The addition of Albert Pujols has the Angels sights set high. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

The addition of Pujols alone will transform the lineup in short order. In 2011 the offense was below league average in runs scored. Reasonably, one would expect the offense to at least move across the average threshold with the most potent bat of the last 10 years (and one of the greatest hitters of all-time) now in the fold. There is other reason for optimism too. The return of Kendrys Morales is one of the major keys for the club this season. He was only able to play in 51 total games the past two seasons due to a freak ankle injury. He showed in his breakout 2009 campaign that he has the ability to form a pretty good 3-4 combination with Pujols. The team also has Howard Kendrick coming off the best season of his career, the steady Torii Hunter, and Peter Bourjos, off an underrated year, in the lineup. General Manager Jerry Dipoto made a nice move in acquiring catcher Chris Iannetta from the Colorado Rockies; he should be able to provide a lot more offense out of the position than last season. After a dreadful 2011 season, the realistic (only?) direction for Vernon Wells to go is up. Manager Mike Scioscia has options as the roster has some excess at the corner infield spots and the outfield. Mark Trumbo, who hit 29 home runs in his rookie season last year, will see time at a number of positions including third base. The addition of Pujols and Morales’ return mean that Bobby Abreu is relegated to the bench and top prospect Mike Trout is stuck in the minor leagues, at least for the time being.  The Angels have the potential to be a top 10 run scoring offense in 2012.

Really, the strength of the Angels is starting pitching (the bullpen should be at least adequate too). The starting rotation is strong one-through-four with Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, Ervin Santana and Wilson. In Weaver, Haren, and Wilson, Anaheim arguably has three of the top five starting pitchers in the American League from 2011. Whether that is true or not, they certainly have three of the top ten starting pitchers in the American League today. The fourth starting pitcher, Santana, is coming off a solid season and back-to-back years with 30+ starts and 200+ innings. If he is able to maintain that level the Angels will be in great shape through their front four. The major area of concern for the team is the fifth spot in the rotation and a lack of viable options. Jerome Williams and Garrett Richards are still battling (and will likely battle through a considerable chunk of the season) for the final spot. With such a strong front of the rotation, the fifth spot does not need to be excellent but merely not terrible. The problem may come if there is an injury to Weaver, Haren, Wilson or Santana.

The Angels have the makeup of a team that is ready for big things. They have two shiny new toys added to a roster that had some things going for it already. One cannot draw many conclusions from exhibition games but in the recent Freeway Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, sort of the unveiling of the 2012 team in front of the hometown fans, the Angels outscored their “cross-town rivals” 21-10 in three games, winning two in fine fashion. Again, not much can be taken from exhibition games. Nevertheless, the Angels look ready for what may be a special 2012 season.

(Photo Credit: ESPN)

The Kendrys Morales saga took yet another turn Sunday as the Halos announced that Morales will travel to Vail Colorado (gasp) to get a second opinion on his injured ankle. As far as injuries go, getting a second opinion usually is not a good thing. Apparently someone feels there is a mis-diagnosis or that the injury is not healing as rapidly as the original prognosis. Despite this fact, Mike Scioscia somehow feels that Kendrys getting a second opinion will somehow put him back on the field sooner.

“It is just to get piece of mind for him and where his rehab is going, and see if any opinions could help him move ahead more rapidly,” said Scioscia.

Hmmm.. Sounds strange to me but I hope you’re right Mike. The silver lining in this could be that Kendrys is not trusting the surgically repaired ankle/foot enough and that the Angels are allowing him to seek a second confirmation that he is healthy enough to resume running and baseball activities at full speed. Only time will tell when and if we see Morales return to the field this year. The only thing that remains clear at the moment is that Kendry’s status is unclear.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Dan Haren was lights out and the Angels got solo home runs from youngsters Peter Bourjos and Mark Trumbo on their way to blanking the Tribe  2-0 Tuesday. Haren allowed just one hit across nine sterling innings, striking out 8 , while only surrendering 2 walks.

Up Next: Ervin Santana looks for his first win of the season Wednesday as the Halos look to take 2 of 3 from the Tribe.

Onto the hump day links

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