Los Angeles Angels 1st Half Team Report Card

By David Rice

Jul 17, 2016

Jun 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Albert Pujols (5) celebrates with his team after hitting a two-run home run against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

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Los Angeles Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons (2) throws to first to get the out. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Shortstop – The Los Angeles Angels made a bold move over the Winter trading to prospect pitcher Sean Newcomb and veteran shortstop Erick Aybar to the Atlanta Braves for defensive wizard Andrelton Simmons. Simmons has been every bit as good as advertised defensively, but offensively he has been a liability batting .266 with one home run and nineteen RBI’s.

This is not to mention the fact that Simmons was on the DL for five weeks with a broken thumb. However during that time Cliff Pennington and then Gregorio Petit held down the spot admirably, especially Petit. Petit batted .275 with two home runs and 14 RBI’s and made only three errors in 107 total chances for a .972 fielding percentage.

Grade: B- = Simmons and Petit have been solid defensively making the tough plays look easy. Offensively they have combined to hit .271 with three homers and 33 RBI’s which is adequate, but definitely not what the Angels hoped for offensively from the shortstop spot which is why the rating is just above average at a B-.

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