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Angels: The best Opening Day lineups in Halos history

By Jeffrey Bellone

CHICAGO- UNDATED 1985: Reggie Jackson of the California Angels bats during a MLB game at Comiskey Park in Chicago, IL. Jackson played for the California Angels from 1982-1986. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
CHICAGO- UNDATED 1985: Reggie Jackson of the California Angels bats during a MLB game at Comiskey Park in Chicago, IL. Jackson played for the California Angels from 1982-1986. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CA – MAY 3: Troy Glaus #25 of the Anaheim Angels looks on from the dugout during their game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Edison Field on Mat 3, 2000 in Anaheim, California. The Dodgers defeated the Angels 8-3. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – MAY 3: Troy Glaus #25 of the Anaheim Angels looks on from the dugout during their game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Edison Field on Mat 3, 2000 in Anaheim, California. The Dodgers defeated the Angels 8-3. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

2) 2000 Opening Day

The 2000 Angels mashed a franchise record 236 home runs. This lineup was loaded from top to bottom with even catcher Bengie Molina emerging onto the scene with surprising power.

The outfield trio of Darin Erstad, Garret Anderson, and Tim Salmon hit a combined 94 home runs. Erstad had one of the best offensive seasons in franchise history, batting .355/.409/.541. He led the league in hits with a whopping 240. He came to the plate more than any other Major Leaguer that season, and he made every at bat count. Garret Anderson had stronger seasons than in 2000, but not from a power standpoint. His 35 home runs was a career high, and he swung for the fences while still hitting a respectable .286. Tim Salmon tied his career high in home runs. He also got on base at an impressive 40.4 percent clip.

Meanwhile, Mo Vaughn, far from the greatest signing in Halos history, gave the club his last productive season at the dish. He knocked in 117 runs behind the power of 36 homers.

And then there was Troy Glaus, 23 years-old, winning a Silver Slugger award with a league-leading 47 home runs. His OPS of 1.008 was the highest of his career. He also set career marks in on-base percentage (.404) and slugging percentage (.604).

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