The Los Angeles Angels have some breakout players who are surprising, to say the least, as Opening Day draws closer.
The Los Angeles Angels are having some of the most spirited roster battles in baseball right now, although some of the players involved may not be very good. That’s one obvious takeaway from Angels camp so far, but there are others that are just as important.
Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com did a rundown yesterday, so let’s see what he came up with as we head into the final two weeks of spring training.
The return of Mike Trout to the outfield, complete with blazing speed
This is the big one. It sounded ridiculous when it first surfaced, like one of those hazy Perry Minasian baseball dreams that the Angels’ GM floats occasionally, so most of us laughed it off as another Minasian foot-in-mouth moment.
Then it happened for real. This was a nail-biter initially when Trout played his first game in left field, but after he survived the experience he revealed that he wants to play center. Not only that, but Trout is showing elite sprinter’s speed again, hitting 30 feet per second on the bases according to Statcast.
This would change the outfield picture completely if it holds up. Last year’s center fielder, Jo Adell, could move to a corner position and become a plus defender as he continues to show the kind of formidable power he displayed last year.
It would also allow manager Kurt Suzuki to mix in match in the other corner outfield position, which would probably be left field. The outfield would then become a strength, which is important given how unsettled the infield is right now.
Look for a big year from catcher Logan O’Hoppe
O’Hoppe was a mess last year both offensively and defensively as he feuded with interim manager Ray Montgomery, but right now he’s showing a big bat with All-Star potential. Spring training stats are largely meaningless, but O’Hoppe has slashed .276/.364/.655 with a team-leading three homers and nine RBIs in 12 games, according to Bollinger, and scouts have noticed an uptick in his exit velocity.
Once again, this would turn a position of weakness into a strength, especially if coach Max Stassi can help O’Hoppe become more consistent defensively.
The competition at second base is still up in the air
The Angels were hoping Christian Moore could take the bull by the horns and become the starting second baseman, but according to Bollinger he’s struggling defensively to the point where he’s being given a look at third.
Meanwhile, veteran Adam Frazier is looking like a possible starter. His defenses is solid, he adds a left handed bat to the lineup, and Frazier makes contact consistently, which makes him stand out in this lineup.