Los Angeles Angels: Five things to watch for during Spring Training

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The Los Angeles Angels are officially beginning Spring Training from Tempe Arizona. As the season approaches, there are some things to keep an eye on.

The Los Angeles Angels 2017 season is officially underway. Pitchers and catchers have arrived in Tempe and will start their first workout tomorrow. There is optimism within the Angels franchise. Angels general manager Billy Eppler has reconstructed this roster to be defensively sound. They also will add much-needed bats to help Mike Trout and Albert Pujols. The Angels roster, on paper, looks much improved.

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2017 brings a clean slate and Eppler’s second offseason where he can get his hands dirty. The Angels brought in some noteworthy free agents without breaking the bank. The biggest signing was Luis Valbuena, who signed a two-year $15 million deal. However, Valbuena’s spot on the Angels roster isn’t guaranteed. The Angels have several questions on their roster. As a result, there will be strong competition throughout spring training.

The Angels have several questions on their roster. As a result, there will be strong competition throughout spring training. Look for the closer role to be actively highlighted. Also noteworthy will be the fifth and final starting roster spot on the pitching staff.

The Angels will have depth this season. If the injury bug seeks the Angels roster again this season, Eppler will have options. Thus, the Angels can still make a violent push for the postseason. While the Angels may not be a favorite to win the AL West, they must be considered a dark horse in the division. Nevertheless, there are five things to keep an eye on during spring training.

1. Who’s the fifth starter on the Angels pitching rotation?

This season, the Los Angeles Angels pitching staff will look different than years past. First of all, Jered Weaver will not be on the Angels roster. The Angels will have a newer, younger roster. This roster will feature Garrett Richards, Tyler Skaggs, Matt Shoemaker, and Ricky Nolasco. However, that fifth and final spot is in question.

Now, the Angels have signed a variety of pitchers. Among them is Jesse Chavez, who originally was signed to be a starting pitcher. However, the Angels have several pitchers that could earn a spot on the roster. J.C. Ramirez, Alex Meyer, Bud Norris, Austin Adams, and Yusmeiro Petit could be in play for a roster spot as well.

This is an excellent problem to have, last season, the Angels could have used Norris and Petit. The Angels should have one of their healthiest pitching staffs in the last five seasons. Within that statement will be the health of Richards. Richards’ health will undoubtedly be under a microscope throughout spring training.

Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Tigers center fielder Cameron Maybin (4) catches a fly ball against the Atlanta Braves in the fourth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Will there be a platooning system in left field for the Angels, again?

Last season, the Los Angeles Angels attempt at a platooning system in left field was a massive failure. I mean massive, Daniel Nava and Craig Gentry couldn’t stay healthy long enough to convince anyone that this was a good idea. Nevertheless, the Angels could be trying that move one more time. Although this season, the Angels will have a different system that they’ll platoon.

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The Angels will have Cameron Maybin and Ben Revere playing the left field position. As of now, it’s unclear whether these two will platoon during the season. Revere may, in fact, play backup to Maybin at the left field position.

Maybin and Revere are huge upgrades from Nava and Gentry. They’re more athletic, and they have a significantly better batting average than last season. I’m still not 100% sold on the idea of a platooning system. If you’re playing fantasy baseball, Maybin isn’t a bad idea if he’s the starter. However, if he’s platooning with Revere, then you’ll have to go another route.

Sep 23, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Albert Pujols (5) hits a double during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Is Albert Pujols healthy?

This isn’t a huge question for the Los Angeles Angels, especially with Valbuena on the roster. Still, it is a question that will be of focus during spring training. Is Albert Pujols going to be healthy this season? Pujols underwent surgery last season to repair his right foot. The Angels DH is expected to be ready by Opening Day, however, his status isn’t certain.

Pujols is still active in this league. His numbers last season were impressive. Pujols administered .268 average, 31 home runs, and 119 runs batted in for 2016. Pujols is also chasing 600 career home runs and 3,000 career hits. 2017 will be a fun year to watch Pujols attempt to record these milestones.

Related Story: Pujols' status for 2017

Pujols’ health will be important for the Angels, once he does return, it will present a problem for Billy Eppler. The problem being what to do about the first base position. Luis Valbuena and C.J. Cron will have to fight it out for that position. Pujols should resume his DH duties upon his return. This will leave the third base position in the hands of Yunel Escobar and the first base position in either Cron or Valbuena. I would expect for Valbuena to take first base with Cron as a backup.

Jun 20, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Virginia Cavaliers catcher Matt Thaiss (21) looks at his first inning home run in the first inning against the Florida Gators in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

4. How will Thaiss perform during spring training for the Los Angeles Angels?

The Los Angeles Angels have a gem of a prospect in Matt Thaiss. The former Virginia catcher is now a first baseman in the Angels farm system. Thaiss was the first-round draft pick by the Angels last season. He’ll get a chance to showcase his talents this spring on the big stage. While it’s unlikely he’ll make the 25-man roster this season, this could lead to a 2018 roster spot for him.

5. Will the Los Angeles Angels be better this season?

This is the ultimate question for the Los Angeles Angels. On paper, they should be much-improved. However, until the first couple games, we really won’t know if Billy Eppler’s moves will work. In 2016, the Angels looked solid, but injuries took their toll and the Angels scrambled to add pieces to patch the holes in the ship.

This season, it appears the Angels have a sensible plan to keep and maintain depth. However, health is still one of the most important things for the Angels division hopes for the 2017 season. The Angels will be better this season. They’ll have plenty to work with on the mound and at the plate.

The AL West has been ransacked by the Texas Rangers for the last two seasons. The Angels will look to win the division for the first time since the 2014 season. They’ll also look to win their first playoff series in the Mike Trout era.

This is going to be fun.

Next: Reflecting on the Angels roster moves

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