We are just a little over a half way through spring training and the roster competitions have been quite interesting thus far. There are competitions that have implications such as a player being out of options. When a player is out of options that means if the Angels wanted to remove that player off of their roster, that player would have to go through waivers and if they are able to go through without being claimed the Angels could keep that player.
Starting Catcher-Jonathan Lucroy
Back up catcher
Dustin Garneau-9 games (5-15) .333 AVG 3 runs, 1 double, 1 triple, 1 home run, 6 RBI, 6 SO -1 grand slam- Signed a minor league deal
Jose Briceno-8 games (3-16) .188 AVG 3 runs, 1 double, 1 home run, 2 RBI, 2 walks, 2 SO, 1 HBP
Kevan Smith-9 games (7-24) .292 AVG 6 runs, 2 doubles, 4 RBI ,5 SO, 2 errors (2 missed catches) and 1 passed ball –OUT OF OPTIONS
The back-up catcher race is quite interesting as Smith is likely in the lead as he is a good hitter and out of options, but he has had some struggles defensively.
1B/DH-Albert Pujols and Justin Bour
SS-Andrelton Simmons
2B/3B-Zack Cozart and ?
David Fletcher-11 games (4-28) .143 AVG 3 runs, 2 doubles, 4 RBI, 5 walks, 5 SO, 1 fielding error
INF/RHP Kaleb Cowart-3 games (2-5) .400 AVG 1 runs, 1 home run, 5 RBI, 1 walk , 2 SO- 1 grand slam –OUT OF OPTIONS
Luis Rengifo-10 games (4-17) .235 AVG 3 runs, 1 double, 3 RBI, 1 SB, 2 walks ,4 SO
Taylor Ward-12 games (9-32) .281 AVG 6 runs, 2 doubles, 1 triple 1 home run, 4 RBI, 2 walks, 12 SO -1 grand slam, 4 errors (2 throwing errors, 2 fielding errors)
Tommy La Stella-12 games (5-26) .192 AVG 3 runs, 3 doubles, 1 RBI, 4 walks , 6 SO
Zack Cozart-3 games (3-7) .429 AVG 2 runs, 2 doubles -Out with a Calf Strain
Zack Cozart is going to have one of these spots, which one he has depends on who else makes the team. Despite Cozart being out with a Calf Strain he stated, “I would say 100 percent I will make opening day, in my mind.” Tommy La Stella is also projected to make the team even though he will likely be off of the bench. Fletcher will also most likely make the team as well and is getting reps in the outfield to be more versatile. Cowart, will likely not make the team as the Angels would like to try him as a pitcher and send him to the minor leagues.
OF– Kole Calhoun, Justin Upton, Mike Trout
4th Outfielder
Jarrett Parker -12 games (7-22) .318 AVG 7 runs, 2 doubles, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 7 walks, 6 SO, 2 OF Assists -Signed to a minor league deal
Michael Hermosillo-Recovering from a sports hernia
Peter Bourjos -11 games (12-26) .462 AVG 9 runs, 3 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 1 SB, 1 CS, 3 walks, 7 SO-Signed to a minor league deal
Bourjos likely has the edge over Parker due to his defensive abilities and ability to play center field.
Starting Rotation-Andrew Heaney, Matt Harvey, Trevor Cahill, Tyler Skaggs
5th spot in rotation
LHP Dillon Peters-4 games 10 IP, 8 hits, 2 R, 1 ER, 0.90 ERA, 2 walks, 5 SO, 1 pick off
RHP Felix Pena-3 games 8.2 IP, 6 hits, 2 ER, 2.08 ERA, 4 walks, 11 SO -2 throwing errors
RHP Jaime Barria-3 games 8 IP, 8 hits, 3 ER, 3.38 ERA, 4 walks, 4 SO
RHP Nick Tropeano-Has not pitched yet due to a setback with his shoulder
Barria and Pena are likely neck and neck for this final spot, but Pena and/or Peters could wind up in the bullpen as a swing-man.
Bullpen- Cody Allen, Cam Bedrosian, Hansel Robles, Justin Anderson, Luis Garcia,and Ty Buttrey.
The bullpen is likely to have 2 spots remaining depending on if the Angels decide to go with a 3 man bench.
RHP Daniel Hudson-4 games 4 IP, 1 hit, 1 ER, 2.25 ERA, 2 SO-Signed to a minor league deal
LHP Dan Jennings-4 games 3 IP, 6 hit, 4 ER, 12.00 ERA, 1 walk, 3 SO-Signed to a minor league deal
RHP Jake Jewell-6 games 6 IP, 4 hits, 1 ER, 1.50 ERA, 7 SO
RHP John Curtiss-5 games 5.2 IP, 5 hits, 1 ER, 1.59 ERA, 2 walks, 4 SO
RHP Luke Bard-3 games 3.2 IP, 0 hits, 0.00 ERA, 8 SO
RHP Noe Ramirez-5 games 4 IP, 5 hits, 8 ER, 18.00 ERA, 6 walks, 7 SO- OUT OF OPTIONS
RHP Taylor Cole-4 games 5 IP, 2 hit, 0 ER, 0.00 ERA, 1 walk, 6 SO
LHP Williams Jerez-6 games 5.2 IP, 6 hits, 2 ER, 3.18 ERA, 6 walks, 4 SO
The Angels would likely want someone who can go a few innings in the bullpen and Taylor Cole can do that. Dan Jennings and Daniel Hudson have impressed although Jennings was roughed up a bit in his last outing giving up 4 Earned Runs without getting an out. Luke Bard, who pitched briefly for the big league club last year has also been impressive.
There is still some time for these guys to prove that they should make the team, but time is running out. These next two weeks will be important for this Angels ball-club.
Featured Image: Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG
