LA Angels Week Three Power Rankings

10.) Albert Pujols (Last Week: Honorable Mention)

For the first time this season, Albert Pujols find himself in the Top Ten. After showing signs and earning an Honorable Mention last week, Pujols is starting to show that this season is a comeback for The Machine. In six games this week, Pujols hit .310 with two home runs, two doubles, and five RBI’s. His nine hits were tops for the Angels team for the week. It appears Angels fans can expect strong contributions from Pujols this year, rather than just watch him climb the all-time leaderboards.

9.) Zack Cozart (9)

It was another strong week for Cozart, who continues to show why his signing with the Angels was one of the most underrated of the offseason. He hit .318 for the week, maintaining his steady pace as one of the best offensive weapons for the Halos. The only knack on Cozart’s game recently has been his slugging, as his only extra base hit came on a triple this week. He has not gone deep since April 4th, and his season batting average is now at .273. Cozart has also remained extremely valuable on the defensive side, splitting time at second and third base.

8.) Garrett Richards (8)

Garrett Richards is creeping up to the ace level. He made two starts this week, allowing a cumulative two runs in 9.1 innings pitched while striking out 11 batters. Richards was roughed up on Opening Day, but has shaken that off and has allowed no more than two runs in any of his starts since. It has not been easy for Richards this season though, as he has walked batters at an alarming rate. He walked eight batters in two starts this week, and has walked 15 in his 20 innings of work this season. If Richards is able to cut down on the walk rate, then he will make the jump into the games’ elite.

7.) Andrelton Simmons (3)

Andrelton Simmons took a tumble in the rankings this week, but there were still positives to his week. Yes, he hit .250 last week but he also went deep for the first time in 2018 while also adding a double. Scoring six times, Simmons has constantly found a way to get around the base paths, including a stolen base this week. Obviously, his defensive value is among the highest in the game, and that has shown no signs of changing. If Simmons can find the balance between contact and power at the plate, he could turn into a dangerous weapon on offense too.

6.) Jose Alvarez (7)

After another perfect week, Jose Alvarez climbs another spot in the rankings. He pitched 3.2 innings without allowing any runs. He gave only one hit and one walk this week, showing how elite he can be when he’s on fire like he is now. Alvarez also struck out five batters, and has brought his WHIP down to 0.55. Being the only left-handed pitcher out of the Angels’ bullpen, he is asked to work a lot. So far he has been elite, but the Angels should be cautious with his fatigue going forward. As much as we’d like him to pitch every game, Alvarez is as valuable a reliever as the Halos have, and they need to keep him healthy.