Projecting LA Angels Opening Day lineup during MLB lockout
Not too long ago, I took a look at what the dream LA Angels Opening Day lineup would look like.
Unfortunately, that's still just a dream, and I don't think the lineup will look exactly like that. When projecting the lineup during this lonely MLB lockout, it's not going to be perfect.
That being said, it's still going to be a great group of guys.
Projected LA Angels Opening Day lineup during MLB lockout
The top of my projected LA Angels Opening Day lineup right now has a lot of speed.
Batting leadoff for the LA Angels: Brandon Marsh, RF
Brandon Marsh would continue being the leadoff man for the LA Angels. I can't guarantee that the Halos will trade him, so I'll slot him in the lineup, and put him in the spot he has the most Big League experience at.
Batting second for the LA Angels: Shohei Ohtani, DH
The LA Angels don't need to fool with Shohei Ohtani. Having the best season of all-time from the two-hole, Ohtani needs to stay where he's comfortable at.
It's a similar situation as it was with Marsh. Joe Maddon will let these guys prepare and hit where they're comfortable.
Batting third for the LA Angels: Mike Trout, CF
The only hitter who has a case to being better than Mike Trout is Ohtani, but we want his speed to be a bit higher in the LA Angels lineup. While Maddon has experimented with all kinds of lineup-related decisions in his career (and reaped rewards from them), I expect him to bat Trout third where he belongs.
Projected LA Angels Opening Day lineup during MLB lockout
The middle of my projected LA Angels Opening Day lineup right now has a lot of potential for great power.
Batting cleanup for the LA Angels: Anthony Rendon, 3B
I would actually not bat Anthony Rendon cleanup, but I believe that the LA Angels will. They really believe in Rendon, and there's been a decent amount of hype surrounding a potential bounce-back from 'Tony Two-Bags.' And after all, if he does bounce back, he's going to be special.
Batting fifth for the LA Angels: Jared Walsh, 1B
I would bat Jared Walsh ahead of Rendon if I were LA Angels Manager Maddon, because I know what I'm getting from Walsh next year, but I don't think it will happen that way. And it's not a real problem. If Walsh is our fifth-hole hitter, we clearly have a very good lineup.
Walsh is coming off of an All-Star season where he slugged over .500 and drove in 98 runs with 34 doubles. I'll take it from the five spot in the order.
Batting sixth for the LA Angels: Jo Adell, LF
Jo Adell could end up really breaking out next year for the LA Angels. Driving in 26 runs in just 35 games last year, he's already shown the promise. Coupling that with the type of Minor Leaguer he was, and it's only a matter of time until he really pops off.
Projected LA Angels Opening Day lineup during MLB lockout
The bottom of my projected LA Angels Opening Day lineup right now will be great table-setters for the top of it.
Batting seventh for the LA Angels: Max Stassi, C
Max Stassi is poised for a huge year this season for the LA Angels. All he needs to do is stay healthy. He's shown the ability to get hot and stay hot, proving he can win AL Player of the Week last year and posting a 112 OPS+ these past two seasons.
Batting eighth for the LA Angels: David Fletcher, 2B
I don't expect the LA Angels to bat David Fletcher high in the order in 2022 due to the other options and due to how he finished the season. He hit .167/.213/.201 (.414 OPS) in his last 52 games. That being said, he hit .319 on the season in 2020, proving that he has what it takes to get back on track.
Batting second leadoff for the LA Angels: Tyler Wade, SS
Of the options the LA Angels have at shortstop, Tyler Wade is the best one. And I don't suspect they'll be upgrading with a better player than Wade after the lockout. There are names still left out there, but I think the Angels will focus on pitching if anything once this lockout is over.
Still, this lineup as is will be one of the best in the American League, and one of the best in the entire league if Rendon does bounce back. Featuring the two best players in baseball, the sky is the limit with this group.