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Scott White

2010 Fantasy outlooks: L.A. Angels of Anaheim

By | Fantasy Writer


The Angels won their division for the fifth time in six years last year, but if they hope to continue the trend this year, they'll have to do so without the ace pitcher and cleanup hitter who have carried them throughout their run. John Lackey and Vladimir Guerrero both departed via free agency, joined by leadoff man Chone Figgins, to give the Angels one of their biggest roster turnovers since they became an AL powerhouse.

Fortunately, they've developed enough talent over the years to make a seamless transition from the old to the new -- from Lackey to Jered Weaver and from Guerrero to Kendry Morales. Both Weaver and Morales have already broken out as high-end Fantasy options and still have the upside for more. The replacement at third base isn't quite as established, but in prospect Brandon Wood, the Angels have a potential 30-homer guy. True, he doesn't have the same skill set as Figgins, but the emergence of shortstop Erick Aybar, who hit .312 and has the upside for more than his 14 steals, should keep the Angels steady at the top of the order.

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The Angels also made up for their losses with two relatively quiet free-agent signings. Hideki Matsui joins fellow Yankees castoff Bobby Abreu in prolonging his usefulness beyond his time in the spotlight. His age will make him a sleeper in Fantasy as a potential 100-RBI man. Joel Pineiro offers some stability at the back end of the rotation, but he stands little chance of duplicating last year's numbers now that he's back in the American League.

Out of the bullpen, Brian Fuentes led all of baseball with 48 saves, proving a guy doesn't have to be K-Rod to pile up saves for the Angels. With the depth of the rotation and the addition of Fernando Rodney in middle relief, the trend should continue this year.

Breakout: Howie Kendrick, 2B

Like seemingly every Angels prospect, Fantasy owners have waited years for Kendrick to break out and become an impact player. And in the second half last year, he looked like he might have done it, hitting .358 with a .949 OPS. It wasn't easy -- he had to spend three weeks in the minor leagues to make the necessary adjustments. It also wasn't conclusive -- he played mostly against left-handers and might still lose at-bats to Maicer Izturis to begin this year. But it showed that even with his lack of strikeouts, he might just become the .360 hitter he was in eight minor-league seasons. If you can land him as your middle infielder or backup second baseman, he has a good chance of moving up your own personal depth chart by the end of April.

Bust: Torii Hunter, OF

Hunter did the unthinkable in 2009: He had a career year at age 34. His .873 OPS was his best ever, and his .938 mark at the All-Star break would have ranked 13th among everyday players by season's end. That doesn't happen for players his age, and as if to keep the laws of nature intact, his body stopped the insanity at the All-Star break, forcing him to miss a month. Still, when you adjust his stats for the time he missed, they place him among the top outfielders in Fantasy even though he's typically a middle-of-the-road option. As a guy who sniffs 20-20 production every year, he has his place, but if you put too much emphasis on last year's numbers, you'll end up reaching for him. At his age, he should be falling in drafts, not rising.

Sleeper: Brandon Wood, 3B

Anyone who suggests Wood can't succeed because he spent too much time in the minors or won't succeed because he did nothing in spotty major-league duty should remember the case of Kendry Morales. Think way back now. Just last year, Morales entered the scene as a three-year veteran of Triple-A Salt Lake who had compiled a .249 batting average in 377 major-league at-bats. And what happened? This year, Wood enters with a .192 batting average in 224 major-league at-bats, but with 76 homers over the last three seasons at Salt Lake. His 16.03 at-bats per homer puts him about at the same level as Jayson Werth, who hit 36 last year, which means all the prospect hounds who jumped ship on Wood better get back on board. As they showed with Morales, the Angels have a method to their madness.

Los Angeles Angels Outlook
Projected lineup
Pos.
Projected Rotation
1 Erick Aybar SS 1 Jered Weaver RH
2 Bobby Abreu RF 2 Scott Kazmir LH
3 Torii Hunter CF 3 Ervin Santana RH
4 Hideki Matsui DH 4 Joel Pineiro RH
5 Kendry Morales 1B 5 Joe Saunders LH
6 Juan L. Rivera LF Alt Matt Palmer RH
7 Howie Kendrick 2B Top bullpen arms
8 Mike Napoli C CL Brian Fuentes LH
9 Brandon Wood 3B SU Scot Shields RH
Top bench options RP Fernando Rodney RH
R Maicer Izturis INF RP Jason Bulger RH
R Jeff Mathis C RP Kevin Jepsen RH
Rookies/Prospects Age Pos. 2009 high Destination
1 Hank Conger 22 C Double-A Double-A
Injury-plagued first-rounder finally stayed healthy, showed enough power to regain top-prospect standing.
2 Peter Bourjos 23 OF Double-A Triple-A
Speed demon blocked by Hunter, but rising quickly. Gap power should help him pile up doubles and triples.
3 Trevor Reckling 20 SP Double-A Double-A
Deceptive lefty has to work on command, but thrived in Double-A despite young age. Likely a year away.
4 Trevor Bell 23 SP Majors Triple-A
Control artist likely to get first call in event of injury. Probably just middle-of-rotation type.
5 Jordan Walden 22 SP Double-A Double-A
Forearm injury set him back last year, but has size to dominate if he recovers and improves command.
Best of the rest: Garrett Richards, SP; Mark Trumbo, 1B; Tyler Chatwood, SP; Randal Grichuk, OF; Chris Pettit, OF; Ryan Mount, 2B; Andrew Romine, SS; Clayton Fuller, OF; Francisco Rodriguez, RP; Rafael Rodriguez, RP; Rich G. Thompson, RP; Bobby Mosebach, RP; Mike Trout, OF; Fabio Martinez, SP; and Tyler Skaggs, SP.

You can e-mail us your Fantasy Baseball questions to DMFantasyBaseball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Team outlooks in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state.

 
 
 
Player News
Andrew Cashner
Cashner just wants to stay healthy
Andrew Cashner, SP, SD
11:56 AM
News: San Diego RP Andrew Cashner only has one goal in mind when it comes to the 2012 season with his new team the Padres, reports MLB.com. Cashner wants to remain healthy. Cashner said he's never been more excited to begin a season. "Last year ... it was what it was," said Cashner, who is expected to serve as the Padres' eighth-inning specialist, setting up new closer Huston Street. "I've really put in a lot of work during the offseason, getting ready."
Analysis: Cashner opened last season as the Cubs' fifth starter and did mention he'd like to one day return to starting games. Still, his primary goal in 2012 in staying healthy and contributing and he'll best do that out of the bullpen at the back end. "Down the road, I do want to start and they've [the Padres] told me I'll get that chance," he said. "But now, I just want to stay healthy and pitch." Cashner would have been an intriguing late-round Fantasy sleeper given the chance to start. But now that he is headed for a relief role, possibly as a setup man for closer Huston Street, then Cashner has marginal Fantasy appeal on Draft Day.

J.P. Arencibia
A wiser Arencibia in 2012
J.P. Arencibia, C, TOR
11:51 AM
News: Toronto C J.P. Arencibia will be much wiser and more prepared when he gets to spring training, reports MLB.com on Friday. Arencibia, who was able to set the franchise record for home runs by a catcher last year with 23 over 129 games to go with 78 RBI, will better know what to expect this time around. "Another year of experience gives you the comfort of, 'This is my staff, these are the guys I'm going to work with, this is my job,'" Arencibia said recently. "It's been the year I've been most motivated ever to just get better in the offseason, training as hard as I've ever trained, to just get ready for the whole season."
Analysis: Arencibia did well enough in 2011, hitting 23 home runs despite a .219 batting average. He drove in 78 runs and had an OPS of .720. Arencibia threw out 17.1 percent of potential stealers, but his throwing showed some improvement later in the season. He opens the 2012 season as the No. 1 catcher again and has a full season of major league experience to draw on in 2012. We definitely have faith in the 26-year-old backstop. His power potential goes a long way at catcher. However, until he starts providing better numbers across the board, then Arencibia is more of a low-end Fantasy starter on Draft Day. You would be surprised at how much deeper the catcher position is getting in Fantasy.

A.J. Burnett
Burnett market is heating up
A.J. Burnett, SP, NYY
2/11/2012
News: FOXSports.com reports that four teams are now interested in Yankees SP A.J. Burnett, including the Pirates, who have been in trade negotiations over the righty for the last three days. The Pirates are still the Yankees' preferred trading partner, though ESPN.com reports that the two sides are still in dispute over how much of Burnett's salary the Yankees should pay and which players Pittsburgh would give up. One of the four teams vying for Burnett is on his "no-trade list," though that team has not been identified.
Analysis: While the Yankees and Pirates are not close to making a deal, several sources have reported that there is a good chance that the sides will come to an agreement before the start of the regular season. A move to the National League will probably have a positive impact on Burnett's stats, but ultimately, he would still be too big of a risk to draft in standard mixed leagues.

Mike Napoli
Napoli avoids arbitration
Mike Napoli, C, TEX
2/11/2012
News: Texas C Mike Napoli agreed to a one-year, $9.4 million contract with the Rangers on Saturday to avoid an arbitration hearing, according to ESPN.com. Napoli, who is recovering from a left ankle injury, posted career highs in home runs (30) and RBI (75) last season.
Analysis: Napoli's injury could limit him during the early part of spring training, but he is not expected to miss any time during the regular season. Napoli enjoyed a career year during his first campaign with the Rangers and topped 20 homers for the fourth consecutive season. He will likely earn more starts at catcher this season and should be considered a solid C option in the early rounds of most 2012 Fantasy drafts.

Manny Ramirez
Field of Ramirez suitors shrinks by one
Manny Ramirez, DH, TB
2/11/2012
News: MASN.com reports that the Orioles have decided not to pursue free agent DH Manny Ramirez. Baltimore had been one of three teams, along with Oakland and Toronto, who had been considering the 39-year-old. "I don't think there's going to be a fit for Manny," executive vice president Dan Duquette said. "We've looked at that all winter and I'm not sure there's a fit there for the Orioles. I wish Manny a lot of luck, but I just don't think he fits in our ballclub right now." The team has recently signed free agents Wilson Betemit and Nick Johnson, both of whom could contend for the DH spot, lessening the need to sign Ramirez.
Analysis: The Orioles now have other potential designated hitters to turn to, and Ramirez comes with a 50-game PED suspension, so he is not an attractive option. With the A's and Blue Jays still in play, though, Ramirez still has a chance to be relevant in AL-only leagues this year.

Tommy Hanson
Hanson smooths out his delivery
Tommy Hanson, SP, ATL
2/11/2012
News: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Braves SP Tommy Hanson has worked this offseason to alter his pitching delivery in the hopes that it will make him less prone to injury. Hanson missed most of the final two months of last season due to a shoulder injury, and his health issues were attributed, at least in part, to a hitch in his delivery. He has worked with pitching coach Roger McDowell on a new, smoother delivery over the last six weeks, which should shift some of the stress of his throwing motion to his lower body. In addition to reducing the impact on his arm and shoulder, the more compact delivery should help Hanson to reduce the number of stolen bases off of him.
Analysis: We have yet to see how well Hanson will pitch in a game with his new delivery, but if it can make him more durable and prevent steals, it will enhance his already-robust Fantasy value. Even with health concerns, Hanson profiles as a low-end No. 2 SP, and if his new delivery works out, he could produce at an even higher level.

Jason Varitek
Varitek getting some interest
Jason Varitek, C, BOS
2/11/2012
News: CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports that free agent C Jason Varitek has received some interest from teams this offseason, and he will soon decide whether to play in 2012. The Red Sox, for whom Varitek has played his entire 15-year major league career, are among the teams interested. Retirement is a possible option for the 39-year-old.
Analysis: Varitek has played in just 107 games over the last two seasons, so even if he decides to play one more year, he is unlikely to be a factor in most Fantasy leagues. He does still have some pop in his bat, though, so owners in deep formats should stay tuned to see what Varitek decides.

Brandon Gomes
Gomes recovering from back surgery
Brandon Gomes, RP, TB
2/11/2012
News: The Tampa Bay Times reports that Rays RP Brandon Gomes continues to recover from back surgery that he underwent in November, and he is at risk of missing the beginning of spring training. Gomes had the procedure to clean out the area around a disc, and he is still probably at least two weeks away from throwing off a mound. "Right now it's progressing along great, I don't really see anything to be concerned about," Gomes told reporters on Friday. "I might miss the very beginning of spring training, but that's about it." Gomes could still be ready for the beginning of the regular season.
Analysis: Gomes pitched well in his rookie season, posting a 2.92 ERA in 40 games with the Rays. He will probably fill a middle relief role for Tampa Bay again this season. A good strikeout pitcher, Gomes is a low-end option for owners in leagues that use middle relievers.

Cody Ross
Ross re-working his swing
Cody Ross, LF, BOS
2/11/2012
News: Red Sox OF Cody Ross was disappointed with his 2011 season, in which he batted just .240 for the Giants, but he told WEEI.com that he is making some changes in order perform better in 2012. Ross watched video from his performances last year and noticed some adjustments that he needed to make at the plate. Specifically, Ross said he is "really focusing on just driving the ball and staying on top of the ball as opposed to swinging with more of an upper-cut." Ross started to address these changes late last season, working with former Giants teammate Carlos Beltran.
Analysis: Ross' flyball rate skyrocketed to 48 percent last season, resulting in a high percentage of flyouts, which put a damper on his batting average. Not only could his new approach to hitting help him to cut back on those easy outs, but it could pay big dividends in doubles-friendly Fenway Park. Ross lacks a regular position, but between filling in for injured Carl Crawford (wrist) early in the year and spelling Ryan Sweeney in right field, he could put together a decent amount of playing time. Look to Ross as a solid option in AL-only leagues.

Miguel Cabrera
Cabrera shedding weight for move to 3B
Miguel Cabrera, 3B, DET
2/10/2012
News: Tigers C Alex Avila told ESPN.com on Friday that Miguel Cabrera has lost 20-25 pounds this offseason in anticipation of his move to third base. Cabrera, who played first base each of the last few seasons, is moving to the hot corner with Prince Fielder signing with Detroit in the offseason. Cabrera batted .344 with 30 home runs and 105 RBI in 2011.
Analysis: Cabrera came up as an infielder and has shown in the past that he can play the hot corner. His size has been one of the bigger question marks on whether or not he can last an entire season at third base so shedding some weight should help the process. Good thing for Fantasy owners is that his defense will not affect on his value, and he should continue to mash at the plate for Detroit. Add to the fact that he will gain duel eligibility and owners should target Cabrera as a Top 5 Fantasy option on Draft Day.

 
 
 
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