2008 MLB Playoffs Preview: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have had a stellar 2008 season on the baseball field, and will participate in the 2008 MLB Playoffs. The Angels have a top-three team this year, as they excel in nearly every facet of the game.

Here is the Angels projected starting lineup for the 2008 MLB Playoffs.

Catcher: Jeff Mathis
First Base: Mark Teixeira
Second Base: Howie Kendrick
Third Base: Chone Figgins
Shortstop: Erick Aybar
Left Field: Garret Anderson
Center Field: Torii Hunter
Right Field: Vladimir Guerrero
Designated Hitter: Juan Rivera
Top Reserves: Mike Napoli (C), Kendry Morales (1B), Gary Matthews Jr. (OF)

This is a lineup that is absolutely loaded with talent. Mark Teixeira and Vladimir Guerrero are clearly the top dogs here. Teixeira, acquired from the Atlanta Braves at the trade deadline, will provide big dividends down the stretch and throughout the duration of the Angel's playoff run.

Mid tier bats in this lineup are plentiful, and Chone Figgins, Garret Anderson, Torii Hunter, and Howie Kendrick provide some nice production to support their two biggest stars.

Torii Hunter has a nice power bat and also contributes stolen bases in key situations. Garret Anderson is still going strong at age 36, providing a solid batting average and some pop from his bat. Chone Figgins is an incredible hidden value at the top of their lineup: his OBP is well over .350 and he steals bases at an unbelievable rate.

Bottom line: this lineup is very strong and has very few chinks in their armor. Even the worst batters on this lineup are close to replacement level, and they have been very successful over the course of this season. Look for them to continue scoring runs at a high rate going into the playoffs, as well as once they get there.

Here is the Angels projected pitching staff and bullpen for the 2008 MLB Playoffs.

2008 Angels Pitching Staff
John Lackey
Jered Weaver
Jon Garland
Joe Saunders
Ervin Santana

2008 Angels Bullpen
Justin Speier
Jose Arredondo
Scot Shields
Darren Oliver
Shane Loux
Francisco Rodriguez (CL)

Combined with their solid lineup, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim feature a top-rate pitching staff and bullpen. John Lackey is the leader of this staff, accumulating a 3.09 ERA to date. The strikeout to walk ratio of each of the starters is simply incredible, with all of the starters recording stellar ERAs as a result. Jered Weaver, who has accumulated a 4.47 ERA, has recorded a 119:44 K/BB ratio, and his ERA is bound to fall as we enter the playoffs.

Francisco Rodriguez, Scot Shields, Darren Oliver, and Jose Arredondo have all recorded ERAs below 2.95, so you know that this bullpen is one of the most talented in all of baseball. The Angels have enough depth to hold close leads and close out tough games. Rodriguez has been one of the best closers in all of baseball, recording 48 saves to date, and on record for a lot more.

All in all, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim may not have the fan following of the Boston Red Sox or the New York Yankees, but they have to be considered one of the favorites for the World Series and the World Championship. Watch this team closely throughout the later part of September, as they could be a real factor in the 2008 MLB Playoffs.