Five Things LA Angels Fans Have to Be Thankful For

After two consecutive losing seasons, it may seem as if things are bleak for the LA Angels. However, there is much to be excited about, and on Thanksgiving Day, we count down five things fans have to be thankful for.

The LA Angels have one of the best fan bases in sports. Often overshadowed by the crosstown rival Dodgers, the community of Halo fans is very tight-knit. Personally, I’m very thankful to be one of the editors for this site, and thankful for my role in this fan base. Now, on to the list.

1.) Mike Trout

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. Many fan bases can claim to have the best player in baseball, but only one fan base can say it and be right. Mike Trout has been mentioned alongside all-time greats such as Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth, and Barry Bonds (and he’s doing it clean!). Trout has kept an otherwise embarrassing Halo team in playoff contention in some years.

Since his debut in 2012, he has racked up 55.2 Wins Above Replacement. No one else is near that number in the same span of time. Mike Trout is simply a living example of greatness, and getting to watch him play has been nothing but a blessing for Halo fans.

2.) Albert Pujols

While this may seem odd at first, Albert Pujols has been one of the most exciting parts of the Angels the past few years. When he isn’t grounding into double plays, Pujols is climbing up all-time record books. I’ll never forget where I was when he hit his 600th home run (Happy Birthday Mom!).

While he is playing at a below-average level, and doing so on the worst contract in the MLB, watching history happen in front of us is amazing. Plus, whenever Albert gets the instinct to try for a double, that is always a sight to see.

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3.) Cap Space

Do you smell that Halo fans? That’s the smell of the Angels no longer paying Josh Hamilton to not play for them. With Hamilton off the books, Billy Eppler and Co. have the ability to attract some big time talent to Anaheim. They have been connected to a few big names, most notably being third baseman Mike Moustakas.

For the first time in years, the Angels have money to spend. Eppler can now make a splash signing to further strengthen the lineup around Trout and newly extended Justin Upton. Moustakas would add a much needed left-handed power hitter, and could put this Angels team over the top.

4.) Defense

No matter what position is being considered, the Angels played great defense in 2017. Whether it be Kole Calhoun diving for a ball nobody thought was catchable, Mike Trout robbing game-winning home runs (I’m talking to you Mike Napoli), or Martin Maldonado gunning down potential base stealers. And then, there’s the king of the jungle himself.

Andrelton Simmons, better known as Simba, is the best defensive player in baseball. He has elite reaction time, phenomenal arm strength with pinpoint accuracy, and as good of defensive IQ as anyone in the game. While the Halos offense struggled at times, their defense always restricted opposing batters.

Next: Career Year in Store for Mike Trout in 2018?

5.) Hope

Last season, there were too many question marks around this team for even the most optimistic of fans to think World Series. However, things are looking up. Justin Upton is here. Garrett Richards is healthy, while the rest of the pitchers are getting healthy. The Angels are players for major free agents and trade targets. This team has the beginning looks of a contender. As usual, it will all come down to health, but after so many years of poor luck in that department, maybe 2018 is the year it all changes.