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Breaking down the LA Angels line-up for 2018

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SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - SEPTEMBER 05: Shohei Otani of Japan bats in the first inning during the match between Japan and Colombia of the U18 Baseball World Championship on September 5, 2012 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - SEPTEMBER 05: Shohei Otani of Japan bats in the first inning during the match between Japan and Colombia of the U18 Baseball World Championship on September 5, 2012 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 22: Martin Maldonado had a breakout year as the full-time catcher for the Angels.
HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 22: Martin Maldonado had a breakout year as the full-time catcher for the Angels.

Martin Maldonado rounds out a much more potent line-up

When the Angels acquired Martin Maldonado it was for defensive purposes as he was not considered to be an offensive threat, but Maldonado did not do bad at the plate.  Defensively Maldonado won a Gold Glove in his first season so you could not ask for more.  He hit .221 with 14 homers with 38 RBIs.  Not too bad for guy who never had been a full-time player before.

Maldonado did not have a very good OBP at .276 and struck out 119 times so he definitely does not belong higher in the batting order.  Back-up catcher Juan Graterol will also be in the ninth spot when gives Maldonado a day off.  However,  at least this is not an automatic out in the nine-hole and Maldonado’s power was a welcome surprise.

Next: Lack of lefties in Angels line-up will not be a problem

So all in all the Angels 2018 line-up should be much improved.  It may be also the most variable line-up in years as multiple players could be switching spots from time to time.  We will just have to wait and see how things play out.  One thing is for sure, it will be fun to watch.

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