2009 MLB Team Preview: Los Angeles

Morales struggled in the 27 games he played with the Angels. He has good pop, but lacks consistency at the plate. At least he's a good fielder. The job is his, at least for now.

Promise and a respectable bat are what Quinian brings to the Angels. Good fundamentals enable him to overcome his power limitations. He's strictly a bench player.

Kendrick has one of the best bats of any second basemen coming into the majors. Will put the ball in play. Sometimes he will lack discipline at the plate. Is a good defensive player who knows his where he is at all times. However, injuries are a concern.

Top power prospect could hit 20 hrs in 2009 if he matures as a hitter. He hit 31 home runs in 395 at-bats at Triple-A Salt Lake. He struggled mightily in the majors batting .200 in 150 at-bats while replacing an injured Erick Aybar. He also struck out 43 times with only four walks. His upside is huge, especially for a player that qualifies at shortstop, but is value is much higher in keeper leagues as he is not a lock for a full time job in 2009.

He's capable of reclaiming starting job as he has a bit of speed, but is poor in power and average. His average should be better with his K rate so low, but he doesn't have enough homers to warrant much fantasy attention.

A Big-time source of speed if healthy but was hampered by the injuries in 2008 (played in only 116 games and stole 34 bases). Depending on your league rules his value increases dramatically if he's eligible at 2B.

Top power prospect could hit 20 hrs in 2009 if he matures as a hitter. He hit 31 home runs in 395 at-bats at Triple-A Salt Lake. He struggled mightily in the majors batting .200 in 150 at-bats while replacing an injured Erick Aybar. He also struck out 43 times with only four walks. His upside is huge, especially for a player that qualifies at shortstop, but is value is much higher in keeper leagues as he is not a lock for a full time job in 2009.

He has 20 HR potential but the average will be weak and is an injury risk. We'll give Napoli credit for one thing: Napoli doesn't project as an everyday player because his swing has many holes. With a younger and defensively superior Jeff Mathis behind him, Napoli will be in a platoon all year which limits his fantasy appeal in '09.

No longer a surefire top 5 fantasy outfielder, the man known as Vlad still has enough power and grit to be a solid number two fantasy OF

The on base machine that nobody wanted this year he was a steal at 5 million for the Angels. Another 20/20 season is not out of the question.

Hunter is old reliable playing centerfield for the Angels. The Angels propensity to run keeps Hunter as a valuable fantasy player.

After signing a new three year deal with the Angels, LA will try everything in their power to get him into the lineup including trying him at 1st base

Rivera missed much of 2007 with a broken leg but he emerged as a starter after the 2008 All-Star break. The streaky hitter closed out the season hitting .246, but his 12 home runs in only 256 at-bats show his power potential. Now 30 years old, he'll likely alternate with Vladdy between OF/DH and figures to get regular at bats in 2009.

Lackey was slowed by an a minor arm injury last year but has been one of the most reliable fantasy SP's in recent years

Ervin very well could beat out Lackey to become the Angels ace. After a down 2007 season this young ace put it all together in 2008.

He arrived on the scene to a lot of fanfare but hasn't been able to replicate the success of his rookie season. Still top 50 based on potential.

Saunders is the classic example of a pitch to contact hitter who had a career high 17 wins last season. Due to Teixeira leaving expect 15 wins max.

K-Rod's replacement is as solid as they come. Just one of 15 closers with at least 100 saves since 2005. However, he could be in the decline and is a bit overrated.

Arredondo has amazing stuff. He had a great rookie year (10-2 mark with 1.62 ERA) and is on a path to greatness. Could become the team's closer by September.