LA Angels Instant Analysis: The New Guys

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Chase Utley gets tagged out by Los Angeles Angels catcher Martin Maldonado trying to score in the fourth inning during a spring training game. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

Martin Maldonado has also made a huge impact for the LA Angels. Originally drafted as an Anaheim Angel in 2004, he was signed to platoon with Carlos Perez as the team’s primary catchers. However, after getting the Opening Day start, Maldonado has been able to make the bulk of the status behind the plate. He has been performing at about his career average. He is a career .217 hitter. In 28 at-bats he is hitting .214 for the Angels. At 30 years old, a breakout season from Maldonado is not likely. Fans should expect around a .220 average from Maldonado this season as he hits at the bottom of the lineup.

What Maldonado lacks on offense, he more than makes up for on defense. Maldonado has an elite arm. He casually throws out base runners attempting to steal on him. He also uses his cannon to gun down runners who are being a little too risky with their secondary lead offs. The Angels have a handful of pitchers who use a splitter or sinker very heavily. Maldonado does an excellent job of keeping the balls that land in the dirt in front of him. This elite defense is something the Angels and their fans can expect from Maldonado this season. His lackluster offense does not show signs of improving anytime soon, but the Angels do not have much better options at this point.

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