Chris Iannetta Is Going To Be Important For The Los Angeles Angels in 2013

If the Los Angeles Angels are going to succeed this year, one of the important players that’s going to help the Angels succeed is Chris Iannetta. Now, you may not think of him as than a bit piece to the puzzle but let’s go further into it.

Sep 19, 2012; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels catcher Chris Iannetta (17) tosses the ball to umpire

(not pictured) against the Texas Rangers at Angels Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

First of all, Iannetta is going to be hitting down in the order. He’ll be called upon to drive in some of the big boys in. Secondly, he’s got some power at the bottom of the lineup. He’s hit double digit home runs in the past, and there’s no reason to think that he can’t do that again. The problem is, he’s only played over 90 games three times in his seven year career.His defense will also be important.  He needs to develops more rapport with the pitching staff. Iannetta is going to have to deal with three new starters, and at least two new relievers in the bullpen. It’s important that he has a good relationship with each pitcher so that he knows what pitch they want in certain situations and what kind of pace they like on the mound. The catcher pitcher relationship is so important and it’s one of the little nuances of the game that can get overlooked at times.

The team doesn’t have a lot of depth at the spot either. Hank Conger is probably going to be the backup and John Hester is the third catcher. Neither are as good as Iannetta. If the team thought so, then Iannetta wouldn’t have gotten a three year deal early on in the off-season.

Iannetta’s presence on the team is not one that should be overlooked. The Angels are going to need their all-stars to play like it, and they’re going to need Iannetta to come up big as well.