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LA Angels: 5 Bold Predictions for the 2019 Season

By Vincent Page

ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 24: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim attends a press conference after he agreed to terms of a 12-year, $430 million contract extension at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 24, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 24: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim attends a press conference after he agreed to terms of a 12-year, $430 million contract extension at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on March 24, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CA – OCTOBER 22: J.C. Ramirez #66 looks on as Keynan Middleton #39 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim shows former player Clyde Wright his sign that says “Ausmus for President” during a press conference to introduce Brad Ausmus as the team’s new manager at Angel Stadium on October 22, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – OCTOBER 22: J.C. Ramirez #66 looks on as Keynan Middleton #39 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim shows former player Clyde Wright his sign that says “Ausmus for President” during a press conference to introduce Brad Ausmus as the team’s new manager at Angel Stadium on October 22, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

With the LA Angels kicking off their 2019 season later today, it is time for some bold predictions from the staff here at Halo Hangout.

These LA Angels predictions won’t be as general as making the playoffs or Mike Trout being an MVP finalist. No, these predictions will be made of the dreams of Angels’ fans, and we’re here to tell you why these dreams can come true in 2019.

Brad Ausmus Wins Manager of the Year

By Mark Wilkens

That’s right, the award often given to the skipper who leads the biggest turnaround of the year will be given to the first year Halos’ manager. Yes, this requires many things to go right for the Angels, but the foundation is there.

The roster built by Billy Eppler is undeniably good, though probably not yet of the caliber to top both Houston and Oakland and win the American League West, but Ausmus enters the season with the tools in the toolbox to surprise doubters.

If the Baseball Gods finally smile on the health of the Angels’ roster, and major injuries are avoided, the biggest benefit Ausmus will have over the previous regime is an embrace or analytics.

While the Halos under Billy Eppler haven’t been as analytically driven, as, say, the Dodgers, the front office is forward-thinking, and was out of step with Mike Scioscia‘s attempts to beat analytics by going against the grain. Synergy between front office and field management is important, and that chemistry can only help the Angels in their quest to make the playoffs.

Like any season, 2019 is full of unknowns. The real fun begins tomorrow. But I believe not only will Brad Ausmus push the right buttons in Anaheim, but he will be recognized for doing so with AL Manager of the Year.

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