Albert Pujols, CJ Wilson to Angels: Can They Be Stopped in the American League?

With just a few strokes of a pen, the balance of power in the American League and in all of baseball quickly shifted. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim managed to land Albert Pujols, and then, just minutes later, they signed C.J. Wilson.

The Angeles were able to jump in on the Pujols sweepstakes with a massive 10-year offer that is believed to be valued between $250-260 million. Additionally, they gave Pujols a full no-trade clause.

Los Angeles was able to sign C.J. Wilson away from the Miami Marlins by giving him a five-year deal worth $77.5 million.

These moves take the Los Angeles Angels from being a very good team to being a great one. They were already a team that won 86 games in 2011, and they just got a whole lot better.

Even though the Angels already have two first basemen in Kendrys Morales and AL Rookie of the Year runner-up Mark Trumbo, they are not going anywhere. They have said that Trumbo can play third base, although he has no experience at that position.

With the way that the Angels' roster looks right now, they are going to be a very hard team to beat. They have already filled their hole at catcher this offseason by trading for Chris Iannnetta. The middle of the Angels' lineup will be amongst the best in baseball.

Pitchers will have to face a Angeles lineup that includes Peter Borjous, super-prospect Mike Trout, Howie Kendrick, Albert Pujols, Kendrys Morales, Mark Trumbo, Vernon Wells, Chris Iannetta and Erick Aybar.

This is almost certainly the best lineup in baseball today. As for their starting rotation, it isn't that bad either.

C.J. Wilson's addition means that the Angels now have a top four that rivals the Philadelphia Phillies' staff.

Along with Wilson, the Angels have Dan Haren, Jered Weaver and Ervin Santana. The fifth spot will be open for competition, but the Angels have a number of pitchers, including Jerome Williams and Garrett Richards, that will have a chance to win the role.

In addition to all of this, the Angels have a very good bullpen. They are led by young closer Jordan Walden. The Angels' bullpen had a 3.52 ERA in 2011, which was good enough for second best in the American League. Though, they did have some issues closing saves in 2011. The Angels have added veteran LaTroy Hawkins this winter in an attempt to bolster their 'pen.

Mike Scioscia has been the manager of the Los Angeles Angels since 2000, and this is the best team that he will be able to manage. He was able to lead them to a World Series title in 2002, and he has led them to 10 winning seasons.

Angels General Manager Jerry Dipoto has put together an outstanding team, and the Angels will be incredibly competitive in 2012.

Without a doubt, the Angels are favorites to win the American League West right now. They will also be favorites for the AL pennant. It would not surprise anyone to say that the Angels are the World Series favorites entering the season.

100 wins should be an easy mark for the Angels to hit. If everyone stays healthy and all goes well for the Angels, they could even challenge the record of of 116 wins that is shared by the 2001 Seattle Mariners and the 1906 Chicago Cubs.