Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Signs That 2012 Will Get Better

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are seriously underachieving right now.

At the beginning of the season, I, as well as many other people, expected to see that Angels and the Texas Rangers battling all season for the top of the American League West.

That hasn't happened so far as the Angels sit in third, seven games behind Texas and also two games behind the Oakland Athletics.

However, despite everything that I just said, there seems to be hope.

First of all, even though Albert Pujols is by no means tearing it up right now, he has pulled his average up about 20 points in the last week, and once he hit that first home run, the next two have come much quicker.

Pujols still needs to perform better, but getting the most important hitter in their lineup somewhat back on track is one of their ultimate keys to success.

There are also other reasons that Angels fan should have hope.

The young players on their team are starting to make some noise. Mark Trumbo and Mike Trout are both hitting above .300 and playing excellent baseball. Kendrys Morales has also made a nice return from an injury that robbed him of the entire 2011 campaign.

Jered Weaver has always been a strong pitcher, but he is looking especially sharp this season. He had one terrible outing, but beyond that, he has been nothing short of incredible this year.

Their bullpen does need some help, but even within that, there have been strong individual performances from Scott Downs, LaTroy Hawkins, Jason Isringhausen and Ernesto Frieri. Beyond that, there have been struggles, but at least there's a decent core to begin with.

There is definitely still hope if you're a Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim fan. There have been some bright spots so far this season, and if Albert Pujols is starting to heat up, that should help the run production, which obviously leads to more support for their pitching staff and consequently more wins.

The beginning of the season has definitely been frustrating, but the three quarters that are still remaining should be much better for the Angels.

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