager in the dugout for the first time in 19-years. Brad Ausmus signed a 3-year contract in October to replace longtime manager Mike Scioscia, who stepped down at the end of the 2018 season.

Ausmus led the Detroit Tigers to the 2014 postseason in the first year of his four-year run as their manager. He replaced Jim Leyland, who had managed the team for eight years.

Over the past three years the Angels’ rotation has been decimated by injuries but in order for the team to meet expectations, it will need to keep pitchers healthy.

Since 2016, the Angels have had seven starters and two relief pitchers undergo Tommy John surgery. One of those players is Shohei Ohtani, who is taking batting practice in the cage, but hopes move to the field soon.

After finishing last season at 80-82, the Angels hope to find their way back to the postseason this fall, but with the Houston Astros still among baseball’s best teams, the Angels might be reduced to battling for the second AL wild-card berth. Here are three reasons to smile and three reasons to worry if you are a fan of the club.

The Angels have a busy schedule to start the season, including six road games in six nights (four in Oakland, two in Seattle). The Angels return to Angel Stadium for the home opener April 4 against the Texas Rangers.

Key Additions:Jonathan Lucroy (catcher)Cody Allen (relief pitcher)Justin Bour (first base)Trevor Cahill (starting pitcher)Matt Harvey (starting pitcher)

Key Losses:Garrett Richards (starting pitcher)Martin Maldonado (catcher)Blake Parker (relief pitcher)

2019 Angels season preview: Position by position

Peter Bourjos #25 of the Los Angeles Angels signs autographs prior to a MLB spring training baseball game between the Los Angeles Angels and the San Francisco Giants at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Peter Bourjos #25 of the Los Angeles Angels during a MLB spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
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Jo Adell #59 of the Los Angeles Angels during a MLB spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Angeles’ Luis Rengifo #84 during Spring Training at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Angeles’ pitcher Trevor Cahill during Spring Training at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Angeles’ practice during Spring Training at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Angeles’ Albert Pujols, left, and Kole Calhoun smile as they get a ride to the back fields during Spring Training at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Angeles owner After Moreno, left, with MLB Commissioner of Major League Baseball Rob Manfred during Spring Training at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Angeles pitcher Matt Harvey throws during Spring Training at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Taylor Ward #3 of the Los Angeles Angels during spring training at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Friday, February 22, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Justin Bour #41 of the Los Angeles Angels during spring training at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Friday, February 22, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Jahmai Jones of the Los Angeles Angels during spring training at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Friday, February 22, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Brad Ausmus #12 of the Los Angeles Angels speaks with his team during spring training at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Friday, February 22, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Mike Gallego #86 of the Los Angeles Angels during spring training at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Friday, February 22, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Angels warm up during spring training at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Friday, February 22, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Brandon Marsh #89 of the Los Angeles Angels during spring training at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Friday, February 22, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels during spring training at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Friday, February 22, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Manager Brad Ausmus #12 of the Los Angeles Angels during spring training at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Friday, February 22, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Jeremy Rhoades #78 of the Los Angeles Angels during a MLB spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels signs autographs for fans prior to a MLB spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Angels during spring training at Camelback Ranch Stadium on Sunday, February 24, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Veteran catcher Jonathan Lucroy of the Angels gets in some throwing during spring training at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Friday, February 22, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

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AL LEAGUE PREVIEW: WEST | CENTRAL | EAST

Los Angeles Dodgers

Dave Roberts returns as the Dodgers’ manager, but the organization did undergo some changes in the front office when the San Francisco Giants hired Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi to be their president of baseball operations. The team also moved on from fan favorites Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp, who were traded to the Cincinnati Reds and parted ways with switch-hitting catcher Yasmani Grandal, who joined the Milwaukee Brewers.

One player fans can expect to see more of this season is Cody Bellinger.

Assured of his full-time status by early-spring conversations with Roberts and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, the 2017 NL Rookie of the Year believes they now see him as he sees himself – as an every-day player.

With three of their four NL West rivals (the Giants, San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks) in various stages of rebuilding, the Dodgers are overwhelming favorites to make it seven consecutive division titles this season.

The Dodgers start the season with seven home games in seven days. The club will host the Diamondbacks for a four-game series followed by a three-game series against the Giants.

RELATED: Dodgers regular-season schedule

For the first time since 2010, Clayton Kershaw will watch the pageantry of Opening Day from the dugout and he knows how that will make him feel.

“It’s going to be sad on Opening Day watching someone else go. But I’ll get over it,” Kershaw said on March 20.

The Dodgers are expecting you to bring your appetite on opening day to try six new Dodger Stadium dishes (and 2 postseason food faves).

Key Additions:A.J. Pollock (center fielder)Joe Kelly (relief pitcher)

Key Losses:Yasiel Puig (outfielder)Yasmani Grandal (catcher)Matt Kemp (outfielder)Alex Wood (starting pitcher)

Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias throws to the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a preseason baseball game Tuesday, March 26, 2019, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
The Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger celebrates as he circles the bases after his two-run home run in the fourth inning of the Dodgers’ 5-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies in the NL West tiebreaker game last October at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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The Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger, right, celebrates his three-run home run at home plate with teammates Max Muncy, center, and A.J. Pollock (11) during the second inning of a preseason baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels Tuesday, March 26, 2019, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Cody Bellinger #35 of the Los Angeles Dodgers high fives A.J. Pollock after hitting three run home run against the Los Angeles Angels in the second inning of a preseason baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dave Roberts #30 of the Los Angeles Dodgers speaks with international scout Mike Brito prior to a preseason baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Alex Verdugo #61 of the Los Angeles Dodgers takes batting practice prior to a preseason baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Alex Verdugo #61 of the Los Angeles Dodgers speaks with international’s scout Mike Brito prior to a preseason baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Los Angeles skyline from Dodger Stadium Tuesday, March 26, 2019. The Dodger opening game is Thursday at 1:10 pm against Arizona. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Pitching coach Rick Honeycutt #40 of the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Los Angeles Angels during a preseason baseball game at Anaheim Stadium on Monday, March 25, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Scott Alexander #75 of the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Los Angeles Angels during a preseason baseball game at Anaheim Stadium on Monday, March 25, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Alex Verdugo #61 of the Los Angeles Dodgers high fives teammates after scoring on a bases loaded walk against the Los Angeles Angels in the seventh inning of a preseason baseball game at Anaheim Stadium on Monday, March 25, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Connor Wong #00 of the Los Angeles Dodgers RBI bases loaded single against the Los Angeles Angels in the seventh inning of a preseason baseball game at Anaheim Stadium on Monday, March 25, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Corey Seager, left, along with Justin Turner, center and Max Muncy #13 of the Los Angeles Dodgers look on during a review of a play against the Los Angeles Angels in the third inning of a preseason baseball game at Anaheim Stadium on Monday, March 25, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Kenley Jansen #74 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws to the plate against the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth inning of a preseason baseball game at Anaheim Stadium on Monday, March 25, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Corey Seager #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers prepares in the dugout against the Los Angeles Angels in the second inning of a preseason baseball game at Anaheim Stadium on Monday, March 25, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Manager Dave Roberts #30 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on against the Los Angeles Angels in the second inning of a preseason baseball game at Anaheim Stadium on Monday, March 25, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Kevan Smith #44 of the Los Angeles Angels scores past catcher Austin Barnes of the Los Angeles Dodgers on a RBI single by David Fletcher (not pictured) in the second inning of a preseason baseball game at Anaheim Stadium on Monday, March 25, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
David Freese #25 of the Los Angeles Dodgers watches his RBI single as Chris Taylor (not pictured) scores against the Los Angeles Angels in the second inning of a preseason baseball game at Anaheim Stadium on Monday, March 25, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Chris Taylor #3 of the Los Angeles Dodgers RBI triple against the Los Angeles Angels in the second inning of a preseason baseball game at Anaheim Stadium on Monday, March 25, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Chris Taylor #3 of the Los Angeles Dodgers high fives teammates after scoring on a RBI single by David Freese (not pictured) against the Los Angeles Angels in the second inning of a preseason baseball game at Anaheim Stadium on Monday, March 25, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
starting pitcher Kenta Maeda #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws to the plate against the Los Angeles Angels in the first inning of a preseason baseball game at Anaheim Stadium on Monday, March 25, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Manager Dave Roberts, left, speaks Enrique Hernandez #14 of the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to a preseason baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels at Anaheim Stadium on Monday, March 25, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Brewers catcher Yasmani Grandal, left, signals to the first base umpire as the Dodgers’ Russell Martin bats during the second inning of Thursday’s Cactus League game in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu pitches in the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Thursday, March 21, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Justin Turner (10) is congratulated by teammate Hyun-Jin Ryu following his home run in the fifth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Thursday, March 21, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
“Being out there on Opening Day is special and I don’t take that for granted,” Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw said of having his string of Opening Day starts come to an end this season. “I love being out there – just what it signifies, being part of Dodgers history. … But when you get super realistic about it, it is just one game. That’s what I try to keep telling myself.“ (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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NL LEAGUE PREVIEW: WEST | CENTRAL | EAST

Exploring travel options

Metro, Metrolink offer driver alternatives for fans going to Dodger Stadium and Angel Stadium this season.

The idea is to avoid the stress of zigzagging through traffic, especially on the freeway, while cutting down on air pollution.

Hoornstra on trends

What’s up with the slew of players who signed extensions with their current teams? A slow free agent market only explains part of it.
From slow plays to spygate to super-slo-mo cameras, there’s been a lot more to spring training than the box scores.

Fantasy baseball

If you are looking for some last minute fantasy advice, here are some of the MLB’s most underrated and overrated players for 2019.

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