Los Angeles Angels have added a lot of depth in off-season

The Los Angeles Angels made a lot of moves this off-season not only filling some holes in their starting line-up, but providing manager Mike Scioscia with some depth that will prove to be important if injuries creep up again.

When Los Angeles Angels general manager Billy Eppler starting making moves in the off-season his main goal was to fill some of the biggest holes the Angels have had in the last couple of years which were second base and left field by acquiring Cameron Maybin and Danny Espinosa.

However Eppler didn’t stop there as he added some players that will be key reserves that will help the Angels in situation such as late-game substitutions as well as opportunities for platoon situations.  So as Eppler made more and more moves he did it with adding depth in mind.

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Let’s look at the Angels potential position players that are reserves for the 2017 season.`

With the projected starter at first base being C.J. Cron and the projected starter at third base that leaves the Angels with three other players on their roster that are able to play first or third base or both.

The most intriguing of these is Jefry Marte.  Marte broke on the scene last season hitting .252 with 15 homers and 44 RBI’s.  Marte showed he could hit for power and also play decently in the field at first, third, and even left field. If the Angels have a need this year at any of those three spots plus the DH slot they can call on Marte.

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Luis Valbuena was added to the fold as a late addition in January he may be just what the doctor ordered.  Valbuena can play both first and third base pretty well, but what makes him more valuable is that he is a lefty with some pop.  Valbuena hit .260 with 13 homers and 40 RBI’s last season and did it in only 292 at-bats.  He will be a valuable bat off the bench and also a guy who will get the opportunity to start when needed.

The final player who could make the roster in the infield is Kaleb Cowart who can play third and also second base as well.  Cowart is a great fielder who could be used as a late-inning defensive replacement.  His hitting leaves a lot to be desired as he only hit .176 with one homer with eight RBI’s.  It is possible that Cowart won’t make the team, much will depend on how he performs in Spring Training.

With shortstop Andrelton Simmons and second base being given to newcomer Danny Espinosa the only back-up at these spots is Cliff Pennington.  Pennington has a great glove, but like Cowart he does not hit very well either hitting .209 with three homers and 10 RBI’s.  There is a possibility that some of the Angels non-roster invitees could make the club as well.

The catchers spot looks like it will be Carlos Perez‘s to lose despite his struggles at the plate. Martin Maldonado is at least for the time being the back-up catcher.  Maldonado was very good as a defensive with a 57% rate of nailing would-be-base stealers.  Maldonado like Perez is not a great hitter. He hit .202 with eight homers and 21 RBI’s. Maldonado will also be used as a late-inning defensive replacement.

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Outfielders are pretty much set with Kole Calhoun, Mike Trout, and Cameron Maybin.  This leaves Marte, and Ben Revere.  Revere was signed as a back-up outfielder.  Revere is a speedy outfielder who can get on base at a good clip.  Revere had a sub-par injury-filled 2016 where he hit .217 with two homers and drove in 24 runs.

Revere also stole 14 bases.  Revere will be used against some righties as well as a late-inning pinch runner and that is something the Angels have missed since Chone Figgins left the team for Seattle.  The only other player on the roster who has experience of an outfielder is newcomer Ryan LeMarre.

LeMarre has been in the minors since 2010 hitting .267 with 46 homers driving in 215 runs.  He also has good speed swiping 156 bases as well and sporting a .344 OBP.  Le Marre could be a wild-card candidate that could make the roster with a good Spring.

Next: Early Spring impressions

So these are some important reserves that could be key players for the Angels in 2017. Stay tuned for important pitching acquisition.