Yesterday in Tempe the Halos lost to the Texas Rangers 5-4. Shane Loux pitched 6 innings giving up 3 runs (2 earned) and is expected to make the Angels rotation to start the season. After 12 seasons this will be the first time in his career that Loux has made an opening day roster. Despite the accomplishment Loux isn't satisfied with his performance in the Cactus League.
ESPN's Tim Kurkjian takes a look at Angels first baseman Kendry Morales.
If the Angels are correct in their assessment of Morales then offensively the team will do well. While he likely wont produce the numbers of Mark Teixeira, it's quite possible he'll out perform former Angels Casey Kotchman. In my opinion, Morales and Erick Aybar are going to be the biggest factors in the teams success or lack of this season.
Aybar holds the key to on a couple of fronts. If he continues to get on base like he did in the Cactus League and in winter ball, the Angels will be able to move him to the lead off position and trade impending free agent Chone Figgins. Los Angeles could likely be in need of a starting pitcher if Escobar, Lackey or Santana do not bounce back from their injuries. Aybar's success would also finally allow the Angels to give Brandon Wood a full time job in the big leagues.
Speaking of...
Despite strong showings this Spring, Brandon Wood, Matt Brown and Sean Rodriguez all appear to be bound for Salt Lake City.
LA Times Bill Shakin takes a look at how the Angels have built their outfield. After years of having at least one home-grown talent, this years outfield is made up exclusively of free agent signings. It's quite a change from the days when the outfield was full of minor league products Garret Anderson, Jim Edmonds, Darin Erstad and Tim Salmon.
If you were curious about the life of a minor leaguer you should check out this blog by Ashley Thompson, wife of Angels reliever Rich Thompson. Needless to say, professional baseball isn't as glamorous and you'd think.
Yahoo.com previews the AL West.
Tonight the Angels will play their first game of 2009 in a big league stadium as they take on the Los Angeles Dodgers at 7:05 pm at Chavez Ravine.
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