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The Los Angeles Angels are 2 weeks away from the start of the 2017 season. Can they defy expectations and win the American League?
The Los Angeles Angels are looking at the 2017 season with rose colored glasses on. For those of you not familiar with Mitch Hedberg, it means they are seeing the season in their own way.
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Every team has an expectation of how their season will turn out. The Angels are convinced they can contend. Contend for what? A division title? A Playoff spot? A World Series?
While the extent of those statements by Billy Eppler and company remain coy, the national narrative, however, is consistent that the Angels pitching will hinder their chances at success.
Former Vegas insider Micah Roberts has the Angels winning just 77 games this season via sportsline.com. Also noteworthy, vegasinsider.com has the Angels with a 30-to-1 shot to win the AL Pennant.
It would appear that Vegas favors a Cubs/Indians re-match. However, the top three teams to win the AL are Cleveland, Boston, and Houston with Seattle in their fourth place spot with a 12-to-1 shot.
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The odds of the Angels only winning 77 games this season appears to be great in Vegas. However, Vegas is possibly expecting the Angels to have a massive breakout of injuries this season similar to last season.
The fact of the matter is the Angels are an inconsistent team. Especially, when Mike Scioscia is unsure if his ace Garrett Richards will start opening day. There’s nothing wrong with starting Matt Shoemaker, however, with no official answer in place, it’s hard to judge the success.
So, the question is for all you gambling fans, should you bet on the Angels this season? I would bet on the Angels winning more than 77 games and finishing higher than fourth place.
Next: Breaking down the Angels pitching staff
The fact of the matter is the Angels are still very much improved on the defensive side of the field. Adding players like Luis Valbuena, Danny Espinosa, and Cameron Maybin will translate to some much-needed wins.