This will be a good team next year

[The God of Runs]

Starting pitching is good with Weaver, Wilson, Richards, Vargas, and whatever pitcher as long as it isn't Blanton or Hanson.  Pick up a Paul Byrd type for cheap and now you have a good enough starting staff to compete.

 

Bullpen:  Got some decent work out of De La Rosa, Kohn, and Frieri.  You get two more reliable through FA signing or trade.  And, you assume that one of the guys in the farm steps up and takes a spot.  And, there you go.  Shutdown bullpen. 

 

Offernse:  I expect big things from an offense with Trout, a healthy Pujols, a Hamilton with a bounce back year, a consistent power threat in Trumbo, Howie, and a promising up-and-comer in Calhoun. 

 

If the team doesn't suffer too many injuries to key players, there's absolutely no reason why they can't compete next year. 

[tdawg87]

I'm afraid the rotation needs far more than a "Paul Byrd" type to be good.

[SoWhat]

Rotation needs 2 more arms and we need to blow up the bullpen.

[Angelsjunky]

I agree with everything in the OP except that our rotation is "good" and we only need a "Paul Byrd type." The Angels need something more than that. I mean they could  compete with that rotation, but I'd much rather see them get someone better. Unfortunately there isn't much available. The Angels might have to settle for another Vargas type, and trade Kendrick, Trumbo or Bourjos for a pitching prospect that could help if someone goes down.

[AngelArcher]

Already counting on Vargas to be in the rotation? Yes he's a hometown guy and might take a discount, but he might also go to the highest bidder as well. 

 

I like him and hope the Angels can extend him.

[gotbeer]

We will be good.  Vargas resigning is one of the big keys to the offseason.  

[AngelsAndRamsFan]

Already counting on Vargas to be in the rotation? Yes he's a hometown guy and might take a discount, but he might also go to the highest bidder as well. 

 

I like him and hope the Angels can extend him.

I hope they replace him. The Angels should be able to trade for a better replacement. 

[tdawg87]

I hope they replace him. The Angels should be able to trade for a better replacement. 

 

Wouldn't it then make sense to keep him for the back end of the rotation? Vargas is by no means a number 3 starter but he is definitely a solid 4 and valuable guy to have.

[tdawg87]

I wish the Royals would be willing to trade James Shields. He's perfect for this rotation.

[Hollyw00d]

Id rather not overpay for vargas and just move on if he asks for a multi year, multi mil contract.   HE is not very good and there's no reason to make keeping him a priority

[NrM]

There's no way they should stand pat with that rotation. It should be the number one focus in the off season.

[Hollyw00d]

There's no way they should stand pat with that rotation. It should be the number one focus in the off season.

 

yup, the rotation has zero depth and the bullpen has too many crappy pitchers with no control.   the entire pitching staff, and coaching staff, needs a major overhaul for this team to be competitive.

 

it's a bad gameplan to go into a season hoping that all of your pitchers will have career years and stay healthy.   as we saw this year

[YouthofToday]

We have 0 rotation depth thanks to Arte demanding we blow up the farm system to "win now".

That is a major problem.

Edited September 15, 2013 by YouthofToday

[Hollyw00d]

yup this team has becomes the yankees of the 00s.   except our free agent signings don't produce

[disarcina]

well, nice try and I like the optimism -- but to me these late August/ September games are more like games played in March.

[HaloMilliVanilli]

We need a front-end type desperately.  #1 or a strong #2, Weaver, Wilson, Richards and Vargas looks about right.  The #1-2 could be someone like Price, who would immediately jump to the #1 spot, or a youngster with upside like Wacha, who could begin in the #4-5 spot and work his way up.  I'm done with the retreads.  Some innings eater along with what we currently have will make for a questionable playoff rotation.  We need a stud horse (and I don't mean Lackey!).  DiPoto needs to get to work, and Arte needs to leave him alone.

[YouthofToday]

We do not have the trade pieces to land price or Wacha. We have to shoot for low level prospects or SPs in arbitration.

Rays want prospects with little service time.

Edited September 15, 2013 by YouthofToday

[ten ocho recon scout]

What's your take on the japanese pitcher and the cuban YOT?

[Second Base]

I've said it before and I'll keep saying it.  A front-three of Weav, Wilson and Vargas wasn't nearly good enough to get the Angels into contention this season.  Why on Earth would it be next season?

 

If your reason is Richards then great, because just 2 months ago most of you were talking about how he'd never pan out or just end up as a reliever.  Richards is going to be a solid #3/4 SP next year but that's still not enough.  

 

The only way an Angel-rotation of Weav, Wilson, Richards, and Vargas is adequate is if it's supplemented by a legitimate #2/3 SP.  Because the truth is, the offense will probably be without Kendrick and Trumbo (trades), the bullpen will be inconsistent, regardless of what moves Dipoto makes and Scioscia's going to make some player personnel mistakes next season just like he does every year.  

 

I think the Angels can be good, but only if they fundamentally change the way they approach free agency and start running an intelligent organization.  

[Angel Oracle]

Weaver, Wilson, Tanaka, Vargas, and Richards would be fine.

Agreed on no more aging big money players!

Edited September 15, 2013 by Angel Oracle

[Brent Maguire]

Any viable options we could go after? It's tough to find good starters. 

[NrM]

Any viable options we could go after? It's tough to find good starters. 

 

 

the only viable options are through trades

[HaloNation]

weaver,wilson,richards,vargas is NOT good lol

 

average at best

you're not gonna make the post season with that rotation, i promise

Edited September 15, 2013 by HaloNation

[Glen]

Our pitching staff right now is mid-level at best.  As others have pointed out we need at least a #2 starter and bullpen help.  I think next  year will hinge on the pitching getting better.  

[arch stanton]

I'm preordering my 2014 World Champions shirt and pre-preordering my 2015 back-to-back shirt.