Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles Angels Series Preview

Aug 28, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Josh Hamilton (32) celebrates with Los Angeles Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick (47) after a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. The Los Angeles Angels defeated the Oakland Athletics with a final score of 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

First Look at the 2015 Los Angeles Angels

As I mentioned earlier, the Los Angeles Angels are the defending AL West Champs, and represent the M’s stiffest competition in the division entering the season. Many experts project the Angels and Mariners to be the best teams in the entire American League. The next three games will be the M’s first chance to gage how good the Halos will be in 2015.

The Angels and Josh Hamilton were dealt a lucky break this week when MLB announced that Hamilton would not be suspended for his recent relapse. Hamilton confessed to taking banned substances during a meeting in New York with Commissioner Manfred last month. However, the former AL MVP will miss at least the first month of the 2015 season as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery. Hamilton will be sorely missed in the heart of the Angels’ order this month, which should benefit the M’s.

Aug 15, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Garrett Richards (43) throws during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Garrett Richards will likely not be available to pitch for the Angels for the entire month of April as he recovers from a torn patellar tendon in his left knee. The 26-year-old was a revelation in 2014, going 13-4 and posting a 2.61 ERA across 26 outings. Richards is the Halos best hurler, and his loss really hurts the starting rotation. Thankfully, the M’s will not have to contend with Richards this week, as Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson and Matt Shoemaker will toe the rubber against Seattle.

Opening Day will be the first game the Angels have played in 9 seasons without veteran second baseman Howie Kendrick. The 30-year-old spent nearly a decade with the Halos, and last season he functioned as the cleanup hitter in Hamilton’s absence. Kendrick was a key player for the Angels in 2014, and his loss will be felt on offense and defense. The Angels auditioned a number of mediocre second basemen this spring, and Royals castoff Johnny Giavotella will be in the lineup against King Felix on Monday afternoon. The Angels’ lineup is very vulnerable right now, and the Mariners’ pitching staff has a great chance to dominate the Halos bats this week.

Next: Final Thoughts