Yesterday, Simon in Buffalo, New York asked which MLB team is most improved heading into the 2010 season. On the flipside, which club has been most weakened?
Answer: The Los Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim had a devastating off-season. The franchise lost three of its best players, including the versatile Chone Figgins, ace John Lackey, and relief pitcher Darren Oliver.
With Figgins out of the fold, the Angels has lost one of the best leadoff hitters in the game. In 158 contests last year, the Leary, Georgia native stole 42 bases and posted a sparkling .395 on-base percentage. While the club with the worst name in sports has plenty of options for the first spot in the batting order, namely Erick Eybar and Maicer Izturis, Figgins was the most attractive choice. Unfortunately for manager Mike Scioscia, he will see his former third baseman often, for the Angels and Chone’s new team, the Seattle Mariners, are in the same division.
When Lackey signed with the Boston Red Sox, the Halos lost its ace. The University of Texas at Arlington alumnus recorded a 3.83 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 27 2009 starts. Opponents hit to a .715 OPS against the right-hander. A consistent performer, his deletion from the roster will hurt.
Like most relievers, Oliver is overlooked. In 73 innings last season, he pitched to a 2.71 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. He held opponents to a .647 OPS, a tremendous achievement. Losing Oliver to the Texas Rangers will sting. Though Fernando Rodney signed with Anaheim, his statistics pale in comparison to Oliver’s. Yes, a .727 OPS against, 4.40 ERA, and 1.47 WHIP in 75.2 innings are far from impressive numbers.
The Angels made one improvement this winter. The signing of Hideki Matsui, who hit .274/.367/.509, with 28 home runs in ’09, is an upgrade over Vladimir Guerrero’s injury-plagued .295/.334/.460, with 15 homers, performance. But, on the whole, this is a much weaker team than last year’s.
