Ranking the Los Angeles Angels' Best Potential Lineups for 2013

Albert Pujols will remain the staple of the Angels' lineup.
Jeff Gross/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Angels' lineup in 2013, featuring the trio of Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton, is loaded with potential.

And with the Angels less than one month away from unveiling the much-anticipated roster in Tempe, Ariz., fans and cyber-appointed general managers have already started predicting how manager Mike Scioscia might construct the 2013 offensive attack—like this interesting debate chain orchestrated by Bleacher Report.

There will be more to come as the season nears, no question, and many of the scenarios I've currently read actually make sense. 

The options for the Angels—from top to bottom—is why this team may not only dominate the AL West, but also the MLB (offensively). And, subsequently, there aren't too many ways to mess up the batting order—unless you plan on batting Pujols eighth and Hamilton ninth.

Perhaps then help would be required. 

However, just to be safe, let's dust off a few blank lineup cards and pencil in several possible batting orders that could work in 2013; understanding that "potential" is key, not what happened in past seasons.  

No. 4

At some point, Jered Weaver will have to take a swing.
Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

1. Mike Trout - CF

2. Eric Aybar - SS

3. Albert Pujols - 1B

4. Josh Hamilton - RF

5. Mark Trumbo - LF

6. Howie Kendrick - 2B 

7. Alberto Callaspo  3B 

8. Chris Iannetta - C

9. Starting Pitcher (TBD)

 

Had the first series for the Angels not been against the Cincinnati Reds (in Cincy) this lineup would have fallen somewhere behind the scenario where "The Trio" hit in the bottom of the order just to throw off the other team's psyche.

However, because interleague play will be so sporadically apparent next season, it's important to get this lineup out there.

This order could change—like if Peter Bourjos or Vernon Wells get going—but for my money, I want Trumbo's bat in a hitter's park like Great American Ballpark (second in home runs in the entire MLB according to ESPN.com).

I like Kendrick hitting sixth, keeping his double-play potential low, while both players behind him—Iannetta and Callaspo—have a better OBP, which can reset the table for the top of the order.

And, hopefully, the pitcher batting ninth will have some recollection of bunting.  

No. 3

Is 2013 the "Year of Vernon Wells?"
Tim Umphrey/Getty Images

1. Mike Trout - CF

2. Josh Hamilton - RF

3. Albert Pujols - 1B

4. Mark Trumbo - DH

5. Vernon Wells - LF 

6. Alberto Callaspo - 3B 

7. Chris Iannetta - C

8. Howie Kendrick - 2B 

9. Eric Aybar - SS 

 

Yes, this lineup is not what Angels' fans might have in mind; I get that, completely understand, but still think it has potential.

I read an interesting piece of scout speculation, in an article by MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez, where one veteran scout proclaimed that the idea of filling the No. 2 spot (the one spot up for grabs among several players) with Josh Hamilton would allow the slugger to see more fastballs.

And he is a better offensive fit—career numbers wise—than any of the other candidates. 

It makes sense to me, so why not give it a shot? 

That will give Howie Kendrick an opportunity to hit in a lower spot—away from the No. 2—where he will have more RBI situations, with Chris Iannetta and Alberto Callaspo in front of him; followed by a solid bat with decent speed in Eric Aybar.

Then...yes, there is Vernon Wells.

It's true: I have written Wells (and the $42 million blunder) off more than a few times. However, it would make for quite a comeback story if he finds his swing again (at 34).

And if there is to be large amount of faith put into Peter Bourjos finding his swing, then Wells, who is only a few years removed from 31 home runs and 88 RBI, should also get a little credit.

If it works...wow! Imagine the potential of an already-dynamic lineup getting another 20 to 25 home runs from the middle of the order. 

If not, well, what else would be new?   

No. 2

Chris Ianetta at the No. 2 spot?
Jeff Gross/Getty Images

1. Mike Trout - LF

2. Chris Iannetta - C

3. Josh Hamilton - RF

4. Albert Pujols - 1B

5. Mark Trumbo - DH

6. Alberto Callaspo - 3B

7. Eric Aybar - SS 

8. Howie Kendrick - 2B

9. Peter Bourjos - CF

 

Chris Iannetta, now the new full-time (possibly?) catcher for the Halos, might also get the shot to hit at the No. 2 spot, according to the same article by MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez.

The Angels may want a little bit more speed at that spot, however, Iannetta does have a great eye at the plate (career .354 OBP), and he is not prone to double plays. (Besides Eric Aybar, Iannetta is the only other option hitting behind Mike Trout that I think has the possibility to work.) 

Placing Hamilton at No. 3, with Pujols at cleanup, would break up the right-handed overload up front. And by moving Aybar to seventh, there is a possibility to set RBI opportunities at the bottom of the order with another good eye—Callaspo—in front of him.   

This is also the first appearance by Peter Bourjos. I like him at the ninth spot with his ability to add a lot of speed on the bases—with Trout to follow. 

No. 1

Aybar will get plenty of fastballs hitting No. 2 in 2013.
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

1. Mike Trout - LF

2. Eric Aybar - SS

3. Albert Pujols - 1B

4. Josh Hamilton - RF

5. Mark Trumbo - DH

6. Howie Kendrick - 2B

7. Alberto Callaspo - 3B

8. Chris Iannetta - C 

9. Peter Bourjos - CF

 

Once the season shifts into American League rules against the Texas Rangers, giving the pitchers a rest from swinging a bat, this is the best lineup the Angels can display.

There is the right balance—and protection—for the top of the lineup. The bottom half has the ability to get on base, which can only set the table again for the top. There is power, average and a whole load of potential run production.

If this team is to be one of the best in Angels history, as I had previously written, then this is the caliber—and order—of lineup that could get them there.  

It will be interesting to see how much Mike Scioscia varies from it come April—or better yet, October.