LA Angels: Brian Goodwin Could Give Offense a Boost, He Just Needs a Chance

The LA Angels offense has been dreadful thus far in the season, as we all know. I didn’t think I’d ever be writing a piece about an outfielder claimed off waivers on the eve of Opening Day, but here we are.

The LA Angels need to give Brian Goodwin a chance to be an everyday starter.

If you’re not totally sure who Brian Goodwin is, he’s a 28-year old outfielder who hits left-handed at a career rate of .251/.315./.450. So far this season, he is 3-10 with two runs scored and an RBI.

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He has been one of the better hitters for the Angels with numbers like that. And he has certainly been better than Peter Bourjos, who looks completely lost after a solid Spring Training.

So far, Bourjos and Goodwin have each played in four games, with Bourjos having no hits or walks. That’s right, one week into the season and he has yet to reach first base. We know Bourjos isn’t a slugger and slumps do happen, but watching his at-bats it’s easy to tell he just doesn’t look like someone who should be starting in the MLB. His speed and defense make him a valuable late-game substitute, but his lack of hitting is tough to overcome as a starter.

And although Goodwin isn’t a phenomenal hitter either, the Angels offense is in a miserable state right now. Despite striking out less than any other team, they haven’t been able to muster enough offense. They need every little boost they can get, and Goodwin might be able to provide that.

It was less than two years ago we saw Eric Young Jr. fill in for Mike Trout when he was injured. Who’s to say Goodwin can’t fill the void of another All Star outfielder for a couple of months? Giving him a chance out there is well worth the”risk”. Especially when the only risk to playing him is sitting Peter Bourjos.

So, basically, there’s no risk. Goodwin quite literally cannot do worse than Peter Bourjos has done this season. He has outplayed him so far, provides a left-handed bat in a right-handed heavy lineup, and provides just as good defense as Bourjos.

Goodwin has hit early and is showing signs of a possible hot streak. Brad Ausmus needs to be smart and not waste it with Goodwin on the bench, especially with the offense in a state as dire as it is right now.