5 Questions Facing Los Angeles Angels This Spring

Jul 22, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter

(5) reacts after striking out in the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Angel Stadium. The Twins defeated the Angels 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Will This Be The Year Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton Earn Their Money?

When Albert Pujols signed his 10-year, $240 million deal prior to the 2012 season, the Angels were looked at as having stolen baseball’s best player. They followed that up the next season by questionably signing Josh Hamilton to a 5-year, $133 million deal. The pairing of Pujols and Hamilton, back-to-back in the line-up, was going to provide the Angels with the best 1-2 punch in baseball.

Neither player lived up to that billing.

However, things are looking up in 2014. Pujols is ahead of schedule in recovering from a foot injury that ended his season on July 27th. He’s said to be ready for a full spring for the first time in a few years. Meanwhile, Hamilton thinks his lack of production last season was due to a switch to a gluten free diet, and has put on 28 pounds of muscle which he hopes will translate to more power in 2014.

Only time will tell, but it sounds like the power will certainly be in full supply when camp opens up.