Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2011 11:28:40 GMT -5
Los Angeles Angels (0-0) @ Tampa Bay Rays (0-0)
LAA: Ervin Santana (8-10, 4.04 ERA)
TB: Martin Perez (12-13, 4.58 ERA w/TEX & TB)
* Stats are from 2014.
The Los Angeles Angels seek to turn a new page in the story of their ongoing rebuild. The Tampa Bay Rays will make sure that won't come easy during either teams' first series of the 2015 PBL regular season.
The biggest free agent story emerging from either team was LA's signing of 3B/OF Chase Headley. The former Padre has a .271/.359/.445 career slash line, and signed for a guaranteed $87M over the next 5 years. The move has fans excited, and gives the Angels a bona fide star in the middle of their lineup.
Headley will join the likes of Dashenko Ricardo and Mark Trumbo as the key cogs on offense. Ricardo returns for his sophomore campaign, after debuting with a promising 20 HR showing his rookie year. Trumbo's past two seasons have been wildly productive (~.283/.355/.496 over that span) and his continued production will be the key to digging the Halos out of the AL West cellar.
On Monday, the Angels will trot out 10-year veteran Ervin Santana, who comes off his best season since 2008. The quality starts were there, he like most Halos starters, just lacked run support. At any rate, the return to form was welcome in Anaheim, and he'll attempt to start off on the right foot in 2015 against a supercharged Tampa offense.
The Rays will be led into battle by their fearless leader, Marvin Webb. "The Most Exciting Man in Baseball's" production has declined over the past two seasons, following his torrid 2012 campaign, but that doesn't mean his bat is any less potent than it was when he burst on to the scene.
Just like the five tools Marvin Webb has at his disposal, so too does the Rays lineup have multiple ways to inflict pain on their opponent. Third year leadoff-hitter, and center fielder, Ryan Westmoreland looks ready to break out after an underwhelming first two seasons. Westmoreland is also on the brink of being considered a five-tool player, and a hot start to 2015 would go a long way toward earning that title.
Resident ace Tyler Matzek takes the hill to kick off his first full year in Tampa uniform. The former prized Colorado Rockies prospect (hadn't you heard?) struggled with the change of scenery following his surprise trade, and got tagged with 10 losses between 26 starts for the Rays. Matzek is fully expected to be the ace he was perceived to be when targeted last year, and a lot of eyes 'round the league will be focused on him and his start to the season.
Questions for the GM's.
For Tom Pinrose, you were able to secure Chase Headley this off-season. Is this the sign that you think your team is ready to compete, or was this just the first of many signings that will bring you back to respectability?
Jason Bulger has a career .732 save conversion rate. How confident are you in him as your closer for this year? Is he the guy?
Second baseman Mike Wing looks like he could really have some impact potential if given the proper time to develop. Will you be monitoring his ABs this season, or is he your starter, sink or swim?
For EJ Joseph, the biggest story, and your biggest worry, has got to be Mr. Tyler Matzek. Be honest, his 2014 has to have you at least a little worried, right?
Robbie Shields looks a little over-matched in an otherwise star-studded lineup. How likely are we to see an upgrade, and how soon?
You have a lot of good line-drive hitters on your team, perhaps the most you've ever had. Which one of them is the key to beating the Dodgers today?
While your rotation remains a point of strength (another Tampa Bay trademark) your bullpen looks as weak as its ever been. What are you plans to amend this? Do you think that this group of arms has what it takes to contend in a very tough AL East?
LAA: Ervin Santana (8-10, 4.04 ERA)
TB: Martin Perez (12-13, 4.58 ERA w/TEX & TB)
* Stats are from 2014.
The Los Angeles Angels seek to turn a new page in the story of their ongoing rebuild. The Tampa Bay Rays will make sure that won't come easy during either teams' first series of the 2015 PBL regular season.
The biggest free agent story emerging from either team was LA's signing of 3B/OF Chase Headley. The former Padre has a .271/.359/.445 career slash line, and signed for a guaranteed $87M over the next 5 years. The move has fans excited, and gives the Angels a bona fide star in the middle of their lineup.
Headley will join the likes of Dashenko Ricardo and Mark Trumbo as the key cogs on offense. Ricardo returns for his sophomore campaign, after debuting with a promising 20 HR showing his rookie year. Trumbo's past two seasons have been wildly productive (~.283/.355/.496 over that span) and his continued production will be the key to digging the Halos out of the AL West cellar.
On Monday, the Angels will trot out 10-year veteran Ervin Santana, who comes off his best season since 2008. The quality starts were there, he like most Halos starters, just lacked run support. At any rate, the return to form was welcome in Anaheim, and he'll attempt to start off on the right foot in 2015 against a supercharged Tampa offense.
The Rays will be led into battle by their fearless leader, Marvin Webb. "The Most Exciting Man in Baseball's" production has declined over the past two seasons, following his torrid 2012 campaign, but that doesn't mean his bat is any less potent than it was when he burst on to the scene.
Just like the five tools Marvin Webb has at his disposal, so too does the Rays lineup have multiple ways to inflict pain on their opponent. Third year leadoff-hitter, and center fielder, Ryan Westmoreland looks ready to break out after an underwhelming first two seasons. Westmoreland is also on the brink of being considered a five-tool player, and a hot start to 2015 would go a long way toward earning that title.
Resident ace Tyler Matzek takes the hill to kick off his first full year in Tampa uniform. The former prized Colorado Rockies prospect (hadn't you heard?) struggled with the change of scenery following his surprise trade, and got tagged with 10 losses between 26 starts for the Rays. Matzek is fully expected to be the ace he was perceived to be when targeted last year, and a lot of eyes 'round the league will be focused on him and his start to the season.
Questions for the GM's.
For Tom Pinrose, you were able to secure Chase Headley this off-season. Is this the sign that you think your team is ready to compete, or was this just the first of many signings that will bring you back to respectability?
Jason Bulger has a career .732 save conversion rate. How confident are you in him as your closer for this year? Is he the guy?
Second baseman Mike Wing looks like he could really have some impact potential if given the proper time to develop. Will you be monitoring his ABs this season, or is he your starter, sink or swim?
For EJ Joseph, the biggest story, and your biggest worry, has got to be Mr. Tyler Matzek. Be honest, his 2014 has to have you at least a little worried, right?
Robbie Shields looks a little over-matched in an otherwise star-studded lineup. How likely are we to see an upgrade, and how soon?
You have a lot of good line-drive hitters on your team, perhaps the most you've ever had. Which one of them is the key to beating the Dodgers today?
While your rotation remains a point of strength (another Tampa Bay trademark) your bullpen looks as weak as its ever been. What are you plans to amend this? Do you think that this group of arms has what it takes to contend in a very tough AL East?