For many Americans, April not only makes the beginning of Spring, but also the beginning of Major League Baseball. The season officially opened up on April 2nd with the New York Yankees at the Tampa Bay Rays. However, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim kicked off their season on April 3rd against the Oakland Athletics.

The 2017 season marks the Angels’ 56th season as a franchise and the 51st season at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. The Angels are looking to make an impactful season. Mike Trout earned AL MVP in 2016 for the second time and is looking to continue his success. Designated hitter, Albert Pujols currently sits 9th in the all time home run list behind Sammy Sosa (609) with 593 homeruns.

After finishing 4th in the American League West with a 74-88 record, the Angels mixed things up in the offseason in hope of capturing a AL West pennant. On the defensive side, Los Angeles acquired outfielder Cameron Maybin from the Detroit Tigers for right-handed pitcher VIctor ALcantara. Maybin is currently mainly playing in left field, a traditionally weak spot for the Angels. Also in the outfield, the Angels successfully agreed to a three year contract extension with right fielder Kole Calhoun and extended RHPs Garrett Richards and Matt Shoemaker to one-year contracts. In December, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim traded for Danny Espinosa, giving the Nationals two pitchers, Austin Adams and Kyle McGowin. This was an exciting trade because Danny Espinosa is originally from Southern California, having graduated from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana. Danny Espinosa also has ties to Yorba Linda High School; most recently, his cousin, Rebecca Espinosa, was part of the YLHS 2016 graduating class. With Garrett Richards currently on the 60 day disabled listed, the Angels are looking to fill gaps in their starting rotation.

After closely watching Spring Training, Bradley Mont (12) said, “I am really excited to watch the Angels play this year because of their solid defense and powerful offense. This offseason they acquired some great free agents and made some strategical trades, which I hope pay off. It should be a fun year for them in the AL West. Although they may not become World Champions this season, I will still be watching them closely.” Angel fans seem to be optimistic about this season.
Currently, the Angels are 12-12 and sitting in 2nd in their division behind the Houston Astros. With over 140 games left, the Angels have plenty of time to push towards a playoff position.