Breaking Down The Angels’ Sinful Struggles

After a very big offseason, the Angels were the fashionable pick to win the World Series in 2012. Unfortunately for the Anaheim faithful, the season has been a huge disappointment thus far.

Many believe the struggles of the homerless Albert Pujols is the major reason why the Angels are sitting at the bottom the AL West. While the criticism is fair, the blame should rest solely on the shoulders of the first baseman.

For the most part, the Angels’ lineup has been a complete disappointment.  To be honest, the Angels should not expect much out of Vernon Wells (they shouldn’t have traded for him in the first place), but the play of Pujols is baffling. For a player to go from one of the most feared hitters in the league to a below average player is shocking. What is even more worrisome for Angels’ management is that Pujols is locked up for the next 10 years.

While Pujols is clearly on the decline of his career (he posted career lows last season), it would be foolish to believe he won’t come around. He is simply too good to post these lethargic numbers. When Pujols starts hitting, the Angels lineup should be above average when you include the likes of Kendry Morales, Torii Hunter, Howie Kendrick and Mark Trumbo.

The Angels have had a rough first 25 games, but at the same time they are 10-15 and most of the panic has stemmed from Pujols and the zero home runs. Once this offense clicks the Angels should start winning, especially when facing the anemic Mariner and Athletic offenses. The Angels rotation has been spectacular outside of Ervin Santana, and you should expect that production to remain the same when you have Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, and C.J. Wilson leading the rotation. If I were a betting man, I’d say the Angels are a lock for one of the two wild card spots and they can be really dangerous in the playoff with said starters. At the same time though, this is an aging and overpaid roster and if they don’t do it this year, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim could be labeled the worst team money can buy.