Top 5 Overall Los Angeles Angels Players - Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide 2009

The Angels remain one of the best teams in baseball, year in and year out. However, they can't seem to shake the stigma that they are built for the regular season only. They lack a true power bat to accompany Vladimir Guerrero and have continually failed to land a complement each year. The Angels will come into 2008 in much the same position, and again they should win their division, but whether or not they make it out of the first round of the playoffs is up for grabs.

#1 Overall Los Angeles Angels: Vladimir Guerrero (RF) - Fantasy Baseball 2009

2008 Stats: .303 BA, 27 HR, 41 2B, 91 RBI, 5 SB, 85 RS

There is a lot of talk around the league about whether or not Guerrero is on the down turn in his career, but until you see otherwise, that should just be considered hearsay. Guerrero may not have been first round worthy after last season, but his production was still at a superb level and will likely remain there in 2009. Don't look for a spectacular season, but look for at least a repeat of 2008.

#2 Overall Los Angeles Angels: Torii Hunter (CF) - Fantasy Baseball 2009

2008 Stats: .278 BA, 21 HR, 37 2B, 78 RBI, 19 SB, 85 RS

It's probably safe to say that Hunter didn't quite live up to expectations in 2008, but he didn't really disappoint either. His production was pretty much in line with his yearly averages, which to the Angels, was all they were asking of him. You may want more from him in 2009 again, but you should temper your expectations in the range of .282, 25 home runs, 85 RBI, and 21 stolen bases.

#3 Overall Los Angeles Angels: John Lackey (SP) - Fantasy Baseball 2009

2008 stats: 12 Win and 5 Losses, 3.75 ERA, 1.231 WHIP, 130 SO

Lackey will be the starter that everyone will be watching in 2009, as he stands to be the marquee starter on the free agent market at the end of the season unless the Angels lock him up first. He's been one of the best starters in baseball over the course of the last five seasons, but lost a bit of time and productivity to injury in 2008. Pick him up early on hopes that he overperforms during a walk year, somewhere to the tune of 18 wins, 3.30 ERA, and 160 strikeouts.

#4 Overall Los Angeles Angels: Brian Fuentes (RP) - Fantasy Baseball 2009

2008 stats: 1 Win and 5 Losses, 30 Saves, 2.73 ERA, 1.101 WHIP, 82 SO

Fuentes used a great season in which he regained his closer role to land himself a big money contract with a contender. However, he has huge shoes to fill after Francisco Rodriguez set the single-season save mark in Los Angeles in 2008. Fuentes will get ample opportunities to rack up saves, as Mike Scoscia loves to use his bullpen, so he'll be a prime closing candidate for a lot of fantasy teams. Look for 38 saves, an ERA near 2.50, and 92 strikeouts from Fuentes in 2009.

#5 Overall Los Angeles Angels: Chone Figgins (3B) - Fantasy Baseball 2009

2008 Stats: .276 BA, 1 HR, 14 2B, 22 RBI, 34 SB, 72 RS

It was another lost season for Figgins, who for the second straight year lost significant time to injury. As the primary table-setter for the Angels, Figgins is adept at getting on base and wreaking havoc, stealing bases left and right, and scoring runs as a result. You won't get much in the name of home runs, as what little power he had has been sapped out over the years, but you'll get plenty of hits in its place. Pick him up late for his versatility and his speed, with the hopes of mild increases across the board.

Sources

MLB Standings, MLB.com

MLB Team Stats, Hitting, MLB.com

MLB Team Stats, Pitching, MLB.com

Vladimir Guerrero, Baseball-Reference.com

Torii Hunter, Baseball-Reference.com

John Lackey, Baseball-Reference.com

Brian Fuentes, Baseball-Reference.com

Chone Figgins, Baseball-Reference.com