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Astros: Gauging the AL West as the offseason simmers

By Cody Poage

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 16: (L-R) Manager AJ Hinch, Justin Verlander #35, and Joe Smith #38 of the Houston Astros talk in the outfield during batting practice before Game Three of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park on October 16, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 16: (L-R) Manager AJ Hinch, Justin Verlander #35, and Joe Smith #38 of the Houston Astros talk in the outfield during batting practice before Game Three of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park on October 16, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CA – SEPTEMBER 25: Shohei Ohtani #17 congratulates Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim after defeating the Texas Rangers 4-1 in a game at Angel Stadium on September 25, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – SEPTEMBER 25: Shohei Ohtani #17 congratulates Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim after defeating the Texas Rangers 4-1 in a game at Angel Stadium on September 25, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Angels Outlook

Any time your team has a player named Mike Trout on the roster, you’re already starting in a good spot. Unfortunately for the Angels, the rest of the roster around Trout has proven difficult to adequately fill. With a new manager in former Astro catcher Brad Ausmus, Los Angeles is aiming to make strides in 2019. Losing Shohei Ohtani‘s ability to pitch is a blow to the starting rotation, which already lacks quality depth. At least they still have Ohtani, the hitter, who was quite good last year. Talented, yet oft-injured starter Garrett Richards is now a free agent. Then there is the matter of Albert Pujols, who is clearly in a decline. By the way, the former Cardinal great is still owed $87 million through the 2021 season.

Areas to address: Starting pitcher, catcher, relievers of all kinds

Honestly, Dallas Keuchel could fit in well with the Angels as he would provide stability atop the rotation. I’m sure they’ll inquire about numerous starting pitchers. I wouldn’t act surprised if they also signed Ramos to fill in as their primary catcher, if the interest is there. There are a few notable relievers on the market, so I’d expect some phone calls to take place with the agents of someone like Craig Kimbrel or Adam Ottavino.

The Angels basically need a lot of help on the pitching side. Their offense led by Trout, Ohtani, and Justin Upton is good enough to contend with a little fine tuning. You know that Los Angeles will try to contend for a postseason berth as long as Trout is under contract. There is potential in this squad, but the same was said last offseason. Unless the pitching situation is further clarified, the Angels are facing an uphill battle against the Astros.

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