The Los Angeles Angels three year reign atop the American League West standings ended last year as the Texas Rangers assumed the top spot in baseball's only four team division. Not only did the Angels lose their customary place in the Western pecking order, they finished with their worst record since going 77-85 back in 2003 (80-82). 2011 MLB Predictions are looking for a rebound from Mike Scioscia's club as it is presently favored, at -120 odds, to win over 83 games.
The Angels, like their 2010 record, were 
average or worse almost across the board a season ago, ranking 19th in runs, 23rd in team batting average, and 14th in team ERA. Los Angeles apparently feels the corrections will come from within, though, as it let seven players go, including Mike Napoli (C) and Hideki Matsui (DH), in the off-season while bringing in just two (Scott Downs, Hisanori Takahashi).
The Angels pitching staff certainly has the arms to put the club back in contention for the AL West title, but it will need to stay healthy. Ervin Santana, who dealt with elbow problems most of the 2009 season (5.03), returned to form last season, posting a 3.92 ERA in 33 starts.
Dan Haren pitched lights out in the month of September for Los Angeles, putting together a 1.85 ERA in 34 innings of work. If he duplicates those numbers, Santana stays healhty, and Jared Weaver tallies the same 3.01 ERA he did in 2010, the Angels will have a rotation on par with the best in the American League.
Offensively the Angels need first baseman Kendry Morales to return well from his celebration induced injury and better years out of guys like Erick Aybar and Bobby Abreu if they hope to improve upon last years numbers.
Los Angeles has enough offensive talent to finish in the top third on the league in runs scored. There is no reason the Angels should finish under the 700 run mark again this season.
Los Angeles Angels 2011 MLB Predictions: Second Place in the AL West.
Los Angeles Angels 2011 World Series Picks:
To Win 2011 World Series +2000
To Win 2011 AL Pennant +1200
To Win AL West +225 (Two of Four)
Regular Season Wins – Over 83 (-120)/Under 83 (-110)
