Three reasons for optimism, and three more for the pessimists as opening day approaches
For months, fans of the Angels and all major league teams simply wanted some kind of baseball season.
That season, which at times seemed like it may not happen, is finally here. And although the buildup to this season has been like no other, in some ways it’s now perfectly normal.
Questions about the coronavirus will not go away, but now right alongside them are all the usual questions.
Will the Angels have enough pitching? Will they avoid injuries? Will they finally get back to the playoffs, putting Mike Trout onto the sport’s biggest stage?
Most analysts figure the Angels to be around a .500 team, which means they are good enough to challenge for the playoffs but would be underdogs to get there.
Manager Joe Maddon has higher expectations, though.
“Our goal is to win the division,” Maddon said. “There’s a possibility, a strong possibility we are going to get to the playoffs. We’re not just going to show up and be fodder for somebody else. We’re here to win. I like our group a lot, not just a little bit.”
With that in mind, here are three reasons to be optimistic about the Angels, along with three reasons to be concerned.
1. A powerful offense
Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon are two of just six players in the majors to have produced at least 4.
