Now that we are well past the point of worrying about jinxing things (if the Angels now lose their next 19 games, I apologize), it is time we start talking about what the Angels playoff roster is going to look like. The Halos have had a remarkably stable lineup and pitching staff the last few months, especially by Scioscia standards, but there are some things they need to sort out as they try and craft the optimal roster to deal with the different style of play in the post-season.
Most of the roster is easy since the Angels have a fairly stable lineup. Kole Calhoun, Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton (assuming he’s healthy), Howie Kendrick, Erick Aybar, David Freese, Chris Iannetta and Hank Conger are the automatics on the position player side. That leaves five position player spots to figure out, assuming they carry 11 pitchers, which is standard during the post-season.
Collin Cowgill should easily secure one spot since he is a quality defender and good baserunner. John McDonald will probably join him since Scioscia is used to replacing Freese with McDonald in the late innings. That probably isn’t the best use of a roster spot since McDonald’s only other real use is as a pinch-sacrifice bunter. It would probably be better to give McDonald’s spot to Gordon Beckham who is at least not embarrassing with the bat and still a better defender than Freese. Or maybe they carry both Beckham and McDonald, but that depends on what they decide to do at DH.
DH has been a revolving door for the Angels this season and will likely be a platoon situation in the post-season. From the left side, Efren Navarro is shaping up to be the front-runner. He isn’t a real offensive weapon, but his defensive versatility makes him easier to keep around. The alternative would be Brennan Boesch, but he’d really have to show something in these final 19 games to get the starting nod. Again, the Halos could go with both, which would actually be smart as it gives them a left-handed bat off the bench even when starting a left-handed DH.
From the right side, things are quite murky. Scioscia was briefly in love with Gordon Beckham, but his affections have now turned to C.J. Cron. Grant Green is lurking there too, but he has barely played since being recalled. Cron gives them the most offensive clout and is especially useful against southpaw pitching, which the Halos will certainly with arms like David Price, Jon Lester, James Paxton and Danny Duffy looming in a potential ALDS match-up. They think Beckham is a lefty killer too, but, as I’ve mentioned several times before, his career numbers don’t support that claim.
In all likelihood, Cron and Navarro will secure spots, leaving one final spot up for grabs. That could go to Boesch so they have more than one left-handed bat option. It could go to Beckham for more infield depth. It might even go to Tony Campana as a pinch-running specialist. My guess it will be Beckham, but I’d prefer they keep Beckham, bump McDonald and carry Campana as that specialist.
From the pitching side, Jered Weaver, Hector Santiago, Matt Shoemaker and C.J. Wilson will fill out the rotation, probably in that order. Santiago and Wilson could swap if C.J. figures things out over the next few weeks, but that’s doubtful. I know Shoemaker is the fan favorite right now, but he’s not going to get the Game 1 start over Weaver. Seniority is going to matter here. Shoemaker also isn’t going to start Game 2, but that is just so that Scioscia can split up his two left-handed starters.
That gives the Angels seven relief spots to figure out. Thanks to all the machinations of Jerry Dipoto, that’s an easy task. Huston Street, Joe Smith, Kevin Jepsen, Jason Grilli, Mike Morin and Fernando Salas are locks. The only remaining decision is whether or not to carry Joe Thatcher. He wasn’t very good before he got hurt and doesn’t have much time to show he’s back in game form. Still, the Halos would be foolish to not have a left-handed specialist if they match-up with lefty-heavy lineups like Oakland and Seattle. Even Detroit and Kansas City have some guys that you’d want to have a LOOGY on hand for.
That squeezes Cory Rasmus off the roster. That isn’t a big deal since he’s really just a long man for them at this point, but considering how often the Angels have gone to a 13-man pitching staff this year, having a long man is something they are pretty sensitive about. That makes sense during the regular season, but not the post-season. Hopefully they are wise enough to recognize that. In other words, thanks for the good work, Rasmus, but you’re going to have to sit this one out.
This roster picture could change a bit over the next few weeks. If Boesch or Beckham goes on a tear, their chances will increase greatly. If Cron goes on another run of popping up on the first pitch, he could find himself on the outside looking in. I’m just going to go ahead and ignore the possibility of C.J. Wilson sharting all over the mound in his next three starts, because I don’t even want to consider what the fallout of that would be. Aside from that, there’s nothing left to do but hope nobody gets hurt.
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