2011 Los Angeles Angels: 10 Reasons Halos Can Expect a WInning Season

The disappointment of watching post season baseball fans without the Angels participating has not been felt since 2006, and a losing season for the Angels had not occurred since 2003.  Still there are ten good reasons that the Los Angeles Angels will rebound in 2011 for a winning year.

10. Tyler Chatwood - If you don't know his name now, take comfort in the fact that the Angels saw his value enough to trade five minor league pitchers this summer.  Chatwood finished with a stunning 1.77 ERA and was promoted to AA Arkansas and may see relief work next season on the MLB level.

9. Tony Reagins - The Angels General Manager has shown his year through acquisitions for Alberto Callaspo and Dan Haren that acquisitions are in the realm of possibility if there s an opportunity to better the team.

8. Carl Crawford - As the most sought after free agent in baseball, a bidding war is unavoidable.  As AM 830's Jeff Biggs noted many times through his broadcasts, sometimes over paying for a player is inevitable.  Crawford is easily the most capable of improving any team that can sign him from day one.  Angels fans know that an offer will be placed on the table, and hopefully the beautiful back drop of Orange County might help swing Crawford's bat westward.

7. Joel Pineiro - After an abbreviated season due to an oblique injury it will be nice to have a fresh Joel Pineiro taking the mound to said the starting rotation in 2011.  Pineiro was a promising 10-7 with a solid 3.84 ERA.  His ground ball out inducing material is a nice contrast in the starting lineup where I see him filling the four slot suitably.

6. Howie Kendrick - The Angels second baseman served a solid role in keeping the Angels consistent through well over 110 lineups for Mike Scioscia's club. Even with a slightly lower batting average last year, Kendrick is still the second best hitting second baseman in baseball behind Robinson Cano.

5. Prospects Walden, Kohn, and Hank Conger - Walden and Kohn brought new life to the bullpen bringing respective heat and control.  Conger gives the Angels depth in a position where consistency and question marks fluctuate periodically.  Conger's bating ability may be an integral part of his utility next season if Mathis and Napoli see role or team re-assignment.

4. Ervin Santana - Santana had a career year and hopes to put in two back to back. Ervin pitched 222 innings and earned 17 wins to lead the Angels.  This number 3 starter may be the best in professional baseball.

3. Dan Haren - A full season for Haren is one of the more exciting hooks waiting in the water for 2011 Angels baseball.  Haren has not missed a start in five years,

2. Peter Bourjos - Bourjos gave the fans a flash of excitement when playoff hopes were dashed.  The 23 year old brings life and energy to an aging outfield and a range unmatched by American League center fielders.  Some pop in the bat and ability to steal bases inspire confidence in his team that this young man with supersonic speed has a place in the lineup.

1. Jered Weaver - Weaver should have received a lot this year.  Cy Young consideration, 20 wins, and and improved career win percentage.  These things failed to happen, but Weaver was only partially responsible as he received less run support than any other starter.  The confidence and resolve of Weaver not to give up make this pitcher the resilient favorite for fans to believe in heading into 2011.

Forgetting someone?  Kendry Morales was the most valuable hitter in 2009, and his return to the club is 70% of what was missing this year, according to Torii hunter.

Prediction with out future sight if this team returns unchanged: 94 wins in 2011.