Team: Los Angeles Angels
2007 Regular Season Record: 94-68
2007 Postseason Record: 0-3; lost in ALDS
Cost per Win: $109,251,333 / 94 = $1,162,248 per win
2007 Season Recap: It was a good regular season for the Angles seeing them win the AL West by 6 games over the Mariners. They did this while posting a 54-27 record at home, the most wins at home of any team. That also means that they posted a sub .500 record on the road, something they surely want to improve. When they got to the playoffs however they ran into Red Sox who easily swept them out of town. In the 3 games in the playoffs they were outscored 19-4, this includes a 9-1 beating in game three to finish off the series.
A far as individual performances go the Angels had several quality performances. This was all led by Vladimir Guerrero who ended with a .324 average and 27 home runs. If not for Alex Rodriguez’s amazing season Guerrero would be an MVP favorite. Also contributing with a strong season was third baseman Chone Figgins with a .330 average and 41 stolen bases. Another player deserving of mention is second baseman Howie Kendrick. The 24 year old played in 88 games after being called up from AAA on May 23rd and ended with a .322 batting average.
The Angels also had some good performances from the pitching mound. Kelvim Escobar had a record of 18-7 on the season and John Lackey had a record of 19-9. In addition coming off of a great rookie season Jered Weaver had a record of 13-7 and certainly the Angles hope that he won’t has the rapid talent loss that his brother Jeff had.
Key Free Agents: SP Bartolo Colon; Colon is not actually that important of a loss but he is the only player they lose besides a relief pitcher who only appeared in 9 games. Colon had a 608 record this season with a 6.34 ERA so he won’t be missed too much.
Offseason Needs: The Angles are a team in a very good position going into the offseason. They could use a bit more depth but every team could use that and depth is something that should come from your player development and not from the free agent market. Their lack of free agents is a very good sign for them and should mean that they come back strong next season.
Prediction for the 2008 season: I have a mixed opinion on the future of the Angels. They have the talent and the experience on their team to make a run but their road record is disturbing. They also have stiff competition from the Mariners every year and this year won’t be any different. My prediction for them is that the Angels will be in a close battle for the AL West which will be their only route into the playoffs since I don’t think they will be able to post enough wins to get a wild card berth into the postseason. In the end they will be just a game or 2 behind the Mariners and miss out on the playoffs.
No comments:
Post a Comment